Expression and Vision (Jenlisa)

CHAPTER 22

"You don't have to hide things from me, sweetheart. I want you to know that whatever it is, you can trust me."

Jennie hesitated, her eyes lowering to her lap as she nervously twisted her fingers together.

“Mom, it’s not... it’s not easy to talk about.”

I could feel the weight of her fear, the hesitation in her voice. There was something deeper, and I had an idea of what it might be. I decided to take a small step forward.

“Jennie... is it Lisa?”

Her head snapped up, eyes wide with shock. For a moment, the room was filled with silence. She was frozen as if she wasn’t sure what to say, and I could see the conflict in her eyes.

“I’ve seen the way you two are with each other,”

I continued gently,

“The way you look at her, how you talk about her. I just... I can’t help but wonder.”

Jennie bit her lip, tears starting to form in her eyes. She seemed so vulnerable in that moment, like the little girl I used to comfort when she had a bad day at school. But now, this was something different—something much bigger.

“I... I don’t know how to say this,”

Jennie whispered, her voice shaking.

“It’s scary, Mom. What if you don’t accept me? What if Dad doesn’t accept me? What about Ella?”

I moved closer, sitting beside her and gently taking her hand.

“Jennie, you don’t have to be scared of us. You’re my daughter, and I love you. No matter what.”

The tears finally fell as Jennie squeezed my hand tightly.

“Mom... it’s Lisa. I think... no, I know I’m falling for her. But... what if Dad and Ella don’t understand? What if... what if the world doesn’t accept me?”

Her words broke my heart. I could see how much pain she had been carrying, afraid of judgment, afraid of rejection. I pulled her into my arms, holding her tightly as she sobbed into my shoulder.

“Oh, Jennie,”

I whispered, stroking her hair gently.

“Your father and Ella love you just as much as I do. It might take some time for them to understand, but I promise you, they will. They’ll accept you because you are their Jennie—the same Jennie who always cared for this family, who worked so hard to make us proud. That will never change.”

Jennie pulled back slightly, wiping her tears.

“But... what about everyone else? What about the world?”

“The world can be cruel sometimes, yes,”

I admitted softly,

“But it can also be kind. You have people who love you, and you’re stronger than you think. And as long as you’re true to yourself, you’ll find your way. I believe in you.”

Jennie sniffled, her expression softening as she absorbed my words.

“So... you think I should tell Lisa? Should I confess?”

I smiled at her, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.

“Yes, Jennie. Go and tell her how you feel. You deserve to be happy, and if Lisa is the one who makes you happy, then don’t hold back. Love is love, and nothing in this world is more important than that.”

Jennie looked at me, a small, hopeful smile tugging at her lips.

“Thank you, Mom.”

I kissed her forehead gently, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride for my brave, beautiful daughter.