Tribal (Jenlisa)

Chapter 2

Jennie's POV

"Miss, you're leaning too close!" Jisoo grabs my arm and I jump back.

We're by the river now.

Chaeyoung woke us up very early in the morning and showed us around the village before anyone was awake. With the lack of sleep, it was hard to keep up. All I could think about was getting back on that cot and never waking up.

She explained that they each have assigned duties that change every so often and we are expected to help them here during our stay. I wanted to ask her if she knew how long we would be here but I didn't want to overstep.

Like her mother, she has been kind to us since we got here. She went by each house explaining who lived there and what they did. Lisa's house is not far from Clare's, so I made a note to stay away from there.

I was very surprised to hear that some women go hunting alongside the men. They are not automatically expected to clean or cook but are given the choice to do what they think will help the village the most.

We're now looking down at the river with a very strong current. The water is somewhat murky but looks inviting. I was just debating about throwing myself in when Jisoo pulled me back.

Even if we haven't been beaten or mistreated, I do not want to wait around until it happens. I also want to go back and let my parents know I am still alive. They won't know about our kidnapping until days from now. We were expected to get to our destination in three days. A lot can happen in three days. My life changed in a matter of seconds yesterday.

I look at my surroundings trying to gauge where we are. Even if I could run away, I wouldn't know in what direction. But we have to get out of here soon. I have to make sure Jisoo is ready for that too. With enough time I can somehow make it back to my parents and avoid having them fret over me. Maybe Chaeyoung can help.

"Chaeyoung, what river is this?" I try to keep my tone light.

"Feel free to call me Chae if you want." She smiles. "This is the Rondan River." She comes closer to us. "If you go against the current it will take you back to the main roads." She points up the river.

My mouth drops and she sighs. Why is she willing to give us information like that? Is this a trap?

"Although I wouldn't suggest trying to escape. Lisa will take it personally, and if she finds you...well...I just think you should follow our rules while you're here."

Jisoo grabs my hand for comfort. "Are we able to shower in this river?"

Chaeyoung smiles and pulls out something small from her bag. "That is why I ended the tour here." She hands Jisoo a bar of soap. "No one should be coming around here anytime soon, so you can wash in peace."

"Out here?" I am incredulous. "Surely you have a designated place to shower at?"

She snickers. "Yes, but it is a bathhouse. One for the men and another for the women, you will have more privacy here."

I bite my lip. I have layers of dirt on my skin and would like to wash it all away. But I don't know how to swim and it looks deep.

"You can use one of my stockings as a washcloth for you, miss, then you don't have to fully undress and still get clean."

"No, it is fine, Jisoo. We should clean ourselves and make it quick." I turn so she can unbutton my dress.

Chaeyoung turns away as we begin to disrobe. Once I am completely naked, I dip a foot in the water and jump back. "That is freezing!"