Black, Blue, and Gold (Jenlisa Adaptation)

Past & Present (Part 6)

Jennie didn't come home that night. She chose to stay with Chaeyoung. She said she was giving Lisa the time she needed to be alone.

Lisa couldn't say no. As much as she wanted Jennie back in her arms, she knew that she was hurting her more than ever before.

She opened the door to the quiet apartment and stepped inside, kicking the door behind her to a close. The silence gripped her. It suffocated her. She hadn't felt that lonely and alone for a long time. She took off her shoes and went inside, avoiding looking at the framed photograph on the wall. She knew that would only make things worse. Her eyes were drawn to the other frame though. She ended up staring at Jennie's picture and her message.

"Told ya I'm damaged goods," she told the picture. "You deserve better, Jen. I love you but you definitely deserve better." She lifted her hand and looked at the diamond ring. She took it off on the way to her room. She lay in the dark bedroom, staring at the stone.

"So what did you used to do with him on your free time?"

She looked at her as if she had just asked her to throw her off the bridge.

"What?" A pause. "Oh come on, it's okay to talk about it. It's better, as a matter of fact. I want to know, Lisayah."

"Why?"

A shrug. "No reason. Just thought you could share." Another pause. "I used to date this guy who was a hopeless romantic." A smile. "It was fun at first. The gentleman gestures were flattering. He'd send me flowers, chocolate, candies, open doors for me and he always texted me goodnight."

"Why did you break up with him then?"

"It became suffocating and overdone. After a while, I couldn't tell whether he really meant it or was it just something that he had to do for his own sake. I mean I like those caring gestures but a sincere smile or look or hug means more." She looked at her. "How would you feel if I get you a card for everything you're going through: promotion, illness, birthday, Christmas, you name it; but then I'd spend most of my time on the phone talking about work while we're having dinner?"

"I'd shoot your phone."

A laugh. "You have a thing for shooting things, don't you?"

She smiled. "Only those that keep me away from you."

Another laugh accompanied by blushing cheeks. "You're cheesy too, Inspector Manoban." A smile. "But I like that about you." A kiss. "Your cheesiness isn't pretense. It's who you really are under all that cold exterior."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better?!"

"Yes." Another kiss. "I love your cheesiness."

She saw gentle and loving eyes looking at her. It was her turn to blush. She cleared her throat. "We used to go to the river."

"Huh?"

"Oppa and me." She pulled her close – their shoulders now touching as they walked hand-in-hand through the fallen brown leaves on the grass. "Just talking and hanging out."

"Ah I see." A short silence. "Let's make this walk in the park our thing then."

"What?" She looked at her.

"You and him can have the river. You and me will have the park." Another smile.

Lisa sighed. She clutched the ring and sat up. "You never wanted to replace him. You're willing to come in second." She shook her head. She could never understand why Jennie would be willing to do such a thing for her. She suddenly remembered the message she had just read on that wall. So you're willing to do anything to be with me? Because you love me? That's it? She sighed and opened her palms, looking down at the stone.