The Red Bow [Chaelisa]

18. Facing fears pt.1

January 3, 2015. – First year of college.

It was a cold dawn in the Columbia dorm. Despite the cold, the snow outside was minimal every day, limiting the small and sloppy snowmen on Campus and allowing students to remain outside without the danger of dying frozen with the constant frosts. In dormitory 78, the light was off and the place was illuminated by the moonlight that invaded the open window; Ed Sheeran was reproduced by the Iphone left on the floor among the clutter of coats and suitcases. On the bed, two hearts beating at the same pace, bodies on top of each other, legs entwined and Chaeyoung’s head resting lazily on the curve of Lisa’s neck at the bottom of the bunk.

They had already shared that same position for almost an hour and a half waiting for Somi – who by chance was at her boyfriend’s house – so that they could finally leave for Thailand. Mason was reluctant with his daughter’s trip, he knew enough of the Manoban through his daughter-in-law’s mouth to know that his daughter would not be welcome at the family home if they knew her real condition. Lisa explained that they would act as friends for the sake of the two, it would just be a test, and thus, her sister Jules would also meet Chaeyoung.

"I love the smell of your neck.“ The older girl’s voice was muffled on Lisa’s skin. “This is my favorite place in the whole world, so much so that it is where I will live from today.“ she joked distributing kisses dragged on the smooth skin.

"You can’t live on my neck, princess.“ Lisa laughed even more so its divine gift. “I thought our house would be the ranch we’re going to buy …"

"Lisa! Sometimes it’s better to keep that cute little mouth closed and don't ruin my cuteness, okay?"

The Thai girl raised her hands in defense and received a bite on the collarbone as punishment for the jokes.

"Cannibal."

"Not funny."

"You and my sister are really going to get along, both against me all the time.“ The younger girl sighed and ruffled Chaeyoung’s hair.

Chaeyoung lifted her face up to Lisa’s level looking at her with a shy smile and at the same time passionate on her lips, that’s how they looked when they took a few seconds just staring, both of them not believing in the luck they had to belong.

Do you really think we’re going to get along? I mean, Jules must be going through a difficult time and I don’t know how to act with a pregnant woman …

Lisa laughed and forced her girlfriend’s head back on her neck.

"Jules is only seventeen, she remains a normal and irritating teenager.“ she sighed. “The only difference is the baby growing inside her and the seclusion with our parents. But I know that she will like you at first, that person in the world does not fall in love with my girl?"

Chaeyoung’s heart skipped a beat at the innocent comment.

"I’m scared of your parents.“ she said uncertainly, afraid of being scolded by her girlfriend for talking like that about her parents.

"I know. Sorry I can’t do more than that. I wanted to be strong enough to..."

"Hey!“ Chaeyoung’s index finger sealed her lips surprising. “Don’t say you’re not strong, never again, got it? You took us over to Juilliard and asked my parents to officially date me, and that’s more than enough for me. I know things are not going to be easy with your parents, but I trust you when you say that we are going to make this work, we have a lifetime to tell them.“ She laughed kissing Lisa’s soft lips. “I love you and am very proud of who you are."

She received a huge smile in return, the same smile that made her heart forget to beat and her lungs to filter oxygen. Lisa had no idea what she was able to do with Chaeyoung with a simple smile and maybe she never knew, because it was something that even the blonde girl did not understand. She spent years of her life focused on music, with no time for dating, and from one moment to another her life is invaded in a non-consensual way by a stranger with chocolate eyes capable of hypnotizing anyone.