Beat | A Jenlisa Fan Fiction

Chapter 10

JENNIE'S POV

A week had passed since Lisa, Chaeyoung, and I returned from our visit to Jisoo's hometown. We weren't planning on staying for a few days, but when Jisoo revealed everything to us, we found it hard to leave her. We tried to convince her to contact her psychiatrist and ultimately we all accompanied her to her first session in years. For every day she took her meds, we congratulated her by taking her out and treating her to her favorites.

We coddled her so much that it didn't even come as a surprise to us when she packed our stuff and loaded it on the car while we slept. She convinced us over breakfast that she would be fine. We knew she was doing better, so we agreed and gave her a tight hug before we went on our way.

After what happened to Chaeyoung and what we learned from Jisoo's struggles, I made sure to constantly check in on both of them. I wanted to show them that they can rely on me, especially now. I wasn't anxious of pushing them too far anymore knowing that as their friend, I can insert myself in certain situations where I know I can be of help. Plus, I have now learned that they were willing to share specific parts of themselves with me, just like I was willing to do the same.

It was my birthday tomorrow and I was both dreading and looking forward to it. I was dreading it due to the fact that I would be with my parents even though I was limiting my interactions with them lately. I was trying hard not to witness that side of them again, but I was excited because Lisa, Jisoo, and Chaeyoung were coming over to celebrate with me.

My parents and I would be having lunch at home before they had to leave for another business trip. They told me that because it's my birthday, I could invite my friends over even though we'd be going back to school the next day. We planned a pretty chill night. I told them I just want a classic sleepover since I didn't want to party too hard.

I spent today pampering myself; I went to the salon to get my hair treated and my nails done. I even went out of my way to get a massage as a birthday treat for myself. I also asked my mom to buy me stuff for my sleepover. She bought us popcorn, chips, ice cream, and ingredients we could use for dinner. I asked the girls to bring some cheese and wine. I slept early, still feeling the after effects of the massage.

***

I was awakened by incessant knocking. I dragged my sleepy self off of the bed to open my door and found my parents outside, grinning and holding a cake. They sang happy birthday just as they saw me and I smiled at them while they finished the song. After blowing out the candles, they put the cake down on the nearest surface and engulfed me in a hug. They left me to fix myself up and told me to go down once I was ready so we could have our lunch before they had to leave.

Lunch was surprisingly nostalgic. My parents told me stories of my childhood and I found myself feeling happy that they paid attention to every little quirk I had as a kid. They told me about the time I wore my dad's suit and asked him to bring me to work with him 'cause I wanted to be a CEO like him. It was funny because they had to bribe me with ice cream just so I'll let my dad go alone and change back to my clothes.

We finished lunch and before they got up to get their luggage, they told me they wanted to show me something. They led me to the garage and my jaw dropped as I saw a brand-new blood red Lexus sedan with a giant ribbon on the hood. I turned to them with wide eyes and gave them a hug.

"We thought you needed a new car because your old one keeps breaking down," Mom said while patting me on the head.

"And your grades are better than ever so consider this your reward for a job well done, sweetheart," Dad added with a smile.

I thanked them and they handed me the keys. We went back into the house and as they grabbed their luggage, I heard the doorbell ring. I rushed to the door knowing my friends had finally arrived. I opened the front door excitedly and was met with Jisoo and Chaeyoung almost tackling me to the ground.