(Lisa pov)
A couple of days had gone by and Lisa was very much enjoying the quality time with her family, Roseanne, and Australia.
They had gone surfing yesterday and Rosie regretted to tell anyone that she used to surf quite a bit back when she was younger.
So after about five try's, Chae was up on her feet. Riding the waves towards the shore as Lisa was too busy trying her best not to throw up when the waves would rock her a little too much while sitting atop her board.
Marco and her mom laughing at her every time she'd fall off it.
But that was all behind her now.
It was a new day, and Chaeyoung and her had just stepped off the final ride at the Melbourne City Fair.
Lisa already missing the view from the Ferris wheel. And Roseanne's lips when they started making out at the top of it.
"I'm glad we came here." Rosie spoke to her as they walked over to a bench and sat down. Waiting for Marco and her mom to exit next.
"Me too. I didn't know there would be a fair today."
"Me neither." Chaeyoung chuckled.
They watched as the Ferris wheel rotated a bit and off stepped her parents.
All four of them reconnecting and starting their walk out to the Main Street.
They began chatting about what to do next, since they didn't want to just sit around and be lazy while visiting Australia.
Surfing yesterday, an outback tour the day before that, and now the fair today.
They had been doing pretty good on keeping themselves busy.
It was still pretty early in the evening though, so they could easily find something else to do with their time tonight.
"Movie?" Ami suggested.
"That doesn't really let us enjoy the Australian air." She chuckled. "And you may have trouble understanding it."
"I don't mind."
"And hey, you guys would be experiencing a Australian theater so there's that." Rosie laughed lightly.
"I could go for a movie." Her step dad smiled.
"Alright." She gave in. "Lead us to the nearest theater baby."
~
Roseanne had just suggested stopping to get what was called a 'meat pie' before heading back to the hotel after their movie.
"After school, my dad, sister, and I..." Rosie began. Looking down gloomily. "We always went to have meat pie."
"Yeah?" She questioned with a soft smile. Placing a hand on her thigh. "I think it's a great idea to get some then."
Chaeyoung smiled and looked back up to her. Lisa smiling warmly to her before letting the cab driver know they'd like to stop at the nearest place that sold meat pies.
And it didn't take long before they arrived at one.
Lisa accompanying Chae into the convenience store and watching from over her shoulder as Rosie looked over the options.
"Meat pie." She spoke as Chae continued reading off the menu and pointing to a couple on it. Asking if it was something she liked the sound of.
Lisa just nodded in agreement. Not really knowing what to expect for the taste.
So she'd just eat whatever based off of Roseanne's judgement.
"Thank you." Rosie replied after paying the cashier with some money her father had given them and accepting the bag of food. "Let's go Lis."
"Right behind you babe." She smiled and followed Roseanne out. Getting hit with the smells of the pies Chae had picked. "Mm."
"Smells great huh?"
"Yeah..." Lisa hummed as she climbed back into the cab with Chae. "I can't wait to try them."
"Get any for us?" Marco asked from the second row seating of the van they were in. Looking back at them with a smile.
Ami as well.
"Of course." Rosie smiled. "Here's one for you and for momma Ami."
Chaeyoung handed out a couple and both Lisa's parents thanked her kindly.
Unveiling them from the bags and taking some bites. Immediately widening their eyes and beginning to talk in Thai about the taste.
"Do they... like them?" Chaeyoung whispered to her as she brought out there's.
"Yeah, mom especially. But my dad is impressed with the taste." She smiled. "Which one do you want?"
Lisa gestured to the two meat pies Chaeyoung was holding. Watching the Aussie smile and pass her one. "I want you to have this one."
"Me?"
"Mhm."
"Okay babe." She agreed and took the meat pie being handed to her. Bringing it out and taking a bite of it.
Then, she stopped breathing.
"How good is it?" Rosie questioned as she picked off some of her pie and continued some bites of her own.
"This is crazy." She released as her mind still grasped the flavors.
Chaeyoung smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it's yummy."
Lisa watched her taking some bites and smiled before returning to hers. Putting some ketchup on it before digging back in.
She glanced up when she saw Rosies meet pie being held to her face. Opening her mouth and accepting some of Chae's to try. "Wow... it's so good."
Rosie brought her meat pie back to her face and smiled before eating some more.
Lisa studied her as she did. Leaning over closer to her and putting a hand on her thigh again. "Hey..."
"Hm?" Chae asked, her lips still displaying the soft smile on them.
"What's that smile for?"
"Mine?"
"Yes... you doof."
Chaeyoung smiled a bit wider and put a hand on top of Lisa's. "Just... being able to share meat pies with my family again."
Lisa felt a pull on her heart and quickly lifted her hand from Chae's thigh and flipped it over so she could lace it with Roseanne's.
"I like this." Chaeyoung added. Looking to everyone in the car, then out the window. "I... I really like this."
Roseanne pulled her hand away from hers with a shy smile and continued eating her meat pie. Lisa resumed eating hers too, but she just watched Chae the whole time as she did.
Lisa could tell Chae was happy, but there was this hint of sadness in her eyes. Accompanied by slowish movements.
They weren't her real family.
But they were a family.
She was sad and happy to be sharing meat pies with them.
But, now Lisa's mind was beginning to be occupied and reminded of a conversation she had a couple of nights ago.
With Owen.
And her stomach began to hurt a bit from the nervousness she felt. Wondering if tonight might be a good time to tell Chaeyoung...
About what she had learned.
~
The cab came to a halt outside of their hotel. Everyone thanking the driver and stepping out.
Chaeyoung collecting everyone's garbage and bringing it to the nearest bin.
While Lisa watched her quietly, before feeling her moms hand on her back.
"You okay Lis?" She questioned her in Thai.
"Um yeah?"
"I can just... sense... something."
Lisa smiled and shook her head. "You always know when something's up..." she sighed. "But I'm okay Mom."
"Okay." Ami kissed her cheek before going back over to Marco and walking back to their room together.
Lisa meeting up with Rosie and walking with her too. Biting her lip as she pressed her hand to the swell of Roseanne's back and thought more about that night.
(Chae pov)
Both Lisa and her had gotten noticeably quieter after their moment in the car.
But she didn't really understand why Lisa had.
Maybe the Thai was worried about her, but it didn't really make sense for her to stop talking if that was the case.
Usually Lisa would talk to her instead.
As they continued making their way towards their room, getting on the elevator with Marco and Ami, Chaeyoung looked to Lisa and caught her eyes.
And there was something in them.
She knew there was.
Lisa gave her a smile, but she didn't smile back. Instead she placed a hand on Lisa's cheek and watched as the Thai's eyes grew a bit wider.
And began looking away from her own.
When the elevator doors opened. She dropped her hand from Lisa's face and followed as Lisa pulled her quietly towards their room.
Entering it, only to have Lis let her hand go and enter the restroom alone. Locking the door behind her.
"Lis?" She spoke against the locked door. "Lisa? What's wrong?"
"It's nothing... just..." Lisa began, talking slowly. Sounding like she was almost out of breath. "Give me a minute."
She was about to turn away, when she thought about the way Lisa sounded. Releasing a breath before speaking again.
"Baby? If you're having a panic attack..." she began, thinking about the ones she would have herself. "You need to remember to breathe."
"And... that you shouldn't overthink things." She sighed. "It only makes it worse." And with that, she lifted her head away from the door and walked over to her bag.
Changing into some pjs before climbing onto the bed and leaning her back against the headboard. Wondering what could be occupying Lisa's mind.
(Lisa pov)
Her eyes were fixed on the tile below her as she sighed and thought about Chaeyoung's words.
Maybe she was just overthinking, but a part of her was still worried to address any of this with Roseanne.
Maybe she shouldn't? At least... not all of it. Not yet.
But Lisa knew she deserved to know.
She closed her eyes and sighed. Thinking about Owen and letting herself remember their conversation on the back porch.
Trying to see if there was any sort of sign in telling her what she should do about Roseanne.
"Actually..." Owen spoke up again. "I meant, with Lisa."
Lisa immediately grew nervous and looked to Chaeyoung who returned her gaze. "Me?" She questioned softly, looking back to Owen.
"If that's alright."
"Yeah... it's fine." She replied. Straightening her back a bit as Chaeyoung walked closer to her.
Lisa closing her eyes to the feeling of Rosie squeezing her hand and hearing the whisper of "it will be fine" in Korean before Chae left her alone with Owen.
"Don't look so nervous mate." Owen smiled a bit and walked over to the railing of the porch. Leaning over it.
Lisa took a deep breath and walked over to him.
Leaning against the porch rail beside him and looking out over the yard that was lit by the moonlight in front of them.
"You and Phoebe were sure good at keeping a secret." Owen spoke, glancing to her. "Especially with it being as big of a secret as Roseanne."
I had to keep you guys a secret too." She admitted. "I didn't want Roseanne to know."
"Well you did a bloody good Lisa." Owen shook his head. "I just... can't believe she's actually alive. Like, my mind keeps thinking I'm dreaming."
"Yeah, after hearing about the crash for the first time, I couldn't really believe it either."
"Listen Lisa..." Owen suddenly spoke a bit more seriously. Turning his whole body to look at her.
Lisa looking towards him to. Giving the elderly man her full attention.
"I can see just how much you care about Roseanne. But I want to ask you something and see what your answer is."
"Okay." She replied quietly as she fidgeted with her fingers.
"Why are you dating Rosie?"
She felt her heart stop before it resumed its beating.
Lisa needed to think a moment.
She knew why she loved Chaeyoung, and why she wanted to continue dating her. But she needed to be methodical in her answer.
Or else Owen might not like it.
"Lisa? I don't need some essay." He joked a bit. "I just would like to know why you wanted to date her? Why you still are?" He smiled a bit. Putting a hand on her shoulder. "Ease up."
Lisa nodded her head took in a breath before looking into Owens eyes.
"I told you how I always thought Roseanne was pretty, how I would think about her while we were at school. But I didn't start dating her after we got to know each other because I found her attractive..."
"I started dating her because of how she made me feel." Lisa admitted. Putting a hand to her chest. "Even though I didn't need any help, helping her made me an even better person than I was before. The best version of myself I could be."
"I felt whole. Like I couldn't be happier making her smile. Watching the way her mind processed things. Watching her get better and confide within me. It was everything to me." She sighed. "It is everything to me."
Lisa looked down and spoke quietly. "When people date, they're either dating for marriage, or dating for heartbreak... there's no in between."
She then looked back up at Owen again. Confidently speaking, wanting him to know where she stood. "I'm dating for marriage Mr. Williams. I'd like to marry Roseanne Park."
Owen smiled and scrunched up his face. His tear glazed eyes squinting a bit through light wrinkles as he brought her into an embrace.
"That was good." He patted her back during the hug. Lisa sighing happily through her own tears as she mumbled a 'thank you'.
"If you were asking for my permission... you've earned it. As long as you don't hurt her."
Lisa smiled and exited the hug. Wiping her eyes with her hands. "I'm glad, but I plan on proposing after high school. And... after I ask you and Lily properly."
"You've thought it through already huh?" Owen chuckled lightly. "Of course you have."
"Yes, I have. It's all I ever do. I just... picture our life together and I want it so badly. I couldn't hurt her Owen, because I can't risk loosing that future."
"The way you speak about her, the way you care for her and more importantly, bring her here... I know you truly love her. And that's all I ask for you to keep doing."
"I will. I promise." She smiled and got pulled into Owens side by an arm around her shoulder.
"You're a good girl Lisa."
"I have good parents." She chuckled lightly.
"That you do."
They stood there quietly for a little, before Owen broke the silence. "Thank you again Lisa, for bringing her home."
"I had to." She sighed. "She deserved to."
Lisa could feel Owens arm around her tense up. Making her glance up at him just to see him gritting his teeth. "I can't understand that woman..." He spoke, under his breath.
"Clare?"
"Yes..." He dropped his arm from around her shoulder. Staring down at her. "Just leave her child alone like that? Then lie to us, about her being alive...."
"What was Clare like?" Lisa questioned him softly. "I just... I've always been curious.
"She was a great mother." He sighed. "That's why this whole situation has me so pissed off. Because she was a great mother and did care for her family well."
"Rosie... she would say that Alice was Clare's favorite... was that true?"
Owen sighed. "Yes and no. It's hard for a parent to see they prefer another, always answering that there's no favorites amongst their children. But in the end, it's always true."
"Clare loved them both though." Owen replied while putting a hand on her arm. Getting lower to her level. "She really did."
"It's just that, Roseanne came as a surprise to them. They weren't really ready to have another kid and Alice was only three at the time Clare found out she was pregnant with her."
"And of course, over the years, Alice was turning out more like Clare while Roseanne was becoming much more of her father." He dropped his hand off her arm. "So, I can maybe see Clare unconsciously gravitating towards her oldest."
Lisa sighed and nodded her head. Understanding that it was something that could probably easily happen to anyone.
"Lily and I got to know Clare and Mason very well over the years while spending time with Alice and Roseanne. And I never once saw any hatred or unjust towards the treatment of their youngest."
"But now?" Owen scratched his neck. "I can't understand any of Clare's actions. Her reasoning. Blame your youngest on a crash a stranger caused all because she wanted to go out? What the hell is she thinking?"
Lisa nodded before completely understanding Owens words. One of them, standing out to her.
"Is?" She asked.
"Huh?"
"You said 'what the h 'is' she thinking?"
"Yeah?"
"Wouldn't you use was?"
"No? Not when she's still thinking that way. I mean... she has to be, or else she would have returned to Roseanne and made things right.
Lisa's eyes widened a bit. "R-Returned? Owen... is she... here?"
Owens eyes suddenly grew noticing Lisa's face. His expression changing as he realized the gravity of his words.
"Oh... well..." He started. Sighing and nodding his head. "Yes, she's here."
Lisa's heart beat started to rise as she looked to the ground. Her mind racing.
"She didn't just come to Australia to tell us about their deaths. We had a funeral for Alice and Mason. Clare... saying Roseanne was cremated in Korea."
"It stood out as weird to us that Rosie would be, but we believed her anyways. And soon after Clare returned to Korea. Where she lived out a few more months, before moving back here."
"So... that's how you ended up with Rosie's things?"
"Yes. Clare gave them to us when she got situated in her new place. Said they were 'too much' for her. We thought that meant too saddening... but then Lily and I aways wondered how? Because Clare never gave us any of Alice's things."
"Where is she?" Lisa whispered. Looking up to him with wet eyes.
"She's... she's about ten minutes from here."
The world started spinning after Owen finished his sentence. Lisa having to walk over to the bench and sit down. Her heart physically aching at the thought.
Roseanne's mother... Clare... was only ten minutes away from them.
Right now.
Owen soon joined her on the bench and put a hand on her back. "Lisa... I know I have no right to say this, but don't tell Roseanne."
She looked over to him and furrowed a brow. "But... doesn't she deserve to know?"
"Yes, she does. But tell me, how do you think she'd feel?"
"She'd... she'd be hurt." Lisa frowned and sniffed. "She'd be really hurt."
Lisa leaned into Owens side and let her tears begin to fall more steadily. She couldn't help but just sob as Owen embraced her.
Understanding Lisa's cries.
Clare had returned to Melbourne and had a funeral for Mason and Alice... all while Roseanne was in a coma.
It was heart breaking.
Not to mention, Clare then had the falling out with Roseanne only months after Chaeyoung had been released from the hospital, and chose to move back to Australia soon after.
Leaving Chaeyoung stranded, homeless, and alone.
There was a kind of stinging on her tongue Lisa hadn't felt before. A burning sensation that made her want to spit.
And so she did.
"Fuck her."
Owen physically shifted at Lisa's words. Even her own mind began to scream at her for the use of such fowl language.
But she didn't care.
"Fuck Clare Park." She cried.
Owen tightening his hold around her and whispering. "I know... I know Lisa."
He rubbed her back and stayed with her like that for awhile. Until her tears stopped and she apologized for cursing earlier.
"It's quite alright, we know you don't and Roseanne does. It's understandable for what you said too. Clare Park is deserving of those words."
They sat for a little while longer before Owen gave her a nudge. "How much of a bad mouth does Rosie have by chance?"
Lisa smiled and laughed a bit as she looked to him. "One of the worsts." She chuckled before sighing. "She's getting better though."
"Good." Owen smiled. "You're a good influence."
"Thanks... I try to be."
Owen put a hand on her knee. "You won't tell her right?"
Lisa looked to him, knowing he was referring to Clare. She sighed and shook her head slowly. "No... I won't."
"Thank you." He replied. Standing up. "I just want to protect her."
"Me too." She sighed.
"Let's head back in Lisa." He smiled softly, reaching out his hand to lift her up.
"Do I look like I've been crying?" She laughed lightly as she accepted his hand and stood.
"Not really. I think you're okay." He assured her.
They both began to walk towards the door when Lisa suddenly felt the urge to ask him another question.
"Wait..."
"What is it Lisa?" He questioned her. Turning around and waiting patiently.
"Alice and Mason..." She began. "Where are they buried?"
Lisa exhaled a deep breath and decided on her answer. Lifting her head up and opening the bathroom door.
Walking timidly out to Roseanne who was on her phone whilst sitting on the bed.
Putting it down and immediately giving Lisa her full attention.
"Lisa..." Roseanne whispered. Lisa closing her eyes and smiling at the softness and way her name falls of Chaeyoung's lips.
She opened her eyes and dropped her coat to the ground. Pulling off her shirt and climbing up onto the bed and crawling over to Chae in just her bra and jeans.
Before embracing her and stuffing her head down into her neck.
Roseanne put a hand around her waist and another in her hair. Gently caressing her as Lisa melted into her warmth.
"You know you can talk to me." Rosie spoke quietly. "I'll always listen."
"I know." She sighed and sniffed before looking to her left and kissing Chaeyoung's neck a bit.
She then leaned away from her and crossed her legs. Roseanne mimicking and reaching for her hands.
Lisa smiled when the warms hands met hers.
She rubbed her thumbs across the back of Rosie's hands before taking in a deep breath.
"This trip... was for you." She began. Looking into Chaeyoungs eyes. "Everything."
"I know." Roseanne whispered with soft eyes.
"I only want to make you happy. And I knew you'd be more happy than sad seeing Owen and Lily again..."
"But..." She sighed. "There's something I know. Something, I would like to do with you. But I'm not sure how much happiness you'd get from it." She frowned, looking down.
"Just tell me what it is Lisa. And I'll decide if I would like to do it or not." Roseanne cupped her cheek. "But if it's something you'd be with me for, then I'll be fine."
She smiled and raised a hand to the one that was on her cheek. Pulling it off her face and kissing it.
"I know where Alice and Mason are buried..." She whispered. "I wanted... to take you to visit them."
Lisa looked back up into Chae's eyes and saw the pain behind them. But instead, Roseanne smiled and squeezed her cheek. "You're a dumbass."
"Huh?" She smiled surprised.
"Did you think I'd say no?"
"I just... I didn't know how you'd-"
Roseanne ceased her talking by leaning swiftly over and capturing her lips. Lisa humming and pulling Chaeyoung on top of her lap as they kissed deeper.
"Of course I'd like to visit their graves with you..." Rosie whispered.
Both her hands on Lisa's cheeks and thumbs rubbing across them as Lisa mimicked the movements with her hands inside Roseanne's shirt. Going up and down her back.
"I'm going to cry... a lot... but I've wanted to see them for so long." Chaeyoung admitted. Her eyes becoming a bit glossier. "I just, didn't know where they were..."
"I know baby. That's why I made sure to ask Owen."
Rosie leaned down and pecked her lips before looking her over. "That's not the only reason you hid in the restroom from me though... right?"
Lisa sighed and nodded her head before snuggling it against Roseanne's chest. "I... I learned something else from him. But he asked me not to tell you."
"What was it?" Rosie asked. "Was it bad?"
"Just... just a lot." She lifted her head and kissed Roseanne's jaw. "I just needed some time to process it all. I kind of had forgotten about it these last couple of days."
"I wouldn't tell Owen that I know."
"Hm?"
"If you tell me... I won't tell him I know. So if you want to, then please tell me." Chaeyoung spoke honestly. "I want to know."
"I know. And I know you wouldn't tell. But I don't want to break his trust. So for now, let's just get some rest and plan on visiting your family tomorrow."
"Okay..." Roseanne agreed reluctantly. Climbing off Lisa's lap and laying down in bed. Lisa laying down next to her and pulling her body closer. "Will your family go with us tomorrow?"
"Would you like them to?" Lisa questioned.
"Yes."
"Then of course." She smiled. Pecking her cheek.
"I'm going to go brush my teeth." Rosie stated, a bit sadly. But still giving Lisa a smile.
"Wait for me. I will with you."
~
(Chae pov)
They were currently walking towards a cemetery not far from the waterfront in the city. Roseanne admitting it must be a beautiful one to be buried in.
It made her heart happy knowing they were placed in a good one.
Lisa and her had shared breakfast in bed again that morning, before relaying their days plan to Marco and Ami.
Chaeyoung knew her heart would hurt a lot after seeing their graves. But she needed to see them again. Talk to them again.
And this was the best she could do.
"I see it." Lisa whispered to her and squeezed her hand a bit.
Chaeyoung looked ahead and indeed saw the entrance to the cemetery they had been following google maps too.
Lisa snuggling closer to her and she turned her head and kissed the Thai's cheek as they continued walking with Marco and Ami behind them.
Her heart rate was increasing the closer they kept getting to the entrance.
Her heart rate shooting through the roof when they actually walked under it and into the gated collection of gravestones.
The grass green and cleanly cut as flowers and decorations littered the grounds.
Lisa stopped walking and looked at her. Roseanne took her time looking from everything to Lisa and smiling a bit at the warm expression on her girlfriends face.
"I love you." Lisa spoke, bringing her into an embrace. "Let's go find your pa and sis."
She nodded her head against Lisa's shoulder. Both leaning back and sharing a kiss before linking their hands again and walking to the directory.
"They bury people in chronological order here... so it's sectioned off with the year a person died." Lisa spoke quietly. "So they'd be... here." She pointed on the map. "Let's go find them."
Ami and Marco took up one side of the walk path while Lisa and her took up the other. Looking through the rows of gravestones on either side.
Checking for their names or dates similar.
"Girls..." Ami spoke. "Over here."
Roseanne gulped heavily as Lisa and her walked over. Marco smiling softly to them. "We just found someone with a similar passing date. So your family is most likely nearby."
She nodded and looked around at all the nearby headstones. Lisa giving her hand a squeeze and the both of them starting their walk within them.
Her heart was racing and senses on edge as she looked from name to name.
Waiting for the heart stopping moment when she'd notice there's.
And that's when Lisa spoke a quiet "baby..." and her heart already knew why.
Turning her head to the right where Lisa was pointing at a gravestone.
She released Lisa's hand and walked slowly past her. Getting down on her knees and looking at the name presented.
Alice Park.
Her heart began to sting reading over her birth and death date. Coming to terms with the fact this really was her older sisters grave.
And it only stung her more.
Her eyes began to water and she wiped them away so she could read what she could only guess was what her mother wanted on the headstone.
Chaeyoung's tears starting coming out more as she finished reading it and recognized its origins immediately.
Lisa got down beside her and wrapped her in a hug now as she sobbed quietly on the ground.
Her sisters poem hitting her harder than she originally thought it would.
'There's so many things I've been asked in life,
But my answers always the same.
If they wanted to know if I was happy,
I am.
In every single way.'
Even in death Alice? Are you happy in death?
Because you wrote that poem when you were younger. And now you're gone.
So are you still happy?
Lisa gripped on her tighter as she cried more into her shoulder. Sniffing and bringing her head back up to look at the tombstone some more.
"A-Alice was always so happy." She began. Trying to calm her tears, but it wasn't really working.
So Chaeyoung just cried as she spoke to Lisa and her family. Still looking over Alice's grave. "She was the best big sister a-anyone could have ever ask for. Always asking me if I was okay. If I ever needed anything or any help with my homework."
"She was genuinely glad to have a sister. Have me as that sister, Unlike most siblings that can't stand each other up to a certain point in their lives..."
"She sounds wonderful." Lisa whispered to her while caressing her hair.
"She is. She really is...." her tears started falling more again and she closed her eyes to stop them. "Even when we got older, we remained so happy and close."
"I could tell her anything... and she'd always be the person I'd want to tell things too first." She opened her eyes and looked at Lisa who was wearing a sad expression.
"I miss her baby." She cried to her. "I miss her so much. I miss going into her room crying at night after getting upset over something stupid. I miss being overly excited seeing her when she was the one picking me up from school. I even miss her smell."
Lisa wiped a tear away from her eyes and nodded.
"Maybe it wouldn't hurt as much if we were the siblings that fought over things. But we never did. She always had my back and I hers."
"She did have your back." Lisa spoke softly. "And she still has your back. That's why you're here baby. Because she's watching your back."
Chaeyoung's eyes widened a bit. She looked away from Lisa to the grave and held her breath.
Alice had her back?
She almost wanted to deny it. Convince herself that Alice might hold a grudge against her for causing her death.
But, that's when Alices grave began being lit up by the early afternoon sun that shown through a nearby tree.
And as she looked around and noticed all the graves with filtered sunlight through leaves, it was apparent that only Alices was completely cover by the sunlight.
Untouched by any shadows. Even with the nearby tree leaning slightly over it. The sun still got fully through.
Alice really did have her back.
Still.
But then the gravestone next to Alices was relieved by the shadows of the leaves as well.
Completely covered in the light and beckoning her closer.
She got out from Lisa's embrace quietly. Standing up and walking over to it. Staring down at the name engraved in stone.
Mason Park.
All the sounds seemed to disappear as she stared. The birds no longer chirping. The wind no longer blowing.
This... was her fathers grave.
He, laid in the ground beneath her. Right next to her sister. Waiting, for the day Rosie could be buried beside them. With them.
After she's lived a long life with Lisa of course.
But it didn't change the fact he was still waiting. And with her being alive, he'd have to wait even longer before he could he reunited with his little girl.
His Rosie Posie.
His... his...
"Chae?" Lisa whispered to her. Placing a hand on her shoulder and giving it a squeeze.
It was like the wind came back and blew her hair while sending a shiver down her spine as Lisa's touch made her return from her zoned state.
And she realized just how fucking broken she felt.
"Chaeyoung?" Lisa spoke again. A little louder when she started shaking and collapsing forward.
Lisa grabbed her swiftly by her waist and held her up as she began sobbing.
She couldn't help but just fall limp.
Her dad was always her hero. He always made sure to spoil her with all his love and affection. And yet, trying to do so for her, bringing her out to karaoke on her birthday.... it got him killed.
His love for her got him killed.
"Baby..." Lisa whispered. "It's okay... shhh... it's okay."
Lisa was still trying to hold her up. And it didn't help she was letting her full body weight fall forward before she began trying to rip her arms out from under Lisa's.
Reaching for the headstone as she cried out. "Pa! Papa!"
She shook furiously trying to get Lisa to let her go. But the Thai was holding her as tightly as she could. Not wanting her to fall.
Nor hurt herself by falling down too fast.
"Pa! I'm sorry!" She sobbed in a scream like cry. "I need you! Papa! Come back! Come back..."
She stopped fighting and let herself break down in Lisa's arms. Turning around and shoving her head against her neck.
Her tears immediately staining Lisa's clothes as she struggled to breathe between her chokes.
Lisa's arms tightening around her and the Thai's head burying deep against her neck as well.
"It's okay." Lisa cried. "I understand how you feel... But you know he can't come back baby."
"Why?! Why not?!" She sobbed. "Tell him to come back..."
She felt Lisa's breath on her neck before a few kisses were placed against it. Roseanne felt herself relaxing to them, almost immediately, even when her heart was hurting for what felt like too much to bare.
She jolted a bit from the touch of another persons hand on her back. Before her back became warm from the feeling of being hugged by another.
"He loves you." Ami spoke. Her English sounding almost perfect as she said it.
And it made Roseanne stop crying almost instantly.
There was another body surrounding her too now. Taller and warmer as the hands went around her side and most likely Lisa's as well.
"Ami is right." Marco spoke softly. "He still very much loves you."
"He wouldn't want to see you crying baby." Lisa spoke against her neck. "Please, breathe Rosie."
Lisa's words made her realize she really hadn't been breathing. Sniffing in before taking deep breathes in and out through her mouth.
Marco and Ami letting her go slowly. Lisa even releasing her arms from their tight hold.
But she didn't let go of Lisa.
She instead held onto her. Bringing her head back
a bit before kissing her jaw, and lips once Lisa had turned more to face her.
"I need you..." She whispered.
"Your dad is not gone baby. He's still with you..." Lisa tried to console her.
"No Lis..." She whispered. Finally leaning back from the embrace. "I need 'you.'"
Lisa's eyes widened a bit. Sadness still in her eyes as she smiled and looked down.
"But I need my dad too." She cried again. "I need Alice. I need them back. Because I don't think I will ever feel complete again without them."
"Roseanne?" Marco spoke up. His eyes shining from tears of his own. "I know you don't feel like you can ever be whole again. And I know you're missing them deeply."
"Maybe you won't be able to fill the hole in your heart without them? But you WILL be able to love and accept that love just as much as when they were still here with you." Marco assured her.
"My dads right." Lisa held her waists and kissed her forehead. "We're not trying to take their place. We're just trying to help you realize you still have people who love you. Us, Owen, Lily and Phoebe. We all love you."
"I know..." she cried.
"They still love you too baby. They're standing right beside you. Pushing you forward and praising your accomplishments. You just have to listen."
"But what if they're mad at me?" She cried in fear. "What if my father disowns me for doing drugs?"
"Do you really believe he could?" Lisa let a tear fall down her cheek. "Do you really think your father would?"
"No..." she sobbed. "He loves me. He's always loved me. More than anyone and anything. He was my best friend. My hero."
She held onto Lisa as she cried out more tears. Her eyes stinging from the amount they were producing.
But Lisa started rubbing her back, up and down, like she always would. And it brought her comfort.
"Baby, why would you say those things then when you know he loves you?" Lisa spoke against her neck. "He's your father. He'd stay by your side no matter what."
"But my mom didn't..." She sighed. Clenching onto Lisa's shirt which she's sure the Thai felt.
Lisa brought her closer. Tighter into her warm embrace as her lips brushed her ear and kissed it lightly before whispering.
"I don't know what was going through her head when she left you baby. But I know your father wouldn't. I know it."
She stuffed her head back down into Lisa's neck and just stood there with her. Breathing in and out as the wind blew by them again.
When she finally raised her head and fully stepped out from Lisa's arms. She was met with a hug from Ami and Marco again.
She smiled and hugged them back. Accepting a kiss on the cheek from each of them.
Roseanne then looked back to Lisa who's eyes were red and hair a mess after it brushed against her during her cries.
She went over and fixed her hair and bangs before letting her gaze fixate on Lisa's eyes. Her soft eyes acting like a pool of galaxies.
Bringing her in and keeping her calm.
"Would you like to talk about him some more?" Marco questioned her lightly.
Roseanne looking from Lisa's eyes to him, then behind her to her fathers grave below.
She bit her lip and nodded slowly. Lisa coming up from behind and back hugging her as they stood.
Her arms down and around her torso. Chaeyoung placing her arms around Lisa's as they began swaying back and forth.
Kisses being periodically placed on the base of her neck by the Thai as she spoke.
Roseanne would try not to let herself cry again. At least, not break down in the way that she did before. She'd take her time and just speak to them about her father.
About what he meant to her and Alice. Even what he meant to her mother.
"My dad..." She began, looking down over his headstone. "Wanted to be a father more than anything."
"The second mother and him got married, he wanted children. Or more specifically, a son. But... women run in the family, so it wasn't a big surprise when Alice was announced as a girl."
"And my dad cried." She smiled sadly. "Not because he wanted a son, but because he was getting a daughter. He was so excited to have a family."
"My mom always retold this story... because she said it made her fall in love with him all over again when it happened." Lisa tightened her hold around her. Roseanne leaned back into her she smiled. "My father did everything he could to have the happiest family."
"He and mom made decent money, but even if we would have had nothing, he always made Alice and I feel like we had everything. He made all of us feel wealthy in love and appreciation."
"Not a day went by my dad wouldn't tell Alice and I how proud of us he was. Every single day, he made it a mission to show us all the love and support we needed to become our best selves."
"So when he died... I felt lost. I felt like, without his encouragement... I'd forget who I was. And I guess I did... in the end." She looked down and felt some more tears slowly roll down her cheeks as she did.
"Momma loved him too. She would always talk about how sweet he's always treated her. How they were high school sweethearts..." She looked over her shoulder at Lisa. Meeting her eyes. "Just like us."
"When he passed away, along with Alice, mom felt just as lost too. Never truly knowing life without him. Since they met around our age."
"We both didn't know how to start back up after their deaths. I thought drugs were my answer, she thought blaming me... we both turned to shit. Everything turned to shit."
"But you got better." Lisa spoke softly.
"I had help."
"She could have had help too. But instead... she never tried to find you."
"You don't know that Lis." Marco replied softly. "Who knows? Maybe she did."
"Let's say she did then." Lisa lifted her body off of hers a bit. "Even if she did look, and couldn't find Rosie around the city, she could have easily went to our school and had found her there right?"
"Well, maybe she didn't th-"
"No, she would have thought to check our school. Even though she was homeless, any school expenses were paid off for the entire four years of her attendance. Clare Park could have just looked at the school."
"Lisa's right." She whispered, looking over her shoulder to Marco and Ami who were listening. "She would have found me. But she didn't. So... she didn't even look."
They all stood there quietly, looking down at both Alices and her father, Masons, headstones.
Lisa fully wrapped her arms around her again and whispered if she'd like to stay a bit longer. She nodded her head and leaned it back against Lisa's shoulder
Before turning around in her arms and putting her hands around her neck. Lisa kissed her forehead and swayed with her back and forth until Chaeyoung stopped their swaying and leaned forward.
Pecking Lisa's lips softly before removing her arms and putting her hands in her jacket pockets.
She looked past Lisa at an empty bench that sat alone a few yards away. Turning her attention back to the blonde and her family.
"Can we... all sit on the bench together?"
"Sit on the bench?" Marco questioned her with a smile. "Of course we can."
She smiled and bowed a bit before lacing her fingers with Lisa's and walking over to the bench.
Lisa sitting down on the left and Rosie snuggling up to her on the right. The Thai's arm around her, warming her up.
Marco and Ami then took the rest of the space up beside her. Ami putting a hand on her thigh and Marco an arm around Ami.
Roseanne smiled a bit at the warm touch and sighed. "My family and I would always sit down together, and just look out at the ocean or trees. We loved just spending some peaceful time with each other."
"Then we'll spend some peaceful time with each other here too." Marco spoke warmly.
She kept her head in between Lisa's arm and torso as she closed her eyes and listened to the sounds around her.
The birds chirping or people talking quietly in the distance.
Or just Lisa's breath.
Feeling as each one was taken. Her chest rising then falling slowly. The way the air sounded as it left her lungs and nose.
The way Lisa's fingers felt as they played with the side of her hair softly. Lulling her.
Marco had mentioned walking around with Ami a bit before returning to them. Letting the girls have they time together.
She opened her eyes and smiled to them. Saying that it was okay and that they should go have some time alone too.
Ami and Lisa's step dad stood up and each took a turn in telling her how proud and thankful they were of her before turning away and walking around the cemetery some on their own.
(Unknown pov)
The breeze was refreshing today. Not too cold, but not a warm one either. Just a breeze that guided her down the path towards her favorite bench.
Some people were recognizing her as she walked. Everyone saying their 'hellos' back and forth as they usually would.
There's weren't m too many graveyard regulars like her.
When her favorite bench was finally in view, she noticed their were a couple young girls sitting on it while speaking with some adults who stood in front of them.
Before the adults walked away and let the girls be.
She debated walking over to her families graves, but decided she would rather take a seat on her favorite bench first.
Seeing how it was her daily routine to.
So she slowly made her way over, noticing how close the two young women were and having an inner debate on if they were related, dating, or just close friends?
Realizing it didn't really matter as she cleared her throat beside them. "Sorry, is this seat taken?"
Both blonde girls looked her way and shook their heads with soft smiles on their faces.
The furthest girl from her had a decently sized smile present on her face, when she could tell the closest blonde to her was trying her best to seem 'okay'.
She was used to reading people in the cemetery, so she knew the girl was hurting more than she was wanting to show.
"Thank you." She replied and took up her seat. Glancing over at the two girls who couldn't be much older than a high schooler.
If they weren't still in high school that is.
She turned away after glancing at the woman and just sat peacefully. Thinking about her family as she usually would before her mind started to pick at her memory.
She was getting older, but she wasn't that old yet.
So she shouldn't be forgetting things.
Yet why did that girl seem so familiar?
Again she looked over at the women. Both of them were talking quietly with each other, giving her time to look over their details.
The furthest girl didn't look familiar to her at all.
But the closest one did.
Not that she remembered ever meeting the girl. There was just something about her that struck her differently.
She finally worked up the courage and spoke to them again. "Sorry to bother, but have we met before?" She questioned the longer haired blonde.
The girl looked at her quietly. Her eyes showing sadness behind them. But she shook her head no after a second and frowned. "Sorry, I don't believe so."
"It's fine dear." She waved her off. "You looked familiar but I could just be loosing it. I'm Sue." She greeted, trying to ease the young girl.
"Roseanne."
"Roseanne, that's a pretty name."
"Thanks." The girl smiled.
"And whose this?" Sue questioned the young girl beside her.
"I'm Lisa."
"Roseanne and Lisa. It's nice to meet you both."
"Nice to meet you too." Lisa replied with a smile before looking down at Roseanne who had returned to being quiet.
"I can tell you're a bit down so I'll let you two be." She replied softly, going to get up. Adjusting her cane beside her.
"No..." A small voice replied. She looked back over to Roseanne who was watching her quietly. "It's okay."
"You sure? I come here almost everyday. I can let you guys have the bench."
"We were just... resting." Roseanne looked away from her and back at Lisa. Sue watched as Lisa lifted one of Roseanne's hands up and kissed it.
Whispering something to her as she did.
Sue smiled sadly and turned away from the girls whom she was fairly certain were dating now.
Not that it mattered to her.
She knew Roseanne was probably here visiting a loved one. Or ones, much like her. And she was probably having some trouble coping.
There were new voices approaching them and Sue watched the couple that had spoken to the girls earlier return.
They gave her a kind smile and she returned it as they approached.
"You girls about ready to go?" The gentleman spoke to them.
Lisa turning and looking at Roseanne. "You ready babe?"
Roseanne nodded and the woman who accompanied the man over put out an arm and helped lift the girl up. Giving her a hug.
Lisa was helped up by the woman next and given a kiss on the cheek by her as the man patted Roseanne on the back.
The family began to walk away, but Lisa stopped and turned around before she did. "It was nice meeting you Sue."
She smiled and nodded. "It was nice meeting you too Lisa. And please tell Roseanne to feel better for me."
Lisa smiled softly before answering an "I will" and returning to her girlfriends side.
But instead of making their way out of the cemetery, They veered off to a headstone.
Roseanne placing a hand on it and looking down. Almost as if in prayer.
Sue smiled sadly seeing how her assumptions were correct.
The girl was visiting.
As she kept watching the family a body sat down on the bench beside her. Sue turned and smiled to her friend whom she would visit the cemetery regularly with.
"Hey Sue, make a new friend?"
"A couple yes." She chuckled lightly. "Were you watching us?"
"No, I just happened to see you talking with a young woman."
"Must have been Lisa saying goodbye." She smiled. "She and her girlfriend were nice."
"Girlfriend?"
"Yes. I feel bad for her, she seems sad today."
"It is a cemetery... aren't we all supposed to feel sad?"
"Yes." She smiled softly. Watching as Roseanne moved from the one gravestone, to another. Her smile fading as she realized the young woman wasn't just visiting one grave, but two. "But, we don't just come here to mourn. We come here to heal too."
She looked back over to her friend who was looking at her softly. Before looking down and nodding her head. "I suppose you're right."
As Sue put a hand on her friends knee, she looked over her details and quickly realized why the other girl looked so familiar.
"Oh... I see now." She chuckled lightly.
"See what Sue?"
She smiled at her friend who raised her head and looked to her. Sue one hundred percent seeing the resemblance of the twos faces and jawlines.
"Just, I thought I had met Lisa's girlfriend before because she looked familiar. But after seeing you again, I can tell you two just look a lot a like. It's kind of uncanny."
Her friend furrowed her brows at her before Sue looked back over to Roseanne and looked at her side profile from a distance. The family all talking beside the graves and sharing a hug with one another.
"If I hadn't known any better, I could have guessed you and Roseanne were related." She spoke quietly. "There's seven something billion people in the world though, so you're bound to have someone look a little like you."
She returned her gaze to her friend. Immediately becoming worried seeing the woman's face. "Clare? What is it dear? You look like you've seen a ghost?"
"D-Did you just say... Roseanne?"
"Yes, that was the young girls name." She replied confusedly.
"How... how old was she?"
"I'm not sure..." She answered truthfully. "I guess maybe seventeen? Eighteen? But Clare... why do you ask?"
"How long ago was she here?" Clare spoke frantically. "Sue how long?"
"Huh? She's still here Clare."
"What?"
"Over there... by those- wait... isn't that... your families graves?"
Sue watched as Clare looked over to the family.
Watching as Roseanne and Lisa walked slowly away from the graves with the man and woman at their sides.
Roseanne holding hands with Lisa and the hand of the woman on her back as they walked down the path towards the exit.
Clare standing up and walking out to the center of the walk path. Watching them as they walked away.
(Clare pov)
Her stomach was turning as she watched the unknown family walk away on the path. They weren't too far but the ever growing distance wasn't helping her to see any of the families faces.
Especially with their backs to her.
But her heart kept racing at the thought of seeing her daughter again.
Roseanne.
And coming face to face with the reality that God may actually be giving her a chance... to fix her biggest mistake.
Of letting her only daughter left go.
"Roseanne!" She yelled. The family stopping and every head turning to face her.
All except for one.
She waited for the longer haired girl to turn her head. But she didn't.
Leaving her to look over the young woman's body, and realizing just how similar it truly was to her youngests.
Only taller.
"Roseanne!" She yelled again.
Watching the unfamiliar faces of the family all sharing glances with one another. Before staring back at her with widening eyes.
The entire family soon looking at her like she was out of place. Or something worse...
But that's when the final girl that remained unturned, began to slowly look her way.
Until their eyes met.
"Clare? Who is she?" Sue questioned her quietly as Clare gasped and placed a hand over her lips.
"Roseanne..." She spoke into them. "My daughter."