Our Child

Chapter three

Weekends with Annie were Jisoo's special treat. Sure, the majority of her life consisted of jumping from city to city, press conference to film set. The few days she had with her little girl were her only hint into the domestic world. In a funny way, Jisoo found it to be even more stressful.

Luckily, she had managed to distract her with the 'Lion King'. Unlike Jennie, Annie's singing voice was as terrible as it was loud. We can work on that, Jisoo promised herself. She sat at her kitchen counter, watching her daughter dancing on the couch. It was an open plan space. For such a lovely penthouse, it was rarely used outside of these visits, Jisoo always found it to be too big for one.

Lisa was laughing at her through the phone, "At least you won't have to worry about her becoming a singer."

"Goodness, could you imagine?" Jisoo shuddered from the thought, "I want her to be a lawyer, or a engineer."

"What about a doctor?"

"Definitely not that."

Throughout the years, the only person who has really stuck by Jisoo was, of course, Lisa Manoban. A famous photographer, dancer and playboy, she made an unlikely duo with the prudent actress. Yet, when their differences tried to pull them apart, their joint silliness always brought them back together. Lisa was the only one Jisoo trusted with Annie.

Jisoo managed a small smile, "Have you missed Ann?"

There's a pause, "A little," Lisa admits, "She's such a happy kid."

"Yeah," Jisoo's heart swelled with pride, "I'm taking her round for a bit tomorrow, considering there's only one scene to shoot."

It was only a part lie. Jisoo always brought her girl in tow at every given opportunity. She found out her schedule weeks, sometimes months in advance, it always had to suit Annie. Even then, on the busy days she would keep her close. These weekends were all she had, not a single part of her could bear to take even an unnecessary second separated.

"I can watch her for you!" Lisa chimed, excited, "I've got this really sweet friend, she loves kids, I'm sure Annie won't mind-"

"You are not using my daughter as a method for your promiscuity!" Jisoo darkened.

Through the phone, a terrified laugh could be heard, "That's- that's not what I meant. It's a genuine friend."

"A genuine friend?"

"As rare as they come," Lisa agreed, understanding Jisoo's shock, "It's a funny story actually. I met her at-"

"Muuuuuuuuuuuum! The movie ended!"

Jisoo sighed, "That's my cue."

"I don't envy you."

Without saying goodbye, Jisoo hung up, knowing Lisa was just trying to rile her up. She knew a fair number of the crew she was currently working with from the last shoot. They were divorced, avoiding their kids like they were the plague. Lisa would never, but Jisoo knew they mocked her for wanting any child custody, especially since the two were technically not related. That had been the worst part about becoming a mother; no one actually wanted her to try.

Shaking the thoughts away, Jisoo smiled down at her little angle, "It's getting late. I think we need to sleep."

Annie pouted, "No, I don't want to."

Jisoo pretended to be strict, putting her hands on her hips, "Nearly eight year olds go to bed when they are told, especially when they are seeing auntie Lisa tomorrow."

Excitement is a strange spell. Some people become buzzed, unable to form a single sentence. Others grow chattery, their mind and mouth fixed on one soul interest. Annie had her own enchantment. She became perfectly well behaved. In Jisoo's humble eyes, there was no greater spell than the smile on her face.

The actress lay in bed with that smile fluttering into her vision every time she closed her eyes. The soft pillow pressed into the back of her head, sinking her further and further into the strange, now contorting, vision. Before her mind danced into the realm of sleep, the face had transformed into the one that haunted both her happiest dreams and worst nightmares.

It was her curse to see it, to want it, to long for it every night, when no one was there to snap her out of it. Jisoo felt a familiar, almost bitter happiness, as Jennie's face once again greeted her for the night, warmer than she could ever remember it after all these years. Against herself, Jisoo found herself thinking the same thought she did every time she lay her head down to rest.

Let us be enchanted too, my darling, just for one more night...

"Miss Kim! Hello? Are you there?"

Jisoo's eyes fluttered open, barely able to concentrate on a single thing. The movie set was too busy, she was in a quiet mood. It was one of the assistants, he was new. Jisoo felt bad for ignoring him.

"I'm fine," The actress smiled, "Is there anything you need?"

Flustered, the assistant shook his head, "That's my job."

Unimpressed with him, Jisoo raised an eyebrow, "Manners cost nothing."

"O-of course," He sounded terrified, "I just had to tell you we're done for the day."

"Good," Jisoo was satisfied with that, the more time with Annie the better.

After a brief goodbye to the crew, Jisoo found Annie at a nearby café, gawking over Lisa's newest camera. It was a small establishment, with brown walls and oak floors. It reminded Jisoo of her old office. When she entered, Annie had thrown herself at her; asking for hot chocolate, and cake, and cookies. Jisoo allowed the hot chocolate.

As Annie was completely preoccupied with choosing which marshmallows to have, Jisoo sat down, staring at Lisa, "Where's your friend?"

Lisa cringed, "Don't say it like that."

"Like what?" Jisoo teased.

"Like I'm... into her," She stumbled over her words.

A flash of concern crossed Jisoo, "Are you?"

Should I call an ambulance? Jisoo thought, Is Lisa capable of genuine feelings? This could be a psychosis...

Annie brightened up, "Has Lisa got a crush?"

Lisa's eyes widened in panic.

"Is that your hot chocolate?" Jisoo distracted her.

It worked. Annie forgot everything at the mere sight of whipped cream. She was Jisoo's daughter.

The younger woman was still uncomfortable, fumbling with her camera.

"If your not careful, you'll break the buttons," Jisoo spoke softly.

The photographer shook her head, "She really is my friend."

"I believe you, Li, I just like teasing you."

The two exchanged a smile. Lisa of relief, and Jisoo of mischief.

"But that doesn't mean you don't have a crush..."

Like they were still kids, Lisa let out a groan of annoyance. Jisoo burst out into laughter.

"Obviously she does," Annie said, rolling her eyes.

The two woman stared at the little girl playfully.

"And why is that?" Lisa responded.

"You made her leave when mum texted you. You were embarrassed."

Unfazed, Jisoo smiled, "You must really like her."

Lisa could only chuckle, "Seriously, we're just friends."

Annie rolled her eyes, "Sure you are."

Ignoring her daughter's attitude, Jisoo burst out in laughter again. Lisa remained silent.

Sensing her mood, Jisoo tilted her head, "What's her name?"

"... Rosie."