My weakness

Chapter 35 : Always with her

As the days passed, tension began to simmer between Billie and Jesse, like a storm brewing on the horizon. Their once easygoing conversations became strained, filled with awkward silences and unspoken words.

One afternoon, as they sat together in Jesse's backyard, the tension between them reached a breaking point. Billie could sense Jesse's unease, his eyes avoiding hers as they danced around the topic that hung heavily between them.

Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Billie spoke up, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Jesse, we need to talk," she said, her words cutting through the tension like a knife.

Jesse's expression tightened, his jaw clenching as he braced himself for the conversation he knew was coming.

"Yeah, I know," he replied, his voice strained.

Billie took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before plunging into the heart of the matter.

"I feel like things have been weird between us lately," she began, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "Ever since the accident, it's like we're walking on eggshells around each other."

Jesse nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the ground as he struggled to find the right words.

"I know, Billie," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I don't know how to fix it."

Billie felt a pang of sympathy for Jesse, knowing that he was grappling with his own feelings of guilt and uncertainty. But she also knew that they couldn't continue to ignore the tension that lingered between them.

"We can't keep avoiding each other, Jesse," she said firmly, her eyes locking with his. "We need to figure this out."

Jesse: Takes a deep breath "I just wanted to say... I'm sorry. For everything that happened at prom. I shouldn't have let things escalate the way they did."

Billie: Sighs softly "It's okay, Jesse. I know things got out of hand."

Jesse: Looks down, feeling the weight of his guilt "I just... I don't know how to make things right between us."

Billie: Reaches out to gently touch his arm "I think we both need time to process everything that happened. But I don't want things to be awkward between us."

Jesse: Looks up, meeting her gaze "Me neither. I miss talking to you, Billie. I miss... us."

Billie: Smiles softly "I miss it too, Jesse. Maybe we can start by taking things one step at a time."

Jesse: Nods, a sense of relief washing over him "Yeah, I'd like that."

Jesse: "So... do you want to hang out sometime? Maybe grab a coffee or something?"

Billie: Nods "I'd like that."

As they finished their coffee and prepared to leave the café, Billie felt a dull ache begin to throb behind her temples. She rubbed her temples gently, hoping to alleviate the growing discomfort, but the headache only seemed to worsen.

Billie: "Ouch, my head..."

Jesse: "Are you okay, Billie?"

Billie: "Yeah, I think I just have a headache. It's nothing serious."

Jesse: "Do you want me to walk you home? Maybe you should rest."

Billie: "That would be nice, thank you."

Jesse nodded, concern etched on his face as he offered Billie his arm for support. Together, they made their way out of the café and onto the street, the cool breeze providing a welcome relief from the warmth of the café.

As they walked, Billie leaned on Jesse for support, the pain in her head growing more intense with each step. She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, causing her to stumble slightly.

Jesse: "Hey, take it easy. We'll get you home soon."

Billie: "I'm sorry, Jesse. I didn't mean to ruin our outing."

Jesse: "Don't worry about it, Billie. Your health is more important. Let's just focus on getting you home."

With Jesse's steady support, they continued on their way, the journey home feeling longer and more arduous with each passing moment. But as they finally reached Billie's doorstep, she felt a sense of relief wash over her, grateful for Jesse's unwavering support and concern.

Billie: "Thanks for walking me home, Jesse. I really appreciate it."

Jesse: "Of course."

With each passing moment, her heart seemed to beat faster and faster, a rapid rhythm that echoed in her ears like a drumbeat.

Billie: Breathes heavily, clutching her chest "What's happening?"

The sensation was overwhelming, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as her heart raced uncontrollably. Panic began to rise within her, threatening to engulf her in its suffocating grip.

Jesse: Rushes to her side "Billie, what's wrong?"

Billie: Gasps for breath "My heart... it won't slow down..."

Jesse: Places a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her "Just try to breathe, Billie. Deep breaths."

Billie closed her eyes, willing herself to calm down as she focused on her breathing. With each inhale and exhale, she felt a small measure of control return, the pounding of her heart gradually beginning to subside.

Billie: Sighs shakily "I think it's getting better..."

Billie nestled against Jesse's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoing in her ears. With each rise and fall of his chest, she found herself relaxing further, the tension of the earlier moment melting away in the safety of his arms.

Jesse: Presses a gentle kiss to the top of Billie's head "Are you feeling better now?"

Billie: Nods against his chest "Yeah, much better. Thank you for being here, Jesse."

Jesse: Strokes her hair soothingly "Anytime, Billie. I'll always be here for you."

They remained like that for a while, wrapped up in each other's embrace, finding comfort and reassurance in the simple act of being together. In the quiet intimacy of the moment, they felt the strength of their bond.

Jesse: Whispers softly "Sweet dreams, Billie."

Billie: Murmurs in her sleep, a faint smile gracing her lips

Jesse: Gazes at her lovingly "You're so beautiful when you sleep."

Billie: Shifts slightly, snuggling closer to Jesse

Jesse: Brushes a gentle kiss against her forehead "I love you, Billie. Always."