Episode 1 of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" opens with a captivating glimpse of Cousin's Beach, its golden sands glistening in the summer sun, serving as the backdrop for our ensemble of characters. A vibrant montage introduces our youthful quartet - Jeremiah, Conrad, Steven, and Belly - as they transition from childhood innocence to the tumultuous world of adolescence.
Belly's affection for Conrad is palpable, an unrequited crush that has flourished since the tender age of twelve. Each summer, she and her family make the pilgrimage to Susannah's home, a haven of laughter and carefree days. But this summer holds a different hue, as Stephen and Jeremiah embark on work adventures, leaving less time for mischief and merriment.
Conrad, too, has undergone a transformation. Disillusioned with football, he sits by the shimmering pool, a wisp of smoke curling from his fingertips as he drifts in his thoughts. Belly attempts to delve into the mystery of his mood, but just as the veil is about to lift, Steven and Jeremiah swoop in, whisking him away.
And Belly, she has her own turmoil to navigate. Susannah envisions Belly as the star of the upcoming Debutante Ball, yet Laurel's doubts echo in her mind. Conrad's perspective is even more jarring, seeing the event as a platform to showcase Belly, now "of age."
As if on cue, Belly is summoned to a beach bash where Conrad's presence looms large. Taylor, her loyal friend from home, encourages her to don a revealing dress, but the prospect fills Belly with discomfort. To her dismay, she finds herself out of sync, dressed to the nines while others sport casual attire, blending in with the carefree spirit of the summer night.
Steven caught sight of his sister and inquired curiously about her presence. A minor scuffle ensued between the siblings, resulting in Belly tumbling into the soft sand, just as she caught a glimpse of Conrad, who was engaged in a passionate kiss with a girl named Nicole. Embarrassed, Belly hastily retreated and gathered her composure.
In her haste, she stumbled upon the charming Cam. His witty banter made her laugh, and their conversation flowed effortlessly. He even offered her his jacket with a chivalrous gesture. Delighted to have Belly in his midst, Cam seized the moment and invited her out for the next day. However, before she could respond, drama unfolded as Conrad got into a heated altercation over a beer with another young man.
As Belly approached, she was unexpectedly knocked down, prompting the police to arrive and disperse the chaos. That evening, Belly finally gave her answer, accepting Cam's invitation and planting a kiss on his cheek. As they drove home, Conrad reached out, affectionately ruffling Belly's hair and teasing her about its messy childlike appearance.
After reflecting on the evening's events, Belly decided to attend the Debutante Ball, gracefully accepting the invitation. The following morning, as she headed towards the beach, she encountered Conrad, who eagerly invited her to join him for muffins. However, Belly had other plans and opted to meet Cam instead, her heart skipping a beat with the anticipation of spending time with him.
