Keep Me Out Of Control // Jenlisa

30: Brand New Year

"Jennie! You better hurry or else you will be late for your first day of school!" Yejin yelled from the kitchen for the nth time. Jennie insisted on sleeping and avoiding the first day of the new semester, especially when she hasn't seen Lisa in weeks.

"Fine, mom!" Jennie responded, giving up on her sleep. She blinked a couple of times and sat on her bed. The holidays felt strange without Lisa. She wanted the two of them to kiss under the mistletoe, go ice skating in the West Pavilion and drink hot chocolate while watching Love Actually.

Lisa had planned the perfect dates but Lisa wasn't there.

Jennie wasn't excited about the first day back. So much has happened last year and this year she had to shape herself up. After getting ready and eating a quick breakfast, Jennie made her way towards the school. She had a meeting with her counselor, Miss Dara, who was expecting to hear from Jennie about her plans next year, and which universities she was applying to.

But sadly, all Jennie could talk about was Lisa.

"I just don't understand why the two of us couldn't work things out, you know? My whole life was perfect without her. Although my family and I suffered some setbacks, we still were happy and I was West Woods High's most popular girl. It all made sense until Lisa winked at me by the lockers and made my heart beat uneasily. I was fine without her. I lived 17 years without her, so why do I miss her so much?" Jennie asked Miss Dara, who was massaging her temples from all the information that Jennie gave her.

"Jennie, I get it. You are young and in love, and that is completely fine. What's not fine is you worrying about some high school romance instead of your college applications. Stop putting someone else as your priority. Your future, which is around the corner, needs to be at the top of your list." Miss Dara lectured her, trying her hardest to get the message across.

"She is more than just a high school romance Miss. Lisa is my future. Without her, there is no way I can even focus in school. I need her to be with me. What can I do to move on? Help me. You are my counselor right? Help me forget Lisa and find a new purpose in life." Jennie pleaded, understanding that since she wasn't Lisa's girlfriend anymore, so she had to focus on another purpose right now.

Miss Dara sighed out and crossed her arms staring at Jennie. It was impressive how much Jennie has changed in the past months. For someone who only cared about looks and popularity, she sure could only think about one thing: Lisa. "Alright, I will try my best."

***

Meanwhile in Thailand, Lisa was on her bedroom, laying on her belly while talking to Jungkook through Skype. "Gosh you are so lucky to have spent the Christmas in Thailand. You don't have to worry of winter there and you can go and enjoy the beach. Here it's so freezing cold!" Jungkook complained rubbing his arms to warm himself up.

"I know right! Chaeyoung and I went night swimming yesterday and it was the best thing ever. One day you have to come here. My grandmother makes a great Tom Yum Goong. You would love it." Lisa told him and Jungkook made a hungry groan just hearing Lisa explain how it's made.

Lisa invited Chaeyoung's family to spend the holidays with her family. The Manoban family and the Park family became extremely close. So close that when both Chaeyoung and Lisa got drunk from a beach party, Chaeyoung's father grounded the two of them. Also for the past week, Jungkook has been skyping with Chaeyoung and Lisa, listening to stories from their holidays and their adventures.

"By the way, how was your date with Eunha the other day? Was it worth it?" Lisa asked, remembering that Joy mentioned going on a date with a girl from Lisa's former school.

"It was alright, but I don't see any future between us." Jungkook confessed, remembering how awful the date was and how awkward Eunha was with him. "Have you met anyone special over there?"

Lisa thought about it for a while and she shook her head. It was impossible for her to get with anyone when the only person in her mind is Jennie. All she ever wanted was to be with Jennie, but part of her is glad that she ended things with her. If she hadn't, Lisa would feel uncomfortable 24/7 and nervous about the possibility of another argument to break out.

"And how was the first day back to school? How is everyone?" Lisa had to swallow hard before asking this question. She knew that Jennie would pop up at least once in their conversations and Lisa had a feeling it would be today.

"First day was okay. Irene, Sana, and Joy decided to join the new dance crew. Apparently a new teacher was hired to expand the arts department in the school. Jisoo, Taehyung and I have made plans for a welcome back party. And she is doing alright." Jungkook made an emphasizes on the 'she', because he wanted to avoid saying Jennie's name.

"I'm glad. Chaeyoung and I will return tomorrow so you can expect us to roam around the halls of West Woods High." Lisa told him and Jungkook smiled at her, until he heard his mother calling for him in the background.

"I gotta go. My mother wants me to watch the game with them. These days she has been eager to spend time with me and my father." Jungkook explained and Lisa nodded.

"Have you told her?" Lisa asked him and Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "You know..you and your interest in photography? She will sure be disappointed if you don't do sports in the future."

"I haven't told her. And I honestly don't think she will ever agree. I mean she is the boss of the house. Besides, I can just make photography my hobby. No big deal." He explained and Lisa knew he was belittling his photographic skills.

"Well good luck and don't just settle for less because of your parents. Take care and I will see you tomorrow." Lisa said to him and they waved goodbye before hanging up.

Chaeyoung came into Lisa's room to call her for dinner. Lisa's grandmother demanded everyone to have dinner together, before Lisa had to go back to West Woods. "I'm so happy my granddaughter is here and she came to spend the Christmas with us. I'm very sorry for what you went through. You deserve a break and a good time with your family. And thank you so much for introducing us too the wonderful Park family. Now that you are going back to school, focus in getting into a good university and finding a good husband." Her grandmother spoke, holding her glass of champagne in the air.

Chaeyoung snorted when Lisa's grandmother mentioned a husband. Lisa noticed that and nudged her friend on the arm. No one in her family knew she was in love with Jennie, a girl. But Lisa didn't want to ruin her grandmother's night. There is no need for a last minute drama.

"Mr. And Mrs. Park, take care of Lisa for us. We really appreciate how you have treated her like family. Thank you so much." Lisa's grandmother said to Chaeyoung's parents, who smiled at her. They have been so humble and loving to Lisa, which only made her grow closer to Chaeyoung.

"Thank you, grandma. Everyone, I want to say thank you. I don't know what would happen to me if I didn't have you guys." Lisa said in Thai, then she paused and switched to English. "I hope I can keep fighting my way through this world with your help. Cheers!" Lisa said, raising her glass and everyone yelling 'Cheers' in response.

Lisa was nervous about returning to West Woods. She didn't know how things would be from now on but she just hoped that this year would be better than the last.