ephemeral [ Conrad Fisher ]

17

THE SUN was beginning its slow descent towards the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the beach. It was a picture-perfect afternoon, with the gentle waves lapping at the shore and a light breeze ruffling our hair. I had found myself on the beach, in the company of Shayla and Nicole. I hadn't wanted to intrude on Belly and Taylor's reunion, especially after the tense morning we'd had. So, when Shayla had texted me an invitation to join her and Nicole at the beach, I couldn't refuse.

Shayla, with her radiant smile and infectious enthusiasm, was in the midst of recounting how Steven had official asked her about being her escort at the deb ball. Her excitement was palpable as she gushed about how he had planned the whole thing. I couldn't help but smile, knowing I had been able to contribute to the girls joy

"He's just so thoughtful," Shayla sighed dreamily, twirling a lock of her dark hair between her fingers.

Nicole, ever the mysterious one in our group, chimed in coyly, "Well, speaking of boys..." She trailed off, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Shayla and I exchanged knowing looks, intrigued by Nicole's sudden shift in demeanor. "Go on, spill the beans," Shayla urged, leaning in closer.

Nicole pretended to be nonchalant, "I've been seeing someone," she admitted, pushing her hair off her shoulder

"Tell us everything!" Shayla exclaimed, her dark eyes sparkling as she set her drink down

Nicole smirked, thoroughly enjoying the attention. "Well, I don't want to give away all the juicy details just yet," she teased. "Okay, okay. It's still early days, so I don't want to say too much, but let's just say he's a real charmer."

I raised an eyebrow playfully. "A charmer, huh? Do we know him?"

Nicole hesitated for a moment, her coy smile never fading. "I think you might have met him once or twice."

I couldn't help but press further. "Is it Conrad?"

Nicole burst into laughter at my suggestion. "God, no, girl. He's a mess."

I felt my shoulders sag in relief, grateful that the complicated mess that was Conrad Fisher wasn't involved in Nicole's romantic escapades. It was hard enough trying to navigate my own feelings around him.

Shayla leaned in closer her eyes meeting mine, "Speaking of Conrad.." she grinned "Lennox, do you like him?" she teased

I hesitated, not sure how to answer that question. My feelings for Conrad were a swirling whirlpool of confusion. "I don't know," I confessed, frustration tingeing my voice. "He's just... so confusing."

Shayla and Nicole exchanged a knowing look as I leaned back in the sand, tracing patterns with my fingers. "And then there's Belly," I continued, "She hates me because of something I didn't even do. She said I ruined her whole summer, that she wished I'd never come to Cousins, that she wished she'd never met Conrad and Jeremiah."

Shayla offered a sympathetic smile, her eyes filled with understanding. "Maybe she's just jealous of you," she suggested.

I frowned, considering Shayla's words. "Jealous? But why?"

Nicole chimed in, "Sometimes people are threatened by what they don't understand. Maybe she sees something in you that she wishes she had." she hums "Or it could be what you have with Conrad."

Shayla nods softly "It could definitely be that, maybe whatever happened was just the tipping point for her."

Nicole nods "When I went to that party with Conrad and she saw us I thought she was going to implode." she hums "But whatever she's insecure about isn't an excuse to be a bitch to you Lennox, and I wouldn't let her ruin your summer."