September 26, 2015

It was past midnight by the time Ilana was out of surgery and in recovery.  By the time the Doctor arrived, reviewed her tests and decided on a course of action it was already late.  The Doctor also insisted on waiting for his brother to assist him, even though Jihoo was perfectly capable.  Every little detail just took time, the brother was not long in arriving, but for Jihoo, whose wife had been in severe pain all day long, every second's delay was too long.  He hadn't moved from Ilana's side, except to converse privately with the Doctors.  He even insisted on being in the operating room.  After all, he too was an authorized physician of the hospital.  He took care of her anesthesia and that alone was enough to comfort her.

Jihoo was still in scrubs as he held her hand while the effects of the anesthesia began to wear off.  Her eyes began to open and Jihoo's face was the first thing her they landed on.  "Sarang...the baby...," she said groggily, brows furrowed.

He smiled at her, relieved she was awake.  He kissed her hand and then gave her a quick kiss on the lips.  "Gwenchana, nae sarang, gwenchana.  Sarang will need to rest and take extra supplements, but you'll be fine."

 - "Chincha?"

 - "Deh," he wasn't going to dwell on the fact there was a twenty percent chance she could lose the baby.  Instead, he focused on the 100% promise of God that they would be together and have a child.  Tears welled up in his wife's eyes.  "Yah...," he caressed her cheek lovingly.  "Gwenchana?  Sarang is in pain?"

Ilana shook her head, she did have some discomfort, but she couldn't help being overcome with emotion.  "Na was so scared.   Mianhae, nomu mianhae.  Nae faith wasn't strong enough to not panic."

 - "That's why Sarang has me, to help you up when you fall or don't have the strength to stand.  Sarang would do the same for me, deh?"

Ilana nodded her head; there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for him.  "What happened?"

 - "Sarang should get some rest, na will tell you in the morning."

 - "Anieyo, I want to know."

 - "Stubborn anae," he smiled at her.  "A cyst forms on top of the ovary usually mid-way through your monthly cycle after the egg is released and it fills with hormones to help in conception.  It should go away on its own, but yours ruptured causing you the pain and your ovaries to twist."  He saw Ilana's eyes go wide at this explanation.  "Gwenchana," he kissed her hand again, which he hadn't released.  "The Doctor was successful in untwisting them and everything is back to normal.  We'll just have to be extra careful in the next few weeks and replace those hormones with supplements."  He wasn't about to tell her that one of her ovaries was almost dead from lack of circulation, but praise God it revived itself once the Doctor righted them.

 - “Jihoo-yah, the baby is fine?”

 - “Deh, the baby is fine and so is Sarang.”  He kissed her forehead.  “Get some rest.  Na will be back as soon as I change.”

Ilana didn’t want him to leave and was about to say so when the Doctor walked in.  “Contreras-ssi, na will be leaving soon and wanted to check to see if nampyon explained what we did?”

 - “Deh, kansamnida.”

 - “Contreras-ssi will be in pain once the anesthesia completely wears off, please make sure to notify the nurse and she can give you something for the pain.  Do either of you have any questions?”

Ilana looked at Jihoo; as long as their baby was fine, she had no pressing questions.  “When can I go home?”

The Doctor smiled, “in a few days.  After we assure ourselves the baby is progressing as it should.”

Ilana’s heart sped up.  “Is there a reason it wouldn’t?”

 - “Sarang,” Jihoo wanted to reassure her before she worked herself up.  “There is a minimal risk with any procedure, no different than getting in a car every day.”

 - “Hajiman…”

 - “Yah…,” he said patiently.

 - “Na will see you in a few days; my assistant will check on you tomorrow, deh?  We’ll be getting to know each other over the next few months.”

 - “Mianhae, I made you late for your holiday.”

 - “Gwenchanayo, this is what I do.  I’ll be leaving now.  Ah, it looks like chingu are waiting to greet you.  Annyeong hasseyo, get some rest,” he bowed and turned to walk out the door.

The F4 men waited as patiently as was possible with JunPyo's pacing and muttering and threatening the poor staff.  As soon as the Doctor told them she was out of surgery and now recovering in her room and to wait five minutes before entering; of course, JunPyo didn't wait and was on the Dr.'s heels following him to the room.

 - "Yah, JunPyo, wait up."  WooBin pulled him back to let the Doctor say what he needed to say.  They had sent the woman home, protesting over an hour before.  They had been at the hospital for hours before Ilana was even seen by the Doctor.  JaeKyung and GaEul were quite pregnant and their husbands wanted them home, safely away from hospital germs.  JanDi was just plain tired from running back and forth, making phone calls, ordering Ilana's tests and seeing they were carried out, sitting with Ilana to keep her calm and finally waiting for the doctor to arrive.  She was also sent home and if she had to go home, then she would take Harabeoji with her.  He was rapidly drooping where he sat.  The entire afternoon had been extremely stressful, and she worried about his heart.  "Harabeoji, did you take your medicine?"

 - "Aigoo, is the disciple trying to teach the master?"  He complained.

 - "Anieyo, the disciple doesn't want to lose her stubborn master to a heart attack because he forgot to take his medicine."

 - "Aigoo, gwenchana, JanDi-yah should worry about her own health," he'd seen her a little less alert these last few afternoons and evenings.

 - "Deh, Harabeoji," JunPyo interrupted the playful scolding of the two.  "She works too hard and comes home worn out."

 - "Deh and nampyon wears me out more when I get home."

 - "Aish," JunPyo scowled.  "This is how anae speaks to me?"

 Everyone was used to the husband and wife's bickering and laughed.  "Kajayo, Harabeoji," GaEul said.

 - "Deh, JanDi, the namja will call us if anything happens," JaeKyung hadn't realized how tired she was.  The hospital chairs were not the most comfortable.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo!"  The F4 men greeted Jihoo and Ilana.

 - "Okay bro?"  WooBin clasped a hand on Jihoo's shoulder.

 - "Deh, Yesu be praised, we'll get through this," he smiled at Ilana.  "Can the namja keep Ilana company while I change?"

 - "Greomyo," JunPyo said.

 - "Gwenchana, Sarang?"

Ilana hesitated, not wanting him to leave, but ended up nodding her head.  He had to be exhausted from a twelve-hour flight and instead of getting to relax and enjoy the holiday; he had to rush to the hospital because of her.

 - "Na will be back in less than five minutes, deh?"

 - "Gwenchana, take your time if you want to shower."

 - "Chincha?"

 - "Deh, mianhae."

 - "Hajimaseyo," he said firmly.  "Na will be back soon," he kissed her forehead.  "Take care of her for a few minutes."

 - "Deh,” JunPyo said as his friend walked out of the room.  "Yah!  Ilana-yah, don't scare us like that again?"

 - "Mianhaeyo," she said.  "Na disrupted everyone's day, mianhaeyo."

 - "JunPyo!"  The other two slapped his head for being insensitive.

 - "Mwo?!  Mariya (just saying)."

 - "Ilana-yah, gwenchanayo, these things happen," YiJung said.

 - "Deh,” WooBin followed.  "At least you were at the clinic when it happened."

 - "Namja, Gomawoyo," Ilana felt herself getting emotional.

 - "Jeongmal, Ilana is part of our family, now.  If you need help with anything, while you recover, let us know."  JunPyo said.  "WooBin is better at the construction business than I am and YiJung has many great contacts."

 - "Anae is great at business proposals, you should let her be an investor," WooBin said.  "Ilana-yah knows she'll just talk the potential client to death so that he agrees just to keep her quiet."

 - "Anieyo gwenchanayo!  Na could never expect you to help?  "

 - "Deh, anything Ilana needs, just let us know,” Yi Jung agreed with the rest of his friends.

 - "Anieyo!  I'll just be down for a few days!  Gomawoyo!"

They spent several minutes trying to explain to her that she would not be able to properly run two offices in two different countries and deal with pregnancy on her own.

 - "Arraseo," she said, too tired to argue anymore.  "If a situation occurs, na will ask for help, deh?"

 - "Deh!  That's what we wanted to hear," JunPyo said satisfied.

Jihoo walked in then, freshly showered and in clean scrubs, his clothes were dirty from travel and didn't want to risk his wife getting an infection.  "You guys are still here?"

 - "Deh, we convinced Ilana to let us help her."

 - "JunPyo-ssi, I said if I needed help."  Ilana grimaced, starting to feel a little pain.

Jihoo was immediately at her side.  "You guys can argue about that later.  Anae needs to rest."

 - "Deh, the yeoja will be calling soon," YiJung said, expecting his phone to announce a message any second.

 - "Annyeonghi gyeseyo!"  They all said.

 - "Bro, call if you need anything,” WooBin reminded Jihoo before filing out with the rest of them.

They were very sweet, but Ilana was grateful they were gone, she was in a little more pain and very much tired.  "Sarang can rest now, they're gone."

Ilana answered his smile, with her own, they both thought the same thing.  "Sarang, they're very sweet, I'm just getting tired.  What time is it?"

 - "Close to one, after I pull out the futon, na will turn off the lights."

 - “Sarang…do you have to sleep all the way over there?”

 - “Pabo,” he said, “Na can hurt you,” he sat on the bed for a moment to hold her hand.

 - “Bogoshipatso.”

 - “Nado bogoshipatso,” his wife had the most forlorn look on her face, he had to smile.  “Just until Sarang falls asleep, deh?”  He moved over to her free side, without the IV.

Ilana was in a little bit of pain at Jihoo’s movement, no matter how careful he was.  He froze momentarily until she let out her breath.  “Gwenchana, Sarang, just for a little, juseyo?”

He leaned his head against hers, which was all he could do and tucked her free arm in his.  “Kansamnida Yesu, for taking care of anae, Naega holding on to your promise and know that she and the child will be fine.  Whatever challenges this pregnancy may face, we know to count on Yesu for guidance and care.  Kansamnida for Harabeoji and JanDi and the clinic, Yesu, Na have so many things to be thankful for this Chuseok.  Yesu has given us so many blessings.  Kan-sam-nida," he yawned.  He shifted his head to see his wife was asleep.   "Saranghae."  A second later he too was asleep.

Aside from having to give blood work early in the morning, Ilana slept through most of the night.  Jihoo woke early to check on her.  She hadn't moved.  Her vitals were normal and didn't feel as if she had a fever.  He moved to the futon and slept several more hours.

JanDi woke in the morning, realizing she hadn't had her period since before their trip to the states.  She had to stare at the calendar for a while and try to remember what happened each week.  If Ilana was seven weeks pregnant, it was possible she was eight weeks pregnant.  Had she been working that hard she didn't notice?  She stared at herself in the bathroom mirror, her stomach had mostly gone flat again after InHei, could she see a bump?  She had been tired more often lately and she remembered how she had cried at the Church listening to Ilana's story.  She threw her hair back in a ponytail and got dressed.  Deciding she needed to find out, she would head to the hospital and check on Ilana.  Returning to the bedroom, she smiled.  InHei was curled up with JunPyo.  JanDi and InHei were always up early, but her daughter could easily fall back asleep if Daddy was still in bed.  She kissed her two sleepyheads and left the room to inform the head housekeeper she would be out for a little while.

It was the start of the holiday and many of the regular staff had these days off, but she asked a favor from the head nurse in the VIP wing.  "Unnie!  You're working today?"

 - "Deh, I let one of my other staff have this holiday.  I'm not traveling, and I don't have family coming.  JanDi-ah is here to check on her patient?"

 - "Deh and to ask a favor…naega haengbokhaeyo (I am happy) Unnie is here.  Na would like to ask for a favor?”

 - "Deh, if it's in my Power to grant it...?"  The nurse was curious, JanDi never asked for personal favors.

 - "Na might be eight weeks pregnant.  Can na use one of the technicians to draw my blood work, as the public laboratory is closed until Tuesday?"

The Nurse smiled.  "Deh, we can do that quickly for you.  JanDi-yah must be ecstatic?"

 - "Deh...and nervous.  Dtal is seven; Na will have to start all over again"

 - "Gwenchanayo, JanDi-yah can't forget how to be Umma."

 - "Deh!"  JanDi laughed.

 - "Come into the office and Na will have one of the technicians draw your blood."

 - "Kansamnida," JanDi inclined her head.

JanDi had about two hours to kill until she received her results.  Walking into Ilana's room, she figured two hours would fly by keeping her Sunbae and his wife company.  She also had the hormone injection for Ilana, per the OB's instructions.  "Sunbae, Ilana?"  She called at the door.  They were both still asleep.

Not wanting to wake Jihoo, JanDi very carefully woke Ilana.  This took longer than expected.

 - "Sarang?"  Ilana woke a bit confused.

JanDi brought her finger to her lips and gestured to the futon, hoping not to wake up Jihoo.  Ilana nodded her head with a smile, her poor husband had come directly to the hospital after a twelve-hour flight when he had expected to meet his wife at the airport and pass a leisurely evening with her and Harabeoji.  "How does Ilana feel?"  JanDi asked.

 - "Gwenchanayo," that is until she tried to move.  "Ow!"  She didn't mean to cry out, but the effort left her trembling in pain.

Jihoo was awake instantly.  "Sarang?"  He got up and moved to stand beside JanDi.  "Gwenchana?"

 - "Deh," JanDi assured him, while Ilana recovered.  "Ilana tried to move too fast."

 - "Chinchayo?"  He looked at his wife anxiously.

Ilana nodded and smiled somewhat recovered.  "Mianhae, I woke you up," she looked at him in concern.

Jihoo ran a hand down his face.  "Gwenchana, as long as Sarang is fine."

 - "Sunbae, if you want to get breakfast, na will stay with her.  Na planned to be here for another hour and a half at least."

 - "JanDi Unnie doesn't have too; go home to your family."

 - "Deh, JanDi, naega not hungry yet."

 - "Anieyo, Na have to wait for some lab results and Ilana is nae patient for a change."

 - "Mianhae," Ilana said.  She'd disrupted everyone's holiday.  "JanDi-ah, Na will be able to go home today, majayo?"

 - "Mollah, Uissa has to decide, hajiman Na don't think so."

 - "Gwenchanayo, na would rather have Sarang and dtal safe."  He insisted on thinking of the baby as a little girl.  "Sarang will stay however long she needs to."

 - "Hajiman...it's our first Chuseok!"

 - "Sarang, every day since we were married I’ve been thankful and will a celebration make me more thankful for anae and now dtal?"  He saw her eyes getting suspiciously moist and he leaned over giving her a quick kiss.  "No protesting.”

Even JanDi’s eyes were getting moist.  This quiet gentle man, her Sunbae, seeing him so full of life and love for his wife, was something no one could have imagined.  They all thought he might not ever marry or eventually settle for an arranged marriage that could never bring him happiness.  JanDi cleared .  “Sunbae, rest, Na will take care of Ilana.”

 - “Deh, Sarang.  Rest, juseyo?”

JanDi knew Jihoo would not rest unless forced to.  “Ilana-yah, Na will help you up to use the restroom, deh?”  She saw Ilana’s look of terror at moving.  “Slowly and then Na will call the nurse to bring you pain medicine.”

 - “Unnie, it won’t that hurt the baby?”

 - “Gwenchana, Sarang, if it was going to hurt dtal, they wouldn’t offer it to you.”

 - “Chincha?”

 - “If Sarang constantly worries, she’ll harm the baby,” Jihoo had to be stern or his wife would worry.

 - “Deh,” she couldn’t help worrying.  God promised Jihoo a child, their child.  But what if she did something to disrupt that plan?  Did she inadvertently do something to cause her present situation?  Should she have been paying better attention to her body all this time?  But if she did, wouldn’t that be worrying.  She mustered a smile for her husband.  “Sarang, get some food, JanDi Unnie will keep me company?”

 - “Deh?”

 - “Sarang, did you even eat yesterday evening?”  He didn’t have to answer, she saw him quickly school his face.  “Sarang will not tell me he’s not hungry, ka!”

 - “Sunbae, don’t argue with your anae.  Sunbae doesn’t trust me?”  JanDi teased.

 - “Arraseo, na will return shortly,” he kissed his wife on the forehead.

Jihoo left, sensing his wife would want to see if JanDi told her anything different.  He understood she was afraid, he was too, but he had to trust in God’s promise or he would sink.  He took a bowl of soup from the cafeteria, truly not that hungry.  He mainly wanted to be with his wife.  He paused before eating.  “Yesu, infuse her with your strength.  Ara Anae believes you and wants to hold on to your promise, but the enemy likes to fill her mind with doubt.  Ara Yesu promised, hajiman I need to ask again:  let her and the baby be well.  Be it Yesu’s will if he gives us another child after; just bless anae with this child.  Let this be our time, juseyo.”

It took learning to move slowly and breathe through the pain, but Ilana, with JanDi’s help, made it to the bathroom and did what she had to do.  They slowly made their way back and repeated the process.  It was difficult and painful, but she would get used to it.  JanDi helped her brush her teeth and wash her face.

Ilana wanted to ask JanDi if Jihoo was telling her the truth; that there was nothing to worry about.  She didn’t think he’d lie to her, from the moment she had pneumonia he told her everything and then some.  But, she wanted to know the risks.  There had to be, she wanted to be prepared and prayed.  JanDi had begun to braid her hair, thankfully it was clean.  One of the reasons she was running late Friday morning was having washed her it that morning instead of the night before.

 - “Unnie? 

 - “Mmm?”

 - “Are the baby and I going to be fine?”

JanDi stopped braiding for a second to answer, “guerae!”

 - “Are there any risks I need to be worried about?”

 - “Any procedure has risks, Ilana knows this?”

 - “What type of risk does what happened to me and the procedure after have?”

 - “Minimal, Sunbae already told Ilana.”

 - “Can I get an unbiased second opinion?”

 - “It’s a small percentage and only because the cyst was producing hormones you need for the development of the baby.  That’s why Na gave you hormones by injection.”

 - “What’s the percentage?”  Business was all about numbers and percentages and Ilana wanted to know what were the odds of her keeping this little business that had begun in her.  JanDi, she could tell did not want to tell her.  By order of her husband, she wondered?  “Juseyo?”

JanDi smiled, “eighty percent that Ilana will have a successful pregnancy.”

Ilana let out her breath.  Eighty percent was high, but ninety would have been better.  “Yesu!”  She closed her eyes.  “Help me surrender to you and not worry.”

 - “Ilana-yah gwenchana?”

 - “Deh,” she smiled.  “Gomawoyo.”  The Lord had blessed Hannah with her child, why wouldn’t he bless her and Jihoo.  “Mianhaeyo,” she thought to herself.

 - “Ilana-yah…” once she had Ilana’s attention, she proceeded.  “May I share a secret?”  She shouldn’t say anything yet but was going to burst and thought it had to be a sign that Ilana and the baby would be fine.  She bit her lip, not knowing how to start; she was still trying to believe it herself.  “Anieyo, Na will tell you later.”  She wanted to tell her after she was sure.  JanDi resumed braiding Ilana’s long hair, leaving her patient confused.  “Ja-jaannnn!”  JanDi placed her comb back in her purse and retrieved a mirror.  “Choahyo?”

Ilana looked in the mirror, her hair had been French braided into a fishtail.  “Choahyo, gomawoyo.”

 - “Anieyo, are Ilana’s lips dry?  Would you like a lip balm?  Na will call Sunbae to bring it for you.”

 - “Anieyo, na think I have some in my purse, hajiman, Na don’t know where that is?”

 - “Ara!!  It’s in the closet.”

Jihoo had left his wife and JanDi alone for almost an hour.  He had called WooBin to bring him clothes for a few days, not knowing when she would be released.  He thought most likely after the holiday.  Having prayed, eaten, and changed, he was on his way back upstairs when he spotted the gift shop.  There was a stuffed cat, resembling Joy.  This one had a little more white in its fur, but that was fine.  They also had books on pregnancy in English and Hangul.  He picked up one in English.  There was a nice variety of picture frames from which to choose and a pretty assortment of scarves.  He didn't remember if she packed very many and the weather would begin to change by the time they left.  She was going to scold him, but it was not every day you find out your wife is pregnant with your first child.

A nurse knocked on Ilana's door.   "Jeogiyo, JanDi-ssi, the lab results you requested are back."

 - "Unnie Kansamnida!"  JanDi inclined her head and took the paper from the nurse’s hand.

 - "Fighting!"  The nurse said before she left.

JanDi looked at the paper; there was a detection of hCG hormone.  She looked up the number from a website on her phone.

Ilana was getting tired again, her eyes had closed momentarily and then she remembered JanDi was still in the room.  JanDi had a worried, yet happy look on her face.  In truth, Ilana couldn't really tell what JanDi was thinking or feeling.  Her face was an array of emotions.  "JanDi Unnie?  Gwenchanayo?"

 - "Deh," JanDi smiled excitedly.  "Ilana-yah, now Na will tell you my secret, but promise not to tell Sunbae?"

Ilana hesitated, "Unnie, na can't do that."

 - "Keep my secret one day, Juseyo?  Nampyon will call Sunbae after dinner tomorrow and let him know, yagsoghae (I promise)."

 - "Chinchayo?"

 - "Deh."

 - "Arraseo," Ilana conceded, hoping she didn't get into trouble or cause trouble.  "If Na think nampyon should know, na will not wait."

 - "Greomyo!"  JanDi made sure Jihoo wasn't coming.  He couldn't know before JunPyo.  "Ara your baby will be fine.  Wae?"  JanDi answered Ilana's questioning gaze.  "Because my baby will need a chingu his or her own age."

 - "Mworago?  Unnie is saying...?"

 - "Deh!  Our babies will be born one week apart, Naega eight weeks pregnant."

 - "JanDi!!!"  Ilana wanted to hug the woman but forgot she'd just had surgery.  "Ow!  Ow!  Ow!"

Jihoo was outside the door and heard his wife, by the time he ran in, dropped everything on the futon, and ran again to her side, she was smiling.  Although it was evident she was in pain.  "Sarang!  Chinchayo?  What did na tell you about scaring me?!"

 - "Mianhae Sunbae, na made her laugh."

Jihoo shook his head at the two, glad they were getting closer.  Even if Ilana had her own friends in Seoul, he didn't want her to feel left out amongst the F4.  "Sarang needs to be more careful."

 - "Na will leave; I have to get ready for Chuseok.  Annyeong hasseyo!"

They watched JanDi leave and Jihoo kissed his wife, careful not to lean on her.  "Bogoshipatso.  Yippeun," he ran a hand over her braid.  "JanDi did that for you?"

 - "Deh, Sarang."

 - "Pigonhaeyo, will Sarang lay with me for a little bit?"

 - "Ani," he laughed at his wife's hurt expression, which then turned angry.  "Na brought you company."  He placed the stuffed cat on her chest.

 - "It's Joy!"  Ilana was delighted.  "Where did Sarang find it?"

 - "At the gift shop downstairs; along with this balloon for the patient."  It read 'get well soon'.  "And if Sarang gets cold…,” he took the pashmina scarf and wrapped it around her shoulders.  It was a beautiful plum color, perfect for fall.

 - "Sarang!  Wae?!"

 - "It's not every day, nae aleumdaun anae finds out she's pregnant," he sat carefully on the bed and kissed her tenderly and sweetly.

She held his hand, "bogoshipatso.”

 - "Sarang is feeling better?"

 - "Ani, I need more of nampyeon’s kisses.”  Ilana gave him the saddest look she could muster in such short notice and not burst out laughing.

 - "Chinchayo?"  Ilana nodded, and he placed a light kiss on her lips.

They lay side by side getting drowsy, Ilana was still in pain when she moved but for now, she didn't have too.  "Mianhaeyo, Sarang," Ilana yawned.

 - "Wae?"

 - "This is not the way Na wanted to greet you."

 - "Ara, Sarang can make it up to me when she feels better.  Greon, behave, listen to Uissa, get rest, and then Sarang can greet me all she wants."  He kissed her hand, from this position he couldn't move that much or risk hurting her.

Ilana fell asleep at peace and a small smile, thinking of JanDi's revelation.   "Yesu, may all the babies be healthy, JeongHee, Hana and JanDi's and mine.  Na think you're telling me everything will be fine, even if it's not now, Yesu, Na believe it would still be soon.   Na want my baby to have that bond of the F4.  I don't know how it will work living in two different countries, but Na have faith Yesu will work it all out."  Ilana slept peacefully and without worries, gathering strength for the baby.

When they woke from their nap, Ilana got right to work reading the pregnancy week by week book, Jihoo had brought her.  Just like the real Joy, the stuffed Joy never left her side.

September 27, 2015

Chuseok day brought with it, visitors.   Ilana could get up more often and although there was still pain, the more she got up, the better she endured.  Harabeoji and housekeeper were the first to greet them in the morning.  They had already been to the cemetery to visit Jihoo’s parents.  “Jihoo-yah is disturbing the patient!"  Harabeoji's gruff voice woke them up.  Jihoo was still on the bed with his wife, having slept all night without waking.  He too felt a peace surrounding them and praised God for it.

 - "Harabeoji!!"  Ilana tried to sit up and as usual, forgot why she was there in the first place.  She drew in her breath as she felt the pain in her midsection.

 - "Sarang!  Careful!"

 - "Mianhae!  I forget," she complained.

 - "Hajima!”  Jihoo scolded her for apologizing for the 100^th time quickly rose from the bed and gave his Grandfather a keunjeol big bow.  “Annyeong hashiminika Harabeoji, Ajumma." 

Ilana was a little saddened she could not greet Harabeoji in the same manner; although, her sadness quickly vanished as he gave them both a bag of songpyeon.  Songpyeon was the Chuseok traditional treat she had most been looking forward to.  Finely ground new rice dough kneaded into small round shapes and filled with sesame seeds, chestnuts, and red bean sweet and nutty goodness.  “Kansamnida Harabeoji!"

Housekeeper was busy with a thermos that she set on the hospital tray and brought it before Ilana.  "Eat child, you need to regain your strength for your babe.  There’s butternut squash porridge for later and Na will bring you more treats tomorrow, deh?"

Harabeoji didn't miss his Grandson's unspoken question.  "Deh child, Uissa said she'd be able to have liquids today.  Depending on how you do, they will also be removing the IV.  While nampyon and you were sleeping, na have already done my investigation."

 - "Jal moke get sumnida!!"  Ilana was excited to have the soup.  It had been two days since she'd eaten anything.  She tried to eat cautiously, but the soup was light and delicious, and it went down so easily, she couldn't get enough.

Jihoo laughed, “Sarang!  Slow down.”

 - “Masheesuhyo!  I can’t help it.”

 - “Meokda, jeolm-eun hoejang (Eat, Young Chairman), juseyo.  Jeolm-eun hoejang needs his strength as well,” the housekeeper admonished.

 - "Jal moke get sumnida,” Jihoo obediently replied.  Their housekeeper was like Nana, given the opportunity.  Fortunately, Jihoo was rarely home or awake when the woman was there.  Ilana husband trying to block his spoon with hers.  “Yah!”  She continued, trying hard not to laugh.  “What happened to Sarang’s promise to submit to me as unto Christ?  Na don’t think withholding food from nampyeon is keeping that promise.”

Ilana couldn’t keep it in any longer and began to laugh.  “Ow!!  That hurts!!”  It hurt to laugh and she lay back against the pillows to recover.  Jihoo took advantage and stole a few spoonfuls of the soup.  “Sarang, made me laugh,” Ilana pouted.  She breathed deeply trying to still her laughter or feel the pain all over again.

 - “Ah, mian, Sarang,” he schooled his face to only include that mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

 - “Deh!!  Nomu mian,” she mocked.

The elders looked on with gladness, what could have been tragic was averted and the couple was at peace and keeping faith that the child Ilana carried would continue to grow healthy and strong.

 - “Meokda, Sarang,” Jihoo fed her.

 - “Anieyo, I can do it,” she protested as he continued to bring the spoon to and she continued to accept.

 - “Just let me, Sarang.  Sarang is eating too fast and will end up appayo.”

It was too late; Ilana was already getting full to bursting.  “Hajima, Sarang, I’m going to burst.”

 - “Arraseo, we’ll see how you hold the soup in and later Na will let you have a rice cake.”

Ilana couldn’t think of even looking at the rice cake, her stomach really was hurting now.  “Much later, Sarang.”

 - “Kids, are you up for stop-go?  Adul, Na have brought your violin.  Remember your parents loved to hear you play for the holidays?”

 - “Deh!  Harabeoji, Na will play if you allow me to pay you later.  Harabeoji always wins.”

 - “Be careful, Sarang, he cheats.”

 - “He goes easy on me because I’m his favorite granddaughter,” she mock whispered in her husband’s ear, making Harabeoji laugh.

The housekeeper had excused herself to visit her own family and Harabeoji and the other three played stop-go for a while.  Ilana lost as usual, while Jihoo and his Harabeoji fought to the death.  It was anyone’s guess who would win.  They both had mastered the ‘poker’ face.  The nurse came in to remove Ilana’s IV and give her the daily injection and they still played on.  When Jihoo finally lost or let his Grandfather win (it was anyone’s guess), he picked up his treasured violin and played ‘Arirang’ for his Grandfather.  Nurses came to hear the SoAm cultural foundation heir and musical genius, play.  A few patients also gathered in the halls to hear the music.

Harabeoji left somewhere in the mid-afternoon after telling them stories of Jihoo’s parents, especially how they traveled far and wide to listen to renowned musicians and also discovering new talent.  It was their dream to have the conservatory and Harabeoji was able to implement it once he came to terms with the grief of losing his beloved son and daughter in law and hurting his only Grandson.  It was the least he thought he could do.

All around Seoul the other F4 families gathered for a festive meal.  This tradition had only begun after they had married.   During the four year absence of JunPyo and YiJung, JanDi and GaEul had made it a habit to include Jihoo, Harabeoji, and WooBin in their family’s celebrations.  Once married, the wives commenced upholding this tradition in their own homes.   In The Gu family, JanDi, her Mom, and JunHee took over the kitchen, leaving the servants free to visit their own families.   This year, the trio was shocked to find an extra hand in the kitchen.  Mrs. Kang removed the last bit of pride she had and offered to help.   They gave her the simple task of forming the songpyeon.  JunHee and InHei worked side by side with her making other treats while JanDi and her Mom made the bulgogi and boiled chicken.  Laughter was heard echoing from the kitchen, even from Mrs. Kang.

Tears leaked from Mr. Gu's eyes, hearing his wife's laughter.  He didn't really remember much of the far past.  He knew they hadn't lived well; completely absorbed in the business, they neglected the children.  His poor wife had declared him dead all for the sake of the business.  He could never be angry with her, faced with investors pulling out and contracts canceled, would he have done the same?  Karma had dealt them both a heavy blow or was it God?  He'd heard his son and family were frequenting a Christian Church and had even heard his little Granddaughter praying for them all.  He knew that the innocent prayers of a child had to be heard by God.

 - "Abeoji, gwenchana?"  He'd seen the tears leak from his eyes.

His Father inclined his head, still not having full speech capacity after the .  It took him time to form the words, but they could be formed and- he could carry out a conversation with care, but at the moment he was just enjoying the listening of it all.

 - "We received a letter from Geum Kang San the other day; Na forgot to tell his Noona."  JanDi's father suddenly remembered the letter from his son, who enlisted earlier in the Marine Corp this year.  "He went back after his leave refreshed and is working hard to get another promotion.  We're so proud of adul and dtal."  KangSan had a fast working brain and was hard working.  He finished Shinwa High School early and had just graduated from Shinwa University when he enlisted.   His intelligent brain knew he could use it to get far in the Marine Corp and that would later secure him a coveted position at a large corporation.   He loved JunPyo as his Hyeong but knew he could go far on his own, without Shinwa group.   He'd learn all he could from the outside world, then go to Shinwa.  It wasn't that he wanted to compete against his Brother-In-law, but he didn't want a token family position, either.  He would go to Shinwa with his own merits and accomplishments.

JunPyo noticed his Father signaling that he wanted to say something.  "Deh, Abeoji?"

His Father rose slowly from his seat and walked to JunPyo with the aid of his cane.  "Naega proud of adul.  He's...a better man than...me.  Jandi..." he looked to Mr. Guam, "...made difference.  Kansamnida."

 - "Anieyo!"  Mr. Guam replied.  "Gu JunPyo is a good adul.  He works hard and loves his family."

JunPyo blushed under the gaze of his two Fathers.

The woman had just set the table.  "Abeojim!  Appa!  Yeobo!"  JanDi called.  "Let's eat."

JunHee came to help her Father and sat him to the left of JunPyo, where her Mother was already serving him.  "Gwenchana, Yeobo?"  He smiled at Mrs. Kang and took her hand in thanks.  She was no longer his business partner, but his life partner.  It took their children to show them the errors of their ways; he supposed one could learn from the youth after all.

Once everyone was seated, JunPyo took JanDi's hand.  "Na want to thank Yesu this year for all the blessings he's given us."  Mrs. Kang was surprised at her sons’ words, but not displeased.  JunHee smiled proudly at her brother.  He'd grown up well.  "Kansamnida, Yesu, that you've blessed our family and chingu for our hard work.  JanDi serves your people well and Na try my best for our employees.  Hokshina Na can do better, Na will continue to work hard and listen for your guidance.  Amen."

 - "Amen!"  Everyone responded.

JanDi was a little nervous, should she say something now or later?  Perhaps it would be best to just blurt it out.  "Yeobo," she got JunPyo's attention.  "I have something to say."

JunPyo looked at her confused as he had begun to dive into the bulgogi.  "Deh?"

 - "I'm pregnant."

 - "Mwo?!"  JunPyo went pale for a second as the whole table erupted in congratulations and well wishes.

 - "Yeobo?"  She sat nervously, waiting for his reaction as did everyone else.

A wide grin suddenly split JunPyo's face and his eyes sparkled.  "Wau.  Omo!  Wau!!  InHei-ah!  Did you hear Umma?  You'll have a dongsaeng!"

 - "Deh!!!  Appa!  Na can't wait to tell Isabel Unnie!"

JunPyo finally looked at his wife, who quickly looked down, embarrassed at the attention.  She should have just waited to tell him privately.  Next thing she knew he lifted her face and kissed her fervently in front of the entire family.   InHei giggled, while everyone around the table smiled at the happy parents.  "Kansamnida," he told her.  "Wau!"  He was giddy and restless in his seat; all thoughts of eating went out the door.  He jumped out of his seat and he bolted out of his seat to stand behind his wife.  Leaning over to hug her tightly and kiss her cheek.

 - "Yah!!  Micheoseo!!"  She smacked his head as it was still next to her face.

 - "Deh!  Always for Anae."

 - "JunPyo!  Let JanDi eat, she needs her strength for the baby,” his sister said.

 - "Ah deh!  Meokda."  He took a heaping serving of bulgogi in his chopsticks and brought to .

 - "JunPyo!  I can feed myself," JanDi said, irritated, to the hilarity of the onlookers."

 - "Na just want to see that you eat well."

 - "Aigoo," her Mother responded.  "When has Jandi not eaten well?"  More laughter shook the table.

The other F4 families also gathered around their own Thanksgiving feast.  YiJung held GaEul's hand as her Mother told them stories of when she was a little girl and brought every injured creature home.  "We thought for sure she'd be a veterinarian," she said.

YiJung smiled at his own Mother.  He felt sad for her, she couldn't tell the stories like GaEul's parents could, too busy being drunk or in the hospital for attempted suicide, she didn’t see them grow up.  It was GaEul's sweet nature and of course, their son that brought him home.  The studio apartment was perfect while they were still newlyweds, but there wasn't another bedroom for JeongYul.  YiJeong would have just bought them a house, but GaEul made him forgive his Mother and move back home with her.  His Father still lived alone.  GaEul never visited, but YiJeong and JeongYul did on occasion.  They invited him for Chuseok, but too stubborn and set in his ways, he didn't come.  His brother and EunJi had two children and JeongYul was happy with the attention of his older cousins.  The restaurant and EunJi’s pottery school were a success and they lived comfortably.  It wasn't the same standard of living that YiJung had, as the heir, but their reward came from knowing that what they earned was theirs; free of stipulations and strings.  YiJung and GaEul were also happy and free.  The day his Grandfather or Father tried to manipulate their lives, was the day he pulled all his pieces from the museum and became independent of the So family fortune.

 - "Yeobo look!"  EunJae glanced over to where the children played and was surprised to see her youngest taking her first steps.

Getting up out of his chair, YiJung crouched a few feet from the wobbling toddler.  "Agassi.  Eeliwah."  He motioned to the toddler with his hands.  "Eeliwah!"  His niece interested in what her uncle might have for her, focused all her attention and closed the gap between them with a huge grin on her face.  "Wau!  Such a brave Agassi!"  He kissed the baby's cheek and she threw her head back in laughter.  "That's how Agassi wants to play?"

 - "YiJung-ah, be careful," the Mother said.

 - "Wae?  Agassi likes it doesn't she?"  YiJung dipped the child upside down.  She shrieked in delight and when he raised her back up, she demanded it again.

 - "Nampyon is not allowed near JeongHee," GaEul threatened her husband.

 - "It's good for her, isn't it?"

 - "Mianhae, Jesu (younger brother's wife), when it comes to Dtal, it's all about Appa, deh?"  IlHyun stood and took his daughter back from his little brother.  "Dongsaeng-ah, soon you'll have your own, stop stealing mine."

 - "Appa!"  JeongYul raised his arms to YiJung.  "Ah, little rascal wants the same treatment?  Arraso, adul asked for it."  He swung his son upside down, making him cry out in laughter.

 - "Ajussi!  We want a turn!"  His two nephews, ages three and five, clamored for their Uncle's attention.

The So mansion had been silent long enough and was finally learning to laugh.

WooBin and JaeKyung enjoyed an elegant dinner with her family at an exclusive restaurant in Seoul.  They had planned to spend the holiday with YiJung and GaEul, but her parents showed up unannounced Saturday.  Of course, JaeKyung was overjoyed even if she had been looking forward to spending time with their friends.

- "Umma!  Appa!  What are you doing here?!"

Her Mother clucked her tongue "is that any way to greet your parents?"

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, Eommoni, Abeojim," WooBin properly greeted them.  "Abeoji must know how pregnancy affects the yeoja's mind."

 - "Song WooBin!"  JaeKyung yelled.

 - "You children didn't have plans already, did you?"

 - "WooBin and I..."

 - "...were just going to have the cook make something festive for us," WooBin stopped his wife from making her parents feel badly about coming."

 - "Let's just go to a restaurant and dtal can catch us up on your life here."

As they ate, JaeKyung did more talking than eating.  "I can't believe Hana will be here in about six weeks!  It seems like we just got pregnant.  I'm still angry Uissa didn't let me go to California.  I would've gotten a second opinion, but nampyon wouldn't let me."  She didn't pause but glared at her husband.  "Umma, they had so much fun.  Ilana's company has a beach house, it looked daeback!  Jihoo and Ilana are in town.  Umma, she's pregnant!  Omo, Umma, she needed emergency surgery.  Jihoo says she and their dtal will be fine."  Every time WooBin thought JaeKyung would pause, she didn't.  "If only JanDi was pregnant and then all the F4 wives would be pregnant together for a little while.  Wouldn't that be daeback?  Then they could be the second generation F4.  But maybe InHei and JeongYul will feel left out, wouldn't they?"  Before anyone could answer she was at it again.  "Abeoji, remember the Kim's?"  There was no reason for them not to remember.  "Jaejoong Uissa will have his Adul's 100th day after the holiday.  Did you know they are in town?  Umma!  Jaejoong Anae and I became such good friends during the time we were in LA, I can't wait to see them all, especially JaeWook and Isabel."  She opened to start on a new topic and WooBin quickly stuffed with rice and bulgogi.

WooBin was used to his wife; if he let her she'd talk all night and not eat.  He wondered if it was a side effect of growing up alone.  It was evident from the looks on her parent's faces; they didn't know this side of her.  "Jagi, Hana is hungry.  Eommoni and Abeoji will be here for a few days, you can talk to them later."

 - "Mm!   Masheesuyo!  Na didn't realize how hungry I was.  Umma, Abeoji, haengbokhaeyo that you're here."  Now that she had food to distract her, she spoke calmly and much less.

 - "Eat well for Hana," WooBin said.  Many women at this stage suffered from heartburn and couldn't eat much.  This was not the case with his wife.  He just had to remind her to eat and her usual hearty appetite would come through.  Now that she was quiet, he could start a normal conversation with her parents.  "Will Abeoji stay until Hana comes?"

 - "Anieyo, nae and JaeKyung Eommoni will be back closer to the event."

 - "Deh," her Mother agreed.  "Yeobo, our baby will have her own baby soon."

 - "Deh Umma," Mr. Ha tapped his wife's hand lovingly.

 - "Adul, Kansamnida for taking such good care of her."

 - "Anieyo gwenchanayo, JaeKyung and now Hana mean everything to me."

 - "Deh!"  Her Mother answered.  "How does WooBin enjoy the birthing classes?"

WooBin knew his Mother-in-Law was teasing him and laughed.  Yes, the mafia prince taking birthing classes with his wife was comical if you really thought about it.

 - "WooBin will be right by my side the entire time, deh?"

 - "Maja," he hoped he wouldn't embarrass himself by fainting.  YiJung had gotten through just fine.  A little weather-beaten from GaEul's screams and the grip on his hand, but otherwise fine.  JunPyo was a completely different story.  He was fine up until the cutting of the umbilical cord and he passed out.  JanDi was so angry at him afterward.

 - "JeogiYo?"  JaeKyung called the waitress, "more mandoo and galbi, juseyo?"

Her parents were in shock at their daughter and WooBin just laughed.  Thank goodness his wife had remained active and retained most of her petite frame or she would be in for a rude awakening when she finally delivered and had to lose all the excess baby weight

  - "Wae?"  JaeKyung said as everyone's eyes were on her as she munched on what was left of the Japchae."

 - "Saranghae," WooBin said, before stealing the bite she had on her chopstick.

 - "Yah!"

 - "Monkey," he couldn't resist pinching her cheek.

Ilana was getting drowsy, the pain was less, but getting in and out of bed to use the bathroom was exhausting.  She had sent Jihoo to the Children’s hospital.  Seeing how the patients had come out of their rooms to listen to his violin, she thought the children would enjoy a serenade.

- "Sarang..."  They weren't doing anything but watching a movie.

 - "Deh?  Does Sarang need to get up?"

 - "Anieyo, pigonhaeyo.  Will Sarang do me a favor?"

 - "Greomyo, nae sarang doesn't have to ask."

 - "Will you take your violin and play for the children at the Children's hospital?  It is a holiday; Na would rather be home, how much more for those kids."

Jihoo smiled at her and pressed his lips to hers.  "Arraso, how can na deny you anything," he pressed his lips softly to hers.

Ilana kissed the tip of her finger and pressed it to his lips.  Unable to scoot herself forward, this was all she could do.

It had been late the night before when Mina received the call from Jihoo letting her know Ilana was in the hospital.  First thing in the morning she mobilized the troops, calling Chi TaeYoung, Song DongChoe, YiHyun, and Emily, who was in Namson with KyuJong.  KyuJong called Suzy and YiHyun called HyungJun and HyungJun, YoungSaeng.

Young Sarang truly couldn't leave.  He was on duty that day.  He would be off the last day of the holiday, but he didn't think she needed him to complicate her life.  Better to be friends from far away, he thought.  While Mina visited with Chi TaeYoung for a little while, his wife packed food to send to Jihoo and Ilana.  Likewise So YiHyun had been at her own family’s home and packed food to take with her to the hospital and also for HyungJun, whom she'd be seeing later in the afternoon.

After a long while at a local florist, recommended by YiHyun, Mina, HyungJun and So YiHyun arrived at the hospital with two bouquets and one single flower and lots of balloons.  Jihoo was still at the Children’s hospital, he had called her to sing a round of twinkle twinkle with the kids and Jesus loves you.  He told her he would stay for about two hours and to rest.  She had dozed off for about fifteen minutes.  Resting at a hospital just wasn't restful.

Mina knocked on the door, advising of their arrival, but there was no answer.  "Let's just walk in," HyungJun opened the door.  They each set their goods down on any available space.

 - "Omo, she's sleeping," YiHyun said.

 - "I wonder where Jihoo Uissa is?"  Mina asked.

 - "Junnie has his number, why don't you text him?"

 - "Deh, hajiman, I need a picture.  Gwiyopda!"  Ilana had the stuffed cat cuddled next to her face.

 - "Ilana doesn't wake up easily," Mina said.

 - "Deh, let me send Uissa a text and I'll wake her up," HyungJun was good at waking people up.  The one person he hated having to wake up was JungMin, but next to him, Ilana should be easy.  "Done," he typed his text and hit send.

 - "Ooooh Prinnnnnncessssss!"  He yelled.

 - "Junnie!!!

 - "HyungJun-ssi!"

Though Ilana slept, it wasn't her usual heavy sleep after a long day.  HyungJun's bellow startled her enough to open her eyes.  Blinking, she thought she was dreaming.  Hyungjun moved his eyebrows up and down and wore a goofy grin.  Forgetting her wound yet again, she laughed out loud.  "Ow!"  She closed her eyes and let out her breath.

 - "Omo!!  Princess?!  Gwenchana?!  What happened?!"  HyungJun began to panic.

 - "Junnie!  Stop asking questions and let her recover."

 - "Gwenchana!  Hajiman how are you here?"

 - "That was me," Mina raised her hand.  "I'm sure notifying them, was the furthest thing from Uissa's mind.  I don't know how he remembered to call me."

 - "Mina, you're sweet, but why let them worry about me."

 - "Yah, Ilana wouldn't have told us at all," HyungJun complained.

 - "Ani, na already ruined our first Chuseok together and Mina's.  Na wouldn't want to ruin yours."

 - "Paboya!  You can't ruin something I've never experienced."

YiHyun giggled, "Mina's talking like a native now."

 - "Deh, Mina studied it formally, whereas I'm picking it up as I go along."

 - "Why Korean, Mina?"  YiHyun asked.  She and Emily had hung out a few times with Mina since their Paju scheme but still didn't know much about her.

 - "Umma is Japanese, Na already speak that language fluently.  Na wanted another Asian language."

 - "Na studied all the Latin languages and ended up in South Korea.  Isn't God funny, that way?"

 - "Deh!"  Mina agreed.  "Are you going to tell us what happened?"

 - "Anieyo!  It's a long story."

 - "Yah, you were fine when you left Friday?"

 - "Looking back I wasn't.  Na hadn't been feeling well all day, hajiman Na thought it was because of what Mina told me the day before."

 - "Ilana!  You were affected that much?  I wouldn't have let Ilana near my computer if I'd known?"

 - "Omo?  Sounds serious?"  HyungJun tried breaking the strange mood that suddenly came across the two women.  "You two missed a sale at the mall?"  He teased knowing Ilana hated to shop.

 - "Oppa, I wish."

 - "If it was that bad, Princess would rather go shopping, it was really bad."

Ilana inhaled and exhaled, "Ara about your Sunbae?"

 - "Ah, they didn't tell you either.  Sunbae is always trying to keep things to himself.  That's how he got into this mess," HyungJun pouted, but felt tears starting to form.  He hated reading all the lies about his Sunbae.

Wanting to turn the visit cheerful again, Mina announced:  "we brought presents!"

 - "Aish, wae?  Eottoke?"

 - "Be quiet and be thankful.  It’s Chuseok," YiHyun could scold Ilana since she was younger.  "These flowers are from the gang.  Everyone chipped in, including JungMin and Suzy.  By the way, Suzy says you're in trouble."

 - "Deh!  I will be in trouble when I get home."

 - "Emily is with KyuJong Oppa in Namson and they both send hugs.  Ah, the balloons are part of it.  Na don't need to tell you whose idea that was."

YiHyun handed Ilana the card with a sweet message.  She noticed all their names, but one.  Prepared to shrug it off, she smiled instead.  "Gomawoyo Oppa, choahyo balloons."

 - "These are from the office, TaeYoung, Song DongChoe, and I chipped in."

 - "Wau!  Gomawo, chincha!  They didn't have to."

 - "Ani, they wanted to.  TaeYoung's Anae, sent food."

 - "So did Umma."

 - "Wau!  Na can't eat all of it yet, but Jihoo has hardly eaten, gomawoyo."

 - "Na have something more for princess, hajiman only if she stops saying ‘gomawo’!"

 - "Wae?  What else am I supposed to say?"

 - "Where's your nampyon, maybe if gives you a kisseu, you'll be quiet."

 - "Na would be happy to do that."  Jihoo set his violin case on the futon and walked over to his wife's bedside, leaning in for a kiss.  He loved to see her blush In front of her friends.

 - "Wau!"  YiHyun sighed.  "Junnie, do you think we'll have what they have?"

Jihoo smiled, giving his wife a peck on the forehead.  "Na think, what we have is only for us and Yesu gives everyone their own love story."

 - "Deh!"  HyungJun gave his fiancé a peck on the lips.

Mina cleared in an exaggerated manner, "jeogiyo!  Single person in the room!"

Ilana laughed, forgetting her surgery once again.  "Ow, don't make me laugh!  Mina, Yesu might have someone in mind for you already, just keep praying about it."

 - "Mina-ssi can have nae dongsaeng," HyungJun gallantly offered.  "Better yet, take YoungSaengie Hyeong."

Ilana shook her head at HyungJun, "poor Oppa is not even here to defend himself and you're matchmaking and you're frightening Mina."  Mina paled slightly at the suggestion.

 - "Jeongmal!"

 - "Junnie, hajimasseyo.  When will they get a chance to even meet?  Oh!  Ilana, this is also for you."

 - "Chincha?  What a confusing rose," she sniffed the fragrant yellow rose, with a splash of peach or vice versa.

 - "Who is it from?"

 - "Our shy prince," HyungJun said rolling his eyes.

 - "Chincha?!"  Ilana began to open the card but paused to look first at Jihoo for some reason.  She felt it only right to seek his consent first.  Jihoo nodded his head, indicating he was fine with the gift.

He signed it affectionately, 'shy prince'.

She smiled for Jihoo, a little sadly, but content as well.

 - "What did it say?"  HyungJun asked.

 - "Aigoo, nosey oppa!"

 - "Just asking!"  He sulked.

 - "Anieyo, just to be well and not give Na prince charming a hard time," she took Jihoo's hand as he was sitting on the bed next to her.

 - "Deh.  Sarang, I think that's easier said than done for you."

 - "Princess is a bit accident-prone."

Ilana narrowed her eyes at HyungJun.

 - "Gwenchanayo, had it not been for her potential for getting into trouble, na would never have noticed her."

 - "Jeongmal?  Oppa and nampyon are picking on me?"

 - "Deh!  We don't know Mina-ssi well enough to pick on her."

 - "Junnie!  Leave Mina alone.  She'll never want to spend time with us again.  Mina-ssi!  We should have dinner one night.  We'll kidnap Emily when she's not working her internship; she's at one of Jihoo Uissa's clinics."

 - "Gomawoyo, I'd like that."

The group stayed late into the evening, admonishing Jihoo to eat, which he did.  Ilana couldn't wait to try Housekeeper's Butternut squash porridge and she braved a little rolled omelet and japchae.  The little that she ate, all stayed down.  Jihoo thought the Doctor would lift all food restrictions in the morning.  Before they left, Ilana would be asleep.  She closed her eyes briefly to say a short prayer of thanksgiving for all their friends and before she could say Amen, she was out.

September 28, 2015

Suzy had called the barely awake Ilana and told her all about their Chuseok and how she, her Mother-In-Law and Nana had gotten carried away and made so much food, they invited one of Nana's friends and family, Juan Carlos and family, and also Pastor JaeRim and his wife, whom all brought even more food.  Joy even got to partake in the festivities with a piece of fried fish.  She had sent a video of the cat eyeing the new delicacy with wariness, but deciding it was safe and devoured it soon after.  Aside from getting scolded by Suzy, JungMin, Nana, and Brendon for ending up in the hospital (as if she had control of what had happened to her); the day had been a lazy one.  Ilana was able to shower with Jihoo's help.  It was awkward and not at all fun, but at least she was clean.  She sat in the chair, letting her hair dry and was able to be a little more adventurous in what she ate.  Somewhere in the afternoon, a beautiful basket of pink roses

was delivered from the F4 and while she sat on the futon, aided by pillows and the comfortable arms of her husband, the F4 actually arrived.  "Annyeong hasseyo!"  JunPyo entered the room first.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo!  You guys didn't have to come?"  Ilana was grateful for the visit, but rather they hadn't gone out of their way to come.  "Shouldn’t you be with your families?"

 - "We are with our family," WooBin said.

Jihoo knew WooBin spoke the truth.  F4 had been his only family for more time than he'd had Harabeoji by his side.

 - "Paboya," JaeKyung admonished.  "How do you feel?"  She said with a worried face and reached to place a comforting hand on her shoulder.

 - "A little better," she said truthfully.  "Thank God."  It had been three days and as each day had passed, she found more and more hope that truly everything would be fine.  She could just hear the Lord telling "oh you of little faith," but even in her imperfect faith, He was perfect.

 - "Annyeong ahgi (baby)!" JaeKyung spoke to Ilana's middle.

 - "Careful WooBin, your Anae's going to want a lot of baby's," YiJung joked.

 - "Gwenchana, choah making babies."

Jihoo looked at his wife with his carefully schooled expression.  Ilana knew that mischievous glint entirely to well and began to blush.  Everyone around them began to laugh.  "Let me sit on the bed and Unnie-deul can sit on the futon," Ilana tried to shake off her husband's stare.

JunPyo and JanDi exchanged their own look.  "While Ilana gets comfortable, JunPyo and I have an announcement," JanDi said.

Ilana knew what the announcement was and smiled widely.  Jihoo gave her a questioning look, to which she smiled even wider.

 - "Anae is pregnant again!"  JunPyo couldn't wait a second longer.  The fact that he restrained himself for twenty-four hours was a miracle, but his wife wanted to tell everyone together.

The men began to slap JunPyo on the back in congratulations, while the women all hugged excitedly.  Jihoo made sure Ilana was comfortable and went to give his best friend a congratulatory hug.  "Chukahae, chingu."

 - "Gomawo, same to you, chingu."

 - "Wau!!!"  JaeKyung suddenly screamed surprising everyone.  "Yeoja!!  We're all pregnant!"  She had just sat on the futon and it was impossible for her almost eight-month belly to get up on her own; otherwise, she'd already have been in the middle of the room jumping up and down.

 - "Ilana and JaeKyung Unnie needed to come on board earlier," GaEul pouted.

 - "YiJung should have proposed the same day I did," JunPyo also sulked.

 - "Yah!  GaEul and I hadn't even officially dated before I went to Sweden," YiJung defended himself.

Obviously, this piece of information was not in the least bit important to JunPyo, who sighed.

 - "Deh, not all of us had the good fortune of meeting that 'one' during High School," Jihoo looked to his wife who was also smiling.

 - "Even if we did, we didn't know it at the time," WooBin added.

 - "All in due time, God's perfect timing," Ilana mused out loud.

 - "Deh, God doesn't make mistakes," Jihoo said, having learned that the hard way, as did they all.

 - "Do you guys realize, there was a reason behind all of us meeting?"  GaEul who was always found it easier to believe in unseen signs and wonders than the others, found the fact absolutely.

 - "Na believe this Chuseok will hold a special place in our hearts for a long time," Jihoo said.

 - "Someone reminded me to count my blessings," Ilana squeezed her husband's hand, not really sure when they had joined.  Their hands sort of had their own mind at times.  "Na want to say Kansamnida to all of you.  Na feel blessed that you've accepted me, not only for nampyon, but also made me a part of your lives."  Ilana's eyes were glistening with moisture.

 - "Ilana-yah!  That's so sweet!"  JaeKyung had a tear escape and so did GaEul.

 - "Oh great, gomawo Ilana," WooBin said sarcastically.  "Do you know how easily this one starts to cry these days?"

 - "Mwo?  Mariya (Just saying)!"

For another hour, while the other woman traumatized Ilana on being pregnant, the F4 men also enlightened Jihoo on the great and not so great things about having your wife Pregnant.

Finally, when everyone had left, Ilana was staring at the rose YoungSaeng had given her.  "Sarang, I'm still confused about Saengie.  What does his rose mean?  He's so complicated," she sighed.  "Ara yellow is for friendship, but this has peach also?"  She remembered the red-tipped rose he had sent her almost two years ago.

 - "I'm not familiar with peach, Sarang.  I'll look it up."  He took his phone and looked up the meaning of a peach-colored rose.  "Appreciation, closing the deal, let’s get together, Sincerity and Gratitude.  Na think we can leave out 'let's get together,' and having gone through his same situation, na think he still cares for you very much.  Ara that won't change." Ilana's eyes widened; knowing his own story, she was a bit confused.  "Deh, nae sarang," he answered her shocked look.  "Hajiman it's different; like the peach rose.  It's a sincere affection and he's grateful for that friendship.  He's closing that chapter and coming to terms with the next."

Ilana nodded her head, she missed her special Oppa.  It felt strange never talking to him.  He had deactivated his twitter account while in the military; there were no more selfies to look at or random pictures.  He was so close now, at least while they were in Seoul, yet he didn't reach out to her.  It would be so nice to be able to have lunch with him one day or be able to acknowledge that she had seen him that day.  She supposed that was why Jihoo said YoungSaeng was 'closing' that chapter.  Perhaps it wasn't quite closed and any disruption in the plan would tear it wide open again.  She didn't know why life had to be so difficult, but then the rewards wouldn't be as sweet.  She closed her eyes and flashed each friend's face in her mind thanking Yesu for each of them.  She didn't quite finish, before Jihoo's gentle touch on her hand lulled her to sleep.  Thank goodness the Lord knew the intentions of her heart.  That was the last thought in her head before she was overcome with sleep and unable to think any longer.

Alrighty loves, I had to highlight Chuseok.  Our families have so much to be thankful for.  As I said, Ilana and baby will be fine and now she's joined by JanDi.  We'll dive into the joys of pregnancy and as the F4 men put it the great and not so great of their wives being pregnant.

Saranghae everyone!