SHE MEMORIZED THE PINK CANDLES, the silly pancake tradition that they did every year and most of all the happiness they felt to be able to celebrate Belly Conklin. It was her birthday.

And despite everything that happened the night before, Teddy tried to think of only her as she packed the birthday present at the table.

Jeremiah's eyes traveled to her as his mother walked over to her, "What'd you get her?" The sound of her voice was comforting making her wide smile form and she looked up at her, "You do this every year. You have to wait."

"Oh, come on! Your gifts are always the best." Susannah said, "Don't gas me up." Teddy teased, walking over to the island as she took a bite of the bacon, "Get out the kitchen, Teddy." Trey scolded, flicking her forehead, "Ow!" She hissed, smacked his arm.

"Belly!" Teddy cheered, along with everyone else. Susannah got the first hug, smiling so proudly at her, "There's the birthday girl, looking like a vision in floral."

Teddy smiled at Belly, walking over to her, "Happy birthday, B." The familiar nickname made her heart warm, squeezing the girl in a hug.

"Somebody's getting old finally, happy birthday." Steven teased, "Happy birthday, sweetheart." Laurel smiled, walking over to her daughter taking her in a warm hug.

"Happy birthday, kiddo." Sam smiled, an arm slung over Jeremiah. "Thanks, everyone."

"Shall we open presents?" Teddy looked at Conrad who was obviously upset. He was never like this on Belly's birthday. He was always happy and so kind but, he was different this summer, she thought.

Teddy sat next to Conrad, looking at him with nothing but worry whilst everyone came and sat down. "Con? You okay?" She spoke up, making him look up at her. "I'm good. You okay?" Teddy nodded.

Conrad always cared for Teddy as his sister since he was never given the chance to have one. They weren't that close anymore, but he still had love for the twins. But, mainly Teddy. She was the glue to the kids; Steven, Conrad, Trey and Belly. She kept them together.

Teddy already had a brother, but she felt as if everytime she came to the summer house, she had one extra. So, as he thought he told a good lie, she knew he wasn't okay.

"It's a first addition," the words snapped Teddy out of her worries, looking up at Belly. "Thanks, mom." She was obviously disappointed until Laurel spoke once more, "Turn to the bookmark page."

The pages flipped and Belly's frown quickly turned into a smirk, "Oh, yeah. I remember Susannah teaching us to recital this."

"For whatever we lose," she begun, "Like a you or a me, it's always ourselves we find in the sea." They all quoted, remembering the memory. "Thank you, I love it."

"Okay, open mine now, Belly." Susannah declared. She took the gift, eagerly opening it. She paused, "Ow, wow. They're gorgeous. Thank you, Susannah." Belly beamed, the women walking over to take a seat by her, "My mom gave me these pearls for my sweet 16." She came back over and took a seat.

"Okay, I think it's time for my gift." Teddy clapped her hands together once, making Belly nodded in agreement, still smiling ear to ear. Teddy got up, walking over to the table as she handed Belly her gift, taking an uncomfortable seat next to Jeremiah.

He stared at her, watching her every move next to him. His words haunted him from the night before. She was right. He was jealous.

Lucas was stealing everything he ever had. Her laughs. Her smile, her touch. So, as his hand slithered to her knee, rubbing small circles with his thumb it made her feel like everything was gonna be okay.

"Here." Teddy handed her the bag, watching her demeanor whilst she opened it. Her eyes shot up to look at the girl she considered her sister, watching as she tilted her head in excitement to see what she said. "You remembered!" Belly yelped, "Well, duh." Teddy laughed as she watched her pull out the present.

It was Belly's ninth birthday. As usual, it was spent at the Summer house, a cute hat on top of her head. Teddy was sitting right next to her, on the other side of Conrad. "B?" Teddy spoke up as they all cheered and laughed at the table, "Yeah, Teds?" Belly asked.

"When you get older and I get older, I want us to be best friends." Belly looked at her as if her words offensive, "We already are best friends."

"Well, duh!" Teddy rolled her eyes, "I mean those type of best friends who wear matching bracelets all the time." Belly laughed, "I love you, Teddy." Belly hugged her, "I love you to."

They laughed at the memory whilst putting on they're bracelets, "We were so corny."

"You still are." Trey spoke up, handing Belly three gift cards, booping her nose in the process, swatting his hand away, "Thanks, Trey.

Teddy sat back down, watching the interaction as she giggled lightly to herself. Jeremiah felt as if she could stare at her all day. His eyes went sad as soon as she looked back at him, her smile falling once she looked back at her dad who was staring at them in confusion.

"Um, open my gift, Belly." Jeremiah spoke up, handing her the small bag. She opened it with pure happiness, quickly pulling out what looked to be a charm, "It's a good luck charm to help pass your driving test." She smiled, "Perfect, thank you."

"Think fast, Belly!" Steven yelled, throwing the package at his sister, "What?"

"Steven, I can't believe you actually spent money on me." Belly teased, "Relax. I just didn't want you stealing mine next year when I get in." Steven denied, a wide smile, "I didn't know you were
still considering Princeton." Laurel said.

"You know, I think I'm gonna apply for some scholarships, and Dad thinks I can get some financial aid. I don't know. I'll see if I get in." Steven explained, earning an unapproved glare from Laurel, "Conrad, do you wanna give, Belly her present?"

She smiled but, soon heard realized his words, "Sorry, I forgot." Teddy's head whipped around as she looked at him in disbelief, "Oh. That's cool, I wasn't really expecting anything."

"Oh, so I got to go. Um, I promised Cleveland that I'd show him some knots today, so." She nodded, trying to hide the fact that her heart was slowly cracking in pieces, "Happy birthday, Belly."

"Um, here, Belly." Sam spoke up, breaking the awkwardness, "I didn't know what to get you so, I bought you a keychain for your bag." He laughed, pulling out keychain that read, "Cousins." On it.

"Thanks, Sam." She smiled, looking down in sadness, "Hey. Why don't we take my car and practice driving before we have to pick up Taylor
from the bus station?" Jeremiah suggested and Teddy looked away, biting her lip as she couldn't look at Jeremiah. The two got up, Jeremiah pausing as he looked at the girl who sat on the floor, "See you when I get back?"

Teddy shrugged, "Maybe."

The sad expression on her face made her dads heart throb as she got up, making everyone give knowing looks. "Am I the only one so confused?" Sam spoke up, looking to Laurel and Susannah who only sighed, Susannah placing a hand on his cheek before it fell to his shoulder.

Steven couldn't help but follow the girl up the stairs, his footsteps hitting the floors as they walked into her room. Teddy flopped on her bed as Steven sat next to her, "Are you gonna tell me what happened or should I just," Teddy groaned before he got to finish his sentence quickly standing up,

"He's a fucking asshole! He's mad at me about Lucas, but here he is trying it with Belly! It's ridicules! I mean, we were arguing all this week, over Lucas. He's mad because I'm not up his ass, and crying about it, but here I am, fucking crying about it!" She was out of breathe by the time she finished, looking back at the boy who had wide eyes.

"Your in love with Jeremiah." He quickly sat up, pointing at her after a moment, "You're in love with him!"

"No, I'm not," Teddy said, "Yes, you are!"

"I knew it! I knew it," Steven smiled, "Steven, I'm not in love with Jeremiah. I love him, of course I do. I love him just as much as I love everyone else in this house," Teddy denied, Steven practically shaking in excitement as he cut her off, "You don't have to lie."

"I'm not lying! Okay, Jeremiah is sweet and kind, but I am dating somebody— He cant," Steven spoke once more, "He can't what? Love you?"

She breathed in, "No."

Steven sighed, opening his arms as he slowly pulled the girl into his arms. "It'll all work out in the end." Teddy nodded, pulling away when she felt her phone ring in her pocket. "I'll see you at dinner?"

Teddy nodded, picking up the phone quickly, "Hey." Lucas spoke, his raspy voice bringing butterflies to her stomach, "Hey, Lu." Teddy lowered her head, taking a seat on her bed. "Are you going to Nicole's party? You and Belly?"

Teddy put a hand to her face, "I'll have too see, it's her birthday. But, I was wondering if you wanted to come to my house for dinner tonight." Silence was heard on the line before he spoke, "I won't be able to, my mom and shit, you know?" Teddy tilted her head, "Is everything okay?"

"No, that's not what I meant," he chuckled, "My mom is having dinner over here with my family so I can't." She nodded, "Oh, um, okay. I can let you know what Belly says about Nicole's party, I'm pretty sure she's here now."

"That'll be great, bye." Teddy didn't even get to respond before he hung up. She tried not to think about it but, it seemed as if she missed her best friend who's laughter was surrounding outside.

She let out an excited laugh once she saw Taylor, "Taylor?" The girl immediately smiled at her from the pool, "Teddy!" Belly pointed at the girl from the pool, "There she is! Go get changed, come on!"

Steven watched Jeremiah smile to himself at the sight of her, trying to ignore the happiness he felt for the pair. He wished they would stop denying the longing feelings they've had for eachother.

Teddy jumped in the water in her bikini, hugging Taylor sweetly, "I missed you, girl!" The blonde stated, swaying her body in the hug, "I missed you!"

Teddy swam over to Jeremiah, Steven and Trey once Belly and Taylor began going into a conversation she had no idea about. It was like their whole demeanor switched at the sight, "What's up?"

"Not much, talking about your annoying friends. Oh, and you." Steven teased, making Teddy splash him as she hopped onto the edge of the pool. Jeremiah looked at her, watching as she laughed at something stupid Trey said. Her whole face seemed to light up in the sun, her hair was lighter once the sun shined against her and her caramel skin was radiant as it can get. She was radiant.

Teddy peeped his glares, still keeping the conversation as she rested a hand in his curls, traveling it down to his shoulder, resting it there. She knew he was sorry, and she couldn't hold it against him forever.

"We know your talking about us over there." Steven shouted towards the two girls, "Yeah, you wish."

Teddy giggled, locking her eyes on Jeremiah. He was so flawless. His diamond blue eyes could lure her in with one look, same with his smile. His smile was like nothing she had ever seen before.

When he finally looked up she couldn't help but pull him towards her, "I'm sorry." She mumbled, her eyes squinted from the sun, "I'm sorry." It went silent at his pleading voice, making her nod, "I know."

Jeremiah pulled her back into the water with a grunt, holding her underarms as she grabbed onto his shoulders. She hissed at the cold feeling once he placed her fully into the water, still locked eyes with him, "Let's play chicken!" Taylor gasped dramatically at her own suggestion. "Yes!" Teddy nodded, looking from Taylor to Jeremiah who hadn't even looked away.

He was so smitten without even knowing. She was the same sadly. A love that can't be recognized by themselves but to everyone around them, it was painfully obvious. Though, Belly seemed annoyed, rolling her eyes lightly before swimming over to Trey, "No, not chicken." Steven denied. "Oh, come on, it'll be hilarious. Come on, Steven."

"Dibs on Jeremy!" Taylor yelled, "I'm not partnering with Teddy so don't ask." This made her splash him, which turned into a dunking contest. "Get off of me!" He yelped choking on the water, "Okay, okay!" Teddy laughed, as he lifted her up, dunking her repeatedly.

Jeremiah held Belly, "Whoo!" Teddy cheered. Taylor ended up falling, going into a depth of arguments between her and Steven, "Hey, guys!" Nicole walked in, making Teddy roll her eyes, "Hey, Nicole." Belly spoke up, "Happy birthday. Are you guys playing chicken?" Her judgey voice made Teddy even more annoyed at her presence, "Little Ms. Perfect apparently has never seen anyone play chicken before." She whispered to her twin, making him grin.

"Um, yeah. It was Taylor's idea." Belly pointed to the girl, "Hey, I'm Taylor." She greeted, giving Teddy a look. "She's my best friend from back home."

"Oh, hey, Teddy. Didn't see you there." Nicole sarcastically smiled, looking her and Trey up and down, "I'm sure you didn't." Teddy shrugged, giving an obvious fake smile. "You guys wanna play a real game?" Belly asked, making everyone agree.

The beach ball flew back and fourth between them, Teddy jumping up as she spiked, only to hit the water. "Whoo!" Taylor cheered. Summer days like these were so comforting, and obviously something they all remembered throughout the school year. The playful arguing and the competitive banter was only fair as they smacked the ball on each side.

Until it was Taylor's turn to serve, hitting Nicole smack in the face. Teddy snorted, smacking a hand against her mouth, "Ow!"

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." Taylor giggled, looking at the girl in shock, "Taylor." Belly scolded, looking at the two girls, "It was an accident."

"Yeah, no. I'm totally fine, you guys keep playing." Nicole stuttered, "Let me see it."

"It was a fucking beach ball." Teddy whispered, rolling her eyes. "Let's go in side I'll get you some ice." Nicole shook her head, "Conrad, it's okay."

"I'm so so, sorry again, Nicole. Feel better, okay?" Nicole nodded, "Lets go, Belly. Conrad can take care of Nicole. Let's go inside and look at ourselves in the mirror some more." Taylor teased, making Teddy feel out of the mixed as she looked between the three of them in confusion.

It was quiet amongst them until he spoke again, "Yeah, you have fun with that." Teddy shook her head at Conrad before looking at Belly, "You gonna tell me what just happened or what?"

LAUGHTER FILLED the table as they chattered, all getting used to the new boy Belly has brought over, Cam. Teddy thought he was great, he was what Belly needed, maybe not what she really wanted, though.

Teddy smiled at the pair until Jeremiah spoke up, "So, Cam? You mind if I call you Cam Cameron?" Jeremiah questioned the boy, "Yeah, man. Feel free." Cam giggled, making Teddy give her dad a look as to tell him what was coming next. "I'm glad you're here, Cameron. I know your mom, Denise, from the club. I have heard a lot about you." Susannah smiled, using her kind charm on their newest friend, "Thank you so much for having me, Susannah."

"Cam, have you ever had miyeok-guk before? It's a Korean birthday tradition." Laurel kindly handed him the plate, "I didn't put any meet in it, Belly told me your vegetarian." This made him happy obviously as his smile widened, "Thank you, Laurel."

"Why don't you eat meat, Cam Cameron?" Jeremiah asked, in a condescending tone, "Uh, the meat industry is like number one contributor to global warming." He stated, "Mm."

"I think it's nice that you care. Not many people do, I never really thought about it that way." Teddy shrugged, "Thanks, it's just a personal choice."

"Just don't come for my leather jacket." Taylor chimed in, "I'm pretty sure you mean pleather." Steven teased, earning the finger once again.

"You know, uh, actually, Belly eats meat. So, you let her kiss you with those lips?" Jeremiah teased. Teddy couldn't help but notice the hidden uncomfortableness in the room, nudging him. "Guys. Stop." Belly demanded.

"No, I don't judge people for eating meat. Like I said, it's a personal choice." Jeremiah continued, "So, you don't mind if her lips touch a dead animal, and those dead animal lips touch yours?" Teddy smacked his chest roughly, making him cough on his steak.

"I don't mind at all. Actually," he leaned in, placing a soft kiss on Belly's lips. Teddy was proud of this action, watching as they all gagged, "Jeremiah, I think you got shut down, didn't you?" It was her turn to get swatted at, her father flicking her forehead, "Ow!"

"Belly's allowed to kiss!" Laurel yelled, "But, that's it." Cam nodded awkwardly at this, making Teddy shake her head, "I'm so glad Lucas didn't come to this shit." She mumbled to herself.

"Oh, yeah, where is your boyfriend, Teddy?" Trey practically spoke above every body else, like he wanted them to hear, "Trey!"

"Boyfriend? Boyfriend," Sam looked at Teddy in confusion, making her face palm. "Hell no!" Sam looked at Susannah who gave him a glare, "You can throw a fit later dad, sh."

"I'm sorry, I just don't understand why anybody would want to kiss somebody who once fully shat in the bathtub." Steven teased, "I was like two!"

"Two? More like six!" Steven and Jeremiah said, "I remember I visited last summer and you and you," Taylor pointed at Conrad and Jere, "dared him to pee in the fireplace and you stunk up the entire house for days. You remember that?"

They all laughed, scrunching up their faces in disgust, "We were drunk." He defended, "On like half a white claw."

"You know, um, Im thinking maybe we should go to Nicole's party." Belly said, looking between Teddy and Taylor. "I need to get ready, what the hell?" Taylor laughed, "Oh my god, I'm so excited."

The makeup brush swiped her face, and the two pigtails and free strands framed her face perfectly. Lucas always loved how black looked on her, especially in this moment. The short black dress brought butterflies to his stomach as he watched her walk to her closet, "Can I come in?"

She bit her lip slightly, hurrying over to greet him, "Come in," she opened her arms, hugging him sweetly before reaching up and placing a quick kiss on his lips, grabbing the jean jacket from her closet and her Oreo 4's that sat in her suit case. "Fit or no?"

"That's a fit," he spun her with his hand, making her chuckle, letting him place a kiss on her lips once more and collarbone. She gave a toothy smile, letting him take her hand out the room, "Teddy, you riding with us?" Taylor paused, seeing the boy. "Oh, sorry, I forgot. This is Lucas," He held his hand out, looking Taylor up and down, "I'm Lucas."

"I'll see you guys there, though." She reached out to rub Belly's shoulder, looking back. He was walking oddly fast out the door, like he didn't wanna be seen, making her furrow her eyebrows, "Hey, are you good?"

"Yeah, why'd you ask?" He said, letting go of her hand as he got in the car, "Come on, we are gonna miss the fun." Teddy nodded, looking behind her to see Jeremiah looking out the window at them, locking eyes with her. She only looked the other direction.

"Hey!" Gigi yelled, opening her arms for the sister of her boyfriend, "You almost missed our present for, Belly!" She nodded, waving bye to the boy who was already walking away.

Teddy had a wide smile on her face as Belly blew out the candles, "Oh, Teddy, where's Trey ?" She shook her head, "He's over there with Jeremiah." She nodded, "Who's thirsty?" Teddy chuckled, beginning to walk away before she bumped into someone else.

"Now, that time it was on purpose." She recognized that voice, looking up to see the same boy who rudely spilt his drink on her, "You." Teddy sighed in annoyance beginning to walk away, "Me. Wait," Kai followed, stepping in front of her.

"I never got your name," Teddy groaned, "Can you move?" Kai chuckled, "When you tell me your name." She tried to keep a straight face, but his determined face made her crack a laugh, "Teddy. Can you move now?"

"I don't like you." Teddy shook her head, "I don't like you either, I think your very cunty. Just hot." He took a chug of his drink, still staring at her, "Awh." She faked pouted, smacking the drink out his hand as she watched it fall to the ground, hearing muffled, "Oohs" from the people around them. "Oops. That was very cunty of me, wasn't it?" Kai titled his head, watching her push him to the side, going in the other direction.

She was now left alone with her thoughts, chugging and chugging each cup with her twin, seeing who could give up first, "That's enough." He coughed, holding his chest, "Pussy." She laughed, wiping her chin as she walked away.

A drunk Jeremiah fisher walked around the party, looking for Teddy all whilst hyping up with his friends when he saw them, his eyes lingered around for her. But, he almost didn't recognize the girl who was dancing amongst the debs. They were all dancing with each other but there she was, a cup in her hand as her hips swayed to the beat of the song.

He felt as if he was choking on his own air and that particular feeling coming up his body. She then saw him staring at her, continuing what she was doing, taking a drink of what was in her cup, still staring at him. He was trying to keep his composure, leaning against the wall as he watched her every move.

He couldn't stop even if he had to. She was addicting. Everything about her made him go crazy. Mental even. Knowing he couldn't have her made this all worse and he had enough, pushing off the wall as he walked over to her.

She didn't stop her dancing, only looking up at him with lust in her eyes, "Can I help you, Fisher?" Teddy bit her lip, taking a step closer, straightening his jacket, her hand resting on his white tank. Jeremiah roughly gripped her side pulling her hips closer to his as she was now standing on her tippy toes as she tried to hide the smile forming in her face.

"Jeremiah!" Steven yelped, a worried look on his face before noticing the two of them and their body language. He slowly let go of her, watching Steven call him over.

Teddy gulped the rest of her drink before furrowing her eyebrows, looking back to where he walked away.

What the fuck just happened?