The MS Amsterdam docked in Incheon, Republic of Korea and a small group of friends disembarked, eager to see their families. An event that usually only took place once a year, if that. This homecoming would be slightly different. Each had life-changing business to take care of; business that would actually bring them back home in less than a year. They hugged each other goodbye, agreeing to meet at the airport on the fourteenth

KyuJong walked out of the recruiting office with a relief he didn't know he would feel. Set to enlist in July, he was nervous to tell the others; though he knew they would understand.  They all had to go through it, might as well get it over with.  His mind was still elsewhere as he walked out of the office. Not watching where he walked, he stumbled into a familiar young man that had his head bent looking at a paper in his hand.

 - "Maknae!"

 - "Hyeung!"

 - "What are you doing here?" HyungJun asked.

 - "Yah! What about you? Keeping secrets from your Hyeung?"

 - "Andwae!  It just happened."

 - "Arraso,” KyuJong didn't understand how enlisting for military duty could 'just happen', but with Maknae anything was possible. "Let's not tell the others yet."

 - "Princess will be hurt if we don't tell her."

 - "We'll tell them all when we get to New York, telling everyone at once will be the best way."

 - "Arraso, when are you going?"

 - "July, what about you?”

 - "May."

 - "I'd say let's get lunch, but my family is waiting for me."

 - "Deh, nado. We’ll see each other again in two days."

  - Deh!”  The two pounded each other’s backs in farewell.

YoungSaeng and his parents had enjoyed the Fortress Festival of their native Gwochang County, a tradition of theirs to attend every year and wear traditional clothing.  Heading home, his Umma noted her son had retreated into himself like he always did when he was worried or had a problem. Umma wondered if a young lady was involved.

 - "Saengie-ya, when are you going to bring us a nice girl to meet us," His Mother asked. "Do I need to call a matchmaker?"

 - "Anieyo, Umma!" Her son protested.

 - "Yeobo, leave the boy alone. He should be thinking of starting his military service, you postponed your plans to go in this year," his father reminded.

 - "Arayo, Abeoji, it's just..."

 - "There's a yeoja," his Mom accused.

 - "If she's meant to be she'll still be there after you serve your duty to your country," his Father admonished.

 - "Anieyo, it’s just a friend I made from the states and...she’s...special." He couldn't describe his relationship with Ilana in any other way. Afraid someone else will recognize how special she is as soon as he’s gone, he just wanted to be there for her a little longer.

  - "You can't wait forever, adul should do as I say," his father instructed.

  - "Deh Abeoji, I'll think about it."

 - "If she's so special wae didn't adul bring her to meet us?" His Mother complained.

 - "It's complicated, Umma."

 - "Should we contact the girl’s parents?"

 - "Anieyo! Umma, her parents were in an accident when she was small. Abeoji, Umma, just give me a little more time to see where this will go and then I'll enlist.

 - "I'll trust adul but by your next birthday you need to have enlisted or getting ready for marriage."

 - "Deh, Abeoji, kansamnida," YoungSaeng let out his a nervous breath.

JungMin and Suzy were smiling brightly to each other. They were surrounded by their parents and things were going well. Suzy held JungMin's hand under the table which was a little damp from nerves. y Charisma was actually scared of not making a favorable impression on his future in-laws. He knew Suzy could never go against them if they were to decide against him.

 - “Jung Min-ah, when will you serve your military duty? Before or after the wedding?" Suzy's Mom asked.

 - "Eomonnim, we don't want to wait two years. We thought of having a small wedding on the ship, with just parents and grandparents then I can think about enlisting later next year."

 - "We don't have time to discuss things properly before you kids leave." Suzy's Father stated. "Jung Min-ah, your parents and us will discuss what's best over the next few months and come to an agreement.”

 - "Deh, don't worry about anything,” JungMin's Mother added. "Suzy's Appa, Umma, and we will be meeting frequently now that we've met.”

Everyone was smiling, things had gone well. Both sets of parents were in agreement on the union of Jung Min and Suzy, so much so that JungMin's parents immediately wanted to add Suzy to their family registry.

 - "I don't see a point in waiting to add Suzy to our family registry," JungMin's Father said before they left the restaurant. "We've all given our blessing, why don't we stop by the registry office?" This announcement made the couple very nervous. They were as good as married once Suzy was added to the registry.

 - "Hajiman Abeoji, I haven't even given her a ring yet!"

 - "Mr. and Mrs. Bae, do you have any objections?”

 - "None,” Suzy’s Mom answered while looking at her husband who nodded in reassurance.

This was going to be a long afternoon for Suzy who was blushing furiously and Jung Min whose palms had already been damp, were now slippery with his perspiration.

Ilana was getting ready for bed Sunday night (Monday morning in Seoul) when her phone announced a text message. Her friends had met up with HyunJoong for breakfast before their flight to catch the ship in Beijing; they sent her all sorts of funny pictures.

JungMin: Annyeong chingu! We're glad you like the album. I told them you were going to cry.

Ilana: I couldn't help it! They were tears of joy, Min, that's okay.

Jung Min: Sunbae wants to know why you didn't come to Seoul with us.

Ilana: I had to work; tell him I can't get paid solely on a pretty face and the ability to eat...a lot!

JungMin: He says he's on an intense workout routine for his new drama and always hungry.

Ilana: Excuses…let me know when it starts so I can see his muscles too. ;) Anyway, when is he coming to New York?

JungMin: He says maybe early next year. He might be singing at a wedding.

Ilana: Daeback!

Jung Min: We have to catch our flight now; jagiya is sending you a hug and Maknae a kiss...on the cheek. My Hyeung-deul say behave.

Ilana: Tell them saranghae!

October 14-18, 2013

The week to follow was mayhem for Ilana and was instrumental in keeping everything and everyone organized during Jihoo's absence. Having been initiated in this hell week the month before, she learned quickly the best way to achieve order. Her research specialist background helped her easily categorize the problems and solve them accordingly. Ilana made sure Dr. Jihoo's patients were covered and files accurately coded. With Abigail's report also due that week, both girls were eating lunch at their desks or not at all. Ilana was also staying late each night.

Dr. Jaejoong, being left in charge during his colleague’s absence, also was kept extremely busy. He had just managed to escape his office and was making his last rounds of the day.  Passing out the formal invites to his party, he noticed Ilana still at her desk rubbing her head. "Aish," he thought, "this girl probably forgot to eat lunch again. He went up to her desk. "Yah Agassi! What are you still doing here? You've had me chained to my desk all day; I'm just getting to my afternoon rounds."

 - "You are in charge when Dr. Jihoo is not in, are you not?" She gave him her best ‘Ajumma’ voice. Dr. Jihoo's absence had unknowingly allowed her to grow in confidence and show off the skills SungRyung had hired her for.

 - "Deh," he said resigned. "Actually, things are running much more efficient this month. Dr. Jihoo will be pleased but I'm not going to take the blame for you being here so late and skipping meals.  Off you go," he was pulling her chair out and hauling her to her feet.

 - "Dr. Jaejoong!" Ilana protested. "I'm not done yet!" He had already rummaged through her drawer to find her purse.

 - "Here, it’s the party invite," he an envelope into her hands.

 - "I apologize, but I don't do parties."

 - "You went to Isabel's..." Ilana opened to point out the difference, but he continued. "Make sure you have one of your boyfriends bring you," he had noticed a few pictures of her and possibly friends or boyfriend on her desk. He had heard a rumor that Ilana's boyfriend was planning to propose soon. "If he can't bring you, then I'll have Dr. Jihoo take you. That way, I can make sure both of you are there." Ilana was being pushed out of the nurse’s station.

 - "Micheossuh?!" Ilana thought as she entered the elevator. "Boyfriend? Maybe he noticed the pictures on my desk. Well, I can blame my boyfriend if I don't go to the party." Ilana looked at the time on her phone. Just past seven, she wasn't ready to go home yet. Checking in her purse, she had granola and dried fruit that should hold her off while she spent some time reading to the kids. Dr. Jaejoong said to go, but he didn't say she had to go home. She smiled with satisfaction as she walked to the children's hospital. KyuJong would kill her if he knew how many times in the last few weeks she'd skipped meals. At least she had stocked her drawer with healthy snacks.

October 18, 2014

By Friday, Abigaíl had finished her report and things were almost back to normal for Ilana and her. The buzz in the ward was the Halloween party; Uee started the conversation as they worked.

 - "Do you guys have your costumes ready for the party?"

 - "I'm still trying to convince Go Dokmi. You know how shy she is."

 - "You'll convince her, I know you will."

 - "I almost forgot! You and your friends are singing. That will convince her to go."

 - "Singing?" Ilana and Abigaíl stopped working and turned their attention to Uee.

 - "Yes; our first time performing for the hospital crowd, I can't wait. You two weren't actually thinking of not being there, were you?" Abigaíl and Ilana looked at each other, guilt written all over their faces.

 - "I suppose I can go for a little while," Ilana reluctantly gave in.

 - "I'll see if my sister will watch Isabel," Abigaíl mumbled.

 - "Daeback!" Uee clapped her hands together. "Dr. Jaejoong is also bringing one of the girl groups from back home, Miss A." Ilana had heard of this group, Suzy liked them because one of its members shared her name.

At five P.M., Ilana shut down her computer and prepared to leave. Everything was in order and she didn't have an excuse to stay. She really should get some rest. Having promised to take care of herself, she hadn't been doing a very good job of it.  Headaches were occurring on an almost daily basis and she thought she had lost weight.

Ilana dreaded the weekends; there were too many hours of unoccupied time, for her mind to turn to negative thoughts. A thought struck her as she walked with Abigaíl.

 - "Abigaíl are you going to be home this weekend?” Ilana asked. 

 - "I have nothing planned, why?"

 - "Do you want to do something? I'll come to you."

 - "Okay, let's plan on it. How about Sunday? Have brunch with us at the restaurant and we can do something afterward."

 - "I like that plan. I'll see you Sunday."

October 20, 2013

Ilana couldn't wait for Sunday. Saturday flew by with household chores, grocery shopping and preparing meals for the week.  With meals already prepared, she didn't have an excuse to skip meals times. Sunday morning Ilana did last minute tidying and got ready to catch the train that would take her to Abigail's house. Walking to the elevator, she realized she had looked at the timetable wrong and was going to be late for the train. She changed direction to the stairs and began to run down.

Jihoo arrived early that morning and had gone straight to the hospital. He was surprised at how organized everything was:  no loose ends to figure out and detailed notes were included for each patient. Reviewing files usually took him an entire day or more but this time he was done in two hours. He showered and changed at the hospital and checked on a few patients. By eleven A.M. he was walking into the apartment building, only to get crashed into by his admin who was breathless from running.

 - "Dr. Jihoo!" Ilana squeaked, turning bright red. She had rounded the stairway right into him. "I'm so sorry! I'm late!" She didn't have time for him to react, she continued running out the door. When he finally recovered, he ran after her. She hadn't gone far. She was hailing a cab. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back from the curb. Ilana looked at him in shock; then anger.

- "Dr. Jihoo, I'm going to miss my train. I'd appreciate you letting me go." Ilana was extremely irritated and it showed in her manner of speaking; all her shyness was gone. "Why do all these Korean guys think they can just grab you or boss you around?" She wondered.

- "I'll take you," Jihoo kept his usual monotone voice but inwardly he wanted to laugh. She had said his name with the exact facial expression his friend’s wife, JanDi, used with her husband when he was being particularly dense.

- "It's kind of you to offer but I'll just take a cab," Ilana was still irritated as she was wasting time.

- "I insist, kaja," he smiled at her before turning towards the parking entrance. Ilana ignored him and was about to get a cab. He grabbed her by the wrist again and pulled her with him towards the garage.

- "I'm capable of taking a cab; you must be tired from your trip." Knowing that Korean guys were like brick walls, she tried to reason with him anyway.

- "Think of me as your personal driver," he bowed to her and opened the passenger side door. Ilana was wasting time arguing and resigned herself getting into the car.

- "Where are you going and what time should I pick you up?" Ilana thought Dr. Jihoo's brain was still on leave.

- "I will not be requiring your services this evening; you may have the afternoon off," Ilana played along, making him laugh. "I will see to my own transportation.”

- "Forgive me, Contreras-ssi, but I cannot be dismissed," back to serious. "Once my services are employed, only I can end my contract."

Brick wall reinforced with stainless steel, Ilana thought.

Penn station was almost a thirty-minute bus ride but only five minutes by car when there wasn’t traffic. "We're here,” he pulled into the station, “give me your phone."

 - "Dr. Jihoo, I’m sure you have better things to do than play this game."

 - "Anieyo, I'm available to play this game all day; phone or phone number, juseyo?" She was wasting time if she wanted to get to Abigail's on time, she’d have to give in. Rattling off her number, he immediately called it back. He was smiling; her face went from anger to frustration to puzzled and back to anger again. "Call me on your way back; I'll be waiting at this exact spot."

 - "If you change your mind, I'm more than happy to take a cab." She pleaded with him as he opened her door for her.

 - "I won't,” he stated and Ilana ran off shaking her head.

 - 'You made it!" Abigaíl hugged Ilana upon her arrival at the restaurant and was also greeted warmly by the rest of the family. It had only been a short walk from the train stop.

 - "I almost didn't," Ilana told Abigaíl and her family everything while they ate. She told them all about crashing into Dr. Jihoo and the way he insisted on taking her to the station and picking her up.

 - "Que caballeroso (How gentlemanly)." Señora Paula said. "Igual que el Doctor Jae (Just like Dr. Jae)," Ilana and Abigaíl looked at each other and laughed.

 - "Mama, son un par de entrometidos (they're both nosey).”  Abigaíl never knew Dr. Jihoo had this side to him.

 - "Ay, las muchachas de hoy no saben apreciar un caballero (Girls today don't know how to appreciate a gentleman). Me caen bien, con que no se vayan enamorar de ustedes. (I like them, as long as they don't fall in love with you two.)" All the girls at the table laughed.

 - "Ten por seguro que eso no pasará (rest assured that won't happen), Ilana responded.

After lunch, Abigaíl drove them back to her house, they were hanging out in her room when she asked Ilana's opinion of her costume.

 - "It's very pretty,” Ilana admired the woodsy colors of the dress. "Isabel might get her wish and get a handsome doctor for her Mama."  Ilana laughed at Abigail's expression.

 - "You think you're funny. What about your costume?" Abigaíl asked.

 - "I don't know yet; I'm not really used to dressing in costumes." She didn't remember celebrating Halloween with her parents and definitely not after. "I have a carnival mask my friends gave me; I'll just do something with that."

- "So...is your boyfriend coming?"

 - "Boyfriend?" Ilana laughed

 - "Who are the guys in the pictures you have half hidden on your desk."

 - "Entrometida (Nosey)!" Ilana pretended to be offended. "They are my friends, like my brothers."

 - "Aha,” Abigail’s tone was doubtful. SungRyung had already told her of Ilana's surprise visitor.

 - "Don't start! I have no interest in boyfriends. I'm in New York to work, nothing more."

Just then Isabel chose to crash their party.  "Mama, let's go to the movies with tía Ilana."

The girls of Abigail's family went to the movies and had a pizza dinner. Ilana didn't have to say much because Abigaíl and her sister's talked circles around her. Ilana smiled and nodded, happy to be part of this family for the day. If they only knew how much she craved this type of family bond with others but didn’t really know how to grasp it just yet. She still kept herself isolated, only skimming the surface of a real life but not confident enough to plunge in. With little Isabel Ilana was different, she found herself immersed in conversation and coloring with her until it came time to leave.

Abigaíl dropped her off at the train stop.

 - "Thank you for keeping me company today,” Ilana hugged her co-worker.

 - "You're family now, don't be a stranger." Luciana, Abigaíl's older sister hugged her.

 - "I won't; thank you." Little did they know how much that statement meant to Ilana. She turned to little Isabel.  “Quieres irte conmigo (Do you want to come with me)?" Isabel giggled and shook her head 'no'. Ilana pretended to be sad. "Si me das un abrazo, no estaré triste (If you give me a hug, I won't be sad)." Isabel threw herself at Ilana; Ilana squeezed her tight and was reluctant to let go. "See you tomorrow!" Ilana waved and ran up the platform to the train.

Jihoo had received Ilana's call; she was on her way back. He didn't know why but there was something about her that made him want to know her better. He knew that was dangerous. She reminded him a lot of himself, but her stubbornness and not wanting to accept help; that was all Jan Di. Once again, he shook off useless thoughts and left for the station.

Arriving at the station, Jihoo got out of the car to wait for Ilana. He leaned against the car and about five minutes later, he saw his admin coming out of the station. He waved until she noticed him.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo," Jihoo opened the passenger side door and bowed. Ilana shook her head and got in the car. "You called,” he was actually anticipating waiting all night and then pounding on her door to make sure she had arrived safely.

 - "Mmm, I didn't know I had a choice," she matched his monotone.

Her obviously Korean expression made him smile.  "Majayo," Ilana looked at him not understanding. She had never heard that word. "That's right," he said wondering if she was playing dumb. "Did you have a nice day?"

 - "Yes," she smiled wistfully. She had gotten a little weepy in the train. Abigail’s family was so nice to her and welcomed her as one of them. If they only knew who she was and what her past was; would they be as welcoming? Maybe one day she could tell them, just not yet.

 - "Did you eat dinner?"

 - "Abigaíl, her sisters and I had pizza."

 - "Oh, you were with Abigaíl," he wondered why it mattered to him where she had been. Anyway, he was just doing her a favor by picking her up. "Greon, do you have a date for Jaejoong's party?"

 - "E-excuse me?" Why was he asking her about a date? For some reason, her heart was thumping a little loudly.

 - "Deh, if you don't have a date for the Halloween party, Dr. Jaejoong ordered me to take you."

Ilana resumed breathing again.  "I can take a cab.  I'm only going to hear Uee's group, I won't be staying long."

 - "Anieyo, I'll take you. That way I too have an excuse to leave early."

 - "Do you need it?"

 - "Anieyo, but it will help. Ilana-ssi doesn't know how much Dr. Jaejoong complains if I leave early."

 - "You won't keep me from leaving?"

 - "I am at your service, remember?" They had arrived at the apartment's parking. Ilana waited for Jihoo to open her door. He bowed as she stepped out.

 - "Thank you, that will be all for the evening, you may retire." Ilana slipped back into her mistress role. Jihoo was caught off guard and couldn’t help crack a smile.

 - "Here you are," Ilana had taken thirty dollars from her purse.

 - "Ige mwoya (what's this)?" Jihoo just stared at the money in her hand.

 - "My cab fare," she said with a challenging glint in her eye.  She quickly shoved the money in his shirt pocket and took off running towards the elevator.

 - "Aish, this kid!" Jihoo ran after her but she had plunged into the elevator just before the doors closed.

In the elevator, Ilana tried to catch her breath while grinning widely and avoiding making eye contact with the other passengers.  She hoped an irate Dr. Jihoo wouldn’t be waiting upon her arrival on their floor.

October 21, 2013

After Ilana's usual morning routine, she arrived at work hoping to avoid Dr. Jihoo. She had just settled down to work when SungRyung called her into her office.

 - "Yes, Unnie?" Ilana walked into her boss’s office to see Dr. Jihoo, hands in his pockets as if he were a regular fixture there. Ignoring him, she faced SungRyung's desk.

 - "Sit down dear," SungRyung motioned to the chair with a smile. "Dr. Jihoo was just telling me what an easy transition he had after his week away. I was telling him he owes it all to you dear. I know you were staying late to keep Dr. Jihoo's and Dr. Jaejoong's files in order since Abigaíl was working on her report."

 - "I-It's not important Unnie. I don't have anything requiring my attention after work." Ilana was staring at her lap, too embarrassed to look up at her boss.

 - "Tch. You kept everything and everyone running smoothly. I'm very pleased with your work dear; that is not an easy task." SungRyung looked at Dr. Jihoo, "I think you owe her lunch dear, it's the least you can do."

 - "Unnie! That...that's not necessary; I was just doing my work!"

 - "I agree," spoke in his usual monotone while looking at SungRyung. He noticed Ilana's eyes open wide before she quickly schooled her face again. "Ilana-ssi, I have earned a little extra money this weekend; I will use it for our lunch." Ilana couldn't keep herself from blushing, continuing to look down at her lap; she wished someone would suddenly Paige Dr. Jihoo.

- "It's settled then,” SungRyung nosily clasped her hands.  “Take as long as you two want, I know Ilana's work won't fall behind." Studying the pair in front of her, Ilana was blushing and Jihoo wore his usual expressionless mask but she could almost detect a hint of amusement in his eyes. She was extremely curious to know what that was all about. Whatever it was, her curiosity could wait as long as it brought these two closer together.

- "I'll see Ilana-ssi at one; I'll be leaving first." He bowed to them.

- "Enjoy your lunch dearest, you deserved it," SungRyung dismissed Ilana.

Abigaíl looked at her coworker’s perplexed look but shrugged it off. Ilana was still very shy and she had learned to read the other girl's moods and be sensitive to them.  Currently, her co-worker was obviously a little nervous or uncomfortable.  Abigaíl hoped it was nothing serious.

Sometime around lunch, Abigaíl went to Ilana's cubical.

 - "Did you bring your lunch?" Abigaíl asked.

 - "I did, but something came up and I'll be eating out," Ilana sulked.

 - "Okay, I'll see you when you get back." Abigaíl wondered what her co-worker was up to but didn't question her. Ilana would most likely confide in her later.

Ilana’s phone rang a few minutes later.

 - "Annyeong, I'll meet Ilana-ssi in front of the hospital," Jihoo had to run back to the apartment for his car. He hadn't expected to need it when he walked to work that morning but the change in plans was not unwelcome. The girl deserved to be recognized and at the same time pay her back for making him take money for picking her up.

Ilana went downstairs to meet Dr. Jihoo. He was waiting just outside the door and she saw him smile and inclined his to her in acknowledgment.

 - "Does Japanese sound good to you?" He asked.

 - "You really don't have to buy me lunch," Ilana tried to get out of this situation.

 - "I insist, besides, I have extra money remember?" He grinned at her sullen face.

Arriving at the restaurant, they were seated at a table and ordered. Again, Jihoo compared Ilana with Jan Di. Ilana ate like a bird whereas Jan Di ate heartily. He eyed her five-piece sashimi, rice, and soup.

- "If Ilana-ssi kept her meals consistent she wouldn't have as many headaches," Jihoo fixed his eyes on his plate.

- "Does the employee lecture his employer?"

- "Depends," Jihoo was reminded of the Halmoni head housekeeper at his friend’s house. She scolded them many a time when they were young. "Ilana-ssi is ready for the party?" He changed the subject, sensing her eating habits were a sore subject.

- "Not really, I thought about it and called home to see if there is anything in my Mother's things I can use." Jihoo thought there was a momentary look of sadness in her eyes but it was gone just as quickly as it appeared. "What about you?"

- "Anieyo, I'll have to rent something at the last minute. Ilana-ssi, where is home?" He asked curiously and also wanting to know more about her.

- "Home," she sighed involuntarily. "California."

- "Ilana-ssi is far from home;" he knew now he hadn't missed the sadness in her tone of voice, even if she tried to hide it, he switched to a

- "Twenty-four hundred miles." Ilana looked at the time on her phone, "Dr. Jihoo, do you mind if we go?" She said suddenly. "I'd rather not be late getting back if I don't have to.”

- "At your service," Jihoo continued their game and was rewarded with a shy smile.

Once they arrived back at the hospital, they walked together silently to the main entrance. Jihoo broke the silence but not because he found it awkward.

-"By the way, Ilana-ssi has been entered into a drawing." Ilana's face was puzzled. "Ilana-ssi won unlimited free cab rides for a year." he walked away from her, chuckling to himself.

- "Pabo," Ilana muttered to herself and chuckled as well.

This is a filler chapter and I was having a hard time with it. I did my best, just hang in there. We've got the Halloween party coming up (tried to fit it in this chapter but it wasn't going to happen) and the visit.