Twisted 𓍼 fisher

Eighteen: Gone Wrong

Belly piped up with an idea. "Wait, wait, wait," she exclaimed, leaning forward eagerly with Cam Cameron's steadying hand on her arm, "what if we turn this into a drinking game?"

Calista couldn't help but laugh at Belly's enthusiasm. "Belly, you want to play a drinking game?"

Belly nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah I mean it's the 4th of July, right?"

The group fell into agreement, all smirking as they prepared for a game. However, Cam remained silent, a hesitant smile playing on his lips as he released his hand from Belly's arm, subtly distancing himself from the raucous energy of the group.

As the day went on, they delved into games, laughter, and drinks, with Conrad continuously refilling Calista's glass. This gesture, however, left Nicole and Reed feeling subtly uncomfortable, and possibly even Belly if she was sober. However, tired of others trying to influence their relationship, they chose not to let it bother them.

-x-

"Um, no," Calista laughed at Conrad's attempt.

The sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the beach. Calista found herself teaching Conrad how to properly set a ball, a task he claimed to struggle with, although she suspected he simply wanted an excuse to spend time with her.

Taking the ball from his hands, she adjusted his grip. "Hold your hands like this," she instructed, her attention focused on the task at hand. But Conrad's gaze lingered on her, his eyes tracing the curve of her lips as she spoke, the way her hair caught the sunlight, casting a golden halo around her.

Before Calista could sense the change in atmosphere, a silhouette appeared on the horizon. Conrad tensed beside her, drawing her attention. Lowering the ball, she followed his gaze, spotting Mr. Fisher approaching them. Sensing Conrad's growing tension, Calista turned back to him, concern etching her features.

Mr. Fisher picked up a football hidden by the grass nearby and called out to play. Conrad remained rooted to the spot, his expression unreadable. Jeremiah, following his father, eagerly dashed out to catch the ball.

"Let's go!" Mr. Fisher exclaimed once Jer caught the ball, his gaze shifting to Calista. "Mind if I steal Conrad for a moment?"

Conrad's response was immediate. "She can stay."

Calista sensed the tension hanging in the air, her gaze shifting between the three Fishers. "Actually, I was just about to go grab more ice," she interjected, her eyes meeting Conrad's, silently conveying her understanding of his unspoken concern. "Can you help me out?"

Conrad nodded in agreement, immediately abandoning the volleyball and making his way over to Calista.

His dad attempted to intervene, "Conrad—"

"Why don't you go spend time with Mom?" Conrad cut him off abruptly, his tone laced with a hint of defiance, before turning to follow Calista out once

Once they were a reasonable distance away, Calista turned around, noticing Conrad's clenched jaw. "Hey," she tried to get him to look at her, "whats up?"

"He just makes me so... I don't even know," He broke his gaze, looking up to the sky, "I just end up angry, all he talks about is football anyway it's like he knows nothing else about me."