November 5, 2013

When Ilana woke, Suzy was no longer in bed.  It was still somewhat early, before nine A.M.  She painfully hobbled herself to the bathroom.  Her knee was still very bruised and swollen.  The pain was bearable as long as she didn't try to move it, walk on it, or touch it.  Ilana was on her way back into the room to find clothes when there was a knock on her door.

 - "Morning Cinderella, are you awake?"

 - "Deh, Oppa, come in."  YoungSaeng entered her room with a tray of food and an ice pack.

 - "Yah, what are you doing?"

 - "Getting my clothes."  She was hopping around on one foot.

 - "Sit back down and elevate your leg again.  Suzy can help you get your clothes after you eat."  He put the tray down on her dresser and picked her up.

 - "Oppa, I have to fend for myself."

 - "Not today," he placed her on the bed, elevated her knee and added the ice pack.  "Now, eat your breakfast, KyuJong says to take a Motrin after you eat."  Ilana was already pouting at having to take more medicine.  "Pouting is not going to work.  You know, you have nothing to be afraid of from us."

 - "Ara, it's a habit.  I've lived with distrust for almost ten years and grief for fifteen.  It's my first instinct still, even if I know that you guys won't hurt me."

 - "Well, start breaking that habit.  Here, eat.  This is really good.  You'll love it."   Gaeran tost-u (egg toast), was like an omelet between two slices of fried toast, topped with brown sugar and ketchup.

Ilana looked at it suspiciously but rose to the challenge.  "It's surprisingly very good, but that's not what I smell."  There was a wonderful stew like smell coming from the kitchen.

 - "Galbitang, for later; KyuJong and Suzy are making enough for today and to last you the week until your knee is better."

 - "Mianhae, Oppa."

 - "Mianhae?  Wae?"

 - "I ruined your last day on vacation."

 - "Anieyo, Na came to spend my birthday with my Cinderella.  Everything else is a bonus.  After you get back with KyuJong, we’ll still have about five hours before we have to leave.  Galbitang and a movie or hanging out on your patio sound’s daeback."

 - "Get KyuJong Oppa to forget taking me to the lab and I'll make you s'mores."  She didn't have the ingredients for s'mores but that was beside the point.

 - "Since I don't know what that is, the answer is anieyo. And you can't bribe your way out of this, agassi."  He poured her a glass of water and gave her the Motrin, which she took, ungraciously.

Ilana dressed with Suzy's help and KyuJong carried her downstairs to a waiting cab.  She pleaded with her friends to let her stay home, but her entreaties fell on deaf ears.  KyuJong had called the lab at the hospital first thing that morning and made all the arrangements for both the x-ray and blood draw.

Arriving at the Helmsley Medical Building, directly in back of the hospital, KyuJong made Ilana sit in a wheelchair.

Ilana felt horribly uncomfortable and embarrassed.  "Oppa, I can just hop over, I don't need a wheelchair."

 - "I'm sure you would make a good three-legged rabbit but you are not.  Either I carry you or you get a wheelchair."  For Ilana, the question was like asking, 'knife or bullet’? Both were painful.

 - "Wheelchair," Ilana said without enthusiasm.

The X-Ray went well and the sprain was only a grade 1.

 - "After tomorrow, I want you to use the stationary bike in your gym; I'll give you full instructions when we get back to your place.  You ready for your blood test?"  He knew she wasn't, but wanted to reassure her.  "It's good to monitor your blood count so if anything is wrong it could be treated immediately.  You have the best doctors here, so that won't be an issue."

 - "Remember, I’m trying to keep a low profile, Oppa.  The fact that I keep disgracing myself in front of Dr. Jihoo and receiving compromising gifts at work from nae chingu doesn't help."

 - "Dr. Jihoo seems kind enough not to mind too much if his admin is micheoso.  As for the gifts, well, we just want everyone to know you're not alone."  He smiled and ruffled her hair.

 - "Oppa!"  KyuJong left her to pout in order to check her in and give all his license information and where to send the results.

 - "Miss Ilana, I'll take you back now," the technician said.  She helped Ilana out of the wheelchair and into the special seat.  As soon as the armrest came down in front of her, she tensed up.  The technician found her vein easily; getting her relaxed was a bigger problem.   When the needle hit her skin, she began to hyperventilate.   They managed to get the required tubes of blood, but Ilana was trembling and not aware of her surroundings.  She wasn't aware the tech had helped her to a room set aside for that reason.

When she came to, a few minutes later, KyuJong was by her side.  "Yah, what happened back there?"  He asked gently while helping her to sit.  "Here, drink some juice."  Ilana took a few sips.

 - "I told you I didn't want to have my blood drawn," she tried to smile, but still felt shaky and lightheaded.

 - "You’re pouting; I think it's safe to move you now."  He smiled at her and helped her put her jacket back on.  "Let's get you to the cafeteria for a light snack."

 - "Anieyo Oppa, I want to go home,” Ilana still didn't feel like herself.

 - "After."  He placed Ilana back in the wheelchair and they headed for the hospital cafeteria.

Jihoo had an empty slot on his schedule and decided to grab an early lunch at the cafeteria and check in on some of his patients.  He carried his lunch order towards his favorite spot thinking it should be available.  After all, his admin was at home with her friends.

 - "Oppa, my head hurts, now."  Ilana had her head down on the table.  KyuJong had brought Ilana some applesauce to help stabilize her before heading home.

 - "Your pulse is starting to get back to your normal level."  He had taken one hand from underneath her head.  "Eat your applesauce, so we can go back home."

 - "Shiro, I don't like applesauce."

 - "Is 'shiro' the only word you know?"

 - "Andwae, Anieyo, deh, I don't like applesauce."  Ilana continued mumbling with her head down on the table.

 - "Disrespectful and stubborn dongsaeng," he returned her hand.

Jihoo had to chuckle at seeing his admin in a very familiar pose.  He noticed the man next to her; he wasn't the same one she was with the night before.  She must have come to have her knee looked at, he thought.  Curious, he decided to walk over and say hello.

 - "Anneyeong hasseyo, Ilana-ssi,” he inclined his head.  Je ireumeun Yoon Jihoo imnida," he bowed to KyuJong.

 - "He must have some fascination with seeing me miserable," Ilana thought as she cautiously lifted her head at the sound of Dr. Jihoo's voice.

 - "Je ireumeun Kim KyuJong imnida, mannaseo bangapseumnida (nice to meet you).  We met in the hallway the other day; anja, juseyo."

 - "Deh, I remember, I saw KyuJong-ssi come out of Ilana-ssi's apartment.  Meori apayo (headache), again?"  Jihoo motioned to Ilana as he took a seat.  She would have responded, but KyuJong responded for her.

 - "Deh, our Ilana-ssi is not the best patient, she felt a little faint at the lab.  Now, she's being stubborn and won't eat the applesauce."  Jihoo had to laugh.  "Jihoo-ssi gives me the impression Ilana gets frequent headaches."

 - "I think I'll try eating the applesauce, now."  Ilana sighed, taking a spoonful of applesauce and glaring at KyuJong for being entirely too talkative with Dr. Jihoo.  She didn't need those two comparing notes about her.

 - "How is your knee?"  He asked, helping Ilana change the subject.

 - "Dr. KyuJong says it is only a grade 1 sprain."

KyuJong raised an eyebrow at her use of his title; not since her first day on the ship had she used it.

 - "Daeback."

 - "I think I'll pick her up some crutches on our way out," KyuJong said as Ilana was just about done with the applesauce she had forced herself to eat.

 - "I'll give you a ride to and from the hospital until you are healed."

 - "Thank you but I'm sure I can manage with the crutches."

 - "Kansamnida, Dr. Jihoo, nae dongsaeng will be happy to accept your help," Ilana narrowed her eyes at him again.

 - "Dr. KyuJong, I'm quite done.  I believe we should be on our way, the others are waiting for us," Ilana said.  She wondered why Dr. Jihoo was being unusually chatty.  He was only like that with his patients and their families.

 - "Yah, stop with your Ajumma voice," KyuJong scolded her with a smile on his face.  He reached over and ruffled her hair.

 - "O-pp-a-a, sto-op!"

 - "She's feeling better now.  You'll have to excuse her, uissanim; our Ilana is a little shy.  We call it her Ajumma voice."

Dr. Jihoo couldn't keep a straight face and laughed.  His admin’s face was bright red with embarrassment.  Her friend had baited her and she fell for it.  "How long have you two been friends?"  Jihoo though the comradery between them must be the result of a friendship of many years.

- "Almost a year."  This greatly surprised Jihoo.  "Uissanim, we'll be leaving first. Enjoy your lunch.  Kansamnida, for being so good to our Ilana."

 - "Anieyo, kwenchanayo, she's a good worker and she makes it easier for me to do my work.  Ilana-ssi, I'll knock on your door at seven thirty.  Anyoung hee gaseyo (goodbye when you’re staying)."

 - "Anyoung hee gyeseyo (Goodbye when you’re leaving)," KyuJong bowed.

Jihoo was left to enjoy his lunch in peace.  So, the Doctor wasn’t the boyfriend; his mind began to put the puzzle pieces together.  According to Isabel, it was the man he had met last night that had told her he liked Ilana.  He wondered if the confession ever happened.  He did not see a ring on her hand.  He chuckled at the man's protectiveness versus the Doctor's friendliness.  He normally didn't relax around strangers, even amongst his friends, but the other Doctor's warm personality drew him out of his shell.  He had a feeling that's exactly what happened to Ilana.  He finished his lunch, laughing at the memory of Ilana's indignant pouting when the Doctor .  He would be glad to have her back tomorrow.  "She makes my day bearable."  He spoke out loud as he put away his tray.

Ilana had scolded her Oppa for embarrassing her in front of Dr. Jihoo.

 - "I'm helping you make friends."

 - "I don't need more friends, I have you guys."  KyuJong sighed.

 - "Ilana-ssi, Abigaíl-ssi, her family, Dr. Jihoo, they seem like genuine people.  You don't have to be a spectator only, involve yourself in other people's lives and your own life will become richer.  You give of yourself fully with us and those kids at the hospital, why not others?"

 - "Children are innocent; they don't need to know what happened to me or care about my past.  Their friendship is simple.  If you are kind to them, they are kind to you and don’t ask for much more in return.  You guys,” she waved an accusing finger at him.  "The more I tried to hide from you, the more you found me.  I've run out of hiding places."

 - "You can run but you can't hide.  We'll always find you, no matter what."

 - "Deh, look what happened when I ran, I sprained my knee," Ilana laughed.

 - "Ani, that was your own fault for trying to mess up hueing’s hair."

 - "That was so much fun," Ilana grinned.  "It was worth spraining my knee."

 - "Disrespectful dongsaeng," he shook his head smiling.

The two arrived back at Ilana's apartment building.  She awkwardly made her way to her apartment with the crutches.  It was difficult at first but caught on rather quickly.

 - "Unnie!  How'd it go?"  Suzy greeted as soon as they walked in the door.

 - "Chuah, KyuJong Oppa says it's only a grade 1 sprain."

YoungSaeng immediately helped Ilana off with her jacket and helped her to the couch.  "Daeback, you'll be fine within days.  Just don't overdo it.  Saengie Oppa, help her elevate her knee and I'll get an ice pack."  YoungSaeng followed his instructions.

 - "We had a minor incident with her blood test but everything else went well."  KyuJong said.

 - "What happened?"  YoungSaeng was concerned.

 - "Amugeotdo anieyo (Nothing)," Ilana said.

 - "She fainted," KyuJong ignored her.

 - "Mwo?  Is she ok?"

 - "Deh, just a small anxiety attack.  She's fine now; we ran into Jihoo Uissa and Na found out our Ilana gets frequent headaches."  KyuJong raised an eyebrow waiting for an explanation and of course none came.

 - "KyuJong Oppa, remind me to throw something at you later."  Ilana glared at him, earning laughter from the others.

 - "Lunch is ready after you’re done icing your knee we'll eat," Suzy announced.

- "It smells so good, I can't wait."

Suzy and everyone had outdone themselves.  The galbitang was delicious with rice that Suzy had dished out for everyone.

 - "JungMin-ah, I think Suzy is practicing for when you get married," Ilana teased.

JungMin took Suzy's hand and kissed it.

 - "Yah, I helped, can Na get married now, too?"  KyuJong batted his eyelashes playfully.

 - "Oh, let's call the matchmaker," Ilana teased and everyone agreed.

 - "Ilana-ssi can introduce me to one of your coworkers."

 - "Guerae!  Then you can be my coworker in law."

After lunch the guys cleaned up the kitchen and put a portion of the soup away, leaving enough out for Ilana's dinner.

Suzy was faster than Jung Min in getting the remote.  "What do you want to watch Unnie?"

- "Aww, the yeoja are going to pick something boring," KyuJong complained.

 - "You can pick; just pick something the guys won't mind too much," Ilana smiled at Suzy who immediately began scrolling through the different movie categories.

 - "Turbo, how does that sound?"  Suzy started the movie after getting a positive feedback.  What inner boy can resist a snail that gets super speed and ends up competing with the best race car drivers?

YoungSaeng had immediately called the spot next to Ilana who was on the chaise.  He had leaned her against him and she accepted with a roll of her eyes and a smile at her pabo otter.  Not knowing when he'd have this opportunity again, he wanted to keep her close and not let go until the last possible second.  He watched, absorbed in her smile, her laugh as she watched the movie.  He drank in the sight and feel of her with greed, like a bear who prepares for hibernation increases his food consumption.

The movie was in its final stage.  Turbo zoomed under and besides the other race cars.

 - "I can't watch!"  Ilana laughed and buried her face into YoungSaeng's chest.  He laughed at her; Ilana liked the feel of the vibration beneath her.

 - "Omo!  Now, who's the baby?"  YoungSaeng picked on her.

 - "I can't watch either!"  HyungJun tried to bury himself behind KyuJong's back.

 - "Maknae, knock it off," KyuJong slapped him on the head.

 - "Chincha?  You two really think something is going to happen to Turbo?"  JungMin was safely on the floor with his fiancé and scoffed at the two scaredy-cats.

 - "You never know," Ilana said, sneaking a peek.

Turbo crossed the finish line against all odds and shortly after the movie was over.

 - "We still have two hours until we need to leave.  What should we do?"  Jung Min asked

 - "Begopah (I'm hungry)," HyungJun said.

 - "Again?"  Everyone exclaimed.

 - "We can go the store downstairs and get you guys some snacks for the road and I can practice using the crutches."

 - "You can ride on my back, Princess."

 - "Andwae, she's riding on my back."

 - "Hajimaseyo, I have crutches remember?"

 - "Eeliwa (come here)," YoungSaeng already had his back to her.  She could sit there and argue for the next two hours or just enjoy being his Cinderella for that time.  She sighed and climbed on.

While the others went inside the store, YoungSaeng and Ilana stayed outside, sitting on a bench.  She was bundled up as usual and he was comfortable in just his sweater.

 - "Everyone can tell you're not from here,"  YoungSaeng said smiling.

She smiled back at him, "gomawo, Oppa."

 - "Wae?"

 - "For being nae chingu, for making me feel special and normal."  She looked down at her hands embarrassed.  "For giving me a taste of what it would be like if my past didn't stop me from accepting you for real and not the playful dream we've been sharing," she added silently.

 - "Nun cham tek byeol hae (you are so special)," he grinned at her.

 - "Mworago?  I've never heard that before?"

 - "That's for me to know and you to find out."

 - "Brat!"

The travelers had purchased their snacks and still had time to kill.  They decided to head back to the apartment building and hang out in the common room.

 - "Ilana-ssi, let’s go to your gym and I can show you what I want you to do starting tomorrow."

 - "Arraseo."

Once in the gym, KyuJong used YoungSaeng as his model for the stationary bike, leg lifts and curls.

 - "Manse!"  Ilana clapped for YoungSaeng's modeling abilities.  He bowed appreciatively.

 - "One more thing agassi, before we go."

 - "Mwoyeyo (What is it)?"

 - "Good job,” KyuJong praised her Korean language efforts.  "Hyeong, pick her up and step on the scale with her."

YoungSaeng eagerly did as instructed.

 - "Oppa!"  Ilana squealed as she was carried off.  KyuJong got their combined weight and subtracted YoungSaeng's own weight.

 - "Just as Na suspected; Ilana-ssi is underweight.  Just a few pounds can make a big difference.  I'm guessing it was a little more and we fed you enough these last few days to help you gain some of it back.  Ilana...," she hated when he didn't call her 'Miss' Ilana.  It meant he was about to say something serious. "Na don't need to remind you that you need to maintain your weight.  Your immune system won't be able to withstand illness and hokshina this sprain might not have happened.  Also, your emotional well-being can suffer.  Ilana told us that when you feel like you're on a downward spiral you manage to pull up before you hit the bottom.  What happens if you're too weak to pull up?"

YoungSaeng took her hand reassuringly.

 - "Mollahyo?  I don't try to lose weight.  Sometimes I'm just not hungry or I feel like I'll be sick if I eat.  Things just happen and I lose my appetite."

 - "Mianhaeyo, Na think our surprise might have inadvertently hurt you."

 - "Andwae!"  They had planned her surprise with such care and affection.  She didn't want them thinking they had hurt her instead.  "It's just me, my brain just jumps to the wrong conclusion!"

 - "Ara, ara," he didn't want to frighten her, but she needed to understand her condition would only not be dangerous if she maintained a few simple procedures. "Ilana-ssi promised to take care of herself and I know you've kept that promise to the best of your ability.  Next time you're in that downward spiral, Ilana-ssi need to call us.  No matter what time.  If you can't get a hold of us, find someone to talk to immediately.  Can you do that for me?"

 - "Oppa, I'll call, I promise, but you know I can't just talk to anyone."

 - "Ara, it's hard, but just like you opened up to us, I need you to find someone here in New York you can trust.  You have to try."  Eventually, they'd be out of reach; he hoped she'd find someone of confidence before it was too late.  "Kaja, we need to start getting our things;" KyuJong looked at the time on his phone.

 - "Yah," YoungSaeng said softly.  "Where's my smile?  KyuJong wasn't trying to make you sad.  He's just telling you what you need to watch out for."

 - "Ara, Oppa, I don't want you guys to worry about me."

Back in the apartment, it was time for Ilana to part with her friends.

 - "Kansamnida," Ilana hugged them all.

 - "We'll see each other again for my wedding.  Make sure you ice your knee two more times tonight and before going to work, tomorrow and take a Motrin," Suzy rattled off instructions.

 - "Ara, Umma," Ilana shook her head at her friend and smiled.  "...and I can't wait for your wedding.  HyungJun Oppa, I want to meet your new girl next time, arraseo?"

 - "Deh, I hope she doesn't get jealous of our relationship," he winked at her.

 - "Jung Min-ssi, take care of nae dongsaeng," Jung Min and Suzy just smiled at each other.

 - "You take of yourself, agassi," KyuJong ruffled her hair.

 - "I will; take care of the rest of these guys for me."

 - "Greomyo."

 - "Oppa," She hugged YoungSaeng with all her strength.  The others had begun to file out the door.  "I'll keep your heart safe for you."  She put her hand on the heart pendant he gave her.  "Until someone really special comes along."

 - "Nun cham tek byeol hae (you are so special), never forget it.  Neaga afraid of someone else finding out and taking you from me."

 - "How can I remember or how can someone else know, if I don't even know what it means," he took paper from the desk and wrote it out.

 - "Cinderella’s homework is to find out and remember."  He held her in his arms one last time.  "Saranghamnida," he spoke to the top of his head.

 - "Na do saranghaeyo." She said smiling.  If she didn't smile she felt like she would cry.

 - "I'll wait, for however long it takes for you to mean that the same way I do, arraso?"  Ilana could only nod her head.  He turned to go and Ilana hopped over to the door frame and waived.

 - "Annyeong!  Gomawo.  Call and tell me you've arrived at each of your stops."  They had a long flight back to Australia, with several stops.

 - "Deh, Umma," HyungJun joked.  Ilana smiled as they all waved goodbye.  She watched from the door until they reached the elevator and they were no longer there.

 - "Get married soon, Suzy and Min," she sighed and hobbled her way back in.  Figuring she’d better ice her knee again before Suzy called to remind her, Ilana hobbled to her crutches and then to the kitchen.

Once in bed, the words 'Nun cham tek byeol hae,' came to mind.  "What could that mean?"  She tried googling it, but it didn't come up.  That brat.  She would have to ask someone if she really wanted to know.  "I'll deal with it later" was her last thought before sleep took over.