❝ volleyball and confessions ❞

—

ALENA TREADED DOWN the stairs, tightening her ponytail as she moved to grab her Lilo and Stitch mug, moving to the coffee machine, needing caffeine.

The girl took a deep breath, she was good at volleyball, she knew she was, but that still didn't stop her nerves from stressing her out.

She had her yellow top that held the letters, TEAM LENA, on it.

The girl sipped her drink as Conrad strutted into the kitchen, wearing a matching shirt. Alena mustered up a half smile for him, "Still surprised you agreed to team with me."

Conrad gave the brunette a look, "Well, why not? Feeling good?"

Lena let out a laugh, "Far from it." Conrad tilted his head, "C'mon, Lennie. You're great at volleyball. I know you know that."

"Yeah, but—"

Conrad shook his head, "No excuses, we're gonna win. Trust yourself." Alena took a deep breath before mustering up a smile as she nodded.

Conrad gazed at the girl who was gazing into her coffee cup, the oldest Fisher son licked his lips, "I'm sorry."

Alena raised a questioning brow, "For telling me to trust myself?" Conrad let out a chuckle, "No, for being a jerk the other day and pretending like I don't remember when I remember everything. I just keep replaying it over and over again in my head."

Lena pursed her lips, "Yeah I mean, it's not like you didn't even look at me for a whole day."

Conrad held an apologetic glint in his eyes, "I don't want you thinking I-I'm just using you or anything, especially not for a hook up. I promise."

Alena pressed her lips into a firm line as she shuffled on her feet, "Um, I don't know what you want me to say."

Conrad nodded in understanding, "I know. It's too little, too late. I get it."

Alena gazed down at her sneakers as she chewed on her lower lip. The boy watched her for a moment, mustering up all the courage he had before speaking, "Um... Can I take you to the ball?"

The brunette's eyes widened in surprise as she looked up at him, lips parted as she whispered out, "What?"

Conrad let out a nervous laugh, "I mean, I already know all the dances. It's no problem."

Alena blinked as she kept her eyes locked on him, "I—" the doorbell suddenly rang and Belly was running down the stairs to open it,

Lena glanced back before looking back up at the boy who was awaiting an answer, "I'll think about it."

Taylor's laughter echoed through the house and Alena took a deep breath, "Let's focus on the tournament for right now."

Conrad nodded, smiling widely at her, "Of course."

Alena felt her cellphone vibrate, she pulled out the device seeing an incoming call from her mother, she walked to the backyard as she answered the call.

"Hey mom."

"Sweetheart, how're you feeling?"

Alena suppressed a small smile as she shrugged, "Good, about to leave for my tournament."

"I know you're gonna do great, I'm here at the post office to send you your debutante dress."

Alena let out a breathy laugh, "What?"

The young girl could hear her mother laughing softly, "It's the one I wore when my mother made me become a debutante. I know it'll look beautiful on you. I already told Laur and Susannah to take pictures for me."

Lena looked up at the sky, "Thank you, mom."

"Oh, it's the least I could do. Call me after the tournament, I wanna hear all about it."

The seventeen year old girl nodded as she spoke into the phone, "I will, mom. I love you."

"I love you more, have fun."

Alena slipped her phone back into her pocket as a smile lingered on her lips, she was determined to make this day worth it.

—

A cool breeze flew by, the beach was crowded as teams were readying themselves. Alena was standing beside Taylor and Belly, "No hard feelings when I win, right?"

Isabel let out a laugh, "You mean when we win."

Alena smirked at the two younger girls, "We'll see." Taylor crossed her arms over her chest, "I have to say, confidence looks good on you, Lena."

The Elsher girl rolled her eyes as Susannah stood on the steps, beginning to speak up, "Good afternoon. I'm Susannah Fisher." Scattered cheers rippled through the group of people as the mother continued, "chair of the club's community service board, and I am delighted to welcome you to Play It Forward!"

"You know, as my mother used to say, if you're lucky enough to be at the beach, you're lucky enough. And we are very fortunate indeed."

Conrad slipped into Alena's side, smiling down at her, "Hey." Lena looked up, eyes brightening up at the sight of him, "Hi."

Susannah gazed over the crowd, "Which is why, in the spirit of fun and friendly competition, it is time to open our hearts and our wallets and give back to those who may not be as fortunate. We have teams raising money for homelessness, women's shelters, environmental causes and many more. And Play It Forward will match pledges for the winner of the tournament!"

The mother gestured over to the tables, "Pledge tables still open, so please donate generously. And with that, I say let the games begin."

Alena turned towards Conrad, "We got this." The boy gave her a reassuring nod, "When have we ever lost a volleyball match together?"

Belly narrowed her eyes at the trophy, "That trophy is going to be mine."

Alena gave her friend a smile, "Not today, Bels." Conrad handed Lena a water bottle, "Hydrate, you're gonna need it."

—

Alena gazed at the net before her looking over at Conrad who was stretching his arms, Lena closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Trust yourself, she repeated in her mind.

Conrad watched the girl, dusting off his hands as he approached her. The boy gently took ahold of her forearm, catching her attention as she gazed into his eyes. Conrad raised his brows before speaking, "You got this, Len. Your spikes are lethal and you know that."

"And setting."

A smile broke out on Conrad's lips, "There you go. We're a team." Alena held her hand on, the boy gazed down, reaching out his own hand as the two did the handshake they had created when they were ten.

Alena watched Conrad take a few steps back, getting into position as Lena struggled to wipe away her smile.

Alena twirled the volleyball in her grasp as she stood just by the line, eyeing the net as she exhaled slowly. The girl tossed the ball up, jumping into an arch as she slammed the palm of her hand on the ball, watching with a small as it collided on the sand at the other side.

One point for them.

Conrad smiled widely, "All right, Lennie."

Alena kept her eyes on the ball, diving as the other team spiked, sending the ball into the air as Conrad spiked it.

Lena slide onto the sand, hitting her wrist upwards as she saved the ball for Conrad who made them another point.

The boy let out a laugh as he turned, holding his hand out for Lena who grabbed it, hoisting herself out as she smiled at him, "Nice!"

"Good receive."

Jeremiah clapped loudly as he cheered on his best friend, Susannah watching Conrad and Lena with an endearing smile. Her boy looked like himself again, she had Alena to thank for that.

"Let's go!"

Alena panted as she clutched the ball, eyes narrowed and concentration set, the girl tossed the ball, jumping as she served the ball, aiming for the top of the next, smiling brightly as the ball rolled over, hitting the other side before any of the rivaling players could catch it.

Conrad gave a girl an astonished look, "Since when could you serve like that?"

Alena shrugged a playful smile caressed her lips, "Practice." Lena watched the other team spike the ball, crouching down as she received the ball with her wrists, aiming it perfectly to where Conrad was placed so he made did a setter dump move.

Alena clapped, "Nice move!"

The referee sounded his whistle, Team Lena had won.

Conrad picked the girl up as he hugged her, the Elsher girl let out a shriek as she had not expected it. The boy set her down as he smiled down at her, "We're gonna win."

"You bet your ass we're gonna win this."

Alena retreated back into the corner as Conrad gave her once last gaze before focusing on the team before them.

They set the ball first and Conrad was quick to hit the ball back up in air as Alena jumped, slamming the ball into the corner as no one was guarding there.

Alena spread her arms out as a grin was plastered on her lips, Conrad clapped as he gazed at her admiringly, "Nice!"

Conrad twirled the ball before flinging the ball up and into the air, setting it to Lena who was already arched in the air as she slammed it diagonal to the right player.

Alena planted her feet back on the ground as turned towards Conrad, another game won by them.

Conrad intently gazed at the brunette as Belly and Jeremiah headed onto the opposing side of the net.

Lena tilted her head in confusion, "Jere? What happened to Taylor." Belly fixed her pony tail as she spoke, "She hurt her ankle."

Conrad grinned at his brother, "Don't cry when you lose."

"Tell that to yourself."

Belly turned towards Jeremiah, looking into his eyes, "Keep your eyes on Lena when she spikes, she looks at her target before hitting the ball."

Jere gave the girl a firm nod, "You got it, Bels."

Belly let out a heavy breath as she tossed the ball, serving it as Alena was quick to receive the ball with her wrists, sending it upwards as Conrad spiked it so it landed between Isabel and Jeremiah.

Alena placed her hand on Conrad's back and the boy turned to gaze down at her, "Belly's watching our eyes."

Conrad thought for a moment, "Then, unpredictable we become."

Alena smiled as she nodded, "Let's do this."

The duo got back into position, Lena was now serving as she looked for an opening. The brunette pursed her lips, she threw the ball up and everything else happened in a flash. Alena slammed her hand on the ball, falling back to the ground as the ball landed at the furthest corner.

Lena let out a relieved sigh as she smiled, Conrad let out a chuckle, "Going for the riskier serves, huh?"

"All or nothing, no?"

Conrad nodded, "All or nothing."

Jeremiah served the next set and Conrad dived, hitting the ball with his wrist as it flew back into the air as Alena leaped, spiking it down to get them another point.

Belly spun the ball in her hands before setting it to Jere, who served it but Alena reacted quickly, throwing herself to the side as she saved the ball from hitting the sand as Conrad gained a point.

The referee blew the whistle as Alena pulled herself up from the ground, the brunette let out a breathless laugh as Conrad beamed at her, scooping her into his arms as he tightly held her.

Alena let out a shriek before wrapping her arms around the boy, relishing in his touch and comfort. Conrad set Lena back down and he gazed at her, "We did it!"

Lena felt her cheeks begin to hurt from how hard she had been smiling, "Yeah, we did."

Susannah ran up to the due with a bright and cheery smile as she handed Alena the trophy, "And the winners are Alena Elsher and Conrad Fisher!"

Alena let out a hearty laugh as Conrad glanced down at her, feeling himself become entranced with her.

Susannah clasped her hands as she darted her eyes between them, "You guys were incredible. Oh, you make such a great team."

Alena nodded, "Just like old times." she looked up at the boy who was suppressing an even wider smile as Susannah spoke up, "Did you ask her yet?"

Conrad was quick to gaze at his mother as Alena tilted her head in confusion, "Ask me what?" Susannah gave her son a look before answering, "To be your escort. I told him he had to ask you since, you know, it was taking you so long to decide."

Alena's smile faltered as she took a few steps back, gazing over at Conrad who looked at loss for words, "Len—" but Alena was already walking away.

The girl let out a scoff, "Of course that's why he asked me."

Belly and Taylor approached the girl from behind, "Good game, Len." Alena turned as she merely nodded, Isabel looked taken back at her friends drastic mood change, "What happened?"

Before Alena could answer, someone called out, "Alena, Belly!"

The two friends turned to see Nicole walking up to them. Belly mustered up a smile, "Hey, Nicole." the girl gestured towards Taylor, "Uh, you remember my friend Taylor?"

"Yeah, hi." Nicole gazed between Alena and Belly, "So, my dad's boat just came up from Anguilla. Um, so what do you guys think about a pizza and rosé in a few hours? Just something fun to end the day." the girl looked at Taylor, "And you're more than welcome to come, too, Taylor."

"Will Kayla be there?" Taylor raised a curious as Nicole chuckled, "You mean Shayla. And, no, she has plans with Liam and all those people."

"Yeah, we'll be there."

—

"The jackass only asked you because his mom told him to?" Taylor gaped at Alena who nodded, "Pretty much."

"What a dick."

Belly pursed her lips as she thought, "I'm really sorry, Len." Alena let out a scoff as she shook her head, "I just feel stupid for believing for a small moment that maybe, just maybe, Conrad actually wanted me. At least enough to ask me to the ball."

"He missing out then." Taylor attempted to reassure the brunette as she sighed, "I should have known better."

Belly's lips parted in shock as she looked ahead of them, "Guys."

Alena and Taylor glanced up to see a huge yacht before them, with Nicole on it who waved as soon as she caught sight of them, "Hey!"

"Fuck me."

—

Alena adjusted in her seat as she was between Belly and Taylor with nine fingers up as they were playing a game.

"Put a finger down if you've ever made out with two people within 24 hours of each other."

Nicole and Taylor set a finger down and Lena shook her head in amusement. "Okay, put a finger down if you've ever used a stuffed animal to... you know." Marissa grinned.

Taylor set a finger down and Alena raised a brow. "His name was Harry Bear Styles."

Lena gave her friend a look, "You named it?"

All the girls let out a laugh as Taylor innocently shrugged, "Okay, put a finger down if you've ever had sеx."

Dara placed a finger down as Belly shuffled awkwardly, still having ten fingers up. Marissa eyes the youngest Conklin, "If you've ever been to third?"

Belly pressed her lips into a firm line as Alena glanced around, "Put a finger down if you've ever gone to second."

Alena gave Taylor a look and the girl spoke up, "Put a finger down if you've ever made out with Jeremiah Fisher."

Alena watched with wide eyes at Belly put a finger down, "What the fuck. When?" Isabel smiled nervously as all the girls seemed intrigued all of a sudden, "Wait. Belly, we want all the tea."

Belly sent Gigi a small smile, "Sorry Gigi."

The girl waved her off, "Oh it's fine."

Alena cleared her throat, waiting for her best friend to continue, "Um, I mean, there's not much to tell. He's-he's, like, my best friend."

Lena hid a knowing smile as Dara spoke up, "And when did it start?"

"Um, about a week ago. We kissed in the pool at our house."

Alena let out a relieved sigh, "Thank god I did not decide to take a midnight swim." Everyone let out a laugh as Nicole spoke, "Uh, put a finger down if you've ever been skinny-dipping."

Taylor and Alena put a finger down and the girl held a grin, "Put a finger down if you've ever gone skinny-dipping at Hopper's Cove."

"Is that a dare?"

"Oh, absolutely."

—

Alena sent a splash as Belly who let out a squeal before sending a bigger one to her best friend, "Belly, you won't win this fight."

Taylor let out a sigh as she gazed at Lena, "I'm surprised you agreed, Len." Nicole nodded in agreement as the Elsher girl shrugged, "Why not step out of my comfort zone sometimes?"

Gigi began to take her top off as she spoke up, "Hey, watch out for jellyfish. I do not want to have to pee on any of you guys."

Taylor swam backwards as she flexed her arms, "The other two girls missed out."

"I know. I figured Dara wouldn't, but Marissa?"

Gigi glanced down at a phone that had chimed, "Nicole, Conrad's texting you." Nicole began to swim toward the pier, "Okay, coming."

"This is so nice." Belly dunk her head in the water as Lena let out a sigh. "They all seem down with you and Jeremiah. Even Gigi, whose veins just about exploded when she heard."

Alena let out a laugh, "Team Jelly." Taylor let out a gasp as an idea popped into her mind, "Hashtag Team Jellyfish-er. Jellyfisher."

Belly shook her head in amusement, "Taylor, that is so dumb."

"Eh, I kinda like it."

Taylor turned to see a car pulling out as her smile immediately fell, "I knew they were bitches."

"What's wrong?" Lena furrowed her brow before looking over to see they had, indeed, been left by Nicole and Gigi, "You've gotta be fucking kidding me."

Alena and Taylor began to swim towards the pier, Lena grit her teeth in anger as Belly swam up beside them, "What happened?"

"They took our fucking clothes." Lena grounded out as Taylor looked down at a cellphone, "Except for your phone, Len."

Taylor touched the screen and let out a scoff, "Which has a really incriminating text from Conbad."

Alena knitted her brows together in confusion, "What does it say?"

"My mom did ask me to ask you to the ball, but that's not why I did it. I did it because I want to take you."

Lena's lips parted as she took a deep breath, "Oh my god." the girl couldn't help the twinge of happiness she felt from hearing that message.

"Len, concentrate."

Alena blinked a few times before nodding, "Right." Belly blew out a raspberry as she thought of something, "W-Well, wh-what do we do?"

"I mean, we cannot walk home naked." Taylor sternly spoke as Belly shrugged, "It could be worse."

Alena gave her friend an incredulous look, "What the hell could be worse than this, Bels."

Belly glanced around in hopes to find something, anything, that they could use to cover themselves up. Isabel's gaze landed on a large dirty cloth, "What about that?"

Alena's features scrunched up as she shook her head, "No, absolutely not."

"You got a better idea?"

—

Alena walked slowly as she was at the left side with Taylor in the middle and Belly on her other side, the girl clenched her jaw as she shivered, "I hate people."

"I knew those girls were shit." Taylor spat out as Belly grumbled, "Okay, enough. Okay, I get it. You were right."

Taylor kept glancing back, "Why can't we just call Jeremiah? We're gonna be, like, murdered."

"I agree with Taylor."

Belly shook her head, "No. Calling Jeremiah would be too much drama." Lena let out a scoff, "You act like I give a shit about that."

"I can't walk two more miles." Taylor complained as she clutched the fabric tighter. Alena shuffled closer as howls could be heard in the distance, "I'm never doing this shit again."

"No, but this is why Conrad's a disaster. Like, he's hot and mysterious. You know. I get it. I know. But everything he touches turns to total shit." Taylor glanced over at Alena who pursed her lips, staying silent.

Alena blinked a few times before reaching for her cellphone, "I'm calling Jere."

"Oh, thank god."

"Hey, Len."

Lena licked her lips before speaking, "Could you, uh, come get Belly, Taylor and I?"

"Where are you guys?"

"On a road, with no clothes and our only covering being a dirty cloth."

"What the hell?"

"Ask questions later, okay? I'll send you our location." Alena sighed out as Belly spoke up, "Please hurry."

"I'm taking this as a sign to never tread outside of my comfort ever again."

Alena hung up and her lower lip began to tremble as she began to feel cold, Taylor let out a heavy sigh before gazing up at the night sky, "Well, at least we have each other."

Belly smiled at her two best friends, "Always."

The trio took a few more small steps for the next few minutes until two cars pulled up, Jeremiah rushed out the car, concern evident in his expression, "Oh my god, are you guys okay?"

Conrad got out of his own car as he approached them, Taylor narrowed her eyes at him, "What are you doing here?"

Conrad held up the bag of clothes, "Nicole... she told me about, um..."

"I hope you told her to watch her back."

"Yeah." Conrad glanced over at Alena who did not meet his gaze as Belly gestured towards the fabric as Taylor grabbed the bag of clothes.

Conrad and Jeremiah seemed to have caught on as they held up the cloth, turning around to look away as the three girl began to change back into their clothes.

Alena slipped on her undergarments before putting her jean shorts back on before putting her tank top on.

"Lena, where?"

"I'll go with Conrad."

Belly and Taylor shared a look before nodding, "We'll go with Jere then."

Alena fixed her hair as the other two girls finished getting dress as the boys tossed the fabric back onto the side of the road.

Belly gave Alena a worried glance as she slipped into the passenger seat of Conrad's car. The oldest Fisher sat back in the driver seat, looking over to see Lena gazing down at her clasped hands.

"I'm sorry this happened to you."

Lena merely shrugged, "Whatever." Conrad turned towards the girl, a guilty glint in his eyes, "Lennie—"

"Just drive, Conrad."

The boy fell silent, turning back towards the front as he started up the car. The entire drive back was utterly quiet as Alena gazed out the window and Conrad spared a few looks towards her.

Eventually, they pulled up to the house. Conrad shut off the engine as he took a deep breath, Lena licked her lips before finally speaking, "I'll tell your mom I'll find someone to take me so I don't become a burden for you—"

Conrad's expression crumbled as he heard her speak, quickly cutting her off, "Len, no. I want to take you. It's—"

"Would you have asked me had your mom not interfered?"

Conrad looked taken back by the question, he mentally battled himself on how to answer. Alena let out a scoff as she took his silence as a response, "Night, Conrad."

Alena opened the car door as she stepped out, heading towards the house as Conrad exited his car just after.

"Alena, please."

The brunette stopped in her tracks, taking a deep breath as she turned on her heel gazing into the boys pleading gaze, "What?"

"I'm sorry. I feel like I keep doing the wrong thing when it comes to you."

Alena shook her head, "What do you want, Conrad? You're constantly giving me mixed signals and I really don't want to deal with that anymore. It's exhausting."

Conrad took a step forward, and another, and another until he was standing directly in front of Alena who hesitantly gazed up in his eyes, attempting to not show how much she enjoyed the hand he had placed on her forearm to hold her.

"You're right, I've been a mess and a shit show. You didn't deserve to deal with that, but I..." he began to softly speak, "I just don't want to lose you."

Alena pursed her lips tightly together, "How do I know you just pretend this never happened in the morning? Act like it meant nothing. I don't want to be someone you just have around for when you want some fun."

Conrad shook his head, placing one hand on her waist, "You are anything but that, Alena. I— I've just been scared to act on how I felt."

"Why?"

Conrad audibly swallowed as he watched her, "Because this is the one thing I don't want to fuck up." The boy pulled Lena closer to him, "I want to make things right and make this work."

Alena felt herself begin to bubble up with excitement, "What do you mean?"

"Can I please be your escort to the debutante ball?"

Lena couldn't stop the bright smile that spread across her lips as she nodded, "I'd like nothing more."

Conrad let out a relieved laugh as he cupped the girls face, leaning in as he pressed his lips against her soft ones.

Alena clutched the front of his flannel as happiness exploded in her mind. The boy relished in her warmth as Lena reached up, tangling her hands in his chestnut hair as he deepened the kiss.

Lena slid her hand down to his chest as they pulled back, slightly panting as they rested their foreheads together, "God, I've wanted to do that for so long." Conrad breathed out.

Alena let out a soft chuckle, "Took you long enough."

"Yeah, it did."

—

AUTHORS NOTE, no one come at me for what happens next chapter.