By My Side [JENLISA FF]

Part 8

For a while nobody in the office said a word. Jisoo was still feeling sick from the whole exchange she'd just watched. She could understand both, she had watched Mr. Park for six years, feeling miserable because of Jennie. But she had also read her letters and knew what Jennie had gone through. The worst part for the red head was that they both loved each other, a real father couldn't love his daughter more and Jennie had simply adored Mr. Park, Jisoo could clearly remember. And she hoped that both would be able to get over their issues - eventually.

Jennie looked to the ground while Lisa was staring into space. Suddenly she snapped out and smiled at Jisoo: "Hi, I'm Lisa," she frowned. "As you have already guessed." she smiled again.

"Nice to meet you," the red head smiled back. "I am Jisoo. I'm a friend of Jennie's." She paused for a while and because none of the others was obviously going to speak, she said: "It has to be quite an experience to work with Yaya."

"She's okay," Lisa replied. "You would be surprised."

Jisoo raised her eyebrows in disbelief, when Jennie finally decided to speak again: "She is really very nice now," she assured her friend. Then she dared to look at Lisa: "I have a problem," she admitted.

Lisa faced her and felt herself drinking in her eyes. She shrugged slightly to get over this feeling: "What problem?"

Jennie smiled sheepishly: "Well, uhm ... are you expensive?"

Now Lisa smiled as well, she was so damned cute: "Why?"

"I ... uhm ... kinda hired you, but ...," Jennie stopped feeling slightly embarrassed.

"You mean you might not be able to pay for my services?" she asked, smiling reassuringly.

She nodded: "It's just, I was so angry with Hongjun and ... well, I think I really need your help."

Jisoo looked back and forth between them, and a certain feeling entered her stomach. They had obviously forgotten she was there at all.

Lisa's eyes were fixated on her face when she asked: "Is it true? You really trust me?"

"I do," Jennie replied without hesitation. "I thought, I said that before." God don't look at me that way. All I want to do then is kiss you.

"You did," Lisa nodded slightly. "But I wasn't sure you really meant it then." 'This is going to end in a disaster. Why can't I just say goodbye and walk away. I've never felt like this before. This is so strong, it scares me. And I thought I knew love. But this is so different, so powerful.' Lisa added: "And about the money. Don't think about it. We'll find a way for you to pay me."

Jennie took a deep breath: "Good. I am glad. And I am sorry for Hongjun. I don't know what's the matter with him. Usually he isn't like that."

"I know," she said, looking at her hands. "He seemed very nice the first time we met. But I can handle it, you do not have to apologize for him."

"Uhm ... guys," Jisoo stepped in. Both faces turned towards her. She smiled sheepishly: "Maybe if I can say something? Well, I think he's afraid, because Lisa is good looking and all and he's left you once. You ran off with GD. I think he's afraid this could happen again."

"What?" Jennie asked incredulously.

"I think she's right," Lisa said quietly. "He is afraid to lose you again. So, he tries to keep you as close as possible. I think the moment he realises it isn't going to happen again, he'll come around."

Jennie stared at her, trying to find the right words. How was this possible, how could this person, whom she knew less than two days, know her mind so well, trust her so much: "How," her voice was hoarse with emotions, and she cleared her throat: "How can you know I won't run off again?"