𝐈 𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔, 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔. | 𝐎𝐁𝐗

𝟎𝟑𝟐: 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬.

"You are your father's daughter, stubbornness and pride.
Mind what he says but remember,
you may hear a voice inside."

[POV: June]

AS THE SUN DIPPED BELOW THE HORIZON, casting a warm golden glow across the quiet street, my heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

I meticulously prepared John B's room for JJ's impending arrival, making sure everything was just right. It had been a couple of hours since the conversation I had with JJ at Heyward's shop had happened. The prospect of spending the night with JJ brought a glimmer of light to my otherwise heavy heart.

As I carefully arranged my belongings, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. John B had turned into my confidant, my pillar of strength, and his absence still felt like an unbearable weight upon my shoulders. But amidst the pain, I found solace in the gentle presence of JJ, a friend who had unknowingly become my anchor during these difficult times.

Maybe even becoming something more.

As the soft hum of anticipation buzzed in the air, I stood in front of my mirror, my gaze fixed upon my reflection. I tried my best to not look at myself for too long, I hated seeing my reflection and only seeing John B in myself.

I tried to steadily calm my nerves, reminding myself to be present in the moment and to cherish the connection I had with JJ. Tonight was more than just a sleepover; it was a small respite, an opportunity to temporarily escape the gravity of loss and to embrace the joy of our shared friendship.

As I adorned myself in comfortable pajamas, my mind wandered to the memories we had created over the past days. Laughter-filled afternoons spent in the château, heartfelt conversations shared under the starlit sky - moments that wove us together like threads in the tapestry of our friendship. I cherished these memories, for they reminded me that, even in the face of tragedy, love and connection could persevere.

With each passing minute, my anticipation grew as I imagined the imminent arrival of JJ at the château's doorstep. I couldn't help but wonder how this night would unfold—whether our usual banter would take on a deeper, more profound tone.

Would he perceive the subtle shifts in my demeanor, the traces of vulnerability that I had been unable to conceal?

As I made final adjustments to my own room, arranging the pillows and blankets, a mixture of nervousness and contentment settled in my heart. I knew that this night was not just about having a sleepover before going to high school; it was about finding strength in each other's presence, about forging an unbreakable bond of support as we both navigated the uncharted waters of grief.