The next day, Priya came to me with a plan. "Miss Cecilia, I think I know just what you need. You need to get out, have some fun, and meet new people."
I raised an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"
"A party, miss! Your friends are going, and I think you should join them. It'll cheer you up, and who knows, maybe you'll meet someone new."
I hesitated, but Priya's enthusiasm was infectious. "Okay, fine. I'll go."
That night, I got ready with my friends, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. When we arrived at the party, I was immediately overwhelmed by the loud music and crowded room.
My friends tried to get me to dance, but I just wasn't feeling it. No one seemed to grab my attention, and I found myself feeling frustrated.
Before I knew it, I had downed an entire bottle of wine. My friends tried to slow me down, but I was beyond reason.
I stumbled onto the dance floor, laughing and spinning to the music. My friends tried to catch me, but I was too fast.
That's when I fell into Jackson's arms.
I looked up, shocked, and saw his familiar smile. "Cecilia, what are you doing here?" he asked, holding me steady.
I tried to speak, but my words were slurred. "Jackson...I...I didn't know you'd be here."
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I could say the same about you. You're quite the dancer."
I giggled, feeling a sense of embarrassment wash over me. What was I doing? And why did I have to run into Jackson of all people?
Jackson helped me into his car, and I continued to ramble on, saying who-knows-what. I was too drunk to make sense of anything.
It wasn't until we were driving away from the party that I realized Jackson hadn't been there for pleasure. "I was supposed to meet a contractor," he said, chuckling. "But I think this turned out to be a more interesting night."
I giggled, still feeling the effects of the wine. "Sorrry...I didn't mean to...ruin your plans."
Jackson smiled. "You didn't ruin anything, Cecilia. I'm just glad I was there to catch you."
As we drove, I started to worry about going home. "Don't take me home," I begged. "My dad will kill me...I wasn't supposed to drink."
Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Where do you want to go, then?"
I thought for a moment, my mind foggy. "I don't know...just not home."
Jackson nodded. "Okay, I'll take you to my place. You can sleep it off there."
I nodded, feeling a wave of relief. But as I looked out the window, I realized that I had no idea where we were going. And then it hit me - I was going to Jackson's house.
Alone.
With him.
My heart started racing as I thought about the implications. But I was too drunk to care. I just leaned back and let the darkness take over.
When we arrived at Jackson's house, he helped me out of the car and led me inside. I stumbled and staggered, but he caught me every time.
He took me to a cozy guest room and helped me onto the bed. I fell back onto the pillow, feeling exhausted.
Jackson smiled and handed me a glass of water. "Drink this, Cecilia. You need to hydrate."
I took a sip, feeling a little more alert. "Thanks, Jackson. Sorry again for...everything."
Jackson chuckled. "Don't apologize, Cecilia. I'm just glad I was there to help."
He turned to leave, but I stopped him. "Jackson?"
"Yes?"
"Stay with me...please?"
Jackson hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I'll stay."
He sat down beside me on the bed, and I felt a sense of comfort wash over me.
As I drifted off to sleep, I knew that I was in good hands with Jackson. And maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something special...
As I lay there, I couldn't help but gaze at Jackson. He was sitting beside me, watching me with a mixture of amusement and concern.
I smiled at him, feeling a little silly. "You're so handsome, Jackson," I said, my voice slurred.
Jackson chuckled. "Thanks, Cecilia. I think."
I giggled. "No, seriously. You're really cute."
Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Cute?"
I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! You have a cute smile, cute eyes...everything about you is cute."
Jackson laughed. "Well, I'm glad you think so."
I kept staring at him, feeling a little bolder. "I wish I could give you a kiss right now," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Jackson's expression changed, and he looked at me with a hint of surprise. "Cecilia, I don't think that's a good idea."
But I just smiled and kept looking at him, my heart racing with excitement. I knew I was being stupid, but I couldn't help myself. I was drunk, and I was feeling things I shouldn't be feeling.
Jackson sighed and stood up. "I think it's time for you to sleep, Cecilia."
But I didn't want to sleep. I wanted to keep looking at him, keep talking to him. I wanted to be close to him.
"Stay with me, Jackson," I begged, reaching out for his hand.
Jackson hesitated, then sat back down beside me. "Okay, I'll stay. But just until you fall asleep."
I smiled, feeling happy. And as I drifted off to sleep, I knew that I would never forget this night, this moment, with Jackson.