Chapter 7

Morning Lullabies

She was curled between the soft sheets in this cool bright morning. Her body languid from the troubles and aches of these past weeks.

“I would dare say, wake up, sleepyhead!! Excessive sleeping damages brain cells." Youngbae announced

He drew aside the huge curtain to let the sun in. He threw himself unto the bed, " I brought you some flowers." he whispered.
She just grumbled and covered herself with pillows.

"Now..Now I was wondering what my baby has been up to lately that she forgot about me."

"Trying to be the perfect bride-to-be." she said "Bae, are we having breakfast together?" she asked instead

“It’s already lunch time." he replied

"Lunch then."

"Maybe..."

"Don't you need to go to work?" she asked

" I took the day off. You've spent the entire week with Jiyong that that I decided to see you before you disappear again."

" He's not coming." she informed

Surprised. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"He left for Japan this morning."

"Why? What did you do?" he pulled off the pillow from her face.

"I sent him home."

"For good?"

"I wish."

"You seem to enjoy his company." he sat up

"He's nice."

"You like him?" he asked tugging the sleeves of her night shirt gently

"Did you come here to talk about Jiyong, Choi Youngbae?"

"I'm curious.. people are beginning to talk, you know." he leaned back on the head board

"You're just jealous.." she teased

"I should be."

"hahahahah...finally, It dawned on you." she laughed pulling some of the pillows off her.

"Of course, you're engaged...you'll no longer mine..it's only a matter of time "

"But not quite.. you still have a chance, you know." she reached for his hand

"Dara... seriously."

"I'll miss this, just lying next to you. You coming in unannounced in the morning.. I'll also miss your kisses, your embrace.."

"Dara.."

"shhhhh... just give me a couple of hours more and I'll go anywhere with you. ok?"

"Fair enough."

"Bae..."

"Hmmmm..."

"Will you sing me back to sleep, please..."

"It's morning."

" Would you want to run away with me then?." and she proceed to wrap her arms around him and snuggled closer.

~~~~****~~~~

"Are we waiting for somebody?" Dara asked. They've been sitting in this gelateria for some time now that she already dug her spoon on Youngbae' gelato.

"I feel like fulfilling some wishes today."

"huh?"

"Here she comes."

Seungri opened the door to let a three year old girl in yellow dress in.

"Mama!" the girl cried.

"Angela. . ." she cried

"Ma...Papa and I brought this for you. Happy Birthday!!!" she shrieked. The little girl was already clinging unto her when Dara stooped to carry her.

"Thank you, baby." and she gave the child a kiss.

“I love you Mama.” she buried her face on her mother’s neck

" I missed you" She was eyeing the pack of chocolates Angela just gave her and whispered to Youngbae "My birthday is 3 months away"

"We know but she wanted to see you " he smiled " And we wanted to make it special. So It's your birthday." he laughed

"Ma,, I want some ice cream." the child said pointing a finger at the the large picture on the wall.

"Of course, honey." Dara replied. Youngbae then took Angela off her and led child to the ice counter

"I am glad you're back." Seungri whispered " You just made me and 2 others very, very happy. And I'm glad that you seem happy too." he added

"Why, I'm always happy." she replied

"I guess not lately." he said

"Really? What made you say so.?" she asked taking a bite off her cookie

"I haven't seen you laugh in a while.."

" Of course, you have..." she objected

"Noona..."

"Violent reactions are welcome.  Only I don’t want to talk about it." she winked

"What are your plans?" he asked

"What do you mean?"

"About Angela" he replied

"What about her." she fidgeted

"Have you told Jiyong about her."

"I don't think I have to." she replied "Common, the least you can do is be supportive." she pouted

"Tell him before it gets ugly, please. Angela is not something you can keep forever. Hell, everybody knows about Seunghyun hyung " he reached out for her hand.

Seunghyun… her heart aches just the mere mention of his name. “Seunghyun.” She tried his name on once again. She looked away.

"Everybody has a secret." she sighed

"Not this one. I suggest you tell him."

"In time." Time. One thing she wants so much of, but fate played quite a few tricks on her. And whether she likes it of not, she must learn to play by its rules. Angela, she came at a time when all of her roads were blocked. fast and reckless, the child showed her a direction totally different from her own. It was a cold, damp night when Angela came wrapped like a bundle. The baby was lost, very much like how she was feeling that particular night. It was a little past nine, right after dinner during one of her visits to Sr. Martha, she was taking her usual walk to the garden...when she found her.

"Chocolate fudge.." Angela muttered as she settled herself unto Dara's lap

"This little tyke gave me a headache quite a few times." he teased changing the topic

"I love you Uncle Ri!!" Angela declared and offered him a spoonful of ice cream.

"See? She took after you.." Seungri chuckled

"Ma..can I stay with you tonight? Angela asked

"Why don't you ask Papa." she smiled

"Can I, can I?" she asked. "please..." started pulling on Youngbae's sleeves "please.." and she snuggled closer to Dara.  

"My mother would be happy to see her." Dara said wiping the ice cream stain on the child’s face.

"Ok, I'll take care of it." Youngbae replied

"Thanks...so would you like to stay with us too" she winked

~~~***~~~

A loud shriek can be heard on the second floor of the Park's residence. The door of Dara's room opened and out came Mrs. Park
 

"Retiring early, Auntie?" Youngbae asked

"Oh yes, Angela is very much awake though. Only Dara can seem to match her energy." the lady replied

"By the way, Thank you." she smiled "...for bringing her home tonight."

He simply nodded, not really knowing what to say. Mrs. Park already left but he remained rooted just outside Dara's door, trying to figure out whether he should knock or simply open it. the noise have subsided but he doubt if both Angela and Daraare asleep. he entered the rrom with a glass of milk in hand.

“How’s my baby?" he asked

"Papa...” Angela jumped

"Shhh...” Dara held her still

"It's ok, here" he gave Dara the glass

"Mom already brought her some." she informed

"It's for you." he replied

He moved near the bed and took Angela into his arms. "Would you want me to sing you to sleep?" he asked

A/N  I wasn't feeling really well so I opted to up another chapter.  Spreading good vibes to everyone.

Thanks to xara10 and walanghanggan for dropping by. And thank you for reading everyone.