What is love?

Chapter 13

"Tessa!" I heard a knock on my room door. It was my mom. "Tessa! Honey, you're going to be late."

I groaned, pushing myself up in bed and rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over my room. I glanced at my phone and saw that I had overslept.

"Coming, Mom!" I called out, trying to shake off the lingering sleepiness.

I quickly got out of bed and pulled on my favorite pair of jeans and a comfy sweater. Grabbing my hairbrush, I quickly ran it through my hair, tying it back into a messy ponytail.

I heard another knock on my door, this time softer. "Tessa, are you okay?" my mom's voice was gentler now, filled with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Mom. Just running a bit late," I replied, opening the door. She stood there with a travel mug of coffee in her hand.

"You seemed a bit out of it last night," she said, handing me the mug. "Everything okay?"

I took a sip of the coffee, savoring its warmth. "Yeah, just some drama at school. Nothing I can't handle."

She gave me a knowing look. "I know it's more than that, Tessa. Just remember, you can always talk to me."

I nodded, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Thanks, Mom. I'll be okay. I just need to get through today."

She smiled and gave me a quick hug. "Alright, but don't forget you have a support system here. Now hurry up, or you'll be late."

I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs, quickly munching on a piece of toast. My thoughts were still swirling with the conversation I'd had with Andrew about the rumor site and the kiss at the party. It had been a lot to process, but at least I knew I wasn't alone in dealing with it.

As I walked out the door, my car keys in hand, my mom called after me, "Have a good day, sweetie!"

"Thanks, Mom!" I replied, heading towards car. With everything that had happened, I knew today was going to be challenging, but I was determined to face it head-on.

"Thanks, Mom!" I called over my shoulder. With everything that had happened, I knew today was going to be challenging, but I was ready to face it head-on.

As I was getting into my car, I saw Andrew pull up to my gate. "Hey!" He called out to me.

I waved back at him with a smile. "Hi!"

"Let me drive you to school," he recommended, his eyes bright with anticipation.

I hesitated for a moment, glancing back at my car. "Are you sure?" I asked. "I don't want to trouble you."

"It's no trouble at all," he assured me, flashing a reassuring smile. "Besides, we can talk more on the way."

"Okay, thanks," I agreed, feeling a flutter of nerves and excitement. I locked my car and walked over to his. As I opened the passenger door, I felt a mix of curiosity and anxiety about what he might want to discuss.

As soon as I hoped up into his jeep and settled into the seat, Andrew started the engine and pulled away from the curb.

"So, how are you feeling about everything?" he asked, his tone gentle and concerned.

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "It's a bit weird, but I'm not too worried about it. The rumors will die down eventually."

"Yeah," he agreed, glancing over at me with a smile. "We didn't do anything wrong. People just love to gossip."

"Exactly," I said, feeling more at ease. "And about the kiss..."

Andrew raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his face. "What about it?"