Why her? [CHAENNIE]

Bonus Chapter: Part 2

December

Mid-December crept up on the girls unnoticed, and there was just over a week left until Christmas. Both were busy preparing for the holidays, tying up loose ends for the year, and getting ready to start the new one without too much stress.

Rose's situation was slightly easier than Jennie's, but she still had plenty of work to do. For Jennie, this was her first year as art director, making lots of decisions in advance and holding dozens of meetings with her team and bosses about the new year. Rose helped her through the difficult moments — after all, she had closed the year last year, so she gave Jennie a couple of practical tips and partially mentored her. She saw how nervous the girl was before the end of the year, and even more so about the new and upcoming exhibition. Rose did everything she could to help the girl cope with this and not worry, reassuring her once again that she was there for her and would always support her. And for Jennie, Rose's words, her calm and confident voice, were like balm for the soul.

The girls also took care of Christmas gifts for their loved ones—some gave them in advance, before departure, including gifts for Clare. The last few days before the trip were crazy: there was an insane amount of things to do, and they were hardly ever at home. To tell the truth, they were desperately waiting for the moment when they would board the plane and finally allow themselves to relax.

The new year promised many changes and events, both professional and personal. Ella recently announced that her traineeship was over and she was being hired by the company. Of course, her journey was just beginning, but she was incredibly happy and planned to move out of Jennie's apartment next year to be closer to her office.

Thursday arrived. The girls spent the whole day packing their belongings and gifts, and their flight was scheduled for the next morning. Rose and Jennie stopped by Kim's apartment to pick up a few things, and then went to Rose's place, since Jennie spent more time there than at her own home, and most of her belongings were stored there.

-Baby, you should take something warmer than this sweater.- Jennie takes a thin sweater out of Rose's suitcase and stretches it out in the air, holding it by the shoulders.

-I don't have anything warmer, I'm always on the move in my car.- Rose sighs wearily and plops down on the bed, sprawling out like a starfish.

Jennie smiles, but still carefully folds the girl's sweater and packs it neatly into the suitcase.

-I definitely have a couple of warm ones there, but I think we'll buy you some more.- Kim decides easily and continues packing while the blonde stares at the ceiling.

For the past couple of hours, Rose had been a little pensive and quiet, and Jennie assumed she was just tired from the last few intense days. Usually, the closer it gets to Christmas, the more chaotic things become.

Rose turns her head toward the pillows and notices a toy puppy lying on them, which Jennie gave her last year. She picks it up, then places it on her stomach, hugging it gently, and drifts off into her thoughts again, slowly stroking the toy's ear.

-Love, are you okay?- Jennie decides to ask, glancing at her beloved out of the corner of her eye while continuing to pack her things.

Rose is silent for a few seconds, then turns her head toward Jennie, finds her with her eyes, and smiles faintly.

-Yes, I'm just...- Park puts the toy back where it was and stands up.- I'm a little nervous.

At Rose's words, Jennie stops and looks up at the girl again, watching as she comes closer and begins to pack her things.

-Because of the trip?- Jennie tucks her brown locks behind her ears and focuses her gaze entirely on her beloved, watching her shrug her shoulders as she carefully folds her T-shirt into her suitcase.