Super long...just warning you...

The Gu family had arrived at JFK mid-Sunday morning.  JunPyo had business to tend to with his U.S. investments and decided to bring the family.  And in usual Gu JunPyo impetuous style, he announced his plans to his family and the rest of the F4 on Friday night during dinner.

 - "We'll be leaving for New York in a few days," he announced

 - "Mwo?  InHei Appa, who is going?"

"Anae and dtal, the rest of you meet us in Los Angeles on Friday and we'll surprise Jihoo and Ilana."  Of course, he didn’t think anything wrong with this plan.

 - Gu JunPyo!  I need to tell Harabeoji and get him help!"

 - "Gwenchana, just get more Shinhwa students to help.  InHei-ah wants to play with her chingu, deh?"

 - "Chinchayo, Appa?"  InHei exclaimed happily.  "Na get to see the baby!!!  Kansamnida Appa!  Kansamnida!"

YiJung looked at his wife.  "We could use another break, deh?”  JeongHee, the name they selected for their daughter, would be here soon and they wouldn't be able to travel for a while.

 - "Choah, but I better get cleared by the Doctor first," GaEul said.

 - "Nado," JaeKyung agreed.

 - "Yeobo, we just got back a few weeks ago, to make another trip now.  We both have responsibilities to take care of," WooBin was hesitant.

 - "Spoilsport," JaeKyung said.  "Being an adult is no fun."

 - "Deh!"  The guys all agreed.  Gone were the days when they just picked up and went on a holiday just because they wanted too.

  - "Gwenchana, Hana Umma, if your Doctor clears you to fly, we'll work it out.  We still have time to make room in our schedules to take a few days."

- "GaEul should have no problem getting cleared and although JaeKyung is farther along, I don't think she'll have a problem either," JanDi assured her two pregnant friends.  "JunPyo has only given me a day to get help for Harabeoji."  JanDi let out her breath in a bit of frustration.

 - "Gwenchana, Jihoo set it up so that the Shinhwa medical college staff and students were at our disposal."

 - "Gu JunPyo that's not necessarily true!"  JanDi ‘s frustration at her husband’s impulsiveness rang loudly through the dining room of their mansion.  He always left her scrambling to make arrangements for her absence.

JanDi was thinking she'd have to call home later, to make sure everything was in order.  Not wanting to leave Harabeoji to do everything himself, she requested two or three students to help him.  Even if they were tripping over each other, as long as Harabeoji didn’t have to worry about a thing or do extra work.  He didn't think she knew that he sometimes got winded easily or occasionally he would doze off at his desk.  He still took good care of his patients, but little things were starting to affect him.  They didn't stay open as late as they used to.  They were only open until eight a few days a week.

 - "Gu JunPyo-ssi, I have picked up the car," Secretary Jang's voice interrupted JanDi's thoughts.

 - "Kansamnida, Secretary Jang.  JanDi-ah, InHei-ah, kaja.  We'll want to rest for a while."

 - "Deh," JanDi followed.

In the car, JunPyo turned to his wife, "I promised WooBin I'd check on the club tonight.  Will you come with me?"

JanDi really didn't feel like going.  She hated playing the 'corporate wife', much preferring to be in the clinic with her patients.  "What about InHei?"

 - "Secretary Jang can stay in our suite until we return.  We'd only be gone for about two hours."

 - "Deh..."

JanDi knew that Secretary Jang was more a parent to JunPyo and JunHee than their own parents were, but she still didn't like leaving InHei in the care of someone other than her and JunPyo.  JunPyo and JanDi both took turns taking and picking InHei up from Shinhwa Elementary.  Either she'd do her homework at the clinic or at Shinhwa Corporate offices.  The babysitter only came when they had special events or JeongYul was also around.  If GaEul were cleared to travel, they would bring the babysitter with them.  They wouldn't find out until Monday.  JaeKyung was going to be under the care of the same Obstetrician as GaEul and they would call JanDi after their appointment.

 - "Appa, can we ride in the horse-drawn carriage at Central Park?"

 - "Deh, Umma can take you to the Carousel too."

 - "Appa won't come too?"

 - "Na have to work so we can go visit Ajussi and Imo, Deh?"

 - "Deh..."  InHei moped.  It was different if her Appa had to work at home, but they were on a vacation.  She didn't understand why he had to work on their vacation.

This was JunPyo's way of spending time with his family, but InHei sometimes couldn't see it that way.  JanDi looked at JunPyo as in saying 'do something'.  "InHei-ah, I have an idea.  What if one evening we go to Coney Island or wherever InHei and her chingu want to go?  We can see the fireworks and eat hot dogs.”

 - “Chinchayo?”

 - “Deh, Umma; InHei and Isabel can decide; Maybe Tuesday or Wednesday.”

 - “Arraseo Appa!”  This made her day.

 - “Appa and Umma have to go somewhere tonight, but we’ll have dinner together and take a ride on the carriage or carousel.  InHei can choose and tell secretary Jang to buy the tickets.”

 - “Kansamnida!”  InHei set her mind to thinking of what she really wanted to do.

JanDi smiled at JunPyo and he basked in her approval.  He strived to be a good Father and not make the same mistakes his parents did.  He was still JunPyo, arrogant, impulsive, oftentimes immature, but as a Father, she could not fault him.  The rest only God could change.  They had been visiting the Church Jihoo had started to attend when he returned to Seoul in January.  They didn’t visit often enough to be considered members, but her husband was definitely being drawn there.  What Jihoo and Ilana went through to be together was a miracle that couldn’t be denied.  That was enough for anyone to stop and want to know the awesome power of God.

Eating an early dinner at one of the restaurants in the hotel, they took InHei on a carriage ride immediately after.  Secretary Jang had to pay off a local couple who already had reservations, in order for his employers to get their desired evening.  All of this had gone on behind the scenes without the Gu family even knowing about it.  All that was important was InHei had her carriage ride.

By the time JanDi got InHei to sleep, she wanted to sleep.  She did not want to go out at midnight to a club.  She did not want to have to do her hair and makeup.  For the most part, they lived a simple life in Seoul.  She came and went to the clinic every day and took care of her husband and child.  But when she had to be the corporate wife, she hated it.  The only reason she did it was for JunPyo.  She smiled and nodded and pretended not to be bored.  At least when the rest of the F4 was there, she had them to talk to.  It was important to JunPyo and she tried to be gracious about it but she just couldn’t make herself get excited about it.  It was his world still, not hers.  Thankfully those corporate functions didn’t happen often.

JanDi pinched her cheeks in the mirror and tried to remove the “not happy” look on her face.  She’d forced herself to wear a black sheer sleeved designer gown that JunPyo had bought her and let her mid-length hair hang down in a soft wave, instead of its usual ponytail.  Her makeup was done simply, she rarely wore makeup, and therefore she didn’t need much to enhance her features.  She had just smoothed a tinted lip gloss over her lips.  “I’m ready,” she announced to her husband.

 - “Help me with my cufflink,” he said.

 - “Deh,” she smiled.  He was always impeccably dressed.  There was not a single worn item in his closet.  Thanks to JanDi, he kept his wardrobe a little longer before discarding it.  He usually only bought something new when he had a special event and the media would be taking photos.  JanDi had way more clothes than she could use.  She tried to save her newer items for when she was home or out with JunPyo and the older clothes for use at the clinic.  They were covered by her coat and you never knew what would end up on her clothes by the end of the day.

 - “Gomawo.  Anae is Yippeun.”  He kissed her cheek.

 - “Mollah!”  Yes, she still liked to hear his compliments after all these years.

JunPyo grinned and kissed her cheek.  “I promised WooBin we’d go for a couple of hours.  Can you bear with it until then?”

 - “Deh,” she smiled at him.  It wasn’t like she had a choice.  It was her job to support her husband.  She may not like it, but she loved him and she supposed that was all that mattered.

Having no problems entering Club Eden, the F4 had their own entrance and each one had their own unique key code.  The main VIP room was booked as always.  People paid several thousand dollars for the use of that room every night.  There was a second room that was always reserved for the F4 family.  JunPyo and JanDi wandered the club making sure everything was in order and everyone was enjoying themselves.  Some people recognized him as the face of Shinhwa Group and he greeted them warmly and introduce his wife.  He kept a tight hold on JanDi so as not to lose her in the crowd.  Each wing of the club was filled.  The bars were well staffed.  Bouncers made the rounds around the floor.  There had never been any trouble.  The clubs security was higher than even the secret service.  Issues were promptly dealt with.

They finally made their way to the F4’s private room.  “Mr. And Mrs. Gu, would you care for a drink?”  The staff was made to memorize the faces of the F4.  From the bouncers to the janitors, everyone had to be able to recognize them and call them by name at first sight.

 - “I’ll take a gin and tonic,” JunPyo ordered.  “…and a white Russian for my wife.”  JanDi could tolerate a little bit of alcohol on occasion.

JanDi had begun to relax, enjoying the music and watching people as they danced.  The drink was a little strong; therefore, she took small sips.  JunPyo too was enjoying the music and scene below when he began to laugh.

 - “Wae?”  JanDi asked.  JunPyo just laughed more.  “Yah!”  JanDi pulled his ear.

 - “Hajima, hajima...” he continued chuckling for a few seconds more.

 - “Gu JunPyo!”

 - “Arraso!  Arraso,” he grinned.  “Remember in Macao and...and...” he began to laugh again.  He was going to get hit on the head any second if he couldn’t rein in the laughing.  “...you mistook vodka for water?”  JunPyo began to laugh again.

 - “Yah!!  That was an honest mistake!”  JunPyo couldn’t stop laughing.  “I’m glad I threw up all over your expensive suit.”

 - “I was trying to stay away from you for your own good and that was how you repaid my sacrifice.”

 - “Omo!!  Some sacrifice, almost getting married to Unnie.  Atch!”  She looked at him angrily.

 - “Deh, but you’re the one I married.”  He pulled her close and kissed her softly.  “Kansamnida for waiting for me.  Na don’t think I ever said that before, mianhae.”

JanDi’s heart swelled with love this childish, annoying, many times stubborn, and arrogant, yet loving and caring man.

Time passed; they had long finished their drinks and were still enjoying the music.  “JanDi-ah, want to dance?”

 - “Ah?”  She was taken by surprise.  “Oh...deh,” she smiled a little shyly.  JunPyo had taught her basic dance form or at least how not to step on his feet.

They danced to a few mid-tempo songs, where JunPyo took hold and released his wife’s hands several times and then the tempo dropped for a few romantic songs.  JunPyo brought her close to him.  He couldn’t believe they had been married six years already.  “Yah, saranghae,” he lifted her face to his.

 - “Gu JunPyo, nado saranghae.”

 - “I think sometimes I don’t tell you enough,” he sighed.  He could negotiate a business deal, stand in front of a group of investors and sell their company, but his tongue got stuck telling his wife he loved her.

 - “Gwenchana, ara.”  Perhaps they were married too young and had InHei right away, sometimes their husband and wife relationship got lost in the middle.

 - “Anngwenchana,” he said, but then remained quiet as that song ended and a new one started.  “This feels nice.”

 - “Mwo?”  She was relaxing in her husband’s arms and it did feel nice.  They were so busy with their careers and being parents, JanDi feared she sometimes or perhaps quite often overlooked quality time with her husband.

 - “This, being here with you…just the two of us.  Choah holding you in my arms.  Sometimes, I think I treat you like a business partner, not anae.  Mian.  Just know that despite my mistakes you’re more precious to me than anything else.”

If the club lights weren’t so dim you could see they were both blushing.  He slowly touched his lips to hers and just as slowly parted them, deepening the kiss.  The music changed tempos again and they could feel it vibrating through their kiss.  JunPyo ended the kiss.  “JanDi-ah...,” he hesitated a little as he escorted his wife off the dance floor.  “...want to go back to our suite?”  He was looking down and not at her, like an awkward schoolboy, even after six years of marriage.

The bottle of champagne JunPyo ordered was already chilling in their bedroom when they arrived at the suite.  Pouring him and his wife a glass of champagne, he said:  “Kansamnida...for coming on this trip with me.  Ara, it’s a business trip first, but it’s the easiest way for us all to spend some time together.”

 - “Ara.  Mianhae, the clinic keeps me busy too and our focus is always InHei.”

 - “Annchoah sharing you with the clinic at first, hajima it’s what you love, what you were born to do.  Na was born to lead Shinhwa group and for you.”  The champagne was starting to take effect.

 - “Chincha JunPyo?”  JanDi felt herself close to tears at his endearments.

 - “Chincha...”  He took her now empty glass and kissed her with all the weight of his words.  His hands undid the zipper of her dress, while hers found the buttons of his shirt.

He made love to her hungrily, impatiently at first, but then he realized it had been too long.  It had been too long since they’d shared each other’s bodies.  He slowed down and made love to all of her.  He caressed and kissed her tenderly, almost reverently, getting to know her body all over again.  She too let her hands paint a picture for her, just like a blind person would.       

After, they could hardly keep awake but not wanting the moment to slip away, just yet.  She lay with her head on his chest as he gently ran his fingertips up and down her back and sometimes along her side.  “JanDi-ah, saranghae.  You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.  Without you, where would I be?  Would I be like JunHee, married to someone I didn’t love and even hated, just for the sake of Umma’s greed?”

 - “JunPyo, it didn’t happen that way.  We stayed strong until the end and when we didn’t have enough faith in ourselves our chingu did;” namely Jihoo.  He had sacrificed it all for the woman he loved and his best friend whom he also loved and wanted to see happy.  JanDi smiled as she thought that Jihoo finally got his reward in Ilana, the woman who was selected by God just for him and him for her.

 - “Deh, our chingu are daeback.  Soon, we’ll all have kids and they’ll be tormenting the halls of Shinhwa, just like we did.”

 - “Ani!  Our kids are good, not like F4 and their leader."

 - “Deh, InHei is perfect and JeongYul is a cute kid,” they remained silent; JanDi’s eyes were closing more often than they were staying awake.  A thought came upon JunPyo.  “JanDi-ah, let’s not wait so long to make love again?  Maybe…maybe if we try a little harder, we can give InHei a namdongsaeng?”  When JanDi didn’t respond, he looked down and she was asleep.  He smiled.  “Gwenchana, maybe we can talk about it later, jalja.”  He yawned and closed his eyes.  He was sure it was past two A.M. and he had a nine A.M. meeting.

Ilana drained an entire bottle of water after practice that night and one during.  It felt like she had strained her voice, but she had definitely noticed something off during practice.  She still hit her notes, but it just didn’t feel right.  They had just arrived home when her phone rang.  It was Jihoo and she answered with a smile.

 - “Sarang!”  Her voice cracked as she answered.

 - “Mwo?”  He chuckled

Ilana swallowed first and drank more water before answering.  “Mianhae!  I think I strained my voice.  It’s a little off.  What time will you be home?”

It was his turn to feel sorry and drew in a quick breath before speaking.  “Nomu mianhae, Sarang.  I have to stay.  They are badly in need of help in the ER.”

 - “Deh…” she sighed.  She hated when he had to work late.  Even if he came home when it was time to go to bed, that was fine.  But if it was going to be later, she hated it.  She usually had a hard time sleeping without him.

 - “Don’t stay up too late working.”  He knew her.

 - “Ani,” unless she got a phone call from Seoul, she planned on sleeping.  It was proving to be one of those weeks.  It had been one of those weeks more often than not since their return from Seoul.  Her walks had been helping.  She noticed a decrease in annoying headaches.  They weren’t extremely painful, like migraines, just noticeably there.  “I plan on sleeping early.  The constant phone calls while I’m home, tire me out more than going to the office.”

 - “At least Sarang is home tomorrow and we can have lunch before I come back to the hospital”

 - “Choah.”  Her voice was fading again.

 - “Drink some tea with honey before going to sleep and don’t sleep with your hair wet.”

 - “Deh, Uissanim!  Anyway, I washed my hair before going to practice.  It’s hot enough outside to almost dry it instantly.”

 - “Anae is being disrespectful?”

 - “Anieyo,” she said as sweetly as possible.  Grinning she stuck her tongue out to the phone.

 - “Dr. Jihoo?”  Someone stepped into the office.  “I’m sorry; I didn’t see you on the phone.  When you have a moment, bed 22 is asking when she can go home.”

 - “Yes, give me just one minute and I will release her discharge paperwork.”  He returned to his wife.  “Mianhae, nae sarang I have to go.  Saranghae, Jalja.”

 - “Deh, nomu saranghae.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”  Ilana was in their room by this time and sat on the bed scratching Joy’s head.  “Joy-ah gets to sleep on Appa’s side of the bed tonight, haengbokhae (happy)?”  Joy revved up her motor, enjoying the one on one attention from Umma.

Again, secretary Jang worked his magic for the Gu family.  Coney Island it turned out did not have fireworks scheduled until the weekend.  What to do in NYC with two little girls?  Take them to the theatre, of course.  He reserved four premium seats for that night’s performance of Aladdin and when the girls were asked where they wanted to dine, by unanimous agreement, it was the American Girl Café.  InHei made sure to bring her Maryellen doll and several changes of clothes depending on the occasion

JunPyo made sure to finish his meetings early that day.  He did have an important dinner meeting scheduled for the next day, but Secretary Jang always left him at least one evening free to spend with the family when they were all together.  The Gu family arrived to pick up Isabel at approximately a quarter to five.  JanDi reminded her husband they couldn’t just grab Isabel and leave.  Abigaíl had been nervous about letting Isabel go out alone with the Gu family.  Isabel and InHei had become the greatest of friends even if one was in New York and the other in Seoul.  As a child, neither she nor Luciana were allowed to go out with friends.  Friends were allowed to visit, but they weren’t allowed to go anywhere but home or the restaurant.  JaeKyung had quickly won her confidence as they bonded over pregnancy, but she didn't know anything about the Gu family other than her husband telling her they were the wealthiest family in the country.   He thought to refrain from mentioning that Gu JunPyo was the school bully he had told her about.  Everyone deserved a chance to turn their life around for good and as far as Jaejoong knew JunPyo was a devoted husband and Father.

The girls had spent several hours the day before getting reacquainted and Abigaíl and JanDi had the opportunity to get acquainted.   It was really easy to bond over a very cute two-month-old.  While the girls played dolls in Isabel's room, the two Moms hung out with JaeWook in the nursery.  This way they could keep an ear out for the girls.

 - "JaeWook Yippeun!"  JanDi said.

 - "Kansamnida," Abigaíl had introduced them.  "Would JanDi-ssi like to hold him?"

 - "Chinchayo?"

 - "Deh," she took JaeWook from his crib and gave him to JanDi.  As a Doctor, she held him a little more roughly than Umma did.  After all, JanDi knew babies didn't break that easily.  "Annyeong hasseyo, JaeWook?"  She had the baby right in from of her face as she made faces at him.  "Abigaíl-ssi look!  He's just staring at me."

JaeWook gurgled in response.  "Coqueto (flirt)!"  Abigaíl told him.  He was used to his Mom telling him that he tried to follow her voice with a cute little smile.

 - "JaeWook-ah?  What is Umma saying?  You're trying to find her?  Should I help you?"  Before turning him around to see Mama.  She stretched out her arms with him above her head and brought him back down again.  JaeWook was all smiles and Abigaíl paled at the sight of her baby being so roughly handled.  "Now where is Umma?"  She picked up a stuffed animal and showed it to him.  "Is that Umma?  No?  I didn't think so.  Let's look over here."  JanDi walked him to a mirror.  "Do you see Umma?"  JanDi laughed in amusement to see him wide-eyed looking in the mirror and then turned back to Abigaíl who was anxiously waiting for her baby.  "JaeWook Umma Yippeun?"  JaeWook recognized Umma immediately and squirmed in JanDi's arms.

 - "Vente pa'qua mi amor (Come here my love)?"  Abigaíl cradled him in relief against her body, when she sat in the rocking chair.  Used to her own family and even JaeKyung that just made themselves at home, she looked up to see JanDi still standing.  "JanDi-ssi, please sit...anjayo?"

 - "Kansamnida,” JanDi promptly sat on the floor by the rocking chair, further bewildering Abigaíl.  “He's very healthy from what I can see.  He eats well?"

 - "Deh!  He still nurses every two or three hours."

 - "JaeWook and Isabel keep Abigaíl-ssi busy.  Kim Uissa is working?"

 - "Deh, only for a few hours.  He had a report due as of last week but he spends all his time with his adul and doesn't handle the smaller responsibilities he has while on paternity leave."

JanDi didn't quite understand that phrase and was evident on her face.

Abigaíl had begun to relax around JanDi and forgot she wasn’t as fulent in English.  "Nampyon will not work all day for another month."

 - "Ah, daeback," JanDi said.  JunPyo had tried taking time off for InHei, but was only able to stay with her for the first two weeks.

 - "I never thought I would have another child after Isabel," Abigaíl broke into JanDi's thoughts.  "Will JanDi and InHei’s dad be working on a-a dongsaeng?"  She had to think of the word again.

 - "Ah?  Oh..."  JunPyo's voice came to JanDi's mind like a dream.

"Maybe…maybe if we try a little harder, we can give InHei a namdongsaeng?"

 - "Mollah-yo?  We...haven't really talked about it?"  Or did they?  JanDi felt herself blushing for some reason.

The rest of the afternoon passed amicably, and the two women began to speak confidently about kids and husbands and sometimes forgetting to distinguish between the two.

Isabel and Isabelle ran down the stairs in all their finery.  Well, Isabel was the one running, the doll just sort of tagged along.  Esther had already escorted the Gu family to the sitting room.

 - "Annyeong hasseyo, Imo, Ajussi!"  Isabel bowed.

 - "Isabel-ah, annyeong " JanDi greeted her with a warm smile.

 - "InHei-ah!  Maryellen!  Gwiyoepda!"  She gushed at her friend and doll's wardrobe.

 -"Unnie, nomu yippeun," InHei hugged her friend and kissed her on the cheek, making her parents look at each other and smile.

Jaejoong walked in not too long afterward.  "Annyeong hasseyo, Gu JunPyo-ssi, Guam Uissa," he bowed.  "Anjayo, juseyo.  Isabel Umma will be down shortly, adul needed her attention momentarily."

 - "Kim Uissa has a nice home."

 - "Ah, Kansamnida; Nae will make sure to relate your compliments to nae parents."

 - "They are in town?"  Of course, JunPyo knew all about the Kims as they were in the same circle.  Although Jaeojoong's parent’s money came mainly from investments, while JunPyo's came from holdings.

 - "Deh.  They arrived shortly before the birth of adul."

JanDi missed the quick look her husband gave her at the mention of the baby,

 - "Kim Uissa, Kansamnida for letting Isabel come with us this evening."

 - "Anieyo gwenchanayo, the two have become such good chingu, how can I deny them a chance to spend time together.”

At that, Abigaíl walked in with a freshly changed JaeWook.  "Annyeong hasseyo," Abigaíl smiled and inclined her head.

 - "Gu JunPyo-ssi, this is Isabel Umma."  Jaejoong introduced his wife.

 - "Manasseh bangobsumnida," Gu JunPyo was all manners and cordialness.

 - "InHei Appa, this is Kim JaeWook," JanDi lost no time in shaking a cute little foot.

Gu JunPyo wore a sort of lopsided grin.  "He's a fine adul."

There was something in JunPyo's countenance that made Abigaíl open .  "Gu JunPyo-ssi, would you like to hold him?"

 - "Mworago?"  He hadn't held a baby since InHei and here Abigaíl was already placing JaeWook into his arms."

 - "Yeobo, they don't break," JanDi said, not wasting time cooing at the baby.

 - "Let's see," JunPyo started losing some of his nervousness.  “Yah…will you be Uissa like Appa or a great business namja like Harabeoji?”  JunPyo grinned and made faces at JaeWook and JaeWook responded by wiggling and grunting, which appeared to be laughter.

 - “Yeobo, he likes you!”

 - “He’s very friendly; Isabel was much more reserved as a baby.”

 - “Dtal has great taste.  She chose me, didn’t she?”

Abigaíl gave him the ‘seriously?’ look.  JanDi stifled a giggle.  She, of course, didn’t know him at Shinhwa, but his personality was almost that of her husband’s.

 - “Na and Isabel Umma would like to extend an invitation to your family to the water park tomorrow.  We have season passes that include a cabana.”

 - “Appa!!!  Juseyo??”  InHei was already jumping up and down.  She was a talented swimmer just like her Umma. “It’s our last day, when will I see Unnie again?”

 - Ajussi, juseyo?"  Isabelle begged of JunPyo.

JunPyo sighed.  “Mianhae, I have to work so that we can leave Friday to visit Ajussi Jihoo.”  Their crestfallen faces were killing him.  “How much does nae InHei-ah want to go?”  He figured he could send his family on their own.  He had a dinner meeting the next day, anyway.

InHei gave her Appa a squeezing hug.  “This much, Appa!!!”  InHei knew this was the predecessor to him saying yes.

 - “Oh!!!  That much?”

 - “Deh, Appa!!”

 - “If it’s okay with Kim Uissa, Umma and InHei can go while I work.  Does that sound fair?”

Isabel excitedly hugged her friend, but InHei was torn between time with her friend and time with her Appa.  Smiling anyway, she gave a quick little bow to her Appa.  “Kansamnida Appa, we’ll have fun at the theatre tonight.”  Even though he always made time for her, she wished her Appa didn’t have to work so much.  It would have been fun to take Appa to the water park too.

 - “This is going to be so much fun!!”  Isabel was squealing and InHei got caught up in her excitement and began squealing too.

JaeWook was starting to make a face, not happy with the noise his sister and her friend were making.  “No…no, it’s okay, Wookie.  Isabel, stop.  Wookie is getting upset,” Abigaíl had to tone down the festivities.

 - “Mianhae Wookie,” Isabel made a great fuss for her brother and he was soon smiling again.

At the American Girl Café, the party of six, including the dolls, enjoyed their food and some playing around while they dined.  Isabel had ordered the mini hamburger and mini hot dog but wasn’t eating the broccoli that came with her plate.  Even if they were responsible for her this evening, JunPyo and JanDi couldn’t come out and order her to eat her vegetables.  Her parents had warned them she was a picky eater.  JunPyo had an idea.  Taking the Isabelle doll, to Isabel’s surprise, he cleared his voice and in an octave higher than his normal voice, he said:  “Will Umma give me one of her funny trees?”

Isabel grinned, “deh!  Dtal should eat her vegetables they are good for you.”

 - “Oooh!!  Masheesuhyo (Delicious)!!”  JunPyo had placed the broccoli in front of the doll’s mouth.  Both girls were giggling behind their hands by now.  “Umma, you have to try this.  The cheese sauce is jjang!”

 - “Gwenchanayo, Isabelle-yah can have them all.”

 - “Anieyo Umma, na really want you to have some.  Juseyo?”  JunPyo jutted out his lower lip to everyone’s amusement.

 - “Yah, Isabel-ah doesn’t want Isabelle to think you only make her eat broccoli and you don’t,” JanDi reasoned with the child.

 - “Broccoli choah, especially pickled,”  InHei told her friend.

 - “Eew!”  Isabel thought that sounded disgusting.

 - “But broccoli with cheese is even better, all you taste is cheese,” JanDi coaxed.

 - “Umma doesn’t want to share broccoli with me!!!”  JunPyo moaned in his ‘Isabelle’ voice.”

 - “Ajussi, annchoah broccoli,” Isabel pouted.

 - “Dtal is watching,” JanDi said.  “You don’t want her to think you’re afraid of vegetables.”

 - “Unnie is afraid of vegetables?  Paboya?”  InHei giggled.  There was nothing like some positive peer pressure.

 - “Mollan anjii!”  Isabel said, not wanting to lose face in front of her friend.  She held her breath and took a broccoli floret and dipped it in cheese.  It was surprisingly good; all she really tasted was the cheese.  “Mm…Masheesuhyo (Delicious)."

 - “Deh Umma!”  JunPyo/Isabelle said before he placed the doll back in her chair.

The rest of the dinner passed in general silliness as JunPyo and JanDi took turns being the voice of the dolls, making the two little girls laugh until their tummies ached.   They all ate their desserts, chocolate mousse flower pot for JunPyo and Isabel and vanilla cupcake for JanDi and InHei.  Of course, the dolls were allowed ‘a taste’ of both.

Neither girl got stains on their ‘royal’ wardrobe and happily walked back to where Secretary Jang was waiting with the car.  “Gongju (princess), InHei, Gongju Isabel, did you enjoy your dinner?”  Secretary Jang played with girls as held the car door open for the family.  InHei always reminded him of when JunHee was little.

 - “Deh, Ajussi” InHei answered.

 - “InHei Appa is daeback,” Isabel said, having had so much fun.  Just like when her own Appa was with her.

 - “Deh!”  InHei stood from her booster and wrapped her arms around her Appa’s neck from behind him.  “Appa is jjang!  Saranghaeyo!”

JunPyo laughed with his cute little girl.  “Deh!  Nado dtal saranghae!”  JunPyo remained smiling at the love that he received from that little girl.

JanDi reached out her hand to her husband’s and gave it a gentle squeeze.  He was the best for her as well.  “Saranghae,” she mouthed when he turned to look at her.  Where would she be without him?  An Olympic swimmer?  Maybe.  But would she know this love and that little girl in the backseat?

Los Angeles, CA

Ilana had completely lost her voice to her annoyance.  She wasn’t in the rotation to sing this week, but she had so much work to do.  It had been extremely difficult to be working from home without a voice.  There was email, but she was always afraid an email would get lost or buried and she hated to mark it urgent.  It was so much easier to pick up the phone and call and send a follow-up email after.  She was supposed to have a conference call with the team working on the Buena Park property, but she had to give it to JungMin to handle.  Thank goodness, she had been right about hiring him; he knew her job as well as he did his own.

Ilana’s phone buzzed with a message.

Jihoo:  I’ll pick you up for the mid-week Bible Study.

Ilana smiled.  He hadn’t made it to the mid-week study in a month.

Ilana:  Manseh!  I’ll make something portable for your dinner.  Nampyon can eat quickly before Church.

He would have to return to the hospital after services, but at least he got to escape for a little while.

Jihoo:  Gomawo <3

Ilana returned to her laptop and sighing decided she had a headache.  Getting up from her desk, she headed for the kitchen in search of yet another cup of tea.  She loved Citron tea, but she could swear she had drunk half the jar already today.  Walking into the kitchen she was hit with the wonderful smell of a pork and tomatillo stew.  She hadn’t even realized she was hungry.

Nana smiled.  “Como está tu voz (How is your voice?).”

 - “Igual (No change),” Ilana whispered.

 - “Deja y te caliento un té (Let me heat you some tea).  ¿Ya gustas cenar, hija (would you like to eat dinner now, dear)?"

Ilana nodded.  It was six P.M.  Jihoo would pick her up in about forty-five minutes.

Jihoo couldn’t get away quite on time and they arrived a few minutes late to Church.  “I’ll eat after, I promise,” he said as his wife gave him a disapproving look.  “I’m fortunate Sarang can’t speak,” grinning he gave her lips a quick peck.  “Kaja, we’re already late,” he took her hand and pulled her to the car.

During worship Ilana sat in her chair, eyes closed, letting the words of the songs flow through her heart.  Was this what she was supposed to be doing?  Just being quiet and listening for God’s voice?  It had been a busy month and it will just get busier.  She hadn’t neglected her relationship with God but perhaps he was trying to get her attention.  Ironically, or not, the message that evening was about listening for God's voice.  "But I am listening, Lord?"  She said in her head.  She didn't understand what she was supposed to be listening for.  She sang the words of the song in her heart, making them her prayer.

All to Jesus I surrender;

All to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live.

Refrain:

I surrender all,

I surrender all;

All to Thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

Jihoo took a similar meaning from the message.  It was as if the Lord was telling him there would be changes soon, be sensitive to his direction.  "Lord?  Will you be placing me in another hospital after my contract is expired?  I need your help getting that ER running smoothly, juseyo?"  This was Jihoo's prayer.  Also, that he would bless his wife with her heart’s desire.  More than a successful business, she wanted to prove herself worthy of being his wife by bearing his child or children.  She was already worthy of him, simply because he loved her, but he knew how her mind worked.  For the moment, she was keeping herself busy and praying faithfully, but until their child was conceived she would be an easy target for the enemy to start filling with his lies.

After service, they were accosted by Pastor JaeRim and his wife, SoEun.  "How's your voice?" Pastor JaeRim asked.  He had noticed it was slightly off during practice.

 - "She lost it," Jihoo answered.

 - "I'm sorry, did you try honey and lemon?" SoEun asked, with sympathy.

Ilana nodded her head, 'yes'.  "I’ve finished almost half a jar of citron tea," she whispered.

 - "Steamed Asian pears with honey!"  SoEun said.

 - "Na have to go back to work tonight," Jihoo said.  "Or else I'd stop and get her some."

Ilana waived her hands, indicating there was no need.

 - "I can get some for you after Church," Sarah offered.

Ilana was shaking her head; she didn't want SoEun to have to go out of her way.

 - "Gwenchanayo SoEun-ssi, I'll ask Brendon to do us the favor."  Technically, Brendon was off duty, but Jihoo knew he wouldn't refuse if asked.  Ilana never imposed on him.

 - "Well, we should pray for Ilana's voice."

It was a few minutes past nine when Jihoo and Ilana returned home.  "Mianhae, Sarang, I have to go back."

Ilana sulked and hugged him.  She missed him terribly at night.

He kissed her softly.  "Jalja, steam a pear with honey as soon as Brendon gets back and go to sleep."  Brendon was nice enough to run all the way to HMart to buy the pears.  Honey, Nana always bought from the farmers market on Friday mornings.  She always made sure to have two jars at a time, one to cook with and one for emergencies.

Jihoo made to walk back out the door and Ilana grabbed his hand.  "Sarang, what is it?"

Ilana made an eating motion with her hands.

 - "Sarang, I should get back.  Pastor Young ran a little long tonight."

Ilana shook her head and was pulling him as hard as she could.

 - "Arraso, arraso!"  He grinned.  "When it's anae that's too busy to eat, nothing can persuade you," he mock complained.

 - "Maja!"  She mouthed.

Nana had left the wrapped burrito, Ilana had rolled for her husband, on a warming tray In the kitchen.  She pulled out an insulated bag in which she placed the burrito, some napkins and a small container of Nana's green salsa.  "Kansamnida," he gave her a peck on the cheek.  "Jal moke getsumnida (I will eat this well).  Get some rest."

She nodded her head and walked him out the door where she playfully wrapped her arms around him, not letting him go.

 - “Yah!  Anae makes it harder for me to go.  Nah will be back before you wake up.”

Ilana let go and smiled prettily for him and gave him one more lingering kiss.  “That’s to make sure you finish your work soon and come home,” she whispered.

He placed his forehead against hers and whispered back:  “Stop talking and get some rest.”  He kissed her forehead and waved goodbye.  She waited at the door until the white convertible was no longer in sight.   After a shower, sleep didn’t come readily.  She had research to do and a good portion of it was in Hangul.  She ignored the slight headache that was more annoying than painful and later ended up sleeping head down on her arm in the study.

August 27, 2015

When Jihoo arrived home around two-thirty he wouldn’t find his wife in bed.  Having showered at the hospital, he threw on his pajamas and went to the study for his wife.  There were only a few places she fell asleep and it was usually the study.

Sure enough, she was asleep to the side of the laptop.  Praying she didn’t wake up, he gently leaned her against his forearm and pushed the chair back to scoop up her legs.  He didn’t need the elevator, she wasn’t heavy at all and his six-foot frame could carry her five-foot frame easily.  She would have woken up had he tried to piggyback her from the position she was in.  After laying her on the bed and removing her outer robe, he climbed in too, wrapped her in his arms and was immediately asleep.

New York, NY

JunPyo’s meeting was more of a business cocktail event, beginning at six and ending at eight.  He made a lot of useful contacts that would come in handy with Shinwa International and its partners.  He told JanDi he would meet them at the Kim household since Jaejoong’s Father had also attended the meeting.

 - “Do you come to New York often, then?”  Mr. Kim asked.

 - “Anieyo, not as often as I used to.  I did spend four years in New York as the management agent for Shinhwa International.”

 - “Ah deh, I remember now and about the same time Gu JunHee-ssi became the chairwoman of Shinwa Group.”

 - “Deh.”

 - “And here we are looking to do business together.  One can leave the republic, but the republic never leaves us, deh?”

 - “Deh, Kim-ssi.

They were soon interrupted by Mrs. Oh “Yeobo, JunPyo-ssi, Isabel Umma called and they are not far away.  They will be arriving in the next fifteen minutes.”

 - “Kansamnida,” JunPyo inclined his head politely.

 - “It seems the girls had a good day, adul sent me a picture of the two girls coasting down the lazy river together.”

 - “Ah deh, InHei Umma did too.  InHei-ah loves to swim.”

 - “Deh, so does our Isabel.  She took after her Umma who also loves to swim.”

 - “Anae as well.”

It hadn’t taken long before the two Mother’s figured that out for themselves.  Abigaíl was still a very friendly and outgoing woman; although, sometimes she forgot to talk because all anyone ever wanted to do was hold the baby.  JanDi did both.  She took up a running commentary for JaeWook on everything they did.  JanDi had been holding JaeWook in the cabana and looking out to the Discovery Bay area for children.  Jaejoong and the girls were going down a slide.

 - “JaeWook-ah, see Noona-deul going down the slide with Appa?  By next summer Appa and Umma will take you down the water slide too.  Does that sound like fun?”

 - “He loves water already.  Jaejoong and I take him in the pool and he kicks his legs trying to copy us.”

JanDi laughed, “I would have wanted a water birth, but nampyon was too nervous.”

 - “I didn’t even think about it, I was so frightened and lost with Isabel and I just wanted JaeWook out.”  Both women laughed.  “Maybe…if the Lord blesses us again.  I can’t believe I just said that and Wookie is only two months old.”

 - “It’s easy to forget when they are so precious in your arms,” JanDi unknowingly stared at JaeWook with a type of Mommy lust.

JanDi’s warm and simple character had removed most of Abigail’s apprehension toward the unknown woman early in the day.  She was able to quickly recognize the look on her face and not feel shy in asking her if she wanted another child.  “JanDi-ssi, do you want another baby?”

 - “Omo!  Am I that obvious?  Mianhae, I think you better take JaeWook before I want to take him with me tomorrow.”  JanDi blushed a little and gave JaeWook back to his Umma.

 - “I’ll pray for you.  I’m already praying for Ilana, what’s one more.”

 - “Kansamnida!  Abigaíl -ssi is very kind.”

 - “It doesn’t cost me anything to pray.”

JaeWook had decided he was hungry around that time.  “Wookie-ah, you keep eating as much as you do, you’ll sink into the water,” Abigaíl told her always hungry baby.  “I guess you can play polo like Appa, a horse should be able to carry you.”  She kissed the soft head.  “Does InHei play sports?”

 - “At Shinhwa elementary, they have to participate in several sports.  She’s taking ballet and swim.”

 - “Isabel is in swim too.  She takes after me.”

 - “Deh, InHei does too.  JunPyo didn’t learn to swim until High School.  The only reason I accepted the scholarship to Shinhwa was because of their Olympic size swimming pool.  If I hadn’t injured my shoulder I would have wanted to compete for the Olympics.”

 - “I was on the swim team in High School too!”  Abigaíl said excitedly.  “I received a swimming scholarship for college, but I had InHei right after I graduated and I began working at the hospital.”

 - “Wau!  We have a lot in common.”  JanDi was happy to make a new friend.

Arriving from the waterpark, the two little girls didn’t want to part.  “Appa!!”  Isabel whined with tears in her eyes.  “I don’t want InHei-ah to go!”

 - “Appa!  Can we stay longer?!”  InHei said.

 - “Isabel, stop clinging to InHei, they’re going to visit Tia Ilana tomorrow,” Abigaíl tried reprimanding her daughter who was tired and oversensitive.

- “Isabel Umma, can Isabel come with us?”  InHei clung to Isabel even tighter.

JunPyo, who had a hard time telling his daughter 'no', looked to his wife for help.

 - "InHei-ah, we won't be coming back to New York.   You two girls will have another opportunity to visit soon."

 - "Umma...?"

 - "Appa, I don't want InHei to go!"  Isabel whined again.

 - "Isabel!  Stop or you won't get to talk to skype with InHei for a month."  Abigail was the disciplinarian.

 - "Ma-ma!"  Isabel cried.

 - "Say goodbye."

 The two girls tearfully said goodbye.

 - "We'll be in town for chusauk," Jaejoong remembered.   "Hokshina you two can visit then."

 - "Chinchayo?"  Isabel looked at InHei's parents.

 - "Deh!  Choahyo," JanDi looked to her husband daring him to say 'no'

 - "Ah deh!  Greomyo, we'll look forward to it," JunPyo said.

 - "Manseh!"  InHei began to jump up and down followed by Isabel.

That night Jaejoong and Abigaíl stood outside Isabel's door and heard her prayer.

 - "Yesu, thank you for Umma, Appa, Harabeoji, Papa Mio, Halmoni, Mama Nane, and Wookie.  Thank you for nae chingu InHei, bless her and her Umma and Appa.  Yesu, hold on to their plane tight tomorrow, arraseo?  Jaljaeyo Yesu, saranghaeyo."

Mom and Dad stood grinning at each other.  Before he went to bed, Jaejoong walked up and down the halls of the house thanking the Lord for his gifts.  "Yesu, Kansamnida for making me worthy of my family."

He snuggled into bed with his wife, leaning over for a good night kiss.  "How tired are you?"  He asked.  Her eyes were closed but could tell by her breathing, she wasn't asleep yet.

 - "I'm tired"

 - "Chincha?"  He ran a teasing hand along her hip.  They hadn't had complete since they received the all clear from the Obstetrician, but there were other ways to enjoy each other’s bodies as when she was in her late pregnancy.

 - "Jae!"  She protested.

 - "We have time before Wookie wakes up, na can think of ways to pass the time."  He snuck a naughty hand under her nightgown.  When his wife didn't give in, he lifted the blanket and her gown amidst her protests and blew a raspberry in the middle of her stomach.

 - "Jae!  Knock it off!"  Abigaíl yelled and he did it again.  "Stop!"

 - "I'll take...the first...and the last...feeding...of the night."  He tickled her stomach with his tongue after each pause.

 - "Then I'll have to pump!"

 - "It's a good thing I plan to keep you awake for a while."  He hovered over her as she halfheartedly pushed him away.  He took her hands and held them to her side before descending to face with kisses, but denying her lips.  It wouldn't take long for Abigaíl to cave under pressure.

Los Angeles, CA

Ilana still didn't have her voice back and to top it off, she had caught a summer cold.  She had Nana come in to wake her that morning so as to not wake Jihoo who was still sound asleep.  When she leaned on the bed to kiss him goodbye that morning, without even opening his eyes, he held her tightly to him.

 - "Aigoo, we're going to miss our train," she still could speak in no more than a whisper.

 - "Mmm, that's the point,” he said, also in a whisper.

 - "Sarang, get more sleep."

 - "That's what I'm trying to do, but anae won't hold still."

 - "Chincha!  I gotta go."

 - "Only because sarang is gwiopda when she uses her American slang."

 Ilana's throat was irritating her and she quickly turned her head to cough.

 - "Yah, you're getting sick aren't you?"  He thought he'd heard her sniffling in her sleep.

 - "JungMin is going to come up and start yelling any minute," She gave him another peck on the lips and forced her way free.  "Annyeong!"  She tried to yell from the door but just ended up coughing.

It was now past eight and she and JungMin had just gotten off the train and into the car.  "Don't you two look like something the cat dragged in?"  Brendon teased them.

JungMin glared at him.  "I'll have a shot of ginseng when we get home and anae will give me a massage."

 - "Ha!  Mrs. Park hasn't had an equally trying day, right?"

 - "She'll do it for me, I can be persuasive."

Ilana climbed in the back seat and closed her eyes, while JungMin sat in the front with Brendon and they continued to bicker and tease back and forth all the way back home.

Ilana and team had worked very hard with the idea that no one would have to work at all over the weekend.  Jihoo was not on call and she planned to spend every second with him.  Despite her headache, she smiled.  Neither she nor JungMin had eaten lunch, having gone out to meet a client at their place of business.  The Los Angeles heat was unbearable and they were out and about for a few hours.  They had brought food back to the office but ended up being too busy to touch most of it.  Her cold was still bothering her, sapping her of energy.  She had re-touched her make up several times during the day to fight off the dark circles and tired eyes.

 - “Miss Ilana, it appears your husband is home,” Brendon’s voice woke Ilana, who had dozed off.

 - “I dozed off,” she said in her whisper.  She entered the house with a tired smile on her face.

Nana greeted her at the door, to take her bag.  “Nana y mi marido (My husband, Nana)?”

 - “En el salón de entretenimiento (In the media room); querida estas agotada (dear, you’re worn out).  Ahorita, rapidito, te caliento algo de comer y un té (Quickly, I'll bring you something to eat and a cup of tea, right now)."

Ilana could only nod, she didn’t really have an appetite, but was sore and putting something soothing down it, sounded really good.  Brendon had brought them McDonalds when he picked them up, but all she ate were the fries.  Entering the media room, a violin solo was playing quietly in the background and her husband had dozed off in the king chair with his feet propped on the ottoman.  He wore navy blue slacks with the white linen shirt Ilana had given him for his birthday the year before.  She came up behind him and leaned over wrapping her arms around his neck and breathing in his wonderful natural scent that was enhanced with the perfume oil she had given him.  All the tension of the day seemed to float away, but it was the glue that was holding her together and all of a sudden she didn’t think she could stand a moment longer.

Jihoo felt a soft weight on his shoulders and head, but after a few minutes, he noticed the feel of the weight changed.  He opened his eyes to see his wife’s arms crossed under his chin, he lifted his hand and felt her head leaning on his.  He unwrapped her left arm and took her hand as she straightened herself up to walk around the chair and sit next to him.  They immediately snuggled close; he brought his arm around her and lifted her legs across his.  She buried herself against his side and brought her arm around his middle.

 - “Gwenchana?”  She did look tired. as if she’d fall asleep at any moment.

Ilana nodded as a cough snuck up on her.

With his free hand, Jihoo massaged .  “It’s swollen, Sarang, you need to rest.”

 - “Deh, nampyon does too.”

He ignored her statement about his own need to rest.  He was used to running on empty, she wasn’t.  “Meoriapayo?”  Her eyes drooped a little from fatigue, but he saw her furrowing her brow as if there was a bright light in front of her.

He began to massage her neck with his skilled doctor/musician’s hands.  Ilana shifted herself to have both hands free and while her husband massaged her neck, Ilana reached up to rub his shoulders for him.

By the time Nana came back with freshly prepared food for Ilana, she found both her charges fast asleep, leaning against each other.  She snuck a picture, hoping they wouldn’t wake up.  Having a feeling they’d be there all night, she made a mental note to ask Brendon to check on them before he went to bed.  Removing a light throw from a storage cabinet, she draped it over Ilana whose dress was sleeveless.  Nana saw the bolero jacket discarded on the back of the chair.  The air conditioning in the room was a little high, but at least this would keep the chill off since she already had a cold.

Somewhere close to midnight, Brendon remembered he had to check the media room.  The music still played, but the room was dark.  He let his vision adapt and then he noticed the two huddled figures on the chair.  “That can’t be comfortable,” he thought.

Lightly shaking Jihoo’s shoulder, he called out to him in a low voice.  “Dr. Jihoo, you guys should go to bed.  Dr. Jihoo...”

Jihoo was easy to rouse for the most part and Brendon only had to call him about three times before he lifted his head, wondering what was happening.  “Brendon-ssi,” Jihoo rubbed his face with his free hand.  “Mworago?”

 - “It’s late, go to sleep.”

 - “Ah, deh.  I’ve got to wake up enough to wake Ilana up, first.  I’m so tired; we’ll both fall down the stairs.”

 - “Good luck,” Brendon knew how hard it was to wake Ilana up sometimes.

Jihoo saw the blanket around them and knew their fairy Godmother had come by.  “Sarang, I need you to walk.  Na can’t carry you right now.”  He moved her legs off his and propped her back up against the chair instead of him.  She coughed in her sleep slightly but didn’t wake.  He felt cool after he had removed her from up against him.  “Sarang, wake up?”  He brushed her hair out her face and placed a few kisses on her face.  She felt warm to the touch and it had nothing to do with the blanket.  He knew her sleeping temperature as well as his own and she felt warmer than that.  “Sarang, kaja, we need to go to bed.”  He pulled her to standing and she woke as Jihoo took the first step.

 - “Jihoo!”  She croaked, and then started coughing from the strain.

 - “Gwenchana, Na won’t let you fall.  Mianhae, I’m too tired to carry you.”

Ilana nodded, letting him know she was fine.

They managed to get upstairs and to their room without falling.  Sighing they both grabbed their bedclothes and brushed their teeth.  Ilana wanted sleep more than a clean face.  Grabbing a bottle of room temperature water from their stash in the closet, Ilana climbed into bed first, followed by Jihoo.  Despite climbing stairs and brushing her teeth, she couldn’t wake up her hands and the bottle of water was proving itself to be Ilana proof.  Jihoo saw her struggle and opened the bottle for her.  In relief, she drank almost half its contents.

 - “Sarang, your throat still hurts?” She had laid her cheek against his chest and nodded, closing her eyes.  “It’s still inflamed.”  He felt her forehead again.  She did have a low-grade fever.  “Sarang isn’t going to work tomorrow,” Ilana sat up abruptly and he pulled her back down.  “I’m a firm believer in staying home after having a fever.  Sarang needs to rest; Na promise I’ll be home early tomorrow and if you’re feeling better we’ll go out on a date.  But Sarang needs to promise to rest and drink plenty of fluids.  If you’re not better, we don’t go anywhere, arraso?”  Ilana nodded her head industriously.  She was not about to miss a date with her husband.

August 27, 2015

Ilana woke somewhere close to eleven, Jihoo had left two hours earlier and she didn’t even wake up.  She was still a little tired, but the headache had gone away.  Jihoo had left her phone was on the nightstand and turned off.  She turned it on and sent her husband a text.

Ilana:  Annyeong hashiminika!  <3  How early is early?  ;)

Jihoo was working on a report due at the end of the month.  It shouldn’t take him that much longer and he could go home.  He was completely focused on the screen he startled at the sound of his phone’s vibration against the desk.  He smiled at his wife’s text.

Jihoo:  Sarang is resting?

Ilana:  Deh!  Overprotective Ajussi.

Jihoo laughed out loud.  She hadn’t called him that in a year, he thought.

Jihoo:  Maja!  Eat and stay in bed until I come home.

Jihoo was thinking of the possibility of joining her in bed later this afternoon.

Ilana:  Deh…

Jihoo:  Saranghae.

Ilana:  Nado

The Gu family met up with the So family shortly after landing.  They arrived at the same gate reserved for private jets.  Unfortunately, one family was missing.

 - “Unnie couldn’t come?”  JanDi asked with concern.

 - “Ani, Uissa is very strict and since Unnie is already in the last trimester, he said if it was just to Jeju, he’d say yes, but not a twelve-hour flight."

 - “Deh, ara some airlines and doctors say no after twenty-eight weeks."

JunPyo was upset; not at JaeKyung, but he wanted them all together.  But it was so hard with everyone’s schedules and sometimes living in different places.  It was like the four years he spent in New York, YiJung in Sweden, and Jihoo and WooBin remained in Seoul.

 - “Gu JunPyo, at least we were all together for Sunbae’s wedding.”  JanDi knew, despite how busy he was, her husband missed his friends.  Jihoo’s self-exile was especially hard for him.

 - “Deh, that was fun,” he smiled.

 - “Greon, eottoke?  What if they are working?”  YiJung asked.

 - “Deh!”  GaEul agreed.  “We can’t just show up at their house and them not be home.”

 - “Greomyo, who says we can’t?”

 - “InHei Appa, jeongmal?  You’ll frighten, Nana.”

 - “She’ll know me, Na was the best man.”

 - “Bro, na don’t feel right.  We didn’t grow up going to this house.  We can’t just show up.”

 - “We’re F4, kaja!”  As if this was an all-access pass.

Everyone followed along, thinking this could be a disastrous start to a vacation.

After Nana's super orange zest pancakes with blueberry orange syrup and thick smoked bacon, Ilana was feeling recharged.  was still a little sore, but the delicious crusty and fluffy pancakes soaked in syrup and crispy bacon felt heavenly going down.  Her voice was about fifty percent louder than the previous days.

It was early afternoon once she showered and dressed, leaving her hair to dry in the extreme heat outside.  It was a hundred degrees out, but there was a large tree on that side that provided shade, plus the retractable awning.  Thinking she should try some vocal exercises later, she dozed back off.  Her body was making up for the tension and lack of sleep of the last weeks and the cold this week.  Jihoo was right when he told her she needed to rest.

The security gate was ringing, Brendon had stepped out to run and pick up a client for one of the teams at the company.  Nana looked through the app on her phone to see a van and a man in a black suit.  They never had company, except for people from the Church.  On those days that they are expected, the gate was left open.  "En que lo puedo ayudar (How may I help you)?"

Nana’s came through the intercom at the gate.  Secretary Jang wasn't fluent in Spanish but could make himself understood at the very least.  "F4 busca Doctor Yoon or Señora (F4 is here to see Mrs. or Doctor Yoon)?"

F4 sounded familiar to Nana but wasn't sure where she'd heard it.  "No tengo la autoridad de abrirle la puerta a nadie (I don't have the authority to open the door for anyone).  Tendrá que esperar un momento (You’ll have to wait, just one minute)."

 - "Mwo?"  JunPyo had heard from within the vehicle.  "What does she mean?  We're not just anyone?"

 - "Gu JunPyo!"  JanDi had to reign in his impatience.  "This is not an F4 mansion; it's Ilana's family home."

 - "I told you, we should have called," YiJung said.

JunPyo sighed irritated.  "Gwenchanayo, we'll wait while she gets authority," he told Secretary Jang.

 - "Esperaremos (We’ll wait)," Secretary Jang told Nana.

Nana went up the stairs to the Master bedroom as quickly as possible.  For being in her early sixties, she wasn't slow at all.  “Niña!!”  She knocked sharply before entering.  "Niña?"  She wasn't anywhere in the room and was about to go downstairs again, when something caught her eye outside.  The patio umbrella was up.

Ilana was woken from her nap by Nana and looked about lost.  She had only napped for thirty minutes.  "Niña, la buscan (they are looking for you)."

 - "Está bien Nana, mi voz esta poco mejor (It's okay, Nana, my voice is a little better).  Pásame el teléfono (Pass me the phone)."

 - "No, niña, F cuatro están en la puerta, (No, child, F4 is at the door)."

Ilana was shocked.  "Deberás (Really)?"  Nana nodded.  "Has los pasar (Let them in), Nana.  Me voy a trenzar el pelo y maquillarme (I'm going to braid my hair and put on makeup).  Que por favor me disculpen unos quince minutos (Have them please wait for me, just fifteen minutes)."

 - "Sí, mi niña, ahorita voy (I’ll go this minute)."

As Nana descended the stairs, she asked JunPyo if they would like to eat and she instructed her helper to take Secretary Jang and the babysitter to the kitchen, out of the heat.

 - "Anieyo – no gracias (no thank you).”

 - "Pasa a la sala de entretenimiento (Come into the media room).  El Doctor y mi niña los esperaban (Were the Doctor and my girl expecting you)?"  She didn't think so and her girl didn't like surprises.

 - "Anieyo, es sorpresa (it’s a surprise)," JunPyo said.

Nana gave him a look that said Ilana was not going to be happy and perhaps not the young doctor either.  "Ahorita les traigo algo de beber (I'll bring you something to drink, immediately)."

 - "Gracias," JunPyo bowed.

When Nana walked out of the room, YiJung was the first to comment.  "Dude, she didn't think her employers would be too happy at our surprise."

 - "Yeobo, she didn't look comfortable at all," GaEul agreed.

 - "We'll be fine," JunPyo ignored them.

Upstairs, Ilana's stress level was going up.  She and Jihoo didn't live like they did.  If they were expecting to stay at the house, she didn't know if Nana had the rooms ready.  She was giving herself another headache.  It was sweet that they came for a surprise visit, but they weren't ready to have guests for an extended stay.  She didn't want to have to try and impress the F4, but they were Jihoo's family and should be treated with utmost care.

Ilana looked at herself in the mirror; she smoothed BB cream on her face, lip gloss and eyeliner and braided her hair.  She did a few vocal exercises to warm up her vocal cords.  Taking a deep breath, she left the safety of her room.

Once she entered the media room, her guests had made themselves at home and the kids had found some of her movies.  InHei had found an old Cinderella movie called 'The Slipper and The Rose' and was being entertained by the silliness of it as were GaEul and JanDi.  The two men were looking about the room at pictures of her and her Mother, that Jihoo had put out and a few of him and his violin that she had begged Harabeoji for.  None noticed Ilana enter the room.  "Annyeong hasseyo!"  She tried speaking as loudly as possible and it made her cough to strain her voice.

 - "Oh?  Ilana!!"  JanDi jumped up and came to bow in front of Ilana.  "Apayo (sick)?"

 - "Anieyo!"  She waved her hands, "Na just lost my voice.  Gwenchana, it's better."

 - "Chinchayo?"

 - "Deh," she smiled in reassurance.

 - "Yah, this pabo thought to surprise Jihoo," YiJung looked to JunPyo.  "Mianhaeyo, if we came at a bad time."

 - "Gwenchanayo, JunPyo.  That was sweet of you," regardless of her panicking, she did mean what she said.

JunPyo gave the others an 'I told you so' look.  "We needed a break from work and decided to surprise you."

GaEul hugged Ilana, "JaeKyung wasn't allowed to travel, but sent her greetings."

 - "Aww, she and WooBin will be missed.  Did you want to stay here?  Or should I make a call to the hotel?"

JanDi intercepted her husband.  "Ilana-yah, whatever is convenient."

 - "Na want you to be comfortable and...we live simply...perhaps you'd enjoy your stay better at the hotel?"

 - "Gwenchanayo," JunPyo was getting irritated looks from his wife and decided to put Ilana at ease.  "We...just came to visit, I’m sure we can be comfortable here, if we aren't imposing."

 - "Mollan anji!"  She hoped, at least.

 - "Na better call Jihoo and ask him what time he'll be home.  He promised to be home early today.  I'll have Nana get your rooms ready."

 - "Kansamnida!"  JanDi said.

When Ilana walked out, JunPyo turned to the group.  "See F4 always sticks together."

JanDi thought Ilana looked nervous, but so would she if she were in her place.

Ilana gave Nana instructions and she and her helper went off the make sure the rooms were in order.  Nana never neglected the vacant rooms, so it wouldn't take long.  Even the rooms downstairs were in perfect order.  She went into the study and called Jihoo.

Jihoo smiled to see his phone light up with his wife's picture.  "Yeobosayo?"

 - "Sarang, what time are you coming home?"  Ilana asked.

 - "Sarang can talk a little today.  Have you been resting?"

 - "Deh Uissa.  What time are you coming home?"

 - "Impatient?"

 - "Deh."

 - "Should na make you wait?"

 - "Ani!!"  Anytime she raised her voice about a certain decibel level, she began to cough.

 - "Sarang...," Jihoo knew it was just a summer cold, but also that it wouldn't go away if she wasn't resting.  "Na want you to keep resting."

 - "I am, chincha," this time she didn't try to go any louder than comfortable.

 - "I'll be home soon.  I'm just finishing the report and getting ready to email it."  He looked at his watch.  "Twenty minutes?  Can Sarang wait that long?"

 - "Deh, if I must.  Saranghae."

 - "Saranghae, I'll see you soon."

 - "Deh."  Ilana smiled as she hung up.  She really should have told him, but this was a nice payback for all the surprises he pulled.

Jihoo arrived twenty minutes later as anticipated.  Ilana was waiting just outside the media room, ready to pounce on him, when he walked in the door.  "Sarang!"  She ran to the door and immediately took his slippers from the cabinet, so he wouldn't notice everyone else's shoes.  "Na will take off your shoes today."

 - "Ani, Sarang is supposed to be resting."

 - "Bogishipatso, Na will not break, give me your foot."  She untied his shoes and replaced them with slippers.  Quickly, she placed the shoes back in the cabinet and stood up to place little kisses all over his face.

Before she could pull away, he pulled her close for an all-consuming kiss.  "Sarang has a mischievous spirit,” he knew she was up to something.

 - "Nae?  Pabo nampyon."  Nana had already come to take Jihoo's bag and he did not miss the conspiring look they shared.  "Let's sit in the media room," she was already tugging on his arm.

 - "Sarang is supposed to be upstairs resting."

 - "Na can rest downstairs too.  Wae?  Is there a special reason nampyon wanted me upstairs?"

He was about to kiss the smug look on her face when she dodged him to stand behind him.

 - "Haha!  I'm going to get some tea from Nana, I'll be right back."

 - "I'll get it."

 - "Ani, pick a movie and we can cuddle on the king chair, deh?"

 - "Arraso."

Ilana made to walk back toward the kitchen and Jihoo into the room.  "Ajussi!!!"  The two kids plowed into him before he could react.

 - "Kkamjjak (Surprise)!"  The rest shouted while Ilana stood outside the door grinning.

 - "Yah!  What are you guys doing here?"  Jihoo didn't quite know what to make of the surprise.

 - "Is this the way to greet your best friends?"  JunPyo asked.  "We came all the way here to spend time with you, since anae has you kidnapped."

It did seem that way, Ilana giggled silently from behind the door.  YiJung was the first to step up and give Jihoo a back pounding hug, followed by the girls and JunPyo.

 - "Anae and I are honored for this visit," he looked behind the door to his wife who was grinning.  He dragged her back into the room and grabbed JeongYul, while Ilana grabbed InHei and sat on the king chair.  "What made you come all the way here?"

 - "Na had business in New York and since we've all been working too hard, we decided to stop by here and rest for a few days.  YiJung met up with us at the airport."

 - "You two didn't have plans for the weekend, did you?"  YiJung asked.

 - "Other than spending quiet time alone with my wife?"  Jihoo thought silently and took Ilana's hand.  "Anieyo," he told the others.  "Though Ilana caught a cold yesterday, na wanted her to rest.  We've been working too much as well."

 - "Deh, this is the only way Na can get JanDi to rest.  Gwenchana, we've got the Shinhwa students looking after Harabeoji and the clinic."

 - "I'm not worried, ara JanDi is responsible and committed to the community."

 - "Gomawo Sunbae," JanDi basked in his praise.

 - "I'm afraid you guys picked a bad time to visit," Ilana said.  "It will be very warm this weekend, Na don't want you and the kids to be bored."  Ilana was most worried about trying to entertain her guests.  If it had been her friends, it would be easy, but what to do with the F4?

Jihoo sensed Ilana's concern and squeezed her hand.  "Gwenchana, Sarang, they're really not that bad."

Ilana's eyes nearly popped out at her husband's statement.  "Jihoo-yah!"  Her voice came out half-strangled as she began to cough.

 - "Omo!  Ilana-yah, here, Na haven't touched my water."  GaEul passed Ilana a bottle of water and she drank it gratefully.

 - "Gomawoyo, GaEul-ssi."

 - "Eottoke?  I'm sure Jihoo and Ilana had plans to rest this weekend and we just showed up unannounced."  GaEul voiced her concern.

 - "There's no reason why we can't just rest together?"  Jihoo was already thinking of a solution.  Most importantly was spending time with his wife and being unplugged from work.  Knowing JunPyo, he was long overdue for a break.  "If we stay here, it will be too warm even to go out to the pool during the day.  You could have done that at home and anae will be too tempted to work and she's forbidden to think of work this weekend."  The others laughed.

 - "Sarang do!"  She protested.  After losing her voice this week and sleeping over twelve hours with only one interruption, she was ready to escape.  She'd worked hard all week so she and her team didn't have to work this weekend.

 - "Let's go to the beach."

 - "Oooh!  That would be fun!"  GaEul met JanDi and her husband’s eyes.

JunPyo nodded his head.  "Choahyo.  Let's do it."

 - "Sarang, ILC group owns a few beach properties; let me see if any of them are available."  This was greeted with much excitement.  Even if the weather was hot, it would be made bearable by having the cold Pacific Ocean steps from the door.

Had the weekend been planned, it wouldn't have worked out quite as well.  By four PM, after a quick chicken and veggie quesadilla lunch provided by Nana, everyone was on their way to Laguna Beach for three days.  That was Including Joy; Jihoo would drive with the top up on the Austin Healy so as not to irritate his wife's cold any further.  This weekend was about resting and some much needed one on one time.  Traffic going South on any of the Southern California Freeways on a Friday night was an exercise in patience.  Thankfully for all the passengers, Jihoo, Brendon, and Secretary Jang were the most patient.  Nana, Brendon, and their other help, Jessi, would be later as they were picking up some groceries before they left and the rest in the morning.

By nine, everyone was exhausted.  After an almost two-hour car ride and take out Chinese for dinner, everyone took off in different directions to explore the property.  Jihoo and Ilana escaped to walk along the beach.  "Has Sarang been here before,?"

 - "Anieyo.  The...other beach house...wasn't this one."  Ilana knew he was asking if this was the beach house where everything began the summer she was abducted.  She shook off the momentary silence.  "Areumdaun (it's beautiful), almost reminds me of the beach in Girona with all the hills behind us."

 - "Deh, na look forward to returning one day," he stopped walking and wrapped his arms around her.  "...with our children."  Lately, as he prayed along with his wife for their future child, he sensed it wouldn't just be one.  In the long run at least.

Ilana smiled thinking of a little Jihoo, while he was clearly thinking of a little Ilana.  "Appa will spoil the kids rotten."

 - "Hokshina (Perhaps)?"  Jihoo pulled her to the edge of the water.

Ilana screamed.  “Ah!  It's cold!!  Pabo!"  She coughed.  "You made me scream."

 - "You got your voice back, for a second," he .

She then remembered the scene in Inspiring Generation where the Doctor tricked the main character.  The girl had lost her voice and the Doctor said she'd give her something for it and had her lie face down on the table with her dress above her waist.  A few seconds later Kim HyunJoong walked in and she screamed.  Ilana began to laugh.

 - "Wae?"

 - "You!  You better run...hana!  Dol!...set!"  Jihoo took off running, just fast enough to get a short lead, but enough to let her catch him after an appropriate amount of time.  After a few minutes of running, she managed to grab a fistful of his shirt.  "Got you!"  She said out of breath. Running wasn't her forte.

 - "Ani," he took advantage that she slackened her grip.  He turned and neatly tripped her, bringing her to the sandy floor.  "I've got you."  He sat next to her, wrapping his arm around her back and leaning her head against him.

 - "Yah, Sarang cheats."  Ilana took hold of his free hand.

He chuckled, kissing the top of her head.

 - "There's nothing like the sunrise from the beach," Ilana commented.

 - "Na do not plan on being awake for the sunrise."

 - "Lazybones," she retracted her hand to poke him in the middle a few times.

 - "Yah!"  He grabbed her hand and began to poke her back.

 - "Hajima!"  She tried to evade the strong fingers.  "Juseyo!"  But still, her husband didn't stop.  "Saranghae youngwonhee!"

He stopped.  "Ara," he brought his mouth to hers and leaned her back until she had to rest on her elbows to keep from completely falling onto the sand.  He kissed her softly, without rushing, teasing her lips like he liked to do so often.  "Nado saranghae youngwonhee."

Ilana leaned up for a bold kiss, wanting to feel his lips firmly against hers and fell his tongue caressing hers.

Lost in the kiss, she didn't realize he was pushing her back until her arms buckled under her.  "Mm!  Ani!"  She protested, trying to sit up, but he wouldn't let her.  "I don't want sand in my hair."

 - "Ani?"  He teased, trying to push her back as she pushed forward.

 - "Deh!  Don't you dare," she warned her mischievous husband.

 - "Arraso," he let himself fall back and brought her to land on top of him.  "Now where were we?"  Before she could protest, his mouth was claiming hers and soon his tongue would be seeking entry.

JanDi and GaEul read took turns reading to the kids, letting their babysitter go to the guest house with Nana, Jessi, Brendon, and Secretary Jang.  When the kids finally gave in to sleep after their very long day, they joined their husbands in the game room.  The husbands looked up with a smile to see their beautiful wives.  They had a bottle of wine on the table in front of them and four glasses.  “We were waiting for you,” JunPyo said.

 - “It took two and a half stories before they finally went to sleep,” GaEul said.

 - “Pigonhaeyo (tired)?”  YiJung asked his wife, before rubbing her back.

 - “Deh, jogeum, it did feel different to fly.”

 - “At least JaeKyung told us to use the JK group plane.  It would have been more difficult for anae on a commercial flight.”  He had stopped rubbing her back and now had placed a light hand on her bump that was getting more pronounced now in her fifth month.

JanDi leaned her head on JunPyo’s shoulder.  “But where are Sunbae and Ilana?”  She said realizing they weren’t in the room.

 - “They disappeared a short while ago, they were playing games with the kids and then they weren’t.”

 - “To be a newlywed again,” YiJung grinned as he looked at his wife with a twinkle in his eye.

 - “You two had your second honeymoon after Jihoo’s wedding,” JunPyo said.  “It’s our turn.”  JunPyo took JanDi’s face in his hand and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb.

 - “JunPyo!”  JanDi blushed, not at his caresses, but at the intense stare he was giving her.  She pulled out of his grasp.  Kaja, let’s go out onto the nice patio, it’s still warm out.  It’s almost a full moon, so it will be nice and bright.

They moved on to the patio that overlooked the water and the beach.  YiJung opened the wine and poured for each of them a generous amount and just a small amount for his wife.  She knew an occasional glass of wine was fine, but hesitated.  “GaEul-ah, gwenchana.  That little won’t hurt the baby.  It’s not like you have a drink every day or even every month.”  JanDi assured her friend.

 - “Deh, it’s the only alcohol she’s had this pregnancy.”

 - “Arraso.”  The four friends clinked glasses.

 - “This is nice,” JunPyo said.  “Remember when I would just call you guys and we’d be on the plane that afternoon?”

 - “Deh, at least we had a week to prepare this time,” YiJung commented with a smirk on his face.

JunPyo dismissed his friend’s retort.  “When did life get so hectic?  Noona and I share the running of Shinhwa group, but she doesn’t seem tired at all.”

 - “JunPyo, Unnie was married young and in a loveless marriage.  To be free from that and being able to be a support for you, I’m sure makes a difference.  The two of you have made Shinhwa great again.  Your success was made by your hard work and dedication, not with threats, lies and selling your children.”  JanDi gave her husband a kiss on the cheek.  She was proud of him.

 - “Can you imagine when the kids are grown and dating?  With JeongYul, it will be different, but InHei?  Will I really be able to give her to anyone and not marry her to a chaebol that will make sure she’s treated like a princess?’

 - “Yeobo, you know that’s not entirely true.  The F4’s family life could’ve turned out entirely different if your parents all had their way.”

 - “Deh, we would’ve resented our spouses, just like Abeoji did Umma.”  YiJung’s own childhood flashed before his eyes momentarily souring his mood.  GaEul leaned against him, wrapping him in her arms, as best she could with the bump in the way.

 - “I think we’ve all been able to find some sort of balance between work and family,” JanDi added.  “It’s hard and sometimes even exhausting, but we do what we can to make sure we’re there for each other and InHei.  Sometimes InHei more than each other,” she smiled a little guilty.

 - “Greomyo, InHei saranghae, hajiman you can’t neglect each other.”  GaEul and YiJung had been married less time than JanDi and JunPyo, yet here she was giving them marriage advice.

 - “Annyeong hasseyo, do you mind if we join you?”  JungMin and Suzy had recently arrived and were planning a walk on the beach when they noticed the other couples. 

 - “Anjayo,” YiJung invited them to sit.  “We’ve just finished this bottle of wine, but if I’ll bring another and two more glasses.”

 - “Ah, kansamnida, if it’s not too much trouble."

 - “Anieyo.”

 - “Suzy-ssi, how are your studies going?”  JanDi asked.  They’d gotten to know a little about each other during post-wedding activities.

 - “Choah, I’ll be graduating soon and have been guaranteed one of two positions within the hospital group.”  Suzy smiled eagerly.  It wasn’t graduation she was looking forward to; it was three months past her graduation.  That’s when she decided they would start trying for a baby.

 - “Jihoo sunbae could use you at the woman’s clinic as well.”

 - “Are you considering moving back home?”  JunPyo asked.

YiJung came in and interrupted the conversation long enough to pour them all, except GaEul, more wine.

JungMin nodded his head in appreciation before answering.  “Anieyo, na made a commitment to Ilana and our team is moving forward at an accelerated rate.  Anae and I have plans to remain here for some time.”

 - “We were discussing the balancing of marriage, work, and children.  Suzy-ssi will you be starting your family soon?”

Suzy smiled widely.  “Deh.  We plan to start trying soon after I graduate.”

JungMin took a huge sip of wine to cover his nerves.  Every time his wife mentioned getting pregnant, his palms began to sweat.

JunPyo and YiJung knew JungMin’s look very well.  “Gwenchanayo, JungMin-ssi, you’ll survive.”  YiJung teased.  “Na survived the first and I’m on my second.”

While the others were laughing, JanDi felt JunPyo’s hand caressing hers and also felt him staring at her.  It was that same look he was giving her earlier.  She didn’t know if it was the wine, making her imagine things, but all she could do was blush.

The newlyweds were enjoying their little escape.  They had alternately lain and sat on the sand and of course, many kisses and terms of endearment were exchanged.  “Sarang, sit up.” Ilana had sat up and was pulling her husband up.

 - “Wae?”  He laughed.

 - “Na want to do something.”  She stood and moved behind him, sitting so that her legs were on either side of him.

 - “Sarang, what are you doing?”

 - “Na want to do something for you.”  She kissed the middle of his back before she moved her hands to smooth his shoulders.  “Jihoo-yah never lets me do things for him.”  She gently began to massage his shoulders.  She was by no means an expert, but when she was tired and stressed, anyway he touched her was heavenly.

 - “Sarang does many things for me,” he had to admit her touch, although soft was very soothing.

 - “Mwo?  I feel like I should do so much more for you.”

 - “Sarang makes sure my tie matches my suit.”  She took great pleasure in picking out his tie on days he wore one.  “Sarang packs my lunch every evening.  Sarang writes me small notes and hides them in all my pockets, including my briefcase, so that when I’m in a meeting your notes pop up and I start to smile and forget what it is I was talking about.”

Ilana giggled.  “Mian, chincha!  Na will only hide them in your pockets.”

 - “Ani, na look forward to finding them.  If Sarang only hid them in nae pockets, it wouldn’t be as much fun.”

She had stopped massaging to wrap her arms tightly around his back and lean forward against him.  “Saranghae.”  She held him for a few seconds, then moved to let go and resume her massage.

He stopped her.  “This is another thing Sarang does for me; loves me and lets me love her back.”

 - “Greomyo, pabo.”  She kissed his back again.

Jihoo broke the silence after a few minutes.  “Eeliwah, Sarang.  Na can’t see you and Sarang can’t see anything other than nae back.”

 - “Choah, Jihoo’s back.”

Jihoo had moved and was now on his knees facing her.  “Nae anae yippeun, choah anae’s lips.”  He traced her smiling lips with his finger.  “Saranghae,” he gave her a slight push and before she could protest about her head touching the sand, he brought it to rest on his forearm.  He caressed her face, bring his hand down to her neck and back up again.  His touch was giving her goosebumps.  “Sarang, I don’t know how I found favor with Yesu,” he quoted part of their wedding vows, before claiming her lips and not letting go until he absolutely had to.  If people passed them by no one bothered them and neither did they even notice anyone outside of their existence.

GaEul and YiJung were the first couple to call it a night; it had been a long flight for an almost six-month pregnant woman.  She would require a back rub once they were in their room.  JunPyo seemed a little antsy and soon he too, claimed tiredness and dragged his wife with him.

 - “It’s just you and me," Suzy said.   "Should we go walk on the beach?"

JungMin let his fingers tickle her bare thigh.  "Na was thinking we could go to the room," his face was close enough to hers, she could feel his breath.  His idea was tempting, but she didn't want to start her free weekend locked in the room.

Suzy stood up with great effort.  "It's still early," she pouted, "let's go for a walk."

 - "Deh," he sighed.  He knew when he could charm her into his web and when he couldn't.  They walked along the water’s edge like two kids, teasing the wave, stepping in and stepping out, exchanging kisses short and sweet and at times long and passionate.

They had been playing and walking for about twenty minutes when they saw something in the sand off in the distance.  "I think there are people over there," Min said.  "We'd better lower our voice."

 - "Yeobo is the one that's being loud."

JungMin picked up his wife and smacked her lips with his.  "If someone had let me take her back to the room, we could be as loud as we wanted."

 - "That's not true," she gave him a teasing kiss back and then took off running.  She stopped when she was close enough to realize the people were a couple sharing some sweet moments.  She waited for JungMin so they could make a large arch around the couple.  Warning him to be quiet, Suzy took JungMin's hand and they made their way away from the shore.

They hadn't gone too far when they heard two familiar voices.

 - "Choah?"

 - "Annchoah."

Ilana hovered over Jihoo, grinning and bent to kiss his eyes.  "Choah?"

 - "Annchoah."

She traced his face with her finger, then settled on a spot to kiss.  Kissing his cheek, just above his lips, she asked again, "choah?"

 - "Annchoah," without warning he brought his face up to hers and stole a kiss, pressing firmly on her lips at first then nibbling on each one and then finally claiming her tongue as his final prize.

JungMin and Suzy left their friends to themselves and continued walking.  "Gwiyeoweo (So cute)!"  Suzy clapped her hands.

JungMin was grinning too.  "Omo, it's a little weird to see my boss in such a compromising position.  Too bad I didn't take a picture."  He laughed.

 - "Shh!  Unnie will recognize your laugh!"

 - "Did you see your Unnie?  Ani, Jihoo and Ilana wouldn't hear anything even if it was right next to their ear."

 - "I can't wait for a little Ilana or Jihoo to be running around.  Our babies will only be two years apart, hokshina?"

 - "Deh Umma.  You two aren't even pregnant yet, don't even start matchmaking."

Suzy began to laugh.  "Pabo."  She used a taekwondo move to trip her husband and started running down the beach.  JungMin recuperated and chased after her.

 - "Choah?"  Jihoo asked when he ended the kiss.

 - "Hokshina," she teased.

 - "Chincha?"  He began tickling her until she surrendered or get her hair full of sand.

 - "Choah!  Choaha!  Jeongmal!  Nomu Choah!!"  She half screamed half laughed until her husband took pity on her.

JunPyo and JanDi had taken a quick peek at InHei who was sleeping peacefully before getting ready for sleep themselves.  JanDi sat at the vanity, towel drying her hair and smiling to herself.  "Haengbokhaeyo (happy)." JunPyo rubbed her shoulders and made eye contact with her in the mirror.

 - "Deh, gomawo, we needed some time away from work."

 - "JanDi-yah, wae do you have to work so hard?" He had crouched in front of her, taking her hands.

 - "Choah being a Doctor.  Anyone can work at Shinhwa hospital, but it takes something more to see the people that come into the clinic.  For you, it's the lives of all your employees, deh?  That's why you work so hard?"

 - "Deh, one thing Umma tried to do to keep me from marrying you, was frighten me with the thousands of Employees that Shinhwa supports.  Na married, you, but those thousands of people still frighten me.  What if I make a money-losing mistake and I have to let people go?"

 - "Deh, ara that worries you.  You want to keep growing the company to be able to offer employment and for InHei to inherit.  Hajiman, InHei Appa has Unnie and Unnie has you, neither one is alone."

 - "Commoner Saranghae," he called her by the nickname he gave her in their Shinhwa days.  "Let's make good use of our vacation, kaja."  He scooped her into his arms from her sitting position, taking her to the bed.

 - "Yah, Gu JunPyo!  Micheosso?  What's gotten into you?"

JunPyo was grinning mischievously.  "JanDi-yah has to ask after all these years?"  He loved it when she was flustered with him.  "Pigonhaeyo (tired)?  Would you rather not...?"  He didn't give her time to respond before he covered her body with his and took her lips completely.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and responded eagerly.  These moments were so few and far between for them that it didn't take long for her to respond.  Without breaking the kiss, JunPyo began ing her pajama top slowly and letting his fingers tease at her white skin as he went down.  "You're so pale," he kissed the side of her neck, while he spread open her shirt and explored her chest down to her stomach, letting his fingertips dance over her as they went.  He repeated the process going back up her torso to the other and bringing his kisses downward.  "Na may not be a Doctor, hajiman ara how to make love to my wife."  He gave a lingering kiss on the bottom of her stomach before pulling her pajama bottoms down and moving his kisses down with them.

JanDi could count on one hand how many times they'd actually made love in the last year.  Twice in the span of a week, was unheard of.  That said, it didn't take much for her desire to rise as she anticipated his every touch with mounting excitement.

August 29, 2015

While everyone still slept, JunPyo actually woke somewhat early and decided to see how the surf was doing.  He had seen surfboards and boogie boards in the garage.  Jihoo had given them the master bedroom, which he thought very generous of him.  Little did JunPyo know, Jihoo had his own reasons.  JunPyo felt the warmth of the day already as he stepped out on to the patio.  This beach wasn't known for its surfing and it looked like the conditions just weren't there.

 - "A-ppa," a still sleepy InHei walked into the room and onto the patio.

 - "Aigoo!  Gongju (Princess) is awake already?"

 - "Deh Appa."

JunPyo had picked her up and she circled her petite arms around him, laying her head on his shoulder.  "Does gongju want to lay down with Umma?"  He smiled at the still sleeping JanDi.  There was nothing pressing to do, and he'd kept her up rather late, he smiled remembering the reason they were up so late.

 - "Is Appa going to lie down too?"  She was still small enough to love climbing into bed with Mom and Dad.

 - "Anieyo...wae don't we let Umma sleep.  She works really hard taking care of people who are sick and us."  He sighed.  "Sometimes Appa forgets to take care of Umma."

 - "Umma says Appa works too hard, so we need to take care of Appa because he forgets to take care of himself."

 - "What would Appa do without Umma?"  He'd be a mess, that's for sure.  "InHei-ah, do you want to go down to the water with Appa?"

 - "Deh!"  InHei was instantly awake.

Jihoo woke before his wife, it didn't happen often, but it did happen.  He didn't know what time they had made it back into the room.  He smiled at the memory.  No alcohol was involved, except for a glass of wine with dinner, yet they were giddy and gave every appearance of being drunk without actually being so.  The reason he had chosen this smaller room, was it was the most secluded.  The Master bedroom, he'd given to JanDi and JunPyo, it had a pair of French doors leading out onto a patio.  The other bedroom also had large windows that any of his nosey friends could see through.  Although he was grateful that the visit of his friends led them to this refuge; the primary goal of the weekend was to spend as much time with his wife as possible.  They both had turned off their cell phones, the laptops were left at home.  This weekend was all about them.

When they entered their room, his wife had clung to him and kissed him teasingly.  He loved it when she was being shy, and he had to coax her out of her shell, but he especially loved her playful side.  He had answered her teasing with his own.  He knew she'd give in before he would.  He tasted the saltiness of her neck with his tongue and let himself linger there for a while.  When he heard her sigh of pleasure, he fit his lips over hers, gently, but with determination and began walking them toward the bed.  Regardless of the hour, he needed her.  He loosened the belt of her dress as she undid the buttons of his shirt.  He shrugged out of his shirt and pulled off her dress.

Each time they made love, it was new and felt different than the previous time.  Perhaps it was that they were so busy with work, they only made love once a week or sometimes the wait was longer.  It wasn't as if she denied him, he knew she gave all of herself to him each time, but Perhaps it was this place, that made last night feel special.  It was one of their slow and long lovemaking sessions where they could go on forever if need be.  They were starting to explore more and although they both loved their gentle lovemaking he now knew he could penetrate her deeper and she enjoyed that just as much.  As always, she never said a word, but her body language directed him loud and clear.  They hadn't bothered getting dressed for bed and Jihoo gently ran the back of his hand down the side of her neck and to the swell of her bare s.  He wasn't ready to wake her just yet.  She needed all the rest she could get this weekend.  He raked his fingers through her hair, he didn't even know when he had unbraided it, though certain he did.  She liked her hair off her face when she slept, but he liked waking up to see her hair sprawled all over the pillow.  He snuggled her close and decided to sleep a little longer, he had the idea of not letting her up out of bed without making love to her again.

In the kitchen, Nana and Jessi were already up creating an omelet bar for the guests.  Nana smiled and sang hymns as she worked.  She had already placed fresh strawberries, grapes and freshly made croissants on the kitchen Island with chilled orange and carrot juice and some yogurts in the refrigerator.  There was also freshly made pancake batter for the children.

Suzy was already awake as she had wanted to spend some time studying out on the patio before the temperature was too hot.  Secretary Jang and Brendon went for a run, and the babysitter took JeongYul to splash in the water and watch InHei and Appa playing with the waves.

 - "Halmoni, annyeong hashiminika," Suzy walked into the kitchen.

 - "Buenos días (Good Morning), Suzy."  Suzy took some strawberries in a bowl.

 - "Le hago una tortilla de huevo (Should I make you an omelet)?"

 - "Later, Nana, I'm going to study while JungMin is still sleeping."

 - "Ahorita Jessi le lleva una taza de café (Jessi will take you a cup of coffee immediately)."

 - "Deh, Nana."  Nana's coffee rivaled that of Starbucks.

Nana's next customer was GaEul.  "Annyeong hashiminika," GaEul bowed.

 - "Él bebe tiene hambre (The baby is hungry)?"

 - "Mmm, baby?  Mianhaeyo, I don't understand."

 - "Is your baby hungry?"  Jessi translated as she had come into the kitchen after taking the coffee to Suzy.

 - "Mmm, deh, she is."

 - "Omelet?"

 - "Deh!"  GaEul quickly picked out her fillings, then filled a bowl with fruit.  Before walking out to the dining room, Nana handed her a tall glass of orange/carrot juice.  "Kansamnida," she inclined her head and went to sit.  She saw Suzy sitting on the patio reading and didn't want to disturb her.  If she knew JanDi, she would be up and be hungry soon.

JanDi was already awake and smiling to herself.  She then opened her eyes and frowned to not see her husband in bed with her.  "Omo!"  She looked at her clock and saw it was past ten.  Quickly getting up to shower, she noticed the patio doors open.  "Gu JunPyo!"  She yelled at her missing husband, not wearing any clothes, she scrambled for the blanket.  With the blanket preserving her modesty from anyone that might be able to see, she showered and went downstairs, starving.

Nana saw JanDi coming and smiled, greeting her first.  "Buenos días (Good morning) Señora Guam."  She wasn't comfortable enough to speak casually to JanDi.

 - "Annyeong hashiminika!"  JanDi greeted back in her usual polite manner.

Nana remembered JanDi liked to eat, so she shooed her from the kitchen promising her something delicious in a few minutes.  "GaEul-ah!"  JanDi greeted her best friend.  "Where are the namja?"

 - "Sleeping."

 - "Anieyo, JunPyo wasn't in the room."

 - "I think the kids are outside, maybe JunPyo is with them.  Jihoo and Ilana too?"

 - "Mollah?  Suzy-ssi is on the patio, but na didn't want to bother her."

 - "Deh."

A few minutes later Nana came and presented a small omelet and two medium-sized pancakes for JanDi.  "Kansamnida!"  JanDi's eyes took in the food with excitement.

Soon everyone began to trickle in, YiJung back hugged his wife and kissed her good morning.

 - "Annyeong hashiminika, yeobo," she greeted back.

JunPyo and the kids showed up next, freshly showered and changed.  The babysitter’s job was done for now and she sought her breakfast from the kitchen.  Soon Suzy had come in as well and the table was full of Nana's wonderful cooking.

 - "Has anyone seen Sunbae and Ilana?"

Suzy giggled.  "Does anyone want to make a bet who will be down first?  Nampyon or our hosts?"

Nana and Jessi walked in around that time to pour more coffee and juice.  Since Suzy spoke mostly in English, Nana understood the question.  "El marido de Suzy vendrá en cuanto no sienta la esposa.  Los recién casados... (Suzy's husband will be down as soon as he realizes his wife is no longer beside him.  the newlyweds...)," Nana shrugged.  JunPyo translated and the table burst into laughter.  The kids looked at each other perplexed.

An hour and a half later, everyone relaxed in the family room, JunPyo and YiJung were shooting pool, while the three women played a game of UNO with the kids.  GaEul and JeongYul worked together as the little boy still had difficulty with the western numbers.

JungMin walked in with an omelet and a glass of carrot juice.  He had no clue while everyone began to laugh.  "Mwo?"  JungMin asked, prepared to get irritated with someone soon.

 - "Anieyo," Suzy stood from where she was around the table and greeted her husband with a kiss.  "Nana said you'd be up as soon as you realized I wasn't there."

 - "Deh!  I tried to scoot toward you and anae wasn't there.  I kept scooting across the bed."

The others couldn't help but grin.  "I wonder what our hosts are up to, even JunPyo is awake before Jihoo," YiJung said, having a good idea what they were up to.

JungMin laughed his special laugh, making the kids giggle.  "In their defense," he said.  "They've both been working very long hours."

 - "Ah!"  YiJung said.  The rest chuckled, except for JunPyo who didn't really understand the leading statement.

JungMin gave his wife a peck on the lips, they both worked long hours too but had no problem finding time for those activities that husbands and wives should be enjoying.

Jihoo woke again about an hour or so after he had first awakened.  Since there were no clocks in the room, he judged from the position of the sun in the sky and thought perhaps it was past noon.  He worried a bit for his wife, who was still sleeping soundly curled up against Him.  Joy was in the window, looking out.  Jihoo had filled her bowl with food and water before going to sleep in hopes she wouldn't wake them up.  It worked, but now she knew someone was awake and wanted out to go exploring.  From the window she pounced on the bed, marching right up to Jihoo and meowing in his face.  Jihoo shushed her and scratched her ears.  "Umma is still asleep," he scolded as if it would do any good.  He gently removed himself from his wife and quickly opened the door for the cat.  One, he hadn't a stitch of clothes on and two, didn't want anyone to hear the door open and close.  In that minute, his wife had taken over his side of the bed.  Smiling, he took over the side she had vacated.  He pressed his lips gently to the top of her forehead, then her lips.  She was warm, but it was her normal sleeping temperature.  The house was quiet.  Everyone, he hoped, were entertaining themselves.  He wrapped his arm around her once more, but a tantalizing bare shoulder until he just had to take a nibble.  He tickled her with his lips from her shoulder to her neck, where he indulged in a lingering damp kiss.  She breathed deeply and turned to face him, he gave her space wondering what she would do.  Smiling as she resettled, Jihoo traced her lips with his finger.  "Sarang, gwenchana if we don't leave this room?"  He could no longer keep from kissing her or caressing her body.  He let his hands move along her back, downward, while his lips caressed hers.

Ilana felt her body arching and meeting something solid.  She opened her eyes as her husband's bangs tickled her neck.  "Sarang!"

 - "Mmm," he said as he nibbled her lips.  "This is my favorite way to wake up, with the feel of your skin against mine."  He kissed her flushed cheeks.  His hands and fingers continued their business until she was trembling with her need.  "Not yet Sarang," he kissed her softly.  "We have all day, if we want it.  I've locked the door."  As usual, the raspiness of his morning voice did not help curb her desire.

Having no clock in the room and no cell phones and a locked door, they explored each other's body like they hadn't done since their honeymoon.   She especially was feeling completely at ease with her husband.

Jihoo chuckled, his wife was blushing.  "Wae?"  He cupped a flushed cheek.  They hadn't moved since their lovemaking, still entwined in each other’s arms.  He had to say they'd broken new barriers so far, this weekend.  She had been giving generous attention to his chest and abs with her kisses and caressing, when he felt her moving past his lower abs.

 - "Sarang doesn't have to," he tried stopping her.

 - "I want to," she had looked into his eyes boldly, before teasing his lips.

The next thing he knew she was touching him, shyly at first and getting confidence as she went.  When he absolutely was at his brink, he stopped her, kissing her passionately and returning the favor.  This had been the longest he'd prolonged entering her and neither one would be able to hold out much longer.  He knew she was more than ready, he thought maybe they'd be blessed next month, but the thought didn't last long, he didn't want their lovemaking to be reduced to just an act to conceive and nothing more.  Each time he took his wife, he wanted it to be a special time, where their love could go beyond an internal feeling or thought, to the physical.  He lay back against the pillows and pulled her on top of him, she followed his lead but was unprepared for when he entered her in that position.

 - "Jihoo-yah...," she tried to protest.  She felt vulnerable and exposed.

 - "Deh, Sarang, it's just us in this room.  Nae hands are free to touch you here...and here...and here.  Yippeun."  His hands roamed where they would, easing any apprehension.  It didn't take long for her to respond not only to his touch but to the sensations of having him under her.

Now Jihoo was the one smiling, he'd brought her to her peek a few times.  He was sure if he let her, she'd be able to sleep the rest of the day.  Currently, neither had the energy to move, much less shower and dress.  "Wae?"  Ilana brought her finger to his smiling lips.

 - "Saranghae, did you know?"  He didn't bother moving her finger and she didn't bother moving it.

 - "Deh," she couldn't resist replacing her finger with her lips.  It was just a brief kiss, but he always felt every emotion in her kisses.  "Nado saranghae, youngwonhee."

He embraced her firmly against his body.  He was greedy and always wanted to prolong these still moments with her.

 - "If we stay like this all day, do you think they'll notice?"  Her muffled voice asked before she gave his chest in front of her a quick kiss.

 - "Deh, hajiman I'm not ready to get up yet."  He kissed her sweetly and tenderly, unwilling to break their warm bubble.

Nana was preparing a simple Mexican Barbecue for dinner.  She had the beef and chicken marinating since the night before and was preparing pork for tacos.  She and Jessi had made a red and green salsa in the morning, the beans had cooked all night, all that was left was to make rice and grill the meat.   Even the garnishes were done.  This group might appear to be high maintenance, but she thought they were the easiest going, even more than Ilana's parents.  The group slept in late and really only had breakfast and dinner.  She had set out sliced fruit and vegetables as well as crackers and cheese for them to snack on during the day.  There were chilled waters and drinks in the refrigerator, but mostly they were all out enjoying the water.  She and Jessi had gone out for a walk to the village nearby and when they returned they dipped their feet in the water.  While they walked, she said a prayer for her charges and their friends.  She thought each one had their own story of trials they had overcome so she praised God for that.  She didn't know what their beliefs, but she asked the Lord to make himself known in their lives.

She saw her niña and the young doctor chasing each other in the water.  They had emerged from their seclusion once hunger won out and eventually were playfully harassed by all their friends.  Jihoo had met the teasing with his famous blank expression.  They had dozed back off for a short time and it was midafternoon when they finally snuck into the kitchen looking for food.  Nana especially prayed for those two.  It wasn't easy running a business and especially in several countries.  She knew their love and their faith would see them through.  She just hoped they remembered they were only human and needed to rest every now and then.  This weekend had been the perfect solution to having unexpected guests.  The young doctor, she thought, was wise beyond his years.

Dinner was everything it should be, filling, delicious and boisterous with lively conversation.  While everyone helped clear the table, Brendon and Secretary Jang were busy building a fire ring for dessert and more fun.  Nana and Jessi had made quick work of cleaning the kitchen.  The girls all helped restore the dining room and place any leftovers away.  There wasn't much, but still, she knew someone would get the midnight munchies.

Everyone began to assemble out on the sand with blanket or chairs.  Jihoo and Ilana opted for a blanket to snuggle on, so did JungMin and Suzy.  They brought chairs for the kids, but they were much to squirmy to sit.  Ilana was like an eager little kid as she began to pass out the contents of the goody box.  "Who's had a s’more?  Raise your hand! " At this point, Jihoo had heard of them but never had one.

 - "I have!"  Suzy said.

 - "Suzy-ah, you explain on your side and I'll explain on my side, deh?"

 - "Deh!"

They passed out unwound wire coat hangers.  Now, there were special forks one could buy but wire coat hangers were a tried and true method.  Ilana and Suzy passed out graham cracker squares, a piece of a chocolate bar and finally a marshmallow.  Then the demonstration began.  "Stick your marshmallow on the end of the coat hanger."  Ilana's group looked on with curiosity, while JunPyo was giving Suzy a look of disgust as she speared her marshmallow with the coat hanger.  "Then stick your coat hanger directly in the fire.  You can make your marshmallow as toasted as you want, but remember you need it hot and gooey."  When Ilana's marshmallow was completely engulfed in flames, she rotated it back and forth spreading the flame evenly.  "When you're done blow out the flame, then you get your graham cracker square, place the chocolate on top, slide the marshmallow off on top of that and top it with the other square.  Chan!  You have a s’more."  Little by little sounds of surprise gratification rose from the group.  "Choah?"  Ilana asked Jihoo.

 - "Choah," he responded.  He looked at her lips and she'd managed to get chocolate and marshmallow just to the side.  Finishing his own s’more, he rubbed the confection from her face.

 - "Gomawo!"  She stood tall on her knees to give her husband a quick kiss on the cheek, but he would not settle for just a quick kiss.  He wanted to taste the lingering sweetness on her lips.

 - "Yah!"  Gu JunPyo scolded and Ilana drew back startled.  "Didn't you two get enough all day."

 - "Ani," Jihoo responded by giving his wife another kiss.

 - "Pabo!"  Ilana playfully swatted his arm.

Other couples took advantage to steal sugary kisses from their spouses as well.  "I don't know what's sweeter, the s’more’s or these kids," Brendon said in mock disgust.

 - "The kids, definitely," answered Secretary Jang.

In the meantime, JanDi had enlisted InHei’s help to ask Jihoo to play for them.  “Ajussi!”  InHei came over to Jihoo and Ilana’s blanket and wrapped her arms around his neck.  She knew well, how to work her favorite uncle.  She gave him a peck on the cheek.  “Will Ajussi play his guitar, juseyo?’

 - “I think that requires a kiss on the other cheek.”

 - “Deh!”  She kissed his other cheek and made herself comfortable between him and Ilana.  Jihoo thought for a minute of what to play and came upon an American song and began to sing.  “I don’t know you, but I want you, all the more for that…” (Music)

 - “Wau!” Everyone cheered for their newlywed couple.  The transformation in their friend Jihoo was still mind-boggling.

Ilana’s smile, for her husband, was radiant.  “Gomawo,” she whispered, even if her voice was practically back to normal.

Jihoo continued playing random songs, Suzy sang ‘Let it Go’ for InHei and then the F4 decided to put Ilana on the spot.

 - “Yah, when is Ilana going to sing for us?”  YiJung asked.

 - “I-lana!  “I-lana!  “I-lana.”  The others chanted, trying to get her to sing.

 - “Juseyo?”  InHei pleaded.

How to say no to that face?  “Arraso, only because InHei asks so sweetly.”

 - “Manse!”  InHei cheered.

 - “Sarang, do you remember ‘You Raise Me Up?’

 - “Deh.”

(Music) After the intro, Ilana began and was soon surprised when Jihoo joined her.  Jihoo could play most instruments blindfolded, especially the guitar and violin which were his favorites.  There was one verse that stood out from the rest and when it was sung tears welled up in her eyes.

There is no life, no life without its hunger

each restless heart beats so imperfectly

but then you come, and I am filled with wonder

Sometimes I think I glimpse eternity

By the songs finish Jihoo And Ilana were in their own world again, but so was everyone else.  The woman mostly had tears in their eyes.  The F4 had never really heard Jihoo sing before, all except JanDi, whom had heard him in Macau.  This was a complete treat.

Thankfully, GaEul had brought her phone with her to take pictures and recorded it.  WooBin and JaeKyung would never believe them without proof.  "Wau!  Jeongmal, yeppeoyo," GaEul said.  "Jihoo-yah, sing one more, deh?"

 - "Anieyo Gwenchanayo," he said, but his wife was poking him in the side.  This was a treat for Ilana as well.

 - "InHei-yah," Ilana tapped the child, "let's do aegyo for Ajussi."

They counted to three, "Juse-yyoo Ajussi!"

Jihoo laughed at the two, "arraso."  He began to sing their wedding song 'Love.'

Brendon and Jihoo played guitar and sometimes they all sang random songs.  They even got JanDi to sing, ' I don't know anything but love', remembering when she sang it for JunPyo's eighteenth birthday.  Jihoo and Brendon entertained them all with dueling guitars for a while.   Brendon liked old school Americana rock like Chicago and Journey.  JungMin finished the night with 'Every day is a Merry Christmas', just because that was JungMin.

August 30, 2015

It was their last night at the beach house and all the couples had split off each to their own direction.   Jihoo and Ilana sat on the beach, half on dry sand half on wet, letting the water lap at their feet.  It was back to civilization tomorrow and they tried not to think about it.  "Sarang, I feel completely rested.  Gomawo, for suggesting this weekend."

 - "Sarang, it was purely selfish" he kissed her softly without hurry.  He took her by the shoulders and pulled her back.

 - “Sarang is going to brush the sand out of my hair.”  She looked up to her husband who was hovering over her.

 - “Deh!  Na wanted you all to myself this weekend.  Na think this was a good compromise.  Everyone had a good time, we spent a little time with our chingu and a lot of time just us.”  He bent to kiss her again.

Ilana laughed and pushed her husband off for a bit.  “Sarang, everyone is going to think we only have one thing on our mind."

 - We’ve been married less than six months, let them.”  He lay back on the sand and took her with him.

 - “Saranghaeyo.”  She showered his face with kisses.

Gu JunPyo and JanDi were also walking on the beach, hand in hand with InHei.  They took a few steps and swung her, stopped and did it all over again.  “Again!  Again!  Again!”  InHei shouted.

 - “Andwae!”  JunPyo said.  I’m tired.

 - “A-ppa!  Juseyo?”

 - “Aish!  Arraso, once more.”

JanDi laughed as they swung InHei between them.  “InHei Appa created her like that, deh?  Appa spoils dtal (daughter)”

InHei giggled and JunPyo winked at her.  “InHei-ah, close your eyes.”

 - “Arraseo, Appa!”

JunPyo brought his smiling wife close to him and kissed her tenderly, letting his lips slowly mingle with hers.  “Saranghae,” he said when he was done.

 - “Gomawo for bringing us to spend time together as a couple and as a family.”

 - “Gomawo for marrying me and giving me InHei.”

 - “Saranghae,” JanDi gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

JunPyo picked up InHei into his arms and he and JanDi both kissed a smiling cheek.  “Saranghae, dtal.”

InHei wrapped her arms around JunPyo’s neck and gave him a smacking kiss and then turned and did the same to JanDi.  “Saranghaeyo Umma, Appa.”  They let her down and they began splashing along the water.

YiJung and GaEul had the house all to themselves.  They were cuddled on the couch watching a romance, JeongYul had fallen asleep and the baby sitter had come to tuck him in.  The couple on screen were sharing an intimate moment and YiJung couldn’t help but be naughty, especially with his wife’s newly enlarged s.  "Yeobo!”  GaEul tried shooing him away.

 - “Mwo?”  His hand was sneaking up her loosened shirt.

 - “Yeobo knows what he’s doing.”

 - “Deh, choah?”

 - “Ani.”

 - “JeongHee want a massage?”  He already had one hand on his wife’s tummy, while the other one still worked on her upper body.

It didn’t take long before GaEul had lost focus of the movie.  Her husband’s gentle touch on her baby belly always made her feel wonderful.  It was soothing and comforting, sometimes he made love to her after a massage and other times they just lay in each other’s, GaEul couldn’t say she preferred one way or the other.  But for the moment, she’d rather be in the privacy of their room, just in case.  “Yeobo, should we go lay down?”

 - “Arraso, anae areumdawoyo (Beautiful wife)"

JungMin and Suzy had been chasing each other on the beach, trying to tackle the other person down.  Loser had to suffer being kissed repeatedly.  JungMin was usually the one losing, and Suzy wondered if he lost on purpose.  “Yeobo keeps falling on purpose,” Suzy scrutinized the laughing horse under her.

 - “Anieyo.”

They saw the Gu family pass by with InHei and smiled.  “She looks so much like Gu JunPyo, I wonder if we had a little girl if she would look like you.”

JungMin overpowered her and pinned her under him.  “Why don’t we go practice?  Deh?”  He rubbed his lips against hers in a teasing manner.

 - “Ani, I want to enjoy the water.  I won’t fall for your tricks.”

 - “Chincha?”  They were in the shadows, so he could get away with a few things.  He kissed the swell of her s over her tankini top and ran his hand over her bare midriff.  “What about now?”

 - “Shiro.”

 - “Arraso!”  He stood up and stormed off pouting.

Suzy quickly chased after him.  “Yah!  This is how you’re going to be, huh?  Suddenly all you want from me is one thing?”  She yanked on his arm, getting him to stop.

He looked at her annoyed, “what’s wrong with wanting some time with my wife?”  JungMin was right in Suzy’s face, she couldn’t quite tell if he was joking or not.

 - “Mianhae.  Bpo bpo?”  She kissed him ardently, trying to soothe his ruffled feathers.

JungMin’s mind was busy planning his next move as they kissed.  He changed his stance subtly and before Suzy knew what had happened, he’d thrown her over his shoulder.  “Yah!  Park JungMin!  Put me down!"

Jihoo and Ilana had moved back onto the blanket they had wandered from.  They lay propped on their elbows watching the moonlight on the water and laughing at the other couples on the beach.  JungMin had just carried off his wife and the Gu family were still splashing about in the water.  “Sarang,” Ilana lay on her arm facing Jihoo, who copied her move.  “Remember Wednesday Pastor Young talked about surrendering and even this morning too?”  They had all gone to Sunday service at a Church nearby; all except YiJung and JungMin who wouldn't wake up.

 - “Deh?”

 - “I think I finally have.  Na was killing myself all week to make time for us this weekend and look, I got sick, missed work and had a blessed weekend with chingu and nampyon and I didn’t think of work once.  Na think I can let go a little more and not feel the burden of trying to prove myself.  Ara I’m doing my best and my team is daeback, both here and in Seoul.  As long as I keep the proper order of things, we’ll have God’s blessing, don’t you think?”

Jihoo gave the tip of her nose a kiss.  “Deh, Haengbokhae, Sarang finally figured it out.”

 - “Nado have been wondering what I’m supposed to do when my contract ends in two months, hajima, na think the Lord doesn’t want me worrying about it just yet, so he won’t tell me.  This weekend has also let me put things in perspective.  Na think I too have been trying too hard to control everything, at the hospital, when at times I didn’t need to, and I’ve not been there for anae, when she needed support.”

 - “Anieyo, nampyon is always good to me.  Sometimes too good.”  She twirled his hair with a finger.

 - “Anae deserves nampyon to be good to her, she’s always good to nampyon.”

 - “Chincha?  Sarang will tell me if I fall short?”

 - “Sarang is short, she doesn’t have to fall very far.”

 - “Pabo!”  Despite the dumb joke, he made her laugh.  That’s what he always did.  Make her laugh, make her cry and make her love.  “Nomu saranghae!”  She gave him a teasing kiss.

 - “Nado, nae sarang.  Nado.”  He leaned over her and kissed her to his satisfaction.

Arraso lovies, this is like two chapters in one.  The lines have blurred, and her friends and his friends have now become their friends.  Isn't that house beautiful?  And believe it or not, it cost less than Jaejoong's magnificent townhouse in Upper Manhattan.  Next chapter will probably be another difficult one, it might encompass several months, we'll see.  We'll pick up again just before Chuseuk, and other than the big bow and the hanbok I have no clue about that holidayKid's slept in this bonus room

The guest house where Nana, Jessi, babysitter, Bredon, and Secretary Jang slept.  I think Brendon, Secretary Jang, and the Babysitter didn't have to work hardly at all over the weekend.  But Nana loves taking care of her kids.