Heather trudged into her family's lavish home, the day's events weighing heavily on her shoulders. Her parents were in the middle of preparing dinner, the aroma of Italian cooking filling the kitchen. Her mother, in her apron, was stirring a pot of sauce, while her father, in his tailored suit, was setting the table.
The warmth of the kitchen was a sharp contrast to the chill that had settled in Heather's heart. She tried to push away thoughts of JJ's arrest and the mess it had caused.
"Hey, honey, how was your day?" her mother asked, glancing up from her cooking.
Heather forced a smile. "Oh, it was alright. Busy, you know."
As she approached the table, her mother's eyes fell on Heather's leg, the bandage still visible despite her best efforts to hide it.
"Honey, what happened to you?" her mother inquired with genuine concern.
Heather hesitated, then said, "Oh... I fell running in the park."
Her father's head snapped up. "Running in the woods? Really?" His tone was both incredulous and worried as he moved over to inspect the injury.
Heather, realizing she wasn't exactly convincing, stumbled over her words. "Yeah, you know. Like running. A lot of people do it."
Her father seemed to soften a bit but still looked skeptical. "Oh," he said, his tone calming slightly. "Well, enough standing on it. Take a seat."
Heather sat down at the table, her mother immediately setting a plate of pasta in front of her. "Thanks, Mom," she said, trying to ignore the discomfort from her leg.
As she began to eat, her mother continued, "Let's hope that heals soon, with midsummer coming up this weekend."
Heather's fork paused mid-air. "Shit! That's this weekend?" Her surprise was evident as she realized how quickly the summer had flown by.
"Yes, dear," her mother replied, her tone light and cheerful.
Heather's mind raced. "I haven't even bought a dress yet," she said, frustration creeping into her voice.
Her father, who had been quiet until now, stiffened in his seat. Clearing his throat, he made an announcement. "You'll look beautiful in whatever dress you choose, just make sure it's eye-catching because we'll be making a grand entrance alongside the Camerons."
Heather gawked at her father, eyes wide. "Really?"
He nodded proudly. "Yes, we will. So, please make yourself extra presentable."
The words "extra presentable" echoed in Heather's mind. She felt a pang of anxiety. The pressure to look perfect for the event seemed overwhelming, especially when she struggled with even the simplest of outfits like sundresses.
She looked down at her plate of pasta, suddenly losing her appetite. The idea of shopping for a stunning dress felt daunting, particularly with everything else going on.
"Alright," Heather said with a forced smile, trying to mask her discomfort. "I guess I'll be shopping later this week with Sarah and Kiara."
Her mother nodded approvingly. "That sounds like a good plan. I'm sure you'll find something wonderful."
Heather nodded, pushing her food around her plate. She tried to focus on the conversation, but her mind was already racing with thoughts of what the weekend would bring. The midsummer party, the dress, the pressure—it all seemed to pile on top of the stress she was already feeling from the day's events.
As she finished her meal, Heather mentally prepared herself for a busy week ahead. Shopping, social obligations, and navigating her emotions were just a few of the challenges she would face. But for now, all she could do was get through tonight and hope for a better tomorrow.
YOU ARE READING
The Lines We've Crossed
Fanfiction"You're not so little anymore," Rafe told Heather as he stood beside her in the kitchen. "Is that why you keep looking at me like that?" Heather asked her brother's best friend, who only ever viewed her as his best friend's younger sister and nothi...
