January 31, 2014

Most Fridays, SungRyung's staff tended to get a little rambunctious towards the end of their shift.  Uee usually started humming or singing, followed by ShiYoon's bad attempt at harmony and this time, Abigaíl and Ilana were planning their shopping day.

 - "I figure we can start at Rockefeller Center and if we don't see anything we can go to the department stores but I don't want to have to make two trips.  One shopping day will be enough to give me a headache."

 - "Who's going shopping?"  Jaejoong had come by to harass Abigaíl and overheard the conversation.

Jihoo was also with him; he was coming to fetch Ilana and take her home.

 - "It's none of your business," Abigaíl spat out.

 - "Of course it is, anything nae anae does is my business," said Jaejoong, unfazed by her scolding.

 - "Abigaíl is coming with me to find a dress for a wedding."  Ilana laughed.  He'd been keeping up the husband act all week and the strange thing was Ilana didn't think he was kidding.

 - "I'm an excellent shopper; I'll go with you guys.  I could use a new dress," he joked with them.

 - "No!"  Both Abigaíl and Ilana shouted at once.

 - "Wae?!"

 - "Last time I went shopping with a guy, I barely survived,” Ilana cringed at the memory of her outing with JungMin.  “I hate shopping."

 - "Namjachingu didn't buy you anything pretty?"

 - "Nae chingu, who happens to be a namja and almost my friend’s nampyon, took me all over the place from nine A.M. to like eight at night," she had returned to the ship completely exhausted.

 - "Oh, your Korean is good, has Jihoo been teaching you?"

 - "Anieyo," Jihoo disclaimed any credit.  "Ilana-ssi picks it up on her own."

 - "Are you dragging my little jagiya with you?"

 - "If my sister has something to do then I might."

 - "Drop her off at the house, I'll watch her"

 - "You're kidding."

 - "Anieyo, it'll be fun.  You think I can't do it?"

 - "As long as your Mom is there I'll think about it."  Isabel loved Halmoni and Dr. Prince's house.  She was sure Jaejoong would just leave her with his Mother and she had no problem with that.

 - "Ready?"  Jihoo asked?

Ilana nodded and gathered her things.  "Ten, okay?"  She told Abigaíl.

 - "Yup, see you tomorrow."

 - "You passed your labs, I hear," Jihoo said as they walked off.

 - "With flying colors."  Her follow up with Dr. Jaejoong had gone well, not only was her anemia now manageable, she had gained a whole five pounds.

 - "Let's celebrate; dinner is on me, tonight.  We'll work on gaining your remaining ten pounds.

Later, they sat side by side talking over Korean BBQ.  "When do you see Dr. Jaejoong again?"  Jihoo asked right as Ilana stuffed with food.  He chuckled at her chewing behind her hand.

 - "He told me I don't need new labs until the end of March, at which time I'll be in Seoul for Suzy's wedding.  He said I could wait until the week after my return to take care of the labs and follow up.”

 - "I can see how sad that makes you."

Ilana was, in fact, smiling widely.  "Mmm, very.  In fact, remind me to text Kike and let him know I bought the plane tickets earlier today."  ia had been working on finding them the best deal and a driver to pick them up at the airport.  "He's in charge of the hotel."

Jihoo thought, briefly, it was a shame he wasn't traveling at the same time as her.  He would have enjoyed showing her around Seoul for the first time.  It wasn’t as if he was needed, she had her friends and perhaps she'll accept the proposal this time if the offer was still open.  In a way, that made him sad but she'd be happy and that's what he desired for his new friend, right?  "Gwenchanayo?"  Ilana noticed he had withdrawn and his eyes were focused elsewhere.

 - "Mmm?  Oh Deh," he shook his head to reign in his thoughts.  "Mianhae, I was thinking I have a lot to do this week.  Once my chingu begin to arrive for the wedding, they won't give me any free time.  Then I will be on leave the week after."

 - "What exactly do you do when you're gone?"  He had said friends, so were all his friends like JaeKyung and WooBin?  Very well off.

 - "I have personal projects that I do."  Like run a foundation that oversees a Museum and a music conservatory and clinics and is part owner of the most exclusive school in South Korea, he added to himself.  If he was hiding all that, he wondered what she was hiding.

 - "Oh," she nodded.  "Like being the runaway chairwoman of an international company?”  She said quietly.  "I'm stuffed, should we go?  I've got a long day tomorrow."

 - "Yah, don't stay out in the cold all day," he was just a little disappointed they were ending early.

 - "Andwaeyo, I hate shopping, remember?"

February 1, 2014

Ilana couldn't believe it was already February.  She had been in New York just over six months.  Smiling, she thought:  "Time flies when you're having fun."  Taking a look in the mirror, her makeup was done and hair combed nicely for a day spent shopping; she headed out to meet Abigaíl.

Her friend proved to be almost as bad JungMin.  Knowing the style and color of dress Ilana was looking for; Abigaíl still insisted she try a vast array of styles and colors.

 - "You never know if you'll like something better and if you don't find what you are looking for it's always good to have a backup plan."

 - "Yes, Mother."

Thankfully, there weren't that many clothing stores at Rockefeller Center.  They covered most within a few hours.  The last stop was a small boutique and Ilana spotted what she was looking for.  A taupe shimmery spaghetti strapped fit and flare.  It hung just above the knee and looked as beautiful on as it did in the picture.  Just like the blue taffeta, she was in love with the swish of the skirt when she walked.

 - "Someone is happy she came shopping," Abigaíl teased as she saw Ilana smiling at herself in the dressing room mirror.

 - "It is pretty.  I just don't like shopping because I don't go anywhere, so I don't need anything."

 - "With that dress and the right accessories, I think you'll get lots of offers to go out."

 - "Tch,” Ilana scoffed.  “Well, you don't need a fancy dress, Isabel has your prince all picked out."

 - "That little girl just likes him because he spoils her.  I hate to see what he and his Mother gets her or let her do."  Ilana smiled at the thought of Isabel but then grimaced at the price of the dress.  It wasn't completely outrageous, but twice the amount she wanted to pay.  "How much?"

 - "You don't want to know; do you think I can just use my burgundy coat?"

 - "Unless you're going to wear burgundy accents which will make you look like a Christmas tree skirt."

 - "Right."

 - "You can wear the dress again for your friend’s wedding and dress it down with flats or sandals for another occasion."  Ilana really liked the dress and although it looked like it would be a socialite wedding and all its trappings, Dr. Jihoo would be there to keep her company.  He was turning out to be an essential friend in her life, just like Suzy and her Oppa's.  Ilana didn't know why she had found him so nerve racking at first, when he was so nice.  "Chica, do you have jewelry?"  Abigaíl was looking at the accessories.

 - "I do not, but I can borrow from...my Mom's jewelry box."  Ilana took a deep breath to shrug off the wave of sadness.  She knew every nook and cranny of her parent’s room and belongings.  Remembering a documentary she had once seen; after the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria had left his room untouched, as if he were still alive.  That was Ilana's parent’s room; their clothes still hung in their closet and drawers, their scent still lingered in the room, and it had always been her sanctuary.

 - "Chica, you okay?"

 - "Oh, yeah," Ilana wasn't aware she had spaced out.  "I'm kind of hungry.   After I pay, let's eat and then head to one of the department stores."

Finally sitting down for lunch, Ilana realized she was indeed starving.  "This is so good and I was so hungry."

 - "It is good.  I'm glad to see you eating.  You normally would only have finished half that pasta on your plate," Abigaíl looked up from her phone.

 - "If I don't continue to gain weight Dr. Min Young and Dr. Jaejoong will kill me and if I manage to survive, Dr. Jihoo will finish me off."

Abigaíl laughed and mused that Dr. Jihoo and his admin were getting along a little too well.  "Dr. Jihoo and you seem to get along well."  As far as she knew, he took her to and from work every day.

 - "He's very kind and we like many of the same things; conversation flows very easily with him."

 - "Really?"  During her years at NYP, Dr. Jihoo didn't converse easily or freely with anyone outside of his patients.

 - "Mmm and he introduced me to his Grandfather before I got sick.  Harabeoji would come and keep me company while I was recovering.  If not for him and for Suzy and all the phone calls from the team and my other friends, I wouldn't have survived the confinement."  This was the first time Abigaíl had heard her friend really open up about her feelings.

 - "Hey, what are friends for."

Ilana smiled, bestowing her friend with a look of gratitude.  "What about you and Dr. Jaejoong?  You two seem to be in each other’s company a lot, lately.  I think he really likes you.  I mean, why is he watching Isabel, while you’re out shopping with me?"

 - "I'm sure his Mom is watching her.  My sister was busy and if he hadn't offered, I would have just brought her.  I don't understand him half the time."  Abigaíl blushed remembering how close he was to her and how she thought her heart would jump out of her chest from fright, nerves, anticipation?   She didn't know what she felt as he kissed her forehead; there was sort of meaning behind it but she didn't know what.  It wasn't a quick fraternal kiss but tender and lingering and with an emotion she did not comprehend.

 - "I think he's growing on you, why are you blushing?"

 - "My skin is chapped from the cold."

 - "Alright, I’ll buy that for now.  Should we walk, take the bus or just go home and find a coat online."

 - “We'll take the bus."  Abigaíl had left her car with Dr. Jaejoong; he and Isabel had dropped her off at Rockefeller Center and headed back to his house.  Once they were done with their shopping, she would be taking the bus to his house.

The two guards had been following Ilana all day and sending Jihoo pictures and videos of her shopping day with Abigaíl.  They found it amusing that a girl didn't like to shop.  It was very evident, the way Abigaíl would hold dress after dress for her to try and Ilana protested and grumbled each time.  He could tell when she finally found the dress she really wanted.  Her smile was that of a little girl picking out her first special occasion dress.  Suddenly, an idea came to him and he sent a text to Jaejoong.

Jihoo:  Pick up our admins and I'll meet you at your house.  We can go out for dinner after.

Jaejoong:  Arraso, I'll have Abigaíl call me when they are done.

Figuring Ilana didn't want to spend another fortune on a coat, Abigaíl decided to try their luck at Century 21.  Luck was at there side and they found a nice mustard colored coat, which contemplated the dress beautifully.

Just when Ilana was about to pay, Abigaíl received a call.

 - "Yah, anae, where are you guys?" Jaejoong asked.

 - "At Century 21, why?  Are you tired of Isabel yet?"

 - "Anieyo," what Abigaíl didn't know was that Jaejoong and Isabel also had a day to themselves with lunch and shopping at the American Girl store.  They also had a few surprises for Abigaíl.  "We're on our way to pick you guys up.  What’s Century 21?"

Abigaíl sighed and rolled her eyes, “Ugh...It's a discount store in Lincoln Square..."

 - "Got it, I'll call you when we're close by.  Jihoo is meeting us at my house.  We can go to dinner after."

 - "O-kay?"  Abigaíl found this very strange but if Ilana wanted to go, she would not have a problem.  She terminated the call.

 - "Who was that?"  Ilana asked, having finished paying.

 - "Dr. Jaejoong, he and Isabel are coming to pick us up."

 - "I'm out of the way; I'll just take the bus home."

 - "Dr. Jihoo is meeting us at his house and wants to go out to dinner."

 - "Really?  Aish...then Dr. Jihoo and I are going to argue over who will pay."

 - "Do you two go out often?"

 - "Occasionally; I think it's his way of keeping me out of trouble."

 - "Just that?"

 - "Sometimes I'll heat something up for the both of us, why?"  Ilana was clueless as to the picture she painted and Abigaíl couldn't contain her laughter.  "What's so funny?"

 - "Nada, amiga mía (nothing, my friend), let’s go grab some coffee while we wait for Dr. Jaejoong."

Dr. Jaejoong called Abigaíl not too long after and was greeted by a very enthusiastic Isabel in the back seat.

 - "Mama!  Tía Ilana!"

 - "Monkey!  Were you good for Mrs. Kim?"  Abigaíl entered the passenger side of the car.

 - "Hola muñeca (doll)!  Had I known you were coming, I would have bought you something."

 - "She doesn't need anything."

 - "Mama's no fun," she whispered in the giggling child's ear.

 - "Dr. Prince already gave me something."  Abigaíl narrowed her eyes at said Dr. Prince, knowing whatever he gave her wasn't cheap.  She was about to scold him, when she noticed something in her truck that wasn't there before.

 - "What is that?" Abigaíl asked, pointing at the new stereo in her car’s console.

 - "A stereo with built in Bluetooth."

 - "But why?"

 - "I don't want any careless accidents involving nae anae and jagiya."

Abigaíl remained quiet, not know what to think or feel.  He was irritating her.  Why did he keep seeking her out?  If she wasn't careful, she would start believing her co-workers.

They arrived at Jaejoong's house and were given a warm welcome by Mrs. Oh; Jihoo had already arrived as well.

 - "What is everyone in the mood for?"  Jihoo asked.

 - "You guys are going out?"

 - "Deh Umma."

 - "Stay here and I'll cook for all of you.  The ladies have had a rough day, shopping, let them enjoy the rest of the evening."  Everyone looked at each other to see if they were all in agreement and they were.

The five spent a happy evening enjoying Mrs. Kim's hospitality and food.  Abigaíl, a little tentative at trying Korean food for the first time, soon relaxed and began to enjoy this new experience.  Her daughter was just as hesitant to try it, at first but when Dr. Prince began feeding her from his plate and chopsticks she forgot to be picky.  The group talked, played cards and drank wine (minus Ilana and Isabel), well into the evening.

After letting the alcohol evaporate from their system the two drivers and passengers began to say their goodbyes.  Jihoo and Ilana excused themselves first and left.  Isabel had gone with Mrs. Oh to retrieve her gifts from Dr. Jaejoong's room.

Abigaíl confronted Jaejoong.  "Why do you keep buying us gifts?  The necklaces, American Girl things for Isabel, a new stereo for my truck, pet names...what are you doing?"

 - "Why can't I do things for you guys?"  Jaejoong didn't know why he did those things either.  He just liked seeing Isabel's face when she sees an American Girl bag and Abigaíl needs an Oppa in her life.  Neither she nor her dad should have to worry about making sure everything is in order with her truck.

 - "You're giving Isabel mixed signals."  Really, it was Abigaíl getting the mixed signals or maybe the signals mixed themselves in her head.

 - "Mama!  I'm ready," Isabel and Mrs. Oh walked in.

 - "Goodnight sweetie.  Abi-yah, drive safe."

 - "Thank you, Mrs...Eommoni,” she quickly remembered to call her ‘Eommoni’.

 - "Kiss, kiss, Dr. Prince!"  Isabel jumped up arms raised.  Jaejoong gave her forehead and cheeks noisy kisses, to Isabel's delight.

 - "Jalja, jagiya."

 - "What about Mama?"

 - "Oh," he's kissed more than one female and not in a chaste manner.  Jaejoong didn't know why he was so nervous as he leaned in kissing her softly on the cheek.  He didn't stop there and repeated the kiss he gave Isabel, only slower and gentler, delighting in the feel of her skin on his lips.  Breaking from the spell, he cleared his throat; "Jalja, anae."  His voice was a bit gravelly, as if needing water to dislodge something stuck in his throat.

Abigaíl waved goodbye, also unable to find her voice.  Needless to say, she would be too busy trying to figure out what her heart was trying to tell her brain, to sleep tonight.

WooBin and JaeKyung would be leaving for New York the following day; the others would follow on Thursday.  WooBin called an F4 meeting, again, minus the wives.  JunPyo and YiJeong joined WooBin at the Song compound.

 - "Well, I have a lot of information on our runaway Chairwoman; most of it makes our lives look normal.  By all intent and purposes, she should be running the company but she's not; which is why Luis Contreras is still named as Chairman.”

 - "You said 'named' as Chair,” YiJeong picked up on his friend’s choice of words.

 - "Both her parents died in a plane crash when she was ten."  Intakes of breath were heard.  "Her guardians were managers of a successful Puerto Rican boy group.  Neighbors claim she was never the same after her parent’s death.  Also, that she went missing for many months when she was a teen.  We found these newspaper headings and also this."  WooBin brought up the Ricky Martin Foundation's website.

JunPyo almost paled as he read the story; after all, he had a daughter.  If this could happen to Ilana, it could happen to anyone.

 - "Do you think Jihoo knows?"  YiJeong asked.

 - "He might know some of it or suspect something.  The only family she has is a successful doctor in her city; he's the cousin Jihoo told us about.  It's been difficult getting all these pieces, there’s an extreme loyalty to the company and to her.  It took signaling out some new hires who didn't know any better yet.  The company is run as if Luis Contreras were still alive.  Not in a fraudulent way, but as a tribute to his life.  Her Mother, I found out, was a well-known pianist and vocalist.  Ilana-ssi was following in her footsteps by age eight and performing with her Mother on occasion.  She began to participate in public broadcasting television programs on her own until the tragedy happened, she never performed again.  On occasion, she is seen in photos with the Puerto Rican idol, Ricky Martin, who is like an Oppa to her.  He is a graduate of the boy group belonging to her guardians and as such lived in the same house through their teen years."

 - "That explains the foundation,” YiJeong surmised.  "So, now that we know, what do we do?"

 - "We have to help him, help her;" came the surprising voice of JunPyo.  "Jihoo won't rest, if that's what he's trying to do.  We just need to be there for him, whichever way this goes."

 - "You mean, it can backfire on him?"  YiJeong asked.

 - "Hate to bring it up but look at JanDi, he helped her first..."  The rest was history, her heart chose JunPyo.

 - "SeoHyun noona and JanDi helped him overcome a lot of his own self-inflicted wounds; you think that's what he's doing for her?"

 - "He became a Doctor for a reason; to help people."  JunPyo wasn't sure why he was supporting this but if it worked out the way the girls wanted, his friend could also reap the benefits.  If not, Jihoo could be seriously hurt and lost to them forever.  That was a chance they had to take.

 - "Arraso, I'll see you guys next week.  Not a word to Ilana-ssi that we know, right?"

 - "Majayo (that's right)."

February 7, 2014

Jaejoong had been avoiding Abigaíl all week, which was fine with her.  She had also been avoiding him; unsure why her heart pounded in fear when he was around.  "Esa niña me las va pagar (that little girl is going to get it)." Abigaíl, remembered how her daughter put him up to kiss her when it was evident he didn't want to.  “Then why did he?”  She wondered.  “And why did he take his sweet time about it?”

 - "Chica, what in the world are you muttering over there?"  Ilana had been hearing her partner for the last few minutes and couldn't resist butting in on her conversation with herself.

 - "Huh?  Oh um, nothing.  The coding is getting tedious."

Jaejoong walked up to Abigaíl and was suddenly tongue tied.  "Jag'-, I mean Ab-, um, do you mind scheduling a follow up for Mr. Ayres?"  He groaned inwardly, since when had he ever been tongue tied over a female?

 - "E-excuse m-me?"  Abigaíl blushed, coughing to cover up her own embarrassed stammering.

 - "Can you please take care of this follow up for Mr. Ayres?"

 - "Yes, of course."  When they both finally found their voice, Abigaíl called HyoJoo to have her schedule in the appointment on her end.  Adding to her discomfort, her hand trembled while handing Dr. Jaejoong a reminder for the patient.

Ilana caught the movement out of the corner of her eye.  "Chica, are you alright?  Dr. Jaejoong doesn't she look pale?"

ShiYoon and Uee sat in their stations opposite Abigaíl, trying and not succeeding, at keeping a straight face.  Abigaíl had always had a strict control over herself and Dr. Jaejoong; not so much at the present time.

 - "Oh?  Deh," Dr. Jaejoong snapped out of his own odd behavior.  "She does look pale and flushed," Jaejoong overcame his discomfort by doing what he did best and that was teasing his admin.  He reached a hand to her forehead, making Abigaíl practically jump out of her seat.

 - "I'm fine!"  She removed his hand and took off to the bathroom.  SungRyung and the rest of the floor heard Abigaíl’s very audible response.  She came out of her office to investigate.

 - "Unnie," I'm going to check on Abigaíl, she ran to the bathroom."

While Ilana left, SungRyung grabbed Dr. Jaejoong by the ear and headed to her office.  ShiYoon and Uee lost all presence of indifference and did not hold back their laughter.

 - "Noona!  I didn't do anything, jeongmal!"

 - "What am I going to do with you?  What have I told you about harassing my staff?  Why are you and Abigaíl so awkward this week?

 - "Mollah?  She jumps every time I go near her."

 - "Mollah?  Were you making improper advances to her?"

 - "Anieyo!"

 - "Dr. Jaejoong, if you want to court her, do it right."

 - "Court?!"

 - "Court.  You are dismissed, I have work to do."  Jaejoong sulked on his way out the door.

SungRyung smiled and sat back in her chair.

 - "Chica!"  Ilana called through the stall door.  "Are you okay?"

 - "Yes, I just had a bad cramp."

Ilana didn't buy this; Abigaíl was acting just like she did when trying to avoid something.  "Dr. Jaejoong hasn't tried anything with you, has he?"  She bit her lip in worry.

 - "What?  No!  Of course not!"  Abigaíl could feel herself blushing again.  "I'll be out in a second."

 - "Okay, see you back at the desk."  Ilana shook her head and wondered what that was all about.

Jihoo took Ilana home, as usual, not wanting her out in the cold.  If he needed to go back, he would after seeing her safely to her door.  There had been no sign of the fake taxi driver but he wasn't being too careful.

 - "Do you know why Abigail and Dr. Jaejoong are being weird?"

 - "Anieyo."  He had a suspicion, but it wasn't his place to say anything.

Ilana's phone announced a text message and she smiled seeing who the sender was.

Kim HyunJoong:  Before I get busy & forget, I arrive in New York next Friday eve.

Ilana:  Arraso, do u want me to meet u at the airport?

Kim HyunJoong:  Ani, my hosts are sending me a driver.  I'm heading to airport straight from filming.  I'll be too exhausted to do anything but sleep & Saturday is wedding.

Ilana:  That's what u always say & then u'r up pacing the floor.  Anyway, I have a wedding on Saturday too.  It must be wedding season in NY.    

Kim HyunJoong:  ㅋㅋㅋ Sunday, I'm at your disposal.

Ilana:  Ooh!  I like that better.  I thought I was at UR disposal.

Kim HyunJoong:  Too tired to think.

Ilana:  Anieyo, u said it.  I want fan service.  ㅋㅋㅋ J/K.  See you next Sunday.

Kim HyunJoong:  J/K?

Ilana:  Amogotdoyo; I'll see you soon.  My day is over, yours is just beginning.  :)-

Kim HyunJoong:  Yah!  ^-^ See u Sunday.  I have to get back to work.

Ilana:  I'm watching so don’t screw up.

Kim HyunJoong:  -_-

Ilana:  Eep!!

Jihoo watched the different emotions playing across her face.  He thought he could never get tired of seeing her smile.  That which is rarely bestowed is to be treasured, he smirked at the thought.

Ilana caught the movement of his head and realized they had pulled into the parking garage.

 - "Mianhaeyo!  I was distracted."

 - "Anieyo, Ilana-ssi seemed to be having an entertaining conversation."

 - "Deh, an acquaintance is coming to town next week."

 - "Namjachingu?"  Jihoo didn't know why he asked that.

 - "Deh," Ilana giggled at the raised eyebrow she received.  "Chingu that is a namja.  Atch…overprotective Oppa."

 - "Mmm," he couldn't help smiling when he was next to her.  "I like that better than ajussi Uissa."

 - "I'll name you based on your behavior, if Jihoo Uissa acts like an Ajussi, I'll call you that."

 - "Arraso, if Ilana-ssi acts like an Ajumma, I'll call you that."

 - "Yah!"  Jihoo laughed at her outrage.

 - "I'm going back to the hospital; call me if you need me."

 - "Arraso, it's dinner and a chick flick for me."  He rolled his eyes at her as he waved.  She didn't dare own up to watching Korean dramas.

February 10, 2014

Jaejoong had been trying to text Abigaíl all weekend but couldn't find a reason to send the message.  He just wanted to be friends with her, why did she always get angry with him.  Deciding he'd take her out to lunch in hopes of talking with her, he arrived on the floor just in time to see her and Ilana heading to the stairs.

 - "Ilana-ssi, can I borrow your Sunbae for lunch, juseyo?"  Abigaíl stiffened slightly.

 - "Arraso but make sure you bring her back safe."  Abigaíl stayed quiet for a change.  "I'll see you when you get back."  Ilana left the pair, wondering again what was going on.

Jaejoong drove them to Korea town for noodles; away from the haunts of the rest of the hospital staff.

 - "Why don't you let me be nice to you?”

 - "You're being weird and it makes me uncomfortable."

 - "Tch, being nice is weird?"  Jaejoong’s voice began getting louder.

 - "From you, yes, what's with the gifts?"

 - "Do you not accept gifts from your friends?"

 - "I didn't think you had platonic friendships with woman?"  Abigaíl’s voice also rose.

 - "There you go judging me again.  Deh, it's new for me but I've always admired you:  your fiery personality, your loyalty, your compassion for others, and I adore Isabel.  Is it a crime to want to have a friendship with such a person?"

 - "Nooo, but won't your girlfriends get jealous?"

 - "Nooo,” he mimicked her tone.  “...because they know they aren't a priority in my life.  They use me as much as I use them; all they expect is a date with Kim Jaejoong, a kiss, and a romp in bed.  If they expect anything more, they’ll blow whatever perks they get from a night out with me.  You are in a different class and aren’t trying to use me.  I just want you to be that special friend in my life."

Abigaíl battled within herself; did she really want to allow herself to get close to this guy?  She didn't want any part of the date, kiss, and bed thing. “I can't,” she sighed.  “I have to keep you at arm's distance for Bell’s sake and my own,” she mumbled those last few words.  Jaejoong was a little put out, he went out on a limb and he crashed.

It wasn’t that he didn't understand; she was a good girl and he was not very much of a gentleman.  "I understand, jeongmal.  But I don't want animosity between us.  I've always respected you; I’d like the same respect."

 - "Okay," Abigaíl realized he had always respected her, joked around a little too much but has always been kind to her.  "Don't be a hypocrite, Abigaíl; you're a sinner just as much as he is," she told herself.

 - "You're a hard woman, you know that?  I really meant about approving the guy you decide to marry, I won't give you to just anyone."

Abigaíl rolled her eyes but smiled anyway.  "And you have the tenacity to go over the top."

 - "Dr. Kim Jaejoong, nice to meet you," he extended his hand to her and spoke in plain English, not his usual Kor-glish that he liked to use with her and everyone else.

 - "Abigaíl García, likewise," she shook the proffered hand.  Abigaíl had no idea what just happened, but she had a feeling it was going to be extremely difficult to keep him at arm's distance.

Mianhae, I fibbed 60 is the wedding.  Abigail and Jaejoong decided they wanted to precede the wedding.