Taken

20

Jennie

Weeks have already passed, and we continue to become distant with each other. But as they say nothing stays forever. It was because this week signifies that our parents will finally be arriving after their long stay abroad.

"Jendeuk!" My best friend called out loudly. I immediately pulled here in a more secluded area knowing we caught other's attention due to Jisoo's booming voice. "Chu, you are quite loud don't you think?" I reprimanded earning a pout from her. "I just heard that your parents will be home."

"Correction step mom and father." I corrected her. "Still your parents if you ask me. Besides Jihyo Manoban will be standing as a mother figure to you. You know." I sighed knowing I could not win an arguement against Jisoo unnie.

"By the way are you guys gonna join us later? I asked as Jisoo's family are usually invited when my father e food  a dinner. "I doubt that. My dad did not say anything regarding dinner. But if we will be there I would not mind besides your step mom cooks good food. And might I add it is free." I shook my head at her remarks but I must agree that when it comes to free food no one could say no to it.

I then received a message from my father saying I should go home this instant.

"Well I gotta go unnie. Got a message from the devil." She just chuckled at my retort. "I'll see you later if you'll be there." And with that we parted ways as we waved goodbye.

As I went my way, I was thinking how dreading this night would be. That after all this week, I would face my father once again at the same time I would be forced to be with Lisa in the same place pretending that we are both okay. On the brighter side I think I would be thankful that Jihyo will be there.

I think all I could do is to let things flow as it is.

Minutes after my arrival, I was immediately embraced by no other than my stepmother. "Jennie. It has been weeks since we saw each other, thank you for coming." Honestly, looking at this lady I can't seem to fanthom whether or not what she shows us is a facade or that she's truly that kind of a person who is welcoming to almost everyone.

"It truly has been long. It's good to see you once again Ms. Manoban." She then waved her hand showing that she did not agree the way I addressed her. "Please call me mom." Upon hearing her say that, I involuntary flinched in place. And she might have seen that making her take back her words. "Or anything which you are comfortable with. Like maybe, auntie?" I flashed her a thankful smile and replied, "Of course, auntie." And with that she nodded in understanding that I would have address her as an auntie from here then on.

"Well come on in. Your father and Lisa is already waiting in the dining hall." Here goes nothing. I thought.

As we went through the dining hall, I saw two figures glaring at each other but they soon looked away as they felt both are presence. It was my father who first spoke, "It is nice that you're finally here Jennie." I merely nodded at him and went to my seat as the dinner finally begun.

In the middle of the dinner, Lisa's mother cleared her throat signifying that she wanted all our attention. "So as you all know we just returned from a business meeting abroad but through out those times, we came to a certain decision" I then saw her hold my father's hand on the table. That must be the reason why she was bold enough to ask me if it was okay to call her mother. She wore two rings. "We got married there." As we all heard her declaration, I saw how Lisa immediately tense in her seat. She was gripping tightly on her you can utensils. And seeing her actions, I know she was more than devastated then shocked.

I decided then to clear my throat which made them all look at me. "Congratulations!" I started faking my enthusiasm. "You guys finally achieved tying the knot. Welcome to the family Jihyo." I then saw Lisa giving me an incredulous look as if she was not believing the words I was saying. I gave her a shrug and continued eating dinner.

After all, there was no point in stopping things that are already inevitable to happen at the first place.