The Summer I Fell

debutante

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Jewel looked at her reflection in the mirror of the dressing room, examining every feature of herself. She knew she looked great, but she couldn't help but notice how similar she looked to her mom. She had the same lengthy brown hair that reached down her back, the same big doe eyes, and the same exact nose. The similarities sent a small shiver down her spine as she turned away, grabbing her bouquet before falling behind the other debs. She waited in line behind the others, biting her lip anxiously. She knew her nerves would calm when she saw Jeremiah, but for the moment that were sending sparks throughout her body. Belly went ahead of her, Conrad meeting the girl's side as the announcer introduced them. Jewel's eyes finally met Jeremiah's his lips parting slightly at the sight of her. She had never worn much makeup growing up, her mom believing that natural beauty was best, so the sight was new for Jeremiah. Jewel began walking when the time was right, Jeremiah following her actions to meet her at the top of the stairs.
"You look amazing." Jeremiah spoke, his words drowning out both the audience and the announcer as she focused on him.
"Thank you, you do to." She smiled, a slight playful look on both teen's faces. She wrapped her hand lightly around his arm, walking under the arch ahead of them. The two smiled for photos, knowing Susannah and Laura were most likely going to buy every copy of them. Susannah held a proud smile as she took a few photos on her phone, wanting to savor the moment for as long as she had left. Despite the harsh light that shined down on the two, Jewel could see Laura's small figure moving past the tables toward the door.
"Where's she going?" Jewel questioned, a slight bit of worry in her tone due to Laura's distressed look.
"I'm not sure." Jeremiah spoke, confused laced in his words as his eyebrows furrowed. Jewel could see Conrad and Belly's dad following after her, Jewel attempting to keep up her polite smile as she watched them. The couple descended down the staircase, Jewel parting from Jeremiah for a moment to give the bouquet to Susannah. She smiled as she stepped back, meeting Jeremiah's side yet again.
"It is my honor to introduce this year's Cousin Beach Country Club debutantes." The announcer concluded, the audience clapping as the debs curtsied back to them. Susannah pulled Jewel to her, wrapping her arms around her quickly, yet carefully enough to not mess up the girl's appearance. Jeremiah had left the room, following after Laura and her ex.
"Are you excited for the escort's dance?" Susannah asked, a playful tone in her words. Jewel nodded enthusiastically, knowing she would never let Jeremiah live it down. Susannah gestured to the seat beside her, Jeremiah finally returning for his dance. The boys got into their positions before the music began playing overhead, Jeremiah and Jewel's eyes locked through the entire dance number. She couldn't help but release a few small giggles here and there, never having expecting Jeremiah to be in front of her doing a choreographed dance for a deb ball. The thought alone sounded surreal, and yet here he was, a playful yet cocky smile on his face as he danced in front of her.