The F4 families made their way to the private elevator.  GaEul was still having occasional contractions and only the girls knew.  JeongHee decided this would be the perfect time to let everyone else know that she really would like to come out soon.  GaEul stopped walking and squeezed YiJung's hand.  "Oooh!!!"  Doubling over she held her belly with the other hand.

 - "Yeobo!"  YiJung stopped walking and turned to his wife.

 - "GaEul-ah!"  JanDi cried out in worry.

 - "Gwenchana!"  GaEul dismissed their worry.  "It...Passed," she staggered her breathing.

 - "Yeobo, hokshina we should stay behind," YiJung didn't want his wife in discomfort.

 - "Andwae!  JeongHee and I have an agreement.  She would let me come to the Gala and then she could come any time after."

Jihoo had to smile.   Babies were born when they were ready, even if Mother wasn't.  "GaEul knows it doesn't work that way."

 - "Majayo, Sunbae.  She doesn't listen to me."  JanDi said.

  - "JanDi-yah, it's my body!  Plus contractions are still randomly timed.  Na want to enjoy the evening, juseyo!"  GaEul was getting frustrated with her well-meaning friends.  She may be the sweet one but had a hidden stubborn streak that came out on certain occasions.

 - "Guys!"  JaeKyung decided to restore order.  “Like GaEul said, she knows her body.  There will be at least three Doctors at the event.  So, even if JeongHee decides to break their agreement it's not like GaEul will be in the middle of the country going into labor with no aid."

 - "Kansamnida, Unnie!"  GaEul thanked JaeKyung for sticking by her.

 - "JaeKyung majayo," Jihoo agreed.  If GaEul wasn't bothered by the contractions then who were they to say otherwise?

 - "Problem solved, let's get this show on the road," WooBin clapped his hands together and advised the security, that they were ready.

After the F4 family made their grand entrance with Harabeoji and the rest of the head table, Jihoo excused himself to direct the orchestra in the overture from 'Don Giovani'.

Ilana watched proudly, as her husband waved his magic wand.  "He's daeback, Harabeoji," Ilana whispered to him.

 - "Ah, what do they say?  Behind every great man there's a great woman," he reached for her hand and gave it a loving pat.

 - "Anieyo!"  Ilana responded blushingly, to the compliment.  She certainly didn't feel great.  On a good day, she felt adequate, but never great.

 - "We shall see about that, child."  He smiled at her, knowingly.  Everyone would soon know how well suited his Granddaughter-in-law was for his Grandson.

 - "Con ojos de abuelo (Through a Grandfather's eyes)," she told him.

Harabeoji chuckled, "Maja."

The orchestra finished and everyone clapped excitedly.  Jihoo bowed to the audience and then motioned for the orchestra to bow as well.  "Kansamnida!  Thank you all for being here tonight," he said in English as he did the year before.  “Your support to the Su-Am Cultural foundation is greatly appreciated.  Each of you here tonight has a reason for being here:  Hana) It is a tax write off."  This received laughter from the audience.  "Dol) You are a music aficionado.  Set) You have a son or daughter in the conservatory.  Net) Men, your wives have required you to bring them this evening."  YiJung  turned to his wife, smiling softly at her. "Tonight, more than any other year, I would like to show you that your support is not wasted.  In this evening’s orchestra and throughout the audience are some of our graduates.  MinwheeLee and MukiJeong from the K-Indie group, MukimukiManmansua, Kim Daejin, winner of the IX Ettlingen Competition and the XVIII Concours Clara Haskil and Su-Am Cultural Foundation's artist of the year 2005.  Shin Hyunsu, first prize winner of Marguerite Long-Jaques Thibaud International Violin Competition and is currently with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C.  Yeol Eum Son is with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.  Lee Joon is a member of pop group MBLAQ..."  Jihoo went on to introduce about a dozen more notable graduates that were able to attend that evening.  Their talents ranged from instrumental, vocal, dance and acting.  "This is what happens when you support the Su-Am Cultural foundation," he paused for applause.  “This year we made two changes in our clinics.  Due to your generous support, we are able to service the remote corners of Seoul with our new mobile clinic.  It was put to a vote and decided the fourth clinic would be better suited as a mobile clinic.  Roe Hyunsu Uissanim, please stand." Dr. Hyunsu stood and bowed politely.  "Roe Uissanim has been placed as my Manager for the mobile clinic; he is also temporarily acting as General Manager until Kim KyuJong Uissanim finishes his Military service in April of next year.  We have also partnered with Shinwah Medical College and are not only filling in staff needs at all the clinics but leading the mission to bring medical care to refugee camps, as well.  Our fourth years at the conservatory have been giving back to the community by reaching out to the underprivileged kids that do not have the resources to not only learn an instrument but to enjoy live performances of many different music genres.  We have several video presentations for you this evening and this is the first.  You will see our students sharing their passion and talent with others."

After a fifteen-minute video, Jihoo commanded everyone's attention again.  "As you can see, your contributions have been hard at work and the Su-Am foundation is honored by your support.  This could not happen without your help."  He paused for applause.  "After a short break for dinner, we will resume this evening's program.  In the meantime, I leave you with the sounds of our country and our Traditional Music Ensemble."  He bowed and walked back to his seat.

Ilana beamed at her husband in awe as she clapped until her hands hurt.  She knew a lot of calls between Los Angeles and Seoul were made and plans made and revised many times in the last months but even she didn't see all the effort that was put into the evening.  Her husband made it all look effortless.  "Chukahae!"  She squeezed his hand as he sat next to her.

 - "Ani, Sarang knows this was all my staff's doing."

 - "Deh, hajiman whose vision was this?  Who is their leader?"

 - "Nah could never be here without you, Sarang.  Nah, have never taken an active interest in the Gala before last year.  Haengbokhae (I'm happy) that Naega made worthy before you."

 - "Anieyo!  Na always fall short."

 - "Sarang...na wish you could see yourself through nae eyes and see how worthy you are."  Ilana blushed at his compliment.  The head table was being served.  "Mokda, did Sarang eat lunch?"

 - "Deh, JanDi and I shared a sandwich and sweet potato fries."

 - "Choah, make sure to keep hydrated and drink a lot of water."  She would need it, he thought.

Ilana dined on Beef Tips with Vegetables, while Jihoo had Grilled Pork Loin.

 - "Adeul," Harabeoji called Jihoo's attention.

 - "Deh Harabeoji?"

 - "Is the next video presentation ready?"

 - "Deh, Na have been working on it all month and So YiHyun-ssi did an excellent job, as well as our sound team."  He was very excited about the next portion of the program and especially interested to see how his wife would react.

Ilana took advantage of her husband's distraction and the spray of flowers in front of them that covered their hands and plates, to steal a piece of his Southwest Grilled Pork Loin in mango salsa.  He had insisted she order the Beef Tips with vegetables and no mashed potatoes, citing the starch would make her sleepy.

 - "I saw that," he whispered in her ear, making her jump.  Smiling smugly at him, she continued to enjoy the tangy and tart sweetness of the salsa.

After dinner, Jihoo announced music by Indie group MukimukiManamansu and dueling pianos with Kim Sunwook and Son YeolEum.  With two more performances to follow, Jihoo stood to comment.  "I hope you are all enjoying the diversity of our graduate’s expertise.  We have two more special performances for the evening.  One is a collaboration between our KPop idol graduates:  Lee Joon, Kim Himchan, Kim Joon-Myeon, Stephanie and Kim Taehyung....and the finale of this portion of the evening is a surprise."  The audience received this news with excitement.  “I leave you to our Idols."

In the banquet hall, only a select few knew what the surprise was; of course, the F4 knew and at the head table, only Harabeoji.  "Harabeoji...what is the surprise?"  Ilana asked.  Jihoo had never mentioned anything to her; therefore assumed it was a last-minute addition.

 - "Ah, then it would not be a surprise."

 - "Harabeoji!"  Ilana pouted.

Jihoo sat back down at that time.  "Harabeoji is under strict orders not to reveal the surprise to anyone."

 - "Hajiman..."

Jihoo ignored her protests.  "Gwenchana, Sarang?  Do you need to use the restroom?"

 - "Deh Sarang, na should go before this performance that you insist on keeping a secret," she narrowed her eyes at him.

 - "Sarang will want to re-apply her lipstick."

 - "Deh!"  Bringing her hand to the side of her face, she shielded her tongue from view and stuck it out at her husband.

Security escorted her to the restroom, while Jihoo remained grinning to himself.  "Anae is going to kill you," Harabeoji said.

 - "Jeogumyo," Jihoo smiled back.

In the bathroom, Ilana ran into GaEul; she had seen YiJung waiting outside.  "GaEul Unnie, gwenchana?"  GaEul leaned against the vanity as a contraction passed.

 - "Deh," she said, voice trembling slightly.  GaEul did not want to admit her contractions were getting stronger and more frequent.  Poor YiJung's arm would be bruised as she squeezed it each time a contraction hit.  Realizing, after the first few times that she needed to make a conscious effort not to crush her husband’s hand, she switched to his arm.  YiJung had spent four years in therapy in Sweden, after his hand was crushed in a bar fight.  He thought he would never be able to create pottery again.

 - "I'm excited about the next performance, but JeongHee was pressing on my bladder."

 - "Unnie doesn't know what the surprise is?"

 - "Oh?"  GaEul caught herself in time.  "A-anieyo, hajiman Na expect it to be something daeback."

 - "Annyeong!  Na want to get back before it starts."

 - "Deh!"  Ilana took care of her bladder, re-applied her lipstick and made sure the rest of her makeup was still in place.

Ilana returned to her place and Harabeoji took her hand in excitement; Jihoo was back on the stage.  "Choah, you're back just in time."

 - "This next performance is very special to anae and me," Jihoo spoke into the microphone.  "Our next honoree is neither with us nor a graduate of our conservatory.  But...keeping with our theme tonight, this woman is a notable conservatory graduate who from the years 1980-1998 earned at least twenty awards in Mexico, United States, Europe, South America and Central America."  Ilana leaned forward in her seat in anticipation of who this woman was.  "Her life was tragically cut short because of an accident."

Ilana gasped all of a sudden and her heart began to pound.  "Gwenchana, child," Harabeoji took her hand between the two of his.  As if the year 1998 hadn't ringed a bell, the accident was just too much of a coincidence.  Could he be talking about her Mother?

 - "We are fortunate tonight, that Isabel Contreras left a legacy in the form of her daughter, my wife, whom she trained herself, in classical piano and vocals."

The F4 cheered loudly and murmurs of excitement began to rise up from the audience.  A few, perhaps even more than a few, knew who Isabel Contreras was.  Ilana remained frozen, not knowing what to do, she smiled as the spotlight hit her, but was very much in danger of shedding tears.

Jihoo made eye contact with his wife and smiled at her.  She smiled back.  This was a beautiful gift and tears of joy began to fall.  "We have put together a short tribute to Isabel Contreras and trust you will enjoy."  Jihoo walked back to the table and wrapped his wife in his arms.  "Don't forget to breathe," he said as he held her.  opened and closed, yet no sound came out.  "Breathe," he soothed her back.  On the screen behind the orchestra seats were clips of her Mother's performances from the beginning of her career to the end, including those that included the child Ilana.  Ilana shook her head in amazement that her husband had put this tribute together for her Mother.  She had no words; she was again rendered speechless by this man.  "Yesu," she thought, "Kansamnida for your favor and grace.  I know I'm unworthy and yet you loved me enough not only to die for my sins but also to give me this wonderful man."  She couldn't tear her eyes from the screen.  A few clips she had seen or at least remembered, most she hadn't.  "Eottoke?  Wae?  When?"  All at once she found her voice.  "Kansamnida," she sniffled.

Jihoo took his handkerchief and dabbed at her tears, gently.  "Eottoke?  Sarang forgets my accomplice in everything related to surprising anae.  Nana knew exactly what videos to give me for this surprise.  Wae?  Na wanted to honor your memories this Christmas.  Na wanted to make sure this first Christmas would be one Sarang could never forget.  ‘When’?"  He shrugged.  "While anae was at work."

 - "What did I do to deserve you?"  A remaining tear fell as she spoke.

 - "Na have the same question, Sarang?  Yah, take a deep breath."

Ilana nodded and was somewhat composed by the time the clip finished, though she still trembled a little from the emotion.

 - "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo asked her as he took his handkerchief to her face once more.  Taking another deep breath, Ilana nodded.  "Choah," he said.  "Eeliwah," he took her hand.

 - "Mwo?"

 - "Eeliwah," he said again and tugged at her arm.

 - "Go on, child," Harabeoji encouraged.

Once on stage, Ilana had no idea what was expected of her.  She tried to smile but was still overcome with emotion.  Jihoo placed a comforting hand on her waist as he stood at the microphone once again.  "If my wife can forgive me, this was all a surprise to her."  The audience laughed indulgently and Ilana smiled and shook her head at him.  "I will take that as a yes.  If I can ask my wife to indulge me for a few minutes..." She looked at him in question.  "We would like to hear you sing..." he watched her eyes open wide in shock.  "...a duet."  Ilana had no idea what he was doing or what she was supposed to sing.  She shook her head in confusion, not even noticing how the crowd clapped and the F4 cheered very loudly.  "Gwenchana, Sarang can do this.  Na wouldn't ask this of you to humiliate you, deh?"  He had signaled for the sound team to turn off the microphone.  Ilana let out her breath, knowing this was true.  "Whatever happens, anae knows not to stop singing."

Ilana nodded, that was a number one rule.  Don't stop singing no matter what.  She could not let him down.  As usual, he had more faith in her abilities, than she did.  Closing her eyes, she gathered her strength.  This didn't have to be any different from singing in Church.

When he could see, his wife was calm again; Jihoo turned the microphone back on.  "Ladies and Gentleman, this is Ilana Contreras signing the English version of a Classic Italian Christmas Carol, Gesu Bambino."  Ilana opened her eyes to give her husband a 'this is what you were scheming look?' and saw that he was no longer beside her but at the edge of the stage.  "Gwenchana," he mouthed.  "Saranghae."

 - "Princess fighting!"  Ilana heard HyungJun's voice somewhere in the audience.  She didn't even know he had arrived.

 - "Fighting!”  The F4 table shouted.  She specifically heard JaeKyung and WooBin.  JaeKyung held up Hana for Ilana to see.

Once his wife was smiling, Jihoo cued the music.  Closing her eyes to feel for her entry cue, she began.  Letting the lyrics flow from her diaphragm, she determined to make her husband proud of her.  On the second verse, someone had begun to sing with her.  Opening her eyes, she looked around and saw no one, but everyone applauded excitedly.  She continued to sing and her heart suddenly knew the voice, it was her mother!  She caught Jihoo's eyes from the side of the stage 'Saranghae', he mouthed again.  Focusing on nothing other than her Mother's voice, her own somehow was strengthened.  Her Mother's voice was a little higher and they complemented each other well.  She couldn't see the smile on her face, but the audience could and it made all the difference of delivering just another Christmas song or rejoicing at the blessed birth of the ‘Christmas rose, the king of love and light’.  Ilana nailed the finale, letting her Mother take the first Soprano, while she took second resulting in a beautiful and powerful harmony.

The F4 were first on their feet, with the rest of the audience quickly following their lead.  Poor Hana began to cry due to all the noise, but couldn't be heard above all the raucous.  JaeKyung shushed her as best as possible.  Tears had now begun to fall from, Ilana's eyes and she covered , not to cry into the microphone.  Jihoo was upon her instantly, taking her into his arms.  "I'm so proud of you," he kissed her cheek.  Even he was moved to tears by her performance.  As soon as her Mother's voice had begun, her face transformed and every word of the carol could be felt by the audience.  "Arraso, Sarang, bow to your audience," he unburied her from his chest and his microphone.  "Ladies and Gentleman, my wife, Ilana Contreras."  Ilana bowed to the audience as she had done many times with her Mother at her side.  "This is the first time in seventeen years Mother and Daughter have sung in public together."  With clapping still audible, Jihoo escorted her off the stage, back to the table.  Immediately oblivious to what was happening on stage, Ilana was welcomed back by Harabeoji, who clasped her hands in his.  "Daeback child, daeback."  Jihoo handed his wireless mic to President Ka, who immediately took the stage along with the orchestra.

 - "What a wonderful Surprise by our Chairman and his wife.  We will continue the evening with our orchestra and the dance floor is officially open."

Ilana was still being congratulated by others at the head table when President Ka rushed back.  "Wau!  Chairman!  Where have you been hiding her?"  Ilana blushed at the praises of the President.  "Ex-President Yoon, you must be honored to have such a talented Granddaughter."

 - "Deh, but not just for her talent…She's a beautiful child, kind, intelligent, hardworking, virtuous, and loves nae Grandson very much.  The fact that she carries nae Great Grandchild is a bonus."

 - "Harabeoji!"

 - "In short, she's a treasure."

Ilana was in danger of crying again when the F4 made it to the head table.  "Omo!  Ilana that was Daeback!"  JaeKyung and Hana accosted her first.

 - "Ilana-yah!  Yippeun!"  JanDi said.  "Sunbae knew all along, you would be wonderful."

With that, Ilana knew the F4 had known all along about the surprise her husband had planned.  "Yah!  You guys knew and didn't warn me?!"  Ilana stared at them with arms crossed.

 - “Ilana-yah, mianhae," JanDi laughed.

 - "Deh!  Jihoo would've punched us if we would have said something," JunPyo threw in.

 - "Yo, you did good, kid,” WooBin playfully socked Ilana's shoulder.  "We're proud of you.”  At that, Ilana began to tear up again.  "Woe!  I only tapped you!"  WooBin panicked all of a sudden.

Ilana shook her head and Jihoo gathered her into his arms.  Most people ignored the happenings at the head table as the F4 assembled, blocked most of the view.  Ilana struck Jihoo's shoulder with the palm of her hand.  "Pabo!  Why?  Why did you put me on the spot like that!  The evening could have been ruined because of me!"  Wailing at her husband in English was all she could do at the moment all genteelness had gone out the window.  Things could have gone totally wrong and she would have made him and Harabeoji look foolish.  That was something she could never forgive herself for.

 - "Yah!"  Jihoo soothed her back.  "What's important is you didn't.  I knew you wouldn't let me down.  Sarang didn't see herself or hear herself, as soon as Eommoni began to sing you came alive!   Not only was every note executed to perfection, but so was the joy and tenderness evident in your face and voice.”

 - “Miahnae,” GaEul and YiJung had just come.  GaEul had a contraction as soon as everyone had gotten up from the table.  “We’re late, but Ilana…that…was beautiful!”  GaEul was tearing up and hugged Ilana as best she could with JeongHee in the way.

Ilana began to cry again as well, “Kansamnida!  Kansamnida!  Jeongmal, you don’t know…what this all means to me.  Your friendship, your support…it’s all very overwhelming right now.”  Jihoo held her by the waist as the others smiled.  “And you!”  She looked to Jihoo.  “Why are you so perfect?!”

HyungJun and So YiHyun arrived amidst the laughter and tears.  “Yah!  Now, who’s the crybaby?”  HyungJun called out.

 - “Oppa!”  Ilana hugged him, excitedly.  “It’s all your fault, I never cried before I stepped foot on that ship!”

Jihoo pulled her against him, “na want you just the way you are.”

 - “Gomawo, Sarang.”

So YiHyun cleared .  “Jihoo Uissanim, we’ve got great footage of the program so far and are currently covering the orchestra and some of the dancing.  Is this acceptable?”

 - “Deh, kansamnida for all your hard work,” Jihoo inclined his head to them.

 - “Anieyo!  Thanks to you, we get to see your leading lady in action,” HyungJun joked.

 - “Maknae!”  Ilana scolded him at his teasing.

 - “Let’s go dance!”  JaeKyung said, still carrying Hana in the Ergobaby.

 - “Shall we?”  Jihoo took Ilana’s hand and led her to the dance floor.

 - “Haengbokae?”

 - “Nomu!”  Ilana answered her husband.  “Eottoke?  How do you come up with these things?  Is there a special class at Shinwa that teaches how to amaze your wife?”  He laughed at her, before spinning her around.  “Ha!  Sarang didn’t make me trip.”

 - “Ani, hajiman Na can do this…,” he kissed briefly, not caring about anyone else.

 - “Saranghae, you know that?”

 - “Deh.” 

They both smiled widely.

The event was scheduled to end at eleven and everyone was enjoying themselves.  The foundation staff had done an excellent job at organizing it all and Jihoo knew it was another successful year.  Gala packages this year included hotel rooms and a DVD of the event and also a commemorative photo.  The higher-priced packages had sold well.

The F4 clan were all enjoying themselves, including Hana, who hung comfortably in her Ergobaby carrier.  GaEul had just paused for another contraction; they were coming less than thirty minutes apart now.  "Yeobo, let's go upstairs and let you rest."

 - "Gwenchana, I should keep moving.  That's the best thing."

 - "GaEul-ah, this won't end for another hour or more."

 - "Gwenchana!  I can do this.  Yeobo didn't let me move with JeongYul and I was in labor a long time.  I'm determined to have an easy labor like Unnie did."

 - "Hajiman..."

JanDi saw her best friend, leaning on YiJung as she stood.  "JunPyo, something is wrong with GaEul, let's go see."

 - "Aiiish, she would have called you if she needed you."

 - "Ani, she wouldn't," JanDi grabbed her husband's hand and dragged him across the dance floor to where GaEul and YiJung were.

 - "JanDi-yah!"  YiJung was glad to see her.  "Talk some sense into anae, she won't rest and her contractions are coming more frequent and lasting longer."

 - "YiJung, na told you I'm fine!  JanDi-yah, you know that it's better to keep moving as much as possible.  As long as YiJung is by me, na have nothing to worry about."  GaEul turned a sweet smile to her husband.

JanDi sighed, "miahnae YiJung-ah, she has a point."  JanDi knew she'd want to be busy, so at the very least, it would distract her from the contractions.

 - "JanDi-yah, you're supposed to help me, here."

 - "GaEul-ah, just don't overdo it to where you'll be too tired for the active labor."

 - "Deh..."

JunPyo and JanDi continued dancing and enjoying their time alone.  YiJung brought his arms around his wife.  "Yeobo is stubborn, do you know that?"

 - "Ani, just determined."

 - "Deh...JeongHee, don't be stubborn like Umma."

 - "Yeobo, na told you, not stubborn, just determined."

 - "Stubborn."

 - "Determined," her face was set in irritation.

 - "Feisty, hajiman na saranghae," YiJung stole a kiss from her pouting lips.

GaEul let all the irritation melt in his warm kiss until another contraction hit, making her bite YiJung's lips in reaction.  "Oooh!"  She drew in her breath.

 - "GaEul-ah!"  YiJung reacted by running his finger over his injured lip, it was bleeding.

 - "Mian...," GaEul bit her own lips to avoid crying out.  Thirty seconds never lasted as long as when a contraction hit or working out and having to hold a push up.

YiJung held his wife, digging the heel of his hand in her lower back as if he were kneading clay.

 - "It's...passing," she exhaled.  "Gomawo, that...that really helps," GaEul leaned her head against YiJung's chest, a bit winded.

 - "GaEul-ah, let's sit down for a little while, arraso?  If you're not comfortable, we can always get up and continue dancing."  GaEul let herself be led off the dance floor.

Ilana had given up all pretense of dancing and just rested in her husband’s arms, swaying to the music.  Jihoo kissed the top of her head.  "Pigonhaeyo?"  Ilana nodded, not bothering to answer.  "Na have a special finale planned, hajiman I need Sarang to stay awake."

 - "What is it?"

 - "Sarang will need to help me, so stay awake.  It's almost time."

 - "Wae?"

 - "Kaja, a little water will wake you up," Jihoo dragged her back to the table, making her drink a cup of water.

Harabeoji was chatting with one of the guests when Jihoo and Ilana arrived back at the table.  "Ilana child, na have received many compliments in regards to you," he told her.

 - "Chinchayo?"

 - "Deh..."

Ilana ducked her head a little embarrassed, but happy that the talent she never thought much of, was able to bless her husband and Grandfather's work.

JaeKyung and WooBin had disappeared to their suite in order to feed Hana.  "How is she holding up?"

 - "Choah!"

WooBin helped his wife remove the Ergobaby in order to pull the front of her silver nursing dress down on one side.

Hana was already eager.  "Masheesuyo dtal?"  WooBin laughed at the baby's silence.  "Hajiman eottoke?  Hana doesn't share with Appa."

JaeKyung laughed.  "Appa had Umma all to himself for over a year."

 - "Actually, more like a few years."  He leaned against the arm of the gray chair and slowly kissed the curve of her neck, while Hana remained unfazed.  The sight of his wife's was suddenly making his tuxedo pants a little tight.  “Jagiya, what do you say to staying up here the rest of the night.”

JaeKyung felt his warm breath on her neck, making goosebumps appear on her arm.  “We…should go back down and watch the final performance.”  JaeKyung tried to keep a firm resolve, but now her husband had moved her spaghetti strap off her shoulder and was alternating and biting at it.

 - “Maja…hajiman we can always watch the recording later, mmm?”  By this time he had left her shoulder and wrapped his hand at the back of her neck, running his thumb in tiny circles along her jaw, she dared to look up and he brought his lips to hers.

JaeKyung felt the kiss as if he traveled up and down her torso, , and legs.  Had he kissed her in this way since Hana was born?  Feeling like she had been on a ship without fresh water for the last four weeks, she took his lips greedily and parted her own to give him access to the inside of .

They lost all consciousness of time or even of the baby still happily nursing below.  It wasn’t until JaeKyung felt a chill on her that she realized Hana was done.  Immediately shutting down wife mode, Mom mode kicked in.  “Na…have to burp her…and then-we-can-go-back-down,” she said quickly before she lost control again.  Expertly, she threw the burp cloth over her shoulder and placed Hana there as well.

WooBin continued to stare at his wife and found it even more alluring, that she was trying to avoid his direct gaze.  She had sat up in the chair and he now had better access to her back and neck.  Both her shoulder straps were still down on her arm.  “Let me raise your straps,” he very gingerly let his fingertips caress her arm and toying with the strap.  While JaeKyung soothed Hana’s back, getting her to burp, WooBin continued his light touch at her collarbone and moving downwards to the inside of her dress.  No bra inhibited his fingers, only the cotton shield she wore to prevent her dress getting stained with milk.

 - “Yeobo…,” JaeKyung’s resolve was faltering.  “We haven’t been told…it’s okay to…”

 - “We’ll think of something,” he continued his gentle caresses until he was sure Hana was asleep.

GaEul returned from the bathroom for the fourth time in an hour.  Every time she had a contraction, the need to use the bathroom followed.  YiJung waited in worry outside the bathroom door.  “Gwenchana?”  YiJung practically pounced on his wife the second she opened the door.

 - “Jagiya!”  GaEul had to step back in shock, not expecting her husband to be right up against the door when she came out.

 - “Mian,” he grinned a bit guilty.

 - “Gwenchana,” GaEul smiled at him and sighed.  “It’s getting shorter in between contractions, hajiman nae still want to dance and have fun with you and chingu.  It’s not unbearable yet and it will keep my mind off the pain, deh?”

 - “Hwagsilhae (are you sure)?”

 - “Deh!”  She gave him a peck on the lips and took his hand leading him back into the banquet hall.

Jihoo looked down at his Bremont rose-gold watch that Ilana had given him at their 100^th day anniversary.  It was about half-past ten and it was time to begin the closing sequence.  His wife was returning from the ladies room and had re-applied her lipstick.  “It’s time for the closing sequence,” Jihoo told her when she sat back down.

 - “Arraso,” she smiled at him, grateful that it was done and could go up to their suite and sleep.

 - “Sajang (president),” Jihoo turned to the man on his left.  “Announce the final program, juseyo?”

 - “Deh, Hoejangnim (Chairman).”  President Ka immediately got up from his seat to comply.  When the Chairman had approved the itinerary, he had added a musical finale, not just another thank you speech.  The president waited for the current musical piece to be done before walking on stage.  The conductor walked off stage to applause and then returned to have his orchestra stand and receive their share of applause.  While the orchestra began filing out, President Ka again thanked the audience for their generous support and to eagerly anticipate the coming year.  The curtain closed on the stage.  Jihoo stood, “kaja, we still have work to do,” he said pulling his wife’s chair out and reaching for her hand.

 - “Mwo?”  She stood in confusion.

 - “Sarang promised to help, remember?”

 - “Deh…” she said warily, walking behind her husband.

The orchestra concertmaster awaited them at the foot of the stairs leading to the stage.  “Hoejangnim,” she bowed and handed him his violin and walked away.

 - “Yoon Jihoo, what are you up to?”

Ilana’s question was answered by President Ka.  “We leave you with a final musical number.  For the first time at our Gala, our own classically trained Chairman Yoon and his wife Contreras, Ilana will perform for you the English Christmas Carol, ‘What Child Is This’.

As the audience applauded, Jihoo gave his wife a nudge on the small of her back.  “Lift the hem of your dress so you don’t trip.”

Ilana smiled for the sake of appearances, but inside she was panicking.  That was twice he did this to her in the space of a few hours.  “Sarang!  Wae?”

 - “Na will tell you later.”

 - “I want to know, now!”  It was too late.  They were already on the stage, the house lights were dimmed and a spotlight shone on them.  President Ka helped Jihoo with the wireless mic and handed Ilana a cordless.  “Relax,” Jihoo told her.

 - “Just wait,” she whispered.

Jihoo smiled and gave his cue.  Ilana saw her mic had and Jihoo began to play.  He walked slowly forward, letting his wife compose herself as the spotlight followed him.  Grateful for the reprieve, she prayed for strength letting the music fill her until she was at peace and the notes danced before her.  At the music’s cue she began to sing; opening her eyes, she slowly walked to where Jihoo stood.

December 20, 2015

At two A.M. GaEul had been in early labor for over the standard 8-12 hours, so said her tired brain.  Her contractions coming close to, but not yet the 3-4 minutes apart that was required to be admitted to the hospital.  "Ugh!!!"  GaEul screamed out her pain and the frustration at the contraction only being six minutes from the last, again.  It had been that way the last hour.

 - "Jagiya, something to ease the pain so you can rest..."  YiJung was tiring fast.  One thing was being out all night drinking with the guys, the other was being up all night with a stubborn wife, waiting for a baby to be born.

 - "Anieyo!  I want to do this completely natural."

YiJung got up from the chair and wrapped his arms around his wife's back and kissed her cheek.  "Kaja, let's go for a walk."

 - "In this?"  GaEul had shed her navy, silk, and lace maternity evening gown the second they walked in the door, three hours earlier.  The gown wasn't tight at all, but could no longer stand the feel of it around her belly.  She was now more undressed, than dressed, in her husband's tuxedo shirt, opened around her belly and her bikini maternity underwear.  "Ugh!"  Another contraction left her scrambling to remember her breathing.

YiJung took one of the plush robes and covered his wife.  "Gwenchana?"  She nodded, trying to recover.  "Kaja, a trip down twenty flights of stairs and up, might do the trick."

  - "You-you're kidding?"

 - "Jagi wants to do this all natural, deh?  Kaja."  He planned on calling someone to open the bar when they reached the lower lobby.

Very carefully, YiJung guided his wife down the stairway.  They made it down after fifteen minutes when it should have taken them five.  "Jagi, people are going to think the hotel is haunted at the way you were ."

 - "Pabo!"  GaEul smacked her husband as he laughed.  "Ahh!"  And immediately went into a contraction.  She leaned heavily on YiJung when she finally recovered.  "Gwenchana, gwenchana!"  She immediately reassured her panicked husband.  “I'm going to the bathroom, get yourself a drink.  I don't think we'll be sleeping tonight."

 - "Ani, I'll walk you to the bathroom.  Your phone is in the pocket of your robe.  Call me when you’re ready."

YiJung dropped off GaEul at the woman's restroom and went back to the bar.  "Black Velvet," YiJung told the bartender that had been called.  You can't shoot Guinness and Champagne; it has to be sipped like tea.  He took his time, letting the weariness and stress of waiting for their second child melt away with each sip.

GaEul sat on the toilet in actual comfort.  It was one of the only places she was able to get comfortable during her labor with JeongYul.  The contractions were intense and she tried to measure the pain of each one to tell if they were all just as strong.  Tired and in pain, she let her eyes close in between contractions.

Finishing his drink, YiJung realized GaEul had yet to call him.  Checking his phone, he hadn't stopped the contractions timer app.  It had been more than fifteen minutes since he left her at the bathroom door.  "Bill my room," he said quickly and ran out to check on his wife.  He knocked on the bathroom door and she didn't respond so he opened the door cautiously.  "GaEul-ah!  Gwenchana?  GaEul-ah!"

GaEul was roused from a pain-induced fog.  "YiJung-ah!!"  She shouted out as a contraction squeezed her stomach and stretched her cervix.

YiJung ran to the back stall, thankfully GaEul had forgotten to lock it.  "Jagi!"  He felt horrible seeing her in so much discomfort.

Leaning against the safety bar, too tired and weak to sit up without help, GaEul groaned.  "Contractions...are three minutes...apart..."  Three minutes had passed since the last contraction already and she hung on to the bar in order to avoid falling off the toilet.

 - "Ah, pabo-yah!!!  Wae didn't you call me?"  He smoothed his hair back in worry and frustration and began lifting her off the toilet seat and adjusting her robe so that she was decent enough to walk out of the restroom.

 - "It happened too fast!  Ah!!!"  She clung to her husband for support.

 - "Gwenchana, gwenchana, don't forget to breathe," he found his head and demonstrated for her.  GaEul nodded, thankful for the reminder and her husband.  "Let's get to the lobby, call our driver and Uissa.”  Her bag was in their suite and so was his wallet.  He didn't want to wake WooBin and JaeKyung.  He hoped Jihoo woke up.  He could use the support of a friend.

Ilana had been too tired to argue with her husband over all the 'surprises' he pulled that evening.  He was fortunate she even brushed her teeth.  Using makeup remover to wipe off her eye makeup was the most effort she made with her face.  At least she wouldn't wake up looking like a raccoon in the morning.  Jihoo waited until she slept to remove all the pins from her hair.  He was sure she didn't want her scalp to ache from sleeping in them.  He had only been asleep for three hours when he heard his cell phone ring somewhere in a dream.  It took the cell phone stopping and starting again to realize it really was ringing.  He carefully moved away from his wife, hoping she wouldn’t feel him leave her side.  The phone had stopped ringing and quickly began again.  This time Jihoo answered it on the first ring.  "Yeob..."

 - "It's about time!!"  YiJung shouted in frustration, not even letting Jihoo say 'hello'.

Jihoo heard a low in the background.  "GaEul is in labor," he stated the obvious reason for a phone call at almost three A.M.  "Where are you?"

 - "In the lobby waiting for our driver.  Her bag and my wallet are in our suite.  I've called security to open the door for you.  Pali!"

 - "Deh..."  Jihoo terminated the call, pushed his pillow up against Ilana, hoping that would keep her from waking up, threw on a shirt, his slippers, grabbed his medical bag, and left their suite.  While he retrieved the two items from YiJung's suite, security was holding the elevator door.

The entire task from start to finish took him ten minutes and then he was standing before YiJung and GaEul.  "Gomawo!"  YiJung said as Jihoo sat the suitcase down and handed YiJung his wallet.

 - "How far are the contractions?"  He crouched before GaEul who was trying to breathe through her contractions.

 - "Three minutes or less," YiJung answered.

 - "How long have they been coming in that frequently?"

 - "Forty minutes, maybe more?"  He looked to GaEul for confirmation.

 - "D-deh!"  Talking was almost impossible.  She couldn't talk and concentrate at the same time.

 - "GaEul-ah doesn't want to have the baby in the hotel lobby, majayo?"  GaEul had closed her eyes and held on to YiJung's arm as she road through a contraction.   "Don't push!  YiJung keep her breathing.”

 - “What's taking the driver so long?"

 - "Mollah!  Ahh!!  Jagi, you're going to leave a bruise!"

She was squeezing his arm through every contraction.

Jihoo sanitized his hands and fit them into rubber gloves.  "GaEul-ah, I'm just going to feel the position of the baby."  GaEul ducked her head into her husband's shoulder with embarrassment.  She remembered under the robe, all she wore was YiJung's shirt and her underwear.  Jihoo was not an expert on delivering babies and he prayed he didn't have to deliver this one.  But it was quite evident, without checking to see how far she was dilated; JeongHee was very close to being born.  He looked to YiJung to convey this thought via a silent message.  "GaEul-ah, has your water broken?"  GaEul shook her head 'no' with a moan.  "Choah!"  Figuring he only had minutes before the driver arrived, he decided the most important thing was her blood pressure and pulse.  "GaEul-ah, I'm going to take your blood pressure and pulse."  Her pulse was racing, but it was called labor for a reason.  GaEul was already working hard and she wasn't even pushing.  "Choah, everything is good," he smiled reassuringly at her.

GaEul let out her breath after a contraction and then began to feel something damp on the robe and going down her leg.  "YiJung-ah!!  My water broke!"

The driver had finally arrived and was racing toward them.  "Jwosongmnida!"  He bowed low to them.  "There was an accident blocking traffic."

YiJung was helping GaEul to her feet with Jihoo's help.  "Gwenchana, Jagiya.  Gwenchana."  Aside from the bruises he'll find on his arm later, she was doing great and he was very proud of her.

 - "Get them to the hospital as if there was a gun to your head," Jihoo told the driver.  GaEul was very much in danger of going into active labor in the car.

 - "Deh, Uissanim."  The driver, panicking, ran off to open the door ahead of them.

Once GaEul was safely in the car, Jihoo warned her again, not to push.  "Ara GaEul-ssi doesn't want JeongHee to be born in the car.  She'll be much more comfortable at the hospital."

GaEul managed a weak smile as she concentrated on her breathing and squeezing her husband's arm.  Jihoo stood and watched the car drive off.  "Yesu, let them arrive on time," he prayed.  Slowly, making his way back to their suite, Jihoo sat his bag down and climbed into bed.  His wife had rolled over and now had an arm and leg slung over the pillow barrier he had made.  "At least you didn't wake up," he gave her cheek a quick kiss.  Gently removing the pillow from under her leg, he placed the pillow at his head and her leg over his and repeated the process with the pillow under her arm.  He made himself as comfortable as possible before closing his eyes and his wife readjusted herself without even realizing he had left.  In less than an hour, there would be a text message on his phone, but Jihoo would wait until later to rejoice over the new addition to the F4 family.

As predicted, JeongHee was born almost as soon as they got GaEul into a delivery room.  Mom felt her strength waning at times, but YiJung was there not letting her give up.

"Gwenchana, jagiya, just go with the flow.  Don’t tire yourself out."  GaEul had begun pushing immediately; just wanting JeongHee to be born, but found that this was exhausting her too quickly.

“Chu-ssi, don't tire yourself too soon or you won't have the energy to push when I really need you to push," the Doctor encouraged.  "Remember, we talked about those different positions?  Now's the time to tell me?"

 - "Gwenchana!!"  She felt like pushing; therefore gave it all she had with a loud groan.  She wasn't brave enough to try anything different.  As long as she had YiJung at her side, she was fine.

 - "Choahyao!  Not much longer, she's crowning!"

It took another fifteen minutes and two good pushes later, for JeongHee to make her way into the So family.  Appa was elated at his seven-pound princess.  Umma smiled a crooked little smile, perhaps she looked drunk to some, but she really was tired.

 - "Born 4:21 A.M.," the Doctor announced.

GaEul put in a full day with very little rest.  She taught her class, packed JeongYul's overnight bag, made sure YiJung's tux and her dress were pressed and ready to go, plus all their overnight things.  She had even made time to sit with her Mother-in-Law for a few minutes.  The only nap she took was in JaeKyung's suite.

 - "Gwenchana Umma," YiJung said in a low voice, "you've earned your rest."  It seemed GaEul was waiting for the okay and she closed her eyes for an over delayed nap, comforted by the weight of the warm bundle on her chest.

In the excitement of JeongHee being born, Ilana didn't have time to scold her husband for the stunts he had pulled the night before.  By the time everyone was up, breakfasted and ready to go it would be afternoon before they arrived at the VIP floor of Shinwa hospital.  "Ohh!!  Unnie, she's precious!"  Ilana gushed at the sweet baby.

 - "Hana, meet your new dongsaeng.  JeongHee, this is your Unnie Hana inmida," JaeKyung introduced the two babies.  Something cannonballed into the room about that time.  "Umma!  Appa!" It was JeongYul.  "Na Yeodongsaeng is here?"

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, JeongYul-ah.  Did you greet everyone?"  GaEul corrected him.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo!"  He bowed quickly to everyone.

 - "JeongHee, this is your Oppa.  Say annyeong hasseyo, Oppa!"  GaEul waved JeongHee's little arm.

 - "Annyeong dongsaeng!"  JeongYul was overexcited and could barely stand still.  "Noona!  See, nae dongsaeng?"

 - "Pabo, she's nae dongsaeng too!  Deh, JeongHee?"  The adults all smiled at the kids.

 - "GaEul-ah!  Chukahae!"  JanDi lost no time in hugging her friend.

 - "Kansamnida!  Nomo haengbohkae, she’s finally here!"

Jihoo saw YiJung in the corner with a tired smile on his face.  "How did she do, this morning?"

 - "Choah, Na will have a bruised arm for a week, but I'd do it all over again."

 - "I'm glad."

 - "Gomawoyo," YiJung said.  "....for all your help."

 - "Anieyo, what are chingu for?"

 - "Still, na wouldn't have wanted to disturb JaeKyung and the baby by calling WooBin."  YiJung suddenly remembered Ilana.  "Na didn't wake Ilana did I?"

 - "Anieyo, she was so exhausted an earthquake wouldn't have woken her up."

 - "Yo, WooBin, where did you guys go last night?  You weren't at the table for the final program."  YiJung suddenly remembered his friend wasn’t in the banquet room at the end of the night.

 - "Ah deh, Hana was hungry and we had to miss it."  WooBin caught his wife's teasing smile.

 - "Deh, Unnie!"  JanDi said.  "You missed Sunbae and Ilana.  It was as if they performed together on a regular basis."

 - "I still can't believe you guys let nampyon do that to me!"  Ilana pouted.

 - "There's something about telling Jihoo 'no' that just doesn't work."

Ilana mock glared at her husband.  Jihoo left the 'men's' side of the VIP room and walked over the woman's side to wrap his arms around her.  "Gomawo Sarang.  Our Gala was an even bigger success than last year."

Ilana laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him.  "Anieyo, it was a beautiful surprise. Gomawo, Sarang."

 - "Greon, did you four already have your names picked?"

 - "InHo.”

 - “InSu.”

JanDi and JunPyo both said at once.

 - "InHo, JunPyo.”

 - "JanDi-ah...InSu."

 - "Yah JunPyo!"

 - "Yah Guam JanDi!"

 - "What's wrong with Humanity and goodness?"

 - "He'll be outstanding like his Abeoji."

 - "Mollah!"

 - "Wae?"

 - "JunPyo," Jihoo draped his arm around his friend's neck.  "You can't win this one.  JanDi needs peace and tranquility and not arguments."

 - "Hajiman..."

 - "Just leave it; you still have several months to gently change her mind."

 - "Sunbae!"

After everyone stopped laughing at JunPyo and JanDi, it was Ilana and Jihoo's turn.  "Mollahyo, Na haven’t let Jihoo decide on a name until we find out for sure she's a girl."

 - "Ilana-yah, you already refer to her as a girl."  GaEul laughed.

 - "Deh," she placed a hand on her tummy.  "That's nampyon's doing, it just stuck.  Na don't want to get attached to a name and then have to change it later," she looked to Jihoo with a smile.

 - "Monday, you'll know for sure!"  GaEul said in excitement.  "The technician at Uissa's office is daeback!"

 - "Deh," JanDi agreed.  "She won't have any problem giving you an accurate answer."

 - "Naega looking forward to it."

December 22, 2015

Dinner at the Yoon home that evening had a festive air.  Ilana and Jihoo had spent two full days at the office, except for Monday's short trip to the Doctor's office.  It was confirmed; Ilana carried a girl, officially due May, 18th.  Jihoo decided and Ilana agreed, they would let Harabeoji name her.  The evening felt like Christmas or Chusauk.  The housekeeper had made all of Ilana's favorites on top of Jihoo satisfying her craving for Mexican food by ordering enchiladas and quesadillas from ‘Vatos Tacos’ in Yongsan-gu.  "Na never imagined having Mexican food with my Korean food."  Ilana took a bite of quesadilla.  "Sweet, savory, and both spicy, masheesuhyo (delicious)"

 - "It's no different from having Mexican-Korean fusion back home."  Mina had also been invited to join in their pre-Christmas celebration; though, Ilana didn't know yet that they were leaving in the morning.

 - "Deh, what's that famous food truck?"  Ilana didn't frequent the gourmet food trucks, but they were all the rage with the office staff.

 - "Kogi," Jihoo answered.

 - "It's very good, hajiman I'd rather eat at Far East Sushi."  The restaurant had a Japanese owner but Mexican sous chefs that put their own spin on traditional rolls.

 - "Deh," Jihoo agreed with Mina.  ”Nado would rather eat at Far East than Kogi."

 - "I'll just take homemade traditional food," Ilana dug into Yangnyeom Tongdak (seasoned fried chicken).

 - "Says the one that can't cook," Mina teased.

Ilana stuck her tongue out at Mina.  "I can cook..."

 - "Jihoo, is that true?"

Jihoo smiled and calmly took Ilana's hand and kissed it.  "It's very difficult for Anae to cook at home.  Nana, like Ajumma here, dominates the kitchen.  Hajiman, when she does get a chance to cook, she puts all her heart into it; as with anything she does."  Ilana ducked her head embarrassed, yet very pleased with her husband's praise.  So much so, tears were building at the corner of her eyes.

 - "Aigoo, Jihoo, you embarrass the child."  Harabeoji smiled at the two and sensed a deep-seated peace in his heart.  Whatever happened to him, his Jihoo would be fine.  Yesu had given him the gift of seeing his Grandson happily situated in marriage and with a family on the way.  His only hope now was to see his Great Granddaughter born.

When they had consumed most of the food, Harabeoji poured them all more wine, including a small serving for Ilana.  They also called in the housekeeper to join them.  "Now, Yesu has given me a long life.  Deh, I've had my share of sins as have we all, but because of Yesu's grace, Naega here with nae Jihoo, nae grand-daughter and the child she carries, and chingu, new and old."  He looked to Mina and the housekeeper.  "Na can say my cup...," he lifted his glass, "runs over with blessings.  Gombae!"  They all agreed with that statement.  It was a year of blessings and they couldn't thank the Lord enough.  "With that said..."  Harabeoji teased them all.  "Na have been in prayer over the child's name.  The name is Ha-Eun."

 - "Ha-Eun...choahyo," Jihoo said with a smile.

 - "Yippeun, Harabeoji, what does it mean?"

 - "God's grace."

Ilana teared up again at the translation.  "It really is perfect.  Neither she nor I would be here, without it."

Jihoo wiped the tears from her eyes.  "Neither would I, Sarang."  He kissed her tenderly on the temple.

 - "Aigoo!  I'm not even pregnant and I'm crying!"  Mina complained.

 - "Nae paboya, na can't help cry too," the housekeeper said.

 - “Now that HaEun has her name," Jihoo said.  "We brought Christmas gifts for Harabeoji and Ajumma."

 - "Sarang, it's not Christmas yet," Ilana was confused as to why her husband had mentioned the gifts.

 - "Deh, hajiman...we're going home for Christmas."

 - "Chincha?"  Ilana's heart sped up in an excitement she didn't even she would feel.

 - "Deh, Sarang.  This Christmas, you will spend in your childhood home."  He chuckled at her tears and pulled her into his embrace.  "Sarang never even thought about spending Christmas at home, did you?"  She shook her head, 'no' too overwhelmed to speak.  "Na couldn't promise you.  Na didn't know how you would do with the flight and jet lag, hajiman Sarang did well and JaeKyung has generously offered for use to use the J.K. Group plane so Sarang will be even more comfortable."

 - "Wae are you so perfect?"  Ilana cried and still in his arms, hit him on the back with the flat of her hand.

Jihoo and the others laughed.  "Remember that when Sarang wants to get angry at me."  He pushed her away from him only to where he could bend and capture her lips for a brief kiss.

 - "Aigoo!!"  Harabeoji teased.  "Na want to hear my Granddaughter sing.  We can exchange gifts later."

 - "Deh Harabeoji!"  Ilana suddenly remembered Mina.  "Mina!!  Na didn't even ask you your plans for Christmas.  Na assumed you would spend it with us."  Ilana felt terrible about leaving the girl alone on Christmas.

 - "Gwenchanayo," Mina tried not to be obviously happy.  "Na have plans to go to Children's Grand Park for their Christmas program."

 - "That sounds like fun.  With your hubae?"

 - "Ani, with a new chingu I met the week nae parents were here."

 - "Yah, Mina-ssi, is there some truth to the namja teasing you about having a namjachingu?"

 - "Anieyo!!"  Mina turned bright red.

 - "Mina-ssi is turning bright red," Jihoo commented.

 - "Aish!!  Because you guys are teasing me!"  She stood from the table and began picking up dishes.

 - "Leave her be," Harabeoji said.  "If Mina-ssi has a namjachingu, bring him over and nae will take him ice fishing."

 - "Harabeoji will frighten him," Jihoo laughed.

 - "Aish!  He's not a namja chingu!"

 - "Caught you!" Ilana jumped in.  "Your chingu is a namja."

 - "Aish!!"  Mina walked into the kitchen leaving the others laughing.  For some reason, she wasn't ready to say who her new friend was.    YoungSaeng didn't ask her to keep their relationship a secret, but really it wasn't like they were dating.  They were just two singles hanging out.

Ilana followed Mina into the kitchen.  "Are you alright?  You're not upset at our teasing?"

 - "Of course not!  You guys aren’t any different than the rest of the corporate gang back home."

 - "Other than Antonio, I didn't get to know them that well.  But seriously, be careful.  I know you're a lot smarter than I am.  I know you'll use your head as well as your heart in picking Mr. Right.  Whatever country he's in."

Mina smiled and hugged Ilana.  "I will; thank you.  I'm really just meeting a friend, okay?"

 - "Okay!  Let's pick help Ajumma with the table.”

December 23, 2015

The entire F4 and family met Jihoo and Ilana at the airport to say goodbye.  Ilana was already a sentimental mess, having tearfully said goodbye to Harabeoji and their housekeeper.  By noon they were on their way.  Ilana had just returned from the bathroom and wrapped Jihoo's arm around her shoulders.  "Choah that I can cuddle with you for a little while."  They weren't hampered by the seat divider, like on commercial planes.

 - "Deh," he moved his hand down to her waist and brought her closer to him.  She immediately leaned her head against his chest.  "Haengbokhae?"

 - "Nomu!  (Music) Christmas Eve will find me…, where the love light gleams.  I'll be home for Christmas…, if only in my dreams..."  Again she was hit with that urge to burst into spontaneous song for any reason.  She laughed at herself.

 - "It won't be in Sarang's dreams.  Sarang will be home almost two days before Christmas."

 - "Deh!  Kansamnida!  You're daeback!"  She reached up to kiss his cheek.  Before she laid her head back against him, he reached for her face and held it in his hand.  "Wae?"

 - "Ani, choah seeing anae smile like this.  Sarang's eyes get so bright and it's like Na can see down to your heart and it's dancing."

 - "Pabo!"

 - "Yah!  Disrespectful anae!"  She giggled.  "Saranghae..."  He her cheek softly with his thumb. 

 - "Nado nomu saranghae."

Jihoo bent for a slow and tantalizing kiss.  He’d have to wait about twenty-four hours before fulfilling all the unspoken promises of that kiss, but the reward was always worth the wait.

 - “Hija!!”  Mr. Rodriguez was excited to answer the call from his daughter.

 - “Merry Christmas, Papi!”

 - “How was your day?  You didn’t forget to go to Church, right?”

 - “Of course not!  I had a really nice day, Papi.”  Mina smiled into the phone.  “I thought I’d be sad without Mama and you but a friend invited me to spend the day together and we had a really good time.”

 - “Hija…who is this friend…?”  Her father asked with suspicion.

 - “Just a friend, Papi!  We spent the day playing in the snow.  I still can’t feel my fingers, but it was worth it."

 - “Okay, I’m going to want to hear more of this friend later.”

 - “Okay, Papi.”

 - “Let me wake your Haha."

 - “That’s okay; I’ll call her when I wake up.  I knew you would be awake.  I’m tired and cold; I’m going to bed.”

 - “Que Dios te bendiga, hija (May God bless you, my daughter).”

 - “Igualmente, Papi (Same to you too, daddy).”

Mina hung up with a smile on her face.  Stepping into her bathroom, she let the day replay in her head.  The laughter and conversation had flowed between her and YoungSaeng, making her very comfortable around him.  A few times she slipped and had really called him 'Oppa', instead of as a joke.  Mina also thought he was getting comfortable with her too.  Of course, the soju helped.  She laughed.  If it weren’t for all the sledding and going up and down hills, she would be in danger of being drunk.  Knowing from interviews that HyunJoong could drink and his drinking buddy was one of his close friends, she wondered if that was YoungSaeng.

- “Kansamnida, for keeping me company today,” YoungSaeng had said before he had to leave.

 - “Anieyo, kansamnida for inviting me.”

 - “Merry Christmas,” he bowed to her.

 - “Merry Christmas.”

 - “Soju is on you, next time.”

Mina smiled widely; she didn’t miss the ‘next time’.  “Arraseo, ‘Oppa’.”

 - “Be careful going home.  Send me a text when you get there.”

 - “Dehhh!”

With that, he stepped back on the bus with the rest of his co-officers.

Mina gratefully stepped into her warm shower and wondered when 'next time' will be.

Jihoo really did volunteer Ilana to sing at the Christmas Eve service.  Having planned to sit back and watch her sing ‘Gesu Bambino’, he changed his mind at the last hour and decided to join her. He played his violin and she sang her favorite carol ‘What Child is This?’.  As long as this Christmas belonged to her and her memories, he wanted to begin creating new memories and bringing forward the traditions of their childhood.  They had invited a few friends from Church as well as JungMin and Suzy and they continued celebrating with music and food from Nana’s native Spain.  Fish stew, roast lamb, fried potatoes and lots of cookies.

Ilana awoke early Christmas morning.  She couldn’t wait to give Jihoo his gift.  Unable to stay awake until midnight and refusing to give gifts beforehand, she at least woke herself early.  Throwing on her robe at seven A.M., she was tugging on her husband’s arm.  “Sarang!!  Wake up!  Wake up!!!  Eeliwah!”

 - “Wae!”  Jihoo groaned and tried to tug her back into bed.

 - “It’s Christmas morning!  You need to open your present.  You let me fall asleep last night!”

 - “Sarang, it will be Christmas all day, come back to bed.  Nothing could keep you awake.  Even if I tried.”

 - “Sarang!!!  Juseyo?!”  She was fighting with him over the blankets.   When he wouldn’t budge, she climbed on the bed and started hitting him with a pillow.    He easily unarmed her and pulled her down to him.  “Merry Christmas, Sarang.”

After Jihoo satisfied himself with kisses from his wife, they made their way downstairs.  “Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas), Nana!”  Ilana hugged the woman tightly.  “Ven para darle su regalo (Come so I can give you your gift).”

 - “Ay niña, porque gastaste (Why did you waste money)?”

 - “Porque quise (because I wanted to).”

 - “Niña malcriada (Bratty girl).

 - “Si!”

Nana made them take coffee and cookies with them into the main room.      

  - “Este es para Nana (This is for Nana).”

Nana protested dutifully but was just as excited as a child to open her gift.  “Ay niña, doctorcito, que lindo huele (It smells so nice).”  Nana was delighted with her Prada Infusion d'Iris perfume.  She hugged them both tight.  Her niña had always been more than generous with her all year round, not just at Christmas.  “Ahora ustedes (Now you two).”Ilana opened hers excitedly, Nana always handmade her gifts.  “Ay!!  Qué lindo (How lovely), Nana!  Pero, le costó mucho trabajo (But it cost you so much work).”  Ilana admired the delicate mohair wrap and immediately threw it over her shoulders.  “Gracias, Nana, me encanta (Thank you, Nana, I love it).”  Jihoo opened his package to reveal a taupe and cream scarf

and cream-colored slippers.   He was deeply touched by the gesture and all the work she had put into it.  “Gracias, Nana,” he hugged her tightly.  Not remembering his own grandmother, he was happy to have this woman in his life.

 - “Jihoo’s turn!”  His gift was in a giant box.

 - “Sarang, wae?”  He didn’t want her spending money on him.

 - “Open it and then you can protest.”

Jihoo opened the box and found a violin case, with a violin inside.  “Sarang?”

 - “It was Appa’s.  I had it refurbished.  No one has used it really.  Brendon played his guitar from time to time, but the violin was discarded.  This way you can leave your Stradivarius and travel with this one.  If it gets lost, at least it’s not the one your parents gave you.”

 - “Sarang, how can I be less careful with this violin that was your Appa’s.”

 - “Mariyah (just saying).  I’d feel worse if something happened to yours.  It’s worth twice as much as this one is.”

Jihoo wrapped her in his arms.  “It’s not the price.  Both are priceless and irreplaceable.  Gomawo, Na will cherish it as much as I do my own.  Na have something for Sarang.”

 - “Sarang gave me so much at the Gala!”

 - “It’s not much and technically, it’s from Harabeoji.”  He handed her a small wrapped box.  Inside were two Korean traditional pendants one in Jade and one in onyx.  

 - “They’re beautiful, Sarang.  Wae?”

 - “They belonged to nae Halmoni and now they are yours.  Na should have given them to you for the gala, but in all the activities, Na forgot.  Like Abeonim’s violin, they were sitting there neglected.”

 - “Na can’t wait to thank Harabeoji.”  They were seated on the floor, so Ilana raised herself onto her knees and threw her arms around him.  “Gomawo, this is the best Christmas I’ve had in seventeen years.”  She kissed his lips softly and caressed his face.  Tears fell, but she couldn’t help it.  “Na can’t wait to tell HaEun everything her Appa did for me when she was in my tummy.”

 - “Deh, Sarang,” he softly kissed her eyes.  “This is a Christmas to remember and next year, our HaEun will be crawling and trying to pull the ornaments off the tree.”

 - “Deh!!"  She laughed at the vision.

Their fur child walked in at that moment and decided she wanted some Christmas love too.  She climbed in between Jihoo and Ilana for a head scratch.

I hate tying loose ends and that’s what I feel like I’m doing in these last few chapters.  Ending all the different stories.

Anyway, 2 babies born, 2 to go.

By the way, during the period of the last chapter, the temperature was supposed to be almost 80 but when I posted we were in the low to mid 60’s.  But for Ilana’s sake, I spent the day in shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt and was relatively comfortable.  Kekeke.

• You’re Pabo Author.  ;)