“Aren’t you a bit obsessed with this lady?”

Wendy was sitting opposite Irene. The girlfriend was busy searching for more information but all she had was just a wedding photo. And Irene found out the woman’s name. Anna. Just Anna. Nothing else and her husband’s name – Tobey Maguire.

Irene thought it was odd for that one person to just have one name without surname but Wendy beg to differ.

“There are some people with just one name.”

“Not Koreans.”

“How sure are you that this lady is Korean too?”

That question didn’t pop on Irene’s mind. She was too preoccupied with the Yoona-look-alike that she never thought of other possibilities. This woman might not even be Korean.

“Yeah, you’re right. But I still need to find out.”

Wendy sighed before walking over to Irene’s side. She sat next to her girlfriend and pulled her away from her laptop. She made Irene faced her.

“I thought you have accepted the fact that Aunt Yoona is no longer around anymore?”

Irene looked away.

“I’m just upset that Mommy is still crying every night. She thought I couldn’t hear her but I still could.”

“That’s normal. It would take years for one to get over. Look what happened between your mother and your Omma. It took your mother 20 years to move on from her.”

“The exact reason why I don’t need Mommy to go through another 20 years to move on from Mommy Yoona.”

“Baby ah..”

“I know I may seem a little possessive over this but until I’m satisfied with the answers I want; I’ll let this go if this woman is really not Mommy Yoona. Can you imagine if she’s really Mommy Yoona and she has amnesia; then shouldn’t we try to help her?”

Wendy blatantly stared at Irene. She knew she couldn’t change her girlfriend’s mind. So she just nodded and hoped for the best. But Irene knew better.

“I promise you. If she’s really not Mommy Yoona, I’ll let this go.”

“Okay.”

-

Wendy had to head home. Sunny had to go over to her parents’ house and Wendy’s grandparents missed their precious granddaughter. So she had promised her mother that they would go together. So Irene was left alone; she was still finding clues and answers to this mysterious woman.

She searched on the internet and even on social media such as Facebook, Twitter and all sorts. Nothing. Nothing appeared for this mysterious woman. How could it be? How could there be nothing except for that one photo?

How would one live in this new era without social media? It was so mind-boggling and Irene had this gut feeling that there was more to this.

This woman probably had no idea of her past. Could she suffer from amnesia? Or did someone hide the truth from her?

And who was this man who married to her? She couldn’t find anything on him either. That was fairly odd and Irene couldn’t rest her heart.

“Why is my heart keep insisting that this woman could be Mommy Yoona?”

-

Yuri was staring outside of her office window. She had just done with her lectures and was supposed to look through some essays on the table. But instead her mind floated back to her conversation with Tiffany. The woman was dead sure that she saw Yoona.

“Baby, you’re joking with me, right?”

“I wish I could but I really saw someone who looked like Yoona. Our eyes met but she looked through me like as though she didn’t know me. Or perhaps maybe she really doesn’t know me? Or is it another Yoona lookalike?”

Tiffany was rambling nonsensical. She was still in a shock from her encounter earlier on. But Yuri was still sceptical.

“But they couldn’t find Yoona’s body.”

Tiffany’s eyes suddenly grew larger. And Yuri was getting anxious.

“What?”

“Exactly. Yuri, they couldn’t find Yoona’s body. Could there be a miracle? Could she be saved while she was at sea or something?”

Yuri was bewildered. But Tiffany continued.

“Only Yoona’s seat was missing. They couldn’t find Yoona’s seat either. What if someone saved her and she was suffering from amnesia or something? You know this kind of tragedy can block out someone’s mind because of trauma. What if; I mean I don’t mean to ramble but what if my intuition is right? If that woman is really Yoona, shouldn’t we try to save her or something?”

Suddenly Tiffany’s words made sense. She stared at her baby and then tears filled her eyes. Tiffany pulled her closer and hugged her dearest.

“So many things went through my mind the moment my eyes met that Yoona-look-alike. Suddenly all the things I used to share Yoona came pouring into my mind. I just realized how much I missed her. But I kept thinking about it. What if Yoona was still alive? I couldn’t help it.”

“Do you think I should do something?”

“Well, I’m not sure if we can meet her again.”

“We can always go back to that place you went earlier on.”

“Should we tell Jessica?”

“No, we have to find out by ourselves first. I don’t want to put her hopes high. I will get a private investigator or something.”

“Okay, let’s meet at the fast food joint I went with Jessica earlier on tomorrow for dinner. Let’s hope that woman would turn up at least.”

Yuri agreed. She was hoping that woman would show up.

“Please show up tomorrow.”

-

Soo Young was at her table. Somehow she ended up becoming Taeyeon’s assistant. Most of the documents are English written and Taeyeon had the biggest headache reading through them. So she asked Soo Young to translate them for her.

She was reading through document by document. It wasn’t an easy task for her either but Taeyeon seemed busy with the conference calls and Skype meeting with her counterparts in Seoul.  The shorter woman was leaning against her armchair; twirling her pen and her eyes were reading through the proposal in front of her.

Soo Young thought Taeyeon looked so cool like that. That sophisticated lady boss with that nerdy spectacles sitting neatly on her nose – Kim Taeyeon looked so yum.

“Why do you keep staring at me?”

Soo Young’s bubble burst and there she was – the midget was standing right in front of her. And Soo Young wondered how long she had stood there.

“What are you doing in front of me?”

“You kept staring at me. It had been 15 minutes.”

“SERIOUSLY?!”

Taeyeon rolled her eyes before she leaned against Soo Young’s table. She jumped on the table’s edge and sat with her legs crossed. Soo Young’s heart almost died.

“Are you done with the report?”

“Excuse me. You know this is a difficult task for me too.”

“Your English is so much better than mine.”

“Still!”

“Fine, I let you off. But I need that report tomorrow morning.”

Taeyeon winked before let herself down from the table. She turned around and went back to her desk; leaving Soo Young bewildered. Kim Taeyeon was in her smart attire – white top and black pants with a black blazer over her top. She had folded her sleeves up and she looked amazing with her hair neatly tied into a bun.

Just then, her phone rang and Yuri’s name kept blinking. Soo Young answered immediately.

“Greetings Blackie.”

“Shut up.”

Soo Young giggled and she was pretty certain that the woman on the other side of the phone was rolling her eyes now.

“What’s up?”

“Kim Soo Young.”

“My surname is Choi.”

“I’m expecting you to return to Seoul as Mrs Kim.”

“Oh my god, stop it! I’m not going to do anything for now!”

“Should I send a text to Miss Kim?”

“Don’t you dare. And why are you calling me? You’re not going to tease me about Taeyeon for this damn bloody expensive call, right?”

“Idiot. When I call it means serious.”

“What is it? Is Jessica okay?”

“She’s fine. But I need some help.”

“Why?”

Soo Young paused then she gasped.

“ARE YOU BREAKING UP WITH TIFFANY?!”

“Can you just shush?! We are literally married so you don’t need to worry about me. I need some help about locating people.”

“Locating people? There’s GPS.”

“If it’s easy as GPS, do you think I would call you?”

“Point taken.”

“.”

“Tsk. So who are you looking for?”

Yuri started telling her the story and what Tiffany had encountered. Soo Young’s eyes grew larger and larger. She was stunned at first but somehow agreed with Tiffany’s intuition.

“Someone really look like Yoona?”

Soo Young needed confirmation and Yuri affirmed it.

“So you women are going to stalk this woman?”

“Not really stalk. We’re just trying out luck. We will wait at the fast food joint to see if she should show up.”

“Wow, this is huge. So what help do you need from me?”

“I need you to find out about Yoona when she was in Singapore. I mean Taeyeon’s there. Maybe there is some lead that Taeyeon can provide us.”

“So randomly talk to Taeyeon?”

“Yeah.”

“Sure, I’ll update you once I have information.”

“Good and at the same time, get her.”

“Shut up.”

Yuri sniggered before hanging up. Soo Young rolled her eyes but she was excited about the news of Yoona-look-alike. Tiffany could be right.  She wasn’t paying attention so the moment she turned; she was shocked to death.

Kim Taeyeon was standing in front of her; her face stuck out so closely to hers. Soo Young could have accidentally land her lips on her. Her eyes were so huge. And Kim Taeyeon was smirking.

“Why are you so shocked?”

“What’s with that smirk?!”

“You were so animated on the phone. Who was that?”

“It’s nobody!”

Soo Young quickly got up and left the room. Her heart was thumping so fast but Kim Taeyeon was giggling away. She had no idea the kind of effect she could have on Soo Young.

“Stupid Kim Taeyeon! I almost died!”

Soo Young cursed at her silently.

-

Jessica woke up after a long nap. She wasn’t feeling too well so she skipped work for the day. By the time she woke up; it was already 5pm.

“Geez. I slept for at least 10 hours.”

Nevertheless, she kicked her blanket away and got up. She did a quick wash up and made her way down to the kitchen. But she was even surprised to find the house completely empty.

“Am I dead or something?”

Jessica went from Tiffany’s bedroom to her daughter’s bedroom. Seriously, there was nobody. There was nothing to eat either. She felt so hungry so she decided to head out for food. But she left a message to her daughter and Tiffany before leaving the house.

Jessica drove her BWM leisurely. It was almost dinner time so most families were outside. Jessica wanted to have a quiet dinner so she picked her favourite restaurant. The same restaurant she used to go with Yoona – the one they took a photo together. They left the photo over there.

Yoona. She has never left Jessica’s mind. She was always there; lurking around. She might be gone but her memories wouldn’t leave Jessica alone. And it was really difficult to move on no matter how much Jessica tried to convince herself.

It was like the same thing happened before with Taeyeon.

“Please don’t tell me I would have to take another 20 years to move on again.”

Jessica sighed. It could be. Because she loves Yoona more than her own life.  There was a song playing on the radio and Jessica’s eyes filled with tears.  She sang along.

It was the same song Yoona used to sing to her when she was trying to win Jessica’s heart.

-

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Jessica was drinking on her own when some lady approached her. She was standing next to Jessica. But Jessica just looked away. She wasn’t interested to chat.

“Tough cookie.”

“What are you doing here?”

“You have class. This is the last place I thought I could see you here.”

“What do you want?”

Jessica was always that feisty. Ever since Taeyeon broke her heart, no other women could enter. Jessica was just so tough inside.

“I come in peace.”

“Really?”

“Oh come on, you can give me a benefit of doubt.”

“The last time I heard from Yuri, you’re equivalent to a playboy.”

Yoona grinned with satisfaction and it irked Jessica so much. This woman was just counting her last days on Earth.

“I’m not a player. I just love openly.”

“What bull. I’m not someone whom you can love openly.”

The woman was undaunted. It seemed like she was made of stone; not getting any hints from Jessica to scram off. She sat next to Jessica; turning her attention to the woman next to her. She smiled widely and even attempted to take Jessica’s glass away when the woman wanted another.

“What the hell do you want?”

Jessica was slowly getting annoyed by this irritating intruder.

“I know about your past. I know about everything. You don’t have to be so hard-hearted.”

“Why do you care?”

“You look fragile.”

Jessica was offended. She pushed Yoona away and stood up. She didn’t need another person to spoil her night. She was about to walk away but Yoona grabbed her hand tightly. Jessica tried to pull away but failed.

“Let go.”

“Give me just one night. I’ll show you what I’m made of.”

“Are you a child?”

“I wish I am then at least you wouldn’t be so cold towards me.”

“I’m cold towards my own daughter. What makes you think I wouldn’t to you?”

But Yoona didn’t wait anymore. She pulled out some bill notes from her pocket and put it on Jessica’s tab. She grabbed Jessica’s belongings and gently tugged her.

“Let’s not make a scene. I’ll bring you somewhere.”

This time Jessica didn’t say anything. She just let Yoona led the way. She was too tired to argue anymore. Well, she was actually feeling tipsy.

Yoona drove quietly with Jessica in the passenger seat. Both kept their silence and Jessica took the opportunity to close her eyes. She was surprised that Yoona didn’t speak a single word throughout the journey. She was grateful for that silence. She needed it badly.  

A soft music was playing in the background seconds later. The music was slow and gentle but somehow sad and heart-wrenching. And Jessica knew who the singer was.

But without any reason, she heard someone singing along to it. Yoona was singing. Yoona was singing to the song.

"Here I Am"
(Leona Lewis)

This is a crazy world
These can be lonely times
It's hard to know who's on your side
Most of the time

Who can you really trust
Who do you really know
Is there anybody out there
Who can make you feel less alone
Sometimes you just can't make it on your own

If you need a place where you can run
If you need a shoulder to cry on
I'll always be your friend

When you need some shelter from the rain
When you need a healer for your pain
I will be there time and time again
When you need someone to love you
Here I am, hmmm

If you have broken dreams
Just lay them all on me
I'll be the one who understands
So take my hand

If you reach emptyness

You know I'll do my best
To fill you up with all the love
That I can show someone
I promise you you'll never walk alone

Well if you need a place where you can run
If you need a shoulder to cry on
I'll always be your friend

When you need some shelter from the rain
When you need a healer for your pain
I will be there time and time again
When you need someone to love you
Here I am, oooo

Everybody needs somebody who
keep a heart and soul in two

Well if you need a place where you can run
If you need a shoulder to cry on
I'll always be your friend

When you need some shelter from the rain
When you need a healer for your pain
I will be there time and time again
When you need someone to love you
Here I am, Here I am

 

Yoona’s soothing voice was easing her way into Jessica’s heart. The older woman was listening to it attentively. Tears found her eyes. Nobody had ever sang to her like this.

Yoona sang till the end and it was perfect timing. Yoona’s car stopped next to Han River. She glanced to her side and saw Jessica’s tears. She removed her seat belt and leaned closer; she wiped those tears away. There was no aggressive reaction from Jessica. Instead the woman was staring at the younger woman in front of her.

Yoona smiled and spoke softly.

“I know you’re being tough because of what you went through. But everyone could see through you. And nobody wanted to save you. Maybe they wanted to but you put on a tough side – not letting anyone penetrate through your defensive walls.”

Yoona paused before she wiped the last few tears that were falling from the corner of Jessica’s eyes.

“But everyone has a limit to where our heart could handle the pain. And I’m not saying that you’re weak but you’re strong enough to stop others from entering your life. But yet, there is still something inside of you wishing for more; wishing for someone to save you.”

The younger woman then placed her palm over Jessica’s. The latter glanced down to see their hands. Yoona slowly intertwined her fingers; pushing the spaces between her fingers to match with Jessica’s.

“If you need someone, I can always be here for you. I’m always going to be your friend. You don’t have to break all your walls immediately; take one block at a time. I won’t go away.”

-

Yoona’s words touched Jessica’s heart that night. No matter how much she had tried to push the woman away; that damn woman would still creep up to her. It was so difficult to pretend that Yoona didn’t matter anymore. In fact, Yoona mattered the most to her that night.

She finally reached the restaurant she used to enjoy with Yoona. This place carried plenty of memories for the two of them and Jessica’s heart was breaking apart. She could never relive those moments anymore.

She made her way in and sat at the same place she used to sit with Yoona. She ordered the same food. Jessica looked around the restaurant and spotted the photo board. She smiled and went up to it.

She was frowning away when she realized her photo with Yoona was missing. The spot where the photo stayed was empty. She approached the owner.

“Hi, do you remember me?”

“Hey! Yes, you’re Jessica-shi, right?”

“Yeah, umm I’m just wondering. I took a photo with a friend here before and you had pinned it on the board. You said we were your lucky patrons. But the photo is missing now.”

“Oh? Really??”

The owner rushed up to the photo board with Jessica behind him. Both were searching high and low. It was really missing.

“That was weird. We had never taken down our patrons’ photos off. Someone must have taken it.”

“Someone?”

Just then, a waitress walked past them and she was curious as to why they were standing in front of the photo board.

“What photo?”

“There’s a photo of this lady and her friend. But now it went missing.”

The waitress turned to look at Jessica and then gave that confused look. She recalled the event earlier on. The woman who was in the photo with Jessica was here but nevertheless, she spoke up.

“I thought your friend was here? She took the photo.”

Jessica’s eyes grew larger. She grabbed the waitress’s hand tightly.

“What friend?”

“The woman in the photo with you; she was here earlier on. She asked if she could take the photo. I don’t see why not because she looked exactly the same as the one in the photo.”

Jessica was stunned but calmly pulled out her phone. She needed confirmation. She needed to know. She unlocked her phone and showed the waitress the photo on her home screen. It was a photo of Im Yoona.

“Is she the one?”

The waitress looked closer and nodded.

“Yes, she’s the one. She was here.”

Jessica was stumped.

-

Anna headed back to the hotel. Tobey was busy watching television. She smiled when she touched Tobey’s forehead. The man’s fever was gone. She knelt down in front of her husband and blocked his view. The man paid attention to her instead. He was smiling widely.

“Are you feeling better?”

Tobey nodded and gave a soft kiss on Anna’s lips. The woman smiled before Tobey pulled her closer. He sat her next to him on the sofa and then wrapped his arms around his wife.

“So what do you want for dinner?”

Anna asked her husband.

“Something light.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t feel like leaving the hotel room. The shows are pretty interesting to watch.”

“I see. I can get dinner for us.”

“But you just got back?”

“I’ll get some light food from the fast food joint nearby.”

“Are you sure you’re not tired?”

Anna shook her head and then got up. She was getting ready to leave again. And Tobey felt sorry.

“Should I come along?”

“Nah, you can just sit here while I buy us dinner. Just watch your shows. I’ll be back in jiffy.”

-

Tiffany and Yuri were sitting near to the door. They were there for the last two hours but there was no sign of Yoona-look-alike. Tiffany pouted her lips and Yuri was tired.

“I don’t think she will turn up again.”

“Damn it. I should have stopped her the last time!”

“Never mind, baby. Let’s head back. My clothes are starting to smell like hamburgers.”

“Alright then.”

The couple stood up and was about to leave when Irene called them. The girl was complaining hungry and nobody was at home.

“I thought your Mommy is at home?”

“Which Mommy?”

Yuri rolled her eyes.

“Jessica.”

“No, the home is empty and there’s no food!”

Irene whined.

“Didn’t you eat with Wendy?”

“She had to go home early because her grandmother invited her for dinner.”

“Okay alright. I’ll get your dinner. Stop whining.”

“Where are you at?”

“Some burger joint.”

“YURI OMMA! YOU ATE BURGER?!”

“YA, it’s not a sin to eat one.”

“That’s new. Is Mommy Tiffany there?”

“Shut up. I’ll get you dinner and we will head home soon.”

“I LOVE YOU MOMMYYY!”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Yuri couldn’t believe Irene was still behaving like a kid to her. It was not that she would complain but Irene was a full grown adult. Yet she was comfortably acting like a child to Yuri.

“Who’s that?”

“Your daughter.”

“Ah, she’s complaining again?”

“She’s hungry. You know what she likes right?”

“Sure, let’s go order then.”

Tiffany joined the queue. Yuri stood next to her. The couple was looking up at the menu; discussing what they should get for Irene. Lucky for them; the queue wasn’t long. Soon it was their turn and they took their orders.

Yuri decided to wait outside so she took Tiffany’s working bag first. She was about to step outside when she bumped against someone’s shoulder. Both were trying to get out from the front door but Yuri struggled with her bags. But she looked up and then her face turned pale.

“I’m sorry. My bad.”

The stranger apologized before walking away. Yuri still stood frozen; she couldn’t move. She couldn’t even say anything. Just then, Tiffany stood next to her. She was shocked to find Yuri’s face turned white. It was whiter than her own skin.

“Baby?!”

“I saw her.”

“Huh?”

“I SAW HER. I SAW IM YOONA!”

“WHERE?!”

Yuri pointed to one area. And then Tiffany spotted her as well. But the woman was already walking further away from her.

“KWON YURI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! LET’S GO AFTER HER!”

Tiffany pulled Yuri along with her. Yuri was still stunned.

-