Revealing secrets - Blackbangtan

New Faces, Old Dynamics

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the Manoban mansion, illuminating Lisa's elegant room. She rose from bed and stretched, feeling the lingering tiredness weighing down her eyelids. As she made her way to her closet, her thoughts wandered through the monotony that awaited the day. She put on her school uniform with mechanical movements, the soft and familiar fabric brushing against her skin.

Just as she was fastening the buttons of her blouse, the phone rang, interrupting the room's silence. Lisa picked it up and saw Jennie's name on the screen. With a sigh, she answered.

"Hello, Jennie?" Lisa's voice sounded a bit tired as she continued to gaze at herself in the mirror.

"Hi, love. Are you ready for the first day of classes?" Jennie sounded enthusiastic on the other end of the line.

"Yes, I suppose," Lisa replied, though her enthusiasm didn't quite match Jennie's. "And you?"

There was a brief pause before Jennie responded. "Yes, I'm excited. Also, I wanted to call you to remind you to have breakfast, Lisa Manoban. If I find out you haven't eaten, I'll come to your house and force-feed you, got it?"

Lisa let out a soft laugh before replying. "Of course, I'll be eagerly awaiting your arrival every morning, Jennie." Her words were filled with sarcasm and joy.

"So, I'll see you at school?" Jennie asked, changing the subject with a smile in her voice.

"Yes, see you there," confirmed Lisa. "Thanks for reminding me about breakfast. I don't know what I'd do without you, my human alarm clock."

Jennie laughed. "You're welcome! That's what your most beautiful best friend does, right? See you later, Lisa, I love you."

Lisa stopped in front of the mirror after adjusting her Chanel cardigan and ending the call with her best friend. She observed her reflection, noting every detail of her face and expression.

"Ready to face another day, Lisa?" she said to herself in a low voice, her tone blending determination and resignation.

"Yes, I suppose," she responded in her mind, her own voice reflecting the same mix of emotions. "Are you ready to face the monotony and expectations as always?"

Lisa stared at herself, seeking answers in her own reflection. "Not really, but what other choice do we have?"

She realized how absurd it seemed to be talking to herself, but at the same time, it provided a sense of clarity. "You're right," she continued in her mind. "You just have to keep moving forward, one step at a time."

She nodded to herself, acknowledging the truth in those words. "Yes, one step at a time. And maybe, with a little extra style thanks to this cardigan," she added, looking at her outfit with a small smile.

The sound of a knock on the door startled Lisa. "Miss Lisa, your father wants you to come down for breakfast."

Lisa turned towards the door upon hearing the maid's voice. She nodded in understanding and then turned back to the mirror. She adjusted her cardigan one last time and made sure everything was in place before heading towards the door.

"Thank you," she replied kindly to the maid before leaving the room.

As Lisa descended the stairs to the kitchen, her steps echoed through the quiet mansion. As she approached, she could hear the murmuring voices coming from the kitchen. Her father, as usual, was already busy with his morning affairs.

Upon entering the bright kitchen, Lisa found her father reviewing some documents while sipping his usual cup of coffee. She stopped at the threshold, waiting to be noticed.