S I G N S

Chapter 5

Jennie didn't see Lisa for the rest of the week. She did, however, get a text from Lisa on Thursday with details about the gala. It was this Saturday night, a formal event, and Lisa told Jennie she'd arrange for a car to pick her up and bring her to Manoban Corp.

Of course, she didn't know that Jennie hadn't been in a car since she was twelve years old. She hadn't been able to make herself get in any sort of vehicle since she'd been in the car accident that killed her parents. Even now, she still had nightmares about the crunching sound of metal hitting metal, waking with her mom's scream still ringing in her ears.

Instead, she chose to walk everywhere. She lived in an apartment in the city which made it easy for her to get around, so walking to Manoban Corp wouldn't be a problem. She could still remember the trip home from the orphanage. Jessica, Siwon and Rosé came to pick her up but she refused to get in the car, so instead they walked home. It took over an hour, and they stopped off for ice cream on the way. In that moment Jennie loved her new family already.

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When Saturday came around, Jennie could barely focus at work. She'd received a message from Lisa that morning, double checking to see if she was still coming. She had text Lisa back, reassuring her that she would be there as long as there were pot stickers.

Rosé came by after she finished work, collapsing onto Jennie's sofa. She picked up a pillow and jammed her face in it, letting out a frustrated yell. Jennie raised an eyebrow at Rosé, as she jammed pins into her hair to keep her chignon in place.

'Bad day at work?'

Rosé sighed, sitting up properly and leaning on the pillow. Her face arranged itself in a sober expression. "I'm afraid that's classified," she said, before cracking a smile. It was a running joke between them, as Rosé worked for the FBI and was rarely allowed to divulge information.

"We've got a big case at the moment, everyone's a little on edge at headquarters," Rosé sighed. Jennie was used to Rosé's frustration, her job was stressful, and in Jennie's opinion, she was overworked. Maybe it's time for another sister night, Jennie thought to herself.

Jennie walked over to her clothes rack, rifling through her dresses. She narrowed her options down to two. The black looked more professional and classy, but Jennie thought the blue brought out her eyes better. She hesitated, before turning around and holding them up for Rosé to see.

"Blue," Rosé answered for her, "it's your colour, and make sure you wear it with the nude coloured shoes." Jennie signed a thank you at her, before changing into the dress. She applied some lipstick and slipped the heels on, turning to Rosé for her approval.

'How do I look?'

"Perfect, now you better get going or you're going to be late for your date," Rosé replied. Jennie rolled her eyes, shooting Rosé an exasperated look, which was ruined by the blush flooding her face.

'It's not a date, we're just friends,' Jennie protested.

Rosé laughed, pushing Jennie towards the door. "Okay, whatever you say, but just so you know, you've spent more time fussing over this gala than you have about any date you've ever been on, so I'm pretty sure it's a date."

Opening the door, Rosé picked Jennie's clutch up off the counter, handing it to her, as she herded her through the door. "Have fun on your date, stay safe, don't stay out too late, and I love you," Rosé instructed, her overprotective side showing, as she grabbed a coat for Jennie to wear over her dress.

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Jennie approached Manoban Corp, joining the line of people queuing up to get inside. Once she reached the front of the line the woman at the door flashed her a smile, "Good evening, may I see your invitation please?" she asked.