Lust For Life

Chapter 7: with friends like you, who needs friends?

The season is almost over and Jennie thinks she's starting to like spring, despite the crazy weather and the spike of hay-fever and allergies.

Spring brings the beginning of new life.

It symbolises the beginning of her friendship with Lisa, like a flower in bloom.

Speak of the devil, Jennie thinks fondly as a familiar voice calls her name. She turns around to see Lisa in her parking space a few feet away, wearing her charming smile as always.

"Running late, can't stop," Jennie says with a grin as she resumes walking, though at a slower pace.

Lisa gradually falls into step beside her.

"Yo, yo, yo, what's up?"

The brunette rolls her eyes at the girl's silliness, though she couldn't help smiling.

"Other than the fact that we're both late to class," she says, "not much."

"Well, I have a good reason, so..."

"What a coincidence – I do too," Jennie jokes.

"Which is?"

"The professor doesn't give a shit."

Lisa feigns shock. "And here I was thinking you just really liked long, romantic walks on campus."

"Well, that too," Jennie plays along. The blonde hums in assent, and they share a short laugh.

As they walk in companionable silence, Jennie lets her thoughts wander and takes in the scenery that the university has to offer – the flowers, the buildings and the busy people that pass them by.

She has been trying a little more at school lately, putting in more effort into her work and her attendance. She tries not to let today's tardiness bother her, convincing herself that it really is going to be the last time this time, and that her professor really doesn't care.

As much as Jennie hates to admit it, her stepfather's words really did sting and she couldn't help but let them get to her.

She doesn't realize she had started unconsciously trailing behind, until Lisa links an arm with hers and she's coaxed back to a relaxed pace.

"Earth to Jennie," the blonde says with a small smile, obviously concerned.

Jennie makes a static sound with her mouth and mimics talking into a radio. "Jennie to Earth."

"There you are," Lisa beams. "You feeling okay?"

The brunette looks at their linked arms. "Super."

Lisa has been a caring and supportive friend from the beginning. She's been someone that Jennie came to rely on. She always made time to help Jennie out with her workload despite having her own, even going so far as to sacrifice her breaks at work for a whole week to rendezvous with Jennie and help her finish a paper. Lisa has a tendency to be very empathetic, always seeming to be sensitive to Jennie's emotions and offering her support and comfort; whether it be through words or touch. Like their friendship, Lisa's affectionate disposition came naturally. It can't be denied that they've grown closer, especially since the sleepover a couple of weeks back.

What is it about falling asleep together that makes people closer?

"Maybe the fact that none of us tried to kill anyone in their sleep," Lisa offers.

Jennie starts, realizing she had spoken out the thought.

"Yeah, maybe."

She also realizes that they've reached her class.