(lauryn's outfit for this part of the chapter)

The next morning was dance practice for the deb ball. Lauryn wore a dress that was light pink and sparkly and her hair was styled in a high ponytail. She still hadn't found a escort yet so she was just awkwardly standing there. She did text Conrad good morning though and she had a smile on her face when he replied back.

She was surprised when Nicole suddenly walked over to her and offered to be her dance partner for today. Lauryn would've done this with Belly, but she had asked Cameron to be her escort so she was dancing with him. "Thank you for doing this, you didn't have to." Lauryn smiled a little as she tried to follow Nicole's moves. She was never good dancer.

"It's no problem." Nicole reassured her. 

Lauryn was happy Nicole was being nice. She hadn't expected that after the events yesterday. "Hey, I'm curious about something, so, uh, Conrad left me on read last night." Nicole starts. "Have you heard from him at all this morning?"

Lauryn doesn't really know what to say to that. She feels guilty since Conrad had been texting her. She also didn't know if she should lie or not. "I mean, we're good friends, so we have talked a little." She admits, hoping she could avoid telling her that he had texted her good morning. But she didn't want to lie to Nicole. "I don't know why he would leave you on read. I'm sorry. I wish I could help more."

"Oh, it's okay." Nicole reassures her with a sigh. "I was just hoping that maybe you could get through to him better."

"He's very guarded. It's not easy getting him to open up. Trust me, I've tried. And still trying After all these years I'm finally getting him to open up a little." Lauryn chuckled and Nicole chuckled along with her.

As the dance continued, the dance instructor had made the dance sped up and that's when Lauryn was doing worse. She then had accidentally stepped on Nicole's foot and she felt so bad.

Lauryn gasps, her brown eyes full of concern and worry. "I'm so sorry, are you okay?"

Nicole grimaces a little, but she didn't let it show. She smiles reassuringly. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine. It's fine."

"Are you sure?" Lauryn asks in concern, biting her lower lip. "Really, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I did tell you I'm awful at dancing."

Nicole chuckles a bit at that. "No, it's fine. I'll live. Let's just focus on the dance."

Jeremiah was walking nearby when he noticed this and he couldn't help the smile on his face. He found it a bit amusing and he was glad that Lauryn was having fun. And he knew she needed this after the Fourth of July and with the news about her parents. So he was glad she was smiling again and actually having fun. But he also knew she needed some help with dancing so he walked into the room and went over to them.

"Hey, mind if I step in?" Jeremiah asked Nicole.

"Yes, actually, she's all yours." Nicole replied, letting go of Lauryn's hands.

"What are you doing here?" Lauryn questioned, furrowing her eyebrows, but she had a smile on her face.

"Saving you." Jeremiah grinned as they got into dance position.

"You're gonna get me in trouble with Paige." Lauryn chuckled, referring to the woman hosting the lessons as she pointed at his lifeguard outfit.

Steven and Shayla had been dancing nearby them and after Steven shared a grin with Jeremiah, Steven pulled off his blazer and handed it over to Jeremiah. He put it on and then started to dance with her.

"Is this better?" Jeremiah questioned with a soft smile.

"Much better." Lauryn smiled.

They continue dancing around the room and Lauryn didn't know how she found it so easy to dance with him. It just came naturally and she was so happy and comfortable. They were smiling at each other the entire time. They were in their own little world and not even noticing anyone else in the room. They were just focused on each other and enjoying themselves.

But then suddenly Jeremiah grinned as he got an idea. When they were dancing close to the speaker, Jeremiah said, "Hey, Alexa, play 'So Pretty'."

"'So Pretty' by Reyanna Maria. Sure."

Lauryn laughs as Jeremiah started dancing. The other debs and their escort stopped to watch, cheering him on and laughing. At one point, Jeremiah took the blazer off and swung it around as he danced before he threw it back at Steven, who laughed.

"Come on." Jeremiah grinned, grabbing Lauryn's hand to pull him close as the other debs and their escorts started dancing whatever they want instead of the waltz.

Lauryn laughed as he twirled her around. They were both smiling and having a great time. And it felt right. Dancing with him just felt right and she was happier than she'd been in a while.

"What is going on here?"

Everyone stopped dancing when Paige suddenly spoke. "Alexa, stop." The music immediately stops as Jeremiah steps forward. "Jeremiah Fisher, why aren't you at the pool?"

"We had a 'code brown'." Jeremiah explains and some girls snickers. "Yeah, we lost the keys to the chemical closet."

"There you go." Paige said, tossing the keys to him.

"Thanks." He smiles, catching them easily. He then glances at Lauryn with a soft smile. "Catch ya later, Lulu." Lauryn returned the smile, her heart fluttering and when he looked away, she looked down to hide the blush forming on her face. 

"Get going, Jeremiah." Paige ordered and the blonde-haired boy walked down the hallway with a smile.

The smile didn't leave Lauryn's face as she watched him walk away. "Alright, everyone, let's try that again this time without the theatrics." Paige instructed.

Lauryn is surprised when she noticed Conrad leaning against the door frame, staring at her with a soft smile. He waved and Lauryn went to wave, thinking he was waving at her but she stopped when she saw Nicole waving and smiling brightly back at him. She turned away from him and went back to practice.

Conrad forced a smile and waved back as Nicole waved at him. He was really waving at Lauryn, but he should've known Nicole would assume it was for her. But the smile immediately faded from his face once Lauryn turned her back. He sighed softly and walked back outside.

****

That afternoon, Jeremiah texted Lauryn if she wanted to go get some milkshakes after he was done with work. She agreed, wanting to spend some time with him. When she met up with him at the boardwalk, he smiled brightly at her and pulled her into a hug. "How was the rest of dance practice?" He asked, pulling away from the hug.

"It was fine. Just really awkward. You really saved me, Jere." Lauryn chuckled, remembering the look on Paige's face.

"Well, I'm glad I could save you." Jeremiah grins. His face softened, his blue eyes looking at her with concern. "How are you doing, though? I know the Fourth was hard."

"Yeah, it was." She sighs. "But I'm managing. Thanks for checking in." She said, glancing at him with a smile.

"Of course." He nodded, placing a hand on her back as they started walking towards the milkshake place.

Lauryn's stomach flutters a bit at the touch and she smiled at him. He smiles back at her. "I'm here if you ever need anything, Lulu." He tells her. "You can talk to me, no matter what it's about."

"I know, and I'm thankful for that." Lauryn responds, reaching up to give his cheek a kiss, but it ended up being the corner of his mouth. "Thank you for being there for me, Jeremiah."

He was a bit shocked and surprised, but he smiles, his heart skipping a beat for some reason. "Always."

They got inside the diner which was busy like normal. The diner was called "The Shore Shack" and they had the best milkshakes, so that's why everyone always goes. They ordered their milkshakes and they were sitting in a booth. They were talking about anything and nothing and enjoying each other's company. At one point Jeremiah had put his straw in her cup to take a drink, earning a laugh from her.

"What are you doing?" She giggled.

"Trying to see if I like yours better." He grins, taking a sip. He then shrugs. "Eh, not as good as mine."

"Excuse you, I think mine is way better." Lauryn said sassily.

"I think mine is way better." He repeats teasingly. "You're just mad that I'm right."

"No, you're wrong. Mine is clearly the best." Lauryn retorted, her grin turning into a smirk.

"Oh yeah, we'll see about that." Jeremiah says, taking another sip of his. "Try some."

Lauryn puts her straw in his cup to take a sip, her hand covering his on the cup. Her eyes widen slightly at her hand placement, her face turning a bit red. She didn't plan on doing that and when she tried to pull away, he grabbed her hand. He was smiling at her as he moved her hand away. But they didn't let go of each other's hands. Lauryn couldn't explain it, but she didn't want to let go. And neither did he.

"I have to admit," She finally speaks up, pulling away from his cup and putting her straw back in her cup. "Yours is really good. But I'm still gonna stand by my milkshake."

"Fine. We can both have the best milkshake." Jeremiah chuckled.

"Deal." She giggled.

After that, they finished their milkshakes and then Jeremiah paid. He walked her home afterwards, their hands brushing against each other. And the thought of holding his hand was on her mind. But she didn't do it. When they reached her house, he wrapped his arms around her in a hug and she hugged him back. He held her a bit longer than usual, his head in the crook of her neck. Her arms were around his neck and they just stood there, embracing each other.

When he pulled away, she placed her hands on his chest, his hand resting on her waist. She stared up into his eyes, and he stared down at hers. They were close and she felt his heart racing, just like hers was. Their lips were so close and she really wanted to kiss him. He wanted to kiss her too. But they pulled away at the same time. It was a weird tension between them, and he looked nervous. She was nervous too. She couldn't help but glance at his lips though, and he glanced at hers too.

"Well, uh, thanks for walking me home and getting milkshakes." She spoke first.

"No problem." He nods. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Neither of them moved to pull away, and the tension was there again. They were so close and she could just lean forward and kiss him. She knew he was thinking the same thing. They were breathing heavy and their eyes were flicking from each other's eyes to their lips. Finally, Jeremiah placed his hand on her cheek and he leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft kiss. Her hands were resting on his shoulders and she kissed him back, closing her eyes.

She was kissing Jeremiah. He was her first kiss and she felt like she was on cloud nine. This was something she's been thinking about for a while now and now she's actually doing it. He's an amazing kisser and he made her feel tingly and fuzzy inside. She never wanted to pull away, but eventually they did, staring into each other's eyes. They were both smiling, a blush forming on their cheeks.

"Wow." Jeremiah breathed out.

"Wow." Lauryn echoed, her cheeks turning red.

Jeremiah grins and gives her one more quick peck on the lips before finally pulling away. He couldn't stop grinning and neither could she. "I'll see you tomorrow, Lulu." 

"See you tomorrow, Jer." She replied and she couldn't stop the huge grin on her face.

He grins and kisses her forehead, making her heart flutter. "Have a good night."

"You too." She smiled.

He waved before heading next door. She waved back and went to her house as well.

****

(lauryn's outfit for this part of the chapter)

Later that night, Lauryn planned to go to the beach, but she stopped in her tracks when she saw Belly and Jeremiah kissing in the pool. She felt like she had been punched in the stomach. She felt like someone had stabbed her and twisted the knife. She couldn't move. She couldn't speak. She was starting to think that maybe he liked her, but maybe she was wrong. Maybe he didn't. And that hurt. A lot. She just stood there, frozen and heartbroken.

Jeremiah had noticed her standing there and he gently pulled away from Belly. "I'll be right back." He said before pulling himself out of the water and walking over to her.

"Hey," Jeremiah greets, looking nervous and guilty. "Lulu, please let me explain."

Lauryn finally snaps out of it. She was breathing heavily and her eyes were shining with unshed tears. "I gotta go." She mumbled, turning around and quickly leaving the pool.

"Wait, Lu-"

"Just leave me alone." She replied, ignoring him as she quickened her pace and ran to the beach.

Once she was there, she let the tears fall down her cheeks. She couldn't hold them back anymore. She just sobbed, curling herself into a ball. She had a huge crush on him. She loved him. And to see him with Belly hurt her more than anything. It hurt her more than finding out about her parents. And she hated that. She hated how much it hurt her.

"Hey, what's the matter?" A familiar voice said and she looked up to see Conrad sitting next to her. "Jeremiah told me you were upset and I was wondering why."

Lauryn didn't say anything. She couldn't say anything. Her mind was a jumbled mess. Conrad frowned at seeing this, his heart aching at seeing her upset. He gently placed his hand on her back, rubbing soothing circles and she cried harder, collapsing in his arms. He held her close, letting her cry as he ran his fingers through her hair and rubbed her back. He let her get all her tears out, whispering soothing words to her and not caring that her tears were soaking his shirt. He didn't care. All he cared about was comforting her.

He didn't know why she was so upset, she knew it had to be something with Jeremiah and it hurt him seeing her like this. He hated that she was so sad and hurting. He wished he could take the pain away, but he knew he couldn't. And he wanted nothing more than to hurt Jeremiah for hurting her. He couldn't imagine the pain he had caused her. And he wished he could do something about it, but he couldn't.

After a while, Lauryn's crying finally subsided. She didn't know how long she had been crying, but she was just glad she had Conrad there to comfort her. She couldn't imagine crying like this in front of anyone else, not even Belly. But she was just glad Conrad was there.

"Hey, you okay now?" Conrad questioned, his voice filled with concern.

Lauryn nods, giving him a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm sorry about your shirt." She murmured, noticing the tear stains.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it." Conrad reassured.

"I didn't mean to break down like that. I'm sorry." She apologized, wiping her tears away. 

"You don't need to apologize." He responds. "Do you want to tell me what happened?" He asked softly, reaching over to wipe the rest of her tears away with his thumbs.

"Jeremiah and Belly were kissing." Lauryn finally reveals, her voice cracking as she continued. "I'm so stupid to ever think there was a chance he could like me. We-We kissed earlier, I thought that meant something. I guess not."

Conrad's stomach twists into a knot. He hated the thought of Lauryn and Jeremiah kissing. He hated the thought of Jeremiah hurting her even more. He wished he could take all her pain and suffering away. Conrad frowns as she talks. He knew she had a crush on Jeremiah, but he didn't realize it was this deep. He couldn't believe Jeremiah would kiss Belly. It seemed wrong, even though he knew Belly and Jeremiah had a thing before. It just felt different this time around. 

"I'm so sorry, Lauryn. You don't deserve this. You deserve the world. And he doesn't deserve you."

"Thanks, Coco." She smiled softly at him.

Conrad grins at hearing that nickname. He missed it. Lauryn had made the nickname for him when they were little and only she used it. He wasn't sure why she stopped, but it felt nice to hear her use it again. He pulls her into a hug, wrapping his arms tightly around her. She returned the hug, leaning her head against his shoulder. They stayed like that for a while, enjoying the silence and the warmth of each other.

"You know," Conrad speaks after a moment. "I never did understand why you chose the nickname 'Coco' for me. It's so random."

"You're not gonna make fun of me?" She asked with a nervous smile.

"Of course not. I would never make fun of you. Never." He promised.

"Okay." Lauryn said after taking a deep breath. "Well, when we were little, I was playing by the water and I found a coconut. It was so pretty and shiny and it had these little holes in it, so I decided to keep it. I thought it was the most prettiest thing ever and I was obsessed with it. And when I saw you, I guess I thought you were the prettiest thing I ever seen so I started calling you Coco." She explained, her face turning a bit red as she smiled shyly.

Conrad smiles softly, looking down as his face turns red, his heart fluttering as well. "You're adorable. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, well, I'm sorry." She chuckles. "You're allowed to make fun of me for it if you want."

"No, it's okay. I won't. I'm glad you told me. I'm flattered, honestly." He reassured her.

"You're not making fun of me." She repeated, almost sounding surprised.

"Of course not. I wouldn't make fun of you for something like that." Conrad says. "Besides, it's kinda cute." He smiles. "You're the only one who calls me that." He adds. "And I like it." He admits. "Because I know no one else will call me that." He pauses. "And I love that it's just between us."

A soft smile made its way to her lips. her eyes were bright and her cheeks were slightly pink. "Thanks." She said, her voice quiet. She leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, causing his cheeks to redden a little. "Thank you for always being there for me. It means a lot." She said, leaning her head against his shoulder. He smiles as he wraps his arm around her and they sat together, staring out at the ocean, enjoying each other's company.

They were both content with where they were at the moment and during this moment they knew there was nowhere else they'd rather be. 

A/N the feelings for conrad have begun !!