Jennie
By Tuesday, Lisa was back at work. It was a little strange being in the house without her, I felt like I was house sitting. She came home that first day and could read the tension on my face. That led to her telling me to redecorate. Ella's artwork was put up before Lisa's night shifts. One night, she sat me down and ordered a few photos through the printing app that she got me for my birthday. They were next to go up on the walls. She was trying really hard to make it my home as well.
On the nights when she was home, we'd sit down on the sofa watching television together. We'd even binge-watched a series, on her next off days.
Ella loved having Lisa around. Lisa was her new playmate. I wasn't sure who had more fun playing, Lisa was always like a big kid.
She'd quickly been introduced to Ella's current favourite movie. The television was playing it over and over again. I walked in on them singing and dancing to the movie the other day as I sorted laundry. The two of them were calling me to join in. I really need to get the clothes sorted but memories can't be manufactured, they need to just happen.
Much better for Ella to remember us spending time together than me being too busy to play with her. We ended up singing and dancing to the whole film. Ella promptly falling asleep straight after on the sofa. I've never laughed as much as I did during that moment.
There have been moments where Lisa and I slip easily back into our old teenage selves. A few times, I've felt like I have to catch myself. How easy it would be to cuddle into her when we watch movies together, to sneak a kiss when it's just the two of us. It's dangerous how easy it is to be around her. I have to keep reminding myself of my reasons for not getting into a relationship right now. Of which I used to have many reasons but I find myself forgetting them when Lisa smiles at me. Not that I tell my cousin that though, I don't think I could stand the gloating coming from her.
Jisoo is continuing to look after Ella when I go to work, who is finding it a lot easier to be dropped off now. Especially if she gets to see the boys. I think it's only a matter of time before she starts asking for a sibling herself, I don't know what I'll say when the time comes.
Ella and I are sharing one room, but at least we're both in a bed now. Something my back has very much thanked me for. The double bed and chest of drawers have been left behind by Lisa's previous roommate who doesn't need them now that he's moved in with his girlfriend.
Jisoo and Hae-in surprised us by buying a second-hand child's bed for Ella as a moving-in present. It's pink and had a purple crown painted on the headboard. She was excited to go to bed all day once she saw it. I hadn't done much to personalise our room yet but spent my nights planning. Just needed the money now.
It'd only been a little over two weeks but we were starting to fall into a pattern that worked. I don't think I'd felt this safe in a very long time.
