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Tegan was in a deep slumber when a gentle knock at her door pulled her from her dreams. She groaned softly, reluctantly opening her eyes to see Aunt Jen standing in the doorway, a concerned expression on her face.

"Tegan, honey, it's time to wake up," Jen said, her voice carrying an edge of urgency. Tegan rubbed her eyes and blinked up at her aunt, struggling to shake off the remnants of sleep. 

"What's going on?" she mumbled, her voice thick with grogginess. Jen stepped into the room, her face grave. 

"We need to talk. Juliette's parents called me this morning. They said she had an incident at a party last night and she's in the hospital. They want you to visit her this afternoon." Tegan's heart leaped into her throat. 

"Juliette? What happened?" Jen took a deep breath, her worry evident. 

"Juliette had a seizure. She's been admitted to the hospital and her parents think it would be good for her to see you. They're okay with you coming by this afternoon." The gravity of the situation hit Tegan like a wave. She jumped out of bed, her mind racing with concern for her friend. She quickly dressed, her hands moving automatically as she tried to calm the storm of emotions churning inside her. Jen noticed her distress and offered a reassuring smile. 

"I'll drive you there. We can leave as soon as you're ready." Tegan nodded, grateful for her aunt's support. They made their way to the car, Jen's calm demeanor a small comfort amidst the rising anxiety. As they drove through the streets of Paris, Tegan's thoughts were consumed by Juliette. She remembered their last conversation, their laughter, and the warmth of their friendship. The idea of Juliette in a hospital bed, struggling and vulnerable, was almost too much to bear. The hospital was a stark contrast to the vibrant streets of Paris. The sterile scent and the clinical environment heightened Tegan's nervousness. She had always hated hospitals. Jen led her through the echoing corridors to the ward where Juliette was being treated. They arrived at the room, and Jen gave Tegan a reassuring squeeze. 

"I'll be outside. Let me know if you need anything." Tegan nodded, her throat tight with anxiety. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Juliette lay in a hospital bed, her face pale and grazed, and an oxygen mask covering her nose and mouth. The sight of her friend in such a state was almost overwhelming. Tegan's heart ached at the sight, but she moved closer. Juliette's eyes fluttered open when she felt Tegan's presence. Despite the oxygen mask, she managed a weak, but genuine, smile.

"Tegan..." she whispered, her voice muffled but recognizable. Tegan's heart clenched as she approached the bed. She took Juliette's hand gently, her own trembling slightly. 

"Juliette, I'm so sorry. I didn't know. What happened?" Juliette's eyes filled with tears. She squeezed Tegan's hand weakly. 

"I...I had a seizure. I don't remember much. I just felt overwhelmed and then...everything went black. I'm really sorry you had to come all this way." Tegan's emotions surged as she leaned in and enveloped Juliette in a warm, comforting hug. 

"You don't have to apologize. I'm just glad you're okay. I was so worried." Juliette clung to Tegan, her sobs muffled against her shoulder. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I thought I could handle everything, but it all went wrong. I didn't expect this." After a few moments, Juliette's sobs subsided, and she looked at Tegan with red, puffy eyes. "I was at Louis's party. I didn't feel right there, but I tried to ignore it. Matthieu and I...we kissed, and it didn't feel right at all. I thought it was what I wanted, but then it was just...wrong. I felt dizzy, and then I blacked out." Tegan listened intently, her heart aching for her friend. 

"So, you kissed Matthieu, but it didn't feel right?" Juliette nodded, her tears spilling over once more. 

"No, it didn't. I thought I liked him, but it was just...a mistake. I don't know what I was thinking." Tegan reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Juliette's face. 

"It's okay. You don't have to have everything figured out right now. We all make mistakes, and it's okay to not know what you want." Juliette's eyes met Tegan's, filled with vulnerability. 

"I just feel so lost. I don't know who to talk to or what to do." Tegan took a deep breath, her mind racing with ways to comfort her friend. She sat down on the edge of Juliette's bed, holding her hand tightly. 

"Do you want to talk more about it, or would you rather just sit here quietly? Whatever you need, I'm here for you." Juliette shook her head, her tears continuing to fall. 

"I don't even know what to say. I just feel so overwhelmed." Tegan wrapped her arms around Juliette in a comforting hug. 

"It's okay. We don't need to have all the answers right now. I'm here with you, and we'll figure things out together." Juliette's body relaxed slightly in Tegan's embrace, and she took a shuddering breath. 

"Thank you, Tegan. You always know how to make things better." Tegan smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection for her friend. 

"It's what friends are for. Besides, you've always been there for me. Now it's my turn to be here for you." As Tegan continued to comfort Juliette, she noticed how tangled and messy Juliette's hair had become. Deciding to do something soothing and familiar, Tegan reached for a comb on the bedside table and gently began to brush through Juliette's hair. Juliette closed her eyes, the rhythmic motion of Tegan's fingers providing a sense of calm. Tegan's touch was gentle and practiced, and she soon began to braid Juliette's hair into a simple, elegant plait.

"I've always loved when people braid my hair," Juliette murmured. "It's so soothing." Tegan smiled, her hands deftly working through the tangles. 

"I'm glad." Juliette's eyes were soft and tired as she looked at Tegan. 

"I don't know what I'd do without you." Tegan's heart warmed at her friend's words. 

"You don't have to worry about that. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere." As Tegan finished braiding Juliette's hair, she looked at her friend with a mixture of relief and sadness. "You should try to get some rest. I'll stay here with you for a while, but I don't want you to worry about anything." Juliette nodded, her eyes growing heavy with fatigue. 

"I'll try to sleep. Thank you for being here, Tegan." Tegan gave her friend one last comforting hug before standing up. "I'll be right outside if you need anything. Just call me." Jen was waiting outside the room, her face reflecting a deep concern. 

"How is she?" Tegan took a deep breath, her emotions still raw. 

"She's upset and confused, but she's okay. She's just trying to figure things out." Jen nodded sympathetically. 

"It's good that you were here for her. I know how much she values your friendship." Tegan wiped away a stray tear and nodded. "I just hope she feels better soon. It's crazy how much can change in 24 hours."

As Tegan and Jen left the hospital, the weight of the day's events hung heavy on her shoulders. The drive back to her apartment was quiet, Jen's presence a comforting anchor as they navigated the city streets. Tegan's mind was filled with images of Juliette's tear-streaked face and the vulnerability she had shown. Her feelings for Juliette were confusing, mingling with concern and a deeper emotional connection she was only beginning to understand. When they arrived at the apartment, Jen gave Tegan a comforting hug. 

"Thank you for coming with me. It means a lot." Jen smiled gently, her eyes filled with understanding. 

"Anytime, Tegan. We'll get through this together."

Tegan's heart hurt for her friend. She couldn't lose her.