last christmas ❄︎ pt.2
conrad x fem!reader
warnings: nothing but a little angst
a/n: didn’t proofread this i’m tired lol
pt.1 pt.3
The drive to Cousins was peaceful and steady. No traffic, sunny with a breeze. You made it there in record time.
Driving past the ‘Cousins Beach’ sign, you look out at the water. You rolled the windows down, taking in the smells of the ocean air. It was perfect.
Everything was just how you left it. Arriving in Cousins felt like taking a step back into your youth. It felt like you could’ve put your hair in braided pigtails with denim overalls and ride your bike, clad with training wheels forever. Everything felt right in the world again.
You pulled into the driveway, Belly already standing on the porch awaiting your arrival. The hydrangeas were in full bloom, blue and white.
You lock eyes with Belly as you step out of the car. She immediately runs to you, wrapping you up in her arms.
“You made it!” She exclaims, rocking you back and forth.
You pulled away from the hug, admiring the girl who stood in front of you. Her hair was longer and darker than you remember and she had a little makeup on that made her look so grown up. She stood there in her red, floral one piece that she left here every summer, with denim shorts. She was beautiful.
“Couldn’t let you do this alone.” You say, grabbing ahold of her hands. She smiles.
When you had called Belly a few days ago, she explained to you how Laurel wanted no part in the wedding. She didn’t even help Belly pick out a dress. Belly did it all alone with the help of Taylor and Lucinda.
“Let’s get your stuff!” Belly says, walking to the trunk of your car. You follow her, grabbing your suitcase as she grabs all of your smaller bags.
You and Belly walked into the house side by side, sharing laughs and jokes. She helped you take your stuff upstairs to the room you had always shared with her.
Placing your suitcase in the corner of the room, you motion to the swimsuit on her body and ask, “You going swimming?”
She nods, setting your bags upon the bed.
“I’ll meet you down there. Let me freshen up!” You exclaim and Belly claps her hands in excitement, leaving the room.
You were digging through your bag, searching for your swimsuit when the sound of nails being hammered through the roof sounded above you. You were confused and furrowed your eyebrows ever so slightly.
Who else was here?
You shrug and start putting your swimsuit on before you head downstairs to meet Belly by the pool.
Walking through the house, all the memories flood back. Every single summer you ever spent here was buried inside these walls and Susannah’s presence lingering in every decoration in the house.
You look out the back door and see Belly looking up, talking to someone.
Maybe someone was just here working on the house?
You walk outside, towel slung over your shoulder, “Feels so good to be back.” You exclaim to Belly.
Bellys hums in agreement, looking between you and whoever was on the roof.
So you look up.
And there he stood before you.
Conrad.
He looked good. Like, really good. He stood there hammer in his hand, his vintage Levi’s clinging to his waist, no shirt, a nail tucked behind his ear.
What was he doing here? He should be in California.
He waves at you, snapping you out of your trance. You wave back but you couldn’t shake the feeling he gave you.
You look to Belly, “You didn’t tell me he was here.” You whisper, harshly.
“Sorry.” She mouths.
“I need a minute. I’m sorry.” You say, excusing yourself back into the house.
Belly’s expression softens and she looks at Conrad, “I should go after her.” She began walking to the door.
“No, no, I’ll take care of it.” Conrad says, setting his hammer down and crawling through the window, into the house.
Your heart was beating past and your head felt hazy. You shut the door behind you, entering the nearest bathroom, resting your back on the door.
You buried your face into your hands, scratching at your hairline.
Then you heard footsteps approaching.
“Y/N?” Conrad calls from the other side of the door, jiggling the door handle.
You nervously chewed at the inside of your cheek, “What?” You spat.
“Please just let me in.” He sighs, resting his palm upon the door.
You squeeze your eyes shut, a million thoughts running through your brain. You turn around and unlock the door.
The door opens and there he was, standing there. Still no shirt. You couldn’t keep your eyes away. He was practically glowing.
“Hi.” You mumble, taking a step back, allowing him room to walk inside.
Conrad steps forward, now rested against the doorframe, “Hi.” He cracks a small smile.
“I didn’t know you were here.” You say, fiddling with your rings.
Conrad caught wind of you fiddling with your rings and chuckles to himself. You always did that when your anxiety was at an all time high. Ever since you were a kid. He saw the ring Susannah gave you before she passed and his heart swelled. It was a thin gold band with a pearl in the center.
“Just doing stuff for the wedding. I’d assume that’s why you’re here too.” He suggests and you nod.
You two sat in silence for what felt like hours. You weren’t sure if you liked it or if you’d never felt more uncomfortable. It wasn’t easy seeing Conrad. He was the first boy you ever loved but the first boy to break your heart. And you felt selfish. Susannah was dying and you kept trying to be something to Conrad that he didn’t need or even want in that period of time. But you loved him and you promised Susannah you’d take care of him. You owed her that.
“This doesn’t have to be weird.” He motions between the two of you.
You shake your head, “It’s not,” you pause, really looking at him, “I’m just here for Belly.
“Me too.” He says, shrugging.
“Great.”
“Great!”
You push past him and go back outside to Belly.
“I’m sorry. I forgot-” She starts and you cut her off.
“Seriously, Belly, it’s fine. This weekends about you, okay?” You reassure the girl that stood in front of you.
She nods and smiles before diving into the pool. And you followed behind her.
This was going to be a long weekend.
