IMMORAL | LISRENE

Chapter 8

Another Saturday came and Irene was feeling estatic when she woke up, humming like a graciously lady preparing her dress until she went down for some breakfast. Her usual demeanour is dull though elegant and sophisticated, but now she felt colorful, like a rainbow and all kinds of color. She is usually grumpy, just because that's the way she is. She felt like the birds are singing and the sun is shining for her, everything is about her, as it should.

Suzy and Irene, as you know, went to Ddliem. Their sisterly bond and usual routine every Saturday, except the recent one. Suzy on the other hand is now feeling like her usual self, also full of color, although a little bit odd but it suffice Irene's worry for now.

While riding in the carriage on their way to Ddliem, Irene was worried on how she looked and how she will behave when she'll meet the person that has been occupying her mind since the day they met. She talked to herself, "I need not to worry, Jennie told me everything, and we felt the same way. I should fear nothing" she convinced herself.

"Sister" said Irene "How do I look today?" she asked trying not to make it a big deal.

"You look like, Irene Bae" replied Suzy.

"Is there a meaning behind that?"

"No, but I dare not deny. You glow, like a yellow paint"

"I suppose that is a good thing"

"It is, a happy color"

"A happy color" Irene mumbled.

Irene smiled when they both arrived at Ddliem but her facial expression is as clear as a glass, she looked scared and nervous. They parted ways and Irene went to the bookstore, she felt horrible when she remembered that she somehow promised that they will meet again, but she did not show up. She stopped on her tracks in front of the bookstore and thought that maybe she will meet the other girl at another circumstances, or she'll ask Jennie for a favor. She felt guilty, "what would I say to her? My silly behavior and jealousy is not an excuse" she thought. Little did she know that she was walking back and forth, she only noticed it when she bumped into someone taller than her.

Not looking up she bowed her head and asked for an apology on the stranger.

"Apology not accepted Ms Bae, you left me hanging" the woman said and walked inside the bookstore.

Shock was not enough to describe Irene's feeling, she only realized that the woman she bumped is no other than Lisa.

After a few seconds of contemplating, she went inside the bookstore and looked for the woman. She stopped when she saw her scanning for some books, Irene admired her from afar and she admitted to herself that she somehow enjoyed it, she realized that maybe, maybe that is enough, that maybe adoring her from afar is the only thing she can get. She is indeed too good to be true, she deserved better, better than her.

Irene turned back and went to another shelf to look for books, feeling defeated and disappointed with herself, she cannot comprehend the summary of books at the back cover. She read it again and again, even outloud just so she can understand it, but no words entered her brain.

"I suggest not to read that book, it will leave you hanging"

Irene looked at her side and saw Lisa leaning at the corner.

"Have you ever felt that way Ms Bae?" said Lisa as she walk towards Irene.

Irene can feel her heartbeat getting louder at every step she took.

"Irene, I introduced myself to you as Irene" said Irene when Lisa was already in front of her.

"Hmm, when was that again? Last Saturday?"said Lisa as she put her thumb on her chin "Oh I forgot you were not here"

"I apologize, I have no good reason for an excuse"

"You were at the Kim's, we saw each other but you refused to acknowledge my presence"

"Again, I apologize. I was in a different state back then, a complete wreck and was confused"

"I was offended" said Lisa and held her chest with her right hand.

"Again, I apologize"

"Words are just words Ms Bae, show me" said Lisa and went close to Irene's face with only inches apart.

Eyes wide open, Irene is on a verge of pushing her face towards Lisa, but as a woman with principle. She cannot just kiss her, It's just the third time that they met not to mention that they are in public "only in private she can give more than that" she thought.

Irene took a step back and composed herself.

"I dare you not to think so shallow of me Ms Manobal"

"Now you call me Ms Manobal" said Lisa as she withdrew her face "First you refused a dance now you refused my request"

"As far as I can recall, you never asked me for a dance"

"Of course, you do not remember"

"Enlighten me"

"I did not ask for a dance directly, on the day of the ball, I already knew who you are Ms Bae" Lisa took a pause then continued "Jennie, my childhood friend knew so I asked for a favor, to tell you that someone asked you for a dance. But your reply made me laugh, you said 'I beg you not to tell me who it is' I understood so I left and went to the garden to clean the stuff I prepared for the dance, hence, the reason why you saw me out there"

Irene processed every word that Lisa said, and it took her back to the day of the ball when Jennie told her that someone is looking for her to ask her for a dance. She has no idea that it was Lisa, how could she know? She does not even know who could Lisa be that time.

"You have no right to blame that on me" laughed Irene "I feel grateful, but you should have told me directly"

"Would it change your mind if I was the one who asked?"

"I know not, but I assure you I would consider" challenged Irene.

"It is settled then" said Lisa and showed a poster in front of Irene's face.

Irene who cannot read the poster for it was too close, took a step back and snatched it on Lisa's hands.

"A Masquerade?" asked Irene. Raising her brow.

"If you can read correctly, then it is"

Irene rolled her eyes, obviously she knows how to read. She just stated but it came out like a question.

"Are you certain?" asked Irene "I usually not attend such rubbish"

"How come?"

"I find it silly, wearing masks and dancing with strangers"

"But you will not be dancing with a stranger" said Lisa "I will be there, not to mention no one will recognize us"

Irene considered the possibilities that could happen if she ever agree to this invitation, she then remembered what Bambam warned her about. But she is Irene, nobody tells her what to do.

"Will you be there?" asked Lisa "With me?"

Without a second thought Irene nodded and agreed.

"Please dare not leave me hanging again" begged Lisa.

"I apologize if I ever made you feel that way, I will earn your trust once again"

"You better, Irene" said Lisa and took Irene's hand to kiss it.

Irene smiled at the sweet gesture and remained smiling even when Lisa already left. She stared at the poster again and saw that the Masquerade will be on another week, she made haste and bought the book she have chosen so she could go to the nearest shop that sells masks.