𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐒 𝐍 𝐉𝐄𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐒┃ 𝖨𝗌𝖺𝖺𝖼 𝖦𝖺𝗋𝖼𝗂𝖺 (𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗)

━ 𝟎𝟎𝟏

PEARLS N JEWELS
"He was pearls, she was jewels."

AROUND JULIANA'S NECK, gleamed a stunning gold jeweled necklace, a piece of profound significance. This necklace wasn't merely an accessory; it held the essence of everything dear to her. A heart-shaped pendant adorned with delicate jewels had a perpetual radiance.

At the heart's center, the letter "M" stood resolute, symbolizing her mother, Maria. Each glance at the necklace summoned a smile to Juliana's lips, but a bittersweet undertone lingered, a testament to the cherished memories intertwined with her mother's name.

Her father was Jackie's uncle, even though Jackie wasn't that close to Juliana's father, Ryan, it still hurt to know that he wasn't here no more. In spite of the fact that Juliana is an only child, grief alone would tear her apart. However, she has family with her to help her.

In the room shared by Juliana and Jackie, Juliana found a moment of reflection seated at her dresser. Her gaze fixated on the mirror, she couldn't help but feel a sense of beauty. Long curls adorned in a half up-half down style framed her face, with two graceful strands falling in the front.

Rising, she approached the mirror one last time, adorned in a stunning, curve-hugging dress that fueled her obsession. As she lost herself in the allure, Jackie entered the room, catching Juliana's attention.

Caught in the act, Juliana turned to face Jackie, her expression a mix of self-consciousness and curiosity. "Hey, are you—?" Jackie paused, taking a moment to absorb the sight.

Juliana's worried expression prompted a swift response from Jackie. "Bad? No way. You look stunning."

"Thank you!" Juliana smiled as she took a look at her cousins red unique dress, "Don't let me get started on your dress because it's really beautiful on you."

The both girls laughed, "Thank you, Juli."

"Well is mom gonna drive us?" Juliana questioned.

"I wish, but the more exciting news is that Lucy is coming over." Jackie smiled as she walked over to Juliana grabbing both of her hands and jumping up and down together.

"Oh yeah!" Juliana enthusiastically said as she returned the same smile Jackie gave her.

"Well, we are going to be late!"

_____

THE ANNUAL SPRING BREAK MIXER was here. Juliana greeted people as they walked in, ensuring everyone was having a good time. The presence of some teachers with their kids added a layer of confusion to the event, prompting Juliana's curiosity.

"Hey don't touch!" Juliana stopped a kid from messing with the balloons, making him walk away. The room filled up in just 30 minutes, bringing a smile to her face – a rare occurrence since her parents passed away.

Grieving was tough, but she got through it with the support of her aunt, Jackie's mom who was like another mother to her, and her cousin Jackie, who shared college dreams, they were like twins. Despite not looking alike, they both aimed for Ivy League colleges.

Juliana's goal was Harvard Law School to become a top-notch lawyer. Her thoughts faded as she spotted Jackie, she remarked, "People are already behaving like children, but that fact that there's children here makes me wonder."