lacy…

Okay, so I just had to talk about this, especially after seeing everyone's reactions and knowing what's coming! Seriously, Olivia Rodrigo's 'lacy' playing over anything related to The Summer I Turned Pretty just hits different, doesn't it? As someone who devoured the books, I feel like I've been living in Cousins Beach for years, and let me tell you, when I heard that song, I immediately thought of the emotional rollercoaster Belly goes through. It’s got that yearning, that slight obsession, that bittersweet feeling that just screams Jellyfish heartache, but also the deep, undeniable pull towards someone specific. Now, about the show – I haven't even watched the first two episodes of the newest season yet, but having read the books cover to cover, I already know where things are heading for Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. And honestly, it solidifies my stance even more: I am, and always will be, #TeamConrad. For me, Conrad's journey, his struggles, and his quiet intensity are what make his connection with Belly so profound and real. He's not always perfect, he makes mistakes, but his love for Belly runs so deep, and often, his actions are misunderstood or overshadowed by his own pain. This brings me to something I keep seeing floating around, and it really gets under my skin. People are still debating who's 'better' for Belly, and I have to ask: are you guys still supporting the cheater over the guy who just forgot the corsage in the midst of grieving or...? Seriously, let's break this down. On one hand, you have Jeremiah, who, let's not forget, kissed another girl at Finch *while he was still with Belly*. That felt like a betrayal, a real breach of trust. Then there's Conrad, who, yes, forgot the corsage for the deb ball. A mistake, absolutely. But what was he going through at that exact moment? His mother was battling cancer, and his entire world was crumbling. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by fear and grief for Susannah, not by a lack of care for Belly. To equate those two situations, or even to argue that Jeremiah's actions are more forgivable, just doesn't sit right with me. Empathy is key here. Conrad was falling apart, and Belly, unfortunately, bore some of the brunt of his distraction, but it came from a place of profound suffering, not malice or disrespect. The books really delve into Conrad's character development and why Belly's ultimate choice feels so right. It's about growing up, understanding true love, and recognizing that sometimes the most profound connections are the ones that challenge you, but ultimately make you stronger. For Season 3, I'm really hoping they do justice to Conrad's arc and showcase the depth of his feelings and his growth. I want to see Belly truly understand and appreciate the sacrifices he made and the love he consistently showed, even when he struggled to express it. It's not about being perfect; it's about being right for each other. I'm just so excited to see how they adapt the final book, and how they bring Jellyfish's story to its rightful conclusion. What are your thoughts? Are you #TeamConrad, #TeamJeremiah, or just here for the Cousins Beach vibes? Let me know!