Song- ARE WE STILL FRIENDS? by Tyler, The Creator

"I think I'll go walk on the beach alone," I announce when Belly walks into my room dressed in her swimwear, the polka dot one. "But we haven't really got time to go for a late night swim." Belly pouts. "Belly, don't be a baby, ok? We can swim some other night too." I say grabbing my sweater and slamming the door shut behind me. 

I stroll down the beach for about an hour before Joe calls on my cellphone. "Hey, get back home. I can't handle mom, she's drunk." Joe says from the other side. "Joe, can I get some time to myself. I've looked after them the whole day today. I really need to clear my mind." I say softly. "Listen Peach, Laurel's missing, Beck and Mom won't tell us where she is. So I have to find her because Steven's with Shayla. Conrad's taking care of Beck. I need you here for mom. Please. I promise I wouldn't have called you if this wasn't important." Joe pleads. "I'm on my way," I say running back the way I came. 

I was walking from the back of the house, where Belly would still be in the pool. I stopped when I saw Jeremiah with her, not just swimming but kissing her, he grabbed her and pulled her over himself. I was frozen to the spot. 

My phone rang loudly breaking them up. I scrambled to shut it, but they had already seen me there. I picked up the call and ran inside. 

"Where's Mom?" I ask on the verge of tears. "Are you ok?" Joe asks as he sees my face. "Where is mom?" I shout. Joe takes my hand and drags me to the foyer. Mom sits by the stairs with Beck. Conrad, waiting for them to finish talking. "Oh girls, it's bedtime. Let's go get some rest, Ok?" I asked bending down to get mom to stand. "Beck, Connie will take you to your room. I'll take Norah ok?" I smile slightly. Beck nods, chuckling. "Jeremiah will be lucky to have you." She whispers loud enough for Conrad and Joe to listen. Connie looks at me, as I wipe the tears off my face. "Come on Mumma," I say leading her to her bedroom. I hold her from the back as she moves forward. "Georgy, Beck will be fine right?" She asks once we get into the room. "yes Mumma, Connie's taking care of her. She'll be fine. If you want, I'll go check on her once you fall asleep." I say steering her to her bed. 

She sits down, "She has Cancer." My heart broke when mom said that. Susannah had cancer a few years back, it was the most difficult time with the fisher family and my heart ached for her, but she had beat it. "She beat it, mom. A few years back, don't worry about it now. You need to get some sleep. Drink some water, here." I hand her a glass of water. "What would I do without you?" She grabs my hand and leans on me. I brush her hair out of her face. "Probably depend on Joe." I smile. "Ok sleepy time." I push her back. "Goodnight mom." I kiss her forehead, covering her with a comforter. "Goodnight love." She smiles before going to sleep. 

I walk out and towards Beck's room as Conrad walks out. I couldn't control it any longer so I burst out in tears. "What's wrong?" He pulled me into a hug. Even though we were fighting we were there for each other. "Let's go sit on the deck." He says leading me there. We walk silently, not one making a sound. 

"ok, tell me now," he asks sitting next to me. "I ruined everything Connie, everything." I sob. 

"I ruined our friendship, I ruined my relation with Jeremiah, It won't be long enough Belly and Joe and steven find out what we did and start hating me for spoiling everything. I've been so distant with Mom and Beck. It's terrifying to see myself lose everyone at once. I can't lose everyone, I don't want to lose everyone." I lean into his body. "You will never lose me Peach." He hugs me. "I really like, Jeremiah." I sniff. "Then tell him that," Conrad suggests. "I can't. I saw him kiss Belly in the pool. A while ago."  I answer. 

"He did not." Conrad looked at me surprised. "I mean- I know I fucked up. He just kissed her in front of me, well he didn't know I was there, he found out later. I was stood there frozen like I doubt I was even breathing." I move my hands around. "Hey!!! calm down. Everything's going to be fine. Jeremiah's a dick if he doesn't realise losing you is a big mistake." Conrad rubs my arm. 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

***Conrad's pov***  

I went surfing early morning for a little fresh air. As I walked back home I saw mom sitting on the lawn chair with her paints. I wished her morning and she called me. "Cleveland had just called, I have to go.." I inform her. "It'll just take a second," Mom says standing up. She puts her hands in the pocket and sways a little before speaking.  

"I want you to ask Belly to be her escort to the Deb ball." She requests. "Mom, I can't." I look away. "Why not?" She asks. "Just ask Jeremiah to go with her," I say through gritted teeth. After what Georgia had told me, I was angry and jealous. 

"Connie, you know how much it'll mean to her if it's you. You're her prince charming and we all know it." Mom shrugs. "No that's not.." "You've always been so good to her." Mom adds to her points. 

"Mom, I can't because I promised Georgia I'll take her to the deb. Ask Jeremiah to go with Belly." I announce.  "Georgia? where did she come from? I thought you liked Belly and Georgia was Jeremiah's." Mom looks at me confused. "Mom, Peach is my best friend and if she wants me to be her escort then so be it. After everything, she's been through that's the least I can do to cheer her up." I say throwing my hands up in surrender. 

"I didn't mean to be rude. I'm just confused ok. What about Jeremiah? We know he likes her, does he know you are Peach's escort to the ball?" She asks. "Mom, there is so much you don't know, that's going on right now. I don't want to burden you." I say taking back a few steps. 

"Peach came to my room last night. She had a nightmare she said. She was crying and you know what happens when she cries. She talks. She told me, she was living a nightmare, everything was fucked up, how she had sex with a certain someone. How that sex has now ruined not one, not two but all relations." Mom accused me. "Honey, I'm not mad about it. I'm just confused as to what will Jeremiah respond when he finds out." Mom questions. "He knows. Georgia told him the next morning itself. He has been acting really shitty since and he kissed Belly last night and Gerogy saw them kiss. It's a whole thing mom. I think, it's better if I take her to the ball." I answer. 

"Are you sure?" She asks. "Yes I think I am." I say, nodding. "Ok then. belly will have to ask Jeremiah." Mom gets back to her chair. 

"Hey, also don't be late this  afternoon for the tournament. We need help setting up." Mom reminds me. 

"I know I know. " 

"Play it forward." Mom whops. 

"Play it forward." I repeat going out.