❝ family beach house ❞

-

ALENA LEANED HER HEAD back on the chair as her mother rolled the windows down, the teenage girl glanced at her mom.

Meera adjusted her grip on the wheel, "Please, enjoy yourself. Don't let your summer be ruined just because I'm not there."

"This isn't fair."

"Life never is."

Alena pursed her lips before continuing to gaze out the window, "I just wish we both could have a good summer."

Meera gave her daughter a reassuring smile, "You're seeing your friends again, I'd expect you to be a little more happy about that." Alena shrugged, "I guess."

Meera let out a sigh, "Send me lots of pictures and if anything happens between you and—"

Alena was quick to cut her mother off, "Don't even go there. Nothing and I mean nothing is going to happen between Conrad and I. I swear you've been wanting us to get together since before I could even speak."

"I see the looks he gives you." Meera told her daughter, holding an amused glint in her eyes. Alena gaped at her mother, "He doesn't give me any looks, he doesn't have feelings for me and I don't have any for him. We're strictly friends."

Meera let out a laugh, "That's what they all say, by the end of the summer we'll see." Alena rolled her eyes at her mothers enthusiasm, "I don't even like Conrad like that."

"Mhm, yeah, it's not like two summers ago you couldn't rip your eyes away from him—"

"Mom, I get it. I used to have a crush on him. Not anymore."

Meera held an unconvinced expression but decided to let it go for her daughters sake. Alena's eyes shone with excitement as they turned into the neighborhood, they had arrived.

The teenager watched the Fisher house come into view and it felt just as nostalgic as she had remembered. Alena saw as a car was already on the driveway and Belly was being hugged by Jeremiah.

Alena unbuckled her seatbelt quickly before clicking open the car door. Jeremiah turned at the noise and a wide smile spread across his lips upon seeing his best friend, "Look who it is."

Lena spread her arms as the youngest Fisher boy engulfed the girl in a tight hug. Jere set the seventeen year old down once again and smiled at her, "You didn't answer my text."

Alena shrugged, wearing her usual smile, "I didn't think I had to, when have I ever missed a summer?"

"You did once."

The Elsher girl rolled her eyes, "I was six, get over it."

Belly let out a squeal as she tackled Alena into a rib crushing hug, "Lena, I missed you!" The seventeen year old patted her friends back, "Bels, can't breathe."

Belly pulled back, "Oh, sorry. How have you been? You hadn't been answering my calls lately, I was getting worried."

Alena mustered up a grin, "Sorry about that, school had taken me hostage." Steven came around and smiled brightly upon seeing Lena, "Len!" the oldest Conklin took ahold of the girl, holding her tightly as Alena sighed, "Nice to see you too, Stevey."

Alena glanced back to see Jere and Belly laughing about some inside joke when footsteps caught the brunette's attention. Lena turned to see Conrad emerging from the backyard.

The oldest Fisher stopped in his tracks as his eyes landed on Alena, Conrad's lips parted as he gazed at her. Alena raised a brow, "You just going to stand there or say hello like a normal person?"

Conrad bit back a small smile as he approached the girl, he looked down at her and hummed, "You got taller."

Alena chuckled, "Wow, such an observation." Conrad smiled as he ruffled the girls hair, Lena smacked his hand, narrowing her eyes at him as Steven began speaking, "Hey, hey, guys, guys."

Lena turned to gaze at the boy as he glanced down at his wrist as if checking a watch, "I mean, I-I don't know about you, but I... I think it's time for a..."

Jeremiah grinned widely and Alena shook her head, already knowing where this was going for young Belly, "Belly flop!"

Isabel shook her head as she began to run, Jeremiah was quick to grab ahold of her waist. Belly let out a shriek as Alena covered her smile with her hand.

Conrad was quick to help the other boys take ahold of Belly moving into the backyard. Alena walked behind them, holding her laughter.

"Belly flop."

Alena shook her head in amusement as they began to count down, "1,2..."

Belly shut her eyes as they both flung her into the large pool. Alena crossed her arms over her chest as she slipped between Conrad and Jeremiah, "You guys are still dicks."

Jere slipped an arm around Lena, "Most definitely." he pulled away before pushing Alena. The girl let out a shocked gasp as she dropped into the pool. The dark haired girl kicked her legs to push her up. Alena reached the surface and breathed heavily whilst glaring daggers into Jeremiah's skull.

"I am going to castrate you." she grit out before beginning to swim to the edge. Jere laughed loudly as Belly pursed her lips to keep in her laughter, Jere didn't know just how serious Alena was.

The girl pulled herself out of the pool and Jere made a run for it, "Run all you want. We're staying in the same house dipshit."

Steven patted Conrad's back, a ghost smile lingering on the Fisher boy's lips as he watched Lena with interest.

"I'm going to strangle him in his sleep."

-

Alena held an annoyed expression as she walked into the kitchen with Belly at her side, Laurel gazed at the two soaking girls who were clutching their towels rather tightly, "You're both dripping water."

Lena hummed before pointing at Jeremiah who was standing at a safe distance, "Blame him."

Meera looked at her daughter in amusement, "Looks like a good start for you." Susannah chuckled in agreement before speaking to her friend, "Lena's gotten gorgeous, Mimi."

Meera gave her best friend a soft smile before looking back at her only child who was in the midst of throwing a paper plate at Jeremiah. Her smile quickly fell as she realized she would be late if she didn't leave, "Well, Alena is in your hands now, I have to get going."

Laurel and Susannah glanced at the mother, "What? Oh come on, stay a little longer."

Meera chuckled before shaking her head, "I really should get going." Alena heard her mother speak and turned towards her, "You're leaving already?"

Meera pressed her lips into a firm line as the boys chimed into the conversation. Jeremiah tilted his head in confusion, "You aren't staying with us this summer, Meer?"

Conrad lingered a few feet away, listening intently to what the others were saying. Meera shook her head as she began to grab her purse and keys, "It'll just be Alena with you lot."

Alena's cheerful mood crumbled away rather quickly as she gazed at her mother, dreading for her to go back to that house. "Mom—"

Meera cupped her daughters cheeks as she pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Enjoy your summer, remember you promised me pictures."

Alena couldn't even get herself to smile as she meekly nodded, Meera smiled at the teenager as she moved to give Belly a hug, "I'll miss you all."

Isabel smiled as she tightened her grip on the woman, "We'll miss you more, Mimi."

Steven frowned as he waddled over to Meera with open arms, "Does your favorite boy get a goodbye hug?'

Jeremiah elbowed Steven in the ribs, "We all know I'm her favorite."

"You can only wish you were."

Meera let out a hearty laugh and darted her eyes between the two bickering boys, she extended her arms out to them, "I love you both equally." Steven grumbled something as Jere smiled happily as the two hugged the woman.

"Enjoy the summer."

Meera pulled away just as Conrad entered the kitchen, Alena watched her mother give the boy a kind smile before walking over to engulf him in an embrace.

Conrad returned the gesture as Meera lowly whispered, "Watch over her for me."

The oldest Fisher boy nodded reassuringly, "Always."

Meera pulled back and smiled at Conrad, she turned sucking in a sharp breath before heading out the door. Laurel and Susannah followed their friend as Alena held a blank expression.

Belly knitted her brows together in confusion, "You're not gonna go?"

Alena shook her head, "No, I'll give her a call later." the young girl feared if she did, she might start become overwhelmed and the last thing she wanted was to give anyone a reason to begin asking questions. No one knew what was happening back home.

Conrad narrowed his eyes at the way Alena's mood had changed, he glanced around before walking out of the kitchen.

Alena let out a sneeze as Susannah walked back in, "Your mom said to call her when you can." Lena gave the mother a grateful smile, "I will, I think I'm gonna head up to my room to change."

Susannah nodded in understanding, "You know where it is, sweetheart."

Lena slipped off the barstool before treading up the stairs, her room cam into view and she twisted the nob to open the door as she stepped inside. She inspected the space, the corner of her lips tugging upwards as she realized it was exactly as she had left it.

Her eyes landed on her mini hello kitty figure and remembered the day Conrad had gifted it to her.

"Still have that, huh."

Alena turned to see Conrad leaning against her doorframe, Lena crossed her arms over her chest, "Yeah, I love hello kitty."

Conrad gazed at her for longer than necessary as he hummed a response. Alena shuffled awkwardly under his look before shrugging her towel off, "Well, if you don't mind, I need to change. Unless you wanna stay for the show?"

"That an invitation?"

Alena scrunched up her nose as she placed her hand on the boys chest, shoving him backwards, "Only in your dreams." she bitterly smiled before slamming the door in his face.

Conrad glanced at the ground, biting back a smile. He had missed the young girl tremendously. More than he himself would admit.

-

Alena took a sip from her water as Jeremiah was laughing with Steven at something on his cellphone. Lena glanced over at Belly who was sitting beside her.

Conrad sat at the head right by Alena who watched Laurel begin to scold her son for his use of a cellphone at the table, "Steven, I swear to God, if you look at that phone one more time, I'm putting it in the screen basket."

Susannah smiled as she spoke right after her friend, "It's just, we wanna see your beautiful faces."

Alena gazed at Steven, "It's not that hard to not look at your phone for one dinner, Stevey." The Conklin son rolled his eyes as Jeremiah gripped the boys cellphone, "Dude, are you kidding me?"

Jeremiah tossed the device into the screen time basket, letting out a laugh as he flexed his arms, "Boom! Nailed it."

Alena took a sip of her water, watching in amusement as Steven hit Jere's arm, "Okay, okay, we get it. You've been working out."

Belly let out a chuckled before speaking to her older brother, "Oh, you're just jealous because Jere has a better body than you." Steven huffed, "Uh, no, actually, it's all about the lean look now. Otherwise, you can't wear tailored suits."

Lena snickered as Conrad muttered with a smug smile, "Tailored suits."

Steven turned his attention over to the oldest Fisher, "When are you leaving for training camp, man?"

The chatter died down as a tense sensation rippled through the atmosphere, Lena gazed at Conrad who seemed bothered with the question. Jeremiah watched his brother before speaking up for him, "Uh, he quit football."

Surprise was evident on Alena's expression, "What?"

Conrad didn't meet the girl's gaze as Steven spoke, "Are you kidding me, man? I'd-I'd kill to play college ball." Susannah glanced at her son, "He can always change his mind."

"I'm not gonna change my mind." Conrad sharply spoke with a slight edge to his tone, "I was just gonna sit on the bench all season anyways."

"Well, if you're not playing football anymore, what are you gonna do all summer?" Laurel asked the boy who merely shrugged in response. Steven's eyes lit up with an idea, "Oh, dude, you can work at the club. Yeah, with me and Jere."

Conrad shook his head, "I'm not gonna work at the club." Confusion was evident on Isabel's features as she darted her eyes between her brother and best friend, "Wait, you guys are working this summer?"

A bright smile spread across Jeremiah's lips, "Yeah, I'm lifeguarding, and Steven's working at the snack shop."

Alena let out a scoff, "You a lifeguard? I should get you fired after you pushed me in the pool." Jere rolled his eyes, "Were you always this dramatic?'

Alena raised a challenging brow, "Wanna repeat that?"

"Oh," Susannah suddenly spoke as she stood from her seat, "Girls, I almost forgot. I have a surprise for you two."

Alena tilted her head slightly as the mother grabbed two envelopes, she handed one to Lena and the other to Belly. Laurel gave her friend a knowing look as she chuckled, "So, this is why you had to stop by the country club."

Alena carefully opened her envelope, reading over the printed words, her brows shot up in surprise upon what was being offered to her. Susannah smiled happily at her two girls, "I wrangled up an invitation for Lena and Belly to be a debutante."

Belly glanced up at the mother, "Is that the thing where the girls wear white dresses and curtsy?"

Susannah gave her a nod, "It's when a girl comes of age and is presented to society. I-I know it sounds silly, but I swear it's fun. Girls come from all over New England to Cousins just to be a part of it. You'll make so many new friends."

Alena set down her invitation, socializing, dancing, and wearing puffy dresses. Sounded like everything she completely dreaded.

Conrad watched Lena gaze down at the letter with an unreadable expression, something he had noticed that had changed about Alena. Before, reading the girl would be so easy. Her eyes always spoke for themselves, but now? He never knew what she was thinking, she held up a guard, as if she didn't want anyone to be able to tell something was wrong.

Laurel stood from her seat, "I cannot believe you are still holding on to this archaic dream." she spoke to her friend before going into the kitchen.

Susannah leaned back in her seat, "No, it used to be about finding a husband, but now it's about networking. They teach you leadership skills, like how to market yourself, and it benefits charity. It's, um, like a bat mitzvah."

Laurel let out a laugh as she held a bottle of wine, "It is not like a bat mitzvah. There is nothing religious about a debutante ball."

"The whole deb scene is bullshit." Conrad chimed in earning himself Lena's attention, "It's for sheep."

Susannah heavily sighed, "No, it's not. It's when a girl has a coming out, it's a formal recognition she's reached maturity."

Steven let out a loud laugh, "Oh, sorry. I'm sorry. Mature?" Susannah nodded, "Yes." Belly's brother gazed at her in amusement, "Belly? A couple months ago you had a cat funeral. You made us all wear black."

Isabel narrowed her eyes at her brother, "Shut up, Steven. I saw you crying in your room."

"Hey, an animal's death is just as sad as a humans." Alena backed up Belly who smiled at her while Jeremiah spoke, "Wait, Mochi died? Dang. I'm sorry, Bels."

"Girls."

Alena and Belly turned their attention over to Susannah who was smiling at them, "Don't you wanna get all dressed up?"

"Not really, no." Lena deadpanned.

Isabel stayed quite for a moment, "I'll— think about it." Susannah smiled happily before giving Alena a look. The seventeen year old groaned seeing how much this meant to Susannah, "I'll see."

The mother grinned at Laurel as she raised her glass, "They'll think about it."

—

Alena opened the door to the back patio and treaded down the steps as she caught sight of Conrad sitting at the edge of the pool, smoking pot. Lena slipped her sandals off as she sat on the other ledge of the pool, dipping her legs into the pool.

"Since when did you start smoking?"

Conrad exhaled the smoke as he gazed at the girl, "Some time ago." Alena raised a brow as she gently moved her legs in the water, "I thought you said that smoking's dumb and that real athletes don't put shit in their bodies."

Conrad licked his lips before shrugging, "I said a lot of stuff, and I'm not an athlete anymore, so." Alena narrowed her eyes at him, "Well, it's your health."

The oldest Fisher took another hit before smoke came out of his nose, "You're not gonna tell me to quit?"

"Do you want me to tell you to quit?"

Conrad let out a soft chuckle as a smirk tugged on his lips, "Maybe." Lena placed her hands on the concrete ground as she slightly leaned back, "Fine, I think you should quit then."

Conrad fell silent for a moment, thinking of something just as a coy glint shone in his eyes, "What'll you give me if I do?"

Alena blinked, wondering if she had heard him correctly. The seventeen year old licked her lips, "Depends on what you want."

Conrad grinned, "You've definitely changed, Lennie." Alena didn't know what came over her as she felt an odd sensation settle in her stomach upon hearing him call her that again.

"Not that much I'd say."

The boy gazed into the water, "Why are you considering this debutante thing?" Alena looked taken back by the question, "Well, it's not like I have anything better to do."

"Yeah but it's not you." Conrad looked up, gazing into Alena's hazel eyes, "Don't let my mom make you her little doll just because she never had a daughter."

Alena raised her head, circling her legs in the water as she spoke, "I don't mind it. Maybe I should put myself out there more."

"It's not worth it."

Alena narrowed her eyes at the boy, "Okay, you want to say I've changed but what about you? You're acting different."

"I'm not."

The girl let out a harsh scoff, "Bullshit. I know you, Conrad." Alena held a sincere expression as Conrad stayed silent.

"If something's going on and you need someone to talk to, tell me. I'm here, I'll listen."

Conrad felt himself grow vulnerable under Alena's soft gaze, the way her tone held worry and concern for him. Alena was making the crush he had on her much harder to go away.

"Lennie—"

Belly suddenly emerged from inside the house, her steps faltered as she glanced between Conrad and Alena, "Did I interrupt something?"

Lena looked back at her friend and shook her head, "Nope."

Belly noticed the way Conrad was looking at Alena and mentally smiled, she hoped the two would come to terms with their feelings soon. The door opened again, this time with Jeremiah and Steven running out, "First bonfire of the summer!"

Jeremiah gazed at the oldest Conklin, "All right, we're totally taking my car. You're not driving." Steven let out a laugh as he looked over at Conrad, "Come on, man, we're leaving. You ready?"

The boy nodded as he began to get up from his position, Belly parted her lips to speak as she gestured to herself and Alena, "Can we come too?"

"Uh, no." Steven told his little sister, Alena rolled her eyes, "Dickheads."

"The moms are getting everything set up for your movie night." Jeremiah glanced between Isabel and Alena.

Conrad began to join the two boys as Steven hollered out, "Have fun with the moms!"

Alena flipped off Steven just as Conrad glanced back at her one last time. The girl stood from the pool and turned, heading back inside as Belly followed behind her.

Alena strutted into the kitchen where Laurel and Susannah were behind the kitchen counter, Belly's mother glanced up at them, "Brownies are going in. Go put the DVD in."

Alena and Belly shared a knowing look before glancing back at the two mom, "Can't we do something different?" Isabel spoke first.

Her mother furrowed her brows, "But we always watch It Happened One Night on the first night." Alena mustered up a kind smile, "I'm not feeling well so I think I'm gonna call it a night."

Susannah nodded in understanding, "No worries sweetheart."

Alena began to make her way up the stairs as she entered her room and began rummaging through her closet. Not long after, Belly entered the girls room, "Are we thinking the same thing?"

"Oh, most definitely."

Isabel let out a squeal as Alena picked out a yellow cropped tank top with a pair of jean shorts. The Elsher girl glanced back at her friend, " What are you gonna wear?"

Belly gazed at her phone before responding, "I may have something." the girl ran out of Alena's room and into her own. Lena shrugged off her current shirt as she changed into her new outfit, she walked over to her dresser that held a mirror and slipped on a few necklaces before crouching down to tie her white convers while also fixing her colorful anklets.

Alena turned around to see Belly standing just outside her door with a pink slim fit dress on, Lena's eyes widened, "That looks absolutely stunning on you."

Belly gave her friend a shy smile, "Thanks, you look really good too." Lena slipped her cellphone into her pocket, "You ready to sneak out?"

Isabel pursed her lips before firmly nodding. The two girls carefully treaded down the stairs, being cautious to not make any noise.

Alena tiptoed to the front door, softly unlocking it as she slipped outside with Belly following closely behind her.

Belly let out a relieved sigh as Alena chuckled, "That wasn't so hard." Lena spared a glance to the girl, "Sneaking out is easy, sneaking back in is another thing."

The duo continued down the pathway to the beach, picking up their pace as they caught sight of a large fire in the distance.

Belly hooked her arm through Alena's as the two walked onto the beach, having a clear view of the bonfire taking place.

Alena was merely taking in the scenery when a male approached the two girls, "Yo, gas station girl."

Lena blinked upon seeing him gaze at herself and Belly up and down, "I see you brought a friend."

Alena pulled Isabel closer to her side as she glared at the dude eyeing them, "No thank you." The male chuckled, "Oh, come on. You two want beer?"

"Not from you." Lena sharply spoke before walking away with Belly, Alena began to approach where the fire was when the dude went to grab her arm. Lena quickly let go of Belly as she turned on her heel elbowing the dude square in the jaw.

The male stumbled backwards, muttering curses as he held his mouth, "Fucking bitch."

Conrad stopped kissing Nicole as the ruckus caught his attention, shock was written over his expression as he caught sight of Alena dusting her arms, "Don't ever touch me again."

Steven turned having seen his sister and made his way to them. The male glared at Lena before harshly scoffing as he walked away.

"Fucking weirdo." Alena glanced over at Belly, "You okay?" Isabel gave her best friend an incredulous look, "Me? What about you?"

The seventeen year old girl shrugged, "Most guys can't take no for an answer so I learned how to get them to back off."

Steven gripped his sisters arm as he began scolding her, "What are you doing?" Alena gazed around until her attention landed on Conrad, who sat a few feet away already watching her. A girl was sat very close to him, it didn't take her long to figure out what they had been doing.

The Elsher girl began to chew her bottom lip before walking away, Jeremiah caught sight of the girl and rushed towards her, "Hey, are you alright?"

Alena gave her friend a reassuring nod, "Yeah, just another jackass."

"Are you su—" but the Fisher boy was cut off by his name being called out by the girls he had been speaking to, Lena gently shoved the boy by his shoulder, "Go. I'm fine."

Alena crossed her arms over her chest as she kept to herself, the girl looked around for Belly and caught her sitting next to a boy, laughing and having a wide smile.

The teenager darted her attention when her eyes landed on Conrad, who was taking a sip of his beer with his eyes on her.

The two locked gazes and neither made a move to look away, until Nicole pulled the Fisher boy into another kiss.

Alena turned her head, looking anywhere but the couple as she let out a heavy sigh.

"Hey, can I join you?"

The girl turned to see a curly headed boy shyly smiling at her, Lena blinked while keeping her neutral expression, "Do you need something?"

The male scratched the back of his neck nervously, "Just wanted to talk to you." Alena let out a hum, "Uh huh."

"I'm, uh, Theo."

The brunette pursed her lips together, "Alena."

"That's a really pretty name."

The seventeen year old cautiously eyed him before yelling caught her attention, she turned to see Conrad and the same dude from before picking a fight.

"Um, I have to go." Before the boy could reply Alena was already moving, picking up her pace as she watched Belly get elbowed in the face. She ran quickly, crouching down to check on her friend, "Bels? Hey,"

Belly latched onto Lena's hand as the girl helped her stand, "I'm fine get Conrad." Alena turned her attention to see Jeremiah taking a hold of his brother who was clearly drunk. She shuffled on the sand approaching the two as she took one of Conrad's arms and draped it around her neck to help Jeremiah out.

Cops began arriving and the trio moved towards Jere's car quickly as Belly followed behind with the guy she had been talking to.

Conrad leaned his head upon Lena's as they basically dragged him to the vehicle, Jeremiah slipped out his car keys and unlocked the doors as he moved to open it. Alena shoved Conrad inside before slamming the door shut.

Jere moved to drivers seat as Alena made her way around the car, sitting beside Conrad as Belly was talking to that one dude outside the vehicle, "Let's go, get in." Jeremiah told Isabel who glanced back at the boy, "Cam can give me a ride home. Right, Cam?"

Cameron gave Belly a nod, "Yeah, no problem." Jeremiah gave Belly a look, "No, you're not gonna get in a car with a guy you just met."

Conrad slumped back leaning his head on the window seat as he let out a groan. The boy reached his hand inside the rolled down window, offering Jere a handshake, "I'm Cam, Cameron."

"Your name is Cam Cameron?"

The boy took his hand back before stuttering out, "Uh no, it's just Cam." Cameron glanced back at Belly, "But we actually, we know each other. Seventh grade. Latin convention. So, like, we're not total strangers."

Jeremiah held an unamused expression, "Okay. No offense, but no. Belly, get in the car."

"Just get in, Bels." Alena finally spoke as Conrad muttered in agreement.

"Uh, you should probably go. But, um, the whaling boat that I intern on, it leaves at dawn every morning from the piers." Cameron informed Isabel who nodded, "I was wondering if you would, uh, want to come."

Belly let out a soft laugh, "Yes, yeah, sure, I mean, how else will you get your hoodie back, right?"

Cam held a smile as he nodded, "That's true."

Belly gazed at the boy for a moment longer before hesitantly leaning in, giving a chaste kiss on the lips before opening the copilot door, slipping into her seat.

"What the fuck did I just witness?" Alena blinked to which Belly rolled her eyes. Jeremiah watched the Cameron boy walk away and Lena shook her head in amusement, his jealousy was peaking through.

The youngest Fisher boy had started up the engine before abruptly stopping as he remembered he had forgotten Steven, "Shit, Lena, Watch Conrad and Belly."

Alena gave her best friend a salute as he exited the car, "Sir, yes, sir."

Conrad draped his legs over Lena's lap and the girl raised a brow at him, "Seriously?"

"What? It's just like the old days now."

"Yeah, with you wasted."

Belly hid a knowing smile, she knew Conrad had feelings for Alena, why the idiot constantly shunned them out and did everything in his power to pretend as if they weren't there was something she didn't know, but everyone was rooting for the two.

Alena slightly jolted at the sudden two knocks on the window, the girl glanced up to see an officer watching them, "Have you kids been drinking?"

Fucking hell.

—

"Officers, thank you. It won't happen again, I can promise you that much." Laurel smiled at the two cops who gave the mother a look, Alena stood by the corner next to Conrad who was slumped back on the bench as Steven, Jeremiah, and Belly all stood.

"Tell Mr. Fisher the chief wants to set up a tee time when he gets back in town."

Laurel gave them a firm nod as they began to make their way out the door, "Absolutely. Sorry again for all the trouble. Have a good night, Officers." As soon as the door clicked shut, Belly's mother turned to them, "How could you guys be so irresponsible?"

Alena fumbled with her hands as Steven spoke up, "Mom, it wasn't a big deal. All right? Seriously. The cops were just looking to break up the bonfire."

Laurel gave her son an incredulous look, "Not a big deal? I would say getting picked up by the cops for underage drinking is a pretty big deal, Steven."

Steven let out a scoff before taking a whiff, catching the smell of something distinct, "Were-were you guys, you guys smoking tonight?"

"What? Keep your voice down. Susannah's asleep on the couch."

Steven gaped at his mother, "Well, I wasn't yelling, you were—" Jeremiah cut his friend off as he chimed in, "Just so you know, Laurel, I didn't drink tonight. I was the DD, I swear."

Laurel gazed at Alena and Conrad, "You two are the oldest, Alena, how could you merely watch this all happen?"

The Elsher girl dropped her gaze to the ground as Belly's mother looked at her, "You, sneaking out without telling anyone? And what in the world are you wearing?"

Isabel adjusted her short dress before muttering, "It's Taylor's. And why am I the only one who's not allowed to go out?"

"It's not that you're not allowed, it's that you should have told us you were going." Laurel glanced between Alena and Belly, "How did you two even get there?"

Lena licked her lips before answering, "We walked."

"Jesus." the mother looked over at her daughter giving her a look, "You know better than to walk that far down the beach alone late at night."

Belly let out a frustrated sigh, "Can you stop treating me like a kid?" Laurel shook her head, "If you want to be treated like an adult, you need to act like one."

"Then maybe you guys should, too." Conrad cut into the conversation. The mother blinked at the boy, "What's that supposed to mean?" she waited for a response but did not receive one, the woman took a deep breath, allowing her eyes to roam over the group, "I hope you realize this night could have ended a lot differently if your family wasn't your family."

"We're sorry, Laur." Alena softly spoke. Laurel waved her hands, "Just... go to bed, guys."

Alena turned on her heel, beginning to tread up the stairs as she stepped into her room. The teen slipped out of her clothes and changed into her pajama's before throwing herself on the bed.

She gazed up at her ceiling before pulling her phone out to see a text from her mother.

Mom
I hope you had a good day, love you.

-
i'll tell u all abt it tomorrow, love you too

Mom
Are you going to be a debutante?

-
susannah already told u huh

Mom
I think you should give it a go.

-
idk it's not really my thing ma

Mom
Maybe trying something new could be good. Plus I'd love to see my girl in a white dress.

-
i'll think abt it

Mom
Just remember to enjoy yourself.

-
i will goodnight mom

Mom
Goodnight

Alena shut her phone off just as a small knock could be heard at her door, "Come in." the girl softly whispered.

Lena sat up on her bed upon seeing Conrad step into the room, taking a seat at the edge of the bed. Utter silence purged the room and Alena looked up at him, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, just wanted some company."

Lena nodded in understanding as she sat by his side, "Company I will be."

The two sat in mere silence and Alena could tell thousands of thoughts lingered behind Conrad's eyes as he stared down at the ground.

Alena tilted her head, parting her lips to speak but was unable to.

Conrad clasped his hands together as he let out a shaky sigh. "I should go, you need to rest."

Alena shrugged, "It's not like I get much sleep anyway." Conrad knitted his brows together in confusion, "What? Why not?"

The teenage girl shook her head, "Just nightmares." Conrad gave her a single nod before standing up, "Try and get some sleep. If you need anything, I'm down the hall."

Alena gave the boy a small smile, "Thank you, Connie."

Conrad gazed at her for a moment longer before slipping out the room and closing the door.

Alena caught sight of a small card and turned to look at it. She picked it up and let out a sigh, it was the debutante acceptance card, she could either mark decline or accept.

Lena glanced back at her cellphone, she pressed her lips into a firm line before opening the drawer to her nightstand, picking out a pen as she checked off a small square box.

The brunette let out a groan as she slumped back into her mattress.

This would definitely be an interesting summer.