SKYSCRAPER

DRIVING FORCE

The sky is blue. Birds are chirping as if they sing a heartfelt song. The air is cool, contrasting on a sunny day.
The day of the funeral.

Maybe Jisoo wanted it to be this way, for Jennie and Lisa not to mourn in sorrow for so long— she didn't let the rain paint the day dark.

"Would you like to go back, Manoban? I am retiring. The bureau needs you." The chief at the bureau approached Lisa after the funeral.

"No. She's not going back. She has Ford, Skyscraper and-." Mr. Daniel who is also present at Jisoo's funeral joined the conversation. He stared at Jennie and Aki as he's speaking the second one.

"I'm sorry, chief. I can't afford to lose my life. I have a son. And Jennie was once a public figure. People still know about our past. I have to ensure their lives are safe with me. Safe from this world. I'm fine with what I have and where I am right now. But thank you for the trust." Lisa still showed her respect to the chief.

"What was it about?" Jennie asked as they walked to the car after the service.

"He asked me to come back, Jen."

"Tell me you declined his offer. What else do you want, Lisa? You've got everything now. I can't take losing you." Jennie was surprised with the last sentence she herself uttered.

"Relax. I said no. I can't lose you and Aki." Lisa gave her the assurance.

"Lisa, can you stay at home for a while? Please?" Jennie asked a favor. What a sad eyes and mourning energy.

"Of course. That's actually my plan. Was about to ask you the other day but I am just waiting for the right timing. But I think we have to sell that house, Jen. Let's get a new one for you and Aki again. He told me the other night he wants to be with you. I promise I'll visit regularly. What do you think?" Lisa's plan will be for Jennie's swift recovery from everything. Jennie agreed.

Night came. Jennie has been counting sheep but it disturbs her more. Lisa is already inside Aki's room and plans to sleep beside her son.

Jennie went out of the room. Lisa did too from Aki's room. They unexpectedly met halfway the corridor upstairs.

"Can't sleep?" Lisa asked. Jennie nodded while rubbing her arm.

"I'll sleep beside you. Can I?" Lisa insisted.

There's a gap between them. Staring at the ceiling and just listened to the silence of the night.

"Now it make sense to me why you left your job before, Lisa. Now I understand why." Jennie spoke.

"It's too dangerous. But I believe I was brave enough to leave the job I like for the person I love the most. If it was only for me, I am willing to die for the countrymen. But then there was you. You and Aki." Lisa said while their eyes still darted to the ceiling.

"Thank you, Lisa. I am sorry for everything I did and said in the past. If I could only bring back those days, I-." Jennie is starting to cry.

Pouring all her tears out.

"Let's leave the past behind. I have forgiven you already, Jen. And I know you have changed. It really happens to some people that now they are no longer the person they were before. Just like our beliefs and principles. It used to be this way and that, but now, we may believe on something new. I am happy for the person you have become now, Jen. You are a wonderful mother to our son. You are doing great in your job. And as a person, I see that you've been working hard for it. I am so proud of you for welcoming change and development. You know, it's never wrong to improve.

I also do pray every night that you'll heal. Losing someone you love is not easy. There's no moving on. But eventually, your life will be almost filled with happy memories to happen. I am just here for you and Aki." Lisa promised.

Jennie faced her and she did too.

They can't deny this tension between them. Not strange nor haunting. It's like magnet pulling each other to move closer and closer.

Closer.

And it made them do so. Lips an inch apart. Eyes that swallow each other to captivate each one's soul.

Jennie.

Jennie stretched her hand reaching Lisa's nape and kissed her. The kiss her body has ever wanted since they separated.

They got lost for a while. Felt dizzy and drunk without sickness and alcohol. Because it's the familiar emotion both of them feel and that bonds them together.

The kiss went deeper. Softer but with force like something we know when we are eager to feel the pleasure from the person without pressure intruding the body.

Lisa rose and positioned on top of her. Still with clothes on but they felt the heat coming from their every skin. This warm feeling when you are at the moment of bartering physical pleasure. And it never stops. It's only you who can control the urge.

Unstoppable to the point they can't let go of their sensual touches anymore.

And not only that, they already hear wet kisses and lip rub in every part of their skin. Lisa is wandering around Jennie's scent. Jennie keeps pushing her body toward Lisa so they won't lose the driving force that binds them.

But Lisa moved to the side. Pulled Jennie closer as she wraps her waist.

"I am sorry. I don't want to take advantage of you. I'm sorry, Jen."

"No. I am sorry, Lisa. I- uhm. But please don't think that I did kiss you just because I am sad. I don't understand what's happening. I am really sorry."

Two years passed that fast.

They remained friends, co-parenting for Aki. But Jennie and Lisa are always available for each other anytime as long as they don't have something urgent at work.

They don't talk about love. Each one has no partner yet. They are not even ready to date anyone. Some are attempting to try but they cut it right away and never give in.

They never had the chance to breathe when they needed it the most in the past. Maybe this is it. Maybe this is what they both need for a long time. This is what they need to heal from everything they have gone through as individuals.

The solitude.

The strong force of solitude came their way, making them love thyself even more— for their Aki and for the things that help them grow as a person. They don't prioritize having a partner to fall in love with again. This solitude makes them realize that they can be stronger than they were. A beautiful solitude that let them embrace and appreciate the little things in life.

But there's one thing that they can't lie about to the world. As the writer, I am not yet sure what it's called.

Jennie and Lisa care for each other still. They would go out and have dinner or lunch together. Watch movies. Present in every event of their lives. They spend more time with their son who is now slowly hitting puberty.

They don't want to confuse Aki and give him expectations that's why they are both stopping the force that brings them back together. They don't want to hurt him.

But yes, there are times that they would exchange a high intensity of romantic attraction to each other. They are just quick to ignore it, especially Lisa. She's the one breaking the connection whenever they're about to ignite the fire.

The touch of their hands brings warmth. They look at each other like how the first the they met consciously. When their shoulders come into contact, there's magic.

And the emotional availability when one needs the other, it has always been there.

So what is it?