December 6, 2014

Arriving at the Kim household, Jihoo and Ilana removed their outerwear and handed it to Esther, who was without work at the moment.  “Abi-ssi has taken over the kitchen and Mrs. Kim with her.”  Ilana thought Esther felt left out all of a sudden.

 - “Annyeong guys!”  Jaejoong came to greet them, wearing an apron.

 - “Annyeong Hyeongbu, Abigaíl Unnie has you working too?”  She gave Dr. Jaejoong a hug, while he and Jihoo smacked each other on the arm.

 - “Anieyo, I’m just a taste tester, Umma and Anae didn't want Abeoji & me getting dirty.  Esther-ssi, after you put their belongings away, can you get Anae to come into the sitting room?”

 - “Deh, Jaejoong-ssi.  Gladly.”

When Esther walked away, Jaejoong whispered to them.  “Esther isn't used to sharing her kitchen with Anae yet.”

 - “Nana is the same way,” Ilana looked to Jihoo.  “Kike likes to cook when he comes home.”

 - “Eeliwah, Abeoji and Isabel are watching a movie but now that you’re here, I’ll get them to come to the sitting room.”

 - “Hyeongbu, don’t bother them on our account.”

 - “Deh, they’ll be leaving at the end of the month, give them all the time they can with their new granddaughter,” Jihoo added.

 - “Trust me; they won’t be away for very long.  Especially Umma who’s having too much fun having a daughter.”

They walked into the sitting room, just as Abigaíl did.  “Chica!”  Abigaíl hugged her friend as if she hadn’t seen her in ages and also Jihoo.  “How was your evening?”

Ilana looked at Jihoo with a smile.  “It was…lovely.”

 - “It must have been better than lovely,” Jaejoong said.  “There’s something in Ilana’s look just now…”

Abigaíl laughed at her husband and then something caught her eye.  “Chica!!!  What’s that?”  Abigaíl’s voice rose, startling Ilana.

Ilana tried to hide behind Jihoo but he just laughed and kissed her cheek.  “Sarang, Na think we’ve been discovered.”

 - “Felicidades (Congratulations)!”  Abigaíl grabbed Ilana in a hug.

At the same time, Jaejoong was pounding Jihoo on the back.  “Way to go, bro!”

Abigaíl began fawning over Ilana’s ring.  “Ooh!  It’s so simple and sweet.  Dr. Jihoo...wow, it’s so her.”

The ring was not quite two carrots.  Not that he couldn't afford a bigger ring, he didn't want it to overpower her finger.  That’s not what it was about.  At least for him and he was certain, not for Ilana either.

Abigaíl was getting emotional and hugging Ilana again.  “Chica, I’m so happy for you.”

Ilana laughed at her friend.  “Chica, you’re too sweet.”  Abigail’s tears were soon making Ilana cry too.

 - “Chincha?  Wau you two.”

 - “I can’t help it,” Abigaíl said.  “I’m so happy, prayer answered!”

 - “It’s Unnie’s fault, Hyeongbu.  Her crying makes me cry.”

Jaejoong and Jihoo both pulled their woman into their embrace.  Right about that time, the Kims arrived with Isabel.

Smiling at the domestic scene.  Mr. Kim made a motion to Isabel to keep quiet.  “Annyeong hasseyo!  Jihoo-yah, Ilana-yah.”

Ilana sprung from Jihoo’s arms guiltily and bowed.  “Annyeong hasseyo, Abeoji, Eommoni.”

 - “Annyeong hasseyo,” Jihoo also bowed.

 - “Welcome dears,” Mrs. Oh gave each of them a hug.  “Might I add how absolutely delighted I am to see you two so close.”

Ilana blushed.

 - “Kansamnida Eommoni,” Jihoo replied.

 - “Eommoni!  They’re engaged!”  Abigaíl couldn't contain her happiness.  It seemed the Lord was pouring out blessing upon blessing.

 - “Chukahaeyo!  That’s wonderful news!”

 - “Chincha?”  Isabel hugged Ilana and then Jihoo.

After Isabel, Mrs. Oh finished mobbing them with another hug and a kiss on their cheek.  Mr. Kim came and shook Jihoo’s hand.  “She’s a fine young lady, I’m sure Harabeoji will be pleased.”

- “Deh, Abeoji.”

- “Jaejoong Abeoji, both boys got their rubies.”

- “That they did.”

Jihoo and Ilana were left puzzled looking at each other.  “I’ll tell you later,” Abigaíl took Ilana’s arm and dragged her off to the dining room.

- “Dude, you need to read Proverbs.”  Jaejoong threw his arm around Jihoo who threw him a dirty look.  Jaejoong remained oblivious and Jihoo just rolled his eyes and gave in.

The Italian dinner of chicken parmigiana, salad, and garlic bread was delicious.  The conversation and teasing delightful and the company sweet.  After dinner, they took dessert of gelato and cannoli into the sitting room.  Esther came in and poured champagne for them all.  Except Abigail, Isabel, and Ilana, whom Esther remembered, didn't drink.  Ilana thought it curious they were having champagne, wondering what they were celebrating.

 - “Jalmokegotsumnida (I ate well), Eommoni, Abigaíl,” Ilana said.

 - “It was nothing; we just wanted to have you guys over.”

 - “Ani, Abi-ah, today we are celebrating with good food, family, and friends,” Mr. Kim announced.

Ilana thought Mr. Kim, sweet and smiled at Jihoo.

- “Let’s have a toast, to new relationships…,” he smiled and nodded at Jihoo and Ilana.  “…new life, our soon to come second grandchild,” he smiled at Abigaíl.

Jaejoong put an arm around his wife.

- “Gunbae!”

- “Gunbae!”  Everyone followed.

- “Chica!!!  Does this mean…?  Already?”

- “Yes!”

It was Ilana’s turn to embrace her friend.  “Aww!!  Congratulations!!!  I get another baby to spoil!!!”

- “Ilana-yah will have to get in line,” Mrs. Oh said.

- “Tía Ilana, I’m going to be Unnie!”

- “Maja!”  Ilana hi-fived Isabel.

- “Yah, Isabel-yah, you could be Noona too.”

- “Or both!”  Ilana getting enthusiastic.

Abigail’s eyes grew large and Jaejoong laughed.  “Yeobo, there aren't multiples in our family, unless they are in yours, you’re safe."

 - "Chukahae to you both," Jihoo said.

 - "Deh, I almost forgot, chukahae to the happy Appa," Ilana said.

 - "Majayo, anae gets all the congratulations but it's my baby too."  Jaejoong's jealous outburst, made everyone laugh.

 - "Son, get used to it," his Father said.  "Once Abigaíl starts to show, no one will see you standing next to her."

 - "I will!"  Isabel jumped up and climbed on Jaejoong's lap and threw her arms around his neck.

 - "Gomawo, Jagi," Jaejoong gave Isabel a kiss on the forehead, and then leaned her over to kiss her Mother.

 - "When will the happy day be for you two kids," Mrs. Oh asked.

Ilana seemed to hold her breath.  It was easy to love and say forever but to go through a huge wedding like WooBin and JaeKyung and Jaejoong and Abigaíl, and even JungMin and Suzy's was rather large, the thought was a bit frightening.  Jihoo saw the overwhelmed look on Ilana's face and squeezed her hand.  After getting a smile from her, he spoke.  "Mollahyo, Eommoni, hajiman Na think we'll have just an intimate ceremony with just our closest friends."

Ilana gave him a look of sheer relief.

 - "Yah!  We're considered part of those closest friends, maja?"  Jaejoong boldly asked.

 - "I don't know about Dr. Jihoo but I know Ilana will invite me," Abigaíl said, jokingly.

 - "Of course, chica."

 - "Na will have to think about Jaejoong," Jihoo said straight-faced.

 - "Be nice," Ilana poked him in the leg and he brought her to sit closer to him.

 - "Ara Yoon Jihoo, cheoje (wife's younger sister), under that frigid exterior is a really nice guy."

 - "Ara, Hyeongbu, ara," Ilana place a hand on Jihoo's knee for emphasis.

December 11, 2014

Ilana had a strange sensation as she had said goodnight to her co-workers the night before and as they left the apartment this morning.  Both times, Ilana had an overwhelming urge to cry.  Jihoo and Ilana hadn't announced their leave until yesterday.  Management knew and had everything in order, but to the other Doctors and Ilana's team, they said nothing.  Well, partly due to Ilana herself not knowing until a week before their departure.  Abigaíl was a little hurt, Ilana hadn't told her anything.

 - "I didn't even know myself.  Honestly, I completely forgot to tell you on Saturday because of your own news."

 - "I forgive you," Abigaíl hugged her friend.  "Just don't go off and get married without us, okay?"  Then Abigaíl’s eyes began to well up in tears.

 - "Oh no!!  Don't start!"  Both girls laughed.  "It's not like I'm going forever!"

 - "Four weeks!  Might as well be forever!"

That was another one of Jihoo's last-minute details that he had added.  Ilana was getting a little apprehensive about what else might he be planning. "It will pass quickly and you will be totally showing when I get back!"

They had arrived at JFK and Ilana was surprised when their driver unloaded not only her own luggage (Ilana carried Joy) but a suitcase for Jihoo as well, on top of his usual garment bag, laptop and medical bag.  "Sarang, you brought luggage this time."

 - "Deh," he smiled at her and kissed her cheek.

 - "Wae?"  He was up to something; she knew she was worried for a reason.  She'd hardly slept the night before.

 - "Anieyo."

Usually, when she was with Jihoo, Ilana lost sight of everything else.  Not this time, she was looking around and had that lost feeling she had in some of the nightmares she had during the time Jihoo was gone last.  She was looking at the terminal they entered and saw neither Korean Air nor Asiana.  Those were the two airlines Jihoo usually flew.  Not to mention all these were domestic airlines, it seemed.

 - "Jihoo-yah?  Where are we?  We're not flying Korean Air this time?"

 - "Anieyo, we're flying American," they were already headed for the security checkpoint.

 - "American?"

Jihoo stopped and took her in his arms.  Ilana tried to break away but he didn't let her.  "Shh," he held her tight.

 - "Where are we going?"  Ilana didn't like surprises and Jihoo had already surpassed his allowance.

 - "Home," he said and pecked her lips.

 - "Home?"  Ilana was confused.

 - "Na want to see your Nana and tell her personally that I will always love and watch over her Niña."

Ilana was completely surprised but not unhappy.  She would never have thought he'd drag her back home.  "Are you sure?"  Was all she could think to ask?

 - "Deh, Sarang, it's time."  Ilana took a deep breath.  This was getting more and more real each day.  Jihoo was about to take a step and saw her slightly worried face.  "Gwenchana, it’s the two of us now, deh?"

Ilana shook her head.  Yes, it was the two of them and yet she was always falling short.  She needed to pick up her slack and this was a perfect opportunity to do it.  She needed to make a few phone calls.

Ilana made her two phone calls and sent a text to Brendon, asking him to pick them up at the airport.  After, she was pretty much silent.  Jihoo had purchased their seats in business class so they could be side by side; the first-class section was all single file.  He too had work to do but having lowered the partition between them, he could hold her hand and comfort her, knowing she had many thoughts going through her head on top of being a nervous flyer.

It was shortly after they had eaten Ilana dozed off and Jihoo followed shortly after.  They still had two hours until landing.  Jihoo woke first as the stewardess told him it was time to buckle up.  He looked to Ilana who was still asleep.  Her seat belt was secured but looked to be having a bad dream.  "Yah," Jihoo rubbed Ilana's hand with his thumb.

Ilana whined in fear, still asleep.

Finally, landing at LAX, Ilana clung to Jihoo's hand for dear life.  Having woken just before landing with that heart-pounding lost feeling, she couldn't shake it that easily.  Standing at the luggage carousel, Jihoo took Ilana and hugged her tight.  "Gwenchana?" He kissed the top of her head and she nodded her head in agreement.  "How did you feel getting off the plane alone last time?"

 - "I threw up."

 - "Gwenchana?"

 - "Deh, just tired, I have a little bit of a headache."

 - "Deh, someone didn't sleep, your makeup never fools me."  He kissed her eyes.  "Someone didn't eat very well, either," he pecked her lips.  "And someone is nervous about bringing home a namja."  He kissed her cheek.  He had her smiling by this time.

Joy took this time to remind them she would like to hurry and get out of her carrier.

 - "Deh, Joy-ah, as soon as we get our luggage."

 - "I see it now."

A few minutes later, they had stepped outside and spotted Brendon right away.  "Brendon!"  Ilana waived.

The three began to walk towards each other.  "Miss Ilana!"  Brendon swooped her into his arms, while Jihoo looked curiously on.

 - "Yah!  Brendon!"

 - "You sound like Mrs. Park," he laughed.  Only then did he notice Jihoo's presence.

 - "Ah, Brendon," Ilana took a deep breath before taking Jihoo's hand in hers.  "My...fiancé, Jihoo Yoon."

 - "Fiancé?   Miss runs away from home for two years and comes back with a fiancé?"

Of course, Brendon was happy but it was all such a shock.

Jihoo chose this moment to introduce himself.  He bowed formally to Brendon, not quite sure what his status was amongst the family but he did look older than Jihoo.  "Yoon Jihoo, It's a pleasure to meet you, finally."  He took Brendon's hand in both of his.

 - "It's a pleasure to meet you as well.  Had I known, I would've dressed up for the occasion."

Ilana glared at him to stop joking.  "Let's go, Brendon."  Ilana said in her 'mistress of the house' tone of voice.

 - "Yes, Miss," Brendon opened the back door of the Lexus LS and Ilana with Joy, slid in first, followed by a confused Jihoo.  Brendon, seeing his confusion, had ushered him into the backseat with Ilana.

 - "You didn't tell Nana, did you, Brendon?  I wanted to surprise her."

 - "I did not.  If she has a heart attack, thinking you're a vision, it's your fault.  Mrs. Park worked today, so she won't be back until close to seven, Mr. Park I'll pick up at the Gold Line station around six.  He has potential clients coming in next week."

 - "Chincha?"

 - "Yup.  Mrs. Park says that all the time too.  Mr. Yoon, are you Korean as well?"

 - "Yes."

 - "That's Dr. Yoon, Brendon."

 - "Pardon me, Doctor.  Miss Ilana is not used to introducing people."

Ilana stuck her tongue out at him.  Joy was purring happily on her lap, now that she'd been let out of her carrier.  "Brendon, did you get the litter box like I asked?"

 - "Yes I did; now I understand why."

Ilana began to yawn.

 - "Sarang, is your home far?"

 - "About thirty minutes."

 - "More like forty-five, Miss."

 - "Close your eyes for a little while."  Jihoo reached over and began rubbing the back of her neck.

 - "Gwenchana, I'll be too groggy, when I get to the house."

 - "If you don't take a nap, your head is going to feel like it's splitting open.  Sarang doesn't want to meet her Halmoni like that."

 - "Deh..."  She yawned again.  Jihoo's rubbing eased all the tension she was storing up and her eyes had already closed.

A few minutes later, Ilana had fallen asleep.  "Dr. Yoon is better with Miss Ilana than Enrique is," Brendon was impressed.

 - "Perhaps just different, not better.  He was there for her when no one else was."

 - "Yes, he was.  I wasn't around back then; I was studying in New York."

Jihoo and Brendon made small talk for a while but then fell into silence.

Arriving at the house, Jihoo helped Ilana out of the car and steadied her as she was still groggy from her nap.  "I'll take everything to your room, Miss Ilana.  Nana will want to freshen up the room next to yours for Dr. Yoon.  She should be in the kitchen making lunch and prepping dinner.  It's a good thing you arrived early to change the dinner menu if needed."  Walking into her home, Ilana was hit with a barrage of emotions, Jihoo held her tight while she settled herself to greet her Nana.

Leaving Joy just outside the kitchen, Ilana walked in.  Nana was at the sink, she had flamenco music playing, and her back was turned to them.  Having already discarded their shoes, Ilana and Jihoo snuck up on the poor grandmotherly women.  Ilana gave her Nana a back hug and began to cry.  Nana in the kitchen always had a certain odor of fresh herbs and spices.  Ilana used to say it was 'eau de Nana’.

 - "Que pasa aquí (What's happening here)?"  Nana said startled, putting down the chili’s she was washing.  Despite the hands that were around her, Nana was startled to see the owner of those hands.  "Mi niña (my child), ay!  Dios mío (My God)!  Gracias (Thank You), Dios mío (my God).  Ay!  Que regalo tan hermoso (What a precious gift).  Gracias, Gracias, Gracias."

Ilana had to chuckle, "no es para tanto (It's not that big a deal), Nana."

 - "Como no (How is it not), mi niña..."  It finally dawned on Nana that there was someone else in the room.  "Doctorcito (The young Doctor)?"  Nana's tears were falling even faster now, making Ilana confused.

 - "Deh Halmoni," Jihoo bowed low in reverence.

Nana engulfed him in a hug and pulled him down kissing his cheek.  Jihoo wasn't quite sure what to make of this but he endured it well.  Scarlet cheeks notwithstanding.  "Halmoni, permíteme amar y cuidar a su niña (allow me to love and care for your girl), para siempre (forever)."  Jihoo looked to Ilana and saw the happy tears.  "Como mi esposa (as my wife)."

Nana took both their hands and joined them together.  "Lo que Dios a unido (What God has joined), ningún hombre lo separe (let no man separate)."  Somehow this elderly woman, that should be frail, engulfed them in a hug so tight, Ilana was reminded of HyungJun.

 - "Nana!!  No puedo respirar (I can't breathe)." Nana hugged them even tighter if that was possible.

Nana let go and continued staring at Jihoo, than Ilana.  "Mi niña (my girl)," she caressed Ilana's hair.  "No sabes, cuanto eh orado por este hombre (You don't know how I've prayed for this man).  Dios me lo puso en mente y la noche antes de irnos (God put him in my mind and the night before we left), me llevo a su puerta (He led me to his door).  Le dije que te cuidaría un día (I told him he'd take care of you one day)."

Ilana felt chills climbing up her arms.  "Is this true?"  She turned to Jihoo.

 - "Deh, Sarang.  I had no idea who she was, nor whom she referred to until you showed me her picture one day. "

Nana saw Ilana pale.  "Siéntanse y ahorita mismo, les llevo algo de comer (Sit and I'll bring you something to eat, right this minute)."  She ushered them out of the kitchen and Ilana led Jihoo to the dining room.

Ilana's head was spinning with being home and Nana's revelation.

 - "Gwenchana?"  Jihoo squeezed Ilana's hand.

 - "Deh, but I think if I didn't know better, I'd say Nana was a witch."

Jihoo laughed.  "Ani Sarang, she's no more of a witch than SungRyung Noona is."

In less than ten minutes, Nana had put a steaming bowl of fideo in front of them and a tray full of different toppings for Jihoo.  She knew exactly what her Niña liked in hers.

Jihoo tried to get Ilana to rest after lunch as Nana had told them, she had just put new linens in all the rooms the day before and with Suzy's help had been spring cleaning the rooms that weren't commonly used.

 - "I feel like I don't have time to waste."

 - "Gwenchana, we have a week."

 - "I just feel like it's not enough, I need to show you so many things and tell you so many things."

 - "Arraso, one thing and then you're going to rest or you'll be fast asleep by the time Chingu are home."

Ilana took Jihoo by the hand and led him to a secluded room.  It had hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings.  She had shied away at the door, but Jihoo pulled her in.  There were pictures on the wall and a case full of different awards and a media cabinet with either CD's or DVD's, he wasn't sure.  "This is Umma?"  He saw Ilana nod.  It must have been one of the last pictures they had taken together at an event.  And there in the corner was their Fuzoli grand piano in mahogany.  Jihoo pulled Ilana towards it.  He sat and looked at her.  She nodded, and then he opened the cover.  His fingers ran the scales quickly.  It was perfectly tuned to his surprise and the room was tidy as if it was used every day.  "Sarang, how long has it been since you've been in the room?"

 - "I haven't stepped foot in here since before the accident.  Nana keeps all my parent's things in order and I guess she keeps the piano tuned."

 - "Anja," Jihoo scoot over on the bench, making room for Ilana, and began to play Greensleeves, it was almost Christmas and the house was already decorated.  "Sing for me, sarang."

Ilana shook her head, "shiro."  Tears were already falling.  "I'll hum for you?"

 - "Arraso, I'll start again."

Jihoo played a few carols and Ilana hummed, mostly.  In between sobs.  After a few songs, even Jihoo let a tear escape and held her in his arms.  He let her cry and get the sixteen years of repressed tears out of her system.

Ilana took him to the stables to meet her horsey family.  She wondered, vaguely, if JungMin ever took the horses out.  "They would fight over the carrots, most likely," Ilana thought.

 - "You're smiling," Jihoo caught her.

 - "Na was thinking something silly.  Did you bring riding clothes or Brendon can let you borrow some jeans."  They had both thrown on some work boots that were in the supply closet of the barn.

 - "Gwenchana, any pair of pants will do," they walked into a stall of a majestic older horse who knew he was loved by his mistress.

 - "This is Basilio; I call him 'Basil' for short."

 - "Annyeong hasseyo," Jihoo bowed before the horse then extended his hand.  Ilana handed Jihoo a carrot and the horse seemed to accept the bribe.

 - "Sin vergüenza (No shame)!”  She scolded her shameless horse, "Be nice to Jihoo."  Basil snorted in return.  They took time giving attention to all six horses and the foal that wasn't quite a year old.

They left the horses and Ilana gave Jihoo the grand tour of the property.  The patio and pool, Ilana rarely visited; the different gardens, minus the rose garden.  Ilana wanted to show him that last, so she led him to a small cluster of trees.  "Na didn't come here that often."

 - "Wae?"

 - "Mollah?  I think Appa had plans for this area.  It was his favorite."  Jihoo wandered around the small wooded area.  Each tree was different, one being the biggest.  Something caught his eye at the bottom of the tree, there was a plaque.  'Luis Contreras'.  "This one has your Abeoji's name and an inscription."  He looked at the other tree to see if there was another plaque.

 - "Chincha?  I didn't know that.”  Ilana followed him.

 - "This one has your Umma's name..." walking to the next tree, "...and this one has yours - Ilana Contreras, born March 23, 1988.  She will be strong, beautiful and wise like a tree."

 - "Papi, gracias, pero no sirvió su profecía (Thank you, but the prophecy didn't work)."  She turned to Jihoo, "I never knew my name meant tree until Saengie Oppa told me."

 - "Wae don't you agree with Abeoji?  Ilana is stronger than she thinks and is yippeun and wise...?"  He took her hand, "Sarang is still young."  Ilana tried to remove her hand but he pulled her into his embrace.  "Mianhae, I was just playing, sarang is very smart to have done most of her schooling on her own."

 - "Smart is different than wisdom."

Jihoo bent to give her a slow kiss, "now, stop arguing.  Na want to see the famous rose garden."

 - "Kaja," Ilana led the way."

After the rose garden, Jihoo and Ilana took blankets out on the patio and snuggled to watch the sunset.  Dinner wouldn’t be served for another hour and they were suddenly very lazy, neither wanting to move.  Ilana had the propane heater; the backyard lights had begun to turn on and the hills came alive with small noises.  Ilana felt her stress melt away.  "Sarang, Kike's coming tomorrow."

 - "Chuah."

 - "And my Foster parents."  He gave her a curious look.  "And my personal attorney and Juan Carlos?"  She cringed, waiting for him to get angry.

Jihoo chuckled at her worried expression.  "Na thought Ilana didn't like surprises?  What are you scheming?"

 - "They are the people that need to know about our engagement.  Basically, our engagement gives them no more reason to interfere in my life.  Kike is our support and so is my attorney.  He was Appa's best friend and my voice in the company."

 - "I understand, gwenchana.  You have a nice home, Sarang.  Gomawo, for sharing it with me."

 - "Gomawo for making me come."

They sat in silence and after a few minutes, they were both lulled to sleep.  Ilana hadn't slept the night before and the stress of the flight made her more tired than she thought.

Suzy had just arrived from work and Brendon was leaving to pick up Min at the train station. "Mrs. Suzy, somewhere roaming the property is a surprise for you.  Oh and Tell your Unnie her cat is safely installed in her room."

 - "Surprise?  Unnie?!"  Suzy squealed and ran into the main house screaming for her Unnie.

Brendon laughed and got into the car to pick up her husband.

 - "Unnie!  Yah!  Where are you?!"  

 - "Que pasa Suzy (What' going on)?"  Nana heard Suzy yelling through the house and came out of the kitchen to see what was the matter.

 - "Halmoni?  It's true, Ilana is here?"  Suzy couldn't contain her excitement.

 - "Si, por ahí anda con el Doctorcito (She's around somewhere with the young Doctor)."

Suzy was getting better at understanding Nana.  She just couldn't speak the language.  "Doctor?  What Doctor?"

 - "Anda y buscarla (Go on and look for her)," she shooed her away.

Suzy had no idea where to even begin looking for her.  After five months, she still hadn't been in every room of the house.  She knew the outside property well but it was dark out and didn't know where to look.  Suzy figured she'd take a look on her way to the cottage.  Stepping out onto the patio, she was rewarded by seeing two figures seated.  "Unnie!"  She approached and saw Jihoo and Ilana cuddled up close asleep with his arm around her.  "Omo, Unnie?"  She whispered.  "What is this?"  Suzy tried to wake Ilana up, without disturbing Jihoo; although, she knew Ilana slept hard and didn't wake very easily.  "Yah, Unnie," Suzy tried tapping Ilana's shoulder and shaking her a little but it was Jihoo who woke up.

 - "Suzy-ssi!  Annyeong hasseyo," he inclined his head as respectfully as possible, given that Ilana was still asleep in the crook of his arm.  "We must have dozed off."

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, Jihoo Uissanim, it's a surprise to see Uissanim here."

 - "Deh," he smiled a little embarrassed.  "Na think your Unnie will have something to tell you if she wakes up."  Jihoo untwined himself from his fiancé.  "Ilana-yah, wake up.  Suzy-ssi is here."

Suzy watched amazed as he her Unnie's arms and ran his fingers through her hair with familiarity.

 - "Ilana-yah, you need to wake up."  Jihoo pulled her to standing, removing the blanket.

Jihoo and Ilana took a few steps until she felt herself falling.  More asleep, than awake Ilana grabbed onto Jihoo.  "Sarang?"  She opened her eyes trying to figure where they were.

 - "Gwenchana, let's go inside, someone wants to say annyeong hasseyo."

 - "Who?"  Ilana clung to Jihoo with one hand and rubbed her eyes with the other.

 - "Unn-ie!  You don't call and forewarn us you're coming and with Jihoo Uissa?  What are you not telling me?"

 - "Suzy-ah!!!"  Ilana was awake now and hugged her dear friend.

Brendon and JungMin had returned and were sent to find everyone.  All it took was to hear the squealing.  "Yah!  Ilana-yah?  What is this?  Coming to check up on us?"

 - "Deh!  Amongst other things."

 - "What other things, agassi?"  Jung Min playfully scolded.  "KyuJong Hyeong isn't here so I'm the oldest."

 - "Gwenchana, I've secured the approval of KyuJong Uissa..."  Jihoo said.

 - "Mworago?"  Everyone exclaimed at once.

 - ..."to ask Ilana to be nae Anae and she has accepted."

Suzy was screaming and jumping up and down by now.  "Na thought something was up between you two when you came to Seoul for my wedding."  She scrutinized the couple.

 - "Chukahae Uissa, welcome to the family.  You hurt her we kick your..."

Suzy finished her husband's sentence by kicking him in the knees and nearly toppling him over.  "Oops?"  She blinked innocently.

Ilana laughed at the pair.

 - "Nampyon!  He has KyuJong Oppa's blessing."

 - "And Kike and Nana," Ilana said.  "It seems my fiancé has been networking."  It was Jihoo's turn to look innocent.

 - "Well, we better get in before Nana comes out and scolds everyone for being late.  You know she's been in the kitchen all afternoon preparing a special meal for her precious Niña’s return." 

Brendon's words were true.  On the table was green pozole, one of Ilana's favorites.  Nana said a quick prayer of thanksgiving for her precious child's return and also for Jihoo, the one God sent to them.

 - "Let's toast!"  JungMin jumped up.  Nana had served them all wine, except for Ilana.  Nana gave her fresh-squeezed fruit juice.  "To chingu!"

 - "Ani!"  Suzy interjected.  "Sarang!"

 - "A la familia (Family)!"  Nana cast her vote.

 - "Gunbae!"

 - "Salud!"

The rest of the dinner past joking and eating, eating and joking and eating and joking some more.  "I'm so stuffed!"  Ilana leaned into Jihoo.  They all quickly cleared the table, but Nana shooed Ilana and Suzy from the kitchen.

 - "Deh, sarang, I'm glad.  You scarcely ate this morning and last night."  Since she was in his arms anyway, he lifted her face for a quick kiss.

 - "Yah, we saw that!"  Min scolded.

 - "Like I haven't seen you two."  Ilana countered

JungMin laughed.  "Gwenchana, kiss away."

 - "Unnie, do you want to hang out or are you too tired."

 - "I want to but I'll fall asleep as soon as I'm comfortable."

 - "Arraso, we'll see you tomorrow," the two women hugged.  "Jaljaeyo Unnie.  Oh, Nana said we're having company tomorrow?"

 - "Deh, mianhae Min, you'll be getting home to drama.  Suzy, it's a good thing you're not working or you'd be rushing out of your scrubs.  I'm so happy you guys are here and Kike will be here too.  I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow."

 - "Gwenchana, Sarang.  Nothing will keep us apart," Jihoo assured her.

 - "Deh, Unnie, once love casts its net, nothing can stop it."

 - "They’ve been caught alright," JungMin said.

 - "Arraso, guys, jalja," Ilana said to her friends.

 - "Jaljaeyo," Jihoo inclined his head.

They walked to Ilana's door first.  "Jaljaeyo," Jihoo kissed her slowly.

Ilana smiled, walking into her room.  It felt funny but nice to have her love here in this house.  Would she have met someone and fell in love had everything not happened?  She was too tired to ponder such a question.  "Jalja, Joy, do you like Umma's bed?"  Joy was already on the bed that at some point Nana had already turned down.  Ilana shook her head and performed her nightly routine before climbing into bed.

December 12, 2014

When Ilana woke, Jihoo was still asleep.  Suzy and Min usually breakfasted at the cottage and Nana just cooked for herself and Brendon.  Something sweet was coming from the kitchen.  When Ilana walked in, there was a tantalizing coffee cake on the Island.  Nana was coming in from the garden.  "Ahorita, les hago desayuno, niña (I'll make breakfast for you right now, dear).

 - "Jihoo no ha despertado, yo lo hago (Jihoo hasn't woken up, I'll do it)."

Nana was already getting the freshly made that morning pancake mix, from the refrigerator, and pouring small circles of batter on an already hot skillet.  In fifteen minutes she had made six pancakes and poured tea in a carafe.  Nana was piling the food, plates, and a generous amount of the cake onto a cart.  "Nana?"

She covered the pancakes with a dome and turned to her charge.  "Llévale desayuno a tu prometido (Take breakfast to your fiancé)."

 - "Nana!"

 - "Ahorra quien exagera, ay mesita en su recamara (Now who is exaggerating, there's a small table in his room).  Allí se pueden desayunar cómodamente y planear su día (There you can breakfast comfortably and plan your day).  Brendon e yo iremos de compras para la cena (Brendon and I will go shopping for dinner)."

 - "Perdón la molestia (I'm sorry for the trouble), Nana."

 - "Algún día tenía que ser (It had to happen one day), Suzy dijo que me ayudaría en la tarde (Suzy said she'd help me in the afternoon), después de estudiar (after studying).  Ya vete antes de que se enfríe la comida (Go on and go before the food gets cold)."

 - "Si, Nana," another stubborn one.

It was a good thing they had a lift in the house or Ilana would have never made it up the stairs.  She knocked on Jihoo's door and didn't get an answer.  She decided to walk in slowly.  "Sarang, I'm coming in."  There was still no response and no Jihoo.  She was about to knock on the bathroom door when it opened from the other side.  Ilana screamed in surprise and nearly fell over walking with her eyes closed.

Jihoo took her by the waist to steady her.  "Gwenchana?"  He laughed at her.

 - "D-deh," she opened her eyes cautiously and sighed to find Jihoo fully dressed.

 - "Sarang?"

Ilana could feel her heart beating rapidly as she pulled away from him.  She saw his hair was in a towel and felt her cheeks getting warm.  Turning to the food cart and away from what she had been afraid of a moment ago, "An-annyeong ha-hasseyo, there's breakfast."

 - "Gomawo, isn't this too much for the two of us?"

 - "Beware of Nana; she's on a mission to fatten us up before we leave.  I can tell Min and Suzy have gained just a little since I saw them last."

 - "Well, we'll see who's pancakes are better, yours or Halmoni."

 - "Yah!  Watch it or Na won't make pancakes for you anymore."

He shrugged, teasing her.  "We'll hire a cook."

 - "Yah!"

Ilana turned to leave, but he caught her easily.  Hair tied back in a ponytail; he kissed behind her ear than a quick peck on the cheek.  "Mokega, sarang.  Choah your pancakes."

Ilana turned to face him.  "Arraso, but next time you won't get off so easily."  She pecked his lips, but stayed close up to him for a second longer, he smelled so good with the perfume oil she'd given him.  Giggling, she sat down.

 - "Wae?"

 - "Mollah?  I thought of something funny."

 - "He gave her his 'look'."

 - "Anieyo!  Eat!"

Ilana looked around the room as they ate and noticed it was the exact same color scheme as both his bedrooms.  Mainly white, with a splash of grey and black.  "Jihoo-yah, it looks like this room was waiting for you."

 - "Deh, if Na didn't surprise you I'd think we called ahead."

 - "That's weird."

Jihoo smiled, remaining quiet.  He knew what her Nana and SungRyung would say and he felt it too.  God had saved them for each other.  But Ilana wouldn't see it that way, so he stayed quiet.  As long as he knew she was supposed to be his that was all that mattered.  "What should we do today?"

 - "Mollah?"

 - "Sarang..."

He had that look that told her whatever he suggested, she wasn't going to like.

 - "...take me to Abeoji and Eommoni."

Ilana opened in surprise.  "Jeongmal?"  She said nervously.

 - "Na want to give them my respects."

 - "Jihoo-yah, you don't have to."

 - "Gwenchana, I want to.  Na would've gone with you the first time but Ilana didn't let me."

She nodded assent.

In the end, Jihoo raided Nana's kitchen and packed a food offering, Ilana saddled the horses and they took the long way through the hills, to the cemetery.  Like Rui, her Basilio was too old for these long excursions.  The younger horses got all the fun.  Jihoo did manage to pack a pair of white Jeans and they had spotted an extra pair of riding boots in the supply closet.  Ilana thought they were Kike's but they were just Jihoo's size.  After stopping for a bouquet of red roses, they arrived at her parent’s plot.  Ilana felt emotional already.  "Papi, Mami, eh regresado (I'm back).  Traje el de quien les dije (I brought the one I told you about). Papi, le presento Yoon Jihoo (this is Yoon Jihoo), el que...amo con todo mi corazón (the one I love...with all my heart)."

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, Abeojim, Eommonim.  Je ireum eun Yoon Jihoo imnida."  Jihoo gave a keunjeol (big bow) for her parents.  Ilana was already in tears.  "Abeojim, I'd like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage.  Ilana-ssi is beautiful, strong, and wise, just like Abeojim wanted her too.  She doesn't believe me, yet, but she'll see things more clearly soon.  We've brought you a feast."  Jihoo laid out the tortilla Española, chicken mole enchiladas, beans, oranges, pomegranate, cheese, quince preserves, and coffee cake and coffee.  Thankfully Nana had mostly everything prepared except for the tortillas.  But those didn't take long to make, once they raided the recipe box.  Jihoo brought a guitar and played a Spanish tune.

 - "Jihoo-yah?  Where-where did you get that?"

 - "Halmoni told me to bring it, wae?"  He caressed her face as tears were beginning to fall again.

Ilana tried to steady her voice.  "It-it belonged to A-Appa."

 - "Mianhae, sarang.  Na didn't know.  Na would have asked you first."

 - "Gwen-gwenchana, it-it just caught me by surprise.  Play, juseyo and d-don't mind me," she gave him watery smile.

Ilana lay on her arms and mourned again.  It didn't seem fair; Jihoo should be really meeting her parents, not just revering them.  But then the question goes back to, would they have met.  She didn't understand why the love of her life had been born from such sorrow.  Don't try to understand, Jihoo told her, but don't people want to understand things?  That's why there are scientists.  Racking her brain with useless thoughts made her cry all the more.

Jihoo continued to play, letting Ilana mourn.  Grieving doesn't end after just one day, he knew that best.  It took him fourteen years to get over his grief.  When all that was left of Ilana's cries was the staggered breathing, he stopped.  He let her lay there while he picked up their leftovers, leaving only the offering.  "Abeoji, Eommoni, Na will prepare a better jesa (memorial) for next year.  Na should get Ilana-ssi out the cold.  She has an important meeting tonight and she'll need all her strength.  Annyeong hasseyo."  Jihoo bowed again and picked Ilana off the ground.

After a short rest, upon their return, it was time to dress for dinner.  Kike had arrived while they were out and promptly greeted his 'manita' and Jihoo.  Ilana showed him her ring and he couldn't be happier.

"I know you'll take good care of her.  If she said yes, it's because you must be pretty special to her."  Kike shook Jihoo's hand firmly with a smile on his face.

Ilana threw her arms around Kike, "thank you.  If only the rest of the night would go so easy."

 - "Chica, your friends are here for you and you have your man by your side.  You have nothing to fear."

Everyone was waiting for her to make her entrance, Jihoo was going to go in ahead of her with Kike, but Ilana was too nervous.  He waited until she descended the stairs unharmed.  He took her in his arms tightly and kissed her slowly for strength.  "Gwenchana, breathe.  I'll be waiting for you."

Kike and Jihoo went into the dining room together and Ilana followed, head held high, ready to do battle.  Kike thought she looked like a Princess entering a room full of courtiers, while Jihoo smiled at the memory of the stubborn young woman he first got to know.

 - "Buenas noches, gracias por venir (Good evening, thank you for coming)." Ilana greeted as she sat at the head of the table with Jihoo to her right and Kike at her left.  Min & Suzy next to them.  Brendon chose to help Nana behind the scenes, instead.  He wasn't comfortable with some of the present company assembled.

The men took their seats after her.  Juan Carlos was the first to speak of course.  "De que se trata esto (What is this about)?  A que nos has reunido (Why have you called us all together)?"

 - "Primero disfrutaremos la comida que preparo Nana (First, let's enjoy the food Nana has prepared).  No hay que discutir negocios sobre la cena (We shouldn't argue business over dinner)," Ilana said with more calm than she felt.

Nana had prepared an elaborate dinner of stuffed Cornish game hens, baby vegetables sautéed with lemon and butter and fresh-baked rolls.  For dessert, she had made individual crème brulée and a chocolate lava cake.  Most people talked amongst themselves during the dinner.  Ilana's 'family' knew better than to address her.  Her hands were freezing at one point, Jihoo could see her trembling.  He placed his hand palm up on her leg and she lowered her hand to his for a second.  They shared a smile that soon had everyone, who didn't know already, wondering what was going on.

Coffee and tea were served with dessert and it was time for Ilana to speak.  Suzy and Min gave her a 'fighting' sign.  Ilana grinned, while those who didn't understand looked at the exchange with confusion.

 - "I'm sure you're curious as to why I've called you so urgently.  Forgive me if I speak English as some of my friends might not understand and it would be rude.  During my two year absence from the company and this house, I was able to travel and meet people that gave me strength, when I had none.  I learned valuable lessons on friendship, that I never knew.  They helped me overcome many of the fears and insecurities that I had developed due to my childhood tragedies."

 - "This is good news, dear.  You'll come back to us stronger and whole."  The middle-aged lawyer smiled kindly on Ilana.

 - "Thank you, but as of now, I have no immediate plans for returning."

Gasps and exclamations went around the table.

- "What are you planning, dear?"  Hermila, her foster Mother spoke.

 - "She's crazy, that's what.  She has no regard for her responsibility as a Contreras.  Wandering around the world will only expose you to gossip and slander.  You are only fortunate because the company elders protect you."  Juan Carlos had to spew his venom.

 - "Let her speak," his wife urged.  "Ilana, please continue, you must have great plans to have assembled everyone."

 - "Thank you, Gloria.  You see, for the first time in my life I was completely alone, without being constantly monitored as to what I did or didn't do."  She gave Juan Carlos a hard look.  "And neither was I lied to by others around me.  I had enough with the lies I fed myself, without being suggested to constantly that I was worthless, crazy, incapable of rational thought.  If I wasn't allowed to think for myself, then how would you know if my thoughts were rational or not.  As I said, the people I met taught me many things and the most important one was not everyone in the world is frightening.  There are good people willing to love you, no matter what mistakes you've made."  At this point, Ilana's cool exterior was threatening to crumble.  Jihoo boldly took her hand in his and Kike the other.  If only to save her from the onslaught of comments that was to come.  "Without them, you would have had my funeral probably two years ago."  More gasps and 'don't talk like that' rose up from the table.  "I settled in New York, much better thanks to the friends I made on the first leg of my journey...And new friends at the hospital in New York...Juan Carlos the one good thing you did for me was that recommendation."  She smiled at Jung Min & Suzy.  “But I was still only a shadow of who I could be,”

 - "Ilana!"  He shouted, "What are you trying to say?"

 - "I think she's about to tell us, Dr. Juan Carlos, just be patient," the lawyer defended.

 - "Amongst my new friends..." she turned to look at Jihoo.  "...was a man, who...took care of me constantly.  He didn't stop regardless of how it affected him.  He didn't let go until he took away all my excuses for not living.  If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here.  He didn't tell me we were coming."  Everyone was talking at once and trying to figure out what the man had to do with Ilana.  "You see, this is Dr. Jihoo Yoon, my reason for living and my fiancé.

Claps went up from her friends and the lawyer and even Edgardo, her Foster Father. 

 - "Are you sure about this?  You've done your homework?  I know you're intelligent but when it comes to life decisions, you haven't done well," her Foster Mother asked.

 - "Of course she hasn't done well.  She runs away from home and comes back two years later to tell us she's getting married and possibly not coming back?"

 - "I assure you that I can't compare myself to him in value and worth."

 - "Sarang..."  Jihoo hated to hear her devalue herself.  She just smiled at him.

 - "Congratulations dear, this is not a business dinner but a celebration!"  The lawyer said, happy for his client, who was like a daughter to him.

 - "This isn't congratulations," Juan Carlos was irrationally livid as usual.  No eloquent speech could convince him that his cousin had thought things through.  "What do you know about this Doctor?  Who is his family, has he just been using your body and perhaps your money!"

 - "Juan Carlos!!"  Jihoo and Ilana stood but she motioned to Jihoo to stay as she walked over to Juan Carlos and slapped him.  He would have struck her right back but JungMin, who had sensed trouble, crept closer just in time to pull her behind him.  Jihoo was already rushing to her.

 - "This is a family matter, Mr. Park."

 - "How dare you treat my guests in that matter?!  What would you know about family?!  Suzy, Min, Jihoo, they are my family.  You lied to me and humiliated me my entire life.  These people have done everything you should have but were too full of arrogance to lower yourself to have one kind word for me.  'It's okay, Ilana', 'you'll get through this', but no!  It was always you’re stupid, you’re crazy.  Study hard so you can overcome your stains.  Have your attorney arrange a contract marriage so you can hold your head up again.  Oh I know, how about, ‘Ilana, your CBC (complete blood count) came back abnormal, let's look into this’!"

Juan Carlos paled at that and looked to Jihoo behind her.

 - "Don't look to him!  I heard you telling Antonio but never a word to me."  Ilana was livid, completely out of control and shaking, she could feel her heart pounding.  "I'm sick of your lies!  I hate you!  Get out of my sight and out of my house!"  The hatred in her voice startled her as it surprised everyone around her.  Although Jihoo was trying to keep her calm but she had completely lost control of herself.  Seeing the familiar black dots forming before her, she broke free and ran.  She needed to get out of the house.

Jihoo made to go after her but was stilled by Kike.  "I'll go after her, she has a few hiding places and only I know them."

 - "Enrique-ssi, I'll go with you, she didn't look well at all," Suzy said.

 - "Suzy-ssi, she gets tachycardia attacks."

 - "Gwenchanayo Uissa, we have oxygen in one of the rooms upstairs.  That's one good thing about him."  Suzy looked at Juan Carlos with disdain.

 - "Let's go, she can have hidden anywhere by now."

 - "I'll go and take a different direction," Brendon and Nana had heard the yelling and came running, only to see Ilana screaming at Juan Carlos.

 - "If anything happens to her, I'll have your license taken away," Jihoo said.  "She's worked too hard for you to destroy her again with one comment."

 - "KyuJongie will back you up, he knows everything," JungMin informed him.

 - "Ay que esperar a que regrese mi niña (We just need to wait for my girl to come back again).  Porque tenías que insultarla (Why did you have to insult her), no ves que por primera vez está feliz (don't you see, for the first time she's happy)."  Nana was now in tears in front of Juan Carlos.

 - "Nana, créame que nunca tuve intención herirla (believe me, it wasn't my intention to hurt her), solo la quería cuidar (I just wanted to take care of her)."

 - "You have a funny way of showing it," JungMin said.

 - "Juan Carlos, let's go.  JungMin, can you please have Suzy call me and let me know Ilana is fine?"

 - "Deh, Gloria-ssi.  I'll have her call."

 - "Te eh dicho mil veces que eres demasiado duro con Ilana (I've told you a thousand times that you're much too hard on Ilana)," Gloria said once out of earshot.

Juan Carlos was still stunned over the way his cousin lashed out at him.  All he ever wanted was to protect her, shield her.  Why was that so wrong?  She didn't need to add to her depression by worrying about her illness.  He took care of her.  He tried to rationalize things in his mind but now there was a flicker of doubt, where solid confidence had been.

 - "Dr. Yoon," Hermila addressed Jihoo.  "No one has intentionally tried to hurt Ilana but protect her from hurting herself."

 - "As I told Dr. Contreras when I first spoke to him, he lost sight of the root of the problem and just tried to treat the symptoms."

Ilana's attorney came up to Jihoo next.  "First of all, I wanted to congratulate Miss Ilana and yourself, but it appears that won't happen tonight.  May I ask that you convey a message?"

Jihoo inclined his head, still not too sure what side the attorney was on.

 - "Her parents will has an amendment if she should marry.  Perhaps we could meet before you two return to New York?"

 - "We leave for my home in Seoul on Tuesday."

 - "Splendid, why don't you two come have brunch at my house on Sunday.  My wife will be delighted to see Ilana again.  We've known her since she was born.  Her Father and I were good friends."

 - "I will let her know, I assume she has a way to get a hold of you?"

 - "Yes and please have Nana let me know that she is well."

 - "Yes, I will," again Jihoo inclined his head respectfully.

It was twenty minutes later, Brendon found Ilana, crouched, shivering and barely breathing.  He knew basic first aid and took her pulse.  It was out of control.  He sent a text to Kike.

Brendon:  Found her - heading back.  

Ilana had run out of the house without any sense of going anywhere but out.  While Kike ran to the English garden and stables and Brendon to the gates, Ilana just went straight.  She had kicked off her heels and ran blindly, ending up collapsing by the tree cluster.  She was in pain, it hurt to breathe.  But she was frozen like the night Jihoo told her about his parents.

Nana and Ilana's Foster Mother were praying, Edgardo, her Foster Father, looked a little lost, Jihoo and JungMin were waiting by the door she exited.

The two search parties met up.  "Mrs. Suzy, I took her pulse, it's really fast around 170, she's barely conscious."

 - "Let's get her inside, she's not wearing gloves and she took off her shoes.  She's in danger of hypothermia with her anemia."

Jihoo and JungMin heard voices and went running outside.  "Jihoo Uissa, her pulse is at 170; I'll get the oxygen and take it to her room."

Jihoo took a look at her face it was very pale and her lips were getting a tinge of blue.  Her eyes had closed.  "Get her to her room, I'll be right there."  Jihoo ran ahead of Brendon to get his medical bag.

Nana had heard the commotion and went ahead to ready Ilana's bed.  Brendon was laying her down when Jihoo came in.  "We need to get her warm again."  Jihoo was surveying the room until he found what he was looking for.  Thankfully her little pillbox was in her purse.  He took her medicine and the half-drank bottle of water on her table and had her drink.

 - "Uissanim, how is she?"  Suzy and Min came in with the oxygen and were already setting it up.

 - "I just gave her the heart rate medication."  He then took out a thermometer and checked her temperature.  "Temperature is normal.  Her anemia has been stable; I wasn't too worried about that.  All we can do now is wait."  He began massaging the back of her neck.

 - "Uissanim, why don't you let Halmoni and I get her out of her dress and clean her up a little bit."  Ilana's arms and legs were streaked with dirt as were her feet from going without shoes.

 - "Arraseyo, let me check her pulse again...It's slowly making its descent."

 - "Uissanim?  When did she start having these attacks?"

 - "When her anxiety becomes uncontrollable.  She thinks she had something like this happen to her before but the first time I treated her was in Seoul and she asked about my parents.  I...lost them, when I was four."

 - "Uissanim!"

 - "Gwenchanayo, Suzy-ssi, we were meant to meet."

 - "I see that, Uissanim.  Thank God you found her."

Jihoo made his way out so Suzy and Nana could do their work.  "Uissanim her heart rate isn't back to normal yet," Suzy told Jihoo once they were done.

 - "Ay le encargo a mi niña (I leave her in your care), Doctorcito."  Nana hugged him, an action he found comforting.  "Que Dios bendiga sus sueños (May the Lord bless her dreams)," she said and turned to leave with the rest.   It was obvious she was worried.

 - "Tell her she's not allowed to break down over that idiot," Kike said.  "She's stronger than she thinks."

Everyone left and Jihoo sat on the bed next to her.  She was in her unconsciousness. "Yah, I'm here, just rest."  He kissed her forehead.  Removing his coat, tie, and shoes, he climbed on the bed and pulled her against him, massaging her neck until he was certain she was sleeping restfully.  Looking around her room for the first time, he realized with a start, this was the room he saw while he was tucking in InHei.  It wasn't the exact same decor but very similar.  The room, he was sure was the same and the furniture.  Only a few things were changed.  He shivered just a little as a wave of emotion hit him.   He held Ilana tighter and kissed her head.  "Deh, sarang, our future is here or anywhere we're together."

December 13, 2014

It was early morning, not quite dawn when Jihoo was wakened by Ilana calling for him in her sleep.  He had just removed her from the oxygen around midnight.  "Sarang, what's wrong?"

 -  "Jihoo-yah?  Jihoo-yah!"  Ilana's hands began to search.

Jihoo took hold of one of them, "yah, I'm here," he smoothed the hair that stubbornly clung to her face.  "Shh, I'm here."

The solid figure and warmth startled her awake.  "Jihoo-yah!"  She screamed again not realizing he was right next to her.

 - "Sarang," he wrapped his arms around her as she shook.  "Shh, I'm here.  No one can hurt you."

 - "Jihoo-yah?"  She turned to look at him and touch his face.  When he kissed the hand that was on his face, she seemed to relax.  "Mianhae, c-can you just hold me for a little while, juseyo?"

 - "Deh, sarang.  Mianhae, I fell asleep and you rolled away from me."  He leaned her against himself again.

 - "Don't let go," she asked sleepily.

 - "Anieyo," he said, adjusting her slightly so that he could kiss her face.

They both fall back to sleep and didn't wake until late that morning.  Jihoo woke first and slid off the bed.

Ilana immediately felt bereft of warmth and opened her eyes.  "Jihoo-yah...," she reached a hand for him.

 - "Annyeong sarang," he kissed her on the cheek.  "How do you feel?"

 - "Gwenchana," that is until she tried sitting up and felt dizzy.

He eased her back down, "Rest, Na will get breakfast, your Oppa will be leaving soon.  It's a good thing we woke up."

 - "Jihoo-yah, mianhae," she averted her gaze.

 - "Wae?"  Jihoo had stood but now sat back down next to her.

 - "I lost control last night."

 - "Gwenchana," he took her in his arms, rubbing her back.  "He had no right to insult you in your own home.  He can't hurt you, if he tries, I will make sure his license is revoked.  Enrique-ssi says you're not allowed to break down over your cousin."

 - "Arraso," Ilana smiled for him, even if she wanted to cry again

Jihoo rose from the bed a second time.  "Ah, we're having brunch with your attorney tomorrow."

 - "Chincha?"

 - "Deh, he said there is an amendment in your parent's will should you get married."

 - "Shiro," Ilana was shaking her head.  She didn't sit through the first reading.

 - "Deh, I'm going to get breakfast and we'll discuss this later."

The rest of the day was spent lazing about with Suzy and JungMin.  Min and Ilana talked business for a while.  He had plans for getting new office contracts for the big agencies from Korea.  He had a representative coming from SM, "they want to open a Museum and also YG is looking to open a type of theme park.  This is a perfect fit for the direction you want to take.  Nae Sunbae agrees with me and we've both been over the numbers with Sangsaneim."

 - "Daeback!  JungMin, I knew you had it in you.  I don't know how you do it."

 - "I'm y Charisma, remember?"

 - "Deh but the reps are male; I don't think your charms can help there."

JungMin laughed that crazy laugh of his.  "Deh but the admins are mostly women,” he winked.

 - "Yah!"  Suzy grabbed a fist full of his hair.  "Mworago?"

Ilana laughed so hard, she thought she wouldn't be able to breathe.  Laughter was the best medicine for Ilana's troubled heart.  There were just too many memories all at once in the house and it was hard for her.  Sixteen years of pent-up grief doesn't go away after only a few cries.

Just before sunset, Ilana dragged Jihoo with her to the one hideout only Kike knew about.  It was in the attic, but the entry was hidden.  "Wait until you see the sunset."  The small room, more like a large box, was cold, but thankfully had electricity and they were able to plug in a heater.  Surprisingly, it wasn't dusty after not being in use for two years.

Jihoo draped them with the quilt they had brought, "na think someone was taking care of it, while you were away."

 - "It can't be Nana, it must be Brendon."  They snuggled under the blanket to watch the sunset.  "Jihoo-yah," Ilana said sometime later.  "Do we have to go tomorrow?"

 - "Deh, Sarang.  Gwenchana, you're not alone, you have me."

 - "Ara."

As if planned, the sun began to set and Jihoo leaned over and gave her a slow kiss, just because.  "Saranghae."

 - "Na do."

In true season finale style, you’ll have two parts.

P.S. For those of you who can't tell distance by how long it takes to travel there, it's 27 miles from LAX to the Ilana's house.  I hear that's a uniquely California trait.  Mianhae... LOL!