Why her? [CHAENNIE]

47

***

Meanwhile, Jennie made her way out to lunch with Lisa and Chahee. The last few weeks the girl seemed even more broken than she had before her conversation with Rose. It had actually gotten worse. If before that moment the memories were dulled, then with this call it was as if a blade had gone through the unhealed wounds - even more painful and unbearable. Does Jennie end up regretting having done it? No, she didn't, despite the pain. Hearing Rose's voice was pleasant. Just being quiet with her was nice. But the thought that she was three thousand kilometers away and there was no way to be near her here and now, hurt.

Jennie has practically no appetite. She lazily picks at some vegetable salad and drinks only coffee. Lisa hasn't taken her eyes off her friend almost since the day Rose left. She's just looking out for her and trying her best to cheer her up, but Jennie is more likely to pretend everything is fine than it is. She hasn't said anything to Lisa yet about her and Rose calling. Honestly, the girl doesn't even have the energy to talk about it. It's easier to keep it in her head, but today the curious stares and questions from her friends are bringing her out into the open.

-Is there any news from Rose?- Chahee decides to ask first, glancing at Lisa, who nods approvingly, and then at Jennie, who logs on to the direct as if out of habit, checking messages, and then logs off again.

-What news from her?- Jennie said sadly, picking at her salad again and staring at it blindly.- I think she's doing well and adjusting to the new place.

-You haven't talked yet?- Chahee tries to ask very carefully, and Lisa feels a growing excitement for this conversation.

-We've been talking. - Jennie suddenly gives out and leaves her fork in the salad, then leans her elbows on the table and covers her face with her palms.

-When was that?- Lisa was already intervening, leveling herself back and glancing carefully at Chahee and Jennie.

-About two weeks ago.

-So?- Even Chahee can't stand it, literally leaning over the table to look Jennie in the eye.

The girls sit on either side of Jennie and look at her.

-Nothing.- Kim sighed tiredly, sighing out of the palms of her hands, then returning her gaze to her phone.- I called her. I told her I missed her, and...

The girl exhales and falls silent. A lump comes up her throat rather quickly, and she doesn't want to get emotional right now. She swallows, staring at the dark screen of her phone, and it helps her stop the tears from coming.

-All in all, it was tough.

Lalisa looks at Chahee - she is obviously surprised by this turn. On the one hand, she's upset that Jennie didn't share her worries with her and kept it to herself for two weeks, but on the other hand, she realizes that her friend is just really hurt.

-That's good.- Lisa finally speaks up.- I'm glad you did, because...you're probably going to kill me, but...

At the girl's words Jennie and Chahee turned their heads towards their friend. Chahee raised one eyebrow questioningly, and Jennie frowned at Lisa's confused face.

-She's been asking about you for most of these past two months.- A crooked and guilty smile appeared on Lisa's face.

Jennie doesn't hide her surprise, reading the emotion on her friend's face.

-Just don't get mad, okay?- Lisa stopped the girl from saying anything and threw her hands up in a protective gesture.- She told me not to tell you and I agreed with her on that. You tried to try to move without her and she gave you that. But you ended up contacting her on your own and now I can tell you about it without hesitation.