FAR AWAY [JENLISA ]

14| S E C R E T S

Shopping has got to be the worst form of voluntary punishment that you could ever set yourself up for.

Especially on month-end periods. Everywhere is a disaster. It's full and crazy, but all in all, I personally just hate shopping.

"This one's heavy." I said in a sharp exhale, lifting the burdensome shopping bags.

"That's probably the canned foods. I think we should call the girls to come help, or else we'll be unpacking the trunk all day." my mother said.

It was quiet inside and the girls were nowhere to be found.

"Hey guys,  we need help carrying the-"

"For what reason? You're making her sound like a freaking criminal!"

Ella?

Who was she talking about?

I concealed myself behind the door and leaned closer to hear what was going on.

"I don't need to remind you that she's trouble. She's caused more than enough heartache to this family. Don't you have any friends of your age, Ella?"

Irene.

Are they talking about Somi?

Somi and Ella have always been close because of Somi's sister, Evelyn. Ella has grown very fond of them both. I don't see the problem.

"Seriously, Irene? You're so uptight. I seriously wonder how Jackson puts up with you. Holding grudges gets people nowhere. We both know that everything was a misunderstanding and unfortunately, Jennie fell for it. If we just gave her a chance, she'd still be here today. We judged too quickly and it's up to us to decide to watch our sister being a different girl since that day or we can restore the happiness in her life."

Wait, I'm confused.

They're talking about me?

I pushed the door open, then folded my arms.

"What's this all about?" I looked around, waiting for a clue to what's going on.

"N-nothing, Jennie. You're back so soon?" Ella anxiously asked.

"Yeah, Mom needs our help to unpack the groceries." I remembered.

"Well then, let's go." Irene suggested, and stood up to make her way through the door.

I grabbed her arm.

"The both of you have some explaining to do. When we're done, I want to know everything."

"We don't know what you mean, Jennie."

"Irene," I narrowed my eyes.

"Girls, some help would be greatly appreciated, please!" My mother called.

"Coming mom!" we all responded and I let go of Irene's arm.

. . .

"I'm waiting." my foot tapped.

Irene cleared her throat as Ella played with her fingers.

"Ella, I think that you should leave us to talk privately." Irene suggested.

"No. I want to hear what she has to say as well. Don't go anywhere Ella. Now answer my questions. What were the two of you talking about?" I was losing my patience and you could tell.

"Lisa Manoban. We were talking about her, alright?!" Ella answered, nervously pacing around.

"Ella!" Irene shouted, eyes widened.

"I'm tired of being in between all of this. So don't, Irene. Don't tell me to keep quiet anymore, because I'm through with this."

I swept my hair back and sighed.

"Whatever it was, it's not important if it concerns her. Just stay out of my business and let me go on with my life. Just like she has."

"Tell that to Ella." Irene shot back.

"Jennie, speak to Lisa okay? She needs to talk to you and before you tell me that you're uninterested, do it for me and mainly, for yourself, obviously. I'm in the middle of all this and there's many misunderstandings that I believe you need to clear up. Just talk to her."

"Ella, did you not just hear what Jennie said? She's a grown woman who doesn't need anyone interfering in her life." Irene sternly reprimanded.

"Now Jennie, I understand that all your questions have been answered and that there's no reason to dwell on this subject any further. We respect your decision and will not speak about the Manoban again. Now may I please be excused because I'm tired." She said, stretching her hand out to her door for us to leave.

I nodded my head and Ella followed after me as we walked out of Irene's room.

"Thank you and Goodnight." She said, slamming the door behind us.

I smiled down with understanding at Ella.

"I know that you have the best intentions. I know that you want to see me happy. Thank you Ella, but I'm a big girl and I should be the one fighting your battles as your older sister, not the other way around." I tapped her nose and it wrinkled as she pulled away.

I lightly chuckled at her and pulled her closer for a hug.

"It's not just about that. I know that you're smart and independent and all those other cool and admirable womanly things, but the thing with Lisa bothers me. I can't help knowing that there was a chance to rectify something and nothing's being done about it. Even if you don't go back to what you were like before, swallow your pride and bury the hatchet. Not only will it do me good, but you and her. All I'm asking for is that you talk to her and I promise to drop everything thereafter." She said in a motherly tone.

"Ella," I whined.

"Promise me, Jennie."

"I'll see what happens. Let me sleep on it." I negotiated.

"That's good enough." She decided.

I am definitely going to share some words with Lisa. Her bothering my family is absolutely impermissible, regardless of the circumstances. Our relationship does not concern anyone else, including my family.

She made her choice when she chose to deceive me and that's something that I'll never forget, nor anything that I'd easily forgive.

< I believe that we have a few things to talk about. Is there a place that we could speak in private? >
-Jennie

<I'll come to you>
-Lisa