Expression and Vision

CHAPTER 11

When they reached Lisa’s apartment, the unfamiliar comfort of the place eased some of the tension in Jennie’s body. Lisa guided her inside, helping her to the couch before wrapping a blanket around her.

“Stay here tonight; I don't want you to be alone tonight," Lisa said softly, sitting down beside her. Jennie understood what Lisa was trying to say.

“I’ll make us some tea.”

Jennie nodded again, watching Lisa move around the kitchen with a sense of gratitude. She felt safe here, with Lisa. The fear that had gripped her so tightly earlier in the night was starting to fade.

Lisa returned with two steaming mugs and sat beside Jennie, handing her one. For a moment, they sat in silence, sipping their tea, the warmth spreading through them.

Jennie saw Lisa's blood-stained knuckles. 

“Lisa,” Jennie began, her voice small, “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I never wanted to drag you into this mess.”

Jennie didn't know why she texted Lisa of all the people.

She set the mug on the table and held Lisa's hands on her own.

Lisa shook her head, setting her mug down. “You don’t have to apologize for anything. I’d do anything for you, Jennie.”

Jennie looked up at her, surprised by the intensity in Lisa’s voice. There was something there, something she couldn’t quite place, but before she could think too much about it, Lisa’s expression softened, and she quickly changed the subject.

“Hey, Are you hungry maybe I can make something?”

That was a very lame distraction.

Lisa can't cook. If Jennie agrees, she is going to make a fool of herself in the kitchen.

Jennie blinked, then smiled, grateful for the hospitality. “No, I am not hungry.”

Lisa smiled back, relief washing over her. For now, she was just glad to be there for her, to keep her safe, and to help her heal. The rest could wait.

"Where is the medical kit let me treat your wounds"

You don't have to ask for a medical kit. Just be with me, and all of my physical and mental wounds will automatically Healed.

Of course, Lisa didn't say that she got up and grabbed the medical kid she had.

Jennie gently dabbed the antiseptic on Lisa's wound, her touch careful and soothing. The room was quiet except for the soft sounds of their breathing. Lisa watched Jennie with a mix of admiration and longing, her eyes tracing the delicate lines of Jennie's face, the way her hair framed her cheeks, and the kindness in her eyes as she focused on tending to the injury and wrapped Lisa's hands in a band-aid.

Jennie could feel Lisa's gaze on her, intense and unwavering, but she chose not to address it. A part of her was curious, wondering why Lisa was looking at her like that, but she pushed the thought aside, chalking it up to the closeness of the moment.

"You take the bed. if you have even a small problem, you wake me up. I am taking the couch, ok?" Lisa said softly, but there was a hint of authority.

"But Lisa.." Jennie was cut off by Lisa immediately.

"No buts Jennie, you are the guest." Lisa smiled and added.

"And I am taller, so you should Listen to me", Lisa smirked.

"Are you calling me short, Lisa?" Jennie chuckled and was fake offended.

"No, I am just saying that I am tall" Lisa smiled innocently.