Secrets on Melody Street (Jenlisa)

20

Jennie Kim

I could hear the patter of rainfall as I cleaned up the kitchen. It was a smattering of thundery weather, beating down on the windowpane outside. Mother natures playlist.

The evening couldn't have come around quicker and exhaustion was seeping throughout my body, down to the very bone.

The past few months have been the most hectic and tremulous time, yet I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

Someone thought it'd be the best time to come knocking on the door at 8 in the evening whilst I was up to my elbows in soap suds. I dried my hands with a weary sigh, anxious to get to them before their racket woke up Lisa and the kids. I'd just put Luca to bed and the thought of someone waking him and having to repeat the process was enough for me to run to the latch, despite my fatigue.

The door swung open, bringing inside the howling autumn wind and relentless rain. A shiver went down my spine and I had to tug my woolen cardigan tighter round my waist.

"Is this a bad time?"

I rolled my eyes, ushering him inside quickly, eager to shut the cold air out.

"It's rarely ever a good one."

I led the way to the kitchen, determined to have this conversation somewhere where it wouldn't disturb the others.

He pulled down his hood, sprinkling droplets of water on my countertop and floor as he sat at the island. I thought about how Lisa would scold him right now if she could see the mess he's ensuing in here.

"It's 8pm on a Sunday Jae, what's so urgent that couldn't be sent via text?"

"But I live just next door, it's so damn convenient." He smirked at my scowl.

"Don't remind me." I threw open a cupboard, rifling about for a mug. "Tea or coffee?"

"Coffee, decaf if you have it."

The whir of the coffee machine hummed in the background as I took the seat opposite.

"Look Jae, I don't wanna be a spoil sport or anything, but you know we're not technically even meant to be talking until we go to court right?"

He nodded, nibbling at his bottom lip in a manner I've seen Luca replicate numerous times before.

"I just needed to see the kids Kim. It's quiet these days, the house is so empty..."

I empathize but there's little I can do, he'll just have to wait until the 28th.

"You do know that Lisa isn't going to take them anywhere, it's going to be as clean a break as possible. That's what we all want, it's what's best for the children." I stood up to pour our mugs before setting his down in front of him.

"I know that." He twiddled his thumbs. "How's Daisy?"

I smiled, answering him sincerely. "She's good, perfect. She's growing at an amazing rate and I'm pretty sure that soon Lisa won't even have to breastfeed her constantly."

"Gosh, I remember how much of a headache feeding was for her." He chuckled.

"Yeah she'll be glad to be done with it soon. As for Daisy, sometimes, I swear she smiles, though the others claim it's too early for that but it's just cause they haven't seen it yet, but I promise you, she does.."

I began to trail off when I noticed how sad he looked behind the eyes and the guilt came rushing back. I mean, Daisy is still his after all.

"Do you...do you want me to go and get her for you? I mean, she's asleep right now but-"