July 18, 2015

At the Gu mansion, JanDi was impatiently receiving her husband’s lecture.  "Yah!  Guam JanDi, are you listening to me?"

 - "Deh!"

 - "What did I say?"

 - "Stay between the bodyguards, don't wander off alone...," he'd been lecturing her for thirty minutes already.  She couldn't remember all of what he'd said.

 - "Don't try to be a hero!  Make sure you look to your safety."

 - "Gu JunPyo, we're going to be late, I need to go to Sinsa-Dong for GaEul and Bukchon for Rodriguez Mina in and thankfully Kim HyungJun-ssi, So YiHun-ssi, and Wells Emily-ssi will meet us at the E-mart."

 - "Deh, deh, Na just want to make sure you understand."

 - "Umma!  Na want to go too!"

 - "Ani...hajiman HyunJoong ajussi will love the card you made for him."

InHei beamed with pride.  She had made Kim HyunJoong a thank you card for serving the country.  She had made fast friends with the man on the way home from California.  "Chinchayo?  Umma thinks so?"

 - "InHei-ah, he'll be honored to have your card, who wouldn't?"  JunPyo said.

JanDi rolled her eyes at her husband.  "Deh, just that you thought of him will make him happy."  She cupped her child's face and kissed JunPyo on the cheek.  "I'll be leaving now!"  JanDi ran out before he could lecture her anymore.

 - "GaEul-ah!!"  JanDi greeted her best friend.  "Mianhae, I'm late.  Gu JunPyo wouldn't stop lecturing."

 - "Deh!  YiJung wouldn't stop either.”

 - "Don't wander off like you did in New Caledonia.”

 - Stay hydrated.”

 - "Stop and take a breath every fifteen minutes.”

GaEul ignored her husband’s instructions and said goodbye to her son.  "Na will be spending the day with Imo-deul, be good for Appa."

 - "Deh Umma!  Appa, can we go to the studio?"  What could be more fun than playing in wet clay?

 - "Deh, adul," he kissed his wife.  "Remember what I said."

 - "Deh!"

After she had recounted her conversation with YiJung, GaEul said:  "This is the reason one of the guards has a giant umbrella, a water pack, and a folding chair."

JanDi laughed at her friend's predicament, just a little worse than her own.

 - "Where's Ilana?" GaEul asked, just realizing it was only the two of them.

 - "She was running late and will meet us at E-mart.  We just need to pick up her family friend in Bukchon and her other friends are also meeting us.  They were going to leave their car at the station in Hwanghak-dong."

 - "What are we getting?"

 - "Secretary Jang got us a list of approved gifts."

 - "Daeback!  I know his fans are probably sending things but it's not like they can all visit."

 - "But we can!"  GaEul was excited; the clinic, being a wife and mother kept her best friend busy as it did her with the museum and family.  She always looked forward to their weekly gatherings it would be nice to have JaeKyung and WooBin back again.  She wished Jihoo and Ilana would settle in Seoul, but she understood Ilana needed to get her share of the business going before they could.

By the time Jihoo and Ilana were done getting ready it was past ten A.M.  Jihoo was more than four hours late.

 - "Annyeong hashiminika!"  Jihoo and Ilana greeted Harabeoji who was reading in his study.

 - "I believe it's closer to midday.  Did you both sleep through your alarms?"

 - "Deh Harabeoji, mianhaeyo."

 - "Jihoo anae looks tired still, what time did you bring her home?"

Ilana was too busy looking down at her feet to see the same mischievous glint in his eyes that his Grandson got on occasion.

 - "Deh Harabeoji," Jihoo answered.  "It was late when we arrived and weren't immediately able to get to sleep."

 - "Ah, deh."

This time Ilana caught the smile in his voice, "I'm already late and I have to catch up with the gang."  Ilana wanted to leave to avoid the teasing.  "Na can eat something at the mall or wherever.  Annyeong gyasseyo!"

 - "Na will walk you to the car.  Let me grab some of our fishing gear."

Harabeoji chuckled to himself when they left.  "It's been a joy for this old man to have them here, kansamnida.  Now, if you'll let me stay to see my first grandchild...," he prayed.  There were days he was more tired than most, but he realized he missed the companionship of his grandson and his wife.  Jihoo had been with him two entire months before Ilana returned.  It was like old times again.  Ilana was a special girl, he couldn't think of her as an adult woman running her company.  With everything that she had gone through, she retained that innocent vulnerability of a child.  He thought that was what drew his grandson to her, he instantly recognized his own wounded spirit inside her.

Ilana was dressed for the weather:  shorts, a tank, and lightweight long sleeve shirt to protect her arms.  Jihoo stole a kiss just outside the storage room.

 - "Yah!"  Ilana smacked his arm.  "We're supposed to be getting your fishing gear."

 - "Deh," sliding his hands under her outer shirt, he pulled her close and leaned his forehead against hers.  "Bogoshipulgawya (I’ll miss you)," he kissed her cheek and pecked her lips.  "Help me take these."

All the fishing things were in one convenient location.  Ilana picked up two chairs, while Jihoo carried the fishing poles, a small ice chest, and their tackle box.  "Sarang, is that everything?"

 - "Deh, we'll get food and beverages along the way."

They walked outside to where his car was parked, and the SUV also waited.  Ilana set her load down next to the white Mini Cooper.  "Sarang, I've kept your driver waiting long enough."

 - "Bpo Bpo," he grabbed her by the waist again, placing several shallow kisses on various spots on her lips.  He hugged her close for a few seconds.  "Be careful, deh?"

 - "Deh!"

 - "Don't let any of the yeoja wander off by themselves, especially anae."

 - "Deh!"  She tried extricating herself.

 - "One more thing!"

 - "Wae!"  She was laughing at her overprotective husband.

 - "Saranghae."

 - "Nado saranghae," she stood on her toes, kissing him as passionately as possible in a short time span.  She ended the kiss and pulled back with a teasing smile.  "That should hold you for a few hours.  Anyoung hee gyeseyo (Please stay well)!"  Waving, she climbed into the car.

 - "Anyoung hee gaseyo (Please go well)!  Give HyunJoong-ssi my greetings," Jihoo motioned to the driver that it was acceptable for him to leave.  Jihoo watched the car drive off for a minute or two, "Lord place your hedge around her and the rest of the group."

The limo arrived in Bukchon a few minutes later and secretary Jang opened the door for JanDi.  Architect Chi had a beautiful traditional home which JanDi admired very much.  She rang the door and Mina was already waiting.  "Mina-ssi?"

 - "Deh.  You are JanDi-ssi?"

 - "Deh.  Annyeong hasseyo.  Ilana let you know she's meeting us at the store?'

 - "Deh, kansamnida for picking me up."

 - "Anieyo," she dismissed the thanks as they walked back to the limo.  JanDi Thought Mina didn't quite know what to do at the site of the limo and another vehicle full of men in dark suits parked behind it.  "Mianhaeyo Mina-ssi, this was the only way nampyon-deul approved the trip.  Gwenchana?"

 - "Deh!"  It wasn't like she wasn't used to living grandly, it was just they were all raised by conservative parents that didn't like to flaunt their wealth.  "Mina-ssi, Chu GaEul inmida."  JanDi introduced the two women.

 - "Jeo-neun seumulilgop-salieyo (I am twenty-seven years old).  Western years, that is, and my blood type is A."  She had been too embarrassed to let anyone know her birthday had just passed a few days prior.  It was enough to have heard from her family.

 - "Manasseh bangobsumnida," GaEul said.  "I think we'll all be good friends."

 - "Deh!"  JanDi agreed.

Mina smiled, they seemed very nice, much warmer than Ilana was, but she grew up with Ilana and couldn't feel shy around her.  Even if they rarely spoke after her parents passed away, she remembered feeling extremely afraid and sad when she was abducted, it wasn't until several years later that she accidentally found out what happened.  Plus, Ilana was different now that she was married, Dr. Jihoo peeled the grief-stricken shell she had refused to shed.

 - "Mina-ssi, have you been to E-mart yet?"

 - "Anieyo, GaEul-ssi, I've been to the outlet mall and Costco.  I haven't needed very many things since arriving and I confess I wanted to go somewhere familiar."

 - "Deh, Costco is American?  Is it very different?"

 - "Jeogumyo."

They arrived at the E-Mart only a few minutes later.  The store had already been opened for an hour and was busy.  "It's huge!"  Mina said, staring in awe at the multi-story building in front of her.  "Ilana's friends should be around here somewhere," she scouted around hoping she remembered what they looked like.  She didn't think to have Ilana send her a picture.

 - "Does Mina-ssi see them?"  JanDi asked.  The store was bustling with the Saturday crowds, she hoped they could find them before Ilana arrived.

 - "Anieyo..."  Mina then noticed a group of three also surveying the front entrance.  "I think I see them!”  She walked up to the three, "annyeong hasseyo, Kim HyungJun-ssi?"  She asked, trying to keep from being nervous at approaching near-strangers in a foreign country.

 - "Deh!  Rodriguez Mina-ssi, majayo?"

 - "Deh!"  Mina greeted YiHyun and Emily with a bow and waved to the other two women. letting them know this was the other half of their party.

 - "I am from England, you don't have to be formal with me, Mina.  I am actually starting to miss the English language and will gladly take it in any form or accent."

Mina laughed.  "I'm still trying to immerse myself in Hangul.  Architect Chi is very patient when I keep asking 'mworago?’.  He sometimes speaks too fast for me."

JanDi and GaEul had walked over, quickly being greeted by the others.  "Annyeong hasseyo," So YiHyun greeted them.  "InHei Eommoni and JeongYul Eommoni, majayo?"

 - "Deh!"  The two were impressed she had remembered them on such short contact.  "Je Ireum eun Guam JanDi inmnida," she looked to GaEul.  "Chu GaEul inmnida."

 - "I never forget a face," YiHyun said.

 - "JanDi-ssi, GaEul-ssi, may I introduce Kim HyungJun inmnida, So YiHyun inmnida and Emily Wells, Inmnida."

 - "Manasseh Bangobsumnida!"  GaEul and JanDi bowed.

 - "Ilana should be here in another five minutes,” Mina had sent Ilana a text once she was picked up and received a reply that she was on her way and shouldn't be longer than twenty minutes.

 - "We should wait for her to go in.  I have a list of things that are acceptable," JanDi said.

 - "Na can help in that area as well," HyungJun said.  He wasn't intending to be smug, just glad he could be of help.

 - "Majayo!"  JanDi had forgotten that all of Ilana's friends were currently serving.

Ilana scanned the front for her friends.  Mina had text her that they'd be waiting.  Her eyes finally spotted a group huddled together and laughing.  "KwangHoon-ssi!  I see them!"  Ilana called to the driver and he pulled over to the passenger loading area, getting ready to step out and open her door but Ilana was already opening her own door.  "Mianhaeyo KwangHoon-ssi, I'm late!  Kansamnida!"  She ran past him waving her thanks.

KwangHoon had been Jihoo's personal driver since he was a boy and considered it an honor to be serving his wife.  It seemed all his young master's friends turned out well thanks to the woman behind them.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo!"  Ilana waved at everyone.  "Mianhaeyo, I'm late."

 - "Gwenchanayo," JanDi said.

 - "Princess!  Where's my hug?!"  HyungJun tackled her into a bear hug.

 - "Oppa!!!  Unnie is right there, I don't want her angry with me."

 - "Ilana-yah, hugging is fine, just no kissing."

 - "He's all yours in that department," Ilana laughed as they broke apart.

HyungJun gave his fiancé a sweet peck on the lips.  "Greomyo!  The rule applies to nae yeoja chingu too."

 - "Greomyo!" YiHyun responded.

 - "What's on the list, JanDi?"

 - "Undershirts, headphones, IPod, TV, Stereo, and a few other things."

 - "TV and stereo?  Arraseo, let's see what we can find."

 - "Deh!"

They began walking into the store and HyungJun caught Ilana's attention.  "Na asked YoungSaeng Hyeong if he could come with us but he's working."

 - "Gwenchana Oppa, hokshina next time we can all get together."  Ilana didn't mention it to HyungJun that she had seen YoungSaeng from a distance.

The three friends could see she was disappointed.  "Na gave him your number and told him Jihoo Uissa and you would be leaving back for the states tomorrow."

 - "Gomawoyo, Oppa.  I'm sure he's busy.  Oppa just lucked out that you had the day off."

 - "Deh," he moped a little.  There were days he wanted to strangle his hyeong-deul, especially the two eldest that were giving him headaches lately.

They cruised the men’s department aisles.  The girls and HyungJun began piling things into several shopping carts.  "What about these?"  HyungJun held up boxer shorts covered in spaceships.

 - "Those are perfect!"  Mina clapped her hands in delight.

 - "Wait!"  Ilana began innocently.  "How do we know if he wears boxers or briefs?"  She paused, realizing what had come out of and then covered her ears and closed her eyes.  "Never mind!  I don't want to know!  Lalalalala!"  Ilana shook her head back and forth making everyone laugh.

GaEul being the mischievous one asked:  "So what does Jihoo Oppa wear, boxers or briefs?"

This time JanDi covered her ears and closed her eyes, "Andwae!  I don't need to hear this!"

Now both Ilana and JanDi's faces were bright red, "GaEul-ah," Ilana mustered up the courage to respond.  "That's for my information only."

HyungJun and Mina were doubled over with unrestrained laughter, the others were trying to suppress their giggling and failing.  "Yah!"  JanDi tried taking control of the situation again.  "Let's get back to our purpose for being here or we won't get to Paju today."

 - "Deh!!"  The group tried to put on straight faces and continue shopping.  The occasional giggle still escaped.

JanDi handed them all a copy of the list.  "Donate what you can and Shinwah will pick up the rest."

 - "Anieyo!"  Ilana protested.  "We'll split it in half, ILC Group and Shinwah."

 - "Ilana-yah is just trying to pick up government contracts," Mina teased.  She felt oddly at ease with the group and her sometimes playful nature was emerging.

 - "Ani, Mina wants to redecorate the Blue House."

 - "Ah, that would be fun," Mina was actually thinking more along the lines of redecorating police departments.

 - "Mina-ssi can come redecorate our barracks!"  HyungJun rolled his eyes, indicating his displeasure with his current residence.

 - "Junnie misses the ship," YiHyun smiled at him.

 - "Deh, but it wouldn't be as much fun without everyone else."

 - "It is not a pleasant experience having to grow up," Emily said.  "Until, that is, you meet the man of your dreams..."  Emily grinned from ear to ear at the thought of KyuJong.

They had quickly filled a cart full of undershirts that would help keep the soldiers dry and some comfortable slippers for their tired feet at night.

 - "Hyeong doesn't watch a lot of TV, how about the MP3's?"

 - "That's a good idea, Jun.  What about some nice sports towels," Emily suggested.

 - "I think the air-conditioning unit is a good idea," let's all split up and meet downstairs at the checkout.

Mina, JanDi, GaEul, and Ilana went one way and HyungJun, YiHyun, and Emily went another way.  They loaded the air conditioner in the cart.  "What else?"  Ilana asked.  “We should get him some personal things like lotions and shaving cream, things like that.  Although, he probably uses expensive product that wouldn't be available here."

 - "Leave that to me," GaEul said.  "Na can find products that are just as good as the expensive stuff."  They all followed GaEul as she cleared out the personal hygiene aisle.

 - "Is that it?"  Mina asked.  They had two very full shopping carts with them.

 - "Fruit!  And something to make like a basket with!"  Ilana said, getting excited at her idea.

 - "Chincha?"  JanDi was the practical and straightforward one.  While she appreciated the decorative things a little more now, that she could afford it, she couldn't think of making a fuss for a man.  Her husband was the exception.

 - "As long as we're going all out, let's make it pretty!"  Mina said.  "He's not a frivolous man but let's have fun with it and I'm sure he'll be blessed and so will his bunkmates."

 - "Deh!"  GaEul agreed.

Over an hour later, they met the other half of their party.  "Wau!  We've got a lot of things!"  HyungJun was surprised.  "Sunbae will be surprised, he just might start crying."  He began laughing in delight.  He loved surprises.

A few million won later, they were finally out the door.  "We can put our gift basket together in the limo."  Mina began unloading all the things they had purchased to make a personalized gift basket.  The limo was a traditional stretch limo and fit the six of them very comfortably and the tub they purchased as the base of the gift as well as everything they planned to stuff in it.  "Ilana and I can layout the base of the tub and then we can start piling all the goodies," Mina's interior design degree naturally took over.

They were just arriving at Paju when Mina was placing the finishing touches on the gift.  They placed the fruit, face product, lotion, baby powder, bath soap, and a few sports towels in various dimensions in the middle with T-shirt packages and manga raising the sides.  She wrapped it all in cellophane and made a large cascading bow on the top with black ribbon and the boxers.  GaEul was quite artistic and drew Uzoozin on the base of each side of the ribbon.

 - "Daeback guys!"  Emily began a hi-5 chain.  "We make a great team!"

 - "Kansamnida for letting us come with you," GaEul said.

 - "The more the merrier," HyungJun replied.  "Sunbae will be so happy."

The limo doors were opened, and everyone began to pile out.  "Chu-ssi, Guam-ssi, Contreras-ssi, Na have been advised to tell you the caterers have arrived to feed the soldiers."  The head of their bodyguard team advised them.

 - "Caterers?"  The three looked at each other for answers.

PyoengTaek

Jihoo chuckled as he hung up the phone.  "They have arrived?"  Harabeoji asked.

 - "Deh, they just found out about the surprise lunch."

Harabeoji chuckled.  "That was a good idea you boys had, providing a catered lunch for everyone."

 - "It was actually So YiJung.  He thought we shouldn’t let the yeoja represent the F4 alone.  Neither of us wanted the yeoja to go hajiman they were determined.  We might as well help them."

 - "It was good you let them go.  They'll be safe with the guards.  If anything happens, an alarm will sound long before the people of the city are endangered."

 - "Deh, Harabeoji," Jihoo sighed.  He prayed the day would pass quickly and she'd be back home safe.

 - "Tell me about your work, adul.  Do you enjoy it?"

 - "Deh Harabeoji, I do.  Now that I don't fight being placed in leadership positions, it's easier."  He smiled.

 - "Yesu knows what he does, maja?"

 - "Deh Harabeoji.  Anae and I have been stubborn long enough.  It’s good to finally use the gifts we were given."

 - "What of your music, child?  Is that still long forgotten?  The two of you share that gift and you will pass it on to your children."

 - "Deh, I fully support her in her singing.  Na just don't have the time to pursue it with my work and the foundation and being nampyon.  Sometimes it's all too much.  Na want to take anae and run off to Barcelona and spend our days doing nothing at all."

Harabeoji laughed.  "And exactly how long do you think that would last before Yesu brings you back to finish the work you started."

 - "Deh, hajiman my work at the hospital is nearly complete.  When we get back, Na will be able to implement the new management.  They just don't know it yet.  The complaints have decreased drastically throughout.  The patient surveys are returning more and more favorable.  I'm seeing more smiles from the staff.  Even ER is slowly turning around.  When everything begins to move in a positive direction, na think I'll be out of work."

 - "There is always work for a Doctor's hands.  Hokshina (Perhaps) Na was not a good President hajiman Na can stand at the throne one day and say 'by Yesu's grace he allowed me to be a doctor to these people."

Jihoo didn't want to hear about his Grandfather standing before God's throne anytime soon.  "Yesu will have to wait a while for Harabeoji.  Harabeoji needs to meet his great-grandchildren."

 - "Children?"  He smiled at his Grandson, who was also smiling.  "Deh!  When will that be?  The first one is taking it's time, deh?"

Jihoo let out a breath, although still with a slight smile on his face.

 - "Gwenchana?"  Harabeoji asked.

 - "Deh, Ilana is beginning to worry.  Also, setting up her office here in Seoul has been stressful.  Na can't tell her not to stress herself as this could be the cause of the delay in getting pregnant because it will stress her out even more."  He turned to his grandfather who was listening intently, with excitement.  "Na have seen our dtal, it was the promise Yesu made to me that Ilana would be back.  I've seen her twice, once while in JunPyo's house, tucking in InHei and the other while in Barcelona."

 - "Have you shared these visions with her?"

 - "Deh, hajiman she's getting impatient and is starting to worry that she's letting us down."

 - "Mianhaeyo child if Na have added to her worries.  Jihoo-yah knows old people like to tease the young ones about marriage and children."

 - "Anieyo Harabeoji.  It's just So YiJung anae is expecting and we'll be stopping to see Kim Jaejoong.  Na think she's feeling pressured hajiman she won't say anything to me."

 - "If anyone can get her to stop worrying, it is you."

 - "Deh, Na don't want to pray about it because isn't that not holding on to God's promise?"

 - "It does seem so; hajiman Yesu has only revealed the promise to Jihoo.  Jihoo can pray for strength to wait.  Perhaps there is something else driving her fear that even she might not know.  Jihoo can pray Yesu shine his light on that."

 - "Majayo, Harabeoji.  Kansamnida."

 - "Anieyo!  Let's fish and see if Jihoo anae will cook them for us when we get home."

Jihoo grinned widely at the thought of his wife cooking.  That usually didn't happen without the watchful supervision of Nana.  Even in New York, Nana sent her sauces and sides in which to jumpstart her meals.  "Deh, she would like that.  Nana runs the house to perfection, leaving anae with more time to work.  Na won't complain since that also frees her to spend time with me."

Harabeoji didn't say anything for a while.  He just smiled at the thought of his Grandson.  It was good to see him full of life again.  JanDi had sparked what had long been dead into a low burning flame but Ilana stoked it into a blazing fire.

 - "Sometimes it can be difficult for a chaebol anae to have the same responsibilities as a commoner's anae."

Jihoo couldn't agree more with that statement.  Though he never asked, Ilana always looked for an opportunity to display her love through her actions.  Some days she packed his lunch, others she did his laundry.  She liked to massage his shoulders in the evenings and many times he found random notes in his pockets saying, 'I love you' in all the languages she knew and then some. No, he didn't have a common wife, but he loved her just as she was.

Paju-Si

The group of visitors had the chance to serve and sit with soldiers who were off duty or just in for lunch.  The food, although simple, was different from their usual mess.  A welcome change for the entire base; thousands of soldiers were served.  The F4 mobilized the pocketbooks of a few of the other chaebol’s, including WooBin, Jaejoong, and Jaejoong's friends.  Most of the chaeobols did not want to get outdone by the other, so they freely contributed toward the food.  The group of seven waited on each soldier as they trickled in.  After about an hour there was a lull and they were able to sit and chat with soldiers that were still finishing their meal.  The atmosphere was jovial despite the heavy load they carried of being border guards trained to shoot instantly.

The F4 women were upset at first that the F4 did as they always do and went over the top.  But seeing the smiles on the soldiers as they walked into a delicious meal that they might get at their favorite corner food stall back home made it worthwhile.  The meal, for once, almost felt like being home with their family and friends instead of this town, one step away from danger.

Unfortunately, Kim HyunJoong was on patrol.  "Well, we could leave everything with his commanding officer," HyungJun suggested.  He was disappointed at not being able to meet his Sunbae but at least he was able to be of service to his fellow servicemen.

GaEul had an idea.  They sat talking with the soldiers for a little while until she spotted one of the commanding officers that Secretary Kang had pointed out.  "I'll be right back, guys."

 - "GaEul-ah, where are you going?"  JanDi asked.

 - "You'll see," she replied.

GaEul on a mission was not to be deterred.  She walked up to the officer who was obviously wondering what was going on. "Jeogiyo, officer, sir?"

 - "Deh..."

 - "Our nampyon, Shinwah Group, Su-Am foundation, So Family museum and Song construction have sent gifts for their chingu Kim HyunJoong and his bunkmates.  When will they return, or can we personally deliver the gifts to their barracks?"

A few minutes later GaEul returned with a triumphant smile on her face.  "Mianhae, na had to use our nampyon as bait hajiman he will send soldiers to examine the gifts as is protocol and then we can pass through to the barracks."

 - "Wau!!  GaEul-ah knows how to get it done!"  YiHyun hi-fived her.  Their escapade of the last few hours had left everyone on a friendlier basis.  It was impossible to be on formal terms while comparing undershirts and underwear.

Once inside Kim HyunJoong's barrack, they began making small parcels of goodies for each bed.  "Let's wrap them in the silk fabric and place them on their pillows as if this were a fancy hotel."

 - "This is why Mina is an interior design major," Ilana teased.

 - "I'll set up the air conditioner."

 - "Ah deh, it is very warm in here," Emily said, fanning herself.  "Oppa, I'll help."

 - "I'll cut out squares of fabric," Ilana said.  "GaEul-ah, draw Uzoozin, the soldiers will get a laugh out of it.  They must know their bunkmate well by now."

 - "JanDi-yah, help me sort the bundles, deh?"

 - "Deh!"

YiHyun picked up her camera.  "Let me take some pictures and I'll help sort."

They quickly got to work making Uzoozin wrapped parcels for all six bunks.

It took thirty minutes, but the room had cooled, the large tub gift basket was on Kim HyunJoong's bed and each other bed had a black silk Uzoozin tied bundle.

 - "Yah!"  Hyun Jun draped his arms around the shoulders of the two closest females which were Ilana and his fiancé.  No doubt had it been JanDi and GaEul he might have still considered it. "We're good at this.  We should do this more often," they surveyed their handiwork.

 - "Oppa, we were lucky nampyeon deul let us do this once.  Na don't believe there will be a second time."

 - "Deh," JanDi agreed.

 - "Gwenchana, Henecia are gathering funds to donate supplies as we speak."

 - "We should pick up," Emily said.  The group was all smiles as they tidied up their mess.  Sure, they put in a lot of money and for that, they should be proud of themselves, but it wasn't that they had the money to spend, it was that they actually spent it.  Also, they came in person.  They took the time to do something for those putting their life on the line for the country.  They arrived to bless the soldiers at the base, but they themselves were blessed as well.  Each soldier that thanked them with a smile on their face; each soldier that told them about their home and family made the argument with their husbands all worthwhile.  They had many new faces to pray for.  Especially GaEul, whose pregnant status earned her the ear of many a soldier whose wife was pregnant or who had a new baby at home.

 - "All set?"  JanDi asked.  They each had a bag with remnants of their surprise.  The bodyguards were standing nearby.

PyoengTaek

The Yoon Grandfather and Grandson team had been relaxing, not really talking after their initial conversation.  This was their custom.  Talk when they arrived and then quietly enjoy each other’s company while fishing.  PyoengTaek Lake was usually crowded on a Saturday afternoon but Harabeoji knew a special spot that was off the beaten path.  Not easy to get to but well worth it.  The housekeeper had quickly packed them a simple lunch (seeing that they were running behind) and it was all but devoured.  Sitting in eighty-degree weather not doing much, but staring at the water, can make you hungry.  Harabeoji had caught a few fish already.  Jihoo was not holding back this time but still hadn't caught anything.  Occasionally, he prayed for Ilana and the others; that they may be safe.  She told him she would call when they were on their way back.  It was around three-thirty.  Evidently, no call meant they were still there.  He wondered if they'd had the chance to meet with the idol.

Jihoo poured barley water in a cup and handed it to his Grandfather.  "Don't get dehydrated," he told him, in his playful monotone.

 - "Aigoo!  Gong-ja app-eh-seo mun-ja sseun-da (Literal meaning: Writing Chinese characters in front of Confucius)?"

Jihoo smiled.  He loved his Grandfather’s old sayings.  Feeling a tug on his line, he stood.  "I think I got one!"

 - "Reel him in!  Aigoo, it's a fighter and a large one at that.  Nice and easy..." Harabeoji coached him through as if he was still a four-year-old boy.  Jihoo reeled him in just as his Grandfather had always taught him.  Harabeoji grabbed the line and the squirming fish.  "Deh!  He's a nice one.  Looks like thirty centimeters at least.  Hold still and we'll send a picture to Jihoo anae."

 - "Deh, Harabeoji."  Jihoo grinned.  His Harabeoji hadn't changed in all his years.  When Jihoo was a boy it was:

"Jihoo-yah, let's take a picture for Umma.  She'll never believe adul caught such a large fish."

 - "Ilana-yah won't believe her Seoul raised nampyon could have caught something like this."

Jihoo stifled a laugh as his Grandfather was busy texting.  "What makes an ex-president suddenly an expert?"

 - "My country, saranghae," he said.  "Na gained a deeper appreciation for what was around me, in the years after my presidency."

Jihoo nodded in understanding.  In His grief at losing his son, his Grandfather had indirectly blamed him for the accident.  Later, when he realized he was wrong in distancing himself from his four-year-old grandson, he didn’t know how he was supposed to reconcile?  It threw him into a type of depression.  He felt that by being a doctor for the community, he could work off his sin against his beloved Grandson.  He poured all his fortune into the clinic and lived simply, often fishing for his dinner.  Jihoo thought about his Grandfather a lot and although they called and texted often, he really did miss him.  Perhaps it had been the two months he shared with him at the beginning of the year; it really reminded him that Harabeoji and now Ilana was all he had in the way of immediate family.  The F4 had always been his family as well but Harabeoji was the only link to his parents.  His place was with his wife, now.  Eventually, they'd be spending equal amounts of time in California as in Seoul but what could he do at present?

 - "Harabeoji-ah...wae don't you return to Los Angeles with us and we can return for Chuseok?"

Harabeoji was quiet for a minute, trying to form his response.  "Anieyo gwenchanayo," he said softly.

Jihoo was surprised and a little hurt, if he would admit it.

Harabeoji smiled at him.  "Deh, bogoshipo nae adeul hajiman this body gets older every day," Jihoo was about to protest.  "Chinchayo!"  He cut him off.  "We don't know how much longer the patchwork on my heart will hold," he playfully referred to the experimental surgery he had done a few years back.

 - "Harabeoji!"  Jihoo tried to stop him from speaking that way.

 - "Gwenchana, na have only ever desired to see you settled and to meet your children.  Yesu has already granted me one of those things.  Na could not have asked for a better Granddaughter than Ilana.  As for the great-grandchildren, Na will pray that I'm here to meet them.  Na want to stay where I'm comfortable.  I can go anywhere in Seoul on my own.  Ilana's home city is small hajiman not like Seoul.  Places are spread out there and I'll have to depend on someone else to get me around.  Here, Na can still walk through the province, even though Jihoo and JanDi do not like it."

 - "Deh!"  Jihoo said.

 - "Na…have my work to occupy me and it's enough to hold me until you return." Harabeoji was also thinking that if something really did happen to him, he didn't want to be far away from home.

 - "Harabeoji, you enjoyed your week at Ilana's home for the wedding.  You hiked and walked through the town center, couldn't you do that again?"

 - "Jihoo's place is with anae, wherever that may be.  Na will look forward to your visits like always.  Hokshina, I will visit again one day but not now.  Na promise to be in prayer about it, deh?"

 - "Deh Harabeoji," Jihoo wanted to succumb to tears.  He thought for sure Harabeoji would come with them.  But perhaps it was selfish of him to think so.  With or without him, his Grandfather's life was in the Republic and his place was at Ilana's side and hers at his side.

Paju-si

Kim HyunJoong and his bunkmates were returning from their long day on patrol.  They wanted to quickly change and go back to the mess for food.  Word around camp was they had a special meal today.

 - "Jeogiyo, Guam-ssi," the head bodyguard poked his head in.  "The soldiers are returning."

The soldiers all looked at each other in question as they saw the black suits surrounding their cabin.  One had just stepped out and nodded his head at them, before stepping away from the door.  Another opened the cabin door for them as if they were about to enter a hotel room.

 - "Omo!"  Mina said.

 - "Busted!"  HyungJun said, as his Sunbae and five other soldiers walked in.

HyunJoong didn't know if he was just hot and tired from being on patrol all day or he was seeing a handful of people in their cabin.

 - "Yah!  It's cool in here?!"  One by one they all began to file in to see the strangers in their cabin.

 - "Ah!  Mianhamnida!"  Someone said, "We didn’t see you all the way in the back of the cabin."  They all gave a quick bow.

HyunJoong finally snapped out of his initial shock and bowed.  "Guam-ssi?  Chu-ssi?  Ilana-ssi?  Guys?  What are you doing here?"

 - "Kkamjjak (Surprise)!"  HyungJun said.

 - "Kkamjjak!" The rest also shouted.

 - "HyunJoong-ssi, do you know these people?"

 - "Deh," he smiled, just a little embarrassed.

 - "Deh?!  That's all Sunbae has to say?"  Maknae rushed his Sunbae and gave him a squeezing hug.

 - "Maknae!  Get off!"

 - "Sunbae is jealous because my muscles are bigger."

 - "Maknae, leave your Sunbae alone.   Annyeong hasseyo!"  Ilana bowed.  "Je ireum eun Contreras Ilana inmida!"

 - "Je ireum eun Kim HyungJun inmida!"

The rest of the party took turns introducing themselves.  "Wau, what is all this?"  HyunJoong asked as he took a sweeping look at their sleeping quarters.   "And this?"  He pointed to the large tub.

 - "Just a few things to make your stay a bit comfier," Emily made everyone smile with her British accent.

 - "Kansamnida!"

 - "Hyeong," one of the other said.  "It's good to share quarters with an idol.  We get presents too.  Kansamnida.  Hyeong, they even drew your picture!"  His bunkmates all laughed.  Ilana could tell their 4D idol was blushing and his eyes were suspiciously shiny.

All the soldiers offered their thanks.  "It's like Christmas!"  One said.

 - "Gwenchana, if you want to open them," Mina said.

 - "If there is something you don't care for, just trade with your neighbor."  GaEul was practical.

 - "Anieyo, we'll take anything," another soldier said, making the others laugh at the honesty of the statement.

 - "Did you eat yet?"  JanDi asked.

 - "Anieyo, we need to clean up first."

 - "Junnie, we're keeping them from resting," YiHyun looked to her fiancé.  "We should go."

 - "Deh," Ilana agreed.

 - "Anieyo!"  Maknae protested.  "We've only seen sunbae for five minutes!"

 - "Deh!"  HyunJoong said.  "Give us five minutes to wash off and we'll see meet up at the mess."

The group looked at each other and agreed.

Within fifteen minutes the group was serving HyunJoong and his bunkmates.  "Wau, it tastes just like being home."

The group was smiling.  Their mission had been a success.  "Yah, hyeong..." Maknae started.  "Na thing you need to call me, Sunbae.  I went to the army before you."

 - "Why you…!"  HyunJoong removed his cap and smacked his friend with it.

 - "Mariah (Just saying)!”

 - “Kansamnida, for everything,” he said.  “At least na can be of use here.”

 - “HyunJoong-ssi is of use as an idol as well,” GaEul said.  “If HyunJoong smiles, it makes fans smile.  If HyunJoong sings, it makes the heart sing.  They wait for you all over the world.”

 - “Kansamnida,” he buried his face in his food, lest he cry in front of everyone.  It was hard being in the army, but it was harder not being able to control what was going on back in Seoul.  For that, he had Attorney Lee and his parents.  He had tried to spare them and only succeeded in making a mess.

 - “YoungSaeng Hyeong couldn’t come,” Maknae complained.  “He had to work.”  The tone in HyungJun’s voice made it seem he didn’t believe his friend was really working.

 - “Ah,” HyunJoong was slightly disappointed at not seeing his other friend.  He missed all his friends.  His fans had been faithful in sending letters.  Perhaps they really will wait for him to come back.  “Has Ilana-yah met him while you were in town?”

 - “Ah, anieyo,” Ilana didn’t let her gaze meet his.

 - “Hajiman we did run into him,” Mina innocently said, making Ilana wish she were somewhere else.  “He was singing with the police choir in Jongno.  Ilana didn’t want to bother him while he was working.”

 - “Greon, does KyuJongie call you often?”  Ilana asked, changing the subject.

HyunJoong looked at her with his poker face.  You couldn’t tell what he was thinking.  Ilana composed herself and gave him her own poker face as she waited for his answer.  “Deh, he calls or sends a text often.  Next I hear from YoungSaeng, Na will tell him he missed seeing you.”

 - “Anieyo!”  Ilana said in a slight panic.  “Don’t bother him!  Na will be back soon.  Hokshina we can meet up then.”

 - “Ilana-yah, don’t be afraid and face him bravely."

 - “Aish!  Who says I’m not facing him?”

 - “Ilana, what is he talking about?”  Mina asked.  The others were also giving them questioning looks.

 - “YoungSaeng Hyeong is a pabo sometimes,” HyungJun said cheerfully.  He could abuse him all he wanted while he wasn’t around.

 - “Maknae is being disrespectful again!”  HyunJoong took off his cap to smack him again.

 - “Yah!  Sunbaaae!”  He sheltered his head from the blow.  “Yah!  Sunbae!  Remember, you need to call me Sunbae.”

 - “Yah!”

HyungJun was already running.  There was never a dull moment around with the group's youngest.  “HyunJoong Oppa, I’ll go after him,” YiHyun said as she laughed at the two.

HyunJoong had a slight smile on his face.  It was good to see his friends.  His bunkmates were also good friends, but there was something about the people who know all of you and still call you "friend".

 - “We should get going,” JanDi said.  “We promised Nampyon-deul we’d only stay for two hours and it’s been past three.”

 - “Anieyo, nae nampyon said I can stay as long as I want,” Ilana giggled.

 - “Yah!  How did Ilana manage that?  He was just as upset as the others?”  JanDi asked, amazed.

 - “It was my fault he was so angry.  I didn’t think!  Mina-yah, remember when we were making plans?  We started off with just going to lunch and then we began talking about HyunJoong-ssi and then before we knew it, we’d made plans to come visit?  I never told him we changed plans.  How could I have forgotten to tell him?”  Ilana was just glad that he had forgiven her, but in the end, he let her come anyway.  “As of this morning, na was not coming to Paju.  He told me at the last minute to come and with his blessing."

 - “Jeongmal, yeoja, don’t argue with nampyon-deul over coming here again, juseyo?”

 - “Na went about it the wrong way at first, but I’m glad nampyon gave me his blessing.  It made a difference with nampyeon-deul just tolerating a whim and giving us their full support.  It doesn’t seem like we did much, but we were able to bring a little bit of normalcy to your day, majayo?”

 - “Deh, kansamnida.”

 - “Since YiHyun and Oppa aren’t back yet, we should leave before they get into trouble,” Emily said.

 - “Emily-ah, how much trouble could they get into with six Shinwah guards standing just outside?”  JanDi asked, knowing they were sent not only to keep them safe but also from inadvertently getting into some sort of trouble.

 - “Knowing Maknae, anything could happen,” HyunJoong said.  “I’ll walk you guys out.”

 At the front of the base, where the limo was parked, the happy couple were trying to get the bodyguards to take a picture with them.

Everyone had said their goodbyes and only Mina and Ilana were left.  “HyunJoong-ssi, can I have a hi-five?”  Mina asked, blushing.

 - “Deh!”  They clashed their hands together and Mina bowed to him before getting in the car.

 - “Yah!  Take care of yourself!”

 - “Jeongmal?  Shouldn’t na be telling Ilana-ssi that?”

Ilana laughed.  “If HyunJoong-ssi needs anything, tell the gang to call me.  Na will do what I can.”

 - “Anieyo, you’ve done enough.  The same with Ilana-ssi.  If Na dongsaeng gives you a hard time, let me know.”

 - “Ay, it’s just…we left things a little weird.  Na don’t think he’s ready.”

 - “He’ll never be.  He needs to meet a cute she-otter.  Mina-ssi is single, deh?”

 - “Jeongmal?  Poor Mina, everyone wants to marry her off.  Yah!  Let me hug you.”  HyunJoong nodded.  He towered over her just like Jihoo did, but she hugged him as if he were a child.  “I’m praying for you.  I don’t know the details, I don’t want to know.  I believe in nae chingu.”  She untangled herself, he was blushing.  She tried not to notice.  "Yesu is going to use you in a mighty way after all this is done.  Leave at all at his feet.”  She bowed her goodbye and got in the limo with the rest.

Hyung Joong waved goodbye and went back to his barrack, with a wide smile on his face.  He was exceedingly happy they had come.  When he got back some of his bunkmates were napping.  As quietly as possible he opened his gift.  He nearly laughed out loud to see the alien covered boxers.  “Maknae,” he thought.  There were so many things, from the fruit to the personal products and the manga.  He took a manga from the tub and slid the rest under his bed and began to read.

In the limo, everyone was happy but tired.  “Do you guys mind if we go back to Seoul,” GaEul asked?  "Pigonhaeyo (I'm tired).”

No one protested; it had been a long few hours and everyone else was tired too.  Ilana took her phone out of her pocket.  She had missed a text from Harabeoji.  She smiled widely at the picture of her husband and the fish.  She remembered her promise to cook dinner.  Thinking that maybe she should include Mina, she responded to Harabeoji and subsequently to Jihoo.  She learned her lesson about making plans without notifying her husband first.

Ilana:  Wau!  Nampyon is such a good provider.  I’m fortunate to have found such a catch.  ;)

Jihoo felt his phone vibrate; he had just caught another fish, smaller than his first one.  Soon they might want to make their way home.  He smiled to see a text from his wife and then laughed out loud as he read, earning him a quizzical look from his Grandfather.  Harabeoji smiled and shook his head, having a good guess as to who the text message was from.

Ilana:  Na want to invite Mina over for dinner, gwenchana?

Jihoo felt a bit guilty about her asking his permission to bring Mina to their home.  This was a good practice for them to remember to always communicate with each other.

Jihoo:  Gwenchana.  He then remembered she had promised to cook.  He wondered what they had at home for her to cook with.  She would probably need to go stop at the market.

Jihoo:  Take KwangHoon-ssi into the store with you.  Once you decide what to make, ask the housekeeper what ingredients you need to buy.

Ilana:  Is there anything Harabeoji doesn't eat?"

Jihoo looked at his Grandfather and grinned.

Jihoo:  Anieyo, just make it delicious!

Ilana was grinning.

Ilana:  Deh nampyon!

She was a little nervous at cooking her first meal for Harabeoji but knew she could do well.  At least she hoped she could.

 - "Mina, come for dinner and the driver can take you home."

 - "Really?  Thank you."  Mina was happy Ilana was opening up to her.

Ilana hoped Mina was handy in the kitchen.  She wasn't creative in the kitchen at all, she could follow a recipe to the 'T', and that was a good start she thought.

Seoul

The Yoon men arrived several hours later to Kpop (namely Kim HyunJoong) blaring and just a little bit of a mess in the kitchen.  Jihoo walked in wondering what was going on.  His wife and Mina were placing the finishing touches on dinner while giggling and singing.  They had no clue he had come in and was watching them.  They had filled two trays with assorted bowls.  "Chan!  We're done!"  Mina said.

 - "Deh, they should be here any minute," Ilana washed her hands and turned around to peek outside.  Jihoo stood at the door grinning wildly.  "Jihoo-yah!"  Ilana jumped back in surprise and Mina gasped at being caught.

 - "Annyeong anae."

 - "Sarang!  Chincha?  How long have you been there?"

 - "Long enough."  He walked toward her, and she avoided him.

 - "Anieyo!  Go wash up, dinner is ready."

 - "Na brought the fish for you to cook."

 - "We can grill them on the table, ka!"  She turned back to grab a tray.

 - "Bpo bpo."  He grabbed Ilana by the apron strings, making her squeal,

 - "Sarang!

 - "Na will start setting the table," Mina excused herself quickly,

Several hours later, the mul-naengmyeon (cold noodles in broth) was completely consumed as were a few fish.  Mina and Ilana recounted their day as did Jihoo.  Ilana ate nervously, hoping dinner had been to everyone's liking, especially Harabeoji.  The housekeeper was kind enough to give her tips over the phone.  Harabeoji hadn't said much, just kept eating.  Now that he was done, he lay down his chopsticks and sighed in contentment.  "Jal mokegotsumnida (I ate very well), which of the yeoja cooked?"

Ilana let out her nervous breath.  Jihoo smiled at her, the food was delicious.  She did well.

 - "Harabeoji, Ilana cooked, na only helped," Mina spoke up.

Harabeoji smiled, "Kansamnida, child.  After a long hot day at the lake, the cold noodles were just the thing."

 - "Chincha Harabeoji?  Housekeeper helped me over the phone, a bit.  Harabeoji, I'll do better next time."

He laughed.  "Deh child."

Jihoo placed his arm around her and kissed her forehead, "Masheesuhyo (It's delicious)."

 - "Do you know how nervous she was about not getting it right?"  Mina teased.

 - "I knew Sarang would do well."

 - "Chincha?"

 - "Chincha."

The couple took a little too long gazing into each other’s eyes.  "Na will start cleaning up the kitchen and bring out some fruit," Mina stood to walk into the kitchen.

Ilana woke from her frozen state, “Mina-yah, mianhae, I'll help," Ilana dislodged herself from her husband with a poke in the side and ran off to the kitchen.

 - "Did Jihoo-yah teach her to cook?"  Harabeoji asked.

 - "Anieyo, she must have pulled up a recipe and asked housekeeper ajummma any questions."

 - "She did well for her first try, you should be proud of her."

 - "Deh, Harabeoji."  He was more than proud of her.  Every day he found something new to love her for.  She could have just called the housekeeper to prepare a meal, but she wanted to do it herself.

Jihoo looked over at his still-sleeping wife.  He'd have to wake her up soon to eat breakfast.  As usual, she didn't sleep well on the flight.  She had been a bit uncomfortable and couldn't find just the right position to sleep in.  He smiled at her and sent up a silent prayer.  "Lord, give her the desire of her heart."  Dinner had been a success.  The noodles were delicious and pleasing to his Grandfather who preferred traditional Korean food.  After relaxing over fruit, Mina goaded Ilana into singing and Jihoo even took out his violin.  Harabeoji hadn't heard her sing since the camp and Jihoo had never played for his Grandfather since he was a small boy.  They had made Harabeoji very happy their last evening in Seoul.  Jihoo truly wished he had decided to come with them.

While the evening had been full of joy, the morning, not so much.

Ilana had risen first to use the shower and when she walked back in, she was dressed in her undergarments and robe.  Jihoo could see she was upset, practically in tears.  She wordlessly walked to where her knit dress was hanging.  She hung it back in the closet and began rummaging through the hanging clothes.  She was leaving some of her clothes so as not have to carry so much on the next visit.  "Sarang, what is it?"  He was getting slightly alarmed at her behavior.  He had risen from the bed and came up behind her, wrapping her in his arms.

 - "Amogotdoyo, I need to find something else to wear."

She answered stiffly, and she was stiff in his arms.  He didn't like that at all, something was wrong.  "Sarang what's wrong with the white one?"  He placed light kisses on the back of her neck; she ignored him and continued to scan the closet.

 - "I-I'll get it d-dirty," her voice cracked, and she took in a deep breath trying to compose herself.  "I'll just wear this black one."  She turned to look at him with a forced smile, but it didn't work.  His concerned look made her want to bury herself in his arms.

He just knew she needed some sort of comfort and he held her firmly against him.  Then the tears came.  "Yah," he said softly.  "What is it?  Gwenchana, just tell me."

 - "M-mianhae."

"Wae?"  He her hair, down to her back soothingly.

"I," she took a deep breath.  "I...started…again."

It took Jihoo a few seconds to process what she meant.  "Gwenchana," he held her tightly against him.  "Our time will come, Na have told you already."

 - "I'm scared, what...what if it doesn't?"

 - "Anja," he pulled her to sit on the bed, while he crouched down looking up at her.  "Sarang, na told you I've dreamt of our child, twice.  Both times, Yesu was telling me that we would be together.  It was his promise to me.  This fear you have is not from Yesu, do hear me?"

Ilana shook her head as the tears spilled down her cheeks silently.

 - "Wae are you so worried?  Is it because GaEul is pregnant and not you?"

 - "Jeogumyo, I've asked Yesu to forgive me and change my mind, but it's hard.  I-I just wonder..."

 - "Wae?"  He had her hands clasped in his.

 - "What if something happened..." he nudged her to continue.  Sometimes it took a lot of prodding to get her to talk.  "What if something happened during...that year, which will make it hard for me to...?”

 - "Get pregnant?"  She nodded.  "Something would have shown in your annual exams by now."  He thought of something.  "When was your last annual exam?"

 - "Mollah?  Juan Carlos never told me what tests he ran and most of the time he sedated me."

Jihoo sighed.  "Sarang...you should have a woman's exam."  He reached up and caressed her face.  "I'm glad we're talking about this.  As for a baby, when Sarang finally stop worrying about it, she will come.  You've been working hard, setting up ILC Seoul, working long hours, nado.  And you've been torturing yourself for not being pregnant yet.  All that is keeping us from getting pregnant."  He made sure not to place the blame on her.  "Once everything settles down, I'm sure she'll come.  Is anae going to listen to me now?"  His wife nodded her head.  "If anae doesn't trust me, then trust in Yesu."  He gave her a peck on the lips.

 - "Sarang..."

 - "Deh?"  He sat next to her on the bed, placing his arms around her.

 - "Wae did you think Yesu only showed you a child and not me?"

 - "Mollah?  You heard my voice and saw Umma, deh?  He gives us just what we can handle at the time."

 - "Deh."  She knew he was right.  At the time, she didn't even know how she would even give him her body, much less have a child.

 - "Sarang, nae sarang," he loved her even with all her insecurities.  She had shared her thoughts with him and that was all that mattered.  "Paboya, that's what nampyon is for, to guide, to protect and above all else, to love.  Yesu, help me to guide her to trust you in this matter.  Help me keep her eyes on you so that she doesn't sink in her fear.  In Yesu’s name..."  He reached his hand over and her hair.  "Sarang, wake up, we have three more hours until landing.  Let's eat breakfast."  He continued to nudge her until she was grudgingly sitting up.  "Annyeong hashiminika."

Ilana smiled back at him, still trying to remove the sleepy cobwebs.  He also smiled.  She looked peaceful.  Despite being on an airplane, despite their conversation before they left, she looked at peace.  That was the Lord's doing and he praised him for it.

New York, NY

Whenever possible F4 always met each other at the airport.  Though Shinwa hotel had VIP Airport transfers, JaeKyung met them at the airport with a driver.  JaeKyung's husband wanted to keep her from driving as much as possible, but she rarely listened and drove anyway.  They brought her parent’s limo, so they could fit any luggage and sit comfortably.  Not that JFK was very far from Shinwa where they were staying.

Jihoo, at six feet, easily spotted JaeKyung.  "I see JaeKyung!"  He extended his palm to where he'd seen her.

Ilana was short and therefore took his word for it, she just clung to his hand so as not to get lost in the crowd.

JaeKyung waited impatiently with the driver.  "Do you see them?"  She couldn't wait to see Ilana again.  She'd been practically living at Abigaíl’s house.  She couldn't get enough of Isabel and JaeWook had to be the cutest baby she'd ever met.  Well, she’d never really met any babies before.

 - "Mrs. Song, I believe I see them."

 - "Oh!  They're coming!"  JaeKyung was 5'5 without her wedge sandals, 5'8 with them on.  As soon as there was a clearing in the crowds she spotted them immediately.  She ran out as fast as she could.  Which at six months pregnant, was still impressive.  "Ilana!!!"

Once a Monkey always a monkey.  She clung to Ilana's neck so tightly, Ilana thought she would fall.  "Unnie!  I'm glad to see you too!"

When JaeKyung finally let go, she had tears in her eyes.  She saw Ilana's concerned face.  "Gwenchana, I'm just so happy to see you, I got emotional."  Jihoo was the next in line for a monkey hug.  "Jihoo-yah!"

Jihoo patted her back a little awkwardly.  Ilana saw the panicked look on his face and giggled.

 - "Yoon Jihoo, are you taking good care of Ilana?"  JaeKyung finally let go of Jihoo's neck.

 - "Deh Unnie, he's daeback!"

 - "I knew it all along!"

 - "Kaja!"  The driver took their one large suitcase and garment bag.  Jihoo kept the laptops.  Ilana had left a few things in Seoul and Jihoo brought a few clothes for their stay in New York, all fitting neatly in one suitcase and a garment bag.

 - "Unnie, how are you feeling?  Nana had mentioned your morning sickness when we were on honeymoon."

 - "Deh that's all done with and I feel great.  I'm starting to feel her move around and it's the weirdest thing.  Just wait, Ilana, it's a trip!  You'll crave things you never craved for and be repulsed by what you loved.  WooBin had to change his cologne because she didn't like it.  We changed a lot of things in the house and at the office.  I rarely go to the club," she pouted.  "Gwenchana because WooBin only goes around midnight when it's full swing.  He stays for about an hour and comes back home.  I'm usually asleep unless I'm hungry or need to use the bathroom.  Oh my gosh!  I've never used the bathroom so much in my life..."

JaeKyung rambled on and on about pregnancy life and Ilana found herself smiling.  She had missed the bubbly monkey.

By the time they arrived at the hotel, JaeKyung had talked almost the entire time.  Ilana mostly lay her head on Jihoo's shoulder, still a little tired from the flight.  It was Jihoo that asked the question, Ilana suddenly realized, JaeKyung had not answered.  "Unnie-ah, what is her name?"

 - "Oh?  I didn't tell you?"  JaeKyung looked at them like it was their fault she hadn't told them yet.  "It's Hana."

 - "Song Hana, that's pretty," Ilana said.

 - "Gomawo!  You don't know how hard it is to pick a name.  Everyone has a suggestion.  Hana is our first, so it's fitting."

 - "Waeyo?"  Ilana asked.

 - "Hana as in one, Sarang."

 - "Mmm," Ilana thought that was very cute. "You know, GaEul didn't tell us the baby's name?"

 - "Deh, she just found out the .  They haven't picked one yet."  JaeKyung answered.  "Well, we're here.  You two probably want to rest before heading over to the Kim's household."

 - "Deh, anae still hates to fly," Jihoo tapped Ilana's nose earning him her irritated look.  She could never hold it for very long before she was smiling again.

 - "We'll see you for dinner tomorrow, maja?"

 - "Deh, we have to cram so many things in before we leave," Ilana said.

 - "Will you go visit your friends at the hospital?"

 - "Deh."

 - "Oh!!  JaeKyung practically began to jump.  Ilwoo and YuJin will be leaving to Seoul with us!"

 - "Chinchayo?"

 - "Deh!  They're planning a small wedding just before they leave; here at the club."

Ilana felt a little sad, that no one had told them sooner, so they could plan on attending.

JaeKyung, as if reading Ilana's mind said, "they just came up with the plan last week and were figuring out the details."

Ilana looked at Jihoo, pleadingly.

 - "Mollah, Sarang.  If we came, it would be for less than twenty-four hours, could you stand to be on an airplane that soon again?  We'll pray about it," he wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

The porters came to whisk away their luggage.  They hugged JaeKyung and headed to their room.

In the room, Jihoo began to unpack their suitcases, while Ilana plopped herself stomach side down on the bed.  She was still tired from the flight.  It would take her another month to recover, she thought.  Before she could doze back off, Jihoo snuck up on her and placed a cold bottle of water against her skin under her shirt.  Ilana screamed and turned to face him.

 - "Drink the entire bottle and get in the shower.  No falling asleep," he said sternly at his irritated wife.  She just looked at him between pouting and anger, so he did what any loving husband would do.  He pinned her under him and claimed her lips with a fiery kiss.  He ended the kiss with one more kiss on her forehead.  "Better?"  He saw the smile tugging at her lips.  "Answer or the cold goes on your nice warm tummy."  He was already slowly pulling up her tank top.

 - "Andwae, andwae!  I'll drink it"

Jihoo got up from the bed with a satisfied smile.  Keeping hydrated was a must to avoid jetlag.  Normally, he wouldn't have stopped without tickling her stomach with kisses, but she was self-conscious during her monthly time and he gave her as much space as possible.   Except at night, when he needed to hold her in his arms until they fell asleep.  Other than that, he let her come to him when she was ready, and she always did.

Once they were clean and hydrated, they had afternoon tea at The Palm Court inside the hotel and decided to take a cab to the Conservatory Garden.  They, of course, had to stop at the fountains and Jihoo took a picture of her in the rose-covered arbor.  Arriving at the English Garden and the fountain of Mary and Dickon, they sat.  The conservatory garden was never overly crowded, being a quiet zone.

 - "When you brought me here for my birthday last year, na would never have imagined a year later I'd be walking with the Lord and we'd be married."  She wrapped her arms around him tightly.  "Like Mary and Dickon, we filled each other’s void."

He loosed her hold on him to kiss her.  "Ani," he said, cupping her cheek.  "Yesu filled our void."

 - "Deh, he gave me His love and your love when I didn't deserve it."

 - "Than it wouldn't be a gift, deh?  None of us deserve His perfect love, but He gives it to us anyway.  Mollah, if I'm deserving of your love, hajiman na will give anae all my love."

 - "Mmm...," she was smiling to herself.

Jihoo cupped her grinning face in his hands.  "Does Anae have something to tell me?"

Taking a moment to fight the giggles, "Sarang had nae heart and nae love before I even knew they were yours."  She took his hands away and sandwiched them between hers.  "Sarang...do you think Yesu put me on that cruise?  Or would we have met some other way?  I had so much hatred for my cousin at the time and was so angry at God for my life.  Wae would he bless me with friends and love?"

 - "Mollah, hajiman na think He put you on a two-year journey to get to know Him.  He knew anae would be stubborn and run away again.  When you had nowhere else to run, then He knew you'd run to Him."

 - "That was some of the hardest weeks in my life, realizing I had nowhere to run."

 - "Deh, Na was there once too, Sarang."

 - "Hajiman now, Sarang is mine and naega yours, Yesu gave us to each other."

They continued huddled on the bench, talking quietly, reminiscing the year they spent in New York together.

Jihoo was suddenly curious about something.  "Sarang...do you ever miss our life in New York?"

 - "It was a beautiful season of making new friends and learning new skills, hajiman when the season is over, the friends that are supposed to remain in your heart are still there and the skills you learned are put to use somewhere else.  Na told Sarang, home is wherever you are.  If Sarang tells me, we need to go back to Seoul tomorrow?  Na can do that if you are by my side.  Nae home and nae people in California will still be there any time na want to visit."

 - "Sarang, ara your family is important and you're building a future for our family.  For now, California is where we're supposed to be.  Yesu set everything in motion for us to be together and in which location.  We just need to be sensitive to when it's time to move again."

 - "Deh, Sarang, ara."

They remained in silence, enjoying each other’s presence and the sound of the fountain.  When Jihoo thought it was too quiet he looked to see Ilana's eyelids drooping.  "Sarang, it’s time to go, na will not let you fall asleep."

 - "Ara!"  Ilana yawned as she sat up and stretched.

In the Kim household, Isabel waited impatiently for Ilana and Jihoo to arrive.  "Mamaaaaa!  Are you sure Imo and Ajussi are here now?"

 - "Si, hija (yes daughter)," Abigaíl answered.

 - "Mamaaaa!  Why haven't they come visit yet?"

Abigaíl was getting frustrated, JaeWook woke her up more often than not leaving her sleep-deprived and cranky.  At times she lashed out at Jaejoong and then was crying for forgiveness later.

 - "Kim Jaejoong!  Why must you leave everything lying around?!"  'Everything' was one bottle that had fallen under the chair and forgotten.

 - "Jagiya, mianhae, it fell; I was going to pick it up later but forgot."

 - "Just because you've had servants your entire life doesn't give you a right to be so careless!"

 - "Jagiya!  Take a deep breath and calm down.  You'll get JaeWook upset."  He stood up and placed the baby in his crib.  "Yippeun, I need you to calm down."  He kissed her forehead and cheek.

This only irritated his wife even more.  "Do you think everything can be solved with your flirting?!"  She tore herself from her husband, picked up the discarded bottle and left in a huff.

Later she would be crying in her husband’s arms for forgiveness.  "I'm sorry; I don't know why I do that?  I-I did it all myself with Isabel and-and I don't remember going crazy like that."

Jaejoong would wrap her in his arms until the sobbing died down and then kiss her as if he hadn't kissed her in a very long time.  "Jagiya, you didn't have anyone to share your feelings with.  Gwenchana, cry and scream because you're tired hajiman I need you to take care of yourself too.  When JaeWook is napping you need to nap.  Let me take at least one of the nighttime feedings."  Things would then go back to normal and he'd have his sweet wife back again for a short time.

Other times no amount of talking would get through those baby blues.  "Jagiya; Isabel, JaeWook, and I are going to the park.  You are staying and sleeping, doctor's orders."  He would leave her with a cup of tea and take the kids out for at least two hours.  Upon their return, he would change JaeWook's diaper and hand him to her for feeding and peace would be restored.

 - "Jagiya," Jaejoong said to Isabel.  "Be good for Umma, Imo and Ajussi will be here soon.  They promised to come in the afternoon and stay for dinner.  Ajussi always keeps his promises.”

 - “Arrayo,” Isabel said dejectedly.  She suddenly brightened at an idea.  “I’ll go look through the window and wait for them!”  She ran off.

Jaejoong sighed; at least she’d be calm for a little while.  Now all he needed to do was work on Umma.  She was sitting in the glider and had just fed JaeWook.  “Jagiya, let JaeWook rest in his crib and you go lay down until Jihoo and Ilana come.”

 - “I’m not tired!”  She protested.

 - “Deh!”  He took JaeWook from her and laid him in his crib.  He soon began to protest.  “Yah adul,” he shook JaeWook’s tummy.  His voice was gruff, and he scrunched his face at the baby.  “Umma needs to rest and you need to do some wiggling,” JaeWook grunted and smiled at his Appa.  Jaejoong turned to his wife and pulled her up from the chair, smacking her bottom, just because.

 - “Jaejoong!”  She yelled at him.

It was probably best not to irritate his wife at the moment, but couldn’t resist.  “To the bed, Agassi.”  Abigaíl protested as he pushed and pulled her to their room.  He picked her up in his arms and lay her gently on the bed, climbing on after her.  Cuddling her in his arms, he said:  “Jagiya needs to let go a little.  Na will stay up late and take the early feedings.  Accept the help; you don’t have to do it all.  Jagiya has me, Umma and even Esther.”

 - “But I don’t want to bother Eommoni and Esther and you do so much with Isabel, keeping her busy.”

 - “Anieyo, Sylvia comes a few times a week and so does JaeKyung.  They do more to entertain her than I do.  Don’t be so hard on her.  She’s been excited about Jihoo and Ilana’s coming for a while now.”

 - “Yeobo, I don’t know how to do this?   How do people handle several kids at once?  I don’t know if I can do this again.  I…”

He stopped her with a kiss.  He cradled her head in his arm and rubbed circles on her back, before trapping her leg with his and let his hand roam from her thigh to her hip and bottom.  He knew she was overwhelmed, but there was a learning curve to everything and they’d get the hang of having two kids.  “Rest now,” he moved to rise from the bed, but she clung to him.

 - “Bogoshipo.”

He smiled; she was making an effort to learn a few words in Korean and couldn’t resist her entreaties.  He only had two more weeks of paternity leave and would be going back to the hospital.  Although they were both home from work, he was busy taking care of Isabel and she, the baby.  Alone time was almost non-existent.  “Deh jagiya,” he snuggled her closer and they both fell asleep within minutes.

Approximately forty minutes later, the doorbell of the Kim’s residence rang.

 - “Jihoo-ssi!  Ilana-ssi!”  Esther greeted them with a smile.  “Hwangyong-hamnida (welcome)!”  Jihoo and Ilana both bowed.  “Come to the sitting room, Oh-ssi is with JaeWook, Jaejoong-ssi and Abi-ssi are napping.”

 - “Did we come at an inappropriate time?”

 - “Anieyo!  Babies are a blessing, but Umma and Appa sometimes can get very tired.  Make yourselves comfortable.  Would you like anything to drink?”

 - “Anieyo gwenchanayo, Esther-ssi,” Jihoo answered.

 - “Look, how cute that is!”  Ilana had noticed a play mat on the floor of the sitting room and dropped to her knees for a better look.

Mrs. Oh walked in while Ilana was still on the floor.  “Ilana-yah?  Taking notes, I see?”

 - “Eommoni!” Ilana immediately stood, embarrassed.

 - “Gwenchana, dear.  It makes one want to crawl in there and play as well.  Ilana-yah, be a dear and hold JaeWook while I give Ilana nampyon a hug.”

Ilana felt her eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.  Mrs. Oh was already dumping JaeWook into her arms.  “Eommoni!”

 - “They don’t break that easily,” she laughed.  Ilana had no choice, but hold the baby or let him fall.  “Jihoo-yah!”  She gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, making him blush.  He really needed to get used to this sort of greeting.  “Let me see,” she looked him up and down.  “Deh, married life has made you even more handsome and Ilana even more beautiful.”

 - “Deh Eommoni,” Jihoo stared at his wife, making her blush.

 - “The kids fell asleep; Esther was going to wake Jaejoong.  Our Wookie likes to eat a lot and keeps Umma up all night.”

Ilana was worried about dropping the baby and sat down; she couldn’t tear her eyes from him.

 - “Store up all the peace and tranquility you can while it’s just you two.  It will all change when baby comes.”  She noticed Ilana looking at JaeWook with longing.  “There are blessings in every stage of marriage, don’t jump ahead and enjoy the ones you have now.”

 - “Deh, Eommoni,” Ilana blushed, wondering what her face must have looked like.  She wasn’t coveting the baby but was wondering what a baby of hers and Jihoo’s would look like.

 - “Ajussi!  Imo!”  Isabel had been distracted playing a game on her iPad and missed their arrival.  Jaejoong was behind her.  “Annyeong hasseyo,” she bowed to Jihoo before throwing herself into his arms.  They both laughed as she clung to his neck.

 - “Chingu-yah, eotteohke jinaeseyo?”  Jaejoong clapped his friend on the back since he had Isabel in his arms.

 - “Jaljinaeyo, orenmanida (long time no see).

 - “Deh!”

Isabel was looking not too happy that the baby was in Ilana’s lap.  Ilana thankfully caught a glimpse of Isabel’s brooding look. “Wookie-yah, do you want to go with Appa while I say hello to Noona?”  She cooed at JaeWook who responded with an adorable smile.  “Ha!  ¡Coqueto como su padre (flirt, just like your Father)!”

Isabel giggled, while Jaejoong answered.  “What can I say,” he shrugged.  “Lord willing he won’t be a troublemaker like Appa.”

 - “Anieyo, there is only one Jaejoong in this world,” Mrs. Oh made everyone laugh.

 - “Hola preciosa muñeca (Hello precious doll)?  No me das un abrazo (Won’t you give me a hug)?”  Isabel scrambled off Jihoo to go for her hug from Ilana.  “Ah, there is something for you on the table.”

 - “Chinchayo?”  She immediately picked the pink bag, as the other was blue.  Ripping out the tissue paper, she took out an American Girl 'Doll School' teacher’s kit.  “Choahyo!  Kansamnida!”  Isabel wrapped her arms around Ilana first, then Jihoo.

 - “Anieyo!”  Jihoo said.

Isabel was immediately quiet as she dove into the book, Jaejoong knew that a request for a new doll would be forthcoming.  “Abigaíl is still napping, I hope you don’t mind?”  Jaejoong said.

 - “Anieyo, Let her sleep!”  Ilana said:  “I came to see my cute little dolly,” she wrapped her arm around Isabel "...and that handsome young man you have there."

 - “How has my favorite patient been?”  Jaejoong teased Ilana.

 - “Your most stubborn patient?”  Ilana laughed as Jaejoong moved his head around considering her statement.  “Gwenchana, hyeongbu, gwenchana, praise God.”  Ilana caught Jihoo’s eyes and smiled.

 - “Deh, praise God!  So many blessings for our young people who trust in him,” Mrs. Oh said.

 - “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

 - “We plan on liquidating Ilana’s storage unit,” Jihoo said.  “We’ve sold a few things online, already and are meeting the people to pick them up tomorrow.  Anything leftover, we’ll either donate or ship back to California.”

 - “We’ll also be having lunch with SungRyung Noona and the gang and dinner with WooBin and JaeKyung.”

 - “I’m afraid this is a whirlwind visit,” Jihoo said.  “We’ve been away too long already.”

Jihoo and Ilana spoke readily about their work.  Both were very happy with what they were doing.  Caught up in conversation and JaeWook and Isabel, the time had flown by and JaeWook began to fuss.  “No, no baby?”  Ilana tried to distract him with one of the toys from the play mat.

Isabel, despite occasional bouts of jealousy, was becoming quite the expert.  “Oh, oh, appa, Wookie begopayo.”  She could see his little mouth wanting to .

 - “I’ll take him to Umma, he had a bottle last.  Jamsimanyo.”

Jaejoong found his wife already getting up, her s were starting to ache, letting her know her baby’s feeding time was past due.  “Jihoo and Ilana are downstairs, but they said not to rush on their account.”  JaeWook was already howling, making Abigaíl’s ache even more.  She couldn’t undo her shirt and bra fast enough for him.  Once Wookie found what he wanted, both Mom and baby sighed in relief.

Abigaíl closed her eyes as the ache began to ease.  “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

 - “Because you needed sleep,” he kissed her over her son’s head.  “Do you feel better?”

 - “Yes, yeobo, thank you,” Abigaíl smiled up at him.

 - “Adul has been flirting with Imo.”

 - “I believe it, you little flirt,” she kissed the top of JaeWook’s head.  Mom and Dad laughed as he stopped and looked right at her as if saying Umma. I’m busy’.

Once JaeWook had had his fill, Jaejoong changed his diaper, while Abigaíl pumped the milk from the he didn’t touch so she didn’t explode.  Her nursing pad was already wet.

Thirty minutes later they were downstairs with a happy baby, whose belly was full and bottom clean.  At least for a little while.  Abigaíl and Ilana lost no time hugging each other and weeping, making their husband’s shake their heads.

 - “I can’t help it!”  Ilana pouted.  “Up until two and a half years ago, I never cried.”

 - “Na wouldn’t change a thing,” Jihoo had also greeted Abigaíl and was still standing.  He wrapped Ilana in a back hug.

 - “Yeobo!  Aren’t they cute?”  Abigaíl said.

 - “Anieyo, this one is cute,” Ilana shook a tiny foot.

 - “What about me?”  Isabel cried out.

 - “Hmm, someone is sounding like her Appa,” Ilana teased.  “Isabel is yippeun, not just cute.”  The child giggled.

 - “Chica, do you want to see JaeWook’s room?”

 - “Of course!”

Ilana, Abigaíl, and Isabel went back upstairs to see the room.  The grey, blue and white combination was different and stylish.  “I didn’t like the idea at first,” Abigaíl said.  “I gave in because it was Eommoni and Isabel decorating.  Isabel picked out the white and dark blue, while Eommoni picked out the grey.  As I saw it come together and added a few of my own touches, I really like it.  It’s peaceful to come in here with Wookie and nurse him or come in to get him to take a nap."

 - “It’s very pretty; Eommoni and Isabel have good taste.  I should hire them.”

Abigaíl laughed.  “They’ll take over everything.  I still can’t believe you own a huge company and yet, you’re you.”

Now Ilana laughed, “I’ve always been me.  I thank the Lord for the transformation he has done in me, so…maybe I really am someone different.  The old me didn’t know what it was to have hope and even if Jihoo’s friendship and then love brought me so much joy I was always afraid to lose it.  So, I left before he could wake up from his dream and realize I wasn’t worth it.”

 - “But the Lord told you otherwise, right?”

 - “Yes, you wouldn’t believe everything I went through when I left him in Barcelona last year.  Had I not let the Lord take me out of that pit, I wouldn’t be here today.  But He knew I had to completely fall into the pit with no way out before my stubborn self would reach out to him.”

 - “That’s usually how it works,” Abigaíl smiled at her friend.  “So, do Jihoo and you want kids right away?”

Ilana nodded a little shyly, “Jihoo’s been dreaming of a little girl since before we were married.  He said that’s how God promised him I’d be back.”

 - “Ugh!  That’s so amazing!”  Abigaíl’s eyes began to water.

 - “Chica?!”  Ilana jumped in alarm, to get a tissue.

 - “I’m sorry.  During pregnancy and after, your emotions are all over the place.”

Isabel had been straightening her own room to show Ilana, “Imo!  Come see my room?”  She was already pulling Ilana by the hand.

Mrs. Oh had left on the pretext of checking on dinner so that the two men had privacy.  The baby was napping and wouldn’t disturb them for at least another hour.  “How’s married life?”  Jaejoong asked.

Jihoo grinned, "sometimes difficult, most times wonderful.”

 - “Communication is good?”  Jaejoong was talking like a church elder or concerned parent, Jihoo was amused.

 - “Deh,” he thought of their first fight and the morning they left Seoul.  “We’re learning as we go along.”

 - “First fight?”  Jaejoong was grinning, taking advantage that his friend was much more open now than he used to be.

 - “I’m not telling you anything.”

Jaejoong laughed, “I’ll take that as a yes?”  Jihoo wasn’t betraying anything, but Jaejoong knew that had been the case.  “And she won.  What about having kids?”

 - “Yah!  What is this, an interrogation?’

 - “Deh!  Come on you know you miss me?”

Jihoo’s face clearly said, ‘not really’.  “She’s getting impatient,” he sighed. “We’ve talked it over a few times and she’ll be okay for a little while and then start worrying again.”

 - “You two okay in that area?”  Jihoo glared at him.  “Arraso, arraso!  I’ll stop.  It’s just too quiet without you.”  A funny statement to make, but he missed his friend, confidant, and colleague.  “Thankfully, I have Edgar to talk to and some of the other men from Church.”

 - “How is having a newborn?”  It was Jihoo’s turn to interrogate.

 - “I’d say equal time difficult and wonderful,” he used the same words Jihoo used.  “Sometimes Isabel gets jealous and wines because no one is paying attention to her.  But she really loves her dongsaeng, it’s just balancing them both.”

 - “Ilana and I will probably be asking you for pointers one day,”

 - “Choah!  Be ready for the mood swings, during and after pregnancy; that much I can tell you now.”

 - “Noted.”

Over dinner, the couples laughed as they reminisced their days at the hospital together.  After dinner, they were entertained watching the baby during his tummy time exercises.  He had graciously changed into one some cute onesies Jihoo and Ilana had brought him. Isabel was sprawled out on the floor, but Ilana wore a dress and could only kneel next to the little girl.  Ilana couldn’t get enough of the baby even though he fussed and complained about his tummy time.  Had she been appropriately dressed there was no doubt, she too would be sprawled out on the floor just like Isabel.

July 20, 2015

After emptying out the storage unit, they dressed and readied themselves for lunch.  Jaejoong, Abigaíl, JaeWook, and Isabel were also joining them, making it one big happy reunion.  SungRyung greeted them with her usual fanfare.  “Ah, my dears!  You’re glowing, to be a newlywed again, always smiling.  I miss all of you, really.  But I couldn’t be happier why you’re missing.  Abigaíl is beautiful, she doesn’t even look like she had a baby not even a month ago.”

 - “Unnie!  Yes, I do!”

 - “No, she doesn’t,” Jaejoong gave her lips a peck.

 - “Some things haven’t changed,” ShiYoon said.

 - “ShiYoon-ssi, just wait until DokMi and you have a baby.”

 - “He’d be so cute!”  Uee said.

 - “YuJin-ah, your dream is really coming true.”

 - “Yes, and I’m getting married on top of it!”

 - “And moving to Seoul!”  Shancai said.

 - “Who’s moving to Japan and getting married?”

Shancai grinned, while Abigaíl and Ilana looked at each other.  Evidently this was new.  “Really?”

 - “Really,” she showed everyone her ring.  “I’ll be going back to the tourism business and working in Hua Ze Lei’s company.”

 - “Congratulations!”  Ilana and Abigaíl took turns hugging their coworker.

 - “All my kids are leaving, and the Lord is bringing me new ones.  I’ve been honored to a part of all your lives,” SungRyung said.  “All I have left is my namdongsaeng,” she teased ShiYoon.  “I don’t think it will be long before you’re following your Sunbae-deul and living your dreams.”

 - “I hope so, it’ll be boring without all of you.”  The women were like sisters to him and he would miss them all.

SungRyung smiled at her group.  This had to be her most favorite group.  The conversation had moved on to Uee’s wedding.  “Chincha, we’re just going to have a small luncheon at Club Eden on Saturday.  Gwenchana, Jihoo, Ilana, I know you won’t be able to come on such short notice”

The two looked at each other.  Like Jihoo said, they would have to come and leave the same day.  Not impossible, but Ilana would not have her land legs back from their current trip, before turning around and flying to New York and back in one day.  Also, he wouldn’t feel right not being on call, when he just returned.  “At the moment, I can’t see that we can make it,” Jihoo said with regret.  “If there is a way, then we will definitely come.”

 - “Gwenchana!  I’ll expect you to come to Seoul for our wedding there.  We’ll plan it for when you guys are in town, deh?”

 - “Deh!”  Ilana smiled.  She wouldn’t want to miss the wedding of one of her friends.

JaeWook was passed around by his Aunt’s like a hot potato and Isabel charmed them in between.  They would all be walking different roads soon, but friends of the heart were never far away.

After lunch, Jihoo and Ilana passed the time in the Children’s hospital.  Ilana saw some of the same faces, still undergoing their treatment.  They were overjoyed to see her.  She’d sent letters and a few gifts since she was gone, but they had a special place in her heart and in her prayers.  She met some new faces and greeted them with a warm smile.  Jihoo played the little piano she had sent them last year, imitating Schroeder from the Peanuts comic strip.  The kids were delighted and so was the staff.

Ilana asked about some of the faces she didn’t see.  Most were praise reports; they’d finished their treatment and were doing well in remission.  There was only one child that Grace, the head nurse, didn’t want to talk about.  Ilana immediately sensed the change in her.  “Grace, what is it?”  Then she realized, Grace hadn’t mentioned Manse, the little boy she’d become so attached to.  “Oh God…no, Grace, what about Manse?”

 - “I’m sorry.  It wasn’t that long ago, he was no longer responding to treatment.”

Grace didn’t need to say any more; the tears came pouring down Ilana’s face and Jihoo held her closely.  He knew that little boy had been a light in Ilana’s otherwise dark world.

Grace had given them the contact information for the child’s family and Jihoo called them and to offer condolences on behalf of him and Ilana.  There was not really time to visit and the family might feel awkward since they never met Ilana.  Jihoo ordered a plant and a box of fruit to be sent to their home.  Instead of having dinner at the club, Jihoo asked WooBin if they could just spend time with them at their home.  Since Ilana was not up for a boisterous evening and they would have to leave early for the airport in the morning.

 - “Ah jagi, I’m so sorry to hear that,” JaeKyung hugged Ilana after they told her what they’d found out.

 - “Gwenchana, he left his mark on the earth.  He was so bright, and he had such an amazing faith.  He told me often that he prayed for me.  Perhaps he was the one to tell Jesus, ‘You need to do something about her’.”  She laughed.  “He served the Lord well and now has many crowns in heaven.”

 - “Are you guys ready for the move,” Jihoo asked.

 - “Deh, anything that we want to take with us, has already been sent.  Hana doesn’t own anything yet.”  WooBin said.

 - “She will soon enough, Appa is going to spoil her rotten, de?" Ilana said.

 - “Ani, our princess is going to be tough.”

Jihoo and Ilana smiled at each other.  That remained to be seen.

 - “I’m excited about being with JanDi and GaEul again,” JaeKyung said.

 - “Meaning she can’t wait to go baby shopping with them,” WooBin said.

 - “Ah, deh!”  Ilana agreed.

 - “What did you think of our little Wookie?  Isn’t he the cutest?”  JaeKyung gushed.

 - “Wait till Hana is born, we’ll make a cute little prince too,” WooBin said to his wife and proceeded to exchange endearing kisses and honied words unfit for a Mafia Prince to utter.

 - “Ahhh!!!”  Ilana covered her face.  “Too much you two!"

They continued talking about family for a little longer as they were in that phase of their lives.  Inevitably the topic moved onto business.  “Yah, Ilana-yah, once we move back to Seoul, you’ll let J.K. Group invest in ILC Group-Seoul, maja.”

 - “Anieyo, gwenchanayo, you have your own interests to look after.  Don’t feel obligated to invest with us.”

 - “Micheosso!  It’s a sound investment!  Remember?  We know what you’re capable of.”

 - “Jeongmal?  It’s just, Na don’t want the other investors feeling threatened.”

 - “Yo girl,” WooBin said.  “What are chingu for?’

 - “Hmm…where have I heard that speech from?”  She smiled at her husband.  “I’ll think about it; I promise.  We have the right number of investors and amount of capital we need at the moment.  Besides, I’m WooBin’s competition.”

 - “So is Gu JunPyo,” WooBin shrugged.  "There’s enough of the market to go around.”

Ilana looked at Jihoo, she’d certainly have to be in prayer about this.  Her parents and their friends all went into business together, her husband and his friends all invested in each other’s businesses.  Why did she feel the need to do this on her own or was it her own stubborn pride?  “Unnie?  Will you miss New York?”

 - “Anieyo…I was never really happy here.  Though being with WooBin has made it bearable.”  She couldn’t resist nipping at her husband’s lips.

Jihoo grinned; his friends hadn’t changed.  “Should we get going?”

 - “Anieyo!  Let’s have dessert!  I want to go out.  Eeliwah (Come on)!”

The couples went out for cheesecake and enjoyed their last time together in New York for the foreseeable future.  Jihoo and WooBin had both ordered wine and JaeKyung and Ilana had ordered sparkling tea.

 - “Let’s toast!”  JaeKyung said.

 - “Arraso,” WooBin agreed.

 - “Sarang!”  Ilana said.

 - “Chingu,” Jihoo said.

 - “Family!”  JaeKyung contributed.

 - “New chapters!”  WooBin added.

 - “Gunbae!”

Jihoo and Ilana had their nightly prayer time, together.  They had much to be thankful for and much to lift up as well:  their friends and families, the hospital kids, and all the other patients.  After getting ready for bed, Ilana snuggled next to Jihoo as was their pre-sleep ritual.  “Sarang...”

 - “Mmm?”  He ran his hand through her hair.

 - “I won’t worry about getting pregnant anymore.”

 - “Oh?”

 - “Deh…I asked the Lord to forgive me for not trusting in him and not letting you lead me in this.  If you say she’ll come; then she will.  Na will be like Hannah, in the Bible and pray that it be his will to give me a child."

 - “What brought this on?”

 - “Mollah?  Holding JaeWook, I was scared at first, but then something just clicked, and it was like the Lord was telling me, ‘see?  You’ll do just fine when yours comes’.  It’s not like I wanted JaeWook for myself, but I was trying to imagine our baby and it was almost like I could see myself holding her.  I don’t know if I was just imagining things, but it felt right.”

Jihoo lifted her on top of him and kissed her without restraint.  “Sarang, ja (sleep),” he said, laying her back down on his chest after ending the kiss.  He liked to feel her heart beating against his.  “We have an early flight tomorrow.  We’ll start working on that prayer later this week when your period is over.”

 - “Jihoo!!”  Ilana lifted her head to smack him in the chest.

 - “Anae, saranghae,” he kissed her again lightly.

 - “Nado saranghae,” Ilana said once she had snuggled back into position. 

Super long, mianhae!