YOUNG LOVE || 𝐉𝐄𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐀 ✔︎

twenty-one

"Mother, this is not a good time," she said, wondering why she'd answered the phone in the first place.

"Not a good time? Jennie, your father and I wish to speak with you. Now, we'll expect you within the hour. I'll have Stella hold lunch until you're here."

Her mother disconnected before she could reply. Was that how it had always been? Was there ever a time in her life that she'd ever gone against her mother's wishes? Well, as she'd told Mino last night, no more. She called her mother back immediately.

"As I said, this is not a good time. I already have a lunch date." She disconnected much as her mother had done, realizing how childish it was. But of course her mother was treating her as a child, why not act like one?

This time, when her mother called back, Jennie ignored it as she hurried out to her car. Despite her brave words to Mino last night, she wasn't really prepared to face her parents. Not yet. Perhaps having a pep talk with Lisa and Alice might give her the strength-and confidence-to talk to them later. But not at the mansion. If they wanted to confront her, they'd have to do it on her terms.

The late spring day was bordering on warm and she lowered her window, letting the breeze lift her hair, blowing it around her face. It felt good. She felt good. There was a tiny sense of freedom in the action, and she smiled, looking forward to lunch.

She'd been surprised by Lisa's earlier call and invitation to join them. She'd assumed, after their last meeting, that she would have to be the one to reach out to Lisa. While she enjoyed Bambam's company and certainly Alice's, it was indeed Lisa she was looking forward to seeing. As she'd told her the other night, she needed a friend. And after what had happened with Mino last night, she wanted to share that with her.

Bambam opened the screen door to her knock. The house was cool and airy with the windows opened as well. "Good to see you again, Jennie," he said. "I don't know if Lisa warned you, but she's cooking lunch," he said with a laugh. "We may have to make a run for a burger later."

"As long as it's not tofu," she whispered with a wink.

"Jennie!" Alice wrapped her up in a tight hug, which Jennie returned.

"Hi, Alice, you're looking well."

"My kids are here taking care of me, how could I not?" She drew her inside, then led her out to the patio. "Bambam, bring us some tea, please."

Jennie looked over her shoulder, hoping to spot Lisa, but all she heard was intermittent whistling coming from the kitchen.

"Who knows what she's planning," Alice said. "Although she did make a very tasty black bean and vegetable soup last night."
The small patio was covered and they pulled their chairs closer to the house and out of the sun. Jennie relaxed with a contented sigh as her gaze traveled across the freshly mowed lawn, landing on the flower garden-Alice's pride and joy.

"It's so nice out here," she said. "I want something like this."

Alice leaned closer. "Have you said anything to Mino?"

"Yes. Last night."

"How did he take it?"

"As expected. More concerned with how it affects him, not me."

Alice nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. Change is difficult." She smiled and added,
"Especially for men."

"For me too," Jennie said, but she didn't elaborate. For as close as she and Alice had become, this wasn't something she wanted to discuss with her. There was only so much she would understand. Alice smiled as if sensing her hesitation and aptly changed the subject.