(Chae pov)
When Chaeyoung opened her eyes that morning, the position of the sun through their open window let her know that it was already early afternoon.
She closed her eyes and rubbed them with both her hands, realizing she was easily able to bring her arms up.
Was Lisa not beside her?
She sat up and looked around the room. Noticing Lisa was indeed not there.
The bathroom door seemed like it could have been moved? But Chaeyoung couldn't really remember either.
Roseanne got up and brushed her teeth. Brushing her hair and using the restroom before making her way down the stairs. Her eyes immediately softening at the sight of Lisa passed out at the table.
She walked behind her, studying the Thai as her head laid over her arms. Head down and chair scooted back as she snored lightly.
"Hope you're not getting sick." She whispered, leaning down and putting her arms around her. Pecking her neck. "You sound like you're having trouble breathing."
"Hm?" The girl twitched, starting to lift her head up.
"I said you sound like you're having trouble breathing babe. Why did you move out here? And why the table and not the couch?"
She backed off Lisa as the blonde turned around and looked at her, a small smile on her face. "I woke up early, but fell back asleep I guess."
Chaeyoung nodded, but something was adamantly clear to her as she looked over Lisa's puffy cheeks and red eyes. Pouting as Lis stood.
"What?"
"Babe? Have you been crying?"
"I... uh..."
"Don't lie to me Lis..." She whispered. "I know you have been."
Lisa looked down and bit her lip. Chaeyoung watching as tears formed in her eyes. "Y-Yeah, I have been..."
"Lisa..." She spoke, wrapping her arms around her as Lisa began quietly crying into her shoulder. "It's okay, shhh... you're okay."
Chaeyoung just held her and ran her fingers lightly through Lisa's hair with her hand as she cried. Not knowing at all what she was so sad about.
But she'd comfort her and figure it out.
As Lisa's cries turned into sniffs, Chaeyoung eased back out of the embrace and looked at her, brushing hairs out of her face.
Lisa really did look like a little kid when she was sad.
"C-Can we go lay on the c-couch together?" Lisa's voice hiccuped as she spoke quietly.
"Of course we can." She smiled, intertwining her hand in Lisa's.
Lisa smiled a bit, Chaeyoung decided it was a good time to pull her over to the couch. She laid down and Lisa climbed on top of her. Stuffing her face down onto her chest.
"What's wrong Lisa? What happened?"
"I... I just..."
Chaeyoung watched as Lisa looked up and blinked several times. Loose strands of tears slowly falling down her cheeks.
"It's okay. Take your time." She smiled, wiping the tears away and rubbing her cheek. Something she's sure Lisa has done to comfort her before.
Funny how the roles can easily reverse.
"Okay... I'm crying because..." Lisa whispered, looking back down. Chaeyoung removing her hand from her cheek. "I won't get to take you to Australia."
"Huh?" She mumbled. "That's why you're crying?"
"Yeah." Lisa said sadly, tears suddenly falling again.
"Lisa don't cry." Chaeyoung spoke worriedly. "It's okay... I knew it was all just talk. It's alright."
"It w-wasn't just talk." Lisa sobbed. "I meant e-every word. I was going to take you."
Roseanne felt her own tears starting as she looked at Lisa. The heartbreak on her face letting Chae know that Lisa truly did plan to take her to Australia.
God, Lisa probably already planned out the whole trip in her head.
"Y-You need a passport and ids and I t-thought we could fly just there and I-I'm such an idiot." Lisa cried, her head falling down and resting on her chest.
"You're n-not an idiot." Chaeyoung cried too. Light tears compared to Lisa's sobs. "You're the sweetest most thoughtful person I know."
"Of course I want to go to Australia with you, and of course I wasn't thinking about those things either. All I was thinking about was how much fun I'd have, exploring Australia... with you." She spoke.
"But, even if we can't do that, that's okay. You know why?"
"W-Why?" Lisa spoke sadly, muffled against her shirt.
"Because no matter where I am, as long as I'm with you, I'm as happy as I can ever be."
Lisa looked up to her with her heartbroken eyes. Smiling sadly. "That's why I w-wanted to take you." She spoke. "So you'd be happier."
"I couldn't be any happier baby. Not unless it's our wedding day or something." She smiled, absolutely meaning it.
"What about our honeymoon?"
"Okay, yes. I'll be a little happier on our honeymoon."
"Or the day we have kids?"
"And on the day we have kids."
"Or the day our kids have kids?"
"Lisa, we won't be having kids if you keep this up."
Chaeyoung smiled when she saw Lisa chuckle. Biting her lip and making a weird face at Lisa with wide eyes.
"Okay... I'll stop."
"And you'll stop crying too?"
Lisa nodded and fell back down, her arms wrapping around her.
"I love you so much. Everything will work out. That I'm sure of."
"How do you know?" Lisa whispered.
"Because Lis, that's something you taught me. And you haven't been wrong yet."
"Except for when I lied to you."
"Are you seriously bringing that up now?" She questioned, laughing.
"What? No..."
"You're stupid."
"Stupidly in love."
Chaeyoung kissed her forehead and let Lisa cuddle her. Hearing several 'I love yous' coming from the Thai as they laid there in comfortable silence.
~
(Ami pov)
Ami opened her eyes and looked forward. Staring at the wall before turning over and checking her clock.
One in the afternoon, her usual time to get up after a long shift.
She stretched and raised out of bed, trudging into the bathroom and preparing herself for the day.
Chaeyoung's mother was still on her mind as she changed into some clothes.
Her conversation with Doctor Han didn't change much after he told her how Clare never visited Roseanne until a week after she had awaken.
The thought that some woman knew her child, whom she hadn't spoken to in nearly two months, was waiting to see her yet she didn't go angered her.
Beyond belief.
She finished changing and made her way out of her room, wondering what the girls were up to.
And as if on command, Ami watched as Chaeyoung exited their room with her guitar, walking down the stairs.
She debated on saying good morning, but noticed the strange atmosphere in the air.
Instead, Ami followed Chaeyoung down quietly, sitting on the step nearest to the corner that led out to the living room. Listening quietly, just out of view.
"Sorry."
"Baby why are you sorry?"
Ami listened confusedly. Why did her daughter just apologize? What did Lisa do?
"I didn't mean to be such a... um..."
"A crybaby?"
"Mean... I was going to say emotional."
"Well you didn't say it fast enough." Roseanne chuckled lightly. Ami sighing and looking down.
She knew why Lisa was crying. Australia... no doubt in her mind.
"It's okay that you're upset Lis. It's okay that you cried."
"But I kept crying... that wasn't cool."
"I think crying is cool."
"Ha no. You think my dancing and swag is cool. You're just saying that to make me feel better."
"Swag?"
"What? I have swag..." Lisa replied. Ami already picturing the way Lisa was holding her arms crossed.
"Says the one who asked me to play her a pretty song so she could feel better."
"Hey..." Lisa whined. "I just like to hear your voice."
"Mhm." Chaeyoung hummed. "Any requests?"
"Something pretty."
Ami smiled and shook her head. Lisa, was still very much her 'little' girl.
"Your idea of pretty could be different than mine Lisa."
"It's okay. Show me what you find pretty." Lisa replied. "Sing me something you find pretty."
Ami leaned in from her seat on the step. Knowing well she hasn't heard Chaeyoung sing before. Not clearly at least.
Roseanne would always be in the bedroom. Her guitar always louder than her voice.
And Chaeyoung was really good at the guitar.
"Okay... um... I think I have one."
"Okay. Thank you Rosie."
"Anything for you."
Ami waited as there was no apparent sound. Questioning if she should peel around the corner.
Were they kissing?
"Five seconds." Lisa interrupted her thoughts.
"Huh?"
"I'm pretty sure that's how long it took you to memorize the chords."
"Nooo."
"Yeees."
"It was more like eight."
"Okay. Eight seconds."
Ami smiled. Lisa was a super computer when it came to memorizing new dances. And now Chaeyoung was seemingly one with music?
They were perfect for each other. She had to whisper...and thank the universe.
Strumming is what she heard next. Ami waiting to hear what kind of song Chaeyoung would sing. What the girl found pretty.
- "Haunt You" Social House -
"How do I measure up to heights you've been to? How could I ever love you, like you're meant to? How could a view of my skies light your temple? How beautiful the bird outside my window."
Ami couldn't really understand it well. Her English still needing some work. But goodness Roseanne's voice was something else.
"Always greener on my other side of things. Think so much of you, I can't overthink. Can't take my eyes off you, I don't wanna blink. No, no."
"Never thought something so beautiful could haunt you. Haunt you, haunt you. Better off this way, but I want you. Want you, want you."
"Sometimes, I just wanna fucking call you. Call you, call you. Never thought something beautiful could haunt you. Haunt you, haunt you."
"Must be the summer breeze, the smell of orchids. Or it's the way you look, I won't forget it. Watching the devils dance outside my doorstep. Some kind of heaven I haven't seen yet."
She smiled and looked down as Chae kept singing. The emotion Ami could feel in Chaeyoung's voice must be exactly what Lisa felt when she heard her singing that one day.
Ami, letting herself tear up. Knowing this was what Clare didn't know she was missing.
(Chae pov)
She watched the girl that was staring softly at her on the floor across from her.
Looking over Lisa's beauty as she sang the words. "Never thought something so beautiful could haunt you. Haunt you, haunt you. Better off this way, but I want you. Want you, want you."
"Sometimes, I just wanna fucking call you. Call you, call you. Never thought something beautiful could haunt you. Haunt you, haunt you."
She closed her eyes and smiled as she strummed. Thinking of how Lisa did haunt her. Always frequenting her mind and making her feel so warm.
After taking a breath she released her voice. Singing soft yet strong high notes that she hoped sounded good. Prayed Lisa would enjoy.
And soon after that, she sang the chorus one last time. Before letting her strums fade, and opening her eyes.
"Um... how was i-"
She jolted back as Lisa kissed her, closing her eyes. Lisa's hands on her cheeks as she cupped them and gave her slight tongue.
Chaeyoung hummed and kissed her back. Making sure that Lisa wouldn't squish her guitar between them.
She licked her lips when Lisa backed off a bit. Brushing their lips together before Lis whispered. "It was beautiful. Especially because you sang it."
"Mean it?" She whispered back, looking up to her then back to her lips.
"Yeah." Lisa rubbed her thumbs on her cheeks as she leaned back down from her position. "I mean it."
Chaeyoung kissed her again, and again. Slipping their tongues in and against one another's quietly.
"Does not hearing anything mean that you're kissing?"
It was Lisa's turn to jolt now as she backed off and stared wide eyed at the stairs.
Chaeyoung only chuckled, since she knew Ami was there the whole time. She heard her following her down the hallway.
"Mom! Hi..." Lisa spoke nervously as Ami came down and smiled.
"Hey honey." Ami replied. Chaeyoung standing up and watching as Ami came over and hugged her. "Your voice is amazing sweetie."
She smiled and hugged her back. Her guitar at her side as they embraced. "Thanks Ami."
But as they hugged, she noticed Ami wasn't letting go. She looked to Lisa, but she looked just as confused as she did.
"Let's do something fun today." Ami spoke quietly, stepping out of the embrace. "Please girls."
"Mom? Are you okay?" Lisa questioned her.
"I just, I know you were crying this morning Lis. I know you were crying yesterday Chaeyoung. We all were. I just want us to enjoy ourselves. Take a break from the sad stuff."
She looked down and swung her guitar around to the front again. Holding the neck of it in her hands as she nodded.
Everyone was crying.
Because of her.
"What should we do then?" Lisa wondered, stepping up and putting a hand on her back. Whispering "cheer up babe" in her ear.
"Roseanne?" Ami spoke.
"Yeah mom?"
"What was your favorite thing to do in Australia? Something we can do here?"
Chaeyoung kept her eyes and on the ground and thought. Remembering things they would do from time to time.
She loved the beaches in Australia, but it was still too cold here. And Chaeyoung wasn't sure she'd want to wear a swim suit. Not yet.
"Um..." Think Roseanne, think. What would Alice and her do aside from eating with the 'grandparents'... wait...
She looked up and smiled. "An aquarium... I loved aquariums."
"Oh my god fishies! Momma can we!?" Lisa jumped and clapped. "We can see penguins!"
Ami chuckled and nodded. "Yes. We can. It's already afternoon so let's plan on being there until late and we can grab dinner afterwards."
Lisa squeezed her arm in between Chaeyoung's chest and guitar. Holding her in a awkward embrace as she kissed her cheek. "We can see tons of Joohwangie."
Roseanne smile brightened and as she looked to Lisa. "Joohwang... I can't wait."
"Well go get ready then girls. Shoo." Ami teased, pushing them apart and fanning them away.
Chaeyoung chased Lisa up the stairs until she got about halfway. Lisa stopping and turned around, giving her a questioning look.
"Can you take my guitar? I almost forgot my pills."
"Baby, it's pretty late in the day..." Lisa spoke, grabbing her guitar from her.
"I know... I just forgot while we laid on the couch and stuff. I mean, we never did eat breakfast..."
"You can't take them on an empty stomach!" Lisa quickly spoke. "Momma! Can you make us a small breakfast?!" She yelled.
"You haven't eaten?!" Ami shouted back.
"No!"
"Jesus kids, yes! Get changed and I'll make you something."
"Thanks!"
Chaeyoung rolled her eyes as Lisa gave her a look. "Come Rosie." She looked back, towards the kitchen that awaited down the stairs. "Baby..." Lisa continued. "You'll get sick if you take them before you eat something."
"Okay..." She hummed, looking back up to Lisa and taking the Thai's extended hand. Walking up the stairs and into their room.
~
As Lisa and her sat changed and ready to go for the aquarium later, they talked about all the different types of animals they hoped to see.
Ami laughing at them when they started mentioning silly ones like snails. Each bite they took of their food being followed by laughter as one of them would say something funny.
"Do they sell snails? I'd like to buy one and name it Gary." Lisa smiled.
"Lord, please tell me they don't sell snails." Ami chuckled and shook her head.
Chaeyoung laughed and finished off her plate. Ami and Lisa finishing soon after her. Lis taking the plates to the kitchen.
"Are you all dressed?" She questioned Ami as Lisa washed their dishes.
"Yes ma'am. I'm going to go get my purse and keys." She spoke, getting up and kissing her forehead before she disappeared up the stairs.
"Need any help?" Chaeyoung asked as she stood up and pushed in all the chairs at the table.
"Nope. Almost finished." Lisa cooed. "I can't wait to have a son with you."
"Our son will not be a snail." She chuckled.
"Why not? Snails are cute."
Chaeyoung giggled at the stomp of Lisa's foot as she walked over and waited by the counter for her. Lisa drying her hands after stacking the dishes and turning.
"I want a son."
"You have Leo and Luca."
"But they're not ours." Lisa spoke, putting her hands on her waist. "I want a son... with you..."
"Stop talking like you're able to put one in me..." She whispered, Lisa smirking.
"Do you wish I could?"
"The fuck?..."
"Okay girls, ready?" Ami questioned, coming into the kitchen.
"Yeah! Let me just grab my phone." Lisa smiled, winking to her, then running up the stairs.
"Grab mine too?!" She shouted after her.
Ami chuckled and shook her head. "Why'd she wink at you?"
"Oh Lisa? No reason." She smiled.
"Hm."
"Okay, got phones and light weight jackets." Lisa smiled, handing her a black wind breaker. "Make sure you stay warm."
"Thanks." She smiled.
"And your phone." Lisa smirked.
"Why you making that face?"
"No reason... see you in the car."
Lisa booked it as Chaeyoung looked down and inspected her phone. Unlocking it and noticing nothing looked different.
That's when she took a peek at her camera roll and noticed the trillion selfies of Lisa that she took. Faces in them all.
"When did you even have time to take these?!" She yelled as she walked out with Ami into the garage. Lisa giggling in the car.
"Come on slow pokes. Let's go!" Lisa yelled.
~
"So you're telling me, you don't sell snails?"
"Sorry, the snails aren't for sale. But you can get a fish." The associate smiled at Lisa.
Chaeyoung laughing when Lisa turned and made a face to her.
"Lisa we just got here, let's think about getting something on our way out." Ami shook her head. "Excuse her, she had her heart set on a snail."
"That's fine." The associate laughed. "Everyone has a favorite animal."
Lisa made another face and spoke while her mom pushed her away and out of the shop. "I like cats! Kitties!"
Roseanne took up her hand shook her head. "There's a catfish you know."
"What do they look like?" Lisa questioned, a soft smile on her face.
"Like that." She pointed, at a big tank with a catfish sitting at its bottom.
"Ew, it's ugly."
"Lisa." She chuckled, smacking her arm. "You'll hurts his feelings."
"What feelings? I think I've ate it's brother."
"Alright, Lisa's got some tude today..." Ami spoke up from behind them. "Let's go see some exhibits."
~
As their day continued on, Chaeyoung found herself really enjoying the aquarium. Even with the slight stomach ache she had.
Lisa was still being a bit sassy, but Chaeyoung enjoyed every minute of it. She knew Lisa was only being that way to make her laugh, and she definitely was laughing so it was working.
Ami was being the super sweet and caring woman that she always was. Following them around and taking photos of them at every stop they made.
Last stop before they decided on having a quick break in the food court was the-
"Penguins!" Lisa exclaimed, ruining her thoughts and running up to the tank. "Oh my gosh!"
The penguins were out and showcasing all their cool underwater spins and tricks they could do. Lisa, watching their every move with wide eyes.
Roseanne smiled at Lisa, before noticing a small cut out in the wall. She walked over to it and widened her eyes when she realized where it led.
Stepping inside the bubble and noticing all the penguins around her. "Yikes! Lisa! They're up close..."
She watched as a penguin looked her, it's body big and pressed right up against the glass in front of her face. "That's scary." She spoke. Watching as it never blinked and stared her down. "I'm scared."
"Why are you so up close? Lisa! Hurry in here!"
"Huh?" Lisa spoke, coming in. "What ba-" her eyes widened as she looked around. "Oh my god! Hey, look at him." Lis chuckled, pointing at the one that was scaring her, only it turned from them and faced the other way.
"They're so cute." Lisa beamed.
"You mean scary."
"Scary?" Lisa chuckled. "They're not scary. They're cute!"
Ami was next to peek her head in. Chaeyoung leaving the bubble to let them have more space.
She waited for them outside of it, looking around at all the other people in the aquarium. She then felt fingers intertwining with hers and smiled.
"Snack time?" Lisa questioned.
"Snack time."
They walked hand in hand out to the food court. Ami's arm linked with her other arm as they entered.
"I'll go grab a table." Ami smiled, walking between tables and chairs to an open one.
"Go with her, I'll get us food." Lisa spoke, motioning to follow her mom.
"But how will you know what to get me?" She pouted.
"Answer this, what do you not like?"
Chaeyoung quickly spoke. "Avocados and... and..."
"Aaaaaand avocados... done deal. Now go sit baby."
She rolled eyes and mouthed a thank you before walking to Ami through the sea of people eating. Smelling the different foods as she walked past plates.
Knowing well her stomach hurting was probably from the lack of it. Her chuckling.
"Hey sweetie." Ami spoke as she took a seat across from her.
"Hey Ami."
"Lisa getting our food?" Ami questioned.
"Yeah, she volunteered to."
"Sweet of her. Seeing how I was going to make her get mine anyways."
Chaeyoung giggled and nodded. "It's the least she can do for you."
Ami looked at her for a minute before responding. Chaeyoung wondering what for as she stared.
"You're too kind Roseanne."
"Me?" She replied confusedly. "No I'm not... you guys are."
"No Rosie. You are."
She didn't get it? She wasn't 'too kind'? Her 'kindness' barely amounted to anything when stacked up against the Manoban's.
"Clare didn't deserve you."
Chaeyoung looked down and stared at the tabletop. Ami... knows her mom's name? Clare...
Suddenly, food trays were being placed down beside her. Chaeyoung physically jolting and bringing her hand slowly up to her chest.
Shaking.
"Rosie? Are you okay?" Lisa asked, sitting down and scooting over to her.
Chaeyoung just stared. She shouldn't be freaked out that bad from the noise? Or the movement? But for some reason, she felt her anxiety going through the roof.
Wanting to run and hide in a nearby bathroom more than anything.
"Rosie?" Lisa questioned her again.
"Is it because I mentioned her name?" Ami asked now. "It is isn't it?"
"Whose name?"
"No ones."
"Mom... whose name?" Lisa spoke again. Her body shifting closer to hers. Chaeyoung snuggling up to Lis and holding onto her arm with both her hands.
"Chaeyoung's mother's... Clare."
Lisa looked from her mom down to her. Chaeyoung feeling the Thai's hair move from her position of clinginess.
"I... it shouldn't bother me..." She whispered. "We've been talking about m-my family... I don't know why I'm feeling so anxious and-"
"Come Rosie." She remembered. "Baby... you'll get sick if you take them before you eat something."
Suddenly. It hit her.
"My pills..." She spoke, letting go of Lisa and staring at her. "Lisa... I never took my pills!" She looked down, beginning to hyperventilate.
"Crap..." Lisa whispered. "Hey, it's okay though Chae." She spoke. "Baby, it's okay. You'll be okay."
"I need my pills Lisa!" She exclaimed. Looking around nervously at any heads that may have turned soon after. "I-I mean..."
"Rosie." Lisa spoke, putting her hands on both sides of her. "I know you're scared. But listen, you don't need them."
"Lisa..."
"Babe. Are you hungry? Look what I got you." Lisa spoke, pulling her tray up to her. Chaeyoung nodded and looked down at the food. "Want some?"
"Yes please." She spoke quietly. Holding her hands together under the table. Her leg bouncing.
Lisa smiled and released her other hand from her side, taking her fork and putting some fruit at the end of it, lifting it up to her mouth. "Ahhhh." She spoke.
Chaeyoung smiled a bit and opened her mouth. Lisa placing the fruit gently in it and retracting the fork.
She chewed on it quietly. Ami and Lisa watching her with soft smiles.
"My daughter is right Chaeyoung. You'll be okay, we promise."
She just nodded and opened her mouth again. Lisa smiling more and placing another in her mouth. "You're still really cute."
It was hard for her to even accept the compliment. Trying hard to think about how good the food tasted and not the fact that she was still really scared to not be on anything.
Feeling vulnerable.
That her body could turn on her at any second.
~
(Lisa pov)
After their lunch earlier, Chaeyoung, her mother, and herself continued down another side of the aquarium. Looking at the other exhibits.
But Lisa could tell her mom felt bad about mentioning Chaeyoung's mom... Clare, earlier.
Lisa felt some new form of resentment for the name Clare.
And Roseanne, as hard as she was trying to appear fine, commenting on the different animals and things she sees, Lisa could still sense her unease.
Chaeyoung was scared, not of not being able to handle things she sees people take, or smells. But scared that she could easily have a flashback... or her shakes.
"That otter is cute." Rosie spoke, pointing at one in the back of the tank.
"Which one?" She whispered, bringing her chin down on Roseanne's shoulder and holding her from behind. Knowing exactly which one she was pointing at already.
"That one... the one sleeping." Chaeyoung smiled, still pointing.
Lisa readjusted her grip around Chaeyoung. Tightening her hold and taking in her scent. "You're right. It is cute." She whispered.
Chaeyoung looked down and smiled. Lisa pecked her exposed neck then cheek before she lifted her chin off her shoulder and stood behind her.
Giving her a quick shoulder massage as her mom stood beside them.
"Well, how about finding a place to have dinner girls?" Ami spoke, still watching the otters play.
"Sure." Lisa smiled, still rubbing Chaeyoung's shoulders.
"Okay, we can walk the long way to the car. I'd still like to look at things as we leave."
"You okay with that plan baby?" Lisa questioned her, leaning her head next to Chaeyoung's.
"Yeah..." Chae whispered, turning her head a bit to look at her.
Lisa pecked her lips and smiled. "You're so cute." She hummed. "The otters are jealous."
Roseanne shook her head. But her smile let Lisa know she liked it.
Lisa took up her hand, intertwining their soft fingers together and following their mom out of the room and slowly past other exhibits.
She did notice a elderly man watching them when they left the otters. Most likely judging them for their sexuality.
Maybe the old Lisa would have felt down, knowing that she was being judged and looked down upon.
But this Lisa, the happiest Lisa she's ever been, couldn't care any less.
With her families support and the best girlfriend in the world walking beside her, she had all the love she ever needed.
They kept making their way towards the parking lot. Stopping every now and then to admire something. Yet Lisa, was admiring Roseanne more than anything.
Tomorrow was their last regular day at school. After that, it would be testing for the rest of the week.
Then, a summer break. Where she could spend all her time with Rosie. Helping her with her online courses so she could graduate.
If only they could have traveled to Australia. At least for a couple days. Just so Roseanne could feel even more loved.
"Okay, exits here." Ami spoke, as they finished their circle around the building. "Let's go get some food."
Chaeyoung nodded and Lisa followed up as well. The three of them making their way to the car through the sea of them in the lot.
When theirs came into view, Rosie stopped walking.
Lisa looking back at her, and noticing the unease present on her face. "Chae?"
"I'm okay... it's just..."
Lisa smiled sadly and walked up to her, embracing Chaeyoung and kissing her forehead.
"I'm scared."
"It's okay, it's okay to be. But baby..." She began, looking at Chaeyoung and raising the girls chin so she could look at her. "Remember when we went on our date? To ice cream?"
"That was... a date?" Roseanne spoke with slightly wide eyes. "I... I mean I knew it was date things and all but I-"
"Wait, slow down Babe." Lisa chuckled. "Okay, even I didn't know it was date. It was like a friendship date where I didn't know I was madly in love with you."
Chaeyoung smiled and blushed. Lisa fixing the hair falling in her face.
"But, my point is. I took you to ice cream that day, and to the library. And you know what that was in?"
"A car?"
"Yeah a car. And what about the mall? The day after we brought you home?"
"But... I was on drugs."
"Not for the mall one. And your drugs wouldn't have helped you as much as you think. But, you're a lot stronger than you think."
"But Lis..."
"I'll sit with you. I'll hold your hand. And you know what will happen?"
"What?" Chaeyoung spoke quietly.
"We will be absolutely, positively, fine." She smiled. "Let's go eat and become all bloated and take food baby pics in a mirror."
Rosie chuckled, Lisa lifting her up and carrying her to the car. Putting her in the backseat behind the driver.
She then ran around and got in, crawling into the middle and holding Chaeyoung's hand while the Aussie's head rested against her shoulder.
"What do we want?" Her mom asked them as she drove out of the parking lot. A smile on her face as she looked in her mirror at Chaeyoung and her.
Lisa smirked and replied with a smug toned "seafood."
~
"I am stuffed." She spoke, putting her fork down. "I can't eat anymore. Or I'll explode."
Her mom laughed with a grin while Lisa closed her eyes and let out a long breath. When she opened her eyes, her mom was laughing even more.
And her plate was gone.
Lisa looked over and saw it in front of Chaeyoung.
Roseanne using two forks and picking food off of each plate and eating it quietly. Glancing up and noticing her and her mom's stares.
"Sorry..."
"You're fine." Lisa chuckled. "I just... tell me babe, how do you stay so perfectly skinny? Yet eat more than the cooks can fit on a plate?"
"I don't know." Roseanne laughed. "I was born skinny."
"Well same, but like, I eat like a skinny person."
"Should I be offended by that?"
"That does sound a bit offending Lis." Her mom spoke up, making a face.
"I didn't mean it to be!"
"It's okay." Chaeyoung smiled. "I like food, I know."
Lisa sighed and apologized, more for her mothers sake, before spending the next ten minutes complimenting Chaeyoung on her features and personality.
"Okay, you're done." Roseanne laughed, pointing at her. "Stop talking. And I'm done eating mom."
"Okay." Ami smiled. "Let's pay and head out then. You guys have school tomorrow."
Lisa helped Chaeyoung out of her chair after her mom payed. Walking together to the car where Lisa began to lead Chaeyoung around the car, only to have the girl stop her.
"I'm going to sit here."
Her eyes widened as she saw Chae reaching for the handle closes to her. The one behind the passenger seat. The accident seat.
"Babe... are you sure?"
"You were right..." Rosie spoke. "I am stronger than I think. Today hasn't been bad, not as bad as I thought it would. My anxiety is high. And I'm shaking a bit. But I'm okay."
"Rosie, I'm so proud for you... but you don't need to sit there. It's okay."
Chaeyoung kept her gaze on her, smiling faintly as she opened the door. "I want to."
Lisa walked over to her and helped her in the seat. Suggesting she put on her jacket that's been around her waist since it was cold.
Roseanne agreed and put her jacket on. Lisa smiling and stepping up, to kiss her.
They met and shared a small kiss before Lisa backed out and shut the door.
She was really proud of Rosie. For she was actually trying to be better and work through the pain instead of hiding behind it.
Even without the medicine in her system.
Lisa got in and sat next to the window. Giving Roseanne some space to see how she'd do.
As they drove back to the house, she kept her eyes on her. Watching as Rosie would either look out the window, holding her hands together and leg lightly bouncing.
Or, she would look at her phone, her eyes growing heavier and heavier as Lisa noticed her beginning to doze off.
Soon Chaeyoung was sleeping lightly, her phone still in her hands. Her eyes moving under her lid.
Lisa watched her more, remembering that Chaeyoung had mentioned that she never dreams.
But, right now. She was dreaming.
Lisa herself found the longer drive home pretty tiring. It was already fairly dark outside and watching her girlfriend sleep wasn't helping.
She was in the limbo state between slipping into a dream and remaining awake when her phone buzzed. She opened her eyes and wiped them, looking at the phones notification.
Only to widen her eyes and flip her phone back around. Mentally punching a wall.
Message... from Unknown.
Lisa looked to Chaeyoung. The girl who bravely wrote a letter to the police and dropped it off after school with her one day.
The girl who risked her own safety after Lisa stupidly fell for Favors trap.
She wasn't going to put up with his messages anymore. She'll tell Chaeyoung that he texted her again.
Lisa flipped the phone over, seeing the first several words of the message. Wondering why he decided to text in English this time...
"Sorry? Yeah right." She whispered. Continuing her read before her mouth grew slacked and she brought her hand up to cover it.
This... this wasn't Favors.
Unkown
Hey Lisa. I wanted to begin with apologizing to you for my attitude over the phone. I hadn't really talked about Alice and Roseanne for awhile, and you mentioning that Roseanne was alive was something I found inconceivable.
"Phoebe?" Lisa whispered, looking to Chaeyoung then back down at her phone when it buzzed again.
Unkown
I got your number through the stores call log. I hope you don't mind. I still don't really believe it. About Roseanne. I just needed some time after our call to think.
Unkown
Oh and it's Phoebe btw, if you couldn't already tell. Sorry for messaging you late.
Lisa didn't really know how to react. Just staring at the messages before she slowly began to type.
Lisa (?)
Hey. Yeah it's Lisa. I wasn't expecting to hear from you again. Sorry for earlier, I shouldn't have bothered you.
Phoebe
No, it's fine that you told me. Really. I'm glad it's for a noble cause, and not just to mess with me. I just can't believe that Rosie is alive
Lisa
I can't really either, hearing about how bad the car accident was. She's our miracle
Phoebe
Lisa I'm sorry for doubting you. Like, I know you know about Alice, and our friendship. And that you knew about Rosie, Owen, and Lily. But I still struggle.
Lisa
Struggle to believe me? I mean, I understand. I am a random stranger in South Korea
Phoebe
But I know that's where they were going so I guess I believe you a little too? But, would you happen to have any proof?
Proof? Of Chaeyoung? Lisa looked up and over to the sleeping girl. Then back down at her phone.
Lisa
Well, we just left dinner. She fell asleep in the car so I could maybe take a picture of her?
Phoebe
That works. I'm sorry. It's just, I've mourned her and her family. I'm kind of freaking out?
Lisa
It's okay. I'll take a pic
Lisa sat up a bit and leaned in, taking a picture of Chaeyoung. The image was too dark though and Rosie couldn't really be seen.
So she bit her lip and turned on the flash. Praying she wouldn't wake.
Lisa wouldn't lie to Roseanne, not again. But she also wanted to keep Phoebe, Owen, and Lily a surprise.
She pressed the button and captured the photo. Chaeyoung moving her brows a little after but not waking.
Lisa released a sigh of relief and sent the photo to Phoebe. Still not believing she was talking to the girl again.
Lisa
Lisa looked up and saw that Ami was staring at her through the mirror again.
"I'll tell you later." She whispered. Her mom nodding.
Then her phone buzzed. Lisa held her breath as she looked down to it.
Phoebe
OMG... Rosie. You weren't lying...
Phoebe
She looks so much older! And she's blonde! And holy shit she's alive. God she looks so much like Alice. I'm sorry. I'm a mess
Lisa
It's okay Phoebe. And I've only ever seen one photo of Alice, but I can tell they do look a lot alike.
Phoebe
Can I call you Lisa? I need to talk to you. Like talk talk.
Lisa
We're still in the car, but I can call you when we get home and I tuck Rosie in?
Phoebe
Tuck her in? Are you serious? You're that sweet? I'm extremely sorry about earlier now. Like the hell? You must be an angel.
Lisa
Don't worry about earlier. That was my fault. We're almost home. And Roseanne's the angel, not me.
Phoebe
Cute. Okay. Talk soon
Lisa put her head back against the seat and watched as they rolled onto their road. She look back over to Chae and noticed she was looking the other way.
She leaned over, hearing the faint sounds of her breath as she slept. Lisa, wanting to hold her more than ever.
When the car came to a stop in the garage, Lisa hopped out and walked around. Opening Rosie's door and unbuckling her. She lifted her out and carried her inside.
Her mom holding the door for her as she passed by and up the stairs. Laying Roseanne down and pecking her forehead.
She opened her eyes for a second and mumbled an 'I love you' before passing back out.
Lisa smiling and wanting to kiss her again. But realizing, she should probably let her sleep. Seeing how tired she was.
As Lisa shut their door and walked downstairs, she noticed her mom eyeing her from the couch. She walked over and sat next to her, giving her a curious stare.
"How's Roseanne?" Her mom questioned.
"Good. She's knocked out. Must be a food coma."
Her mom's eyeing face disappeared. The emotion shown, growing sad.
"Mom?"
"Who were you texting? In the car? I saw your face, you seemed... taken back."
"Oh, remember that friend of Roseanne's I mentioned?"
"The one you said you'd call?"
"Yeah, it was her."
"You're texting?"
"Mhm. Well, that was the first time. I'm going to call her again soon."
"What did she say?"
"That she couldn't believe that I was telling the truth. That photo I took of Rosie was my proof."
"Wait... why would she need proof? What truth?"
Lisa looked down and studied her hands. "That's the thing... she thought Roseanne was dead."
"Dead?"
"Yeah, it sounds like Phoebe mourned for them all. Not just Alice and Chae's dad."
Lisa glanced up at her mom who was looking down too. The sad look on her face still apparent.
"There's something I need to tell you. Something I don't think you know."
Lisa watched as her mom looked to her. She gulped as her mother continued.
"I think I may know why Roseanne's friend thought she was dead."
"Why?"
"Do you remember, when Roseanne was telling us her story yesterday, how she mentioned after the accident, the date she woke up on wasn't close to her birthday?"
Lisa thought for a moment, remembering something vaguely about it. "Kind of? Yeah. Why?"
"Honey, after that accident, it took Roseanne almost two months to wake up."
She felt herself stop breathing. A sudden drop in temperature as her body began to shut down. "W-What are you saying?"
"I'm saying. Roseanne was in a coma Lisa. For nearly two months."
Lisa immediately began crying. Covering her face with her hands as her mom rubbed her back. "S-She was asleep? My baby was asleep f-for that long?"
"I'm sorry baby." Her mother whispered. "I cried too."
"Why?" Lisa cried. "Why Chae?"
"I don't know Lis." Ami sighed. "I don't know."
Lisa composed herself. Thanking the universe that it at least let Rosie wake up. But her mom never truly answered her question.
"Why would Phoebe, Chae's friend, t-think she was dead then?"
"Clare, Chaeyoung's mom, it took her a week to visit Rosie after she woke up."
"A week?"
"Yes, and I was told by the doctor that operated on Chaeyoung, at the end of our conversation yesterday, that Clare had Alice and Masons bodies picked up and transported for burial."
"So?" She asked, confused.
"So, I think Clare told everyone the same thing was done to Chaeyoung. I think she told people she was dead. Because that woman, after the accident, she didn't see her as a daughter anymore. That, I'm certain."
Lisa looked to the ground and bit her lip. Clenching her fists together. "I hate her."
"You know what honey? Me too." Ami replied, doing the same fist clenches as her.
"I'm going to call Phoebe." She whispered. "May I have the room?"
Her mom released a breath and nodded. "Of course, but Lisa?"
"Yeah?"
"It's a school night. Get some rest."
"I will."
"Goodnight." Her mom spoke, kissing her head and walking up the stairs.
"Goodnight momma."
Lisa stood up and got some water out of the kitchen. Drinking it down and trying hard to calm herself. Before calling Phoebe.
The phone rang a couple times, before it was picked up, and Lisa began walking mindlessly around the living room.
"Lisa?"
"Yeah... uh, hey Phoebe."
"You sound different."
Lisa face palmed. "Yeah sorry, my English is not that good."
"What?! No. Your English is fine mate. It's the fact that my cell has better quality than the store phone. Sorry to confuse you."
Lisa smiled. "No need to apologize."
"Why doubt your English Lisa?"
"Because yours and Rosie's is way better."
"Well it's because we've been speaking it since birth ya goof."
Lisa chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Bet you've been speaking Korean your whole life huh?"
"Um no, actually. I'm Thai."
"Wait, you're Thai? So you know three languages, right? I mean, I assume you know Korean?"
"Uh yeah, well I actually speak four."
"Four?!"
"Mhm. Thai, Korean, English, and Japanese. Well, little Japanese but I can hold up a conversation."
"Well fuck me dead mate."
"What?..."
"Oh sorry, I mean, I'm surprised."
"Haha um, that's a weird way to say you're surprised."
"Yeah, we're pretty weird. Us, being Aussies." Phoebe spoke.
Lisa smiled and let herself keep walking with the phone to her ear. A quiet spell falling over them.
"So..." Phoebe began. "She's really alive then... Roseanne."
"Yeah, she really is." Lisa smiled. "She's amazing Phoebe."
"I'm glad to hear she still is. She was the sweetest girl. The whole family was."
"Everyone except for Clare."
"What?" Phoebe whispered. "Well um, Clare was always nice too, but she did come to tell us about the deaths in person, after it happened."
"What did she say? About Roseanne?"
"Well... that she died... why would she say that Lisa? When Chaeyoung's alive?"
Lisa took a deep breath and gave Phoebe a brief warning. The Australian saying to tell her everything and not to hold anything back.
So Lisa told her everything, not holding back.
Every detail, every disgusting man, every emotional break down. Everything. Lisa, finally finding someone worthy of sharing Chaeyoung's whole story with.
Not that Jennie and Jisoo weren't. But, Lisa knew Chae had to be the one to tell them.
Phoebe, for all Lisa knew, knows more about Roseanne than she has yet to. Now, especially so.