Chapter Nine: I Like You

 

Jessica opened her eyes, and she immediately knew where she was. It may had seem like she was in a five star hotel, but she had experienced this enough to know where she was. Even if she added her the numbers of her fingers and toes, it still weren’t enough compared to the times she was confined in a hospital. She raised her hand a little to really confirm her location, noticing the IV that was injected to her and that her hand was still full of hives, Jessica was really sure that she was indeed in the hospital. She coughed a little and realized that the feeling of itchiness in was no longer there. She must have been out for so long, she figured. The itchiness may have been gone but the exhaustion she was feeling still lingered in every cell she had. It was as though there was a huge block on top of her, limiting her every move.

The blonde heard the door open so she looked towards where the noise came from. Tiffany and Narsha walked in together and were chatting. Jessica didn’t pay any attention to their conversation and blankly looked at them; her eyes were getting heavier. It was as though sleeping was something she would love to do the whole week. 

“You’re finally awake.” Narsha stated as she noticed Jessica’s eyes semi-open; her tone was hinted with concern.

Jessica weakly smiled and nodded. She watched her best friend’s shoulder drop as she sighed.

“Really, Jessica?” Tiffany started. Even though Jessica was weak, she still somehow managed to roll her eyes. She knew what would hit her and she also knew that there was no point of wishing for what had started to be over soon because it wouldn’t. Tiffany wouldn’t simply stop nagging even it was a different scenario, like Jessica being in her death bed. The blonde wanted to sigh, but she couldn’t afford to. Her breathing was already being helped by a breathing tube, so she couldn’t really waste any air. “Before graduation, you were in the hospital, too. Why can’t you be more careful? Why can’t you be smart enough to have common sense? Everyone knows that if you’re allergic to something, that just freaking means you can’t eat it.” Tiffany finished as she grinded her teeth.

Jessica shrugged a little. It wasn’t like she specifically told Taeyeon to put some poison in her food, or maybe how the person she was dating ate cucumbers and didn’t tell her before they kissed just days away from their graduation. Although Tiffany had a point, Jessica didn’t blame others. It wasn’t like she’d ask the person she was dating if she ate something she was allergic to, that would be plain creepy. Or the fact that she’d ask Taeyeon if the sandwich contained anything cucumber related. That would just be insulting in Jessica’s opinion.

Tiffany walked towards the small refrigerator by the corner of Jessica’s hospital suite, grabbing a bottle of water. “Really though. You had me worried. Again. Did it ever occur to you that my heart literally stops beating when I get these random phone calls about you being rushed to the hospitals?”

“Sorry…” Jessica finally managed to reply to her best friend. She knew Tiffany was sick of her apologies because every time Jessica’s in this state, all she did was worry Tiffany, and all the blonde did was apologize in return. It may had been the same line for years but Jessica always meant it. She was truly sorry for not being able to be a better friend, daughter, or just an acquaintance. 

Narsha placed a hand on Tiffany’s shoulder. “Tiffany, I think Jessica needs to rest. You shouldn’t nag her.”

The blonde’s best friend walked towards her, placing a bottle of water with a straw in it in front of her. She gently raised Jessica’s head with her free hand and made the blonde take a sip. “No, this stupid girl needs to learn that she should take her inhaler with her and her medicines at all cost.” She carefully placed Jessica back on her pillow after the blonde finished, making sure her best friend was comfortable. “What’s wrong with you? Your mom was here earlier with your dad and Missis Han. They were worried, too.”

Jessica looked at Narsha, pleading for salvation from what seemed to be hell breaking loose. Jessica knew the reasons to why Tiffany was upset, but what more could the blonde do? She was already in the hospital so nagging her wouldn’t really do any good. If she apologized some more, Tiffany might end up beating her up because she knew Tiffany didn’t like hearing the sentence. “Tiffany, you should really just let Jessica rest.”

“Narsha, this dumb blonde here really needs to learn. Aren’t you worried, too? You saw how her mother was really worried. Even her dad looked pale.” Tiffany sighed as she looked at Narsha. The teacher couldn’t really save Jessica from Tiffany since Tiffany wasn’t only the Queen of Aegyo but she was also the Queen of Nagging. Tiffany was stating facts, so she couldn’t really ask Tiffany to keep quiet. In all honesty, Narsha also wanted to yell at Jessica for making her and everyone they know worried, but the teacher was being considerate just for today. She promised herself that the blonde will get a noogie from her when she’s better. “So you!” Tiffany looked at Jessica, eyes narrowed. “You better not eat anything you’re allergic to, you hear me?!” Jessica didn’t nod nor did anything in response. She simply looked at her best friend in the eye, causing Tiffany to sigh. “Your parents said they’ll be back tomorrow.”

“The student council will also visit you, they said.” Narsha chimed in.

Remembering Taeyeon, Jessica couldn’t help but sigh. “They were here?” She finally spoke, but her words came out like a whisper.

Narsha nodded; she was standing beside Jessica’s bed. “Taeyeon didn’t want to leave you and her friends didn’t want her to be alone here.”

“Poor kid. Because of your stupidity, she can’t help but feel really guilty.”

“I—ugh… I didn’t want he---“

“You really think by poisoning yourself, she’d feel happy that you ate her sandwich? You’re pretty stupid. You should’ve spitted it out the moment you noticed there was relish inside. Idiot.”

“Tiffany, Jessica nee---“

“Yeah. You made Taeyeon really guilty. She didn’t even eat since this morning because of you. Look at the time, Jessica.” Tiffany pointed at the digital clock that was on the wall on their east. “It’s already ten o’clock and she just left an hour ago. Poor kid didn’t eat anything. And I’m sure because of you, that kid wouldn’t eat even if she got home.”

“You should’ve made her go home earlier... and fed her.”

“Jessica,” Narsha called tenderly. “Taeyeon didn’t want to leave your side. She said she’d stay until you’re all better but your mom insisted that she should go home.” Jessica nodded, understanding that no one could really refuse if it was her mom talking. She was one of Korea’s top representatives for a reason.“You should rest now.” Narsha leaned forward; was near Jessica’s ear, “You’ll hear Tiffany nag for about a week so regain your energy.”

Jessica moved her head towards Narsha; their faces were inches apart. Jessica gave her a weak smile and said, “I do every day. There’s no difference.” 

“I’m sure she’s just really worried.” Narsha ruffled Jessica’s hair and bid her goodbye. “We’ll be back tomorrow.” She grabbed her handbag that was on the couch and Tiffany’s Louis Vuitton handbag as well. “Tiffany, stop nagging and we should leave. Come back tomorrow when Jessica’s more stable.”

Just moments after her former teacher and best friend left, the medication kicked in again and Jessica’s eyes gradually became heavier and heavier, leading her to sleep soundly.



*****


“How much are they offering? What? Just fifty-eight? The company’s stock value has been increasing for a week now and they’re only offering me five more of its value?” Jessica woke up to her mom’s voice. Jessica’s mom was not only a well-known, expensive lawyer; she was also in the stock market business. When Jessica’s maternal grandfather passed away, most of his possessions and properties were passed down to Jessica. That was one reason the blonde had the money to buy a house and build a restaurant without owing the bank even a cent. He was in the stock market business as well, having shares in three huge corporations and gambled with a couple shares, which was now under the blonde’s possession. Even if Jessica was sleeping, she was making tons of money from all her shares. Well, it was either she makes more or loses some. It had always been the way it worked anyway so she decided to just not play with her stocks and leave it under her name. Unlike her mother and grandfather who liked gambling their money away, Jessica just leaves it for the companies to use. Maybe one day, she would find the appeal of gambling millions away.

“I’ll take seventy. Take it or leave it.” When Jessica’s mom turned around, she flashed a smile, “You’re finally awake.” Jessica nodded. “Feeling any better?”

“Yes.” Jessica then frowned, “I’m sorry, Mom.” The blonde eyed her mom’s dark circles. She couldn’t help but feel guilty. Tiffany was right. She truly was an idiot for making everyone worry. But it wasn’t as if she’d hurt Taeyeon’s feelings by spitting the food out that the kid thoughtfully prepared for her. She knew how much time it took to prepare food and how much effort Taeyeon took account, so she didn’t have a choice but pretend that she loved it despite the poison it contained.

Her mother walked towards her and simply cupped her face, “Just don’t ever forget your medicines, okay? I’m really glad you’re alright now.” The blonde’s mother leaned forward, kissing Jessica’s forehead. “Promise me you won’t ever scare us like this again, okay?”

“I promise.” Jessica looked around and noticed that her dad wasn’t around. “Where’s dad?”

“Oh, he’s out leading some guests out.”

“Who?” Jessica asked her mom.

“Taeyeon.” Her mother then sat by the chair beside Jessica’s bed. “Your friend even talked to her parents to pay for the medical bill. There’s no need for it since it was still your fault.” Jessica’s mom sighed. “But it was nice of them to pay you a visit. They even brought flowers for you too.” She nodded her head once towards a table full of flowers. “The biggest one.” It was full of assorted flowers but the white lilies stood out to Jessica’s eyes. She loved white lilies. There was no special memory pr special meaning to it, but she still liked it.

Taking notice of how many bouquet and baskets of flowers were there, Jessica couldn’t help but smile wider. Not only were there flowers, but balloons and stuffed animals were accompanied too. She made a mental note to personally thank each sender. “I hope I didn’t bother them.”

“You bothered them.” Her mother said flatly. “Nonetheless, it was really nice of them to pay a visit.”

“It was. I wish that I was awake when they were here.”

“Tell me about this Taeyeon girl.” Her mom looked at her in the eyes. “I heard that you brought her to our house and that you even talk to her on a daily basis.” She grinned to herself.

“She’s a regular customer at my restaurant.”

The older woman nodded, “I see. So you ate the relish because she’s your regular client. You also brought her to our house because she’s your client. I can see that equation happen.” The lady giggled.

“Mom!” Jessica whined at her mom’s teasing. Her mom had always been like that. Always teasing Jessica. Well, that just truly showed their closeness to each other.

After a few seconds of silence, Missis Jung then spoke with a solemn expression, “Sometimes, I really want to blame your father that you turned out to be such a tomboy.”

Jessica scoffed lightly, “Mom, you shouldn’t blame the old man. He even wants me to dress more girly, you know?”

“He was the one who enrolled you to those martial arts and bought you your first motorcycle when you were a kid.” She sighed, “He raised you thinking you were a guy. Now, I wonder if I’ll ever get a granddaughter.” 

“Mom!” That was Jessica’s only reply. She hated talking to her mom about her private matters. Who would talk to their moms about something like that, especially about being able to date a girl or a guy?

“I like Taeyeon though. She has manners, and I even heard from Narsha that she’s the current student council president of SSA. I’m really impressed. She’s really nice and lovable.” She then stood up as she heard her phone ringing, and smiled at Jessica, “My baby should learn from her.” 

Jessica’s mom went outside the as she took the call. The blonde simply stayed in bed. She didn’t feel any itchiness anymore, but she still felt light headed. Hearing the door open, Jessica heard faint chattering. It was obvious that it was her mom and dad. The blonde closed her eyes to pretend that she was now sleeping. Her father would simply ask the same questions as her mom so she didn’t want to answer those awkward questions, especially regarding the pickles and Taeyeon. She mentally sighed just imagining the scenario.

She felt someone was close to her and she figured it was her father. She just remained silent; her eyes still shut. The blonde then felt a hand on her cheek. She could feel that her father was now worried of her. She could simply sense how the hand was trembling as he held her. Feeling sorry, Jessica whispered, “I’m sorry for making you worry.” She slowly opened her eyes; her eyes widened in surprise as she witnessed it wasn’t her dad whom held her. “Taeyeon?”

“Je---Jessica? You’re finally awake?” Taeyeon was still frowning, and Jessica nodded in response. Taeyeon then removed her hand on Jessica’s cheek, “Are you hungry? Let me get you food. Wait, maybe you’re thirsty. I’ll go grab you water.” Taeyeon frantically walked towards the refrigerator.

“Taeyeon…” Jessica called as she noticed that the girl was shaking. The kid was simply standing in front of the refrigerator, not moving an inch but her whole body was quivering. Jessica didn’t know what to do. The kid didn’t seem like she heard her. She didn’t seem responsive at all. But Jessica was sure that she spoke loud enough for the kid to hear her. “Taeyeon…” She called once more, but the kid simply looked the other direction; her back was now facing Jessica.

“Yo---you---‘re o—kay…now, right?”

“Taeyeon… are you crying?” Jessica asked, frowning. Even though Jessica knew that Taeyeon was crying, she still wanted to ask. There was no point in crying over something like that, Jessica thought. She didn’t really want for Taeyeon to feel guilty that’s why she didn’t tell her that she was allergic to something she ate. She didn’t think that the outcome would make the kid cry. For some reason, she didn’t like it. Even though she didn’t see Taeyeon’s tears, she still hated the feeling; the guilt that was slowly eating her alive. “Hey… I’m okay now.” Jessica tried reassuring Taeyeon that she was perfectly fine. Of course, Jessica was fine despite the fact that she was still weak, but she was slightly better compared to the last time she was conscious. “Sit with me.” Taeyeon sniffled and shook her head. “Come on… come here.” She patted the bed as she pressed the button to recline it.

“No...”

“Aren’t you concerned?” Jessica’s had to pull this card. “Don’t you want to make sure that I’m really okay? Are you that heartless to just not look at me?”

Taeyeon slowly spun around, looking down. “I—I”

“I don’t like talking to someone if I don’t see their face.” Jessica’s voice was mellow. It wasn’t commanding. It was actually soothing to Taeyeon’s ears. “Sit beside me.”

The kid slowly dragged herself towards Jessica, still a bit hesitant about her choice. As she sat on Jessica’s bed; her body slightly twisted to face the patient; she wiped her tears dry.

“I’m really okay now. I’m sure I’ll be discharged soon.”

Taeyeon simply nodded, eyes not meeting Jessica’s.

“Are you feeling guilty that I almost died because of the sandwich?” Jessica heard Taeyeon gulped. She couldn’t believe that gulping could actually be that audible. “So you’re guilty because of the relish, right?”

Taeyeon froze on the spot, not knowing how to respond to Jessica’s questions. 

“Well, you didn’t know that I was allergic. I didn’t tell you. So, don’t ever think it’s your fault.”

Taeyeon shook her head and faced Jessica, frowning. “But it is!” she said loud enough. It may have been the cause of the building guilt inside the kid. “It’s my fault you’re here.”

“Tell me what happened after I lost my consciousness.”

“Uhmm… my heart literally stopped beating. It was scary…”

“Scary?”

Taeyeon nodded, her brows furrowed at the memory. “It’s really scary to see someone faint and you don’t know what to do…”

Blinking a few times, Jessica’s shoulders dropped. What had she done to this kid? She didn’t intend for this kid to have a traumatizing experience because of her. She knew she needed to do something – something to make the guilt Taeyeon’s feeling go away. She’d do it somehow. “Well, what did you do?”

“I… I stood there... looking at you... then I called my friends… and Narsha was there too… it was a blur… but I remembered calling out for help…”

Jessica placed her hand on top of Taeyeon’s head, slightly petting it. “Thank you.”

“Huh?” Taeyeon looked at her; puzzled by the blonde’s gesture. “Excuse me?”

“Thank you.” Jessica slowly repeated her words, finishing it with a smile. “If it wasn’t for you, maybe I’d be dead. It was my fault that I didn’t take my medicine with me.”

“No! It was mine. I should’ve asked.”

Jessica rolled her eyes. She had this experience with her exs and friends before so she was used to it. She then answered Taeyeon, “Who in the right mind would ask around if others were allergic to anything inside the food they’re handing out?” she finished with a snort, somewhat laughing.

Taeyeon threw Jessica a glare. 

“See my point? You wouldn’t ask people if there’s something inside the food you offered that they’re allergic to. Am I right?” Jessica raised her brow.

“I learned to do so from now on.”

Jessica laughed out loud. She couldn’t help it. It was ridiculous that this kid really stated that, but it was also funny how the kid pouted when she answered. Receiving a glare, Jessica tried to stop laughing. It took her a couple of seconds to get collected and then said, “I’m allergic to cucumbers. Anything related to it, I’m allergic to. Got it?”

Taeyeon nodded. “Got it. No cucumbers from now on.”

“You wanna make it up to me, right?” Knowing that people usually don’t recover quickly from the guilt they felt, Jessica then thought that maybe she should ask Taeyeon something in return.

“Yes. I really do.” Sincerity was evident in the kid’s voice.

“You should make me a sandwich… this time without cucumbers.” Jessica flashed a smile.

“That’s it? A sandwich? Now?”

How could a kid answer Jessica with three different questions when she barely used any words? Jessica was thinking that this was entertaining. “Yes, that’s it. Just a sandwich. But not now.” The blonde answered.

“Okay! I’ll even make you a sandwich everyday if you want.” 

Jessica laughed. Every single day? There was no way in hell she’d eat the same thing every day. She wasn’t like the kid. Jessica enjoyed the variety that was being offered by combining different ingredients, while the kid ate the same thing that she cooked every day. “Just one.”

“Jessica, you’re alive!” Yuri came barging in the room, running towards Jessica like a kid who was in a toys store, and decided to hug the girl. “You’re really alive.”

“What are you trying to say? You thought I was gonna die?” Yuri laughed awkwardly in response as she released Jessica, and then scratched the back of her head, looking somewhat moronic. “Idiot.”

“Hey! We’re just concerned. Don’t be mean to Yuri.” Tiffany said as she was finally close enough to have a conversation. Yuri left Tiffany behind as the girl still talked to Jessica’s parents outside and the tanned girl decided that she should just greet her friend and confirm that the blonde was really breathing. “Oh, hi Taeyeon.” Tiffany flashed a smile at Taeyeon, and Yuri waved at the kid in greeting. “Were you able to at least eat something today?”

Taeyeon nodded, pressing her lips together. She wasn’t really used to being around Yuri and Tiffany that much that it was still awkward to be around them; especially if they were to just socialize like this.

“That’s good. Your parents didn’t force you, right?”The aegyo queen asked as she sat on the couch by the small living room area in the suite. 

The kid then shook her head. “U-uncle Joseph told me to eat and bought me a sandwich when we were heading back earlier.”

“My dad?” The patient asked, and Taeyeon nodded. Jessica knew her dad was really nice so it was no surprise. It was just that even though she knew that her father was kind-hearted, she still somehow didn’t expect the gesture. Not to contradict her father’s character but it was more like Jessica didn’t expect her father to be nice to someone whom he just met. If it was Tiffany, Yuri, or her other friends, it would be understandable. Now she truly wonders what Taeyeon did to her parents to be liked by them so much.

“Oh, Taeyeon… you should come with us next Friday.” Yuri invited. “We’re going to celebrate Jessica’s life.”

“Jessica’s life?” Jessica scoffed, raising her brow after. “Idiot.” 

“Let me be!” Yuri whined. “I was being nice and organizing a thank-you-for-visiting-my-stupid-friend-who-poisoned-herself-party and here you are, belittling me?” She finished with her lips together, pouting.

Oh God, no. Jessica couldn’t believe that this adult in front of her is whining so much. “I didn’t ask you to do it. So quit upbraiding.”

“I’m not!”

Tiffany then joined and said, “Come on Jessica, don’t you want to say thank you to those who went here? Especially Taeyeon. She’s been here all this time.” The girl smirked and Jessica didn’t understand why.

“Whatever. We can if we’re not busy.” Busy? Then it hit Jessica. “Aren’t you suppose to be working!?” Jessica’s eyes widened as she realized her best friend, Tiffany, who was supposed to be at the restaurant, was there lollygagging. How could Jessica forget? Well, truthfully, she didn’t even realize her responsibilities up until now. She had to apologize to her parents, Taeyeon, and her friends that she forgot about their business. The aegyo queen simply flashed her famous eye smile. “That won’t work on me! You should go back and work! Right now! N.O.W!”

Tiffany sighed as she rolled her eyes on her best friend. “I came here to check on you and this is what I get? Great.”

“Isn’t your girlfriend already arranging this thank-you-for-visiting-my-stupid-friend-who-poisoned-herself-party? Plus, I’ll see you tomorrow at work anyway.” 

“You’re getting released?” Taeyeon asked, finally being able to speak up.

Jessica nodded, “Usually it just takes a couple of days before they release me.”

“Couple. Not two.” Tiffany said as she stood up from the couch. 

“It’s still more than one…” Yuri mumbled, causing Tiffany to glare at her. Tiffany raised her brow, asking Yuri if she meant anything. “Nothing… nothing. I didn’t say anything.”

Taeyeon snorted a laugh. She couldn’t help it. The couple in front of her was just too cute that she couldn’t help but react.

Jessica sighed, “Idiots.”

“Did you say something?!” Tiffany shot Jessica a glare. 

The blonde quickly shook her head, “Nothing!”

“Good. And you should rest.” She walked towards Jessica and hugged the girl. “I’ll stop by tomorrow.” Tiffany said and then kissed the blonde on her cheek like she always did when the blonde’s in her fragile state, and didn’t have enough strength to brush her off. “Don’t be jealous, Taeyeon.” Tiffany eyed Jessica with a mischievous smiled on and then continued, “There’s enough of Tiffany for everyone.” The stupid girl then kissed Taeyeon on the cheek, who was still seated beside Jessica on the bed. Taeyeon just smiled at Tiffany uneasily.

Yuri sighed, “Hell will break lose when Jessica’s better.” She mumbled to herself, preparing another war between the two. She saw Jessica looking at Tiffany and Taeyeon and vice versa. Needing a change in topic and mood, Yuri stated, “Anyway, we’ll be leaving now. Taeyeon, I’ll see you at the restaurant tomorrow, okay?” Taeyeon nodded, “And the party, too. You can even invite your friends. It’s a big celebration since it’s also Jessica’s birthday on Saturday so it’s one big awesome party for Jessica’s life.”

“Eh!?”