Aaron spent one whole week with his little one. He slept in a holiday inn with his wife down the street and whenever his eyes were open, they were trained on his daughter and her tall girlfriend. Despite her name being Joy, she did not invoke any of that in Aaron. Yes, he liked how happy his daughter was. Who wouldn’t want their child to be happy? But the question remained, was Joy who he wanted to make his daughter happy? Was she a safe choice for his little girl? 

 

Aaron has protected both his children thus far, who says he can’t continue to do that? Aaron decided he needed to have a sit down with Joy, needed to know her intentions before he made a move. As per usual, Aaron found Joy at Wendy’s place. The young couple was snuggled up together on the sofa watching re-runs of something. “Wendy, my love!” Aaron called; Wendy responded quickly jumping up to hug her father. 

 

“Dad, I thought you said you were going back home.”

 

“Yeah, we were. But then, we felt like seeing the sights. Enjoy the food and whatnot.” 

 

Joy scoffed from her place on the couch, it was clear that Wendy's father was being shady. He just wanted to stick around and stalk them because he’s clingy and obsessive. “Um, okay dad. Well, where’s mom?” Aaron smiled, a smile that Joy recognized as his ‘I’m thinking’ smile.  

 

“She’s back at the hotel. She said she wasn't feeling too well, so I thought I’d pop over and just see how you are doing.”

 

“Pfft! Pop over”, Joy snickered. 

 

Aaron’s left eye twitched and Wendy whipped around fixing Joy with a glare. Now was not the time for her macho bull. “Joy!” Wendy bit out. “Stop.” Joy chose this time to once again not listen to a word Wendy had to say. 

 

“You know what I don't understand? If you were so worried, and you cared so much. You wouldn’t be acting like this. You would be talking to Wendy, trying to understand, listening and offering advice. Not barge in, unannounced, upset that she’s dating someone. And then try to strong arm her by lying and being clingy.”

 

“Joy! That is my father you are talking to!” Wendy screeched, her face red and ears ringing from Joy’s hurtful words. Joy nodded at Wendy and rounded the corner before throwing her arm possessively over Wendy’s shoulders.

 

“Yeah, he is Wendy. But you’re my girlfriend and it’s my job to protect you too. Whether from strangers, friends and or family. That is what I am trying to do. Why is your dad lying? Why can’t your dad just talk to us like normal people? Why you being so sketchy Aaron?”

 

“Joy!” Wendy yelled again, this time pushing Joy back and into her bedroom; yelling apologies behind her the entire time. In her bedroom Wendy pushed Joy down onto the bed, “What are you doing? You may not like my father Joy, but he’s my father.”

 

Joy shook her head, “It’s not that I don’t like him Wendy. I have no problem with him actually, but I do have a problem with how he’s acting babe.”

 

“He’s acting like a father Joy.”

 

“No, he isn't he’s being way too clingy.”

 

“You won’t move out because you’re afraid of your mother Joy.” Joy waved her off, choosing not to argue her own demons. They are talking about Wendy, not her and her weird family customs.  

 

“It’s different. My mom lets me do as I please. She always has. A kid has to be able to make their own mistakes, they need to be able to get hurt. Your father babies you and your sister way too much, you literally have the most pristine skin I have ever seen.”

 

“Weird flex. But okay?”

 

“No, I am not flexing. I am saying, you and your sister have been so babied that you literally have no scars. Not one! Not even a scratch! Did you play any sports?” Wendy shook her head, unsure where this was going. “Figured.”

 

By now Wendy was feeling personally attacked, “It’s because I didn’t want to Joy! Besides, tons of people get seriously injured playing sports every year. It’s self preservation, not being babied.”

 

“Yeah? Own any pets?” Wendy smirked, victory in her eyes.

 

“Yeah actually, I had a cat as a little girl.”

 

“Yeah?” Wendy nodded triumphantly and then Joy smirked and Wendy’s smile faltered. “What happened to it?”

 

“Well, it was an aggressive cat. We had to get rid of it.”

 

Joy raised a brow, “How was it aggressive?”

 

Wendy gulped, “well um. It used to run and stuff.”

 

“Run and stuff? Isn’t that what animals do?”

 

“Fine! I used to chase it around and I almost ran into a table!” Joy grinned at Wendy as she fumed pacing the length of her room. Okay fine! So what? She was babied, she doesn’t even like cats so who cares? Wendy was still fuming when she felt long warm arms wrap around her hips and pull her to an equally warm body.

 

“I’m not trying to upset you amorsita, (love) I’m just trying to get you to understand something.” Wendy sighed, hating how easy it was for Joy to calm her down. A hot whisper into her ear and she was reduced to jelly. “I love you baby and I know that your father loves you. I know that he loves you just as much as my father loves me, just as much as any parent loves their child. But, your father’s job is done Wendy. He’s done needing to protect you, because I’m here. I’m here to protect you now, from anything and everything.” Joy turned Wendy around, cupping her cheeks. “Anything and everything Wendy”. She captured Wendy’s lips with her own.

 

“That sounded like something out of a mafia movie Joy. Are you about to kill my father?”

 

“No”, Joy chuckled. “But let me talk to him. Let me spend time with him, I need him to understand me like I understand him. The way I figure, he’s going to be in my life for a very long time. And I’m going to be in his. Let me spend the day with your dad babe.”

 

“Um, I don't think that’s such a good idea Joy.” Wendy held a hand out, gently pushing Joy away. “What if you fight so bad you never get along?”

 

“Amor, we’re just two people that absolutely love you. How can we not get along? You’re our common ground, the best common ground.” 

 

It took a couple more moments of convincing, but an hour later Aaron found himself out and about with his sworn enemy. Joy goddamn innocence taker Garcia and he was unhappy.

 

Joy had a plan sure, how she was going to go about her plan she was still trying to figure out. She knew what she wanted, but Aaron seemed hell bent on staying as far from her as possible. Every time Joy looked back at him he was three feet behind her glaring holes into her Nike’s.

 

“Aaron”, Joy stopped, sighing as people groaned at the tall woman stopping suddenly in the middle of the sidewalk.

 

“It’s Mr. Shon to you.” Aaron countered, adjusting his fanny pack.

 

“Sure, Mr. Shon. You are in New York, you cannot be walking this slow. We’ll lose each other.”

 

“Yeah? Ever think that's what i want? To lose you?” Joy took a deep breath, taming her frustration.

 

“I live here Mr. Shon. it will be very easy for me to just get a cab and go back to Wendy. I should have worded myself better. If you lose me, you’re ed. You’re dressed like a walking Crayola box Sir.” Aaron gasped, clutching his bright yellow fanny pack to his red disney Epcot t-shirt clad chest. 

 

“How dare you say that? Let me tell you, I am dressed fashionably.”

 

“Yeah? Sure, in the eighties. News flash, Waldo wants his wardrobe back!” Aaron narrowed his eyes at Joy.

 

“You take that back.”

 

“Not until you give back some of the colors to the rainbow.”

 

“I match!” Aaron yelled, nobody paid any mind to them outside of a side glance. For the first time, Joy was thankful for how busy New Yorkers were. 

 

“You’re wearing a black shirt with a huge Mickey Mouse on it, with Disney Epcot in bright red writing on it, a neon Fanny Pack, blue Jean shorts, with White sicks nearly to your knees, and the dirtiest orange K-Swiss shoes I have ever seen. I didn't even know K-swiss still made shoes. And don't get me started on this stupid purple visor you’re wearing. Did you come outside insisting on pissing off all the fashion gods in the world? Joan rivers is rolling in her grave in anger right now.” 

 

“I hate you!” Aaron huffed, pushing past Joy and storming off. 

 

“You don't even know where you’re going you walking paint swatch!” Joy yelled after him, walking to catch up to the tiny angry man.

 

Nearly another hour later and Aaron was hungry, he was aware of Joy right behind him; he chose to ignore her, even though she was casting quite the large shadow over him. “Aaron, we’ve been walking aimlessly for an hour. Why don't you get over your anger for me, and let's go eat.” He hated to go anywhere with this demon spawn, but Aaron was hungry, so he just nodded and decided he’d his wounds later. “Perfect, now follow me. Like hotdogs?”

 

A couple minutes later, Aaron was standing at a tall table eating hotdogs at a place Joy called Papaya Dog. “Alright, so listen Aaron. What is your problem with me?”

 

Aaron placed his hotdog down, stared at Joy and then pursed his lips dramatically while keeping eye contact with Joy he grabbed his drink. Still keeping eye contact, he stuck his tongue out trying to find his straw, his tongue moved the straw around trying to find it and pull it to his lips. Still, Aaron maintained wide eyed contact with Joy who stared incredulously at the middle aged man in front of her who was practically at the air to find his straw. With the last shred of patience, Joy lurched forward grabbing Aaron’s drink and throwing it into the trash.

 

“Hey!”

 

“Hey nothing! You’re a 48 year old man, grow up! You’re literally eating out the air to intimidate me, you look stupid grow up.”

 

“That was my juice, you demon spawn!” Aaron yelled. 

 

Demon spawn? “I brought the juice, it was mine to throw away.” Aaron rolled his eyes.

 

“Yeah? Well, I made Wendy, so she’s mine to take away. I forbid you from seeing my daughter any longer.” with that declaration, Aaron turned around with a huff and stormed out of the restaurant, Joy watched him go; if he wanted to be stupid then by all means the walking Van Gogh could do as he pleased. 

 

When Joy made it back to Wendy, she cursed herself for not having a better excuse for why she was returning without Wendy’s father. Wendy’s mother Stephanie is who opened the door, she smiled at Joy and stepped aside to let her in. “Hi Joy.”

 

“Hi miss Shon. Is Wendy here?”

 

Stephanie nodded, “Yes, she’s taking a nap in her room. I think her father and I’s presence has taken a toll on my baby.” Joy nodded, taking a seat at the counter in the kitchen. “Speaking of Wendy’s father, where is Aaron? Wendy said you guys went out together.”

 

Joy sighed, would it be believable if she said a rabid group of bandits came to rob them and Aaron sacrificed himself for her? “Would you believe me if I said he left to fight crime?” Mrs. Shon smiled, a smile Joy recognized as a mothers signature. “He got mad and stormed off and I’m so tired of trying to get him to like me that I just let him go.” Stephanie nodded in understanding.

 

“Yes, Aaron can be difficult.” Joy scoffed, understatement of the year. “My husband is a grown man, he’ll find his way back here eventually. I’d much rather talk to you Joy. I know our first meeting was less than ideal, but we haven’t really been able to talk.” Stephanie took a deep breath, this was a hard topic to talk about. “Are you and my daughter serious?” 

 

Images of Wendy smiling flashed in Joy’s mind, screenshots of Wendy saying ridiculous things and tiny videos of Wendy’s laughter all rolled through Joy’s mind. “Yeah, we are. Look, I know the way we met was less than ideal. And I know I'm not the type that you guys may have pictured for your little girl, but I have a steady job, a good career I’m healthy. I love your daughter.” Stephanie smiled and pulled Joy into a warm hug. 

 

Sure, Joy wasn't the picture perfect korean woman, but it didn't mean she wasn't perfect for her daughter. “Look, Aaron is very protective of the girls. They have lived very sheltered lives, I didn’t grow up in such a babied home, but Aaron did. So, he’s very~” 

 

“He’s a helicopter parent”, Joy cut off, face straight.

 

Stephanie winced, “Yeah. He, hovers.”

 

“It’s unhealthy Mrs. Shon.”

 

“Please, call me Stephanie.” Joy smiled, clearly she was talking to the saner of the two parents.

 

“It’s unhealthy Stephanie. Wendy is grown, I love her. I will protect her, from anything and everyone. Aaron, hovers and is judgemental and he lies and he manipulates Wendy. It isn't fair, she’ll never be happy living under the expectations of her father who expects her to be some Mother Teresa.” Stephanie looked to Joy with sympathy, she knew her husband. “Oh! And he called me a demon spawn! Who says that!”

 

Stephanie was about to open to offer an apology when Wendy’s sleepy voice filtered into the room, “Baby?” The mother of two sighed watching how quick Joy stood up to go to Wendy, if only her husband could shut up for a second and just watch and listen he might learn something. Stephanie wasn’t sure what was being said, but the way Joy was holding her daughter made it clear it was something between them that wasn’t to be interrupted. 

 

Hopefully when her husband eventually found his way back they could all talk and find some common ground. There’s a new player in town and Stephanie didn't think Aaron would win this time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

It’s been a long day, two 12 hour shifts in a row. There is something about the new york nightlife, it’s like everyone just goes crazy, must be the full moon. I rubbed at the back of my neck, trying to soothe the knots. “How are you guys?” I looked up at Jessica, who still looked like she had just walked off a runway..

 

“Tired, Katy nearly drove us into a guardrail on the thruway.”

 

“Did not, I was just testing the power steering fluid and the breaks.” I grinned at my best friend who nearly skipped by me, a smirk on her face. 

 

“How’s your night going Jess?” The blonde shrugged at me.

 

“Pretty slow compared to you guys, Tiffany has been on the phone with her wife for the past hour. That's how slow it’s been. Speaking of wives, how’s yours?” I grinned, sitting on the sofa in the station. 

 

“We’re not married yet, but Wendy has been perfect. She’s been forced to work late too.” Jess propped her feet on the center table.

 

“It’s october. All the crazies come out during this time. Wait till halloween. Last year, people dressed as werewolves and broke into a nunnery for a ‘sacrifice’”.

 

“Oh yeah! I remember that! Joy, that’s that thing that Seulgi got called to, remember she got bitten by one of them, and she actually thought she was going to turn so she brought a dog cage and slept in it for two days straight.” I sighed, why are our friends so weird?

 

“You have odd friends Garcia.”

 

“Don’t I know it, I've got this one,” I pointed at Katy who was walking on all fours howling at the ceiling. “Who rides a scooter, with some Korean singer’s face plastered all over it.”

 

“His name is Taemin, Joy. And we’re in love.”

 

“He doesn't even know you exist,'' Jess countered. Katy groaned and sat between us.

 

“How can you say that? You’re dating a model, don't you believe in miracles?”

 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I glanced between the two of them, I should move, Katy is gonna get slapped.

 

“What I mean”, Katy said, waving her hands around like that was suddenly going to answer the question. “What I mean is you’re you know.”

 

“Katy shut up,” I said, trying to save my partner and best friend. 

 

“No, Joy. let her speak.” I groaned, I should just start my request for a new partner because Katy is going to die.

 

“You’re ugly Jess, that’s what I’m saying. You’re average looking and your girlfriend was sculpted by god himself. Have you seen her abs?” I face palmed. 

 

“Of course I’ve seen her abs katy. We’ve ed before”. 

 

“Whoa, whoa. Language Jung!”

 

“Katy, if you don't move right now. I will kill you myself, where you sit.” I bit my lip, fighting the laughter threatening to bubble forth. Katy turned to me, face grim. 

 

“Tell Seulgi and Irene, I love them.” with that , Katy was running away from Jess.

 

“Why is she so stupid Joy?” I shrugged, I have no answers. 

 

“How is Yuri anyway?” Jess smiled, I bet I look the same whenever people ask about Wendy.

 

“She’s good, actually, she’s better than good. Maybe even perfect, I’ve always wanted something like what Tiffany and Taeyeon have you know? I think I might just have that with Yuri.”

 

I smiled, pulling Jess into a one armed hug on the sofa. “I bet the abs and accent help too huh.”

 

“Oh hell yes, have you heard someone say Jessica in an Irish accent? It’s like a dozen doves fly every time she says it.” I laughed. “But, what I don’t get is why there’s so many of you.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Like, you’re Korean, adopted, and you have a spanish accent which is normal because where you were raised. Yuri, is also Korean and also adopted and she has an irish accent which makes sense because she was raised in Ireland. Tiffany’s wife is also an adopted Korean, with the funniest Jersey accent I’ve ever heard. So like, why are there so many of you adopted out?” I shrugged.

 

“I don't know. I’ve never thought much about it, Wendy did some research a couple of years ago. There was a time, where a lot of Korean infants were shipped off as adoptee’s but I don’t know why. I know I had a lung problem, so my parents didn't want me.” I bit my lip, trying to forget the pain I used to feel at being abandoned by my birth parents.

 

“Well, for them. Because you’re awesome Joy.”

 

“Thanks Jess.”

 

“Have you ever tried to find your birth family?”

 

I shook my head, “Nope. as far as I’m concerned I’ve already got my family. Besides, I don’t know Korean. If they didn't want me, I don't need em. I’ve got papa and mama, and even though she’s retarded, I’ve got Katy and my fiance and her friends, and you guys. I don't need anything else.” Jess smiled at me and kissed my cheek.

 

“You’re brave and I’m proud of you Joy.” I was about to say thanks, when my phone rang. 

 

“Hold on,” I said while looking down at the caller ID. “It’s Wendy,” Jess nodded at me as I stood up to pick up the call. “Hey baby, is everything alright.” 

 

“Hey babe, yeah everything is fine. I’m taking a break, I just wanted to check on you, how are you doing?” I looked at my watch, 3 in the morning. I sighed.

 

“I’m tired, and we’re only nines hours into the twelve. I miss you.” I could practically hear the smile on Wendy’s face.

 

“I miss you too baby. But we’re almost done, Irene is going stir crazy knowing Seulgi is out there, have you seen her at all tonight?”

 

I thought back to the one time I saw Seulgi during my shift, “yeah, she looked like she had her hands full. But she still managed to wave at Katy and I. I swear Katy nearly melted at the wave. She’s obsessed with Seulgi and that K-pop singer.”

 

“Yeah, I know. I told Irene and Seulgi not to let Katy record them having but they never listen.”

 

“Ew, they actually did that? I thought it was just a joke we said but it never really happened.”

 

“No!” Wendy giggled, I’m pretty sure I've just died and gone to heaven. “They’re practically in a poly relationship. They have that trio !” I chuckled. 

 

“Trio ? It’s called a baby.”

 

“Whatever miss Garcia, don't tease me”. I sighed contentedly, I don't think I’ve ever been this happy before. 

 

“I love you bella (beautiful).”

 

“Te Quero mi querida.” (I love you my dearest). I gasped.

 

“When did you learn that Wendy?” My fiance laughed.

 

“Did you know google has a new translation thing? The N.Y.P.D has downloaded it onto all our computers for better communication with people who can’t speak english.”

 

“Whoa, that’s so cool.” 

 

“I know right? Soon, they’ll come up with phones that talk to us.” I chuckled.

 

“That would creep me out. Imagine if your Nokia suddenly spoke to you.” I wanted to talk to Wendy more, in reality I just wanted to go home and feel her. I want to hold her while she tells me about her night, I want to kiss her forehead while she falls asleep, I want to listen to her sing me to sleep. God I love this woman, but all of that would have to wait, because the alarm in the station is going off and I need to go. “I gotta go baby.”

 

“Aw man.”

 

“I know, but we’ll be home soon. I love you, just 2 and a half hours left to go amorcita.” (sweetie).

 

“Be safe Joy, I love you too.”

 

I hung up the phone, my heart heavy when Katy came running up to me with my stuff. “Lets go, possible overdose at a frat party.” I groaned, this . 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I hopped out the rig, opening the back and pulling the stretcher out as Katy ran in to assess the situation. I yelled out various excuse mes as I moved the stretcher in, at one point I was just randomly trucking people over with the stretcher. “Move damnit!” 

 

Finally I got to the woman, she seemed dazed. “Summer Choi”, Katy said to me. I nodded at the information, looking down at the woman who looked as tall as me on the floor. I kneeled down, resting my hand gently on her chest. “Summer?” the girl’s head rolled to me. “Hey Summer, I’m Joy. I'm here to help you.” the woman just nodded at me, “Can you sit up for me? Does anything hurt?” the girl pointed at her head. “Your head hurts? Did you fall?” she just looked at me confused. I looked up at Katy. “What did you say her last name was again?”

 

“Choi, her friends say she’s a korean foreign exchange student.” I groaned. 

 

“Great, so she doesn't speak english. Of course. Where are her friends, we need to know if she took something.” a couple seconds later a short rainbow haired girl came running over. “Hi, I’m Sunny. I’m her girlfriend. I called you guys.” I nodded at the woman.

 

“Did she fall Sunny?”

 

“No, she had a lot to drink. And when I asked her if she took something she wouldn't answer me so I got scared, so I laid her down. And she hasn't been able to get up.” I nodded and then looked down at the tan woman on the floor, her eyes seemed just as hazy as ever, but they reminded me a bit of my own. Like she found everything just a bit funny, I patted her cheek smiling at her. 

 

“Is she allergic to anything?” Katy asked.

 

“I don't know, but I have her father’s number. I can ask him.” 

 

“Okay, come with us. Joy, lets get her up and out of here. These people are getting rowdy.”

 

I nodded at Katy, as we both worked to get Summer up and onto the stretcher. 

 

In the ambulance I began writing up a report of Summer, she was laughing at everything now. “Sunny, her father, would he be able to tell me if she’s allergic to anything?”

 

“Yeah, his name Park Seo-joon.”

 

I shot Sunny a quizzical look, “Park? Isn’t she a Choi?”

 

“Her father’s name is Park, but when he remarried after his first wife died during childbirth, he took Summer’s mom’s surname of Choi.” I nodded, that . 

 

“Does he speak english?” Sunny nodded.

 

“Yeah, he’s a businessman.”

 

“Call him, I need to know if Summer is allergic to anything.” while Sunny dialed I looked back down the woman on the stretcher. She was grabbing at my pants and laughing, I couldn't help but find her cute. Which is odd, because I hate the drunk calls. 

 

“Hey, Mr. Choi. Um, there was an incident with Sooyoung. The paramedic needs to ask you some questions about her.” Sunny passed me the phone and I smiled gratefully. 

 

“Hello Sir, my name is Joy. I’m here tending to your daughter, I just needed to know if she had any allergies before I give her fluids.” A man with a slight accent responded.

 

“Is my Sooyoung okay?”

 

“Who?”

 

“Summer, I’m sorry. Summer, she insists on her english name. Is she okay?”

 

“Yes sir, she’s just a little intoxicated. I want to give her fluids to lessen the hangover she’s going to have. Any allergies?”

 

“No”, the man’s voice was shaky and I had this sudden urge to comfort him. “She, has weak lungs though. Both of my daughters did.” 

 

“Don’t worry sir, your daughter is in good hands.” Hanging up the call with the man was weird, I felt like something was missing. Like, I had missed something important. I looked at Summer again, or Sooyoung, whatever her name was. She was pouting at me. I tucked the notepad under my arm and held her hand. “You’re going to have a hell of a hangover tomorrow miss Summer.” 

 

Wheeling Summer into the hospital was another odd experience, as they were taking her away I was once again struck with the feeling of loss. God I need some sleep. I grabbed Sunny’s hand before she was gone, “Here’s my number. When she’s out, call me.”. I scribbled my number on a post it from the receptionist and gave it to Sunny.

 

“Um, sure. Do you know Summer?” I shook my head, I didn't know anything about her aside from the fact that I wanted to get to know her. Oh man, Wendy’s gonna be so jealous. 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I got home it was just after dawn, my body felt like lead and my feet ache like hell. I found Wendy already in bed. “Hey baby, you look beat.”

 

“Ugh I am, such a long night. I can’t wait till mandatory overtime is over and I'm back on the morning shift like a normal human being.” Wendy cooed at me, pulling me into her arms.

 

“I won’t make you shower, since you look dead. But tomorrow. We need to change the sheets.”

 

“I don't even smell”, I whined.

 

“Doesn’t matter, you gotta change sheets every two weeks. And you’re all sweaty, who knows what bodily fluids you have all over you.” I rolled my eyes, nuzzling into Wendy.

 

“I love you. Today I met this woman”. I smiled when Wendy didn't stiffen or seem freaked out, thank god she’s not Irene.

 

“Should I be worried?”

 

“Nah, it was weird though. I felt like I wanted to protect her. It was weird.”

 

“Protect her?”

 

“Yeah, like. I don’t know, it was weird. Am I weird?”

 

Wendy lifted my head from her chest, and rubbed my cheeks with her thumbs. “Of course not babe, you’re a paramedic it’s in your genes to want to protect people. It’s completely normal.” I smiled up at Wendy, reminded of why I love this woman so damn much.

 

“You’re perfect, you know that?” Wendy smiled and leaned forward, giving me the sweetest kiss my lips have ever been given. God bless america. 

 

“Well, you’re not going to find me perfect after I tell you what I’m about to tell you.”

 

“What?” I asked suspiciously. 

 

“My dad is coming.” I felt the world crash around me. 

 

“No! Absolutely not. We won't have any if he’s around Wendy. He’ll probably make me sleep somewhere else, in my own house.”

 

“You will be fine Joy. I won't be here when he first gets here though, I’m going furniture shopping with your mom.”

 

“With my mom? Since when?”

 

“Since she asked last week,” I groaned, no way I survive her father or she survives shopping with my mother. “This is how marriage works my love, in laws and whatnot.”

 

“Ugh, Wendy. Just me to sleep before I shoot myself.”

 

“ you to sleep? Okay Usher.”

 

“Don’t tease me!” I whined, as Wendy came and straddled my hips.

 

“I’m not teasing you, well. At least not yet, stay quiet please. I would like to you to sleep. That would be an amazing drink by the way.” I chuckled, resting my hands on Wendy’s hips as she leaned over me. I let everything wash away, focusing only on my future wife and forgetting Summer Choi and her father, forgetting my blood parents, forgetting stupid Aaron Crayola box Shon, and anything else that could pull my attention and just focused on Wendy.

 

God I love this woman.