Stranger

XXIX.

-JENNIE-

"Jennie, sweetie?"

"Come on in, dad." I half yelled, putting the letter inside my drawer.

"You left tea time in a hurry. I just came here to see if you're okay." He smiled, pulling a chair beside me.

"I'm fine, dad." I smiled.

"Jennie..." Dad heaved a sigh, taking both of my hands before looking right into my eyes.

"If you have things to say to me, I'm giving you the opportunity to say it now." He looked at me with those endearing hazel eyes that I love looking at.

I know dad.

Deep down I know that you already have an idea.

"Daddy..." I trailed off, blowing air out of my mouth to prevent myself from tearing up.

"I'm sorry." I whispered defeatedly, looking down the carpeted floor.

"Hey, why are you sorry?" He rubbed my hands, pulling it a little to make me look at him.

"I'm really sorry for lying to you all this time dad, you didn't deserve that." I sobbed, lifting my head to look at him.

"It's just that, mom were so overprotective of me before and when she died, you became twice more."

"I used to want a little freedom, and you eventually gave me that. I'm thankful, thank you."

"I'm... I met Rosie there, everything I've told you about her was a lie. Yes, she studied in SNU but we weren't classmates. Everything was made up, I'm sorry I had to lie."

"Why?" Dad silently asked, he was looking at me with soft eyes that made me more guilty.

"I was sheltered all my life, I have someone– mom and grandma making decisions for me. Hell, I don't even know what to choose for myself, and it was the first time I've made a decision on my own. I made up a lie, yes. It was a risky decision, yes. But I was quite proud of it."

"I had always wanted to be brave and fearless and do something that I really like without something– someone holding me back. With her, I made everything that seemed impossible, come true."

"I wanted to be carefree, but not careless. I trusted her because I feel safe around her, dad. I feel so safe and secure around her that for the first time, I let a stranger in. I found myself willingly giving my heart to her... and she did the same."

"Then why are you crying? Why isn't she here right now?" Dad asked, catching me by surprise.

"What? Wait– you're not mad? That I lied?" I asked in disbelief.

"No." He shook his head.

"I'm proud. No, I don't recommend you lying to me again, and yes maybe I'm a little bit sad that you have to lie to me but I understand. You and your mom has been through a lot, all because you're women. And I should have done something about it, I should have stood up for the two of you against my family."

"And I'm sorry that you have to lie to experience the things that normal people do, sweetie. And as your dad, I'm proud of you for getting out of your comfort zone. Really proud." He smiled wholeheartedly, kissing the back of my hands.

"I always knew there's something between the two of you."

"How'd you know?" I curiously asked, wiping my tear stained cheeks.

"Because I used to look at your mom, the way Roseanne looked at you." He knowingly smiled, making me cry some more.

"That girl loves you, everyone who sees the two of you is dumb enough to not notice it. Not when it's plastered all over your faces." Dad chuckled.