Forever Manoban (Jenlisa Adaptation)

Chapter 9

Lisa let go of my hand, put her arm around me and pulled me into her. I rested my head on her shoulder. She was firm, and it felt good to be held.

“That is why you have this overwhelming need to help others isn’t it?” she asked as she lightly kissed the top of my head. “You’re a good person Jennie Kim,” she whispered in my ear.

I smiled and closed my eyes. I felt her strong arms pick me up as she carried me across the sand and to her car, which was not her Limo, it was a Range Rover. She carefully laid me in the front seat as I stirred; she whispered, “Sleep angel.”

She pulled up to my apartment, opened my purse to find my keys then carried me to the door. My arms were tightly wrapped around her neck. She inserted the key into the lock and lightly kicked the door open with her foot. She carried me to the bedroom and laid me gently on the bed. I was somewhat aware of what she was doing, but I was too exhausted to move.

She covered me with a blanket and brought the back of her hand to my cheek as she softly rubbed it, “Sleep well angel and sweet dreams.”

***

The next morning was a work day, and I did not have to be there till noon. I dragged my ass out of bed and got out of my evening gown. I was thankful she didn’t undress me, ok maybe I wanted her to because the moments we shared on the beach was something I never wanted to forget. I felt something change in her last night.

I stood under the hot water and let it overtake me. I couldn’t stop thinking about Lisa and how sweet and gentle she was with me last night. I exposed my deepest secret to her, and now regret was settling in. I should not have shown her that side of me; it was too dangerous. I dressed in my leggings and long tunic top, put my hair up in a ponytail and headed to the kitchen to make some coffee. I couldn’t shake the feeling of stupidity for telling her; sometimes I just do not know when to keep my mouth shut.

As I waited for the coffee to brew, I went in my purse and grabbed my phone; there was a text message from Lisa.

“Hi, I hope you slept well, I just wanted to see if you were up and how you were feeling.”

A small smile escaped me as I replied, “Good morning, I slept good and I’m feeling fine, thank you for your concern. I hope you have a terrific day and don’t work too hard.”

“I’m glad you are feeling fine, and I always work hard, it’s why I’m as successful as I am.”

“I believe that and thank you for taking care of me last night, I owe you one!

“Consider it repayment for when you got me home safe. I have a meeting TTYL.”

“Bye.”

I poured some coffee into a mug that read: “I’m not gay, but my ex-boyfriend is,” compliments of Jisoo. I walked over at the desk that housed my laptop, opened the drawer and took out the piece of paper that sits neatly on top of a magazine. I looked over the paper and with a pen I scribbled on it and put it back in its place till I needed it again.

I stepped outside and walked down the street, I had an hour before I had to be at work, so I decided to walk the few blocks it took to get there. The air was cooler today as the sun hid behind a stream of clouds. Today was a different sight than it had been in months. People had broken into their fall wardrobe and pulled out the “chilly” day clothes. Pants, long sleeves, cardigans and light jackets graced the streets of Seoul City as people prepared for the arrival of fall.

I passed Starbucks on my way to work, and of course, I had to stop as if I needed more caffeine. I walked in and stood in a line that took up half the café. I reached in my bag and grabbed my phone, I promised Jisoo I would call and tell her about last night. I dialed her number and waited for her to answer; after a few rings it went to voicemail.