A Foreign Feeling
Throughout the day, Lisa’s newfound confidence grew steadily. By evening, she felt like she had just enough confidence to confess to Jean. Lisa didn’t question this new courage or its impulsive nature. She was simply happy to have it. The witch locked up the library for the night and headed for Jean’s office. A multitude of emotions was stirring in her as she braced herself. She opened the door, poking her head inside. “Jean?” She spoke with a soft tone. She noticed Jean tense up after hearing her voice. She must have been deep in her work if she was startled, Lisa thought.
“Good evening, Lisa. What do you need?” Jean asked with a gentle smile.
“Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“Is it important?” Jean asked immediately. That’s a first, Lisa thought. Jean was usually open to chat or simply let Lisa hang around in the office.
“Not necessarily… We can chat some other time if you’d like.”
“If you can allow that,” Jean replied guiltily.
“...Alright, dear,” she nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. Just as she turned to leave, Jean spoke.
“Uh, I didn’t mean to be rude,” she fumbled with her words. “It’s just… today has been a handful.”
“Oh? Do you need help with anything?”
“No, it’s okay,” Jean sighed. Lisa lingered in the room a bit longer, suspicious of Jean. It was clear that she wasn’t telling her something.
“...Jean, are you alright? You're acting a bit off.” Of all the ways Jean could have reacted, Lisa didn’t expect to see a blush appear on the knight’s face.
“O-oh, am I? Sorry, I’ve just been busy all day with these, uhm, commissions,” Jean assured the witch, laughing nervously. Lisa raised an eyebrow. Why was Jean being so… shy?
“What is it?” Lisa asked. Something wasn't right, and it bugged Lisa to no end. She had to get to the bottom of this.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re hiding something from me, Jean.” Jean looked at the witch in surprise.
“I’m not the greatest liar, am I?” She sighed, looking down at the papers sprawled over her desk. For a moment, both fell silent. “Lisa, can you keep a secret for me?” Lisa tilted her head, curious about this secret.
“Of course, dear.” Jean hesitated.
“I’ve never been in a relationship with anyone before, but recently I’ve been… thinking about somebody.”
Lisa didn’t know how to react.
She should be happy that the Acting Grand Master, who works day in and day out, has possibly found somebody who could bring some peace to her busy life. On the other hand, a great wave of guilt hit Lisa. She shouldn’t be jealous. Lisa looked at the knight’s eyes. She had always loved seeing the passion and beauty within those blue-gray eyes. However, Jean’s eyes were now dull, full of sorrow and gloom. “Jean…?” She whispered.
“I’m so… confused. For such a long time, I’ve wanted to find someone to love. But, instead, I just… want to stay far away from her.”
Her?
Lisa found herself in great pain watching the knight bury her head in her hands. She wanted to help Jean and unshackle her from her chains. Anything, anything to see her out of pain.
She wanted to kiss her and tell her that everything was going to be okay.