When Universe Conspires

44 - Paris

(Jennie)

Lisa already texted me this morning that she can't squeeze in a video call, so she settled for a text message. The timezone difference also made it hard for us to find the perfect time to talk. It's been two weeks since Lisa flew to London. And now I'm packing a few things for my home vacay. I can stay at home for a week. And I'm bringing Chae with me. This time we'll take a commercial flight to the countryside. I declined Lisa's offer for us to use her private jet again. She gave up trying to insist but she told me I should bring Chae with me everywhere I go. So, I'm doing that.

An hour before our flight, Chae called saying she's almost near the drop off bay of the building. She went to her apartment for a few hours to pack her things. She's been living with me but she only brought minimal things. I went down right away and when I got there, Chae showed up with James, to pick me up. We're still a bit early for our flight. But it's okay, better early than late.

In just 10 minutes, we reached the airport and went straight to the check in area. We just waited to be boarded to our flight.

After less than an hour, I was finally home.

"Mom! I'm so so sorry I had to cancel on you thrice in months. You know how my job goes. How's everything here?" I said as I hugged my mother.

"Don't worry about it sweetie. We understand. We just get a bit emotional sometimes if we miss you that much, sorry. We know the offers are gonna flood in since you received that award from Supermodels Global. We're all fine here. But how are you? Your manager told us a few months ago that you were sick?" she asked right away. Oh boy, first lie of the day.

"Oh, yeah mom. It was a bit untimely but I'm fine now. I just had to fully recover from it and I didn't want to bother you guys. You know I don't want to bother you guys with your life here. Some people took care of me anyway" I explained the story I thought of a million times in my head.

"Oh dear. I wish you could have still told us. We were worried the moment your manager told us. But good thing you always phoned us during those times" she said smiling.

"I never wanted you to worry about me. I'm sorry. I'm trying to do things on my own and bother you less" I said.

"You'll never bother us. We're family, we will stick together if anyone of us needs the others" she answered.

"Yes mom, I know. Where are the boys by the way?" I asked when a loud noise filled the room we're in.

"Honey! I thought it was you, and here you are! How's my princess?" my dad said barging in.

"I'm all good dad. How's your car?" I asked teasing him.

"You could have asked how your old man is doing first before asking about the car" he said catching on.

"Mom already updated me so I asked about the car" I shrugged.

"Well, same old car. Sometimes it runs, sometimes it doesn't" he said.

"Dad, I already told mom about my offer. Have you thought about it?" I said hugging my dad like the daddy's girl I am.

"Jen, you know we don't want to take your earnings from you. That's your money. We can afford to buy a new one with our own money anyway, but I don't see the need to buy a new one now. We still can use that car to get us around here. It's also my dad's, I can't just put it in the garage and let it rot" he explained.

"See, I told you, he's stubborn as a mule" my mom said chuckling.

"Hey, I'm stating good reasons here" my dad defended himself.