IS IT TIME FOR ME TO GIVE UP?

32

Irene's POV:

I was feeling the buzz from the few shots I'd downed. All I wanted was to get home peacefully. But there she was, the fuming little cat, Jennie. I almost walked past her when she spoke.

"What are you doing here?" Jennie asked, making me stop in my tracks.

"Do I need your permission whenever I come here?" I retorted, refusing to give her the satisfaction of an explanation. She snorted at my defiance.

"Irene, I'm still her wife, and this house is Lisa's and mine, so if you—" I cut her off before she could finish.

"Isn't it too late for you to get home?" I said, making her press her lips together tightly.

"You know nothing," she snapped, but I just smirked at her.

"And I'm not interested either," I replied, turning my back on her.

"Are you really that determined to get her?" Jennie asked, making me turn to face her again.

"Who are you now? A possessive wife, indeed? I'm sorry, Jennie, I'm drunk. And to give you peace of mind, I just gave Lisa a ride because, as you can see, her car isn't here." I thought that would end the argument, but before I could open my car door, I heard her speak again.

"Is there something between you and her?" Her voice was almost a whisper. I scoffed.

"I'm not like you, Jennie. I know my limits. Besides, I won't let my actions add to Lisa's burden." I looked at her intently. Had she realized her stupidity now? Was she aware of what she was about to lose?

"But there's one thing I want to clarify, Jennie. I still love Lisa, and I'm willing to compete with you." I could feel Jennie's gaze on me as I got inside my car. I cast her one last glance before I drove off.

Am I seeing the Jennie from college? Her eyes expressed the fear of losing Lisa, a look I'd seen before. Those were the same eyes that looked at me after I confessed my feelings.

I reached my destination and was about to remove my seatbelt when I noticed something on the seat where Lisa had been sitting—her phone. She'd left it behind. I accidentally pressed the power button, causing the screen to light up.

Her wallpaper appeared, showing a picture of her and Jennie. It was taken years ago. It was taken by me.

I grabbed the phone and slid it into my pocket, walking into my house. I did everything I could to tire myself out, hoping to sleep, but even after rolling around in bed for a long time, I still couldn't sleep.

I had already turned off the light, but Lisa's phone lit up again, teasing me. 'Fine, I'll get it,' I thought. 'I knew it already, Lisa. You love Jennie. After everything, it's still her. It's always been her.'

I couldn't shake the turmoil of emotions swirling inside me. Seeing Jennie tonight had stirred up memories I thought I had buried. Her eyes, filled with fear and desperation, were the same eyes that had looked at me years ago when I confessed my feelings for Lisa. Back then, Jennie had been the confident one, the one who had everything. Now, she seemed so fragile, so lost.

My mind kept replaying the moments from tonight. The way Lisa had leaned on me, her drunken words, the kiss on her cheek. I knew it was just a friendly gesture, but my heart had skipped a beat. And Jennie, standing there with her possessiveness, only made me more determined. I wasn't going to let her win this time.

But then, the reality hit me. Lisa's phone, lighting up with a picture of her and Jennie, a reminder of their shared history. It was a stark contrast to my feelings. I felt a pang of jealousy, a longing for something I might never have. I knew Lisa loved Jennie. Despite everything, it was always Jennie.

I sighed, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. I had to confront these feelings. I couldn't keep pretending that I was okay with being just a friend. But tonight wasn't the night for that. I needed rest, clarity, and maybe a bit of distance to sort through this emotional mess.

I turned off the phone and placed it on my nightstand. Rolling onto my back, I stared at the ceiling, trying to calm my racing thoughts. The night felt endless, and sleep was elusive. All I could think about was Lisa, and how much I wished things were different.

'Tomorrow,' I thought. 'Tomorrow, I'll figure this out. But for now, I just need to rest.' With a heavy heart, I closed my eyes, hoping that sleep would finally come and give me some respite from the turmoil inside.