YOUNG LOVE || 𝐉𝐄𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐀 ✔︎

two

"So you lived in a mansion?"

Lisa laughed. "God, no. We lived in the servants' quarters. The house was on a slope so from the front, it appeared to only be three stories. It was actually four. We lived on the first floor. So did Hyun. At the time, I didn't understand the perception of servants' quarters. But I was not allowed upstairs. Well, not at will. If they weren't having company and no guests were around, then Jennie was allowed to have me up to her room. Provided, of course, that none of Jennie's real friends were there. It wouldn't do to see the maid's daughter up there."

"My, what snobs," Seulgi said. "Are there people still like that?"

"What? People wedded to the separation of the classes?" Lisa asked. "The Kims were old money," she said. "Chaerin Kim followed every social rule. She was quite serious about their status in the community."

"I know you said town in Daegu had grown, but is it large enough to support one of your stores?"

"Daegu and the surrounding area has over a more of hundred thousand people. My fresh market concept should go over well there. The closest Whole Foods or other organic grocery is two hours away, in Seoul."

"This will be your fourth store?" Irene asked.

Lisa nodded. "Yes. I still can't believe how successful we've been. But the big superstores, they only go into major cities. Even though our stores are much smaller, we can still offer organic produce, vegetarian and vegan options, bulk grains and beans." She had to stop herself, knowing she could talk forever about their business. "It's been a huge success in the smaller cities where we're their only option."

"You'll only be gone during the inception then? You're not planning on leaving the Jeju, are you?"

"No. I can't see myself ever living in Daegu again."

"So tell us more about Jennie," Seulgi prompted. "You became fast friends, I imagine."

Lisa nodded. "At first, her mother was horrified that she was slumming with the hired help. Of course, they had been so supportive when my dad was ill; they basically took my mother under their wings. I'm convinced that's the only reason I was allowed into Jennie's life."

"I'm assuming you didn't go to school together?"

"Oh, no. We were in the same grade, but she went to the private school in town. We had no mutual friends at all. At first, we only played outside, or in the kitchen, or in my room. It was a while before she took me upstairs," she said. "I was twelve."
* * *

"Are you sure it's okay?"

Jennie took her hand and tugged her up the stairs. "I want to show you my homework. You said you were good at math," she reminded her. "I promise I won't force you to play with my Barbie collection."

"Your mother might get mad," Lisa said.

Actually, she had no idea if that was true or not. Mrs. Kim rarely made an appearance down in the kitchen, so Lisa had only seen her a few times since they'd been living there.

"It's my room," Jennie said, as if that made all the difference.

Once she pushed the door open to the main floor, Lisa stood still, looking around in awe. Antique furniture, sculptures, huge paintings-all things she'd never seen before except on field trips.

"It's like a museum," she said quietly so as not to disturb the silence.

"Yes. A museum," Jennie agreed.

Lisa didn't understand the sad look on her face. "You don't like it?"

Jennie shook her head. "I can't touch anything. I can't sit on the furniture. I don't really live down here."