Broken then Healed (REWRITTEN)

CHAPTER 16

A New Normal

The next week settled into a rhythm that felt almost comforting. Jane navigated her school day with a newfound sense of confidence. The rumors had quieted down, and while whispers occasionally echoed through the hallways, she found strength in the support of her friends and, most importantly, Eric.

In the mornings, Jane and Eric would walk to school together, sharing stories and laughter. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the world felt brighter than ever. They spent lunch together, often huddled in a corner of the cafeteria, sharing their favorite playlists and discovering new music. Each moment together made Jane's heart flutter just a little more.

At home, her parents noticed the change in her demeanor. Dinner conversations were lively, filled with tales of school and her blossoming friendship with Eric. Jane's mom would occasionally glance over at her, a knowing smile playing on her lips, but Jane brushed off the look, not ready to share the depth of her feelings just yet.

"Your grades are looking better too," her dad remarked one evening, raising his eyebrows in approval. "What's your secret?"

Jane exchanged a glance with her mom before responding, "Just focusing more. And spending time with good friends helps."

"Good friends are important," her mom said thoughtfully. "Make sure you keep them close."

As Jane lay in bed that night, she reflected on the growing connection between her and Eric. Their friendship had blossomed into something deeper, and she felt a flutter of excitement every time she thought about him. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety about what that meant for them.

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One sunny Saturday morning, Jane received a text from Eric that made her heart skip a beat: "Hey, want to come over for lunch? My parents would love to meet you."

Her heart raced. Meeting parents was always a big deal, but it also felt like a step forward. After a moment of hesitation, she replied, "Sure! I'd love to!"

When Jane arrived at Eric's house, she was struck by its cozy charm. A neat garden framed the entrance, and the smell of something delicious wafted through the open door. Eric greeted her with a bright smile, his excitement infectious.

"Come on in!" he said, leading her into the kitchen where his parents were busy preparing lunch. "Mom, Dad, this is Jane."

"Nice to meet you, Jane!" his mom said warmly, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "We're just making tacos. Hope you're hungry!"

"I could eat!" Jane replied, her nerves easing a bit. Eric's dad smiled and waved her over to the table, where they had set up a spread of toppings and ingredients.

As they sat down to eat, Jane found herself engaged in a lively conversation with Eric's parents. They asked her about school, her interests, and even her favorite bands. It felt surprisingly natural, and Jane appreciated their welcoming demeanor.

"So, Eric tells us you're quite the fan of Bring Me The Horizon," his dad said with a chuckle. "Not a typical choice for someone your age!"

"Hey, I love them!" Jane laughed, glancing at Eric, who rolled his eyes playfully. "They just get me, you know?"

As lunch progressed, Jane found herself relaxing more and more. Eric's parents shared stories from his childhood that made her laugh, and she felt a sense of belonging she hadn't expected.

Later, as they finished cleaning up, Eric pulled Jane aside. "You did great! My parents really liked you."

"Thanks! They were so nice," she replied, a smile spreading across her face. "I was a little nervous, to be honest."

"Yeah, me too," Eric admitted, his gaze locking onto hers. "But I'm really glad you came. I wanted them to meet you."

Jane's heart raced at the intensity of his gaze. "Me too."

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