My Chemistry Tutor

CHAPTER 16

JENNIE'S POV

"So, how come you never told me about your ex-girlfriend?" Lisa asked as she sat down on my bed.

"Probably because I don't like talking about her," I responded, taking a seat next to her.

"Why not? Was it a messy breakup?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah, sort of. She just ended up changing our relationship. She got mean, and one day I'd had enough."

"How long were you two together?" Lisa asked, her eyes shifting away from mine.

"A little bit more than a year. At first, it was really good, but as I said... she changed, and it got worse. I can't believe I stayed with her for that long," I explained softly.

"If she was so horrible, then why did you stay with her?" she pressed, still not looking at me.

I sighed and lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

"I don't know. Maybe because I thought she did love me and I thought I loved her too, but I was wrong. The way she talked to me... it made me feel like I would never be enough, like no one would ever love me."

"That's not true," Lisa said firmly, making me glance at her.

"You're amazing. And if she couldn't see that, then it's her loss. You're better off without a bitch like that," she added, her protective tone making my chest warm.

"Thanks for always defending me," I whispered, my voice almost trembling.

"Hey," Lisa said, nudging me lightly. "That promise you made me, about never leaving and always being there for me, that's a two-way promise. I'm not going to leave you either. I'm going to keep defending you... and annoying you," she added with a grin that made me laugh.

"As long as I get to see the cat stuffed animal, I'm okay with that," I teased.

But Lisa's smile dropped suddenly, and she looked down. A worried frown pulled at her lips.

"What's wrong?" I asked, scooting closer to her.

"I don't have the cat anymore," she replied quietly, sadness heavy in her voice.

"Why? What happened? Did you lose it?" I asked, already bracing for the answer.

"No," she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. "My mom threw it away a long time ago."

I froze in shock. This was the first time I'd ever seen Lisa cry.

I immediately wrapped my arms around her in a tight hug.

"Why would she do that?" I asked gently.

"When my dad left us, she was so heartbroken and angry. So she threw away everything that reminded her of him... including the cat. I begged her not to, but she wouldn't listen," Lisa explained, her voice cracking as tears streamed down her cheeks.

I pulled back just enough to wipe her tears away with my thumb. "Lisayah, I'm so sorry. She shouldn't have done that."

"It's okay. I'm over it now. I shouldn't be crying over a stupid stuffed cat toy," she said, sniffling.

"I probably look so pathetic crying right now," she added with a bitter laugh.

"No, you don't," I replied immediately, brushing away another tear.

"You don't have to always be strong, Lisa. It's okay to show emotion. It's okay to cry," I said firmly, my heart aching for her.

"I would never judge you or think you're pathetic or stupid. You're human, Lisa. Sometimes you need someone too. Sometimes you need a shoulder to cry on, and that doesn't make you weak," I explained, holding her gaze so she could see I meant it.

Lisa smiled at me through her tears. "Fucking hell, where have you been all my life, love?"

"Right here. And don't curse," I said, glaring at her playfully.

"You know, if you say a bad word right now, it might cheer me up," Lisa said innocently, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Not a chance," I smirked.

"Here I am trying to lighten the mood, and you won't even curse. Wow, Lalisa."

"Thank you, love. But, like... if you wanted to curse, I wouldn't be opposed to it," she teased, nudging me with her shoulder.

"Oh my god, you're impossible," I said, lightly pushing her away from me.

Lisa laughed. "Okay, true. But you know you love it."

"Whatever," I said, crossing my arms and pretending to be annoyed.

"Come on, love. I'm only teasing," Lisa said as she scooted closer again.

I stayed silent, deciding to tease her back, but before I could react, Lisa suddenly jumped on me, making me fall off the bed and crash to the ground.

"Is everything okay up there?!" Dad yelled from downstairs.

"All good! Jennie just fell!" Lisa shouted back, laughing uncontrollably on top of me.

"Not again, Jennie! Be more careful!" Mom yelled from the kitchen.

"Oh my god, is this a normal occurrence?" Lisa asked between fits of laughter.

"Shut up," I said, laughing along with her. "Get off of me!"

"Nope, not unless you curse," Lisa said with a smirk.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," I groaned, trying to push her off.

"All you have to do is say one bad word, love."

"No," I said stubbornly, wriggling underneath her.

Lisa pinned my hands above my head, her face hovering only inches away from mine. Our lips were dangerously close.

"Just say the magic word," Lisa whispered slowly, her breathing growing faster.

"Nooo!"

"You're so stubborn. Just say fucking please and I'll let go," she teased, leaning even closer until our noses were grazing.

My throat went dry. I gulped, then finally gave in. "Fucking please!"

"See? That wasn't so hard, right?" she said triumphantly, releasing my hands and getting off me.

I was a flustered mess while she calmly stood up and offered me her hand. She pulled me up with ease.

"So, how did it feel to curse?" she asked, giggling.

"Exhilarating," I admitted with a small smile.

Lisa chuckled, then glanced at my clock. Her smile softened. "I should leave now if I want to wake up early tomorrow for work."

"Okay. I'll walk you out," I said, leading her downstairs.

My parents waved goodbye to her, and together we stepped outside. I walked her to her car, the cool night air brushing against us. Before getting in, Lisa turned to face me.

"Thank you for everything," she said with a sweet smile.

She chuckled softly as she reached for the door, but before she could get in, I grabbed her arm gently.

Without a second thought, I pulled her into a hug. She melted into it instantly, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

For a moment, it felt like the world disappeared. When we finally let go, we lingered for a second, neither of us wanting to break the connection.

"Good night, love."

"Goodnight. Don't let the bedbugs bite," I replied, making her laugh and smile brightly at me.

She got into her car, started it, and drove away, her taillights glowing until they vanished into the distance.

I stood there in the driveway, hugging myself against the cool air.

My heart was pounding, and there was a whole zoo, no, an entire kingdom of butterflies in my stomach.