❝ birthday wishes ❞

-

ALENA SMACKED THE BACK of Jeremiah's head as the boy gaped at her, "What was that for?" Lena snatched her muffin back, "Don't take my food."

Lena took a seat beside Conrad as she sipped her iced coffee before biting into her muffin. The oldest Fisher spared the brunette a look before shifting his attention back to his half eaten cereal.

"Golden brown and crisp."

Alena gave Steven a look, "That's how it should be."

"Morning, everyone."

Lena turned to see Belly standing by the stairs and jumped out of her seat as she tackled the birthday girl, "Happy birthday, Bels."

Belly let a laugh as she tightened her grip on Alena, "Thank you, Len."

Susannah smiled brightly as Lena stepped back, allowing her to embrace the sixteen year old, "There's the birthday girl, looking like a vision in floral."

Jeremiah waddled over to Isabel, "Happy sweet 16, Bels." The girl rolled her eyes as Steven called out, "Now Belly Button's getting old finally. Happy birthday."

Conrad gave young Isabel a half smile, "Happy birthday, Belly."

"Thanks, everyone."

Laurel walked up to her daughter, holding her tightly, "Happy birthday, sweetheart." Belly gave her mother a smile, "Thanks, mom."

"Your Mickey Mouse pancakes are ready."

Belly awkwardly tucked her hair behind her ear, "Actually, I'm not really, uh, hungry." Laurel blinked as disappointment was evident on her features, "Oh."

Susannah glanced between the mother and daughter before speaking up, "Um, how about we open gifts?"

Belly clapped her hands enthusiastically as Alena smiled, holding a small gift bag in her grasp as they all moved to the living room. Conrad plopped himself onto the arm chair as Alena took a seat on the couch beside him.

Belly took a seat on the couch across from them as the others settled into place. Laurel had given her daughter her present first, Isabel began to unwrap the item, revealing a book.

"It's a first edition. I got it from a rare book dealer." Laurel smiled at Belly who gazed at the book, "Thanks, mom."

"Turn to the bookmarked page. It's your favorite poem."

Isabel did as her mother asked and smiled, "Oh yeah. I remember Susannah teaching us to recite this. 'For whatever we lose..."

Jeremiah smiled as he joined Belly, "Like a you or a me..."

Alena clasped her hands together as she quietly joined in, "It's always ourselves we find in the sea."

Soft laughter erupted through the living room as Belly sighed, "Thank you. I love it." Susannah leaned over handing the girl her wrapped present, "Okay, open mine now, Belly."

Isabel began to tear through the wrapping paper as she opened the velvet box, eyes widening as she saw the piece of jewelry, "Oh, wow."

"They're gorgeous. Thank you, Susannah."

Alena raised her chin to attempt to peek at what the girl had been given. Susannah moved next to Belly as she slipped the pearl necklace out to put it on her, "My mom gave me these pearls for my sweet 16. Radiant, isn't she?"

Laurel held an admiring gaze, "They look great on you, sweetheart." Alena nodded in agreement, "Real stunning."

Jere scooted closer to Belly, "Oh, I'm next." he handed the girl a green box, "Here." Belly opened the box, seeing a gold key charm placed inside. Isabel smiled as Jeremiah spoke, "It's a good-luck charm to help you pass your driving test."

Belly clipped it onto her bracelet, a smile gracing her lips, "It's perfect." Conrad stood from his seat to hand young Isabel his present. Belly took the item as the boy went back to his seat, the birthday girl.

Belly ripped open the present, letting out a laugh as she pulled out a spongebob graphic shirt. "Really?"

Conrad shrugged, "What? You used to love spongebob."

Belly rolled her eyes before setting the t-shirt aside, "Thank you, Conrad." Steven quickly chucked his gift, "Think fast, Belly."

Isabel quickly caught the present as Alena smacked Steven's arm. Belly opened the gift up and shook her head as she showed it off to the others, it was a Princeton crewneck. Belly pretended to be shocked as she spoke to her older brother, "Wow, Steven, I can't believe you actually spent money on me."

"I just didn't want you stealing mine next year when I get in." Steven grinned at his sister as Laurel turned to look at her son, "I didn't know you were still considering Princeton."

Alena pursed her lips as she glanced at the boy who nodded, "You know, I-I think I'm gonna apply for some scholarships, and Dad thinks I can get some financial aid. I-I don't know. I'll see if I get in."

Laurel looked taken back, "Okay, um-"

Alena stood from her seat as she was the last to give Belly a present, the brunette handed her the small bag. Isabel took out the red velvet box, opening it to reveal a gold chained anklet, Belly let out a gasp as she saw mini flowers decorating the chain, "Len, it's beautiful. Thank you."

Alena smiled at her friend as Conrad got up from the armchair, "Oh, so I got to go. Um, I promised Cleveland that I'd show him some knots today." He exited the room just as Jeremiah gazed at Belly, "Hey. Why don't we take my car and practice driving before we have to pick up Taylor from the bus station."

—

Alena shut the fridge as she pulled out her can of mango arizona, turning to be met with Taylor, Jeremiah, and Belly.

Taylor smiled upon seeing the brunette, "Hey Lena."

Alena rolled her eyes before giving the girl a hug, "Taylor, it's been awhile." The blonde pulled back, "We're about to head into the pool, you gonna join us?"

"I—"

"Please, Len." Belly pleaded her friend, Alena narrowed her eyes at the girl, "If it weren't your birthday, I would say no."

Isabel smiled as she flipped her hair, "But it is so, go change." Jeremiah let out a laugh as Alena flipped him off before treading up the stairs.

Taylor chuckled in amusement, "God I love Alena. She's like me, but more reserved."

—

Alena walked outside in her black two piece, earning herself an approving look from Taylor, "You look hot."

Alena scoffed before stepping into the pool, slipping between Taylor and Belly as she dunked her head in the water before pulling back up, pulling her wet hair back. Taylor smiled, "So, how's everything going with you and Conrad."

Alena blinked a few times, "Uh, what?"

Belly laughed as Taylor sighed, "Oh come on, it's not a secret you two have something going on. The tension between you two can always be seen in the air."

Alena narrowed her eyes, "I can assure you, there's nothing going on. I don't even like him."

"First stage; denial."

Alena sent a small splash to the girl, "Shut up." Taylor let out a laugh before glancing over at Jeremiah and Steven, "We know you're gossiping about us over there."

The boys turned, Belly's brother shouting back, "Yeah, you wish." Taylor gasped as an idea popped into her mind, "Let's play chicken."

"No." Alena held a dreadful gaze as the blonde smiled, "Yes."

Belly let out a groan, "I haven't played since I was twelve." Taylor gazed at the two boys then looked back at Alena, "You guys play, we only have two boys. I'll sit out."

Alena was quick to shake her head, "No, you go ahead Taylor, I can sit out." The blonde smiled sweetly, "Nope, partner up."

Lena let out a groan as she swam over to Steven, Jeremiah stood before Belly as the guys faced each other, "Let's take them down, Bel."

Alena narrowed her eyes at Jere as Steven spoke, "You're going down."

Taylor lingered by the edge of the pool, "You guys ready?"

"Undefeated. Undefeated."

"Let's go. Let's go."

Jeremiah and Steven both went down. Alena wobbly steadied herself as Steven balanced the girl on his shoulders, remerging from below the water.

Alena bit back a laugh as she and Belly smiled at each other, now in the air. "Steven, why the fuck are your shoulders so slippery." Alena struggled to stay upright as the oldest Conklin scoffed, "Do you ever stop complaining?"

Jere laughed at the two bickering, "Okay, let's start."

Alena held her hands out before her as Jeremiah and Belly began to approach. Lena pushed her hand against Isabel's, earning herself a shriek as the sixteen year old almost lost balance.

"Len?"

"What? I'm not gonna willingly lose either."

Steven took a step forward and Belly slightly pushed the brunette, Alena laughed as she held onto the girls hand before using a bit more force. To which Jeremiah and Belly went toppling back into the water.

Alena smiled brightly as Steven laughed, "Suckers."

Belly emerged from the water not long after Jere who was pouting, "I call a rematch."

Alena shook her head, "Absolutely not."

Conrad and Nicole suddenly entered the backyard, the oldest Fisher looked taken back upon seeing Lena in a two piece, perched upon Steven's shoulders as she had her hands in his hair.

Belly gazed back to see Conrad clenching his jaw as Nicole spoke up, "Happy birthday, Belly."

Alena pursed her lips, shuffling under Conrad's gaze as Nicole looked at her, "Are you guys playing chicken?'

Lena nodded as Belly answered, "Um, yeah. It was, it was Taylor's idea."

Taylor waved at the girl before greeting herself, "Hey, I'm Taylor."

"She's my best friend from home. Just visiting for the weekend."

Nicole glanced over the group, "Oh, cute."

"Len, you're getting heavy."

Alena pressed her lips into a firm line, "Steven, you drop me and I swear to god—"

Conrad slipped his hands into his pocket, watching Alena let out a shriek as Steven pushed her back into the pool, creating a huge splash.

Belly watched Conrad's expression with a knowing smile, "So, who wants to play a real game?"

Alena shoved herself back to surface, "I hate you all." Lena swam to the edge, pushing herself onto the firm ground before going over to lay in one of the lawn chairs as Conrad and Nicole moved to sit at the edge of the pool.

Jeremiah and Steven moved to get the volleyball net as they began to set it up, Taylor gazed over at Lena, "Belly told me about that guy that's interested in you, I'm sure he'd be on his knees if he saw you right now."

Alena ran a hand over her face as she let out a groan, "Can I not sit in peace for minute?"

"Not looking like that."

Lena got up from the chair, "Yup, I'm changing." the girl grabbed a towel from the chair, wrapping it around her waist as she walked back into the house.

—

Night had fallen and the dinner table was crowded as the two families along with Cam and Taylor gathered at the table.

Alena grabbed another crab as she was seat across from Conrad, next to Susannah and Taylor.

Jere gazed at Cam who seemed to be laughing with Belly about something, "So, Cam. You mind if I call you Cam Cameron?"

Cam let out a laugh before shaking his head, "Mm-hmm. Yeah, man. Feel free. That's funny." Susannah gazed at the boy, "I'm glad you're here, Cameron. I know your mom, Denise, from the club. I have heard a lot about you."

Cameron sheepishly smiled at the mother, "Thank you so much for having me, Susannah. My mom says hi."

Laurel began to pour a plate for the boy, "Cam, have you ever had miyeok-guk before? It's a Korean birthday tradition."

"No. Looks so good. Thank you."

The Conklin mother placed the plate before Cam as she spoke, "Belly told me you're vegetarian, so I didn't put any meat in it." The boy held a grateful glint in his gaze, "Thank you, Laurel. Oh, geez."

Alena took a sip of her water as Jere chimed into the conversation, "Why don't you eat meat, Cam Cameron?"

"Uh, the meat industry is, like, the number one contributor to global warming. Mm. And I just, I like animals."

Alena glanced at Taylor who laughed, "Just don't come for my leather jacket."

"I'm pretty sure you mean pleather." Steven added with an amused smile. Taylor flipped the boy off as Alena leaned back in her seat.

Jeremiah gazed down at his plate, "You know, uh, actually, Belly eats meat. So, you let her kiss you with those lips?"

Alena snapped her attention over to her best friend, "Jere." the youngest Fisher looked over at her, "What? It's just a question."

"No, I don't judge people for eating meat. It's just, like, a personal choice. I don't care."

Jeremiah hummed, "So you don't mind if, uh, like, her lips touch a dead animal, and then those dead animal lips touch your lips, right?" Belly was quick to kick Jere from under the table, "Ow."

Cam pursed his lips in amusement before shaking his head, "I don't mind at all." the boy turned towards Belly, his eyes dropping to her lips, "Um, in fact." he leaned in, giving her a peck on the lips.

Alena looked away, pushing her plate away as Jeremiah and Steven dramatically pretended to gag. Laurel attempted to settle the boy down, "All right, all right. Belly's allowed to kiss, but that's it."

Belly groaned as she ran a hand over her face, "Mom, please. No. You're so not funny. No more wine for you, okay?"

Alena looked up from the table to see Conrad gazing at her, the Elsher girl blinked in confusion before moving her attention over to Steven who began speaking, "I'm sorry. I just don't understand why anybody would want to kiss somebody who once fully shat in the bathtub."

Belly was quick to defend herself, "I was like two."

Jeremiah and Steven glanced at each other before laughing out in sync, "Two? More like six." Laurel gave her son a look, "Steven."

Susannah smiled as she recalled the memory, "Aw, I remember that. God, that feels like a lifetime ago."

Taylor held a sly glint in her eye as she looked straight at Steven, "I remember when I visited last summer, and you and you dared him to pee in the fireplace, and you stunk up the entire house for days. Do you remember that?"

Alena let out a small chuckle as Steven's smile fell, Susannah shook her head, "I blamed the neighbor's cat."

"We were drunk. We were drunk."

Lena let out a scoff as she raised a questioning brow, "On half a white claw?" Jeremiah laughed as he gazed at the oldest Conklin son, "She got you there."

Silence fell over the table as Belly clasped her hands together looking at Taylor, "You know, um, I'm thinking maybe we should go to Nicole's party."

Taylor's expression brightened up, "Yes, oh my god." the girl turned towards Alena, "You're coming with."

The seventeen year old shrugged, "I don't know, that's not really my scenery."

"So? It'll be fun, c'mon."

Belly tilted her head at her friend, holding a pleading look as Alena let out a sigh, "Fine, just this once."

—

Alena watched Belly pull the front seat so she and Taylor could get out, Lena slipped out of her seat as she stood before Nicole's house.

The brunette fixed her denim shorts before glancing down at her black cropped long sleeve. Alena shook her head to rid herself of any doubt, she always over thought her outfit choices once it was too late, no use in letting it ruin her night.

Belly took ahold of Taylor and Lena's hand as the trio began to approach the packed house with Cam following behind them. Alena walked through the front door, severely taken back by the sight of a guy sliding down the rails of the stairs.

"Oh my god, you guys came."

Alena's eyes searched for the person who spoke and shortly found Nicole smiling at them as she moved through the crowd. Lena mustered up a small smile as Nicole engulfed her and Belly in a hug.

"Hey, Nicole. You look so pretty." Belly complimented the girl as Alena nodded in agreement, Nicole did look beautiful.

Nicole looked at Belly up and down, "Oh, me? Look at you. Oh, my goodness." the girl looked up at Isabel's flower crown, "Are those real flowers?"

"Yeah."

Alena fumbled with her hands as she took in her surroundings, she caught sight of Jeremiah with a dude on the couch, she would have approached her friend were it not for the fact that she didn't want to interrupt.

"Incredible. Well, we have to show Gigi."

Nicole began to lead Belly away and the birthday girl glanced back at Taylor and Alena, the Elsher girl gave her friend a reassuring smile as she watched Belly disappear into the next room.

Alena crossed her arms over her chest as she moved to the kitchen, the girl poured herself a cup of punch that was slightly spiked. She downed the drink in one go, setting the plastic cup down as she sighed, "What am I doing here?"

"Alena?"

The brunette turned to see Theo, holding a wide smile. Lena gave him a small wave, "Hey."

"I didn't know you'd be here." Theo approached the girl. Alena let out a sigh, "Yeah, my best friend wanted to come so, here I am."

Theo let out a laugh before speaking, "Well, you look great, as always."

Alena clasped her hands together as she smiled, twirling her thumb and index finger together as she stood rather awkwardly, "Holding conversations was never really my thing."

"No, no. That's fine, don't feel bad about it. It's okay."

Alena nodded, "Yeah, I just never know what to say, so."

Alena raised her gaze, turning to look down the hall where, of course, Conrad stood, drinking a beer whilst speaking with two other people.

Conrad has his eyes set on her and Theo, his gaze never moving as he watched the two. Alena raised a brow slightly, confusion written over her features. The girl felt her cellphone vibrate, tearing her gaze away from Conrad as she slipped the device out, seeing her mother call.

Alena gave Theo an apologetic smile, "I should take this."

"Yeah, no worries, go ahead."

Lena swiped the green icon, raising her phone to ear, "Mom?"

"Hey honey."

Alena's expression immediately fell upon hearing her mothers tone of voice, she quickly walked, pushing past people as she treaded up the stairs, the girl found an empty bedroom and walked inside, closing the door behind herself.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to see how you were doing."

"Mama, please don't lie to me."

Alena swallowed a lump in her throat as she heard her father speak, "Thanks."

"You didn't even eat."

"Yeah, the meat isn't done how I like it so I'm not gonna eat it."

"Well, you can just tell me and I'll—"

"I don't know how many times I've fucking told you how I like it done. You clearly don't care so shove it down your own throat."

"George—"

Plates clattering could be heard on Alena's side and she sucked in a breath as a door was slammed shut. "Mom, what happened?"

"You're father got mad I didn't make it home in time for dinner, the usual."

Alena let out a scoff as she looked down at the ground, "Complete asshole as usual."

"Honey, I know, but you shouldn't call your father an—"

"Why not? I mean it's the truth. All he ever does is treat us like his personal maids. We can't make one wrong move or we'll get insulted and screamed at. I should go back home." Alena shook her head but her mother was quick to shut down the idea, "No, enjoy your summer. It's just his usual moodiness, I can deal with it."

"You shouldn't have to, this is such bullshit, he's more on edge because I'm not there, right?"

Alena heard her mother let out a sigh, "Please, enjoy your summer. You deserve a break from your father at least for the summer."

"So do you, mom."

"Don't worry about me."

Alena chewed her lower lip as she shut her eyes, "Is he gonna be mad when I go back home?"

Her mother went completely silent, Lena took that as her answer, Meera spoke up after a moment, "Don't worry about that, have fun. I have to go now."

The young teen felt her lips began to tremble as she nodded, "Bye, mom." Alena hung up the call looked up at the ceiling, feeling tears begin to well up in her eyes.

Alena shoved her phone into her pocket, taking a small breath before opening the door and entering the crowded party. Lena slowly began to go down the stairs as someone slamming into her shoulder. The teenager gripped onto the rails as she a blinked a few times, feeling dizzy as she felt herself getting hot.

She continued down the steps taking short quick breaths before darting her eyes around, voices began to feel distant as a slight ringing went off in her ears.

Alena narrowed her eyes as she attempted to find the front entrance, she needed fresh air. The girl attempted to calm her breathing, knowing exactly what was going on. She placed her trembling hand on the knob, opening the door as Jeremiah and Cam were on one side of a cup pong table while Conrad and Luke were at the other end.

Jere was visibly drunk and Conrad still held a beer in his grasp.

Alena attempted to make herself look calm in hopes to not alarm anyone but Conrad caught on immediately. The oldest Fisher gave her a worried gaze, "Alena? Are you okay?"

Alena kept her mouth shut as she breathed out of her nose, tears brimming her eyes as she somewhat nodded.

Cam furrowed his brows together, "You don't look okay."

"It's just getting— a little ho-hot."

Alena fumbled with her necklaces, slightly clawing at her chest as she did so. Conrad watched her hands visibly shake as she breathed heavily, she was having a panic attack.

Conrad set his beer down, moving quickly as he approached the brunette, "Hey."

Alena shook her head as she kept her eyes glued to the ground, Conrad gently took ahold of her arm as the girl continued breathing and panting heavily. The boy led them to the side of the house, setting Alena down on a chair as he crouched down before her.

Alena instinctively began picking at her skin around her nails and Conrad took her hands in his, gazing into the girls eyes as he placed the palm of her hand on his chest while softly speaking, "Breathe. One breath at a time, like me."

Conrad took a deep breath and Alena felt his chest rise under her hand, she shut her eyes before taking a long shaky breath after.

The boy kept her hand there as he took another deep breath, hoping to guide her. Alena tightened her grip on Conrad's hand as she inhaled deeply, swallowing thickly as the ringing in her ears began to slowly fade.

"Another deep breath."

Lena blinked as her hands slowly stopped shaking, she purses her lips, sniffling as she began to calm down.

Alena inhaled through her nose and exhaled through her mouth, she peered open her eyes again, locking gazes with Conrad as concern was evident on his expression.

Alena blinked away her tears as she took another breath, "Thanks."

Conrad pressed his lips into a firm line as Lena slipped her hands out of his grasp, placing them in her lap as the boy tilted his head at her, "What happened?"

Alena shook her head, "Nothing, I was just overwhelmed."

Conrad merely nodded, not wanting to push her, "I'll take you home." Alena was quick to speak against the idea, "No, there's no need. Enjoy the party, I'm sorry for—"

"Lena."

The brunette gazed up at the boy who had stood up once again, "I wasn't asking. C'mon." he held his hand out for her and the girl hesitantly placed her own in his as he helped her stand.

Conrad pulled out his keys as he unlocked the vehicle, opening the passenger door for Alena who awkwardly smiled before slipping into the seat.

Conrad pulled around to the driver's side, starting up the engine as the two backed out of the house.

Alena kept her eyes on the window as clasped her hands together. Conrad spared the girl a glance, "Lennie—"

"Please, don't. I don't want to talk about it."

Conrad pursed his lips, nodding as he turned into the family beach house. Alena opened the door, hopping out as she turned to look at him, "Going back?"

Conrad gave her a small nod, "Yeah, how else would Jere and Steven get back?"

Alena hummed in agreement before turning around, stopping as the boy called out for her, Lena glanced back.

"Get some rest, goodnight."

Alena softly smiled as she nodded, "Goodnight."

Conrad watched the girl disappear into the house, resting his head back as he shut his eyes, he knew he was in trouble.