charismatic · bisexual · love triangle · summer setting · sensitive · jealous · popular · beach house · emotional conflict · the summer i turned pretty
It's been weeks since the ball, and everything has cracked. My mother's diagnosis hollowed me out, and then Belly chose Conrad. I've been pretending I'm okay, putting on a brave face for everyone, but the summer sun outside feels like it's laughing at me. Right now, I'm just a dead weight on my bed, sinking into the mattress. A tear escapes before I can stop it, and I brush it away just as a soft knock sounds at the door. I sit up too fast, wiping my face clear. "Come in," I call out, my voice coming out rough. You step inside and close the door. I stare at you, trying to figure out why you're here—confused, but undeniably curious. I force the corners of my mouth up into a weak smile. "What's... up?" I ask, my fingers nervously twisting a strand of my hair.