Better Half Pt. 7
When Yoona had reached the lake she didn't expect to see Jessica there too. She also didn't expect to find Jessica crying again. To not startle her, Yoona carefully walked through the trees of the forest and broke through the thick threshold of the trees, surrounding the land that made up the lake. Stepping on to the try dirt left a loud echo through the silence that scared Jessica. The fragile princess stopped crying and stood up to where she heard the noise.
“W-Who is there?” Jessica stuttered, gripping on to the edges of her dress. “I-I warn you! Do not come any closer.” Hastily, Jessica dug through her cape and pulled out a dagger.
“Princess, it is only I.” Yoona announced, stepping over tot he edge of the lake.
Lowering her dagger, Jessica sighed, relieved to see Yoona at the lake. It was much better than being here alone. It also meant that she can protect her. Jessica quickly began to wipe away at her tears. Yoona walked over to her, taking notice of her tears and frowned. It was the second time she's found the princess crying. She put a hand over Jessica's shoulder and pulled her closer to her chest. Jessica sighed and wrapped her arms around Yoona's waist.
“Is it about the marriage?” Yoona asked.
“I have spoken to my father.” Jessica informed. “He will not stop my husband's arrival. I will be forced to marry him against my will.”
“Why are you so against this meeting, princess?” Yoona questioned.
Jessica looked up to her friend. Yoona looked down at her. Jessica realized that she too was sad, but she can't figure out why Yoona would be so sad. It was not her wedding. She was not being forced to marry. Jessica had never seen her this sad.
“I do not love him.” Jessica mumbled. “Why do I have to marry a person I do not love?”
Yoona had on a small smile. “Princess, you will learn to love him. As princess of the Jung kingdom you must marry. You must set a good example to your people.” Yoona explained.
“It is not what I want!” Jessica complained. “I want to be happy. I deserve to be happy!”
Yoona patted the top of Jessica's head affectionately. “Of course you do princess. I can not agree anymore with you.” Yoona sighed. “But sometimes...things do not work out how you wish. Even I am at my father's mercy to his demands.”
Jessica was surprised that Yoona had mentioned her father. The way she spoke of him was in a bitter almost angry type of tone. She distant herself from Yoona to get a better look at her face and she saw Yoona's eyes sparkle. She knew it was tears. Yoona wanted to cry, but was refusing to do so because she was in front of Jessica.
“Yoona...what is wrong?” Jessica asked. “What are you not telling me?”
Yoona frowned again. She couldn't hide her feelings anymore. Jessica knew her well enough and as her friend Jessica wanted to listen. She wanted to help in her own way even though she can't because she is a princess and Yoona will always be a peasant.
No matter how well she or her family before her took care of the King's family, they were still seen as lower status people and were not given royal rights. It was a long ongoing argument before Yoona's family and before her birth came that lead to her clan fighting with the king to allow rights to enter the castle. That was as far as her people can go.
“Princess, I am...I have been assigned to a new mission.” Yoona announced. “You will no longer be under my watch. You are no longer my mission.”
Jessica's eyes opened wide in fear. Everything her life was now becoming unfair. She was losing everything. Her free will, her chance at true love, and now she was going to lose her closest friend since childhood. That didn't seem fair to Jessica at all.
“Where will you go?” Jessica asked.
“I am to go to Ok kingdom.” Yoona answered. “I will be leaving tomorrow morning.”
Jessica began to panic. Her eyes were covered with fresh tears again. Yoona felt guilty.
It wasn't her fault, but she still felt responsible to Jessica's tears and she'll be adding to her suffering and unhappiness. Yoona wanted to hate her father, but she knew that it wasn't his fault. It was the life she and Jessica lived. How they were born and the class they were brought into.
“T-Tomorrow morning?!” Jessica gasped. “That is too soon!”
“I do not have a choice.” Yoona sighed. “I am to do as my father wishes. I must not forget what I am. I am a peasant.”
“You are more than that!” Jessica exclaimed.
“It is true. I am not just a peasant. I am also a ninja. I have sworn to our code of condex to do as what my master, my father, has commanded. I was not supposed to become this attached.” Yoona reminded Jessica.
The auburn hair-colored princess cried. Yoona bit her bottom lip to contain herself. Tenderly, she brushed away Jessica's tears to bring some comfort to her. Jessica pulled Yoona into a hug again and held her.
“I do not want you to go!” Jessica ordered. “I want you to stay here, with me!”
Yoona closed her eyes to stop her tears. “I know princess. I am sorry. I can not do as you wish this time.”
Yoona was aware that she will not be able to see Jessica in the crack of dawn. She won't be able to speak with Jessica to keep her calm or entertained. They won't play games or visit the lake whenever they wanted.
Jessica will not have Yoona to accompany here when she decides to read in the garden. Yoona won't be able to play pranks on Jessica. There are so many things the younger woman knew she can no longer have and she finally saw that Jessica realized that too.
Yoona didn't know what to say and she knew that talking wouldn't be able to sooth Jessica. The best she can think of was to remain silent and hold her like she's done before. She will bring Jessica back to the castle when she stopped crying, so that she won't draw attention to the servants when she heads to her room. Yoona still had to give the bad news to Yuri, who Yoona hoped won't be as sad as her.
***
Yoona kind of had a feeling that when she gave Yuri the bad news she would be sad. It was normal for to not wanting to leave this kingdom, even though she had nothing to keep her to stay here. Or so, that is what Yoona would have thought, if she forgot that Yuri had something romantic with Tiffany.
It enraged Yoona when she figured out that maybe the reason why they're both leaving is because of Yuri. She felt the need to put the blame on her best friend, even if she shouldn't. That didn't make their situation any better, and it didn't stop Yoon'as father sending them away once he found out.
Yoona knew his intentions were good. He had wanted to save them. The punishment, if their secrets were to be spread, would be death and as a father, he couldn't have his own daughter and another close member of his clan executed. There would be a sense of guilt in him if that happened.
Yuri didn't seem to like his decision anyway. She was willing to risk her life to stay with Tiffany.
Yoona couldn't get through to her last night to calm her down and persuade her to understand her father's choice. Yuri was too hot-tempered at the time and in a hurry, Yoona watched her closest friend dash out the door in the middle of the night. She wasn't sure where the older girl went, but Yoona figured it was best to give her space to cool down.
Yoona was also just too tired and emotionally drained to chase after Yuri. The younger member decided to sleep in her chamber until morning came. She needed to cool down too, collecting her thoughts and trying to get herself to accept her given mission. As the head of a well trained and long-lived ninja clan, Yoona felt a strong sense of urgency to still obey her father because she was the daughter of the head leader clan member and because she were to remain loyal to the clan as a whole. It was part of ever members' oath before joining.
Yoona was honest with herself though when she had recognized her sense of nervousness, still going over the change of her objective. She wasn't scared for herself, but for Jessica, who will have to find a way to live with Yoona no longer by her side. That still won't change anything. Yoona had a mission and she had to see it through. It was too late to leave, not that there was a free will to do so.
Yoona knew that her father had gotten everything prepared for Yuri and her to leave. She didn't have to return back to base to get anything, but the youngest ninja couldn't sleep that night. She was overpowered by worry to put her mind at rest. Yoona knew the princess will marry, but she feared Jessica will never be happy and will hate her life even though she will have a husband and by then maybe even a few children.
That was something a woman dreamed of, or that is what Yoona had thought. The ability to carry on one's bloodline and have offspring that can be loved and cared for, especially since Jessica came form a wealth that made it possible to increase a baby's survival. Jessica, on the other hand, had something different in mind, Yoona never really fully figured out what it was though. That part was still a bit of a mystery to her.
When Yoona had did finally manage to sleep, she often found herself turning in bed, shifting into a half-asleep and half-consious state. She never got the chance to put her body at ease. It was just too wired.
That didn't seem to stop time. It was a little bit of a surprise when morning came around so quickly, yet there was nothing Yoona can do and as planned, she had left to meet her father again. Her feet became heavy with each step she took, drawing closer to the front castle doors. The happily cheerful guards at the front door had seemed to be mocking her when she was allowed to pass through.
The loud greeting, normally given to her didn't seem so happy, but saddening. Yoona frowned when she stepped outside, prepare herself try and keep her anger under control, because apart of her still loved her father even if she didn't that she was forced to leave. She knew she might even shed a tear during their brief farewell to each other, just before she took off, adventuring into a world she knows nothing about.
What shocked her when she got to the front castle yard was that when she got a clearer view in front of her, Jessica was already in the front with the rope to Yoona's horse into her hand. It was kind of odd that Jessica was just there alone. Yoona's father was nowhere in sight and Yuri wasn't there either.
“Where is my father?” Yoona asked.
“I asked him to allow me to say goodbye to you in person.” Jessica replied. “I wanted to be the one to hand your horse to you.”
“And Yuri?” Yoona questioned.
Jessica held on a sad expression. “She had decided to run away with Tiffany. I walked into her chamber and found a note. They did not say where they plan to go, but I trust that Tiffany is safe in Yuri's care. I can not say the same with my father. He is furious and Tiffany's father will be the same once he receives this news.” Jessica answered.
Yoona was speechless. She never suspected her friend of having that type of courage. It was even more of a shock seeing that Tiffany would be willing to run off with Yuri. They had nowhere else to go.
Yoona wondered where they plan to go. What will Yuri do to care for Tiffany? She was scared what will happen if Yuri got caught. She'll be the one to blame and brought back to the castle to be executed.
That terrified Yoona. It was normal for her wanting to find Yuri and protect her. They were close friends, almost like sisters. Yoona didn't want to see Yuri killed.
The thought alone scared her. But again, Yoona had to remind herself to think about the mission. She still had a responsibility to follow.
“Here is your horse.” Jessica whispered, slowly handing over the rope. “Your father has informed me that everything you need during your travel is already prepared. I have given you two extra sacks of gold.”
Yoona smiled, taking the rope. Jessica looked at her with a sad expression. She didn't bother to smile. Yoona understood. Jessica was miserable and she had a right to be.
She was going to be married soon and she will most likely be forced to bear her future husband's children and never see Yoona again. Yoona was aware of the dangers and knew she can be killed. What was outside of the castle walls was a mystery and that's what made it the more dangerous.
“Thank you princess. I am grateful for your charitable act.” Yoona politely spoke.
Jessica felt tears run down her face again. “Yoona, please be careful. I do not know what I will do knowing that you have been killed.” Jessica pleaded.
“Do not fret princess. I will be fine.” Yoona assured.
“I am going to miss you.” Jessica sobbed.
Yoona smiled again, but it was her attempt on trying to remain calm. She wanted to cry too. She wanted very badly to cry and to beg her father to let her stay and not do this mission. A part of her even wanted to run away with Jessica too just so she wouldn't see her cry and stop her from that unwanted marriage.
There were so many things Yoona wished to change, but she couldn't. She knew she could, but she was aware of the consequences. The punishment will be death and Yoona didn't want to dampen Jessica's mood anymore.
She had decided to stick through her command, with the thought of Jessica's well-being in mind. Yoona after all, was her protector and it was only right to put an end to Jessica's further suffering if she can. Yoona placed both hands on Jessica's shoulders to gain her attention.
“Jessica,” Yoona started. “I do not want to leave on such a sad note.” Jessica stopped crying and wiped away her tears, carefully listening to Yoona's words. “I shall make a promise.”
“A promise?” The sad princess repeated.
“Yes, I promise that I will return to you. I will come back to your kingdom.” Yoona replied. “I do not know when, but I promise to be back after a year. Please, do not cry. I will do my very best to stick to this promise.”
Jessica smiled. She nodded, agreeing with Yoona's statement. While a year will be too long for her, it was better than being told she had no idea when Yoona will come back. Jessica just wanted Yoona back quickly as possible and she knew a few months and days were not going to be possible.
“A year.” Jessica agreed.
“I will see you then princess.” Yoona gave one last smile and climbed on to her horse.
Jessica watched her ride away into the distance, out the castle door. And while she didn't want to see her go and rather just confess her love to Yoona instead, maybe hoping that she will follow the same route Yuri had done with Tiffany, Jessica knew that it couldn't work. Jessica was the one in love and Yoona was just a young girl who didn't know a thing about love.
She was still childish and focused on listening to her father's demands. It didn't make Jessica feel any better, while she went through a heartbreak, Yoona only went through a small turmoil of sadness because she saw Jessica as her friend and not a lover. The feelings Jessica gave were never returned and nor will they ever be.
Maybe, Yoona can mature along her journey, but Jessica couldn't wait a year for that. She had her own duties as a princess and soon to be queen once she is married. They had different paths and Jessica had to learn to start accepting that, or at least dealing with it and keeping a small piece of her love towards Yoona locked away into the back of her mind.
A treasure. A keepsake for her to remember even when she will start a family she never wanted. The promise will always stay fresh in her mind the most. It was a treasure of its own. That held it's own meaning of hope for a love Jessica had not been able to receive.
“W-Who is there?” Jessica stuttered, gripping on to the edges of her dress. “I-I warn you! Do not come any closer.” Hastily, Jessica dug through her cape and pulled out a dagger.
“Princess, it is only I.” Yoona announced, stepping over tot he edge of the lake.
Lowering her dagger, Jessica sighed, relieved to see Yoona at the lake. It was much better than being here alone. It also meant that she can protect her. Jessica quickly began to wipe away at her tears. Yoona walked over to her, taking notice of her tears and frowned. It was the second time she's found the princess crying. She put a hand over Jessica's shoulder and pulled her closer to her chest. Jessica sighed and wrapped her arms around Yoona's waist.
“Is it about the marriage?” Yoona asked.
“I have spoken to my father.” Jessica informed. “He will not stop my husband's arrival. I will be forced to marry him against my will.”
“Why are you so against this meeting, princess?” Yoona questioned.
Jessica looked up to her friend. Yoona looked down at her. Jessica realized that she too was sad, but she can't figure out why Yoona would be so sad. It was not her wedding. She was not being forced to marry. Jessica had never seen her this sad.
“I do not love him.” Jessica mumbled. “Why do I have to marry a person I do not love?”
Yoona had on a small smile. “Princess, you will learn to love him. As princess of the Jung kingdom you must marry. You must set a good example to your people.” Yoona explained.
“It is not what I want!” Jessica complained. “I want to be happy. I deserve to be happy!”
Yoona patted the top of Jessica's head affectionately. “Of course you do princess. I can not agree anymore with you.” Yoona sighed. “But sometimes...things do not work out how you wish. Even I am at my father's mercy to his demands.”
Jessica was surprised that Yoona had mentioned her father. The way she spoke of him was in a bitter almost angry type of tone. She distant herself from Yoona to get a better look at her face and she saw Yoona's eyes sparkle. She knew it was tears. Yoona wanted to cry, but was refusing to do so because she was in front of Jessica.
“Yoona...what is wrong?” Jessica asked. “What are you not telling me?”
Yoona frowned again. She couldn't hide her feelings anymore. Jessica knew her well enough and as her friend Jessica wanted to listen. She wanted to help in her own way even though she can't because she is a princess and Yoona will always be a peasant.
No matter how well she or her family before her took care of the King's family, they were still seen as lower status people and were not given royal rights. It was a long ongoing argument before Yoona's family and before her birth came that lead to her clan fighting with the king to allow rights to enter the castle. That was as far as her people can go.
“Princess, I am...I have been assigned to a new mission.” Yoona announced. “You will no longer be under my watch. You are no longer my mission.”
Jessica's eyes opened wide in fear. Everything her life was now becoming unfair. She was losing everything. Her free will, her chance at true love, and now she was going to lose her closest friend since childhood. That didn't seem fair to Jessica at all.
“Where will you go?” Jessica asked.
“I am to go to Ok kingdom.” Yoona answered. “I will be leaving tomorrow morning.”
Jessica began to panic. Her eyes were covered with fresh tears again. Yoona felt guilty.
It wasn't her fault, but she still felt responsible to Jessica's tears and she'll be adding to her suffering and unhappiness. Yoona wanted to hate her father, but she knew that it wasn't his fault. It was the life she and Jessica lived. How they were born and the class they were brought into.
“T-Tomorrow morning?!” Jessica gasped. “That is too soon!”
“I do not have a choice.” Yoona sighed. “I am to do as my father wishes. I must not forget what I am. I am a peasant.”
“You are more than that!” Jessica exclaimed.
“It is true. I am not just a peasant. I am also a ninja. I have sworn to our code of condex to do as what my master, my father, has commanded. I was not supposed to become this attached.” Yoona reminded Jessica.
The auburn hair-colored princess cried. Yoona bit her bottom lip to contain herself. Tenderly, she brushed away Jessica's tears to bring some comfort to her. Jessica pulled Yoona into a hug again and held her.
“I do not want you to go!” Jessica ordered. “I want you to stay here, with me!”
Yoona closed her eyes to stop her tears. “I know princess. I am sorry. I can not do as you wish this time.”
Yoona was aware that she will not be able to see Jessica in the crack of dawn. She won't be able to speak with Jessica to keep her calm or entertained. They won't play games or visit the lake whenever they wanted.
Jessica will not have Yoona to accompany here when she decides to read in the garden. Yoona won't be able to play pranks on Jessica. There are so many things the younger woman knew she can no longer have and she finally saw that Jessica realized that too.
Yoona didn't know what to say and she knew that talking wouldn't be able to sooth Jessica. The best she can think of was to remain silent and hold her like she's done before. She will bring Jessica back to the castle when she stopped crying, so that she won't draw attention to the servants when she heads to her room. Yoona still had to give the bad news to Yuri, who Yoona hoped won't be as sad as her.
***
Yoona kind of had a feeling that when she gave Yuri the bad news she would be sad. It was normal for to not wanting to leave this kingdom, even though she had nothing to keep her to stay here. Or so, that is what Yoona would have thought, if she forgot that Yuri had something romantic with Tiffany.
It enraged Yoona when she figured out that maybe the reason why they're both leaving is because of Yuri. She felt the need to put the blame on her best friend, even if she shouldn't. That didn't make their situation any better, and it didn't stop Yoon'as father sending them away once he found out.
Yoona knew his intentions were good. He had wanted to save them. The punishment, if their secrets were to be spread, would be death and as a father, he couldn't have his own daughter and another close member of his clan executed. There would be a sense of guilt in him if that happened.
Yuri didn't seem to like his decision anyway. She was willing to risk her life to stay with Tiffany.
Yoona couldn't get through to her last night to calm her down and persuade her to understand her father's choice. Yuri was too hot-tempered at the time and in a hurry, Yoona watched her closest friend dash out the door in the middle of the night. She wasn't sure where the older girl went, but Yoona figured it was best to give her space to cool down.
Yoona was also just too tired and emotionally drained to chase after Yuri. The younger member decided to sleep in her chamber until morning came. She needed to cool down too, collecting her thoughts and trying to get herself to accept her given mission. As the head of a well trained and long-lived ninja clan, Yoona felt a strong sense of urgency to still obey her father because she was the daughter of the head leader clan member and because she were to remain loyal to the clan as a whole. It was part of ever members' oath before joining.
Yoona was honest with herself though when she had recognized her sense of nervousness, still going over the change of her objective. She wasn't scared for herself, but for Jessica, who will have to find a way to live with Yoona no longer by her side. That still won't change anything. Yoona had a mission and she had to see it through. It was too late to leave, not that there was a free will to do so.
Yoona knew that her father had gotten everything prepared for Yuri and her to leave. She didn't have to return back to base to get anything, but the youngest ninja couldn't sleep that night. She was overpowered by worry to put her mind at rest. Yoona knew the princess will marry, but she feared Jessica will never be happy and will hate her life even though she will have a husband and by then maybe even a few children.
That was something a woman dreamed of, or that is what Yoona had thought. The ability to carry on one's bloodline and have offspring that can be loved and cared for, especially since Jessica came form a wealth that made it possible to increase a baby's survival. Jessica, on the other hand, had something different in mind, Yoona never really fully figured out what it was though. That part was still a bit of a mystery to her.
When Yoona had did finally manage to sleep, she often found herself turning in bed, shifting into a half-asleep and half-consious state. She never got the chance to put her body at ease. It was just too wired.
That didn't seem to stop time. It was a little bit of a surprise when morning came around so quickly, yet there was nothing Yoona can do and as planned, she had left to meet her father again. Her feet became heavy with each step she took, drawing closer to the front castle doors. The happily cheerful guards at the front door had seemed to be mocking her when she was allowed to pass through.
The loud greeting, normally given to her didn't seem so happy, but saddening. Yoona frowned when she stepped outside, prepare herself try and keep her anger under control, because apart of her still loved her father even if she didn't that she was forced to leave. She knew she might even shed a tear during their brief farewell to each other, just before she took off, adventuring into a world she knows nothing about.
What shocked her when she got to the front castle yard was that when she got a clearer view in front of her, Jessica was already in the front with the rope to Yoona's horse into her hand. It was kind of odd that Jessica was just there alone. Yoona's father was nowhere in sight and Yuri wasn't there either.
“Where is my father?” Yoona asked.
“I asked him to allow me to say goodbye to you in person.” Jessica replied. “I wanted to be the one to hand your horse to you.”
“And Yuri?” Yoona questioned.
Jessica held on a sad expression. “She had decided to run away with Tiffany. I walked into her chamber and found a note. They did not say where they plan to go, but I trust that Tiffany is safe in Yuri's care. I can not say the same with my father. He is furious and Tiffany's father will be the same once he receives this news.” Jessica answered.
Yoona was speechless. She never suspected her friend of having that type of courage. It was even more of a shock seeing that Tiffany would be willing to run off with Yuri. They had nowhere else to go.
Yoona wondered where they plan to go. What will Yuri do to care for Tiffany? She was scared what will happen if Yuri got caught. She'll be the one to blame and brought back to the castle to be executed.
That terrified Yoona. It was normal for her wanting to find Yuri and protect her. They were close friends, almost like sisters. Yoona didn't want to see Yuri killed.
The thought alone scared her. But again, Yoona had to remind herself to think about the mission. She still had a responsibility to follow.
“Here is your horse.” Jessica whispered, slowly handing over the rope. “Your father has informed me that everything you need during your travel is already prepared. I have given you two extra sacks of gold.”
Yoona smiled, taking the rope. Jessica looked at her with a sad expression. She didn't bother to smile. Yoona understood. Jessica was miserable and she had a right to be.
She was going to be married soon and she will most likely be forced to bear her future husband's children and never see Yoona again. Yoona was aware of the dangers and knew she can be killed. What was outside of the castle walls was a mystery and that's what made it the more dangerous.
“Thank you princess. I am grateful for your charitable act.” Yoona politely spoke.
Jessica felt tears run down her face again. “Yoona, please be careful. I do not know what I will do knowing that you have been killed.” Jessica pleaded.
“Do not fret princess. I will be fine.” Yoona assured.
“I am going to miss you.” Jessica sobbed.
Yoona smiled again, but it was her attempt on trying to remain calm. She wanted to cry too. She wanted very badly to cry and to beg her father to let her stay and not do this mission. A part of her even wanted to run away with Jessica too just so she wouldn't see her cry and stop her from that unwanted marriage.
There were so many things Yoona wished to change, but she couldn't. She knew she could, but she was aware of the consequences. The punishment will be death and Yoona didn't want to dampen Jessica's mood anymore.
She had decided to stick through her command, with the thought of Jessica's well-being in mind. Yoona after all, was her protector and it was only right to put an end to Jessica's further suffering if she can. Yoona placed both hands on Jessica's shoulders to gain her attention.
“Jessica,” Yoona started. “I do not want to leave on such a sad note.” Jessica stopped crying and wiped away her tears, carefully listening to Yoona's words. “I shall make a promise.”
“A promise?” The sad princess repeated.
“Yes, I promise that I will return to you. I will come back to your kingdom.” Yoona replied. “I do not know when, but I promise to be back after a year. Please, do not cry. I will do my very best to stick to this promise.”
Jessica smiled. She nodded, agreeing with Yoona's statement. While a year will be too long for her, it was better than being told she had no idea when Yoona will come back. Jessica just wanted Yoona back quickly as possible and she knew a few months and days were not going to be possible.
“A year.” Jessica agreed.
“I will see you then princess.” Yoona gave one last smile and climbed on to her horse.
Jessica watched her ride away into the distance, out the castle door. And while she didn't want to see her go and rather just confess her love to Yoona instead, maybe hoping that she will follow the same route Yuri had done with Tiffany, Jessica knew that it couldn't work. Jessica was the one in love and Yoona was just a young girl who didn't know a thing about love.
She was still childish and focused on listening to her father's demands. It didn't make Jessica feel any better, while she went through a heartbreak, Yoona only went through a small turmoil of sadness because she saw Jessica as her friend and not a lover. The feelings Jessica gave were never returned and nor will they ever be.
Maybe, Yoona can mature along her journey, but Jessica couldn't wait a year for that. She had her own duties as a princess and soon to be queen once she is married. They had different paths and Jessica had to learn to start accepting that, or at least dealing with it and keeping a small piece of her love towards Yoona locked away into the back of her mind.
A treasure. A keepsake for her to remember even when she will start a family she never wanted. The promise will always stay fresh in her mind the most. It was a treasure of its own. That held it's own meaning of hope for a love Jessica had not been able to receive.