As If We Never Said Goodbye (JENLISA)

Words, hands, hearts

Lisa stretched out in her old-fashioned chair, her eyes focused on the high ceiling. It stretched ten meters up, golden chandeliers hanging amidst the white cloud designs. She could hear the distant rumble of motorcycle horns and engines outside, mixed with the sound of Jennie's voice as she spoke to the woman behind the counter. She looked back at the smile on her lips, Lisa watching them move without assimilating the words. She bit her own lower lip, her nails sinking into her bare thigh as she continued to stare. But after a moment, she remembered that she shouldn't be staring and that she should be giving her space.

Look the other way, Manoban.

With a reluctant look, she moved her eyes away from the woman and directed them to the busy street of Saigon behind the windows in front of her. They were mostly covered by beige curtains, blocking much of the light from lampposts and car headlights. It was vast and bustling, and everything Hoi An was not. But perhaps everything Jennie needed.

Tapping her short fingernails against the wooden arm of her chair, Lisa watched as tourists passed by her dragging or carrying bags. The heels of an older woman echoed off the polished marble as she made her way to the restaurant of the place. With its gold details on a Persian carpet, the majestic hotel had a class that the other two from before didn't have, making the blonde think she was back in the days of the Titanic.

"-start tomorrow with the Cuchi Tunnel tour. And the next day there is Mekong River Delta, followed by the Saigon River cruise."

Lisa caught the end of the conversation as soon as she turned around. The young Vietnamese woman had a big smile on her face and her dark hair tied up in a bun. She reached out, handing Jennie several pamphlets and paperwork, before sitting down again, her hands turning to the keyboard in front of her.

"Now you have to choose a male or female guide." She said, looking at the two in anticipation.

"Male." Both said without hesitation, a small smile wanting to appear on Jennie's lips. She looked in Lisa's direction with playful eyes, the girl letting a giggle escape.

"Very well." The woman agreed. "He'll meet you here tomorrow morning."

Lisa was the first to stand up, taking the sheets of paper from Jennie's surprised hands and beginning to look through each one. Those eyes went in her direction, the brunette letting a smile slip, before getting up as well. The taller one started walking, as Jennie thanked the woman.

"Do you remember the last time we took a tour?" Lisa asked softly, pressing the worn button on the elevator and watching it light up. "We were in Venice and followed those Japanese tourists around all day. But then I found out that you were only doing that so I would stop complaining."

Lisa pouted, crossing her arms as they heard a 'ding', the golden doors opening to reveal two middle-aged men in suits. They stepped out of the way, giving the girls not-so-discreet glances. Jennie and Lisa ignored them and moved into the confined space, leaning on opposite walls.

"Yes, I remember." She murmured as her cheeks began to blush, the doors closing behind the two. "That was the first time you called me poor, which I never understood. I always payed for your dinner."

There was a playful complaint in her tone, her brow frowning adorably. Lisa had to hold on to the wall to keep herself from moving and just end the distance between them, the look on Jennie's face making her chest ache. But she kept herself under control as the numbers lit up above the doors.

"Well, you always told me that I said no to everything." Lisa counted shrugging.

"Because it's true." Jennie retorted with a laugh that made Lisa's stomach melt. "I had to force you to try to do something."