(Lisa pov)
She held tightly onto the blonde haired girl that was breathing in and out gently.
Snuggling against her back and neck. Kissing it lightly as she adjusted to the light coming through their bedroom window.
Lisa could stay like this forever. She knew she could. Taking in Roseanne's scent and feeling her warmth was something she could never get enough of.
Ever since her birthday, which was already a month and some days ago, they felt closer.
Never taking off their ring and bracelet. Never leaving each others side.
And what was even better, was that they never got tired of each other. Of course they'd bicker every now and then, but it was all in good fun.
Usually after going this long without any issues, Lisa would be worried that something bad was going to happen.
But nothing had, aside from the accident yesterday... but forgetting that, still it didn't feel weird that their life was moving along so swimmingly.
Maybe it was different now? Maybe nothing bad was ever going to happen to them again? Now that they found the purest kind of love.
True love.
Chaeyoung shifted and she gave her some space to readjust her sleeping position. But instead, Roseanne's eyes blinked open and she looked over to Lisa with a smile.
"Morning." Chae mumbled as she wiped her eyes.
"How's you sleep?" She questioned her. Putting an arm across her, and keeping a hand on her side. "Well?"
"Mhm." Chaeng closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.
"You still tired? You can sleep more you know? We have plenty of time."
"No, I'm okay." Rosie reopened her eyes and sat up slowly. Lisa scooting behind her and placing her chin on her shoulder. "I'm excited for today."
"Yeah?"
"Mhm."
"You sure you're still feeling up for going out?" Lisa asked. "After what I did to you yesterday?"
"You didn't do anything to me babe." Chaeyoung shook her head and shifted out of her embrace. Going to stand up.
Lisa jumped up and slid off of the bed quickly. Helping Roseanne to her feet and looking down at the wrapped one after.
Frowning.
"It's my fault you got hurt."
"No it wasn't Lis, I did it to myself. Now let's go eat, I'm starving."
Chaeyoung moved away and walked slowly towards the door. Not putting much pressure on her injured foot.
But that still didn't stop Lisa from going over and lifting her up. Carrying her down the stairs.
"Lisa! Come on... I can walk!"
"Nope. I'm carrying you."
"But it's just a sprang?"
"A bad sprang, caused by me." She placed Chaeyoung down in the kitchen and the blonde smacked her shoulder. "Ow!"
"I did the handspring. I landed wrong. Stop blaming yourself."
"But I'm the one who told you to... I said you should practice for cheer."
"And I agreed that that was probably a good idea."
"But since I mentioned it-"
"Stop."
"But...
"Drop it."
She sighed and looked down. "Fine."
"Say it."
"Huh?"
"Say what I made you say last night."
She looked up and was met by Chae's gaze. Smiling sadly and breathing out loudly. "It wasn't my fault."
"Damn right." Chaeng spoke. Pecking her lips. "Now what do you want to eat?"
Lisa thought about what kind of foods Chaeyoung liked to eat, realizing it was pretty much all of them besides avocados. So she replied with one she craved.
"Strawberry pancakes."
"Okay, go check if Momma Ami and Marco are up and see if they want some."
"Yes ma'am." She replied quietly. Turning around and going towards the stairs. Starting the walk up.
Still upset with herself for letting Chaeyoung get hurt yesterday.
She shook her thoughts away as she rounded the corner. The door to her parents bedroom opening in front of her and out running Leo and Luca.
Racing down the stairs towards food where she immediately heard Chaeyoung yell. She laughed knowing one of the cats probably jumped on the kitchen counter.
Most definitely Leo.
Her dad exited the bedroom next and smiled at her presence. "Oh, good morning Lis."
"Morning dad. You ready for some strawberry pancakes?"
"Strawberry pancakes? Of course! Whose making it?"
"Rosie."
"Thats kind of her."
"Yeah, she's sweet."
Marco and her both spoke a bit before he headed down the stairs towards a workin Chaeng.
Lisa, entered the master instead, looking for her mother. Knocking on the bathroom door and opening it to the short woman who was putting some earrings in while dressed in scrubs.
"Hi mom. Work today?"
"Yeah, I've been taking too many days off recently." Ami laughed. "I have to put in some time somewhere."
"I see. When do you have to leave?"
"Hm, around forty minutes from now."
"Want some breakfast before you do? Chaeyoung's making strawberry pancakes for us."
Her mom put in her last earring and smiled. "That would be amazing."
She gave her mom a hug before they both walked down the stairs together. Sitting at the dining room table with Marco and chatting with him and Chae until all the pancakes were made.
Chaeyoung bringing them over with a shy smile.
"I hope they're alright."
"I'm sure they're lovely Roseanne." Marco spoke in English. "Thank you."
"Yes, thank you." Her mom smiled before taking some bites of her pancakes.
Lisa pulled Chaeyoung's chair out from beside her and watched as the Aussie sat down.
All of them eating and chatting about meaningless things until the each of them had finished. Chaeyoung having already taken her medicine mid way through.
"How's your ankle Chae?" Her mom questioned in Korean.
Lisa frowned and looked over to Rosie who was studying it. The blonde looking up and smiling softly. "Better, it doesn't hurt as bad."
"How's the bandages? Are they loose?"
"A little, yeah."
"Let's fix that before I leave then." Her mom replied. Standing up and holding a hand out for her.
Lisa quickly stood and helped Chaeyoung out of the chair. Rosie saying she 'wasn't that old' before taking up her moms hand and the both went over to the couch.
Marco following and beginning to read something off his tablet in the chair beside them.
Lisa decided to wash the dishes while listening to her mom and Rosie's conversation.
Her ears listening deeper when the conversation turned to today.
"So you two planned on going out?"
"Yeah." Chaeng replied. "We weren't sure on what to go do though."
"Hm..."
"Are you sure you're still up for going out?" She questioned Rosie. Finishing up the plates and walking over to them.
"I'm sure babe. It's not that bad."
"You're right Chaeng, it's not that bad." Her mom replied. "But you do need to be more careful. It's easier for you to get hurt than others. Your body is still healing."
"It could hurry up." Rosie sighed.
"Healing..." She whispered. Chaeyoung looking to her as she thought. "Hey, what about that place on the river?"
Her mom finished rewrapping Chaeyoung's ankle and looked to her. "Oh, you mean that placed we stopped at on our way back from your school trip?"
"Yeah! It was cute right? And its name had something to do with healing..."
"It was pretty." Her mom stood. Fixing her scrubs. "I think that sounds like a nice trip. It's a little ways out though, so be careful."
"Of course Momma."
"Thanks for fixing my ankle." Chaeyoung smiled.
"Of course Rosie. Thanks for making breakfast."
"Yes, thank you Roseanne." Her dad spoke up from beside them.
"It was nothing." Chaeyoung hummed. Reaching out her hand and Lisa intertwining theirs together. "Have a good day at work Momma Ami."
"Yeah, enjoy work mom." She spoke while smiling to Ami. "Love you."
"Love you too Lis. Love you Chae."
Her mom turned around and spoke her I love you to Marco before giving him a kiss, collecting her purse, and leaving the house.
Lisa looking to him after. "What will you be doing while we're gone?" She questioned in English.
"Hm, I'm sure I'll find something. Maybe I'll make some calls to Thailand and finish preparations for selling the house?"
"Well don't go working too hard." She smiled. "Rosie and I are going to go get ready now."
"Okay kiddos."
"Hey we're not kiddos... we're adults!" She chuckled while heading up stairs with Chaeyoung.
~
(Chae pov)
Lisa and her were talking about whatever was going on outside their window while on the drive towards the unknown.
Driving further out of the city than usual.
Chaeyoung recognizing it was following the same direction of the walk she'd usually take going back to... the sites... after school.
It wasn't long until they were passing the turn she'd take. It winding up the hill towards the camp.
Her eyes being drawn to it, even though she didn't want them to.
And after looking at it, she glanced to Lisa, who was looking at her quietly.
Suddenly realizing she had stopped talking.
"Sorry."
"It's okay." Lisa replied in English while looking forward again. "I get it. I was thinking about it too."
"About what?"
"That place." Lisa sighed. "But it's okay, it's behind us. And now, we have a cute picnic spot and marriage ahead of us."
She smiled and looked down at her ring. "Sounds perfect."
"Because it is." Lisa hummed. "By the way, you look beautiful today."
"Do I?" She looked over and watched Lisa smile.
"Mhm. You're really pretty."
"Thank you." She blushed. "You are too."
"Not as pretty as you though." Lisa bit her lip while driving. "Like, that top? It makes your waist look mighty fine. And those jeans? They make your hips look so-"
"Lisa stop..." She interrupted. Covering her face with her hands. "You're too much." She chuckled.
"But... I have to compliment my baby."
"Compliment my personality then." She replied. Pulling her hands away from her face and looking to Lisa.
Waiting.
"You have the sweetest persona ever. Almost as sweet as mine." Lisa smirked. "But seriously, you're amazing. You make anyone and everyone you meet smile, once they've given you a chance. And once you've allowed yourself the opportunity to open up to them."
Roseanne felt warm from Lisa's words and moved her hand towards Lisa's closest. Taking it off the steering wheel and intertwining it with hers.
"I love you."
"I love you too baby girl."
~
The rest of the drive was fairly quiet. Just Lisa and her enjoying one another's presence.
But Chaeyoung had soon realized they didn't have much further to go after passing her turn.
Only after another twenty minutes deeper into the woods, passing by a small gas station and convenience store that she used to frequent, Lisa pulled off the road and onto a trail.
"It's going to get a little bumpy, but this takes us right down to the river." Lisa smiled.
"Okay."
And Lisa was right in saying the road was bumpy, but the closer they got to the water, the brighter and less murky it appeared.
Soon they were in a small clearing, where one other car was parked. The area seeming to be a little muddy from where vehicles would park and turn around.
The grass a mess of patches, but the river blue with a light green gleam to it. Tall trees and lush bushes surrounding all its edges.
Vines even coming off the trees and floating in the water to the length of the strands.
"H-How did you find this place again?"
Lisa parked the car and smiled. "We didn't 'find' it. But I was told about it from a counselor at a camp I attended a little ways from here."
"A camp? Like..."
"No, not like that place. It was a dance camp." Lisa smiled. "We did sleep in cabins, but the actual facility was new and updated."
"That sounds like it was fun for you."
"It was amazing." Lisa beamed. "Now you grab the bag, I'll grab you, and we'll figure out where these other people are."
"Why should we find them?" She questioned Lisa as the Thai got out. Shutting her door and walking around to open hers.
Chaeyoung grabbing the bag they brought from the backseat behind her. Taking a second to admire the place where Lisa and her had laid.
Closing her eyes and picturing it.
"Thinking about dirty things?"
She jolted and turned to Lisa who had already opened her door, and was wearing a smirk. "I saw you looking at that backseat."
"Shut up." She spoke, smacking Lisa's shoulder as she went to get out.
Lisa lifting her out instead. Holding her bridal style in her arms.
"Hey... I can walk!"
"But I need to work on my muscles." Lisa shrugged. Using her ass to shut the door and carrying her down to the rivers edge.
Chaeyoung smiling at the large, flat rocks that she neglected to see before hand.
Perfect for people to lay on and feel as if they were floating above the cool water. As all the rocks laid within the water, but not submerged by it.
She heard the sounds of people and noticed some colored shirts from between the bushes on the left. Patting Lisa's shoulder and pointing.
"Lisa, look."
"Mm... looks like we're going right then." Lisa smiled, turning to face her and kissing her lips.
Chaeyoung was surprised by the sudden attack, but loved it anyways.
Lisa then carried her over towards the right. Following the river a bit further down to another large rock below.
Her girlfriend carefully stepping onto it and easing her down to her feet.
"Thank you baby." She spoke. "Even though you totally didn't have to carry me."
"But I like to." Lisa scratched behind her neck. "I really enjoy it."
"I'm glad you do then." She smiled. Putting a hand on Lisa's cheek. "Because you're the one whose carrying me back down the aisle after we say our I do's."
She leaned in and kissed the plump lips that belonged to her. Smiling towards the end of it because she could feel Lisa's smile against hers.
"I can't wait." Lis whispered as they parted.
Chaeyoung taking a second to admire her girlfriend after they did. Wondering how she got here, head over heels in love with a girl.
Wondering how she got so lucky.
"Why are you staring at me?" Lisa spoke shyly. Reaching for the bag that Roseanne still had a hand on. Lisa beginning to take out its contents.
"Because I'm in love with you." She spoke earnestly.
Lisa looking back into her eyes, a warm smile forming on her face as her eyes glossed.
"Baby don't cry." She whispered. "Because if you cry, I'll cry."
"Okay." Lisa sat down the bag and wiped her eyes. "I won't cry then."
"Good." She smiled. Sitting carefully down and helping Lisa finish removing the contents.
Laying out their blankets and pillows.
Getting down and immediately cuddling with one another. Listening to the sound of the river as they looked up to tree tops and fluffy white clouds from within warm fabric.
~
(Lisa pov / Strong language / Mature content)
Chaeyoung was nestled between her arm and torso. A blanket pulled up and over them to shield their bodies from any cool breeze or mist the river might give off.
A couple hours passing swiftly by as the two of them relaxed and counted clouds. Picking out shapes that some would form.
And debating on what the cloud was actually mimicking.
"Look Lis. That one's a bunny."
"A bunny? I don't know..." She looked up at the cloud Chaeyoung was pointing at. "Do you have your glasses on?"
Chaeng pouted and smacked her stomach with a hand. Lisa laughing and wrapping another arm around her.
Pulling her into a sideways hug.
"No, I don't. But I don't need them to tell that that's a bunny." Rosie replied while trying her best to remove Lisa's arm that she kept tightly wrapped across Chae's front to her other.
The longer haired blonde soon giving up and staying still in pout.
"You know I'm just messing with you." Lisa whispered and snuggled close to Chae. "That definitely looks like a bunny."
"Sure... like I can't tell that's sarcasm." Chaeng scoffed.
"It's nottt... baby."
Chaeyoung looked the other way.
"Baby baby baby." She spoke. Leaning in and kissing the exposed base of Chae's neck with soft pecks. "Babyyy..."
Roseanne soon sighed and flipped around in her arms. Lisa pulling her in close and kissing her lips. "You were right, it looks like a bunny."
"Mean it?"
"I mean it." She smiled. Kissing Chaeyoung's lips again. "Maybe a sort of melted Easter chocolate bunny, but still a bunny."
"Asshole." Rosie chuckled.
"Major."
They shared a few more kisses before Roseanne smiled toothlessly.
"What?"
"Nothing." Chae whispered. "Just a little déjà vu."
It was Lisa's turn to smile. "Ah yes, I remember you calling me an A hole before..."
"And you replying with 'major'." Chaeyoung smirked. "I guess history really does repeat itself."
"History, gosh. We're not that old." She laughed. "Haven't been together super long either."
"That's funny." Rosie smiled. "Because I feel like we've been together for a long time. Longer than a few months at least."
"Really?"
"Mhm." Chaeyoung leaned in and kissed her. Lisa letting their lips linger before raising her brows and looking at Chae questioningly. "Can't wait to be with you even longer."
Lisa really didn't know how to react to such sweetness, so she just gently put her hand on the back of Roseanne's neck and pulled her into her chest.
Snuggling Chae against her and whispering. "I love you. I love you so much." She kissed Chaeyoung's head. "You're mine forever."
"Forever?" Rosie mumbled. Her small hands holding onto Lisa's sweater.
"Forever."
They stayed like this for a moment. Breathing in and out and listening to the sound of birds before Chaeng spoke up. "Lisa? Why do you think we're so good together?"
She didn't hesitate to answer. Lisa already knew why. She was sure of it.
"Because we're soulmates."
Roseanne lifted her head and she released her grip on Chae from the movement.
The Australian looking down at her from her place above. Diamonds to her eyes that shined brighter than the now partly cloudy sun overhead.
"You mean it?"
"I do." She replied, putting a hand on Rosie's cheek. "We were meant to fall in love."
Chaeyoung leaned down and Lisa wrapped her up in another kiss again. Pulling the blanket up and over them to shield their kisses from anyone that could have been watching.
Running her hands along Chae's sides and kissing her lips that tasted so intoxicatingly sweet.
"Mm" Rosie hummed.
Lisa humming in return.Before continuing their under blanket make out for a little while longer.
Until they felt overwhelmed by the heat they were creating and raised their heads out from under it.
To an overcast sky.
"Now the skies only clouds." Rosie pouted. "And the bunny's gone."
"Yeah... guess the sun decided to hide." She observed some of the sky more before resting her eyes back onto Roseanne. "Have you had your fill of an outdoor adventure today?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"Did you like it?"
Chaeyoung smiled and pecked her lips. "Of course."
"Perfect." She replied as Chaeng got up. Taking her time with her ankle. "Do you want me to c-"
"No baby." Roseanne interrupted her. Putting out a hand. "I can walk myself."
She stood up the rest of the way herself before staring down at her feet. Chaeyoung putting a hand on her arm. "I'm sorry Lis, I know you like to."
"It's okay." She shrugged.
"Help me with our stuff though?" Rosie asked. "The bags a little heavy when full."
Lisa looked up to puppy eyes and nodded excitedly. Helping Chaeyoung clean up their mess before lifting the bag that housed them all with one hand, while intertwining Roseanne's with her other.
Walking slowly and carefully back to the car with her.
Lisa helping Chaeyoung into it upon arrival and watching her girlfriend pull her glasses out from the bag. Placing them on her nose.
"Cute." She whispered. Just loud enough for Rosie to hear as she put the bag in the backseat and walked around to the drivers side.
"Let's head home Chae."
"Sounds good to me."
Lisa buckled in and made sure Chaeyoung did too before turning the car around and driving slowly up the bumpy road.
Towards the main highway above.
The car swaying from side to side from the many pot holes, but coming to a stop at the highway no problem.
Lisa waiting to make her turn onto it when she noticed a light appear on her dash.
"Crap."
"What is it?" Chaeng questioned.
"I need gas."
"Oh... well there's a station on our way home. It's not far from here."
"There is?"
"Mhm."
Lisa thought for a moment before shaking her head and turning onto the road once able. Driving down the highway towards the city.
"I don't remember passing one."
"You probably weren't paying attention." Chaeyoung replied quietly.
"Probably not."
"It's small anyways."
"You sound like you know it?"
"I do. I would walk there from time to time."
"Walk?" She questioned. Thinking about how they were in the woods. A little ways out from the city and suitable places to walk to and from.
"Yeah..." Chaeyoung replied.
Lisa expected more of an answer, but when she didn't receive one, she looked out the window to the trees and soon realized why.
"You would walk from that camp... wouldn't you?"
Chaeyoung had stayed quiet and she looked over to her. Roseanne fiddling with her fingers and Lisa sighing at the sight.
"Baby..."
"Yeah... I would." Rosie finally responded. Glancing up to her.
Lisa removed her eyes from Chae and paid attention to the road. "That walk is too far." She spoke quietly. "And the roads not safe too."
"I lived in a shitty tent trailer in a campsite. There was nothing else to do other than walk, fix or cut things." Chaeyoung defended. "Sometimes, I just wanted to walk."
She bit her lip before coming to the realization that Chaeyoung was making the healthier choice. Maybe not safest, but sanest.
"I'm sorry, you're right."
"It's okay." Chaeng whispered. "Besides, I was used to walking. The walk from school to the sites was longer."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Lisa thought about the distances between the school, sites, and their current location. Releasing a breath and sighing. "I guess you're right."
They remained quiet for another minute, until a couple pumps at a small convenience store came into view.
Lisa pulling up to a pump and looking around the small parking lot to the two other cars that occupied it.
One, she assumed belonged to either the store owner, or employee.
"I'm going start filling up. Do you want anything while we're here?"
Chaeyoung looked over to her a little confused. "You mean, a snack?"
"Yes baby, a snack."
"Yes please." Rosie smiled happily. "I'd love one."
"Okay." She replied while getting out.
Wallet in pocket as she walked around to start filling up the tank and get Chae's snack order. Noticing the passenger side door opening when she did.
"Uh, what do you think you're doing?"
Roseanne looked up to her, mid way through her climb out and furrowed her brows. "I'm coming with you? To get my snack?"
"No you're not." She spoke, putting a hand on the door and one on Chae's thigh. "Not in this condition. You're staying right here."
"What?" The blonde pouted. "I don't want to wait in the car."
"But it will only take me a minute."
"So? Let me come."
"No baby, stay off that ankle."
She began shutting the door but Chae tried her best to hold it open. "I'm not weak! Let me come. I want to at least do something."
Lisa bit her lip and looked to the gas cap on the side of her car. "Okay... fill the tank up while I buy your snack?"
Chaeyoung contemplated for a moment before she nodded and began to slide down. Lisa helping her.
"Don't stand with too much weight on it."
"I won't." Rosie spoke quietly.
"Have you ever filled a car before?" She questioned while inserting her debit card into the pump. Typing her pin.
"Once, with Alice."
"You think you can handle it?" Lisa teased her with a grin.
Chaeyoung nodded once more. "I can."
"Okay then."
Lisa took out her card and selected the fuel type before turning to face Chaeyoung again. "It's ready for you. I expect a full tank when I return." She grinned to the older.
"You'll have one." Rosie smiled.
"And before I go, what snack do you want?"
"Um... some pepero? If they have them."
"Any kind?"
"Yeah."
"Okay baby, I'll be right back."
She leaned in and kissed Chaeyoung's lips. Letting the kiss last several seconds. "Love you." She whispered, already missing her lips.
"You know that's why I want you off that ankle right?" She added. "Because I love you."
"I know." Rosie pecked her lips softly. "It's okay... I love you too."
Lisa then turned on her heels and walked quietly to and inside the small convenience store. Being greeted with a man behind the counter to her left and rows of snacks and drinks to her right.
She walked further in and began scanning the isles. Peeking out the window behind her to Rosie who had the gas pump in and was waiting beside the car.
Lisa smiling at the sight.
Before continuing her search for some girlfriend pleasing pepero.
She entered another isle as a person was leaving it. Their shoulders bumping and Lisa beginning to apologize in Korean to the stranger, only to watch his back as he walked away.
Not giving a care in the world.
Lisa just shrugged and went to continue her search, finding a couple boxes of pepero and smiling happily as they had what Rosie was asking for.
Looking over the contents as she heard whom she assumed was the person she bumped into being checked out.
Lisa was just about to make her selection of which flavor to get, when something made the back of her neck itch.
She reached a hand up to scratch it and noticed her arm while doing so. The light hairs that laid upon it standing on end.
"Strange..." she spoke, before something within her gut told her to turn around. Lisa listening to it and turned to glance behind her, only to see the cashier at the counter looking out the window.
Lisa's eyes widened almost instantly when the hairs on her arms lifted higher and her mind began screaming.
She needed to go to Chaeyoung.
Right now.
She booked it out the isle, her sneakers squeaking on the floor as she pushed her way out the door and stopped merely a few feet from Roseanne, her car, and the stranger from the store.
Whom she soon realized... wasn't much of a stranger at all.
She made eye contact with Rosie who glanced to her.
The Australian having her back pressed up against her car as she was trying her best to stand far from him.
Lisa stepping closer, fearing she wasn't near enough to protect Roseanne. From whatever she was afraid might happen.
"... actually trying huh? Think that's going to-" The man stopped talking when he noticed Chaeyoung's eyes were going from him, to an unknown entity behind him.
That entity, being her.
He began to turn around, Lisa trying her best to mentally prepare herself for the worst. Praying it wasn't who she thought it was.
Yet the back of his head looked so familiar, and her heart began to beat a mile a minute realizing it probably was exactly who she thought it was.
The guy finally got to facing her and confirmed her worst fears.
"You..." He spat. "Of course it's fucking you."
Lisa looked to Rosie, then back to the disgusting man. She was worried, what if he tried to hurt her? Hurt Chae? Out of anger...
She didn't even know she had brought her hands unconsciously into fists. Until she noticed he had too.
"Oh how I've thought about this moment." He smirked. "You beat me with a rock, broke my nose."
"Good." She finally spoke under breath to the campsite owner. "Now get away from her."
"Who? Chaeyoung? The addict?" He grinned menacingly. "I don't think so."
"She's not an addict anymore." Lisa stated. Taking more steps closer. "And I said to get away from her."
"What?" His face suddenly turned serious again. A look of anger in his eyes. Lisa losing her confidence a bit at the sight. "You think you can make me?"
"Where's your rock huh?" He began walking towards her. Slowly, and ominously. "Think you can take me on without one?"
"If I have to." She replied. Holding her ground. "I'd do anything to protect Chae."
He laughed and cracked his knuckles. "You must be one hell of a friend."
She raised her fists up in preparation to defend her face. "No. I'm one hell of a girlfriend."
The camp owner stopped while a devilish grin crossed his lips. Him looking from her, over his shoulder to Roseanne, then back.
"Oh... what an unexpected turn of events." He spoke. "You're dating."
"And you're wasting space."
The anger became present again on his face and Lisa couldn't stop a smirk from playing on her lips.
"You know what Bitch? Gays go to hell!"
"No, rapists go to hell."
"You have a fucking death wish? After what that bitch put me through, I deserved some payback! Not your shit."
"Chaeyoung did nothing but help you keep that piece of filth clean! Day and night! Getting nothing in return but bruises and attempted rape you coward!"
"Coward?! Me?!" He advanced. Pulling a fist back in hand as he continued his approach.
"You're a grown adult who can't admit he's scum." She spat.
With that he threw a fist forward. Lisa easily dodging it and trying her best to sneak a hit in. But he blocked it with his arm and shot for her stomach after.
Lisa jumping back but still feeling the latter end of his throw hit her ribs. The quick jump saving her from the majority of the blow but slight pain still occurring from the hit.
She ignored it and swung her left hand in a fake attempt to hit him, only to punch him in his upper torso with her right.
He groaned and snarled teeth as he used his arms to push her back instead. Lisa caught off guard by the force and falling backwards.
Catching herself in time to only stumble, but it still allowed him time to advance forward and knee her in the chest.
Lisa heard Chaeyoung yell her name as she fell down. Holding her stomach as she watched Chae's boss about to kick.
But she quickly rolled out of his way and used one of her many practiced dance moves to bring her quickly back to her feet.
Ignoring the pain thumping from his multiple hits and preparing to deliver some of her own.
"Come on!" He taunted. "Hit me again!"
She readied herself and studied his posture.
Rosie's ex boss swung big, and powerfully, but he failed to be quick at it. She needed to be fast, nimble, or else he'd knock her down and out easily.
"You nervous?" She questioned him. Trying to save some time to catch her breath and slow down her heart rate that was beating tremendously.
"Me? Nervous? You're the one getting your ass beat."
She began to walk slowly to her right while watching him. He started to move too, the both of them circling.
"You're getting hit too." She replied. "And I don't have a rock anymore."
"Bet you're wishing you did. So your pathetic hits could actually matter."
She stopped her circles when Roseanne was at her back. Lisa wanting to make sure she stayed between him and her so nothing could happen.
"Lis..." Rosie spoke quietly from behind her. She glanced quickly back and caught the eyes of an extremely scared and worried Chaeng. "Please... please don't."
"I have." She replied while keeping her eyes on an advancing ex boss. "I have to protect you."
"I'm not the one who needs protecting." Chaeyoung tried. "You're the one he's after."
"I know. And if he gets me..." She began walking towards him. "... then he'll get you."
"You know..." He spoke, licking his lips and chucking under his breath while halting his approach. "Who would have thought you beat me up out of jealousy?"
"Jealousy?" She questioned, stopping in front of him. "How could I be jealous of you?"
"Well you see..." He smirked. "I was about to fuck Chaeyoung, who would have thought that's all you were wanting to do?"
She knew what he was doing, trying to make her react out of anger and not methodical thinking. But Christ it was working, and she couldn't stop it.
"Could have just asked you know? I would have gladly gave you the left overs..." He grinned.
"You're dead." She spoke. Her mind succumbing to his tricks easily. Her legs rushing towards him.
Lisa went to punch him but he easily blocked it, so she quickly turn on her feet to escape his attempt and tried another of her own.
Nicking his jaw with her fist and feeling her ribs getting hit again.
She quickly twirled back and used the momentum to send another fist into an uppercut. Punching him where she last hit his skin.
He stumbled back and held his jaw before coming for her.
She quickly dashed out of his way and he was left groaning in frustration. "You piece of shit. Come here pussy!"
Lisa ignored his slander and prepared herself again. Her rib cage really hurting, but she paid no mind when she saw him coming forward again.
Chaeng's old boss went to punch her with his right hand, so she angled herself more to give more space between it and her.
Preparing a block, not realizing he was tricking her to leave her side more exposed.
He grabbed her sweater and yanked her towards him. The movement startling her. Causing Lisa to drop her guard and have no time to react when a fist connected with her now exposed face.
Her head flew back from the force and she could feel her neck aching immediately. Before she could even think of a way to get him back, she felt another punch to the face.
Her vision blacking out for a second as the pain took hold.
"Fucker." He spoke before grabbing her by the clothes and throwing her across the pavement.
Lisa groaning when she hit the ground and rolled. Landing near Chaeyoung's feet by the car.
"Lisa!" Rosie spoke worriedly into her ear as the Australian wrapped her arms around her and helped lift her to her feet.
Not removing her arms from their death hold around her waist. Chaeyoung putting her chin against her shoulder from behind. "Are you okay?"
"I'm... fine." She assured her, out of breath. Knowing she couldn't last much longer. Worried for Chaeyoung's safety. "Rosie, you need to go."
"What?"
Lisa watched as the campsite owner cracked his neck and shook his arms while coming closer. A smirk present and delight in his eyes.
Seeing her state.
"Chaeyoung, go."
"No, I'm not leaving you." Rosie spoke, holding her tighter. "You're hurt."
She was about to argue when the sound of sirens slowly filled the air. Lisa smiled and looked to him, watching his face change a bit from the new sounds.
"You hear that? They're coming for you." She smiled.
"Hm, if the police want to take me down, they can try." He spoke, before returning his smirk and gaze to them. Or her, more specifically. "But I won't go down without taking you with me."
He then rushed towards her, already swinging.
Lisa too tired and hurt to react in time, only to suddenly be pushed down to her right. Stumbling to the ground and looking up just in time to see Chaeyoung retracting her hands... and receiving the blow.
"No!" Lisa yelled as his hand connected powerfully with Chaeyoung's temple. Her heart shattering and mind racing while she watched helplessly.
Rosie crashed against the side of the car and fell to the ground beside it. Holding a hand to her head, looking dazed.
Lisa, looked to the camp owner with the eyes of daggers. Standing up, not removing her gaze from him as he looked to her, and for the first time during their fight, looked slightly worried.
She was pissed.
"You're g-"
Lisa allowed him no time to spit whatever filth he was about to preach. Pushing off the ground and crashing into him.
Sending him against her car and immediately sneaking her quick fist between his defense and punched him.
Her arms feeling like hardened stone, no longer tired from the fight before.
He kneed her in the stomach again, but it only felt like a tap as adrenaline coursed through her veins once more and helped her land even more punches to his chest and face.
She was about to hit him again when the camp owner simultaneously spit into and elbowed her in the face.
Lisa put a hand to her nose as she stumbled back and wiped his saliva off. Only to open her eyes to him ripping the side mirror of her car off.
She quickly went to punch him again out of desperation, but he blocked it with his free arm. And brought the hand that held her mirror down... crashing it onto her head.
(Chae pov)
Everything was happening so fast, and her confused state wasn't helping as her heart rate sky rocketed to an extremely unhealthy height.
If it was even possible, Chaeyoung was having a panic attack inside of a panic attack. Fearing for Lisa's life and feeling helpless in the battle that her own self had caused.
So when she had the opportunity to take a punch instead of Lisa, she took it.
Only regretting it when she noticed how pissed off it made Lisa.
Her girlfriend was on him fast after, and too many punches and attempted punches were being taken, she didn't even know what to do or how to help.
Only when she witnessed the mirror being torn off by his hand, that she realized Lisa wasn't going to win.
And she was praying Lisa would win.
Suddenly a loud crack rang through the forest being engulfed by louder sirens, yet silence. As all noise seemed to dissipate as she watched Lisa fall down.
The Thai's head smashing against the side of the car, bouncing off it from the force of the blow.
Lisa's fall coming to an end as she fell hard against the pavement, and laid motionless after.
Chaeyoung's eyes immediately filled with tears as she stared. Trying to see if Lisa was breathing from behind the other side of the man she hated.
"Bitch." He huffed. Throwing the mirror onto the ground behind him. It rolling shattered and slowly over to her side.
She reached for it quietly and watched as he approached Lisa's still body. His leg moving back as if he was going to kick her.
Chaeyoung wasted no time to sit straight and throw the mirror at him with all her might.
It smacking into him just below the base of his neck.
Her old boss turning slowly around from Lisa, to her. Placing a hand on the spot where it hit him and sighing. "Ow..." He spoke.
Chaeyoung looked at him, then let her eyes fall onto the body on the ground, that was shifting.
Lisa was alive.
"You're going to regret that Chaeyoung." He let her name hang in his sentence.
She stood up slowly and clenched her fists. "How dare you!" She yelled to him. "How dare you hit my girlfriend."
He almost... smiled?... At her words. "How dare YOU not help her..."
Chaeyoung immediately felt her heart ache hearing that.
Because it was true.
She did nothing.
"Look at you. Making your girlfriend take the beating..." He walked towards her. "Such a cruel thing to do Chaeyoung."
"I didn't make her..." She replied quietly. Not even registering the fact he was getting dangerously close.
"Of course you did. All of this?... It's your fault."
Suddenly, he closed the distance to her in a quick motion and they both went crashing to the ground.
All of his weight landing on top of her small frame and causing the wind to be knocked out of her.
Immediately feeling as if she couldn't breathe as his knee began crushing her leg and already injured ankle.
His hands closing around her throat.
Any air that were left in her lungs were gone, and any chance of getting new air being cut off.
She couldn't breathe.
And his hands only began to get tighter.... and tighter.
Chaeyoung tried to get her fingers around his hands.
Pulling, tugging, trying to get his hands any looser so she could attempt to breathe. But he kept applied pressure to her throat, so they wouldn't budge.
He was too strong.
And she was too weak.
"I don't know how you didn't die." He whispered to her as her vision started to drift. His face and the tree tops beginning to distort and fade. "While taking all those drugs..."
"Let me help you." His whispers began getting quieter. "... die..." Her vision going black. "... Chae..." Her hands still frantically trying to pry his away from her throat. "... young."
(Lisa pov)
She shifted on the ground. Slowly blinking her eyes and realizing just how disorientated and in pain she was.
Her vision taking awhile to adjust to the light as sirens sounded like they were blaring loudly in her ears.
Like they were right beside her.
She looked from the ground, to her car beside her, to the body that laid over Chaeyoung's.
Lisa seeing the way Rosie's hands clawed at her throat.
He was choking her.
"Chaeyoung!" She screamed. Trying to move yet her head immediately began swimming. Lisa trying to fight through it, but the more she moved, the more her head hurt and vision blurred.
She looked to Rosie again, and saw the Australians hands stopped their attempt to free her throat from his grasp.
Her small hands beginning a slow fall down to the ground below. Lisa watching on traumatized, seeing that the love of her life co-
Suddenly a body came crashing into the campsite owners. Knocking him off Roseanne and to the ground beside her.
A sudden sound of coughing and gasps escaping into the air.
Lisa immediately started crying while watching Chaeyoung's body convulse and fight to regain air.
The Australian slowly flipping onto her stomach and wheezing into the ground while still shaking.
She tried to crawl towards Chaeng, but her head thumped heavily. She still attempted, but her arms gave out and she fell to the ground.
Lisa flipped onto her back and stared up at the sky. The light burning her eyes as she did, until she looked down to her side.
And witnessed Chaeyoung crawling towards her.
She opened her arms and Roseanne climbed in, still wheezing, sounding like she was dying when in reality, it was a sign she was living.
"Breathe baby." She whispered. "I'm okay, just breathe."
Lisa caressed the back of Rosie's head that was pressed against the crook of her neck. Her other hand on the Australians back as several people rushed to their side.
Paramedics immediately beginning to check them out. Roseanne being rolled off of her and having an oxygen mask being placed on her nose.
Being instructed to inhale and exhale through it while Lisa was being lifted onto a cart by the rest.
Getting wheeled towards the back of an ambulance.
Lisa looked over and watched several officers surrounding a patrol vehicle that Chaeyoung's old boss was being put into.
The man staring at her with eyes of hate as she lifted her middle finger up and flipped him off.
"You bitch!" He yelled, the officers immediately getting physical with him again and shoving him into the car.
She smiled. Being lifted into the ambulance and watching as Rosie limped and climbed in behind her.
Their hands finding one another's and lacing.
"You're so stupid." Roseanne teared up after a paramedic removed the mask from her face. "You..." Chaeyoung cried.
"I... had to protect you." She spoke while another paramedic began asking her questions. She ignored him and watched Rosie break down on the ambulance seat beside her. "Baby..."
"Miss..." The paramedic spoke again. "I need a name. And I need you to look into the light." He related, putting a flashlight into her eyes.
It burned and made her head ache. But she still replied. "Lalisa... Lalisa Manoban."
"Crap..." The third medic spoke from upfront somewhere. "This is Nurse Manoban's daughter."
"Ami?" The man checking her out whispered. "Get her on the phone for me."
Lisa couldn't understand why they were acting so urgent. She didn't feel like she was hurt that bad, well okay, she was hurting... very bad. But not like she was bad bad.
But then her eyes wondered the roof of the ambulance, and caught onto a reflective surface.
Lisa saw her reflection.
And her face was painted in red.
~
She had began drifting in and out of consciousness while on the ambulance ride to the hospital.
It had taken them a while to reach it, since they were outside of the city. But when they arrived, her mother was already waiting to greet them.
Crying. And engulfing a still crying Chaeyoung into her arms while watching her get rolled into the building.
Lisa reached her hand out for her mother's or Chaengs. Her mom being the one to take it as they wheeled her into a room.
She watched as Chaeyoung tried to enter behind them, but a nurse grabbed her by the shoulder. "Not you Miss Park. You're coming to an exam room of your own."
"W-What?" Rosie spoke before trying her best to hang onto the door frame. Not wanting to go.
"Wait." Lisa spoke, but the nurse already pulled Chaeyoung along. Taking her to another room.
"Mom..." She started. About to tell her to go with Chae when her mother interrupted.
"What happened Lisa? You two went out for a date!" Her mom began to tear up again. "What happened?"
"It was him..."
"Who?"
"The campsite guy..." She spoke airily, still trying to recover her senses as the nurse began cleaning her up and taking her blood pressure. "The guy... who tried to rape Chaeng."
Her mother's face was heart broken, but her eyes also bore daggers. The nurse even looking to her in disgust hearing that.
"Was he at the river?" Her mom questioned.
"No... a gas station between it and the sites."
"That animal." Her mother huffed. "Hurting my babies like that."
"Mom, I'm okay."
"How can you say that Lis?" Her mother questioned her sadly. "You look like you've been through hell."
"I feel like it too. But I'm okay." She assured her. "Rosie, she's scared. She needs you."
"Lisa..."
"Mom, please. Go be with Chaeyoung. Tell her I'm okay."
"Okay..." Her mother reluctantly replied. Kissing her forehead. "I called Marco after getting off the phone with the paramedics. He's on his way. I'll send him here."
She nodded but had to place a hand on her head after doing so. The nurse began asking her questions about her pain and Lisa began to answer them as her mother left, even more reluctantly than before.
And as much as Lisa didn't want to be alone, she knew Roseanne was probably frozen in worry during whatever examinations they were putting her through.
So she sucked in her own, knowing her mom would care for Chaeng. And helped fill the nurse in on what happened.
A doctor soon entering and doing more flashlight tests with her eyes before wheeling her into a CT scanning.
Lisa laid still on the table as the machine made loud humming and whirling sounds. It taking images of her brain and flashing lights that burned her eyes.
After the machine finished, Lisa was taken back to her exam room where they began looking at her rib cage. Determining things weren't broken, but badly bruised.
The doctor assumed one or two of her ribs could have a hairline fracture, since she would often stretch it during dancing. And from the repeated blows today, most likely stressed it enough to crack.
She agreed and awaited being told what the CT scan revealed.
The door to her room opening and Marco entering. "Lisa..." he spoke. A look of pain in his eyes she hadn't seen before. "Are you okay?"
He quietly shut the door, but before he could fully, Lisa caught the glimpse of a uniform. "Your mother told me what happened."
"I'm okay, just tired." She sighed, speaking in English like her dad. "Did mom call you again?"
"Yeah, to tell me what room you were in and well... everything. I also bumped into her and Roseanne while they were leaving."
"Leaving? They left?"
"Oh. They didn't tell you?" Marco questioned.
But before he could tell her more, her doctor sighed. "Alright, we have the results of your CT scan."
Both her and Marco looked to the doctor and was shown an X-ray on the screen. "Lalisa, you have a Severe Concussion and Cerebral Edema."
She looked confusedly to her father, whom she realized had no idea what was being said, as the doctor was speaking in Korean.
"Your concussion is pretty severe, so you're going to have some headaches and increased sensitivity to lights and sounds."
"There's more but I won't bother explaining them all out to you." He waved off his thoughts. "Instead, I'll have them printed out for you to look over. The real best treatment for concussions is lots of rest."
"And... what about that other thing?" She questioned.
"Ah yes, your Cerebral Edema, or swelling of the brain. Luckily for you, it's already going down with the help of your IVs alone. So I don't feel as if you'll need to be prescribed anything for that. Just more rest and lots of water."
He smiled to them both. "I'll let the nurse continue bandaging you up while I grab those print outs for you."
"Thank you Doctor." She replied quietly. He nodded and headed out the door. Leaving her dad and her alone with the nurse who just put on the finishing touches of the bandage around her head.
"Dad?" She spoke.
"Yes Lisa?"
"What were you saying about Chaeyoung and mom leaving?"
He looked down and sighed. "The police came, they are being taken in for questioning. They had requested you as well, but you were being treated."
Lisa immediately began to stand, the nurse grabbing onto her and shaking her head. "Miss..."
"Lisa, what are you doing?" Marco helped hold her up. "You need to rest."
"We need to go to the station."
"Your mother is with Roseanne. She'll be okay."
"Not during questioning. You know how they interrogate people! Dad, she needs me."
"Roseanne is a strong girl."
"Until she's not." She spoke. Looking away from his gaze. "She's so strong, but then she starts doubting herself and worrying. She's already scared dad. Chaeng's going to break down and I won't be there to help her."
The doctor entered their room again with a folder in hand. He was taken in surprise seeing her standing. "Trying to go somewhere?" He questioned.
"Yes, I need to go to the police station. Am I discharged?"
"Woah woah woah. Slow down Lalisa."
"No, my girlfriend needs me. Can I go? Please?"
He looked from her to Marco then back. Sighing and passing him the folder. "Make sure you all go over this and that she rests. I know Nurse Ami, and how good she is at what she does. Parenting, and caring. Lisa needs both."
Her stepdad nodded and bowed. "Lisa, I'll assume that means we're leaving?"
She quickly translated what the doctor had said and Marco nodded again with a more confident agreement. "Okay, say thank you."
"Thank you." She bowed. Before holding onto her dads arm and being guided slowly out the door. Down the hall towards the main desk where her dad checked her out and paid for their visit.
Lisa holding herself up with the desk, looking around until her eyes rested on a vending machine. Slowly beginning her walk towards it.
Using the walls to help balance her unsteady trip over.
She stopped in front of the snacks and looked at her reflection in the machine. Her head was bandaged along with the bridge of her nose.
A cut on her cheek, still red, and a bruise already forming under it. Her lip sliced on the side in a purple color.
She lifted up her shirt and looked at her bruised ribs. Releasing a sigh before smiling softly at the snack.
Waiting for her dad to walk over and asking for money to put into the machine. Pushing the coins in and taking out the treat. Placing it in her back pocket before they left the hospital towards the station.
~
The second Lisa entered, the woman behind the desk widened her eyes at her condition then lifted the phone beside her.
Pressing a button and mentioning some things to the person on the other end of the line.
Soon enough, a policeman made his way down the hallway from an unknown room and greeted her and her father.
"Lalisa Manoban?" He spoke.
She slowly nodded.
"I'm Detective Baek. I've been the one assigned to your case."
"I'm Lisa, as you know. And this is my stepdad, Marco. He doesn't speak Korean."
Marco put out his hand and the detective shook it before looking back to her. "Thank you for coming by so soon." He spoke.
"I hurried here after getting cleaned up, for my girlfriend."
"Park Chaeyoung, yes?"
"Mhm."
"Come with me." He spoke. Marco coming over to her and helping to walk her down the hall. Towards a hidden waiting area where her mother was seated.
"Lisa!" She exclaimed. Rushing to her and hugging her tightly. Kissing her cheek.
"Hi momma."
"Are you okay?"
"Yes momma. Just some bruises, fractures, and a severe concussion." She joked. "Nothing major."
Her mother smacked her arm for her use of tone but then engulfed her in another hug. Before letting her go and hugging Marco.
"Lisa, can I be honest with you?" Detective Baek spoke.
"Of course."
He put his arm out and helped walk her over to a more secluded corner, away from her parents.
"We didn't bring Chaeyoung down here to sit in a room and be quiet. But that's all that's happened since she's been here. We wanted to bring you both down so we could get your sides of the story."
"I know Detective."
He sighed and put on a sad smile. "Listen, the man who did this too you and was hurting your girlfriend... he's spitting a lot of, what I call bullshit, as the reason for hurting you girls."
"I know he's guilty. I can see the evidence right here." He looked her up and down and shook his head. "But the court, they're going to want to hear both sides of the story. And make their decision from there."
"Your mother, we've already interviewed her for what she knows. She told us about that night at the camp, we'd like to hear about it from your point of view too. As well as today's."
"Of course Detective. And I'd be more than happy to."
"That's great. But there's still the problem with Park Chaeyoung. We need her to talk, we need her story. And right now, she's not saying a word."
"Let me see her." She spoke. "I can get her to open up."
Detective Baek nodded while scratching his neck. "Alright, how about I call for a break. We can bring her out and you guys can talk before I let her return to her interrogation, and take you to yours?"
"That works." She replied. "Thank you."
"No, thank you Lalisa." He smiled before telling her to wait there and leaving.
She returned to her parents side and chatted until they heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
Lisa looking into the direction the Detective left in and smiling sadly at Roseanne, who had yet to lift her head from her gaze of the floor.
"Rosie." She spoke.
The blonde suddenly looked up and her eyes widened. Filling with tears immediately and rushing towards her.
Putting her arms around her and stuffing her face into the crook of her neck.
Chaeyoung started crying in her arms and Lisa had to suck up her tears, caressing Rosie and whispering to her. "It's okay. We're okay."
"I love you." Chae mumbled against her neck and sniffed.
"I love you too baby."
She leaned back and went to study Chaeyoung's wounds.
An already formed bruise on the Australian's temple with a small cut entering Rosie's eyebrow, dried blood underneath.
She licked her thumb and rubbed it off lightly. Before using her finger to lift Rosie's chin so she could see her neck.
A tear escaping her eye when greeted with two large red and purple marks. In the shape of hands.
Her eyes then travelled down to the floor. Where Rosie stood on an ankle that was wrapped even more than before.
"My baby..." She spoke. "I'm going to kill him."
"You'll have to get in line." Detective Baek spoke. "I've dealt with this bastard before and I'm fed up with his antics."
"You have?"
"Yes. He's been in here before."
"For what?" She questioned while pulling Rosie into a sideways embrace. The both of them listening.
"I'm sorry girls, but I can't tell you now. But I can promise you, I'll tell you and the court room everything."
She sighed, but knew he was right. It would cause problems within their case. "Baby?"
"Hm?"
She positioned herself in front of Rosie. Putting her hands on her shoulders and looking at her. "You know I love you, right?"
"Of course Lis."
"Then I need you to do me a favor."
"Anything."
"Talk to them. The detective and officers. Whoever's asking you questions."
Chaeyoung immediately shrunk down and hid her face. Lisa pulled her into an embrace and kissed her forehead.
"Listen, I know you're scared. But Rosie, they're asking these questions to help put your old boss away. In prison. Where he can't hurt you or me anymore."
"I- I know."
"Then please baby. Please. Help them put him away. I'm going to tell them our story too."
"You are?" Chaeng questioned. Lisa pulling her back and wiping the long blonde's tears away.
"I am. While you're in your interrogation, I'll be in one of my own."
"Why don't we go do that now hm?" Detective Baek spoke. "I'll walk you back Chaeyoung, then I'll take you in for questioning Lisa."
"Fine by me." She replied. "What about you?" She questioned Chae, who still looked nervous.
But Rosie ended up nodding and Lisa smiled. Wrapping a hand around her back and neck, bringing her into a kiss they held for several seconds.
"Let's go Chaeyoung." Detective Baek spoke. Chae releasing her hold on her and following him to where she would resume her interrogation.
Lisa waiting for him to return, and when he did, following Detective Baek into a dimly lit room with a mirror she knew she was being recorded and watched through.
"Okay Lisa, this is where we get professional. I'm going to ask you a question, and ask you more depending on how you answer. Sound good?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. Can you state your name?"
"Lalisa Manoban."
"And your age?"
"Eighteen."
"Is that international? Or Korean?"
"Oh, international. Sorry."
"That's alright. Can you tell me what happened today?"
"I was getting gas with my girlfriend, when a man approached us. He was mad at me and I him for what he was saying. So when he started to swing at me, I defended myself and my girlfriend the best I could."
"Did you know this man? And why he was mad at you?"
"Yes."
"Where from?"
"He was my girlfriends old boss."
"Old boss?"
"Yes, my girlfriend was homeless and lived at the campsite he owned. That man promised she could stay there if she worked for him by maintaining it. She did everything, anytime, day or night. And lived in an old trailer while doing so. Getting nothing in return."
"Why would he be mad upon seeing you then? Did you do something to make him?"
"Not at the time, no. But he had hit Chaeyoung before, and I could see her bruises at school. So I went to the campsite with my mom, to kind of check on her living conditions."
Lisa sighed and brought her fists together under the table. "While we were there, he got mad at her for talking to us, so when he saw her having dinner with my mom and I one night, he lost it."
"What do you mean by lost it?"
"After Chaeyoung returned to her trailer, he followed her and broke in. I chased after them because I was afraid she'd get hurt. And when I arrived at the trailer, he was in the middle of attempting to rape her."
"And what did you do?"
"I picked up a rock, and I beat him to hell with it."
"Was today the first time you've seen him after that?"
"Yes."
"So where did Chaeyoung go after the attempted rape?"
"Home, with my mom and I."
"Does she live with you currently?"
"Yes."
"How did Chaeyoung ever become homeless?"
"Chaeyoung, her father, older sister, and mother all moved here from Australia when she was fifteen. But not long after moving here, her father, sister, and her, got into an accident."
"Chaeyoung was the only surviver. And after living with her mom for several months, they got into a fight and her mom left. Leaving her behind."
"At fifteen?"
"Yes."
"What was their fight about."
Lisa bit her lip. "Chaeyoung... and her addiction to her medication. Amongst other kinds of drugs."
"Is she still addicted?"
"No, she's clean."
Detective Baek looked at his notes that he'd been taking and contemplated his next series of questions. "How long has Chaeyoung been living with you?"
"Since late last year."
"And how long has she been clean?"
"Since she moved in with us."
"Would you say she's benefitted from being with you?"
"Yes. She got her life back. And she's healthy on top of it all."
"If you could ask her old boss anything, what would you ask?"
"I'd ask him how he could ever think to do such a thing to Chae, let alone try. Because all she ever did was what he said. Keeping his campsite clean. Her being an addict had no affect on her ability to work."
"She was and still is kind, smart, and persevering. She's been through so much, lost so much. Yet she still is. So I'd ask him how he could ever do that to her. Then beat me up, for ruining his chances of raping her."
"Well, I think that's just about everything I need. Thank you Lalisa."
"Of course."
Detective Baek stood up while speaking. "If we need any more info, we'll be sure to contact you again for another questioning."
She nodded as he put his arm out. Signaling for her to stand.
But she didn't.
"Lisa?"
"Can I ask you something?"
Detective Baek returned to his seat and looked at her questioningly. "What do you wish to ask?"
She bit her lip and looked at the table top. Wondering if she even wanted to know the answer anymore.
But at the end of the day, she needed to know.
"What's his name?"
She looked back up to the Detective and watched his puzzled gaze. Putting a finger on his chin and glancing to the window disguised as a mirror before facing her again.
"Chaeyoung's old boss?" He questioned. Wanting her confirmation.
"Yes. I want to know the name of the man who beat me up like this. And who physically and mentally abused my girl."
Detective Baek sighed and nodded. "His name..."
Lisa held her breath.
"... Is Yang Hyun-suk."
~
It had been over an hour since she first arrived at the station. Her interrogation not taking nearly as long as Chaeyoung's.
Which was understandable.
Since it became apparent Chaeyoung was the person any police officer would rather question.
But finally, she looked up from her spot in her moms arms. And watched as a woman led Roseanne towards them all.
"Babe." She spoke. Chaeyoung walking up to her with tired eyes. Hugging her longingly.
"I'm very sorry for the long wait we've put you all through." The woman said to them all. "My name is Jessica Jung, the chief of police."
They all bowed to her.
"After all of your questionings, I believe speaking in English may be more beneficial yes?"
Lisa looked to her mom and Ami nodded. "I understand." Her mother replied in her cute English accent.
"Okay." Chief Jung spoke in English. "Let me invite you all into my office. Follow me please."
Roseanne and her shared curious looks while she leaned against her girlfriend and followed her parents into the chief of police's office.
They all entered and took seats. Chief Jung closing her office door and taking a seat in her chair in front of them.
"Let me guess, you're wondering why after finally finishing questioning, I'm bring you in here and not letting you leave instead?"
They all nodded.
"Then I'll get straight to the point. I'm worried for Chaeyoung's future."
Lisa looked from the chief to Rosie who was pointing to herself. "M-Me?"
"Yes. You're living with your girlfriends family with no family of your own in this country. Or remaining in your life."
"But, she's an adult?" Lisa questioned.
"I understand that she's living with you and I understand that she's an adult, in Korea, going by Korean age. But me being from the United States and Chaeyoung, well Roseanne, being Australian. Wouldn't you agree international age is a more rational age to rely on?"
"No?" Lisa replied. "I'll rely on the age that matters for this country."
"Lisa." Marco spoke. "Manners please."
"Sorry." She spoke, looking down.
"It's alright. I understand your frustration." Chief Jung replied. "And yes, it's true at eighteen she's considered an adult in some countries, and if we add a year she's nineteen here. But that still doesn't negate the fact that she had no money to her name."
"Or the fact that she did live with you as a minor. Which is illegal might I say. But, moving past my reasons. What I'm trying to get at is, that I'm young."
"Huh?"
"I'm young. I haven't been going this job long. And being a chief as young as I, theres a lot of eyes on me. Waiting for me to make a mistake."
"And I don't want Chaeyoung to be my first." Chief Jung finished.
"How would she be?"
"By becoming homeless again."
"That won't happen." She stated.
"Lalisa, I know you believe you two will be together forever. And I don't doubt that, but just in case, I need Chaeyoung to have a back up plan for if for some unforeseen reason, you two break up."
"But we won't. And even if we did, Chaeyoung would still be able to live with us."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
"It's true." Her mom added. "Chaeyoung is family. Forever."
Chief Jung leaned back in her chair. Appearing in thought before she shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but I would not be able to rest knowing that if something were to happen to you two, that she'd have no one to turn to."
"But... I do." Chaeyoung spoke. "In Australia, I have people who-"
"Are thousands of miles away." Chief Jung spoke. "Those aren't people you can so easily turn to."
"And I just want to put this out there, that I'm not happy knowing you, as a minor, were living with the family of a school girl you barely knew. Even after Lisa saved you." The Chief directed towards Chaeyoung.
"And you, Mrs. Manoban, for not turning to the police after the incidences. You knew what it would cost you, and ignored the law because of it. Today would not have happened if you hadn't."
Her mother nodded and looked down.
All of them sat quiet, deep in thought, when Marco spoke up. "What are you proposing we do then?" He questioned.
"I have a couple options in mind. One, I'm sure you'd hate."
"What's the one we'd hate?" She asked.
"Chaeyoung being enrolled into foster care."
"At eighteen? Foster care?"
"Yes. It's better than adoption. She can remain in it, living with the foster family, until she is able to sustain herself. She'd need to find a job, and keep it long enough to afford her own place."
"That... could take years." Her mother spoke. "I won't have that. Not my Chae."
"Then, we come to my other option."
"Which is?" Lisa questioned.
Chief Jung smiled. "I simply would like someone to sign as her parental, legal guardian. Someone who is entitled to caring for Chaeyoung until she is able to support herself.
"Easy." Marco spoke. "Where do I sign?"
Lisa smiled and looked to her stepdad. Then to Rosie. Lacing their fingers.
"Unfortunately, I won't be allowing either of you to sign."
"What?" She asked. Looking back to the chief.
"I'm sorry, but that defeats the purpose of this whole conversation. Even if it's a legal binding, if you two break up, I guarantee you would not like to be around each other. At least for awhile."
"But-"
"No buts. No exceptions. I need a completely unrelated person to the both of you to sign for Chaeyoung. And that's final.
She looked to her parents who were already talking in Thai. Then to Chaeyoung, who was looking like she was about to cry.
"Lis... we don't know anyone."
"We don't know that." She tried to assure her. "My parents might."
"They won't. We'll be split up." Chaeyoung cried.
Lisa wrapping her into an embrace and keeping her there as she looked to the Chief. "Where will she go if we can't find someone to sign?"
"I'll have to figure it out. But for the sake of it, I'll say foster care."
She looked away and snuggled her head against Roseanne. Kissing her neck and holding her tight.
Listening to her parents as they kept trying to figure out who might be willing to sign for her. Running into the issue that a lot of the people they knew already had kids of their own, or purposefully didn't.
Since they didn't want to be tied down.
Lisa began putting her aching mind to use. Trying hard to think about anyone she might know. Some people at the hospital came to mind, but the issue with them was the crazy schedules and debt to schooling.
Wait-
"Where's my phone?" She questioned the chief. "It was collected at the scene right? I'm sure it fell out of my pocket at some point..."
"It had and it's here. Why?"
"There's someone I need to call and I don't know their number off the top of my head."
"Is this a person you think may sign for Chaeyoung?"
"Yes."
The chief picked up a phone from atop her desk and spoke into it. Asking for all their things to be brought to her office. Not just her phone.
A short man entering with them shortly after, and delivering it to the Chief.
"Thank you." Chief Jung spoke to him. "Here's your things. We've collected everything we need for your case. You may have them back."
Lisa thanked her and took her phone into her hand.
Going through her contacts and stopping at the one she prayed would agree.
She didn't know why, but she had a feeling that they might be their last hope. And if this person said no, that she'd lose Chaeyoung to foster care.
For who knows how long.
Lisa clicked on the name and brought her phone to her ear. Hoping they'd answer her this late at night.
"Hello?" A voice spoke to her in Korean from the other end. "Who is this?"
"Hey... it's Lisa."
"Oh, Lisa! How are you?"
"Honestly, not well."
"Why? What's happened?"
"Do you have a minute?"
"Of course."
She began explaining the situation. Giving a brief background on Yang Hyun-Scum and what he tried to do to Chaeyoung in the past. And what he did to the both of them today.
Then, asking the final question of if they'd be Chaeyoung's legal guardian.
"Stay right there. I'm on my way." They spoke. Never really giving her an answer, but the fact they said they were coming let her know, it was going to be okay.
(Chae pov)
Lisa had hung up the phone with a smile on her face. Saying someone was coming who she was certain would sign for me.
But I didn't burst into tears of joy or sadness.
I just looked at her. Studying her broken features. Re lacing our fingers together.
I wanted this day to end.
And it didn't help that after my interrogation, I was told I'd be coming back for at least one more.
Purely about... Favors.
I had slipped up, said I was an addict before meeting Lisa. Of course they wanted to know who would give such a young, broke, fifteen year old drugs.
Who other than Favors?
At least after mentioning him, Chief Jung was informed by the officer questioning her, and she had entered her interrogation room to thank her.
Saying that the anonymous letter she had sent in was what they needed to have finally been able to arrest him.
Favors now looking to be spending a couple decades in prison. More than originally planned, since he tried to escape law enforcement.
Lisa put an arm around her and asked if she was okay. She nodded her head and leaned it against the Thai's shoulder.
Waiting for the the person Lisa had called to show. Wondering who they were and why they'd agree to take her on, knowing she was who she was.
~
Chief Jung's office phone rang and the woman answered it. Telling the person on the other end to 'send them in'.
She lifted her head off Lisa and watched the door as the handle opened and an officer stepped aside to allow the person who Lisa had dialed in.
Once the person did, she stared at them in astonishment. Not even knowing how Lisa was able to get in contact with them.
"Hello, I'm chief Jung." The Chief spoke in Korean towards the newest person in the room. "And you are?"
They smiled and walked briskly forward after saying hello to Lisa and her. Taking up the chiefs hand and shaking it gently.
"My name is Choi Si-won. And I'm here to sign as Chaeyoung's legal guardian."
"Thats great news, but how do you know the girls?"
"Well you see..." He spoke, looking back to them and smiling softly. "I'm their gym teacher."