1 Step Forward and 3 Steps Back

Belly and Conrad were sitting in the early morning hours on the beach while it seemed like all of it had happened. The debutante ball was one of the many things that both of them wanted to get over with when the time came, and now feeling like they were able to fully let go of it all, knowing that it was over with, came as a feeling of reassurance, but also like it was the end of it all. Conrad was still in his suit from the previous night as Belly had changed into some denim shorts and a sweater. She had looked at Conrad while she was sure it would never be the same as it used to be.

"And? What did I tell you about last night?" Conrad said as Belly could only think about one thing at that point.

"I need to talk to Jere," Belly said as Conrad looked at her.

"I know my brother had a lot of comments last night, but..."

"He's my friend, Conrad. It doesn't matter how badly I want to forget about it all. If something like that were to happen between you and me..."

"It's different with us," Conrad said as Belly looked at him.

"Yeah? How?" Belly asked as Conrad looked at her.

"There is so many things I want to say to you," Conrad said as Belly stood up.

"Don't," she said as Conrad stood up with her.

"Not now," Belly said.

"Why?" Conrad asked, surprised and confused at her reaction.

"After this, I think we are both going to need each other," Belly said.

"I don't just need somebody - I need you," he said looking into her eyes and at that moment Belly couldn't even think of what to say.

"I don't want you to need me. I want you to want me," Belly said, determined in what she said.

"I do want you," Conrad said.

Belly was shocked at the words as she didn't expect to hear them. Not at that moment and definitely not so soon. She looked at him while she felt like her world stood still for a few moments. She didn't. Conrad had brushed over her hair, tucking it behind her ear, as he had slowly leaned forward and kissed her. The kiss was soft and gentle, unlike anything Belly had ever experienced. She pulled away looking into his eyes as she smiled and kissed him again. He rubbed her arm and moved his hand up her shoulder until he was cupping her cheek as he had pulled away smiling at her before he kissed her again, the kiss continuing for what felt like a lifetime. The waves breaking over their feet, the wind blowing Belly's hair everywhere nothing could stop them.