Uncertainty (JenLisa)

Wedding Preparation

Chapter XIV

J E N N I E

As I stepped out of the changing room, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves. I stood in front of the mirror, the delicate lace of the wedding gown shimmering in the soft light. I turned this way and that, admiring the elegant lines and intricate details. It was a beautiful dress, but my heart felt heavy with the weight of the upcoming wedding. Lisa's mother, Mrs. Chit, watched with a tender smile, her kind eyes filled with unspoken words.

"Wow, Jennie! You look... breathtaking, you really looked like your mother." she breathed, her voice filled with genuine surprise.

"Thank you," I murmured, "Mrs. Manoban, do you think my father will come to attend the wedding?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty. She held my hand and and smiled softly looking at our reflection in the mirror.

"We haven't heard from him yet, but I am sure he will." It was a bittersweet hope that there was still a love and hope existed from my father, even in the face of uncertainty. "And please call me mom," Mrs. Chit giggles, bathed in the warmth of her presence. I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope in my heart. Maybe, just maybe, my father would find his way to the wedding after all.

"Thank you m-m.. Mrs. Chit." I can't get my self to call her mom, thinking that all of this things will end in a year, I don't want to get attached with people who will leave.

As Mrs. Chit fussed over the delicate lace of the wedding dress, I couldn't help the heavy feeling in my chest, reminding me of how I got involved with Manoban family, how I was, about to marry a person I barely knew, all for the sake of some agreement, but as the days past I knew Lisa was a great person, my heart flutters whenever she's around, they way her lips touches mine is like a foreign feeling in my heart. But even after all this, I didn't want to be attached to someone who would eventually leave. 

"Is everything alright, dear?" Mrs. Chit's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I forced a smile.

"Yes, everything's fine. The dress is beautiful." Mrs Chit's eyes searched mine, and I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced, but she let it go for the moment.

I tried another set of white dress, and as I stepped out of the dressing room, I caught a glimpse of Lisa leaning against the wall with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Lisa treated me well, she made me feel speacial, but there are also times like this that she doesn't really care about my existence. After she took me a visit to my mother's grave, she eventually became cold again.

It might be a goood decision if I tried to keep my distance, but how in the world would I do that, Lisa was slowly breaking down my walls, and it scared me. I couldn't afford to fall for her, not when everything would just go back to normal in a year. Not that I needed to go back where I came from, but I would need to live my life without Lisa's precense. That was one of her conditons in our agreement. My mind is contradictiong my heart, and it's really confusing.

"You are late Lady," her mom said and flicked her forehead. "You are not supposed to be late at this time, look how beautiful she is." I blushed, feeling the warmth creep up my cheeks.

"Do you really think so?" she questioned her mother, "She looks normal to me," I bit my lower lip upon hearing her.

"Lalisa!" Her mother shot glance at her.

"What? I have an important meeting and you call me to see this?"

"I'm sorry about that Jennie," Mrs. Chit's concerned voice cut through the tension. I managed a weak smile. I couldn't shake the feeling of Lisa's eyes boring into me. Her silence was suffocating, and I longed for the lighthearted, carefree Lisa I had glimpsed before.

"It's okay,." I answered, but everything wasn't fine. As I turned to the mirror again, I caught Lisa's cold gaze. She was standing in the corner, her arms crossed, a frown made on her face. I avoided Lisa's gaze in the mirrored reflection, but I saw her cold eyes flicker over me, like I was nothing but an inconvenience.

"Lisa, do you like the dress?" Mrs. Chit's voice trembled slightly, hoping to break the ice. Silence filled the room before a low, mocking hum escaped from Lisa's throat. It echoed through the air, mocking and disdainful. The sound sent a chill through me, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

"Lisa, please," Mrs. Chit's tone was pleading. Suddenly, a hollow laugh erupted from Lisa, piercing the air like shards of ice. It echoed around the room, filling the air with a sense of unease. I turned back to the mirror, forcing a smile as I fought back the rising despair within me. Lisa's mysterious behavior left my heart heavy with confusion and apprehension.

"Is this the dress you've picked?" Lisa's voice was icy, her tone mocking. I swallowed hard, forcing a small nod.

"It's the one Mrs. Chit recommended." A mirthless laugh escaped Lisa's lips, making my heart clench.

"Seems like you're trying a bit too hard. It won't change anything." I bit my lip, fighting back the torrent of emotions threatening to spill over.

"I-I know the conditions of our agreement, Lisa. But can we at least try to make this...bearable for a year?" Silence hung between us, heavy and unyielding.

====

After that tiring day, Mrs. Chit drove me at the mansion. And Lisa just disappread without saying anything. It hurts me whenever she's treating me like this. But who am I to complain? Instead of crying and sulking to sadness, I chose to just sleep.

I woke up to the sensation of something warm beside me. Heart pounding in my chest as if my body knew who is the person beside me. I turned to find Lisa lying next to me.

"Lisa?" I whispered, my voice filled with surprise. But before I could comprehend what was happening, Lisa drew me into a tight hug, burying her face in the crook of my neck.

"Can I stay here for the night, Jennie?" she murmured, her voice a mere whisper. I could feel the tension in her body, despite her tough exterior. Her vulnerability was visible in the silence of the room. A million thoughts raced through my mind as I struggled to process the situation. "I'm sorry"

Her warmth seeped into my skin. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. The ache of her recent coldness still lingered, a painful reminder of our complicated situation. But as I felt her breath against my skin, and her grip tighten ever so slightly on my waist, I knew that despite everything, a connection was forming between us--a connection that defied the boundaries we had set for ourselves. It was in that moment that I allowed myself to embrace the unexpected intimacy, hoping for the future.

=====