KILL THIS LOVE | JENLISA

Chapter 27

Jennie

I cleared my throat, yet again. "Were you close to your family?"

I couldn't even anticipate how much of a catalyst the question would turn out to be. It was just like a chemistry experiment that I had faint recollections about from middle school, where water speedily evaporates on being exposed to heat. Any visible traces of amusement, too evaporated from Lisa's marine eyes almost immediately, as they hardened into cold stones.

Silence perpetuated the room for a good minute or two. The iciness in Lisa's eyes battled the wariness in mine for a finite moment. "Is that one of your standardized questions too?" Lisa's voice was stripped off of all the playfulness that it previously held.

"Tell me about your family." Ignoring the ominous change in her affect, I repeated my question in a tone slightly more heavier than before, to assert my firm resolve.

"No." Lisa leaned forward suddenly,"My turn." she stared straight into my eyes, caging me like a trapped animal. "You tell me about your family."

I stilled in my seat. Had Lisa threatened to break out of her chains and chop my body up into tiny little pieces, even then, I wouldn't have possibly been so wrecked.

My family. Lisa was asking about my family.Immediately, I was cut out of my consciousness, thrown back into an achromatic sequence from my childhood. A familiar enigmatic laugh suddenly rang in my subconsciousness.It was all back. Back to get me.

"Come on now, Ruby Jane. As much as I desperately wish we did, we don't have all day."

"Please." I paused, blinking as I felt a liquid starting to pool in my eyes. "Lisa."

My heart had almost dilated at my own mouth articulating Lisa's name. It felt almost like a change of aura. Lisa's eyes flickered to mine. Even under the dimmer ceiling lights, as captivating her eyes were, they were ferocious. Lisa inclined her shoulders, drawing herself forward.

I could reckon a faint scent, almost as of an ocean breeze. Lisa Manoban smelled like a cool ocean breeze.

"Careful there, Ruby Jane."

Her voice sliced the air. It was a warning marvelled in subtlety.

"I might start thinking it's you that should be in my place."