The Summer I Turned Pretty • Gracie Fisher

The Waltz

Jeremiah's pov
I woke up to the sound of my alarm, I had work at the club today. I have been enjoying my summer job as a lifeguard, it's quite fun.
I pulled the sheets off my body, but then I realised that my little sister was laying next to me.
I instantly remembered last night when she slid in the blankets next to me with tears streaming down her face.
She tried to hide her sobs in the night, but I could hear her trying to catch her breath through the cries.
I don't know what's going on with my sister lately, but I'm really worried about her. She's had moments when she's been really sad, but everyone experiences sad things. However, she gets awful panic attacks and it's continuous.
And no matter how hard it gets, she's never upset over summer. That's the one time we are all at our happiest, including her.
It's shocking as well, because Gracie has never had a sad soul. She is the most bubbly, pure and warm-hearted person that we all know.
I really hope CiCi will be okay, I just want to do what I can to help her.

"Hey, CiCi." I stroked her hair in an attempt to wake her.
"J-Jere.." She choked, her voice hoarse from the night of weeping.
"It's okay, you don't need to rush out or anything. The deb meeting isn't until later. But, what's wrong baby? You haven't been yourself lately, and last night you were so upset." I said.
"I-uh-I.." I could see the tears welling in her eyes.
"It's okay, it's okay. Just know that you can talk to me, you can talk to all of us." I gave her a sad smile.
I didn't want to force her to say anything, but I really hope she comes around at tells me what's been going on.
"How about we go and get some breakfast?" I asked as I could feel my stomach growling for food.
"S-sure." Gracie forced, I could tell she wasn't bothered about eating.
"Maybe eating something will make you feel better." I tried to convince her.
She nodded as we both got out of bed.
"I'm gonna get ready." She whispered.
"Oh yeah, me too." I agreed.
Gracie went off to her room and I heard her shower turn on.
I took a shower as well and styled my hair, before changing into my lifeguard outfit: red shorts and a white mesh tank.
That's when Gracie re-entered my room. She was rubbing in the last of whatever weird skincare stuff she does.
Her hair was thrown into a messy high ponytail and she was in her robe.
"What's up?" I asked, confused.
"Please can I borrow a hoodie and joggers?" She asked.
"S-sure." I tossed her a pair of my grey joggers and a black hoodie. "They'll be really big on you, CiCi."
"It's okay." She chuckled and left my room.
With that, I went downstairs and joined the others who were already down there.
"Jere! Another day at the club." Steven chuckled.
"Yup!" I laughed as we did our handshake.
"Is Gracie up yet?" Conrad furrowed his eyebrows.
"Yeah, she is always up and ready first." Belly mumbled, whilst demolishing a strawberry yoghurt.
"Yeah, she was getting ready." I muttered.
"Oh okay." They all nodded.
Coincidently, Gracie dragged herself into the kitchen and slumped on the couch.
"Morning C!" Steven tossed her a bottle of water.
"Morning Steven, thanks." She gave him a small smile, nodding at the drink.
"Gracie, do you want a bowl of cereal or toast or anything?" I asked her.
"I'm good, thanks." She said.
"Are you sure? We got a new tub of Nutella, it will go perfect with some toast." Belly offered.
"I'm okay, thanks guys." Gracie smiled.
"Girls! It's the day of the dance practice!" Mom strutted in, beaming, with Laurel at her side, who was chuckling at my mom.
"I'm sure they can't wait, Suze." Laurel laughed.
"I know! Girls, I would say still wear your beautiful summer dresses- it's not like an actual dance class, so no leggings and sweatshirts." Mom informed.
"Yes, I've picked out the perfect dress and hat." Belly smiled.
"Great! What about you, CiCi? Wait, sweetheart, what are you wearing? Aren't they Jere's clothes? What's up with you, baby? Are you feeling okay?" Mom interrogated my sister with a million questions.
"I-I'm okay mom." Gracie mumbled, as she looked as though she was passing out on the couch.
"I thought you would already be changed in your deb clothes, you're always eager to be ready!" Mom pointed out.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I just-." Gracie stammered.
"You still want to go, don't you? It's dancing! You're the best at dancing, my baby girl. You've always been an amazing dancer, it's your time to shine!" Mom tried to convince my sister.
"Yeah, I can't do this without you." Belly laughed.
"I-I will go. I was just tired." Gracie croaked with sadness.
"Oh okay, that's alright. Have a slow morning, it's not until afternoon any way." Mom comforted.
"Thanks mama." Gracie laid down and passed out on the couch. What was up with her?
"No idea, but just leave her be." Mom commanded to everyone.
We all ended up literally just leaving her there half the day as we got ready and headed out to work and whatever other plans people had.