Back to You

Chapter:3 Awakening at Dawn

Emily clapped her hands together, a wide grin on her face. "Congratulations to both of you!"

"Thank you, Emily," Anna said, her cheeks flushed with a mix of pride and embarrassment.

"You guys are really a perfect pair," Emily said enthusiastically.

Anna tilted her head, puzzled. "What?"

"I mean in singing," Emily clarified, with a wink. "You two sound amazing together."

"Oh, thanks," Anna replied, smiling.

Jaycee chimed in, "So, see you later at the party?"

"Yes, I'm so excited!" Emily exclaimed.

Anna hesitated. "I don't know if I can make it..."

Emily looked surprised. "Why not? It's the time of our lives as college students!"

Anna sighed. "My father might not agree to me going to a party, especially one that's at night..."

"Anna, you're a lady now!" Emily said, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, I'll ask your dad for permission. Oh my, you're like a kid."

"Okay, thank you, Emily," Anna said, grateful but still apprehensive.

Sheena, one of their classmates, approached with a camera. "Hi, Jaycee! Can we get a picture with you?"

"Oh, sure," Jaycee agreed, turning to Anna. "Anna?"

Anna gave him an encouraging nod. "It's okay, Jaycee. See you later."

As Sheena snapped a few photos, Emily eyed Anna with curiosity. "What's going on between you and Jaycee?"

Anna shrugged. "Emily, we're just friends..."

Emily raised an eyebrow. "Very showbiz answer. A lot of people use that line to cover up the truth."

"I'm not lying," Anna insisted, feeling defensive.

Emily huffed, brushing off the topic. "Whatever! Let's go and get ready for the party later!"

As Anna walked away with Emily, she reflected on their conversation. Emily had been her best friend since high school and often found herself unintentionally spilling secrets to Anna's parents, but Anna didn't mind too much. Regarding Jaycee, she was still figuring things out. Maybe they were just bonding over their shared love of music, or maybe there was something more. For now, Anna was focused on the present, hoping to enjoy the party and figure out where her relationship with Jaycee might lead.

Laura's eyes misted as she took in her daughter's appearance. "Oh, my baby is all grown up."

"Are you crying, Mom?" Anna asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Laura quickly wiped her tears. "No... well, yes. You look so beautiful in that dress."

David, standing beside Laura, gave Anna a stern look. "Anna, remember what I told you. Get back home early."

"Dad," Anna protested, "the party doesn't start until 7 p.m."

Laura interjected, her voice soft but firm. "David, let her enjoy the night with her friends."

 "And stay away from Jaycee. Don't get too close to him, okay?" David said.

Anna bristled at the remark. "Dad, Jaycee is a nice person."

"I don't think so," David said, his voice firm.

Laura placed a comforting hand on Anna's shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Anna. We love you."

Emily, already buzzing with excitement, called out, "Let's go, Anna!"

David nodded to Emily. "Take care of my daughter, Emily."