The Love That Grew

Ch. 20 Movie Night

California 

January

"Ok class, that's a wr-" Slamming her laptop shut during the professor's usual dismissal speech, Jashae stepped away from her desk onto the bed, excited to take a much-needed break.

She had underestimated how rigorous online courses would be. Finance and Human Anatomy were consuming all her free time and interrupting the daily naps she suddenly required. Just as her eyes closed, the blaring of her phone's alarm went off.

Groaning, she snatched the blanket off and grabbed her phone to read the reminder for her pre-natals. Taking the medication and switching her phone's focus to sleep mode, Jashae finally let sleep consume her.

The weeks leading up to now had been a whirlwind of activity, and it felt good to finally have a moment of peace.

Her dreams were filled with vivid images of the holiday, snippets of her courses, and the gentle touch of Xavier's embrace. The parts with Xavier felt so real she could practically feel his hands on her body, his lips on hers.

Waking up, Jashae's body still tingled with the remnants of her dream. She stretched slowly, her mind lingering on the vivid sensation of Xavier's touch. As she gathered her thoughts, her phone buzzed, pulling her back to reality. There were messages from Raynell and Peezy, both checking in and sharing funny memes to lighten her mood.

Smiling at the thoughtfulness of her friends, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts "Come in," she called out, sitting up.

Raynell peeked her head in, a mischievous grin on her face. "Girl, are you alive in here? I thought you'd hibernated or something."

Jashae laughed. "Barely. These classes are beating my ass."

Raynell walked in, plopping down on the bed beside her. "Girl, I remember those days . But hey, at least you got some rest. And guess what? Peezy's throwing a little get-together tonight. Just a few of us, nothing big. You down?"

Jashae hesitated for a moment. "I don't know, Ray. I'm pretty exhausted, and I have a ton of work to catch up on."

Raynell gave her a pleading look. "Come on, Shay. Just a couple of hours. You need to unwind. Plus, it'll be fun."

Sighing, Jashae caved in. "Alright, fine. But only for a little while."

"That's my girl!" Raynell exclaimed, hugging her. "I'll let Peezy know. Get ready, we're leaving in an hour."

As Raynell left, Jashae shook her head, amused by her friend's persistence. She got up, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. She hadn't gone to a social event since Gigis boutique opening and she hoped tonight would be a better experience and a much-needed break from the demands of school and life.

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"Ouuu, you look cute, sissy," Ray called from the door frame.

Jashae frowned at herself through the full-length mirror, not feeling confident in her current outfit. "I don't know, I feel like the top's a little tight... I-I don't wanna go anymore."

"Now you know I'd never let you walk outside looking crazy. If I say you look good, you look good. No, no, don't cry, Shay. What's wrong?" Ray fully entered the room, seeing Jashae's chin quiver and tears form in her eyes. She began massaging her back until she calmed down.