Secrets on Melody Street (Jenlisa)

14

Lisa Jung

Jen managed to find the phone number of a takeout shop not too far from where we were. Half an hour later the three of us were sat out in the twilight, eating tteokbokki, kimchi and japchae noodles (plus side dishes) from carton boxes. It may have been simple, but it was exactly what I needed. I've got an insatiable appetite for kimchi that only increases tenfold when I'm pregnant.

"Are you enjoying that Lisa?" I hummed, mouth full.

Jennie was sat across from me and I could tell she was holding back laughter after the way I'd just inhaled my noodles.

"Cut me some slack Jen, I'm eating for two here remember."

"Well in that case.." She placed an extra dumpling on my plate along with a helping of more veg.

"Thanks Nini."

She smiled at me, before passing Luca a tissue for his messy hands. By instinct I went to apologise, I know how much Jae hates it when Luca gets things sticky, however, she didn't seem fazed at all.

Jennie's expression was tender as she wiped his fingers before gesturing for him to pass her his other hand.  Whilst Jen was cleaning him, Luca meanwhile was chattering absentmindedly about whatever animal or superhero he's obsessed with right now.

I wasn't focused.

I was just admiring how well they bounced off of one another, the way she would nod and look him in the eye when he was talking, how Luca would ask her questions with so much passion and enthusiasm as if Jennie was a wizard who knew the answer to every question his brain could ever imagine.

It makes me wonder if I've been as best a mother as I could have been, because Lord knows how many times my son has rambled on at the dinner table, only for Jae and I to not be listening. It's making me realise that I've probably been neglectful in area's where I should have been paying more attention. Sure, Jaehyun is great at buying our son material things, and I provide physical care, but are either of us present enough emotionally for him? I think the answer's no.

"Be right back." I excused myself to go to the bathroom when I felt tears pooling in my eyes.

This happens a lot recently and I wish I was better at controlling it, but hormones have a mind of their own. I splashed my face with some cold water as I stared into the mirror above the sink. My face has gotten a little pudgier, along with my boobs and for obvious reasons, my tummy. As I laid my hands over it, I felt the faintest little kick.

Finally.

I've been waiting for it to happen soon because I'm almost at 24 weeks. I held my breath slightly as I waited for another, and sure enough, I felt baby give me a slightly stronger one.

I inhaled with laughter as more tears rolled down my face. If I'm gonna be a Mom of two, I'm gonna try and be a better one this time around.

It's the least I can do for my babies.

------------------

"I think he's worn out." Luca was laying in my lap, drooling slightly on my shoulder. "Should I start packing up our things to put them in the car?"

We'd migrated inside because the evening breeze started to get too cold and the sky was indigo blue, signaling that our day of basking in the sun was over.

"No need for that Lisa." Jen was sat on the other end of the sofa, my feet in her lap as she massaged the sore part in the arch of my foot.

"How come?" I looked at the clock mounted on the wall behind Jen. "Nini, it's already way past 10. If we leave now, we can maybe be back before midnigh-"