March 4, 2014

Jaejoong had just arrived in the office.  He had thought long and hard on how to utilize the photo he had taken on Sunday.  It had been a while since Jihoo had gone on a double date with him.  Abigail’s birthday was Thursday; he decided a nice dinner at 'The Nomad' was in order.  She was probably busy with her family on the weekend, Friday it would have to be.  Now, all he had to do was get Jihoo on board.

 - "Yah, Jihoo-ah…"  Jaejoong barged into the office, uninvited, much to Jihoo's annoyance; he was preparing to receive his first patient.  "You-me double date Friday."

 - "And it starts," Jihoo thought.  "Anieyo, whatever you promised is your own problem."

 - "It's for Abi’s birthday, come on...you, me, Ilana, and Abi.  We'll have a great time."

 - "Leave Ilana and me out of whatever designs you have on Abigaíl.  She's too good for you anyway."

 - "Yah, I'm a great catch."  Jihoo walked past him without a word.  "Does Jihoo want me to show Noona the picture of you and your admin being cozy in your darkened office?"

Jihoo played it cool.  "Jaejoong Uissa, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Jaejoong took out his phone and brought up Sunday's picture.  "Is this not Ilana-ssi resting her head so sweetly in your lap?"  Jihoo shook his head.  He should have known Jaejoong would pull a stunt like that.  "Noona would absolutely love it if the two of you had an attachment to one another."

Jihoo could most likely control Jaejoong but knowing his office mate, he won't go away unless he agrees to this scheme.  It wasn't that bad, Abigaíl was a nice girl, unlike most of the women Jaejoong dated.  He also didn't want any unnecessary gossip started about Ilana.  He decided to give in, this time.  "If Ilana-ssi is willing...but you ask her and you're paying the tab."

Jaejoong had no problems with that and walked away happy.

March 7, 2014

Abigaíl and Ilana were in the lobby bathroom touching up hair and make-up.  They would be going out to 'The Nomad' for dinner in honor of Abigail's birthday.  Her birthday had been the previous day; SungRyung had celebrated it with a delicious cake.  Her co-workers and some of the nurses had given her small gifts which was very generous of them.  She couldn't ask for better co-workers.  Unfortunately, they could also be very annoying.  Dr. Jaejoong had sent her a bouquet of flowers that sparked all sorts of teasing.

 "Abi-yah, let him in to your heart, I don't think you'll be disappointed,"  SungRyung had whispered to her.

Abigaíl had to admit, it was getting hard not to.  He text her on days when he didn't see her, just to say 'hi'.  If he was on the floor, he brought her coffee.  These simple no-fanfare displays of attentiveness were getting to her.  He even managed to call Luciana and ask if she would pick up Isabel so that Ilana, Jihoo, and he could take her out for a birthday dinner.  Was she seeing him in a different light?

While Abigail's mind wandered, so did Ilana's.  Each day brought her closer to her trip and frankly that day couldn't come fast enough.  She was a little sad that Kike would not be able to spend this time with her.  On the other hand, she’d be traveling with one of her closest friends.  Ilana was practically bursting at the seams.

 - "You've been in a really good mood all week," Abigaíl observed.  "You must have resolved your problem."

 - "Yes I did, the solution was so simple.  It was right next to me, the entire time."

 - "Praise God, I was getting worried about you.  Mom and I were praying for you."

 - "Aww, thanks."  Abigaíl knew Ilana didn't believe, but God was faithful and answered their prayer,

 - "Lista (ready)?"

 - "Yup, let's go."

While the ladies freshened up, their two escorts waited patiently.

 - "Jihoo-ah, I know I tricked you into this but I really appreciate you coming."

 - "This is a one-time pass, pull a stunt like this again and I will tell Abigaíl you are deceitful and not to be trusted."

 - "Anieyo!  I promise I'll never do something like that again."  Jaejoong sighed.  "Abigaíl choah.  I think she's the one, Jihoo, I've never felt this way before."

 - "Then how can you be so sure?"  Jihoo thought he had been sure twice before and many times he compared Ilana to JanDi.  Was he drawn to her simply because she reminded him of JanDi?

 - "Mollah, I think about her all the time.  What can I do to make her happy?  What does she need?  Are she and Isabel safe taking the train every day?  That sort of thing."  Many of the same things crossed Jihoo's mind every day.  "Here come the girls.  My lady,” Jaejoong bowed to Abigaíl and took her arm, escorting her to the waiting car.  He had the family driver for the evening.  Abigaíl looked at him like he was crazy but Ilana stifled a laugh.

Jihoo had already retrieved his car and it was waiting for them just outside the hospital door.

 - "Aww, he looks like a child playing grown up."

 - "He does give that appearance." Jihoo agreed.

In Jaejoong's car...

 - "I appreciate you wanting to celebrate my birthday but I hope you're not going over the top."

 - "Just tonight, tonight I want you to be a princess."

 - "Leave the fairy tales for Isabel.  Besides, I will be a princess one day, I can wait."

 - "How's that?"  It was these fascinating conversations that drew him to her.  Truthfully, the women he dated weren't conversationalists.

 - "I believe in God and his son Jesus.  The Bible promises those who believe will rule and reign with Christ one day.  So you see I'm already a princess."

 - "That is fascinating, I never knew that.  I grew up in Sunday school and don't remember that."

 - "You went to Sunday School?  What happened?"

Jaejoong laughed at Abigail’s shocked face.  "Umma and Abeoji left me alone six months out of the year and the girls didn't."  Jaejoong tried to make light of his wayward ways but Abigaíl didn't seem to appreciate the joke.  "Yah!  I'm not that bad."

 - "We're all inherently bad, that's why we need a savior."

They had arrived at the restaurant and the chauffeur opened Jaejoong's door and Jaejoong then opened Abigail's door.  "Not you," Jaejoong continued their conversation.

 - "Yes me, I'm no better than everyone else."

Jihoo and Ilana had also arrived and walked up to join the other couple.

 - "You two look so serious; Dr. Jaejoong didn't make Abigaíl angry, right?"

 - "Anieyo, we were talking about how bad we were."

 - "Dr. Jaejoong, maybe, but not Abigaíl."

Everyone laughed except Dr. Jaejoong.  “Yah, Agassi, I think I liked you better when you didn't talk."  They all laughed again remembering when Ilana barely even spoke to Abigaíl.  This promised to be an interesting evening.

The restaurant was beautiful inside.  It had an old world charm that Ilana thought suited their two escorts very well.  They were seated in an almost secluded corner.  Ilana and Abigaíl were handed menus without prices as requested by Jaejoong.  Ilana was the first to notice but Abigaíl vocalized it.

 - "Dr. Jaejoong, where are the prices?"  Abigaíl asked quietly so as not to draw attention to herself.

 - "Don't worry," Jaejoong said.  "It's my treat, you too, Ilana.  Order whatever you want."

 - "Anieyo kwenchanayo, I'll pay for my meal," Ilana politely declined.

 - "Anieyo, Dr. Jaejoong is nice enough to be picking up the tab for all of us tonight.”

 - "Oh, gomawo."

Everyone took their time to peruse the menu.

 - "Once we all order, I'll ask for a bottle of wine," Jaejoong stated.

 - "None for me, please, I'll just have a mineral water and cranberry juice."

 - "Hwagsiliya (Are you sure)?"

 - "Deh, I don't drink."

Jaejoong ordered appetizers and a late harvest wine after they had all placed their food orders.

 - "I want to toast," Jaejoong said.  "To a beautiful lady, inside and out.  You've made my life richer, just to know you.  Abi-ssi, happy birthday; Gunbae!"

 - "Gunbae!"  Everyone agreed.  Abigaíl was turning a pretty shade of red, which had nothing to do with the wine she hadn't yet drank.

 - "Chica, what else are you doing for you birthday?"

 - "My parents are throwing me a small party at the restaurant on Sunday and my sisters are taking me out for a spa day, do you want to come?"

 - "I know a great spa, just mention my name."

 - "That's quite alright, Dr. Jaejoong, there are spas closer to home."  Abigail’s tone was shorter than she meant to.  She had no intention of running into one of his girlfriends.

 - "Abi-ssi, did I say something wrong?"  Jaejoong and the others noticed her abrupt change of mood.

 - "No, let's enjoy these appetizers."  Abigaíl didn't really know why she was bothered all of a sudden.

An awkward air still hung over the table while they ate.  Jihoo and Ilana were quiet, not really knowing what to say.  Jaejoong finally spoke.  "Ilana-yah, you're traveling to Seoul this month, correct?"

 - "Mmm, I can't wait."

 - "Isn't your birthday right before?  I think I saw it on Unnie's calendar."  Jihoo took note of this information.  He'd have to look on the calendar.

 - "Oh, yeah," Ilana said trying to wave away the topic.

 - "What a fun birthday present.  Your brother is going with you, right?"

 - "Oh, um he had something come up last minute.  Thankfully, a good friend was available."  Ilana felt her face heat up for some reason.  She also didn't want Dr. Jaejoong making any unnecessary comments.

Jaejoong stared at Jihoo; he'd heard him tell HyoJoo he was changing his schedule for March and April.

Jihoo felt Jaejoong staring at him but chose to ignore him and continued eating.

 - "You know," Jaejoong said, "Jihoo's birthday is at the end of March.  What day again?"

 - "It doesn’t matter."  It was Jihoo's turn to avoid the subject.

Ilana was curious if his birthday landed during their time in Seoul.  "I'm sure Dr. Jaejoong wants to know so he can take you out for a nice birthday dinner, since he's so generous."

 - "Greoumyo!"

 - "What does that mean?"  Abigaíl asked.

 - "It means of course," Ilana explained.

 - "Dr. Jaejoong is generous," Abigaíl said without sarcasm.  "Dr. Jihoo, when is your birthday and I'll have my Mom make you a cake."

 - "Ilana can make her Puerto Rican flan."  Jaejoong volunteered and she nodded in agreement.

 - "I believe, Ilana will not be here for my birthday."

 - "We can celebrate before I leave," she grinned.

 - "Let's celebrate at my house; Umma would love to cook for you."

 - "That would be fun!"  Ilana agreed.

 - "Anieyo, we should celebrate Ilana-ssi, not me."

 - "We can celebrate both birthdays at the same time!"  Abigaíl was enjoying their scheming; her previous irritation now forgotten.  Ilana tried to protest that she didn't celebrate her birthday but it fell on deaf ears.  Abigaíl and Jaejoong were already making plans.  Jihoo laughed at the helplessness on her face.  She looked at him and glared.  "Just you wait until we get to Seoul, Mister, I'll make sure your friends throw you a huge party," she thought.  The other two were distracted in their own conversation and didn't notice Ilana and Jihoo having a conversation solely with their eyes and other facial expressions.

 - "Mwo?  You're looking at me funny?"  Jihoo jutted his chin out and raised his eyebrows in question.

 - "Anieyo," Ilana shook her head briefly while her lips were in.  Jihoo gave her his blank face, which only served to give her the giggles.  She covered as to not alert the others.

Jaejoong and Abigaíl had been discussing their party for Ilana and Jihoo and truly had forgotten all about them until he saw movement out of the corner of his eye.  "What's with her?"

 - "Anieyo," Jihoo responded, poker face still on.  "I believe Ilana-ssi bit her tongue."  Ilana shook her head, her face was now red and tears were forming in her eyes but she continued to suppress her laughter.

 - "Ouch, how did you do that?"  Abigaíl asked.

 - "Not a clue," Ilana managed to say in between giggles.

After dinner, their plates were cleared and the waiter returned with a cake and a decorative candle and two small gift bags.  The cake:  vanilla génoise, mousseline cream, and strawberries was placed in front of the birthday girl and happy birthday was sung.

Jihoo took a beautiful shocking pink bag and handed it to Abigaíl.  "Happy birthday, Abigaíl-ssi."  In the bag was an atomizer filled with 'Happy' cologne and a Sephora gift card.

 - "Thank you, Dr. Jihoo, I love that store."

 - "I figured you would."  Jihoo smiled.

 - "And this is from me."  Jaejoong handed Abigaíl a little blue bag that almost every girl would like to receive.

Abigaíl reached for the 'Tiffany & Co' bag with trepidation.  Inside was a little blue ring box, which definitely made her nervous.  "Dr. Jaejoong, really, I don't think I should accept."  She placed the box on the table.

 - "Open it, it's just something small."  Jaejoong took her hand and placed the box back in her hand.  He was smiling widely, enjoying her discomfort.

Abigaíl opened the box slowly as if it would explode.  "Oh, how pretty!"  She let out the breath she was holding.  The ring was a sterling silver rope with a little round aquamarine stone.

 - "Let me slip it on."  He took the index finger of her right hand, it was a perfect fit.  Abigaíl kept her nails perfectly manicured and the ring looked beautiful on her midnight blue tipped fingers.  

  - "No, really, I think it's too much."  Abigaíl really liked the ring, but was afraid of the appropriateness of such a lavish gift.  She looked at Ilana for re-assurance.

 - "Chica, I can assure you, Tiffany's does have inexpensive pieces."  

 - "I'm sure Dr. Jaejoong considered the value and appropriateness of the gift,” Jihoo said.

 - "Please accept, because I refuse to take it back."

 - "Thank you, Dr. Jaejoong, I like it very much."

The evening came to an end and each pair went their separate ways.

 - "Thank you for the evening, it was very nice of you."  Abigaíl said shyly, when they were back in the car.

 - "I'm glad you had a good time.  Abi-ssi I enjoy spending time with you.  I want to get to know you better.  I love it when you tell me about your childhood and the things that make you happy.  I hate it when you get angry at me but it makes me want to become a better person; just for you."

Abigaíl chuckled.  "None of us are perfect and I forget sometimes.  Forgive me if I judge you too harshly."

 - "Not at all, I've always held you to a higher standard.  A standard that I was unworthy of but then I wanted to be worthy."

 - "Please, don't look at me, my standard is God's standard and I fall short every day."

 - "That's what I like the most about you, your faith."

 - "You can have it too."

 - "Anieyo, I don't know how."

 - "The hardest step is the first one but it becomes second nature with time."  Abigaíl smiled at him.  "I'll tell you one day, you're not ready yet."  She thought.

They continued talking until they arrived at her door.

 - "Thank you, for allowing me to celebrate your birthday," Jaejoong said.

 - "I'm supposed to be thanking you."

 - "I don't want Abeoji mad at me, you'd better get inside."  He hugged her tight and then kissed her forehead slowly, then each cheek.  Abigaíl was sure she was bright red.  "Good night princess," he teased, waving at her before she stepped in the house.  If they could both see each other, they would notice the identical smiles on their faces.

That night Abigaíl prayed:  "Lord help me, I'm starting to like him.  Are you using me to bring him back to you?  Help me be patient and wait for your leading.  I know you'll work it out with my parents too.  In Jesus name, I pray."

Jaejoong entered his house, still smiling.  "Jaejoong-ah, did you have a good evening?"  His Father asked.

 - "Did Abigaíl like her gift?"  His Mother asked.

 - "Deh," Jaejoong answered.  "I'm a little tired, jalja."  He left his parents grinning at his back as he fled up the stairs to his room.  Jaejoong jumped on his bed and closed his eyes wanting to remember Abigaíl smiling back at him.  That's exactly how he fell asleep.

March 20, 2014

The days were getting longer, since the time change over a week ago.  This was great for Ilana who was busy preparing for her trip.  At times Jihoo accompanied her, other times she just went shopping on her own.  She usually knew what she wanted and had it already waiting for her to pick up.  The extra light also gave her the energy she needed to call California.  She was putting together a special wedding gift for Suzy and JungMin.  Phone calls were made to her CEO and Nana.  She needed Gloria to contact her and enlisted Nana's help to make that happen.  KyuJong was the only one of her friends to know what she was up to.

Aside from gifts for the gang and gifts for the Bride and Groom; there was Dr. Jhoo.  His birthday would be coming soon and what do you get the guy who has everything?  Ilana pondered that question while she rinsed her breakfast dishes.  Her thought process was cut short by her phone ringing.  Thinking it was Dr. Jihoo, she dried her hands as quickly as possible.  She was pleasantly surprised to find out it wasn't.

 - "Yeobosayo Oppa!"

 - "Cinderella, did I call at a good time?"

 - "Oppa just gave me an excuse not to do the breakfast dishes.  I can gather my things while we talk.  Gwenchana, I have time.  So where are you?"

 - "We left India very early this morning and have been home for a good six hours."

 - "Home?  Your parents must be so happy to have you all home for a few weeks."

 - "Deh," he couldn't bring himself to tell her he wouldn't be returning to the ship.  "Bogoshipa, I can't wait to see you."

 - "Ara, nado bogoshipa.  I have so much to do and see that week.  I don't know if I'll have time to sleep!"

 - "I can't wait to do it all with you."

 - "Mianhae Oppa, I promised to visit some other friends while there, but you'll still have most of my time."

 - "Yah Cinderella, I thought we were your friends first."

 - "Deh, Jealous Oppa, hajiman I met some new people recently that were very kind to me."

 - "You mean people you met at that wedding?"

 - "Deh, they made me promise I'd visit."  Ilana had just slipped on her boots.

 - "You're only here for a week; I'm only sharing you for a few hours.  And who's this friend you're bringing?"  Ilana laughed.

 -"HyungJun Oppa, I thought I was talking to Saengie Oppa?"  Before Young Saeng could protest being called by Macknae's name, the doorbell rang.  "Mianhae Oppa, my ride is here.  I have to go."  Ilana slung her bag over her shoulder.

 - "Yah!  Cinderella didn't answer my question."  Young Saeng protested as Ilana walked to the door and opened it.

 - "Saranghae Oppa, I gotta go.  Give everyone a hug and tell them I can't wait to be there too."

 - "Nado saranghae, joeun haru dweseyo (have a nice day), Cinderella."  Young Saeng pouted even if he smiled just a little.  He couldn't wait to see her again.

 - "Chingu?"  Jihoo asked as they walked toward the elevator.

 - "Deh," she smiled widely.  "Dr. Jihoo doesn't realize how excited I am."

 - "Deh?  And I thought we were going to be informal outside the hospital."

 - "Habit...and it feels weird."

 - "Well get used to it."

March 22, 2014

Most weekends Dr. Jihoo and Ilana only saw each other briefly.  Tonight, they would be going to Dr. Jaejoong's house for a mini get together in honor of their birthdays.  Ilana used her morning alone time to shop for Dr. Jihoo.  She had a few stores in mind and thankfully they all had what she wanted in stock.  Shopping was a breeze when all you had to do was walk in and pick up your purchase that was already wrapped and waiting for you.  Irish linen handkerchiefs at Brooks Brothers and white linen shirt at Club Monaco.  That was probably more than she should spend but a rose gold tie clip also caught her eye before she left and how could she resist a few t-shirts in the most wonderfully soft Egyptian cotton and.  Shaking her head to clear the vision of Jihoo in said shirts, Ilana selected blue, grey and taupe; he could wear them alone or layered.  Making herself leave the store before a tie ended up also in her possession, she was back at home less than two hours after she had left.  The shirts and tie clip would get packed and Ilana would give him the handkerchiefs tonight.

Abigaíl and Isabel arrived at Jaejoong's home around noon.  Abigaíl would be helping Mrs. Oh cook and Isabel would help decorate and make sure the food and cake were to her standards.

 - "We'll start by marinating our short ribs," Mrs. Oh said.  "Next we'll make a green tea cake and then you can help me chop all the vegetables for salad.  I made radish kimchi last week and the seaweed soup doesn't take long to make.  Do you think Ilana likes anchovies?  Most Americans aren't very fond of them."

 - "I think she'll try anything once and if it's something your family enjoys, we wouldn't want to keep you from making it."

 - "Very well, that can be last.  Let's get started."

Abigaíl kept busy being Mrs. Oh's assistant and paying close attention to the recipes.  Since her son was out of earshot, Mrs. Oh decided to bring him up as a topic of conversation.  "Is my son behaving himself?"

 - "Yes, he's changed in the last few months."

 - "How so?"

 - "He's not such an idiot anymore."  Abigaíl gasped at what she just said, but Mrs. Oh laughed heartily.

 - "Abi-yah my dear, thank you for feeling comfortable enough with me to speak freely.  He is an idiot most of the time; call him 'pabo' when he acts up."

 - "I wasn't thinking when I said that, are you sure you're not angry?"

 - "Of course not.  Now, let's put the cake in the oven and we'll start chopping vegetables."

Jaejoong and Isabel had made a trip to the party supply store for balloons and streamer and birthday hats and were now tying balloons all over the parlor.  "Does Umma say anything about me?"

 - "Anieyo and she doesn't get mad anymore if I say I want an Appa," the little girl eagerly shared this news.

 - "Who do you want as an Appa?"

 - "Guess!!"

Jaejoong made a big show about trying to guess.  "I don't know; Umma probably has many boyfriends."

 - "Na ah!  Just Dr. Prince."

Jaejoong smiled widely.  "Does Umma know I'm her boyfriend?"

 - "Aren't you?"

He thought about it.  "Yes, yes I am.  If anyone asks, tell them Umma is taken.  What should I do to make Umma like me more?"

 - "Umma already likes you, Dr. Prince,” Isabel said.  "We pray for you every night that you would find Jesus."  Jaejoong was surprised and touched that Abigaíl would even consider him worthy of her prayers.  "Dr. Prince, how do you lose Jesus?"

 - "I don't know, Jagiya, I guess you have to stop looking for him."

 - "Dr. Prince!!  He's everywhere; you don't need to find him.  I should remind Mama."

Jaejoong gave the little girl a huge hug.  "Let's go see if Halmoni has snacks for us."

A few hours later, the cake was done and decorated, ribs and meat were grilling and Mrs. Kim was starting the soup and Abigaíl the anchovies.  Jihoo and Ilana would be arriving soon.  Jaejoong walked into the kitchen and tried to snatch an anchovy from the pan to which Abigail put a stop.

 - "Ah!!!"  Abigaíl had rapped his knuckles for stealing.  "Umma!  Did you see that?"

 - "Serves you right, never get in the way of yeoja while she's cooking."  Mrs. Oh said as they heard the doorbell ring.  "That should be them!"

The housekeeper ushered Jihoo and Ilana into the foyer where they were greeted by Mr. Kim and Isabel.

  -"Ajussi!  Tía Ilana!"  Isabel treated them to exuberant hugs.

  -"Hola muñeca," Ilana kissed the child's cheek.  "Me puedes ser un favor (Can you do me a favor)?"  The little girl nodded and Ilana whispered in her ear.  "Dale la bolsa a tu Mami, es para Ajussi (Give this bag to your Mom, it's for Ajussi)."

Isabel ran off to carry out her instructions.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo," Mr. Kim bowed in greeting.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, Abeoji, Ilana Contreras inmida, she works with me."

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, mannaseo bangawoyo (nice to meet you)."  Ilana also bowed.

 - "Hangukmal hasil jul aseyo (Do you speak Korean)?"

 - "Deh, jogeumyo (A little)."

 - "Daeback!  Saeng-il chukha hamnida to the both of you."

Jaejoong and Abigaíl came to fetch them.

 - "Chica," Abigaíl hugged Ilana and took her by the hand.  "Come on, the food is ready."

 - "Jihoo-ah, Umma made all the birthday dishes."  Jaejoong clapped Jihoo on the arm.

Mrs. Oh and the housekeeper had just set the table in the parlor.  "Hello dear, you must be Ilana.  I'm Jaejoong's Mother."

 - "Anneyeong hasseyo mannaseo bangawoyo."

 - "Jihoo-ah, she's charming.  I'd keep an eye on her or some man will come along and make your admin his wife."  Mrs. Oh smiled mischievously.

 - "Anieyo, Eommoni, I'm not looking for a relationship."

Ilana was beet red.  "Umma, she's going to Seoul next week, perhaps Kwon Jiyong would be willing to show her around."

 - "Anieyo kwenchanayo," Ilana was going to kill Dr. Jaejoong.

 - "That won't be necessary, Eommoni," Jihoo looked at Mrs. Oh with a polite smile.  "Ilana-ssi has many friends in Seoul."

 - "Jagiya?"  Mrs. Oh asked.

 - "Anieyo."

 - "Tía Ilana, what about Saengie, he's your shy prince?"  Isabel looked concerned.

 - "Aww chiquita (little one), he's a very special friend, my first best friend.  Those are just nicknames."  Ilana felt a little sad, reducing YoungSaeng's love to just a special friendship.

 - "But Tía..."

 - "Isabel, leave your Tía alone."

Mrs. Oh was curious as to who this other young man was.  Even more curious was Yoon Jihoo's reaction.  His blank face most definitely cracked; she hadn’t imagined the look of concern that had gone as quickly as it came.  Her son had brought up Kwon Jiyong for a reason.  Could their Jihoo be falling for his admin?  It very much appeared that way.  "Well dears, enjoy your meal.  Happy Birthday."  Mrs. Oh hugged Ilana and then Jihoo.  "Don't let her get away," she whispered in his ear, leaving him shocked.

 - "The food looks delicious!  And the room...Isabel, did you decorate?"  The room was filled with balloons, both floating and tied down; there were brightly colored streamers and a very pink 'Happy Birthday' sign."

 - "Dr. Prince helped and Mama helped Halmoni.  Oh!  I forgot!"  Isabel ran off to fetch something and returned with a mock 'Happy Birthday' tiara and crown for Ilana and Jihoo.

 - "Gomawo, Isabel," Jihoo placed the crown on his head.

 - "Gracias chiquita, I love it."  Ilana placed the plastic tiara on her head.

The food was delicious and they lost no time in settling down to eating and laughing.

 - "Dr. Jaejoong, we should ask Eommoni to set Abigaíl up with a nice Korean guy, now that she's learning to cook the food."

 - "Anieyo!/No!"  Both Jaejoong and Abigaíl shouted at once.

Ilana looked at Jihoo and they both laughed.

 - "I'm not in the market for a boyfriend either," Abigaíl responded.

 - "Mama!!  Dr. Prince is your boyfriend!"  Isabel said.

 - "Is that true, Isabel?"  Jihoo asked grinning.

 - "Isabel!  He's a friend and he's a boy."

 - "But Dr. Prince..."

 - "Niña!"  Abigaíl covered her daughter’s mouth.

Jihoo and Ilana continued grinning at the two.  Jaejoong decided to turn the tables. "Yah, wae do both of you get to go on vacation together and leave me without support."

Jihoo ignored him as usual, not rising to the bait.  Dr. Jaejoong alone knew his whereabouts each month but neither Jihoo nor Ilana let on they were traveling together.

 - "Dr. Jaejoong, how does being gone at the same time mean going together.  I don't know what Dr. Jihoo does during his time away from the hospital, do you?"  Even if he did, he couldn't say.

 - "You don't think Unnie and me can take care of things?"  Abigaíl looked at Jaejoong daring him to say no.

 - "Anieyo!  I just thought it was odd they would both gone at the same time."

 - "Dr. Jaejoong, I'm going to a wedding that was planned two months ago.  If Dr. Jihoo had to rearrange his schedule all of a sudden, am I to say no you can't?"

- "I can extend my time away for two weeks instead of a week and a day.  I thought I was being generous."

 - "Anieyo, a week and a day is fine with me."  Jaejoong couldn't help suspect something was up.

They continued to eat and unabashedly tease each other.  Poor Isabel was often left in the dark, too young to understand the grownups banter.

 - "Isabel, help me pick up and we can bring the cake," Abigaíl said after they had long stopped eating.

 - "I'll help," Ilana jumped up from her seat.

 - "Isabel can do it and the housekeeper can bring the cake out."

 - "I'm going to run to the car."  Jihoo stood from his seat; leaving Ilana and Jaejoong.

 - "So, what are you planning to do in Seoul?"  Jaejoong asked trying to see if she would confess who her traveling companion was.

 - "Other than the wedding, It's wherever my friends drag me.  I promised to visit with Harabeoji and I'd like to see the c..." she was about to say conservatory but she wasn't supposed to know about that.  "...the girls:  JaeKyung, Gaeul and JanDi."

 - "Abigaíl said you were upset that your Oppa wasn't able to go with you but you found someone else."

 - "Mmm, Na chingu."

 - "Are you meeting your chingu at the airport?"

 - "Anieyo, were going together."  Ilana was wondering what Dr. Jaejoong was up to.  Neither noticed Jihoo just out of sight, he too was curious about Jaejoong's motives.

 - "Ilana-yah, are you sure you won't be returning engaged to that special Oppa?"

Jihoo chose to walk back in the room at that moment.  "Mianhae, I thought I might have taken too long."  Ilana noticed the pretty black and white bag he carried.

Abigaíl, Isabel, Mrs. Oh and the housekeeper also returned at that moment with cake and two sets of numbered candles.  The parlor was filled with the sound of the happy birthday song in English and Korean.  Jaejoong made the birthday couple take a picture.

Jihoo gave him the 'no funny business or you're dead' look'.

Isabel whispered something in Ilana's ear.  "No, se va enojar (he's going to get mad)," she told the little girl.

 - "Saengie didn't get too mad."

 - "That's Saengie Oppa, Ajussi is different."  Isabel was bursting with mischief.  "Si me regañan es tu culpa (If I get in trouble it's your fault)."  Jihoo hadn't taken a piece of cake as he was talking with Mr. Kim.  "Jihoo-ah," she called from behind him.  "Come, try the cake, it's delicious."  Jihoo was a little shocked she actually spoke casually.  When he turned to face Ilana, Isabel hugged him from behind so his hands were immobilized and he was distracted.  By the time he realized what was happening it was too late.  "Saeng-il chukha hae," Ilana said as she pushed a piece of cake in his face.  "Isabel, run!"  The two co-conspirators took off running through the house to the patio, not caring that they weren't wearing shoes.  Everyone else remained stunned.  Jihoo tried to be angry but couldn't.  He began to smile, then grin, then chuckle until he was laughing out loud and everyone else with him.

 - "I'm sorry Dr. Jihoo; I can't believe Ilana made Isabel help her."  Abigaíl handed Jihoo a towel, not before Jaejoong took a picture.

 - "I don't think Ilana thought this up on her own, nae jagiya can be pretty persuasive."

 - "Ilana is an adult, she should know better."  Abigaíl was embarrassed.

 - "Time to get those two back."  Jihoo and Jaejoong headed outside to look for the two criminals.

Ilana and Isabel had hidden behind a deck box and a folded umbrella.  "Ilana-yah, I'm not angry at you, come out."  Isabel gasped and Ilana signaled for her to keep quiet.  Jihoo with his cat like senses heard something; the faintest rustling.  "Where could those two have gone?"

 - "Do you think they went out to the street?"  Jaejoong asked.

 - "I'll go check, you stay here."  Jihoo signaled to the corner of the patio, before pretending to leave.  It was getting harder to keep Isabel still.  Any moment the child was going to explode with laughter.

 - "Aish, where are you two?  Isabel, Umma is going to worry.  Ilana, you're not wearing shoes or coat.  If you get sick, it's your fault."  It must've been adrenaline, because Ilana wasn't cold at all.  Jaejoong walked around a little more.  "Alright, he's gone, now's your chance to escape."  That was enough for Isabel to go into a giggling fit.  They were caught.  "Jagiya, there you are!"  Isabel screamed as Jaejoong pulled her out of hiding.

 - "Is Dr. Jihoo really not angry?"  Ilana asked while extricating herself from a cushion and the deck box.

 - "Ask him yourself," Jihoo had snuck up behind her.  Isabel and Ilana both screamed.  Ilana tried to take off running but was no match for him.  He grabbed hold of her waist and then hoisted her into his arms.  She continued to kick and scream.

 - "Yah! Let me go!  This is harassment, you know!"

 - "And shoving cake in my face isn't?"

 - "Juseyo!  Jaebal!"  He ignored her entreaties as he carried her back to the parlor.

 - "I think Ajussi likes your Tía Ilana."  Jaejoong commented to the still giggling Isabel.

Jihoo put Ilana down just before the parlor door.  "Pabo," Ilana said, before entering the parlor and having cake smashed into her face by Abigaíl.  Mr. Kim was taking video of the event.

 - "Abigaíl!   Oh my goodness, I can't believe you just did that."  Ilana laughed until tears poured from her eyes.  Every time she tried to stop, she'd look at Jihoo and start laughing again.  He took out his handkerchief and helped her remove the remainder of the cake from her face.

 - "Time for presents!"  Abigaíl announced.  Ilana dropped to the ground and picked up bits of cake that had fallen.  Mrs. Oh stopped her.

 - "No, no, it's a party, these things happen.  It's been a long time since there's been so much laughter in this house.  We are truly blessed."

Ilana could say the same thing.  She felt happy and loved.  The love of friends and family.  She was about to start crying, when Abigaíl a bag at her.  "This is for you from Isabel and me."  Ilana opened a handmade card with a simple inscription, "Mourning comes at night but Joy comes in the morning.  May your nights be over and God grant you joy today and every day."  The card pushed Ilana’s tears over the edge, making Abigaíl cry too.  The two women were hugging, the two men were smiling at the woman, and Isabel was just confused.

Jihoo placed a hand on Ilana's shoulder and handed her the black and white bag he had brought from the car.

 - "Wait!  She didn't even look in the bag!"  Abigaíl protested.  Ilana had only read the card before she started crying.

 - "That's right!"  Ilana laughed.  Inside the bag were two long sleeve sheer sweaters, suitable for layering.  "These are so pretty and a 'Barnes and Noble' card too!"  Ilana hugged her friend again and Isabel too, before opening Jihoo's gift.  There wasn't a card attached, Ilana pulled out a white uneven jacket and a white bracelet.  "Thank you, I like it," she smiled and hugged him without thought to the others.

 - "It's nothing special; it will be warmer in Seoul than in New York, you'll need a lighter jacket.”

Jaejoong gave her a complete outfit of leggings and long shirt complete with a long star necklace.  "Enjoy your vacation, I won't miss you bossing me around," he told her.

 - "Don't worry, I'll make sure to do it for her," Abigaíl said.  Jaejoong made a frightened face, making everyone laugh.

 - "It's Jihoo's turn!"  Ilana called out.  Isabel came with two blue and white bags.

 - "This is from Tía Ilana and this is from Mama and me."

 - "Gomawoyo, Isabel."  Jihoo read Ilana's card, which was also homemade and full of musical analogies.  He caught himself grinning and busied himself with the bag, pulling out the box of handkerchiefs.  "These are nice, thank you," Jihoo smiled shyly at Ilana.

 - "Wau, Ilana, you know nae chingu well and those aren't just any handkerchiefs."  The package of three had cost Ilana twice the amount of the other boxes in the store.

 - "It's his birthday, they had to be special," Ilana defended her choice.  Abigaíl and Jaejoong gave each other knowing looks.  Jihoo was already moving on to Abigail's gift.  An Amazon gift card and a white travel mug with his full name and professional title engraved on it.

- "I'm sorry; I didn't know what to get you."  Abigaíl said.

 - "Anieyo, this is really nice; you didn't need to spend your money but thank you."  He inclined his head.  "Ilana-yah, thank you, you know I'll use these."  He placed a hand on her arm and gave her his beautiful smile.  From an observer's perspective, it appeared that smile hid a secret that most definitely her eyes knew.   The other two were left to wonder:  what was the secret of the handkerchief? 

Anyone wanting to cook a traditional Korean birthday meal here you go:  http://koreanfood.about.com/od/holidaysandoccasions/tp/A-Classic-Korean-Birthday-Meal.htm

Jihoo's birthday is March 30th according to a website I found, so I decided to go with that and Ilana's is March 23, so I imagine more birthday festivities to come.

So, who's up for going to Seoul?