True Love's Kiss: A Jenlisa Sleeping Beauty AU

Chapter Seven

After a while, we came across a place I knew all too well: The local pub. I had been here a fair share of times, as underage drinking wasn't illegal here yet. Drinking was where I found solace before I met Jennie. She is the reason why I'm still sober. I trudged into the quaint pub and sat down at the bar, drying my tears.

"Lisa?" A familiar voice said.

I looked up and saw my old friend, BamBam. He and I had been chums since 2nd grade, and he kept me sane throughout those times. We were both born into poor families, and didn't fit in with the crowd in elementary school. One could say we were a pair of outcasts. He always listened to me thoughtfully as I ranted about my problems and kept my secrets, no matter how big or small.

"What are you doing here?" He asked. "You haven't been here in a few months."

"Yeah," I slightly smiled. "You're not gonna believe this, but I've been sober."

"Lalisa Manoban is sober?" BamBam exaggeratedly exclaimed. "I didn't think that was possible."

"Neither did I, but screw it," I shrugged. "Two shots of whiskey."

"As you wish, m'lady," He bowed, making me chuckle.

I swear, BamBam could take the worst situation and spin it into a positive. He knew something was up too, which is one of his specialties. I watched him brew my drink as I took in the pub. The smell of alcohol surrounding the place gave me a sense of comfort. This was the place where worries and problems floated away.

"Your beverage," BamBam pushed the drink across the table and I immediately took a swig.

The burning sensation in my mouth gave me more of that sense of comfort that I so desired. It felt strange drinking again after such a long time, but I liked it. BamBam and I were normally drinking buddies, but he'd always be the one taking care of me. Or at least, he'd take me home if I got drunk and passed out.

"Hey, I can get Wendy to cover for me if you want to talk," BamBam whispered to me.

"That'd be great, thanks," I smiled.

He walked into the backroom and then came out as swift as a fox, giving me a nod. We moved over to a table in the corner where no one could hear us. BamBam wasn't drinking any alcohol, but he got me a second drink before we started talking.

"So, what happened?" He asked, listening to me closely.

I took another sip of my drink before answering. "Jennie. Jennie happened."

"Did Manoban get herself a girlfriend?" He nudged me playfully. BamBam was the first person I told when I found out I liked girls. He was so supportive of me, which was exactly what I needed.

"Yeah, but she's gone now."

"What? I will punch her in the-" I cut him off before he did something he would regret.

"No, it isn't her fault," I sighed. "It's mine."

"How so?" He asked.

"Long story short, she was under this spell that would make her sleep forever-"

"That sounds heavenly," BamBam joked, but I shot him a glare. "Do go on."

"Anyway, the only way to break this curse was by true love's kiss, so I kissed her, cause God, I love her so much," I had to refrain from swooning too much.

"Did it work?"

"Yeah, it did," I smiled. "But her parents think another guy kissed her and she's going to marry him tomorrow."

"Lis..." BamBam hugged me tightly. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," I sighed. "The thing is, I still love her and I want to see her, but I can't."

"Why can't you?" He questioned.

"I walked out on her," I covered my face with my hands. "I was so damn stupid, wasn't I?"

"No, you weren't," He reassured me. "I get it. I think you need some time to calm down. You wanna crash at my place tonight?"

I nodded and he took my wrist and led me out the door. We started walking down the familiar cobblestone streets, babbling on about the most random things. I laid my head on his shoulder as we strolled along.

"What did I do to deserve you?"

BamBam smiled down at me. "You're a good person, Lis, and I'm not going anywhere."