In Your Orbit (1st Book) Completed.

Chapter 22: Moving On

The months drifted by without a single word or sign from Val. Lisa had come to expect the silence, though it gnawed at her in the quiet moments. It was as if Val had been a passing shadow, leaving no trace behind—no contact, no explanations, just a swift reentry into her life, followed by a sudden disappearance. Even their parents were in the dark, as baffled by Val's absence as Lisa herself. And so, life went on, the family settling into a tense normalcy as they avoided mentioning the one person whose absence seemed to leave a lingering emptiness.

Yet, despite her best efforts, Lisa couldn't shake the quiet, unspoken feeling that something was brewing, as though a storm lay on the horizon just waiting for the right moment to arrive. Still, she tried to bury it, pushing the sensation into the back of her mind. Her friends sensed this quiet unease but knew better than to push her for explanations. Jennie, Jisoo, and Rose had noticed the walls Lisa had put up around the topic of Val, understanding that some scars took longer to reveal, let alone heal.

On this particular afternoon, Lisa found herself nestled comfortably against Jennie, her head resting in her lap as the four friends relaxed in the gym bleachers. The gym echoed with the sounds of laughter and shouts as students played basketball and volleyball below, taking advantage of their free period to unwind. The warm, dappled light filtering through the gym windows and the gentle rhythm of Jennie's fingers tracing small circles along her cheek lulled Lisa into a gentle, dreamlike state. It wasn't long before her eyes fluttered shut, succumbing to the rare moment of peace.

With Lisa asleep, Jennie turned her attention back to Jisoo and Rose, a warm smile playing at the edges of her mouth as she stroked Lisa's hair. The three girls began talking quietly, keeping their voices low so as not to disturb Lisa's nap.

"So, Jisoo, have you decided on which college you're leaning towards?" Jennie asked, glancing over at her friend. Jisoo let out a small sigh, brushing her dark hair over her shoulder as she thought about it.

"Yeah, I think I'm settling on Boston U," she replied, her eyes glinting with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. "They've got a solid program for what I want to study, and, honestly, I think I just need a change of scenery. Plus, I've never actually seen snow in person, so it'll be... different."

Jennie smiled, nodding in understanding. "Boston would be great for you. It's far, but you'd love it there. And the food is amazing," she added with a laugh, remembering her own family trips to the East Coast.

Rose chimed in, her gaze shifting out over the gym floor thoughtfully. "I'm still stuck between NYU and UCLA. Both are great schools, and they're pretty much my top picks... It's just a matter of deciding if I want to stay close to home or go all the way across the country. There's something about New York that calls to me, but LA just feels... safer, you know?"

Jennie nodded, understanding Rose's dilemma. "Honestly, New York would be perfect for you, Rose. You've always wanted to do something in the arts, and that city is like a heartbeat of inspiration. I think you'd thrive there."

Jisoo gave Rose an encouraging nudge. "Plus, you'll have me just a train ride away in Boston! We could meet up on weekends or during breaks."

Jennie laughed softly, glancing down at Lisa with a fond smile as she continued to brush her hair out of her face. "Well, I know Lisa's already set on staying local. She's got a few offers, but I think she's leaning toward the University of California. She says it's for practical reasons, but I know her. She wants to stay close to us... and honestly, I don't think she's ready to leave her family just yet, even if she pretends otherwise."

Jisoo and Rose shared a knowing look, nodding in agreement. They all knew Lisa's heart was closely tied to the people she cared about, especially after everything that had happened in recent months.

"She's always had that protective side," Jisoo remarked, glancing at Lisa with a soft smile. "I'm not sure she'd ever feel completely comfortable being too far from her family, especially with everything going on."

Jennie's expression softened as she looked down at Lisa, gently brushing her thumb over her girlfriend's cheek. There was a quiet, unspoken understanding between the three of them as they shared a moment of warmth and empathy for the girl sleeping so soundly on Jennie's lap. Lisa's strength had been their foundation so many times before, and now, they were content to be her pillars, supporting her through whatever lay ahead.

They continued talking quietly, exchanging thoughts about their dreams and plans, and laughing as they imagined the adventures awaiting them in college. The sound of their voices blended with the distant echoes of the gym, creating a soft, comforting lullaby that kept Lisa in her peaceful slumber, surrounded by the people who understood her in ways she rarely allowed anyone else to.

The evening settled in, casting a quiet calm over the campus as everyone went their separate ways. Lisa decided against heading home right away; a walk sounded better, especially with the crisp autumn air and the city lights beginning to glow against the darkening sky. As she strolled down the busy sidewalks, her thoughts wandered, eventually landing on Jennie's upcoming birthday.

"Alright, what do you get for the girl who seems to have everything?" Lisa muttered to herself, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Jennie's birthday was just around the corner, and Lisa wanted to find something special, something that wasn't just thoughtful but showed how much Jennie meant to her. Her mind flashed back to that one afternoon when they'd gone to the mall. Jennie had stopped at a small jewelry store, her gaze lingering a little longer than usual on a delicate silver bracelet in the window display.

Lisa's eyes sparkled with determination as she turned her steps toward the mall. "That's it," she murmured. "It's simple, pretty, and she loved it... and if I get there before they close, it'll be perfect." She picked up her pace, weaving through the crowd, her heart pounding with anticipation. She could picture Jennie's surprised smile already, and the thought only made her more eager.

As she approached the mall entrance, Lisa chuckled softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Who knew I'd be this excited to get a bracelet? Guess that's what she does to me." She shook her head at herself but couldn't shake the grin that lingered.

The store was just ahead, its lights still on, though a sign in the window warned they'd be closing soon. Lisa quickened her pace and stepped inside, a sense of purpose and excitement washing over her. Now, she just had to make sure Jennie's birthday was nothing short of unforgettable.