You Belong With Me

Chapter 17

Location: Jesse's House
Time: 7:09
Pretty Girl___________

Cleo stirred from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open. The morning light cast a soft glow upon Jesse's face as she lay peacefully beside her. Cleo couldn't help but admire the serene expression that graced Jesse's features, a sight that brought warmth to her heart.

Gently, Cleo reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from Jesse's forehead, taking a moment to appreciate the contours of her face. She marveled at the tranquility that emanated from Jesse, finding solace in the way her presence brought comfort and a sense of belonging.

After a few moments of quiet observation, Cleo reluctantly slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Jesse's slumber. She retrieved her phone from the nightstand and noticed a flood of missed calls and texts from her friends and mother.

Curiosity piqued, Cleo began to sift through the messages, her brows furrowing with concern and anticipation. Each message carried a mix of worry, confusion, and even a hint of anger. She read them all, absorbing the weight of her friends' concerns and her mother's attempts to reach out.

As Cleo processed the messages, Jesse slowly stirred, her eyes blinking open. She noticed Cleo's intent expression and the flurry of emotions that danced across her face. Concern laced her voice as she asked, "Hey, is everything okay?"

Cleo turned towards Jesse, a mix of relief and frustration crossing her features. "I was grounded after my mother caught us together," she confessed, her voice tinged with disappointment. "This is the first time I've been able to use my phone and read all these messages."

Jesse's brow furrowed, her expression filled with empathy. She reached out, offering a reassuring touch to Cleo's hand. "I'm sorry to hear that, Cleo. It must have been tough for you to be separated from everyone like that."

Cleo nodded, a hint of sadness lingering in her eyes. "It was. I missed my friends, and I couldn't even explain what had happened. But being here with you made it a little easier."

Jesse's gaze softened, her thumb gently caressing the back of Cleo's hand. "I'm glad I could be here for you, Cleo. We'll navigate through this together."

A mix of emotions swirled within Cleo's chest, a combination of gratitude, frustration, and determination. With Jesse by her side, she felt a renewed sense of strength and resilience. While the challenges of her home life loomed ahead, she knew that their connection would help them overcome any obstacle that stood in their way.

As they sat together, their hands intertwined, Cleo couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. The messages on her phone, though filled with concern and unanswered questions, were also a reminder that she had people who cared about her. And with Jesse's unwavering support, she knew that they would face whatever came their way, united in their love and determination to create a future that embraced their authentic selves.

Cleo and Jesse made their way to the kitchen, ready to tackle the most important decision of the morning - choosing the best cereal. They stood before the pantry, eyeing the colorful array of cereal boxes stacked neatly on the shelves.

"Hmm, I'm thinking fruity loops today," Cleo said, holding up the box and examining it with mock seriousness. "It's like a party in a bowl!"

Jesse grinned, grabbing a box of chocolatey goodness. "Nah, cocoa puffs all the way! Nothing beats a chocolatey start to the day."

They engaged in a playful debate, each defending their chosen cereal with exaggerated enthusiasm. The kitchen was filled with laughter as they indulged in the light-hearted banter, fully embracing the moment of simple joy amidst the challenges they faced.

Amidst their cereal deliberations, Cleo's face suddenly lit up with realization. "Oh no, I forgot I have to go to dance class today! It's Saturday, and I can't be late."

Jesse, ever the supportive partner, offered a solution. "Don't worry, I'll drive you to dance. We can make sure you arrive on time."

Cleo's gratitude was evident as she exclaimed, "Thank you, Jesse! You're a lifesaver!"

In a whirlwind of excitement, Cleo dashed to the bathroom to change into her ballet attire. She swiftly put on her leotard, a vibrant shade of magenta that hugged her body with grace and elegance. The fabric felt familiar against her skin, a second skin that made her feel empowered and ready to conquer the dance floor.

Next came the tights, a delicate yet sturdy barrier that provided the necessary support for her movements. Cleo carefully adjusted them, ensuring they were perfectly aligned and free of any wrinkles that could hinder her performance.

As she worked on her hair, Cleo let out a sigh of frustration. Her curls were rebellious and untamed, dancing freely around her face. But before she could dwell on the unruly nature of her locks, Jesse's laughter filled the air.

"I can't help but love your wild curls, Cleo," Jesse chuckled. "Let me give it a shot. I promise I won't mess it up."

Cleo couldn't resist Jesse's playful charm and nodded, handing over the hairbrush. She watched as Jesse skillfully tamed her curls, weaving them into an intricate yet effortless bun. The stray strands were carefully tucked away, allowing her face to take center stage.

With her ballet attire in place and her hair beautifully styled, Cleo looked at herself in the mirror. She felt a surge of confidence and excitement bubbling within her, ready to embrace the dance routine that awaited her.

"Thank you, Jesse," Cleo said, her voice filled with appreciation. "You make everything better, even my unruly hair."

Jesse leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on Cleo's forehead. "It's my pleasure, Cleo. I'm here to support you in every way I can."

Together, they left the bathroom, ready to embark on a day filled with dance, laughter, and unwavering support. As they headed towards the car, Cleo couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Jesse's presence in her life. With each passing day, their bond grew stronger, and Cleo knew that with Jesse by her side, she could face any challenge that came her way.