❝ secrets revealed and
hearts broken ❞

—

SUSANNAH WALKED INTO ALENA'S room, watching the girl snore as she was sprawled out on her bed.

"Good morning, Lena."

The girl immediately jolted up, looking half dazed, "Did I over sleep?" Susannah let out a laugh as she shook her head, taking a seat on the edge of Lena's bed, "No, not at all. Are you ready for the big day?"

Alena sat upright, tucking her bedhead hair behind her ears as she shrugged, "Kinda? I'm nervous, I guess. Being the center of attention was never my thing."

"Well, today enjoy it. Conrad will be by your side if anything. You have nothing to worry about."

A small smile spread across Alena's lips upon hearing Conrad's name, Susannah gave the brunette a look, "I'm so happy you two are going, your mother and I knew you two were meant for each other."

Lena let out a groan, "Please, no."

Susannah let out a hearty laugh before caressing the girls face, "You are beautiful, Len. It's time you start believing it."

Alena chewed the inside of her lip, "Thank you for being like a second mom to me." Susannah pursed her lips, blinking as she felt tears begin to brim her eyes, "I love you so much, Alena. I forever will."

Susannah leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the girls forehead before getting up, "Give them your true smile. Go ahead and meet me downstairs as well. Your moms dress came."

Alena's expression visibly brightened as she let out a laugh, "Really?"

Susannah nodded as she walked out the room, Lena threw her covers to the side as she leaped out of bed, treading down the stairs as she looked up to see. Alena's mouth hanged open as she gaped at the dress in awe.

It was a plain white for the most part, holding ruffles at the waist line going down. The sleeves were white lace with a bit of a puffed up shoulder. It was absolutely stunning.

Laurel was in the midst of video recording the girls reaction as Susannah watched the teen with an endearing gaze.

"I love it so much." Alena breathed out as she looked over at the two mothers, "It's going to look beautiful on you."

Alena kept her eyes on the dress, how she wished her mother could be at her side while she was in it.

—

Alena walked into the kitchen, now dressed in jeans with a green crop top, "Morning."

Jere glanced up, sending his best friend a smile, "Hey, Len." Conrad turned, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her as she rounded the corner while he passed her a box, "I picked up some of those good muffins."

Lena smiled, "Thanks, Connie." the girl opened the box, picking up one muffin as she took a bite into it. Conrad watched her with endearing eyes before handing her the usual cup of coffee she drank in the morning.

Alena narrowed her eyes at him, "You're unusually perky this morning." Conrad couldn't seem to wipe the smile off his face as he shrugged, "I'm just— happy."

Jeremiah scrunched up his features in disgust, "Okay, something definitely happened between you two and that's great and all but refrain from making those doe eyed gazes in the kitchen, where people actually need an appetite."

Alena rolled her eyes, "Oh, fuck off. As if I haven't had to put up with your constant pining over you know who."

Belly entered the room right at that second, "Good morning."

Jeremiah sent Lena a warning look before going over to greet the sixteen year old. Conrad smiled at the brunette who was stuffing the muffin in her mouth as the two mothers entered the room, gazing between Isabel and Alena, "You girls should get going. Oh, and everyone, stay out of the family room. I've done all your paintings and tonight after the ball, we'll have a big unveiling."

Laurel nodded in agreement, "Yeah, hurry, hurry."

Alena tilted her head in confusion, "You're not taking us?" The Conklin mother shook her head, "Nope. You are." she tossed the keys to the Elsher girl who quickly caught them.

"Thank you for entrusting me with your car, Laur."

Belly let out a laugh as she walked out of the kitchen, heading to the car as Lena finished what was left of her coffee before following after her friend.

Conrad lingered behind going after her as Lena turned raising a brow, "Yes?"

The boy reached, taking ahold of her hand as he pulled her closer to him, "Don't be nervous." Alena narrowed her eyes, "I'm not."

"You keep fumbling with her hands or playing with your necklaces."

Alena pursed her lips, "Shut up."

Conrad let out a gentle laugh, "If you need absolutely anything, please call me. I'll be there in a heartbeat."

Alena gave him a reassuring nod, "I will. I'll see you later." Conrad gazed down at her lips before leaning in to place a soft kiss to her lips. Lena pushed up on her feet, pressing her lips firmer to his before slowly pulling away, giving him a cheeky smile.

Conrad couldn't help but become entranced with the person before him, absolutely breathtaking. He pressed his lips to her forehead before stepping back, "Knock em' dead."

Alena nodded, "Bye." she turned, shuffling the keys in her grasp as she slid into the driver seat.

Belly fought her hardest to suppress a grin but, of course, Lena quickly caught on as she turned on the car, "Not a single word."

"Yes ma'am."

—

Alena walked behind Belly, holding her dress in it's covering as they walked into the green room. All the debutante's were the midst of getting ready, styling their hair, and doing their makeup.

Alena hung her dress on the rack as Shayla approached the two best friends, "Lena, Belly, you're both here."

Lena gave the girl a smile, "Come, I saved you two spots." Alena blinked as Shayla lead her to the vanity beside Nicole. Alena took a seat, pressing her lips into a firm line as Shayla glanced between them, "You guys should really talk."

Alena gazed down at her joined hands, how was she supposed to start the conversation off? Millions of responses flooded through her mind as she turned towards the girl, "Nicole, I really am sorry."

Nicole finished off her eyeshadow as she looked over at the Elsher girl, "About what? Conrad? I'm over it. I'm here with somebody else."

"I didn't mean to be part of reason you guys didn't... y'know."

Nicole let out a sigh, "It's fine. I should have known better from the looks I would constantly see him giving you." Alena pursed her lips, "I'm so incredibly sorry."

Nicole shook her head, "Don't stress on it. We're good." Alena let out a relieved sigh as she smiled, nodding in agreement.

Lena turned towards the mirror, swallowing nervously as she gazed at herself. How wrong could this night go?

—

Alena applied the final coat of mascara as she patted out her lip color with the pad of her finger, her eyes roaming over her look. Her hair had been styled in a fluffed braid with tiny pearls decorating the braid.

The Elsher girl gazed down at her dress, it was absolutely perfect. She gazed back up giving herself a firm nod, she felt pretty. For once, she didn't feel self conscious about anything, so for the small moment she admired herself.

Alena shut her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath through her nose before exhaling through her mouth. She opened her eyes once more, watching as the other girls began to grab their bouquet of roses before leaving the room.

Alena watched Belly glance back at her, roses in hand as she awaited her friend. The seventeen year old stood from her chair, going over to pick up her flowers as the two friends smiled at each other, "We got this."

Alena nodded in reassurance as the duo walked to the back stage, getting in line as they were about to be introduced.

Belly practiced saying prune as Gigi readied herself, "Gigi Boucheron, daughter of Richard and Cecily Boucheron. Gigi is a student at Northfield Prep School. She's ranked at the state level in singles tennis and is a talented vocalist. She raised $4,000 for North Children's Hospital."

Belly was next and Alena watched Jeremiah gaze at his date up and down as a smile settled onto his lips, "Isabel Conklin, daughter of John Conklin and Laurel Park. A student at Chesterbrook High School where she is captain of the varsity volleyball team. Isabel is also an avid swimmer, and this summer raised $5,000 for the county women's shelter."

Alena took another deep breath as her eyes landed on Conrad, who in awe of the young girl. Lena bit back a laugh before her name was called, "Alena Elsher, daughter of George and Meera Elsher. A student at Grandview Heights High School where she was ranked state level in pottery making and is captain of the varsity volleyball team. Alena raised $6,000 for the county woman's shelter."

Alena met with Conrad at the center, linking arms with him as he gazed down at her, "You look absolutely stunning."

Lena pursed her lips as she fought a smile, "And you look handsome."

Conrad and Lena stepped into the light, smiling as she gazed around the room, but everything came to a stop, breath catching her throat, drowning out all noise as she caught sight of her father sitting at the table near theirs, with her mother beside him.

Alena swallowed a lump in her throat as she remembered people were watching, she mustered up a half smile before the descended down the steps. Conrad gave the girl a worried look, "What's wrong?"

Alena shook her head as they began to approach their table, Conrad let go of the girls arm as she hesitantly approached her parents.

Meera stared at her daughter in amazement, "Honey, you look absolutely beautiful." Alena gave her mother a small smile, "Thanks mom."

Meera stood from her seat as she engulfed the girl in a hug, Alena held her mother tightly, fighting the urge to cry as she blinked quickly while looking up.

Meera pulled back, tears brimming her eyes as she smiled, "This dress was made for you."

Alena paused for a moment before looking over at her father who looked distant as he sat in his seat, looking unbothered.

"Hey, dad."

George gazed at his only child, "I never expected you to take up this kind of thing." Alena began to fumble with her hands as she whispered out, "I know, but I thought it could be fun and there's no harm in trying new—"

"It's pointless."

Alena's lower lip began to tremble upon hearing his harsh tone, she nodded, not speaking anymore to refrain from angering him more than he already was. Meera sent the brunette a comforting smile as Alena slipped back into Conrad's side, giving her tables a curtsy before straightening up once more.

"Len, are you okay?"

Alena pressed her lips into a firm line, "How are my parents here?" Conrad furrowed his brows at the question, "My mom told them to come, in hopes to make it a small surprise for you?"

"But my dad too?"

"Meer said he insisted on tagging along."

Alena let out a soft scoff, "Of fucking course."

"A student at Nightingale-Bamford and an avid equestrian and emerging fashion influencer. Shayla raised $8,000 for Heart of Dinner, which delivers food to the elderly East Asian community in New York City."

Before Conrad could speak, Laurel getting up from her seat abruptly cut him off. The mother excused herself before rushing out of the ballroom.

Belly looked over at her mothers fading figure, "Where is she going?"

Alena grit her teeth as she refused to allow herself to fall into one of her moods. The debutante's took a seat and Conrad let out of Alena's arm catching her attention.

"Where are you going?"

Conrad pointed to the group of escorts, "To dance."

Alena mentally slapped herself at her own foolishness, "Right, I forgot." the girl turned to sit beside her mother.

Alena watched her father for a moment, "Can you try and act like you're happy to be here at least?"

George narrowed his eyes, "Watch the tone. I'm here because you're mother wanted to come."

Alena clenched her jaw before focusing her attention back to the dance floor. Where all the boys were lining up just as Jeremiah slide into his spot.

Lena caught sight of Conrad and smiled seeing him shuffle nervously before getting into position as the music began to play.

"And now introducing this year's debutante escorts."

Alena clasped her hands together as the choreography began to take place, the escorts sliding from one place to another.

Lena let out a hearty laugh upon seeing Conrad put his all into the dance, Jere and Steven were laughing the whole way as the debutante's cheered them on.

Steven suddenly slid into the floor and Lena snickered in amusement, watching Belly rally Jeremiah on.

Conrad would occasionally spare the girl a glance as he did so, smiling at her as he spun on his heel. Alena held an endearing gaze as she watched him, looking to see the escorts pile back, Jeremiah and Steven laying on the floor on their sides as Conrad stood beside them.

Alena began to clap as cheers echoed through the ballroom. Lena couldn't stop the smile that spread on her lips as Conrad kept his eyes on her.

Meera glanced between the two teens as a knowing glint flashed through her gaze. She had been right all along.

Alena stood from her seat as Conrad made his way over to her, "I am never doing that again." Lena let out a soft laugh, "Too bad, you killed those moves."

Conrad placed a gentle hand on the small part of the girls back before gesturing over to her parents. Alena mustered up a smile as she nodded, the two turned, walking over to the Elsher parents.

"Meer, Mr. Elsher."

Alena watched her father give the a boy a half smile, "Conrad, how are you doing?"

"Good sir, happy to be the one escorting your daughter tonight."

George merely nodded as Meera chimed in, "You two look absolutely perfect together."

Lena watched her father keep his expression blank, the brunette attempted to not let her disappoint shine through. Not even for a night that was supposed to memorable could he put on a good face.

Alena licked her tainted lips before gazing down at her hands, "Should have stayed home." the muttered under her breath before turning on her heel, walking out of the ball room as she entered the main hall.

Conrad rushed after the girl, his steps faltering as he watched her close her eyes, clasping her hands tightly together.

"Lennie."

The brunette swallowed a lump in her throat before blinking a few times, placing a neutral smile on her lips as she glanced back at him, "Yeah?"

"What's wrong?"

Alena let out a soft sigh, "Nothing, I'm just— really anxious about the waltz." Conrad pursed his lips, giving the girl a look, "Len, if something's going on—"

"It's nothing, Connie. I'm serious, the dance has me nervous. What if I trip and make a fool of myself." Alena wasn't lying entirely, she was anxious about screwing up her steps, but that wasn't the entire reason.

Conrad's gaze softened as she stood before, taking ahold of her hands as he locked gazes with her, "I won't let you fall. I'll be right by your side through it all. Plus, you know how to waltz."

Alena squeezed the boys hands before firmly nodding, "You're right." Conrad took a step to the side, holding his arm out, "The dance is about to begin."

Lena linked arms with the oldest Fisher as the two reentered the ball room. Watching as all the debutante's and escorts took their place on the dance floor.

Alena knitted her brows together in confusion upon seeing young Belly dart her eyes around as Jeremiah was nowhere to be seen. Isabel's eyes landed on Conrad and Lena and she approached the two, "Have you guys seen Jeremiah?"

Lena pursed her lips, "Uh, no. He's not here?"

"He was just a second ago."

Belly glanced around as her nerves began to get the best of her, "What do I do?"  Alena glanced around the ballroom, peering over at a young boy who looked around Isabel's age. The brunette approached the boy, "Do you know how to waltz?"

The sixteen year old blinked at the question, "Uh, yeah?"

Lena smiled, "Great, could you do me a favor and dance with my friend over there, her escort kinda disappeared." The dark haired male nodded as he stood from his chair as he joined Belly's side.

Alena smiled before turning towards her own escort, "Shall we?"

"We shall."

The two got into their places, Conrad stealing a glance at her before looking to the front once more. The music began and Alena turned to look at her date, feeling herself get entranced as she watched the waltz begin.

Conrad turned on his heel, stopping as his eyes met the chestnut ones he always lost himself in, extending out his hand as Alena spun, planting her feet on the floor once more as she delicately placed her hand in his. Their gazes never broke as Lena did a small curtsy before Conrad pulled her in, placing his hand on her waist as they both twirled together.

A small smile lingered on Alena's lips as she couldn't find it in herself to tear her eyes away from his, the pair in a trance as they watched each other.

Conrad pulled the girl in, their other free hands going up as they hovered before each other before raising his left hand in the air for Lena to turn under. Alena extended out her arm before taking a step forward to press her gloved hand to his once more.

Conrad pursed her lips, feeling himself bubble up indescribable joy. Ever since he had been teaching her to waltz when they were kids, he hoped he had been able the honor to be her official escort, and there he was, living the dream he never imagined would have become a reality.

Alena placed her hand on his shoulder as his went to her waist, the pair taking their learned steps as they waltzed. An endearing glint shone in Lena's eyes, this small moment, this one dance, how she wished she could stay in it forever. There, in his arms.

Conrad raised his hand as Lena twirled under, looking up at the boys emerald eyes as they had their arms intertwined. The oldest Fisher boy unwrapped his arm from her as they extended their bodies outwards.

Conrad spun the girl once more, Lena taking a step forward as Conrad begun to get down on one knee. Feeling as if his heart was about to burst as Lena walked around his kneeled self, with her hand still in his.

Conrad gazed at her as he stood on his own two feet once more slipping an arm around the brunette's waist as he held her, slowly beginning to dip her as the music came to an end.

Conrad lifted the girl once more and Alena searched his eyes, tightly holding onto his hands as her tainted lips parted in exhilaration as the boy whispered out in a hoarse tone, "I think I messed up some of the steps."

Lena reached up, caressing the boys cheek as she gazed lovingly into his eyes, "You did amazing."

Conrad swallowed thickly as he nodded, "I'm— I'm glad it was me."

A smile broke out onto the girls lips as she rested her forehead on his, "Thank you for making this night worth it."

"Hey, Jeremiah, where were you?"

The two broke apart as they turned to see Belly gazing at Jeremiah who approached his brother and best friend, "Conrad, we need to talk, all right?" Confusion flickered through Conrad's eyes as his younger brother continued, "It's important. It's about Mom. I found something out."

Conrad's lips parted in realization, he glanced around before setting his gaze back on Jere, "Um, yeah. We'll-we'll talk about this later, okay?"

Jeremiah shook his head, "No, it's important."

Alena furrowed her brows together in confusion as she watched the brothers. Conrad placed his hand on Jeremiah's chest, giving him a look, "It's okay."

Jere looked down at his brothers hand before darting his eyes back up, breathing heavily as he narrowed his gaze, "You already know, don't you?"

Alena tilted her head as she watched Conrad stay utterly silent. Jeremiah let out a harsh scoff, "You've known this whole fucking time and didn't tell me?"

"Jere—"

Before Conrad could continue, Jeremiah threw a punch at the boys jaw before tackling him to the ground. Alena let out a surprised gasp as everyone moved backwards.

Conrad attempted to throw his brother off but he was blinded by anger at the moment.

Meera stood abruptly in worry for the two as Susannah was quick to interfere in the situation, "Stop it. Both of you, stop it."

Conrad managed to throw Jere off of himself before standing back up as Lena held his arm to steady him. Jeremiah fix his suit before turning to face his mother who looked infuriated with her sons, "What is going on?"

Conrad audibly swallowed as he softly spoke, "We know, mom."

"We both know."

Alena knitted her brows together before questioning, "Know what?"

—

Alena stifled back a sob as she sat on the lawn chair in the backyard of the Fisher beach house, gazing down at her heels as Meera watched her.

Meera couldn't help the tears that streamed down her own cheeks, feeling her heart break for her daughter who silently cried into her hands, "How could I have been so stupid? I didn't even notice."

"That's how she wanted it, sweetheart."

Alena harshly ripped her silk gloves off as she threw them onto the chair across from her, "How long have you known?"

Meera tightly pursed her lips, "A little before summer had begun."

"She's gonna get better though, right mom?"

Meera stayed completely silent. Alena began to pant as she watched her mother, "Mom?"

"No, honey."

Lena closed her eyes, feeling fresh tears roll down her cheeks as she muttered out, "You couldn't even spend her last summer with her."

Meera's lower lip began to tremble as she shook her head, "No, I couldn't." Alena felt uncontrolled hatred begin to bubble up within her, "All because of that man who feels the need to control every aspect of our life. What kind of a person does that make him?"

Meera wiped her tears away, "Lena, there's no need—"

"Did he know Susannah had cancer when you told him you wanted to stay the summer here?"

Alena gaped at her mother who, once again, fell utterly silent.

"You're joking. He knew? He knew and he still kept you from coming?"

"You know how your father is, he—"

Alena was quick to cut her mother off, "Mom, I love you, but please, I am begging you. Stop excusing him for his obsessive and abusive behavior. You don't deserve this. Susannah is your friend."

Meera struggled to contain her sobs as she clasped her trembling hands. The Elsher mother took a deep breath, her one wish was to be there for Susannah and yet even that she couldn't do. She resented herself for it.

Alena wiped her tears as she let out a sniffle, looking up to see her father step into the backyard. Lena grit her teeth before abruptly standing, dusting off her dress as she stormed past the male and into the house.

Alena treaded carefully up the stairs before shutting her door as she slipped off her gown, reaching for a pair of joggers with her hello kitty shirt that Conrad had also given her.

A small knock was heard at her door and Lena turned before turning the knob, looking up to see Conrad's teary eyes. Alena felt a frown pull at her lips as she made way for him to enter.

Conrad slipped off his bow tie before gazing at her, "I—"

Alena swallowed a lump in her throat as she held her arms out for him, the boy spent no time engulfing her, placing his head in the crook of her neck as Lena held him.

"I'm so sorry."

Conrad's grip on her tightened as he fought back tears, "I hate this."

Alena took ahold of his hands as the boy pulled back, eyes red and lips parted. Lena searched his expression, "You knew this entire summer, didn't you?"

Conrad's lower lip began to tremble as he weakly nodded, "Yeah." Alena pressed her lips into a firm line, "And you kept it in all by yourself. I'm so sorry you had do this alone."

Conrad shrugged, "I didn't want to ruin anyone's summer." Alena shook her head, "I wish you would have told me so you wouldn't have had to do this alone."

"I almost did a couple of times. I'm sorry for being so shitty this summer."

Alena narrowed her eyes at him, "You have nothing to apologize for. Absolutely nothing." Conrad reached up, taking ahold of the girls face in his hands, "I don't deserve you."

Alena pursed her lips, "You deserve more."

"Don't say that."

Alena couldn't help the small smile that caressed her lips. Conrad leaned down, sweetly kissing her as Lena's hands gripped his coat. The oldest Fisher held her for a moment longer before pulling back.

"All right, everybody down here. We still have to eat."

Alena softly chuckled, "That's our call." Conrad smiled brightly before slipping his hand into hers as he opened the door for them.

The two teens went back downstairs and Alena watched Meera hold a sympathetic gaze for her daughter, "Mom? What's up?"

Meera gestured towards the front door, "You're father wants to speak with you."

Alena felt her heart drop upon hearing such a sentence, one that always made her question every little thing she had ever down. Nerves spiked, she swallowed thickly, hoping her reaction hadn't been obvious as she nodded, "Okay."

Conrad gazed down at the girl who let go of his hand, "I'll join you in a bit."

The boy seemed hesitant to comply but agreed nonetheless, watching the brunette walk out the front door.

Alena fumbled with her hands anxiously as she approached her father who was by their parked car.

"Hey, dad." the brunette hesitantly sputtered out. The male turned, having a stern expression as he spoke, "Go and get your things packed."

"What?"

"You're coming back with your mother and I."

Alena couldn't believe what she was hearing, she blinked before replying, "But, the summer hasn't ended."

George gave his daughter a look, "It doesn't matter, you've spent enough time here."

"But—"

"And you're going to cut off whatever the hell it is you have going on with Conrad."

Panic racked through Lena as gazed up at her father, "What?" the girls voice was so small, so vulnerable, that she hadn't even recognized it as her own.

"You know the strict rules I have about you dating, I let you spend the summer here and you blossom up a romance? Absolutely not, break it off."

Alena clenched her hands into tight fists as she attempted to fight off her rising anger, "Are you kidding me? Dad, this absurd."

George narrowed his eyes at the young girl, "Watch it, Alena. I don't care what you think, I am giving you an order. I can easily forbid you from seeing this family friends of yours for good if you don't do it."

Alena gaped at her father in utter shock at the threat he had just placed against her, "You wouldn't."

"Don't push me to that extent then."

Alena's lower lip began to tremble as she breathed heavily, "Please, please don't make me do this."

George crossed his arms over his chest, "I won't be as nice if you make me repeat myself."

Alena's shoulders slumped in defeat, she looked down at the ground feeling tears begin to sting her eyes as clenched her trembling hands.

Her summer had come to an end.

—

Alena angrily shoved her clothes back into her suitcase as tears rolled down her cheeks, she choked back a sob as she collapsed on the ground. Lena shut her eyes as she rested her head on the edge of her bed, "What did I do to deserve this?" she weakly whispered to herself.

She always did what was asked of her, did everything to meet her fathers expectations. Yet, it was never enough.

Alena harshly wiped away her tears before taking deep breath's, she swallowed thickly before continuing to pack her bags. Her eyes landing on the small hello kitty mini figure, a sad smile spread across her lips before she grabbed her jewelry box, filling it up with her rings, necklaces and bracelets before placing it in her suitcase.

Lena moved to grab the last of her clothes as the door creaked open, she turned to see Conrad leaning against the door way whilst gazing at her, "I wish you could stay."

Alena felt herself grow vulnerable merely looking at him, knowing what she had to do. The brunette cleared her throat, maintaining an unbothered expression, "Summer's coming to an end either way."

Conrad watched the girl move around her room as she continued packing, Alena packed the last of her belongings before zipping up her suitcase.

Conrad leaned off the doorframe as he lifted the suitcase from her bed back onto the floor. Alena mustered up a half smile, "Thanks."

Conrad reached for the brunette's hand and Lena moved away from his reach, clearing her throat, "I should, go."

Conrad furrowed his brows at her drastic change in mood, "I was thinking I could go down to Ohio just before school—"

"That won't be necessary."

The Fisher boy had confusion written all over his expression as he blinked, "What— what do you mean?" Alena did her best to keep a nonchalant front as she spoke, "I mean, we've never really seen each other out of summer so."

"Yeah but, I thought since we're, y'know..."

Alena hated herself for what she was about to say, "We're just friends so it's not like we have to do anything like that." Conrad's lips parted as the girls words echoed through his mind, "Friends?"

"Yeah, wasn't this just a little summer fling?"

Conrad took a step backwards as he held a hurt glint in eyes, "But, I thought—"

Alena stuffed her hands into her sweater, "I'm sorry for giving you the wrong impression then."

The boy looked down at his feet in disbelief at what he was hearing, did she really mean what she was saying?

Alena officially despised herself as she watched Conrad look completely torn. All she had ever wanted was him, but when did she ever get what she wanted?

"My parents are waiting for me." Alena slung her backpack over her shoulder before grabbing her suitcase. Conrad meekly nodded as he took a few steps back, "Have a safe trip."

Alena couldn't even bring herself to meet his eyes as she shoved down a cry, "I'll see you around, Connie."

Alena rushed out of her room and treaded down the stairs swallowing her tears as the others stood by the door, waiting for young Lena.

Jeremiah frowned as he pulled his best friend into a hug, "I was really hoping you would've joined us for fishing."

Alena patted the boys back, "Maybe next time, Jere."

Belly and Steven both pulled the brunette in, holding her tightly, "We're gonna miss you for this last week."

"I'll miss you more."

Belly gave the girl a bright smile as Lena looked over at Laurel who engulfing the brunette, "Thank you for your company this summer."

Alena mustered up a smile before turning to glance at Susannah, "Thank you for having me." The Fisher mother waved her off as she embraced the teen, "You are always welcome here, Len. This is just as much of your home."

Alena felt a single tear roll down her cheek, "Please get better, Sus. We need you."

"I'll try my best, honey."

Conrad stood on the steps, watching his mother and the girl he had fallen deeply for embrace. Something was off with the way Alena was acting, had she really changed her mind about everything so suddenly?

Alena pulled away, taking ahold of her suitcase as she gazed over her friends, her gaze landing on Conrad, staying there for a moment before clearing her throat as she turned, opening the front door and stepping outside.

She watched her parents await in the car and the brunette opened the trunk as she placed her suitcase in, Alena opened the back car door, stopping for a moment before gazing back at the family beach house.

Tears welled up in her eyes once again and she forced herself into the vehicle as she shut the door.

Alena clasped her hands tightly together as they pulled out of the driveway and the brunette didn't dare look back, knowing if she did she'd lose control of her emotions.

The Elster girl slipped her wired earbuds on before playing her music, drowning out all other sounds as she gazed down at her hands.

Why did life have to be so unfair? No matter how much she tried to think positively, hope for a better outcome, in the end all she encountered was disappointment.

How had living become such a burden? She balled her hands into fists before mentally scoffing, she should have seen this coming.

For all good things always come to an end.

end of season one

AUTHORS NOTE, dont hate me too much for this. but on another note thank you to everyone who read this book and i truly hope you all enjoyed. im kinda sad i no longer have to write for alena but im excited for when season two comes out and i promise everything will work out. thank you for all the votes and comments i really wish wattpad had a liking option but its okay. until season two xx