Hate You, Love You. | Jenlisa

23

"She had an allergic reaction and that triggered her condition," the nurse, Jieun, informs me. I used to visit the nurse's office at the time just so I'd skip class back when I was in Nevermore. It hasn't changed one bit: the twin beds are still at the left corner of the room, the cabinets filled with drugs are still places on top of a sign post that says 'Nevermore High' in bold letters, and the fridge is still pretty much the same.

"Allergic reaction?" Ella is allergic to nuts and I packed her lunch this morning. There were no nuts in there, that's for sure.

"Her file says she's allergic to nuts, right?" I now. "Her friend, Kristina, brought her in and didn't say exactly what was wrong with her or how she had access to nuts." I glance at Ella who is sleeping on the white bed; her face is slightly red and puffy and her hair is sprawled on the pillow.

"Kristina also gave us her bag so we were able to find her medications and administered it to her." Thank you, Kristina. "I will advise you take her to see your family doctor, just in case there's something I'm missing." She says with a frown, her forehead creasing with worry.

You don't have to tell me twice.

"My mom's a nurse at St. John's so I'd be taking her there immediately." Jieun nods and hands me a piece of paper. "Remember to show the doctor and your mom this paper. It basically sums up my observations and the drugs administered."

"Thank you, Nurse Jieun."

"Anytime."

Ella will be fine.

At least that's what Dr. Minho, our family doctor says. He gave her an extra layer of medications along with a very strong warning to be mindful to what she puts in her mouth. I'm still wondering how she had access to nuts in the first place but I guess I have to ask her later.

Mom almost had a panic attack when I called and told her that Ella had allergies again. At least this time isn't too bad. The last time she had an allergic reaction was when she was six and was hospitalized for weeks. I was nine at the time and I remember it being probably one of the scariest moments for our family, considering we were still trying to navigate our way through Ella's diagnosis of Type A Sephiligitis. Sadly, there's no cure yet but there are medications she has to use for the rest of her life in order to lessen the symptoms.

"Jen, do you want me to order pizza or Chinese?" Mom asks from the kitchen. She got off work early after the whole Ella fiasco and I'm guessing she doesn't want to cook anything.

"Chinese please."

"Coming right up."

I face the TV with a frown on my face. I really should be reading right now considering our test is next week but I can't bring myself to actually focus. There's a lot of things going on in my head right now: Lisa, Ella, most especially Ella and then Lisa.

Why did she try to kiss me that night?

"What's on your mind, sweetie?" Mom joins me on the couch wearing her night robe with a cup of green tea in her hands. How she can even stomach that drink or 'detox water' as she calls it is beyond me. I've only tasted it once and I almost puked in my mouth. It has no flavor whatsoever and tastes like... herbs.

I'd just stick to my Pepsi and Lemonade.

"Nothing much," I deflect. "Just school stuff." And Lisa. "Test are coming up real soon and I need to start studying."

"Ah, I see," she nods in understanding and takes a sip of her tea. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. You're a hard worker so I know you'll pull through." She searches my face diligently. "Are you sure that's all that's bothering you? I'm your mom so you know you can tell me anything."