JENLISA FF - A Glimpse of Us

Chapter 2: School Grounds

***

A machine beeps beside her. Lisa woke up feeling like a vegetable. She immediately recognized her mother and father.

"Hey, honey... How are you feeling?" Chit asked.

Lisa looked around and she was confused for a second. "Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital. Your classmate Felix got you overdosed with fentanyl. It's an opioid. A drug. Ryujin admits that they gave you a drink at school."

Lisa frowned, "What?"

"You've been in the hospital for a week now. The doctors already take out the majority of the drugs in your system. They told us that you'll be able to go home tomorrow." Chit couldn't take it anymore, she began to cry. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault."

Lisa's father stepped in to console her wife. Lisa then reached out to her mother.

"Mom. stop crying. It's not your fault."

Chit shakes her head. "No. I was the one who forced you to attend that crappy school."

"I still want to go there."

Chit took off her hand on her face and looked at her. "Why?" she asked in disbelief.

"Because I don't want to be a coward."

The next day Lisa was being discharged by her doctor.

"You should be fine, but you'll be experiencing some symptoms of withdrawal. I will prescribe some pills to ease any discomfort, okay? And then... you'll be attending a peer group for a month that will serve as your therapy to ensure your well being."

Lisa got worried about what the doctor said. "Peer group? Is that even necessary?"

The doctor nods. "It is. New Zealand has a strict policy when it comes to substance abuse. Don't worry, there are other kids the same age as you who's attending. You'll be able to meet some new friends."

The doctor gave her a reassuring smile.

"And about your classmate. He's in juvenile detention now."

***

The following week, Lisa got better but she has been experiencing the symptoms of withdrawal. She's often irritated, restless and nauseous. She struggled for a week before she regained strength to attend school and her peer group.

Today was her second day attending the group. They all cooped up in a small room beside the hospital. Some of the attendees were minors like her.

The door opened and when she turned to see who it was. Lisa was surprised to meet the girl with feline eyes.

"Jennie. Thank goodness you're here!"

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend the last meeting. I had to do something."

Lisa stared at her as she followed Jennie's movement across her. The peer formed a circle and Jennie was now facing her. Lisa kept quiet while observing her. A lot of questions came to her mind. Why is she here? Was the first one.

"Jennie, we have a new peer member. This is Lisa Manoban. Would you like to introduce yourself to her and Lisa will do the same."

Jennie feigns a smile. "Hi. I'm Jennie Kim, 17 years old. I'm from South Korea, I just moved here last year and I've been attending this peer group for eight months now. I'm an addict, I take various drugs such as fentanyl and weed. I've been sober for one year and still recovering."