January 2, 2014

Abigaíl had been chatting with Suzy for a few minutes.  Not that she didn't have work to do but Suzy brought Korean pastries for the entire staff of the critical care unit and had helped pass them out.  Ilana had fallen back asleep after the early morning vitals check and blood work.  It would be a while before she was back to her early morning ways.  Dr. Jihoo and Jaejoong had just come in and were heading to the office they used while on the floor.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, Jihoo, Jaejoong Uissa.  I brought pastries for everyone.  I made sure to set some aside for the doctors." 

 - "I put them in a basket in the office," Abigaíl said, slightly guilty at being caught chit chatting in the hallway.

 - "Kansamnida, Suzy-ssi," Jihoo said.

 - "Anieyo," Suzy said.  "I'm going to go back into Unnie's room before she wakes up.”

 - "She's not having nightmares still, is she?"  Jihoo asked.

 - "Anieyo, I just want to be there when she wakes up, just in case."

 - "Dr. Jihoo and I will be doing rounds soon.  Gomawoyo, we’ll enjoy the treats."

 - "I'll see you in a while," Suzy went back to her friend's room and Jihoo headed for the office.

 - "Jagiya, I hope your family enjoyed brunch yesterday.  I know my parents and I did.  My parents love you and Isabel.  They can't stop singing your praises; I think they wish you were their child instead of me."  Jaejoong laughed.  "Umma said not to be a stranger; she wants you to consider yourself family."

 - "Your parents are really sweet and for some reason, Isabel came home calling them Grandpa and Grandma in Korean.  Did someone teach her that?"

 - "Yah, don't look at me," Abigaíl was giving him an accusing stare.  "It must've been Umma.  Anyway, in my country, it's normal for kids to call older people Mother, Father, Grandpa, Grandma, etc."

 - "I'm sorry we weren't able to stay longer, Dad was tired.  I hope he's not getting sick."

 - "He did look tired; tell him I said to take care of himself.  I don't want my Jagiya to worry."

 - "Yeah, you're lucky he doesn't know what that means.  Dad bought a shotgun the day Luciana was born.  Alonso is lucky that he begrudgingly liked him."

 - "What about your ex?  Did Abeojim shoot at him?"  Jaejoong was teasing as usual and didn't notice Abigail's mood darken.

 - "Dr. Jaejoong, my ex is no one's business but mine. If you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

Jihoo realized Jaejoong hadn't followed him into the office.  He waited a few minutes then got up to see what had detained his colleague.  He found him in the hallway beating his head and muttering to himself.

 - "Aish!  Pabo!"  Jaejoong stood there knocking his head a few times for opening his mouth when he shouldn't.  He didn't mean to offend or hurt her.  He would make it up to her somehow.

 - "Yah!  Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to review files with me."

 - "Tch, I'm coming."

Back in the office, they went over the morning's labs.  "Mr. Panell has made good progress; I think he can be discharged today," Jihoo commented.

 - "Arraso, I agree.  I want to give Ilana one more pint of blood and I'm satisfied with her progress.  What about you?"

 - "Her oxygen level is good.  The inflammation in her lungs has gone down and fluid is no longer accumulated."  Jihoo had had to go in and drain the infected fluid on her first day in the hospital.  "I want her completely off the oxygen today and depending on how she does, I'll be fine with sending her home this afternoon or evening."  The two Doctors discussed several more patients before getting up to start rounds.

 - "Jihoo-ah," Jaejoong tried to catch Jihoo's attention as they walked.  "What if I really offended someone unintentionally?  How do I make it up to them?"

 - "Sacrifice is at the heart of repentance. Without deeds, your apology is worthless.”  Jihoo continued walking, leaving Jaejoong to ponder his words alone.

 - "Knock, knock," a nurse walked into Ilana's room.

Ilana had only woken up a few minutes before and happily, greeted the nurse from the children's hospital.  "Grace, what are you doing here?!"

 - "You told me you had a cold and couldn't come visit but that was weeks ago.  The kids received your gifts on Christmas Eve but not you."  Ilana had purchased batches of small gifts on Amazon and had them wrapped and shipped to the hospital.  "I called your desk and your voice message said you'd be on medical leave.  I called Hani and she told me what happened.  The kids send their love and thanks for the gifts."  Grace placed an office copy paper box on Ilana's table.

 - "All this?"  Ilana was speechless.  She had really missed reading and talking with the kids but as her cold progressed she hadn't had much time to think of them.  Pulling a card out of the box, it had the sun on the cover and the message read:  Sending you Sunny Smiles.  The second had a turtle:  Speedy Recovery, a few had bears sending her hugs.

 - "Chincha?  She's crying again!"  Suzy noticed tears freely falling down Ilana's face, even though she was smiling.

 - "I can't help it!"  Ilana continued to read the cards when she pulled out one that was in Korean.  "Pabo Manse," choking on a laugh.  "Suzy-ah, what does this say?"  The card little Manse had written was in Hangeul.

 - "It's from Manse, your favorite and it says 'Ajumma, get well soon'."

 - "What favorite?"  Jaejoong walked in alongside Dr. Jihoo.  "Gracie-ah, what are you doing here?"

 - "Hello Doctors, I was dropping off Ilana's cards from the kids.  They miss their favorite volunteer."

 - "Volunteer?"  Jaejoong looked at Ilana whose eyes were red from crying.  She had put the lid back on the box upon hearing Jaejoong's voice, trying to avoid getting teased.  It didn't work; he saw Ilana trying to wipe the tears from her red and puffed up eyes.  "Chincha?  Is she crying?"

Jihoo had noticed Ilana crying as soon they had entered the room.  It seemed as though he was always a witness to his admin's crying.  She had been reading something, but then started to wipe her eyes upon hearing Jaejoong's voice.  She was smiling, his first impression was that it was a letter from her boyfriend but then Grace told them she had brought letters from the kids at the children's hospital.  She volunteered at the children's hospital. Why was this information important?  She drew his curiosity like no one had since...JanDi.  The question remained...who was Ilana Contreras?  Despite all the onion peels he had collected, this question still eluded him.  He vaguely remembered her friend calling her 'my princess' and the other, 'Cinderella'.  Strangely, Jihoo found the idea of a runaway princess not so strange at all.  Wasn't he on the run himself?  Unable to deal with certain events back home, he fled into the army, then here to New York.  His thoughts were broken into by the sound of Suzy and Ilana's voices.

 - "Jaejoong Uissa, nae Unnie, is a bit...sentimental."  Suzy grinned at Ilana.

 - "I never used to be," Ilana grumbled.  "It all started when I met you and the guys."  Ilana hated how easily she was reduced to tears in the last year, but she also found much happiness in the comfort of her friends.  Whether it be a hug from YoungSaeng, comforting words from Suzy and KyuJong, or just HyungJun’s silliness; it made the tears easier to bear.  She smiled at Suzy.

 - "Well, I better get home now.  Ilana, get better and come back to us soon."  Grace excused herself to leave.

 - "It will be a few weeks still, before agassi is going anywhere," Jihoo spoke.

Ilana looked up at him sharply, wondering if that was a threat.

 - "Ilana-yah, I have to agree with Dr. Jihoo.  I'm happy with your progress and I'm willing to let you go home; however, you shouldn't overexert yourself for the next few weeks.  Especially, in this cold weather.  You were lucky this time, next time it will be a blood and marrow transplant or surgery to remove your spleen."  Ilana just listened, head down, to the warnings.  "Continue the vitamins you are taking and I'll see you soon, instructions will be on your discharge paperwork.  Suzy-ssi, it was nice to meet you, hope your friend behaves herself in the future."

 - "Kansamnida, Uissa, if she doesn't behave, we'll send her back to her Oppa in Miami."

Ilana glared at Suzy; the later completely unfazed by it.  "This means I can go home?"  Ilana asked hopefully, realizing Dr. Jaejoong had said the word discharge.

 - "Anieyo," Jihoo answered, to her obvious disappointment.  "I want to see how you do after walking around without the oxygen at all today and we'll talk about going home later this afternoon or evening."  Ilana had still needed the oxygen for a short time the day before.  Each day she had needed it less and less.  "I'll see Ilana-ssi this afternoon," the two Doctors walked out the door.

Ilana got out of bed and looked out the window, it was snowing again.  There was ice accumulated on the window outside.  For the longest time, it felt as if ice had accumulated on her heart as well.  She heard Dr. Jaejoong's warning loud and clear.  If she didn't take care of herself, she wouldn't be as fortunate next time.   Suzy came up behind Ilana and put a hand on her shoulder.

 - "Unnie, gwenchana?"

 - "Deh, just thinking."

 - "Wanna walk and think at the same time?"

 - "Guerae," they began to pace the large room together.  Ilana had been transferred to Greenburg 14 South, the V.I.P. wing on the fourteenth floor, late New Year’s Eve.  The windows were floor to ceiling and the room had all the amenities of a posh hotel.  When Ilana asked the reason behind it, she was told it just worked out that way.  What no one knew was that Jihoo and JaeKyung had co-conspired to get her the room.  One was a department head, the other the donor of that particular hospital wing.  Ilana's fever had finally lifted completely and her Oxygen saturation was almost 90%; her condition no longer required critical care; however, she was a flight risk.  Jihoo was not taking any chances.  He even had Hani transfer during the duration of Ilana's stay.  If anyone had asked Ilana, she would say she neither needed a V.I.P. room nor cared to have one.  But of course, they didn't and she was clueless as to the reason behind it.

 - "Gueron, what's on your mind."

 - "I boarded that cruise not caring whether I lived or died.  I isolated myself so that I could actually die and not care about anyone else."

 - "It's a good thing the namja didn't leave you alone.  How are those morbid thoughts now?"

 - "Mmm, when KyuJong Oppa told me I was sick again and then I caught a cold, I very much thought it would be easier for everyone if I let the illness consume me."

 - "Unnie, you didn't, that's the main thing.  You reached out for help.  A little late but it all worked out in the end.  God has his guardian angels around you."  Suzy smiled, knowing Ilana had her own theories about God.

 - "Suzy-ah..." Ilana stopped to admire a bouquet of flowers her coworkers had sent.  "Couldn't God send guardian angels to my parents or when I was sixteen?"

 - "I'm sure God has a plan that he hasn't revealed to you because you're not ready to listen and I'm sure you weren't ready then either."

 - "Well, I'm sure I don't want to do this again."  Ilana waved a hand at the room and the IV still in her arm.  "And I don't want to disappoint you guys again."

 - "You won't, kaja walk the hallway so you can prove to Uissa you're well enough to go home."

 - "Arraso."

The day went by and Abigaíl ignored Dr. Jaejoong as much as possible.  Her failed marriage was still a sore subject.  Not even her parents knew the details of the breakup.  She had too much pride to say 'you were right' and at the same time not enough pride to beg for mercy.  Forever being grateful her parents welcomed their prodigal daughter back home, she vowed never to disappoint them again.

Jaejoong, on the other hand, didn't stop thinking about Jihoo's advice.  What type of deed would say 'I'm sorry’?  He knew Abigaíl enough to know it wouldn't be as simple as a Louis Vuitton handbag.  She would probably take it and burn it in front of him.  Whatever he did, had to be special and worth her intelligence and grace.  It was early afternoon when Jaejoong, having done his homework ran off to 'Blanchet flowers' to see if they could accommodate him.  After all, he was a preferred customer of theirs during his 'dating season' that usually commenced the moment his parents returned to Seoul.  He didn't date while his parents were in New York.  He didn't need to.  The only reason he sought the companionship of the opposite was to alleviate boredom and the loneliness that come from missing his parents.  As for settling down, the right girl hadn't caught his attention yet.  His Mother had unknowingly spoiled it for him.  She was not only beautiful, but confident, hardworking, caring, intelligent, and graceful.  Also, she was a perfect match for his father who was intelligent, yet just a tad bit flighty.  His Mother kept his Father in line all these years; she was the woman behind his success.  Jaejoong smiled to himself as he drove but it wasn't his Mom's picture that played itself in his head, it was Abigail's.  Shaking his head to clear it, he thought:  "She has to forgive me."

Ilana had fallen asleep worn out from her first twenty-four hours off the oxygen.  Suzy and Ilana had made multiple trips up and down the quiet and spacious corridors of the wing.  It helped ease some of Ilana's anxiety at having been confined to the hospital the last ten days.  She felt much better and although knowing from experience that the cough would linger another few weeks, could breathe fine and was no longer in pain.  Certain she had asked the nurse a thousand times when Dr. Jihoo would discharge her, Ilana fell asleep before she could ask the thousand and one time.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo," Jihoo walked into Ilana's room.

 - "Jihoo Uissa", Suzy stood from the couch she was sitting on to bow.

 - "Anja (sit), juseyo," Jihoo said.  "Everything looks good; I came to tell her she can get ready to go."

 - "Kansamnida, she fell asleep waiting, I'll wake her up."

 - "Anieyo, call me when she wakes up.  I'll give you two a ride home.  Harabeoji has been preparing galbitang and kimchi to welcome her back home.

 - "Harabeoji is very kind.  I see where his Grandson gets it."

 - "Anieyo," Jihoo waved away the compliment.  "I'll see you two in a little while."

Abigaíl worked diligently on a file, trying to finish it before she left.  It was almost five.

 - "Miss Abigail, you have a delivery," a volunteer stepped up to her, carrying a bouquet of flowers.  This immediately drew everyone's attention like bees to a honeypot.  Female nurses came running to see who had been the lucky recipient.

 - "Are you sure there's not another Abigaíl in the hospital?"  She thought for sure this was a mistake of some sort.

 - "Not another Abigaíl Garcia on this floor," the aid replied.

 - "Omo!!!”  Uee squealed.  "Abi-yah, who's your admirer?"  Abigail's face turned the shade of a pink lady apple:  flushed red.

Jaejoong had done his homework well.  A classic 'flower boy', he knew the meaning of flowers as well as the perfect BB cream.

 - "YooJin, I do not have an admirer."

 - "There's only one way to find out, open the card.  The sender is giving you a specific message here,” ever practical Shi Yoon suggested.

Abigaíl did admire the handsome bouquet of calla lilies, lavender roses, and a single orange geranium; except for the geranium, it was simple but beautiful.  She took a breath and opened the card with trembling hands.

Abigaíl, please forgive me.  I would buy you anything you want if only you would forgive me.  But my jagiya cannot be bought at any price.  Please forgive this pabo/idiot's mouth that often speaks without direction from its owner's brain.  You see I didn't choose the purple hyacinth for forgiveness because I hope you trust in my deepest sincerity when I say:  I'm sorry, mianhaeyo, jeongmal; truly sorry for having offended you.

You have such a beautiful heart like the calla lily (incidentally my favorite flower, just like you're my favorite admin); you are delicate like the purple roses, full of refinement and grace.  As for myself, I'm the energetic and enthusiastic pabo orange geranium.  I humbly ask for your graciousness and allow me to treat Isabel and you to a picnic on Saturday.  It will be cold but please trust me.  If you forgive me, meet me at Jane's Carousel at 56 Water Street at 1 P.M.

 - Dr. Jaejoong

Abigail's face couldn't possibly get any redder.

 - "I think we better get Abi to the ER, she must have a fever, look how red she is."  One of the nurses teased.

 - "Yah!  You're not going to tell us who they're from?"  Uee demanded.

 - "They're from an idiot who thinks he's an orange geranium."

 - "Idiot or not, you're smiling," ShiYoon commented.

 - "Am not!" Everyone laughed at the blatant lie.  "Oh, it's time to go.  See you tomorrow."  Abigaíl began to turn everything off and gather her things.  "Such an idiot," she thought, running away from everyone.  She had grabbed the message envelope and was stuffing it in her purse.  "Idiot," she thought, but nice; over the top, but still thoughtful.  Why was she blushing?  "Ahhh!"  She groaned in exasperation.

Ilana couldn't believe her apartment building was in front of her.  It felt as if it had been months since she was last home.  Ilana was not prepared for Dr. Jihoo to be waiting to take her and Suzy home, much less that he hired a driver and an S.U.V. to do it in.

 - "Dr. Jihoo, we could've taken a cab," Ilana protested.

 - "Anieyo, Ilana-ssi hasn't been working, I couldn't let you spend your money unnecessarily.  Plus, all your gifts would've made it too difficult."  A new bouquet had arrived today, from her Oppa's, adding to the one from her co-workers and the box from the kids

 - "I can afford a cab, that didn't mean you had to spend money unnecessarily?  I told you, you spend too much money."  Jihoo continued staring out the window and ignored his admin's protests.  "Aish, brick wall," she mumbled.

 - "Unnie, you've had enough experience with the namja to know how stubborn Korean men can be once they've made up their mind."

Jihoo just smiled.

Ilana slid out of the SUV with Jihoo's help, much to her embarrassment.  She still had that feeling he was going to lash out at her at any moment.  Attempting to walk unaided towards the elevator, she faltered.  Thankfully Jihoo was only one step behind her and grabbed her arm in time.  Suzy insisted on helping the driver load Ilana's gifts onto a cart and was a few feet behind them.

 - "Climb on my back," Jihoo crouched down.  "At this rate, Ilana-ssi will get hit by a car."  It was almost time for the night shift to begin and many cars were starting to make their way out of the garage.

 - "No way!"

 - "Unnie, you've been on KyuJong and Saengie Oppa's back, it's not a big deal."

 - "That's different."

 - "How does Ilana-ssi think she got to the ER?"  Jihoo enjoyed seeing her face turn red and her eyes widen in surprise.  "Ilana-ssi could've been dead if I waited for the team to come up; eeriewa (come on)."

Ilana dejectedly climbed on his back.  There was just something entirely too intimate about this position.  It may be common in Korea, but it was just too weird.  Still finding this action difficult with her friends, how much more so with someone like Dr. Jihoo.  Their relationship was somewhere between acquaintances and friends, Ilana couldn't assign a category to it just yet.  She had done her utmost best not to move, not to look at Dr. Jihoo's profile or his hair, not to breathe (especially his scent), but it was impossible.  Warmth radiated from his back through his coat, how that was possible, she had no idea.  He was pretty, she thought.  Not unmasculine; just sculpted as if from clay.  His blond hair had streaks of black peeping through.  Wondering if he dyed it, almost made her laugh out loud.  His scent was fresh and clean, like soap, as if he had showered just moments before.

Not soon enough they arrived at her door.  While Suzy punched in the security code, Ilana scrambled off Jihoo's back and walked through her door towards her room, head down and as quickly as possible.  "I'm going to put my coat away," never mind the coat closet was in the living room.

 - "I'll let Harabeoji know we're here."

 - "Why don't I start some rice?"

 - "Anieyo, I'm sure Harabeoji has already thought of that.  I'll be right back."  Jihoo figured he would give his admin time to recompose herself.  If she hadn't ridden so stiffly on his back, her flushed face would have given away her embarrassment.  He thought their friendship had moved past the awkward phase but perhaps it would take time to get used to each other again.

 - "Unnie!  Dr. Jihoo will be back with Harabeoji, I'll set the table!"  Suzy quickly set the table while the kettle boiled for tea and filled the water jug that had been neglected all this time.  Ilana had not come out of her room.  Suzy found her on the bed with her jacket over her face.  "Unnie’s jacket goes in the living room closet, not on your face," Suzy laughed.

 - "Suzy-ah, that was horribly embarrassing!"

 - "Waeyo, it's what any friend would do back home."

 - "I work with him!"

 - "Then don't get sick again and since you don't drink, you won't get drunk."  The doorbell rang.

 - "You're very helpful."

 - "Majayo," Suzy said smugly.  "Kaja, I'll help you up," Suzy extended a hand.

 January 4, 2014

Abigaíl had finished her Saturday morning chores and now was diligently working on a puzzle with Isabel.  The child could do a hundred piece puzzle with ease.

 - "Baby, do you want some lunch?"  They hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was past twelve.

 - "Yes, Mama."

 - "I'll go downstairs and make us something, you want to help?"  Isabel nodded her head and ran past her Mom to the kitchen.

Abigaíl was pleased to have such a good helper.  She began to take things out of the refrigerator and hand them to Isabel.  While shredding cheese for their quesadillas, Abigaíl noticed the clock in front of her and stopped.  She had completely forgotten about Dr. Jaejoong, having avoided him the last few days or he avoided her.  He didn't really expect Isabel and her to go out in this weather?  She continued with her task and then stopped again.  Yes, yes he did.  Couldn't she just call and tell him she forgave him?  "I don't think it will be that easy."

 - "What will be easy, Mama?"

 - "Go get dressed, baby, we have to go somewhere."

Abigaíl called the restaurant to let her parents know she and Isabel would be going into the city and didn't know what time they'd be back.  Her Father had been in an odd mood the last few days, with no patience for anything.  She didn't want to tell him of her meeting with Dr. Jaejoong for fear of what he might think.

 - "Papi, voy a llevar Isabel al carrusel (I'm going to take Isabel to the carousel)."

 - "Con quién van (Who are you going with)?"  Señor García said abruptly.

 - "Solo nosotras, estamos aburridas (Just us, we're bored)."

 - "Esta bien, no se regresen noche (Okay, don't come home late)."

 - "Si, Papi."  Abigaíl knew she had just lied to her Dad and felt guilty.  She would tell him everything later.  For all she knew, Dr. Jaejoong wasn't even there.

Ramiro had been replaying the conversation with Mr. Kim over and over again.  He wasn't prone to bursts of anger but he was now.  His family didn't know what was wrong with him.  He'd been that way since their day with the Kim family.

 - "Me gustaría que fuéramos socios, invertir en su restaurant (I would like it if we were partners, invest in your restaurant)....Que Abigaíl se convirtiera en nuestra nuera (that Abigaíl became our daughter-in-law...)"

 - "Mi hija no se vende (My daughter is not for sale), Señor Kim."

 - "Por favor nunca deseaba ofenderlo (Please, it was never my intent to offend you).  En mi país una buena hija no se da en matrimonio no más porque si (In my country, daughters aren't just given away to marriage)."

 - "Mi hija no tiene precio (My daughter is priceless)."

 - "Ningún hijo tiene precio, pero el honor de la familia ha de ser valorada (All children are priceless, but the family's honor should be valued).  Nosotros valoramos su familia y reconocemos el tesoro que es Abigaíl (We value your family and recognize what a treasure Abigaíl is).  Mi hijo la respeta mucho y le tiene afecto (My son respects her and is fond of her)."

 - "Solo trabajan juntos, usted lo ha dicho, ay respeto y afecto entre ellos, nada más (They only work together.  You've said it, there's respect and fondness and nothing more)."

 - "Por ahorita, dándoles un empujón en la dirección apropiada (For now, if we could give them a push in the right direction)..."

 - "Mi hija se casará con alguien quien ama y la ame y la aprecia a cambio (My daughter will marry someone who loves her and whom she loves and appreciates her in return).”

 - "No deseamos nada menos (We desire nothing less), Señor García.  No estuviéramos teniendo esta conversación si no fuera cierto (We wouldn't be having this conversation if it weren't true).  Nunca le desearíamos mal a Abigaíl y Isabel (We would never desire any unhappiness for Abigaíl and Isabel)."

Señor Ramiro tried to understand the culture was different and they were fond of Abigaíl but dammit.  It all boiled down to they wanted to buy his daughter for their son.  Was he supposed to just say okay?

- "Amo a mi esposa y Jaejoong nunca creció sin ver ese amor (I love my wife and Jaejoong always saw that love).  Ya es tiempo que escoja su compañera de por vida, deseamos que sea Abigaíl (It's time he pick his lifetime companion, we’d like it to be Abigaíl)."

He had contained his anger and pretended the conversation never happened and left with his family soon after.  Truth be told, he had nothing against the young Doctor but that didn't mean he wanted to lose his little girl again.  She hid her ex from them, knowing they wouldn't approve.  The night of her college graduation dinner, she announced she was in love and had gotten married.  In a rage, he told her to leave and never come back.  Abigaíl returned with the baby a couple of weeks old.  She begged forgiveness and asked that they never mention her ex's name again.  He was gone and never coming back.

Isabel was more than excited when they arrived at the carousel.  Not caring that it was in the teens outside, she scrambled out of her booster before Abigaíl got out of the car.  They were almost an hour later than the time Dr. Jaejoong asked to meet; she doubted the flighty childish doctor was still here.  If he'd come at all.  At least he gave her a preferred parking sticker.

Jaejoong had given his credit card to the ticketing booth at the carousel and told the lady to run his card for everyone wanting to ride.  He set up a tarp and heaters for those waiting their turn; the inside of the carousel hut was heated.  Prepared to wait until the last hour for Abigaíl to show, he was actually enjoying talking to the visitors and all the kids.  He finally spotted Abigaíl and Isabel walking towards the entrance.

 - "Abi-yah!  You came!  Kansamnida," he bowed to her.

 - "Dr. Prince!"  A muffled sound came from the mini-Eskimo next to Abigaíl.

 - "I hear my Jagiya but I don't see her.  Abi-yah, what trick is this?  Where is she?"

 - "Dr. Prince!  Dr. Prince!"  Isabel jumped up and down, waving her arms.

 - "Jagiya?  Are you in there?"  Jaejoong swung her up into her arms and pulled the scarf down from her face.  "It is you. Why didn't you say so before?"

 - "I did!"

 - "Mmm, ready to go on the carousel?"

 - "Deh!"

 - "Arraso, kaja, we get to be first next session."  He turned to Abigaíl, “gomawo for coming.  I don't like when you're mad at me."

 - "You didn't think I'd get mad at you for embarrassing me with the flowers?"

 - "I took a gamble and it paid off.  It was the only way to get your attention."

 - "It's our turn!"  Isabel, still in Jaejoong's arms squirmed until he let her down to run.  She chose a white horse with a golden suit.

 - "I'll tie her belt, don't worry.  Just pick your horse."  Jaejoong was already strapping the little girl in.  Abigaíl looked skeptical.  "She's secure, see?"  He tugged on the belt several times.  Abigaíl hopped on the horse next to her daughter and Jaejoong stood sentry between the two.

The ride was over much too soon for Isabel's liking and began to protest, hoping Dr. Prince would convince her Mama to give her another ride.

 - "Mama, let's go again!  Please!"

 - "Once is enough, come on."  Abigaíl got down from her horse.

 - "Today is special, jagiya.  You can ride as long as you want."

 - "Really?  Yay!"

 - "You spoil her," Abigaíl said.

 - "It's my job."

They must have ridden for an hour before Isabel had her fill.  For her last ride, Isabel chose a carriage so they could all ride together.  She sat on Jaejoong's lap and Abigaíl next to him.  They painted the sweetest picture of a family having an outing together.  If they only knew.  The trio stepped off the carousel and Jaejoong collected his credit card, instructing the employee that someone would collect the heaters and tarp at the end of the day.  Abigaíl gave him a questioning look.

 - "Mwo?  I might as well be warm while I waited for you?"  Abigaíl laughed.  Her mental picture of the drama starring Lee Min Ho, as he waited hours in the snow for Goo HyeSun to appear was shattered.  "Yah!  What's so funny?"

 - "Nothing," she controlled her giggling.  It seemed this hero was more practical than Lee Min Ho's character.  "Wait, did I just think 'hero'?"  She laughed again.

 - "Jagiya, Umma's laugh is nice."  Isabel nodded.  "Who's hungry?"  Isabel raised her hand.  "Isabel Umma?   Can she have a hot dog?"

 - "When she's a spoiled brat and I can't handle her anymore, I'll be sending her to your house."

 - "I'll take that as a yes.  I have a picnic in the car for us and some hot tea."

Jaejoong purchased Isabel's lunch and led them back to the Dodge Journey he had rented for the day.  He had already configured the seats so they could all sit and eat facing each other.  He unpacked the picnic box his Mother helped him prepare.  She had been all too happy to help.  The car was warm and the tea and also soup were still hot thanks to the thermos they were in.  Abigaíl ate comfortably as Jaejoong explained what each dish was.

 - "It's all delicious, your Mother made too much, we can't possibly finish all this."

 - "What we don't eat, please take home.  This is really nice; I should go on picnics more often.  We used to go all the time when I was a kid; I thought Isabel would enjoy herself.  Are you having fun, Jagiya?"  Isabel happily kicked her feet against the seat as she munched.

 - "Deh, Dr. Prince.  Can we come back tomorrow?"  Jaejoong laughed.

 - "Not tomorrow but another day, arraso?"

 - "Pinky promise?"

 - "Pinky promise," Jaejoong hooked his pinky with hers.  "I hope you left room for dessert?  We'll pack up and head to Almondine's Bakery."

 - "Yay!"

 - "Alright baby girl, let's get out so we can follow Dr. Jaejoong in our car."  Abigaíl announced once everything was packed.

 - "Mama, don’t want to!!"

 - "Anieyo, I rented this car today just for the built-in car seat!  Our picnic isn't over.  Once we're done, I'll bring you back to your car."

The three came out of the bakery with more treats than they could eat; large lattes for the adults and hot chocolate for Isabel. Leaving Almondine's they walked to the East River where Jaejoong set up a shelter to keep them warm while they ate their desserts.

 - "Mama, can Dr. Prince come over and play after."

Jaejoong laughed at Isabel’s cuteness.  Perhaps he should go into pediatrics.

 - "Don't encourage her, what happens when she wants you around all the time."

 - "I can't promise to be around all the time but if you call me, I will make time for you, jagiya.  Umma knows my number.  It's getting colder," now late afternoon, "we better get you back.  We're already down one admin; we don't need you to get sick too."

Jaejoong insisted on escorting them home.  Isabel insisted on riding with her 'Dr. Prince'.  Abigaíl picked up her car from the park and they caravanned to her home.

 - "Thank you, for the apology, I could tell you were sincere."  Abigaíl retrieved her child from the back of Jaejoong's car.

 - "Anieyo."

 - "You really shouldn't spoil Isabel so much.  You give her a hand and she'll take an elbow.  You'll get tired of playing and then what happens when you get a new girlfriend?"

 - "I don't date while my parents are here and I'll always find time for Isabel.  Now, get inside."

Abigail's parents to the street as Jaejoong was leaving.  He honked the horn and waved, not realizing his presence was cause for suspicion.

 - "Abigaíl!  Hija (daughter)!"  Her Mom called.

 - "Mande (Yes - Fml)?"

 - "Acabamos ver pasar el doctor (We just saw the Doctor pass by)."

 - "We went on a picnic!"  Isabel put her two cents in.

 - "No que iban al carrusel, solo las dos (Weren't you two going alone to the carousel)?"  Her Father asked?"

 - "Me debía lonche y nos encontró allá (He owed me lunch and met us over there)."

 - "Porque tenía deuda contigo (Why was he in your debt)?"

 - "Me hizo enojar y fue la recompensa (He made me mad and that was his way of making it up to me)."  Abigaíl did have a slight temper at times but overall was a very sweet and loving person.  Her Father wondered what had gotten her upset at the Doctor.

 - "No hay nada entre ustedes dos (There's nothing going on between you two)?"

 - "Como crees (How can you think that), Papi!"  Abigaíl laughed.  "Ni si fuera el último hombre en el mundo (Not even if he was the last man on earth)."

Abigail found herself on her bed, later that night, re-thinking the day's events.  She had fun; Dr. Jaejoong had really thought out every detail.  He even thought of renting a car with a built in car seat.

- "...he has a crush on you."

- "What would be so bad about it?"

- "...womanizers need salvation too."

- "I don't date while my parents are here"

- ..."I will make time for you."

 - "No way!" Abigaíl yelled at her room.  She laughed and covered her head with the pillow to block out her co-workers and Jaejoong’s voices.