The Red Bow [Chaelisa]

17. Cold Coffee

December 31, 2014. – First year of college.

Chaeyoung missed being seated on that bench watching the movement of the city through the classroom window. It was a custom to sit with her violin in vague classes and create different situations in her mind regarding the flow of people that crowded the pedestrian crossing of the Avenue. Sometimes she wished she had some kind of telepathic power to read the minds of each one of those hurried beings, to decipher each story that was in the middle of so many others on that corner; how many betrayed husbands, lonely wives, afflicted lovers, broken hearts … And yet, on the third floor of the Juilliard building, there was yet another story with a beginning, middle and end, but at the moment it was in the middle of an extreme happiness.

"See if it’s not Mrs. Manoban." a sarcastic voice invaded the silence of the room. It was Jennie. "Girl, everyone is talking about last night’s kiss." the blonde girl turned with a sweet smile when remembering what happened, Lisa had proved her love in a surprising way. Jennie had a naughty smile on her lips. "Don’t let Jisoo hear that, but you are the most beautiful couple in this place." Jennie whispered making Chaeyoung laugh and get up to put the violin in the case.

"Lisa keeps surprising me, Jennie." Chaeyoung breathed, walking out of the room with her friend. "She kissed me in front of thirty people and still held my hand in Juilliard’s entrance … Please, I hope I’m not dreaming."

The two laughed and noticed a small group of girls from the theater course who were close to the water cooler followed Chaeyoung with their eyes and started whispering, but she didn’t care, she knew that most wanted the intern from Columbia, but now they also knew that she already had an owner.

"I never imagined seeing you all in love, Rosie." Jennie hugged the books to her chest and glared at a boy who was staring at Chaeyoung. "Ashley was sure that Lisa was in hers and now the girl is there in the auditorium mumbling all the time about people not knowing how to choose today." she shook her head amused by the memory. "But I’m really happy for you, it’s a surprise to see Lisa face her own fears to be with you, that’s cute and gay at the same time."

And speaking of fear, they would still travel that week to Thailand in order for Chaeyoung to finally meet the Manoban family. Lisa had made it clear that they would behave as friends, that she was not yet ready to take up dating parents who, she said, were religious and strict. Part of Chaeyoung found herself overflowing with anxiety about meeting her in-laws and brothers-in-law, but there was also that fear hammering her head with several images forming about what the Thai girl’s parents would be like.

They arrived at the auditorium where the presentations that Mr. Davis had left scheduled with the students before the beginning of the holidays would be and, of course, Chaeyoung would not let this particular day go by without paying homage to the jazz queen.

"I’m going to Thailand this weekend with you.” She commented as if she wants nothing, watching Jennie trip over Dino’s feet and fall sitting in the armchair of the last row. "Don’t make that face, I’m already nervous enough. Thanks."

“Lisa is going to take over the parents?"

“No! Of course not, Jennie." The blonde girl came close enough that the onlookers on duty would not overhear the conversation. "It seems that Jules wants to meet me and Lisa wants to take the opportunity to introduce me to her parents, even as a friend."

Jennie shrugged and Chaeyoung knew instantly that it wasn’t for good reason. Jennie and Lisa had grown up together and she, better than anyone, was sure the world knew the Manoban well enough to fear for her friend. They weren’t bad people, they just weren’t … loving. The matter died when the teacher appeared greeting the students and making jokes – not funny at all – about Christmas.