Nana got up from her knees and prepared for bed.  She had reviewed the day in her prayers like every day but today was special.  Once a month, sometimes two, Juan Carlos announced that he and his family would be coming to visit with Nana and Brendon.  It usually happened the first and third Sunday of the month.  Nana doesn't mind because she loves the company.  It also brought back the tradition of when Mr. and Mrs. Contreras were alive.  Sunday's were always for family.  The entire house staff gathered for a meal and music after Mass.  Nana knew Ilana didn't remember but on those days a priest would come and give Mass at the house.  Today, Nana had outdone herself.  It was her welcome to the Park couple.  They were a very sweet couple but she loved them already because they were special to her niña.  She'd been praying for their safe arrival since her niña had told her to prepare for them.  Now she prayed for blessings to be poured out to them as they began their new careers.  Lunch had gone well; Gloria and the boys had welcomed the couple with open arms.  Juan Carlos was another story.

 - "If my cousin thinks she can send you to take her place in her company, she's more deranged than I originally thought.  You may tell her I said to stop gallivanting and return to her proper place."

 - "Juan Carlos..."  Gloria tried to stop her husband from being rude.

 - "I believe you're mistaken, Doctor," Jung Min began in the most charming voice he could muster under the circumstances.  "Nowhere did Ilana ask me or my wife to take her place.  I believe if our credentials were not in order, we would not be here.  We would've continued with our previous employer."

 - "Juan Carlos," Brendon started.  "You have no right be rude to Miss Ilana's guests.  Remember, this is still her house whether she's here or not.  We work and take orders from Miss Ilana only."  This usually shut Juan Carlos up.

 - "Ya, no alegan (Alright, don't argue).  El Domingo es santificado para alabanza a Dios (Sunday is set apart for the worship of our Lord).  Le demos gracias que nuestra niña está bien y por la llegada de nuevos amigos y por todos aquí que representamos una familia (Let's give Him thanks that our girl is well and for the arrival of new friends and for all those here, we represent one family).  Que estemos unidos por la gracia de Dios (Let us be united under the grace of God).  En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo (In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).  Amen.  Buen provecho (Let's eat)."  Nana stood as the spiritual leader of the household.  It should by rights fall to Juan Carlos, but the stubborn man never went to Church.  He did have a deep respect for Nana and she could usually control his tirades.

 - "When will Tía Ilana be back?"  Juan Carlos' youngest asked of anyone who would answer.

 - "She's living in New York, now," JungMin answered the boy with enthusiasm.  "It might be a while before she returns.  She really likes it there and everyone is super nice to her."

 - "Aw, Mama, Papá, can we go visit her?"

 - "Oh, maybe one day.  You know how busy Papá is."

 - "You miss your Auntie?"  Suzy asked, endeared by the boy.

 - "Yeah, she always played with us."

 - "That's because she loves kids.  They make her smile."

 - "Suzy, may I ask how she's doing?  I miss her so much."  Gloria asked.

Suzy couldn't help give Juan Carlos a cold look, before smiling brightly for his wife.  "She told me only good things about Gloria Unnie.  She's doing well.  Her boss and the Doctor she reports directly to hold her in high regard.  She's a hard worker.  We know her co-workers like her very much; they helped us give her a surprise visit back in November.  From what she's told us everyone is very close and the director has created a family-like work environment.  You don't need to worry, after the scare she had in January, she and her Doctor are both on the same page as far as her health is concerned.  Thankfully, Dr. Jaejoong and Dr. Jihoo work directly with her and are able to keep an eye out."

 - "That's our Ilana," Brendon said proudly.  "She's stubborn to the core and once she makes up her mind to doing something, there's no stopping her."  Brendon also gave Juan Carlos a look.  "It seems she's set on living and overcoming those things that made her want to die before.  I don't know how you did it but on behalf of Nana, Enrique, and I, we thank you for reaching out to her."

 - "There's no need, Enrique-ssi also tried to thank us."

Juan Carlos had remained quiet up until now.  "All of you think you know what's best for Ilana, but I was there when…”  Juan Carlos shook his head, not wanting to dwell on the first time he had seen his cousin after almost four years.  “She's not stable and cannot be trusted to not harm herself."

 - "Juan Carlos, she was alone for a year before her Godparents showed up to become her guardians.  We were still in Mexico when her parents died.  We had just been able to secure our visas and you had just been approved as a resident at the hospital.  Wasn't it your first day when she was brought in?"  Gloria knew he took responsibility for that day to heart.  Had they been able to come sooner, perhaps she might not have attempted to take her life.

 - "Uno no sabe porque Dios deja pasar ciertos eventos en nuestra vida (One doesn't know why God let's certain events happen in life).  Pero ten por seguro que Dios ha estado con Ilana siempre (But be assured, God has always been with Ilana).  Tiene un plan por ella (He has a plan for her)."  Nana always spoke in Spanish even if she understood English; it was easier for her to express herself in her own language.  Fortunately, for Suzy, JungMin understood it fairly well and could translate.

 - "Halmoni is right," Suzy said.  She didn't know what Juan Carlos was referring to but she did know one thing.  "Had Juan Carlos Uissa not caused her to flee her own home, Na wouldn't have met my best friend; I might never have had the courage to speak to JungMin.  If she hadn't been surrounded by people who care about her back in December, she probably would have lost her life because there wouldn't have been anyone to give her the will to live."

 - "Miss Park..."

 - "That's Mrs. Park," Jung Min stated, not liking the tone the Doctor used with his wife.

 - "Mrs. Park, if you're implying I don't care about my cousin's wellbeing..."

 - "That's exactly what I was implying."  Suzy was in no mood to back down.

 - "Basta ya niños (That's enough now, children)!  Todos queremos a mi niña a su manera (We all care for my girl in our own way).  Gracias a Dios que se encuentra bien y está aprendiendo ser feliz (Thank God that she's fine and learning to be happy)."  Nana's voice rang steady and clear despite having turned seventy that year.  No one argued anymore and spent the rest of the meal in amicable conversation.

New York, NY

Ilana and Joy were just settling in for the evening.  Jihoo and Ilana had spent the afternoon at the park, like most Sundays.  This time Jihoo had come home to change his clothes, first.  The flu was spreading and more and more people were coming to the hospital with symptoms of fever, chills, vomiting, or chest congestion.  It started out one way and progressed to the next level.  Jihoo was being very careful with Ilana, making sure he didn't risk her getting infected.  Jaejoong had already told her she was not allowed to go to the children's hospital until the number of flu patients coming in decreased.

 - "Yeobosayo," Ilana answered seeing it was Suzy.

 - "Annyeong Unnie!"

 - "Are you settled now?"  Other than a call to tell her they arrived, they hadn't had a chance to really talk.

 - "Deh!  The little cottage is perfect.  Although you didn't have to add the second bedroom, we would have been fine with just the one."

 - "Anieyo, you two are planning on staying for a while and greomyo, Na want to be imo soon."

 - "Yah, Unnie, Halmoni keeps looking at my middle like a baby bump is going to appear any second."

Ilana laughed, very much picturing Nana doing that.  "Your first week went well?"

 - "Deh, Gloria Unnie, although she's not my direct boss, is glad that I started the woman's nurse practitioner course.  It will take me a little over a year to finish.  And Min is getting along well with Antonio.  He did a lot of research on his own over the last few months, so he's making a valuable contribution to the department."

 - "Na already knew he'd make a valuable contribution hajiman I’m glad he's diving right in.  Na expected it."

 - "Oh Unnie, we met Juan Carlos Uissa today."

 - "Jwosongmnida.  How horrible was he?"

 - "Wae does he think the world revolves around his opinion?"

 - "His character flaws are not entirely his fault.  My aunt and uncle were rather arrogant and snooty.  How he managed to get Gloria, I don't know.  She's the sweetest person in the world.  I don't think he was always like that.  I remember he was my favorite cousin, well...my only cousin but still."

 - "Unnie, if it weren't for Nana and Min, Na would've kicked him.  Na can see Gloria Unnie keeps him in check.  She and the boys are daeback.  Na promised to show the oldest some Taekwondo moves."

 - "Ah yes, Juan, Jr.  Na think he was in some sort of martial arts."

 - "Anae!  Na wasseo (I'm home)!"  JungMin could be heard in the background.

 - "Suzy's nampyeon is calling."

 - "Deh, he was talking cars with Brendon-ssi.  I forced Halmoni to let me clean the kitchen and they were still at it, so I walked back to our cottage."

 - "Mmm, get used to Brendon sequestering nampyeon and Nana not letting you lift a finger."

 - "Yah!  Jagiya, wae didn't you answer."  JungMin came up behind his wife and put his arms around her.

 - "Busted!"  Ilana laughed.

 - "Yeobo, let me finish talking to Ilana,” JungMin was nuzzling her neck, not caring who was on the phone.

 - "Annyeong Park JungMin-ssi!"  Ilana shouted.

 - "Annyeong Ilana-ssi.  Mianhae, anae can't talk right now."

Ilana heard a scream and giggling before the line went dead.  "Joy-ah, Na think my chingu-deul are settling in quite nicely."  Joy could care less as long as Umma continued to scratch her ears.

August 8, 2014

Cold and flu season had officially begun, at least in New York.  The ER and urgent care were full every day.  Occasionally those that arrived in the ER would be sent to Critical Care but even if they weren't, it was all hands on deck.  Jaejoong and Jihoo were putting in overtime in the ER or the urgent care.  Sometimes Ilana would wait for Jihoo but most times he was sending her home without him.  He didn't want her at the hospital longer than necessary.

 - "Mianhae, jagiya, Dr. Saengjo needs help.  This flu is catching most people by surprise and they don't realize they are sick until it's too late.  Take care of yourself and little jagiya."  Jaejoong kissed Abigaíl on the forehead, not wanting to take any chances.

 - "I'll call you tomorrow.  I'll be out all day looking at wedding dresses, now that the Hanbok fitting is done.  Sunday I have to finish back to school shopping for Isabel."

 - "Arraso, I'll see you Sunday."

 - "You don't have to go shopping with us."

Ilana was listening to their conversation with rapt attention and trying not to laugh.  She knew Jaejoong would end up buying everything Isabel didn't need if he were allowed to go.  "Dr. Jaejoong, Abigaíl is going to be late for her train if you don't let her leave."

 - "Arraso," he moped.  "Give Jagi a hug for me.  Tell her Appa will see her on Sunday."

 - "Okay, I have to go now, really."  Abigaíl giggled as she left Jaejoong at the door of the hospital.  He looked like a puppy who wasn't allowed to go outside. Ilana and Abigaíl came to the point where they would part ways.

 - "Okay chica, have fun shopping this weekend.  Text me as soon as you find something."

 - "I will."

They parted ways and Ilana walked slowly home, deciding what to do once she got there.  Jihoo had not walked out with her as he was staying behind and didn't want to risk getting her sick.  Ilana thought she would make something for dinner and leave it on Jihoo's door for when he came home.  Although they walked to work every morning together, he had been staying late either in the urgent care or the ER.  Having nothing better to do, Ilana made a garlic chicken and rice with vegetables for dinner.  Thankfully, Nana sent her extra guajillo chili sauce and she just added tons of garlic and simmered the chicken.  It took a while to prepare, which was a good thing.  She knew Jihoo would be late, so she set aside a container full for him and hung it from his door.

Ilana:  Dinner is on your door; try not to work too late.

She sent the text as soon as she got back to her apartment.  By the time she ate, cleaned the kitchen and watched a little TV it was past eight P.M.  Jihoo was just getting home.

Jihoo:  Just got home.  Really tired, if Ilana hadn't brought dinner, I'd just go to sleep.  Kansamnida, I'll make dinner on Sunday, arraso?

Ilana:  Looking forward to it.  Japche or kimchi fried rice, please.  ;)

Jihoo:  Yah!  I said I'd make dinner, not take orders.

Ilana:  :'(

Jihoo:  Anieyo, it's not going to work.

Ilana:  :$

Jihoo:  Maybe the kimchi fried rice.

Ilana:  =D

Jihoo:  I'm going to eat now...

Ilana:  Jalja

Ilana was still grinning to herself.  "Joy-ah, na think Umma is crazy."  Ilana felt her heart beating rapidly.  "How can I love like this when I can't give into it?  What am I supposed to do if Harabeoji introduces him to someone?"  Ilana sighed and decided to go to sleep before she gave herself a headache.  That night, she dreamt she was looking for someone and couldn't find them.

The week had gone by quickly; things were getting busier and busier in the hospital.  Jihoo was preparing for his week away.  He'd already postponed it by a week and at this rate, he might have to postpone it again.  Jaejoong had planned to take Wednesday off to crash Abigaíl and Isabel's girl's day out but it was impossible.  He had to come into the hospital after handing Abigaíl an American Express 'black' card with her name on it.  Ilana herself didn't have a black card as she didn't spend enough to warrant it.

 - "He told me to use it for all the wedding purchases but I haven't yet," Abigaíl said.  Ilana would spend the night with Abigaíl and help her begin working on the party favors along with some Aunts and cousins.  "I've got some savings; I can't let him pay for everything."

 - "I'll be the sponsor for your wedding flutes or the cake, you choose."

 - "No, you don't have to!"

 - "I don't have to but I want to.  In case you didn't know, I can be quite stubborn."

 - "Really?  I didn't know that."  Abigaíl laughed as her friend stuck her tongue out.  Abigaíl didn't know how Ilana could afford her apartment and living expenses but she just figured her brother paid her rent for her.

 - "Are you going to keep García as a last name or will you go by Kim?"

 - "I think I'll keep both," she said sheepishly.  "He wants to adopt Isabel and soon she'll be more Korean than she is Mexican."  Isabel was busy with her Aunt Sylvia.  "I don't want to lose my heritage.  I'm proud of who I am."

 - "You won't lose it because that's who you are and that's who he fell in love with."  As Ilana said that, a nagging guilt hit her.  Jihoo really didn't know her; she practically lied about her parents, family, and background.  But they were just friends; it wasn't like they were in a committed relationship.  Distress must have shown on Ilana's face.  Abigail's hand waved suddenly in front of her.  "I'm sorry, I spaced out."

 - "You looked worried for a second."

 - "I must be a little tired."

 - "Why don't you go to sleep?  Then you can wake up early and work on the favors, while I sleep."

Ilana thought about it, but she wouldn't be comfortable sleeping while Abigaíl was awake.  That and she felt herself nervous.  Well, whenever she thought of this one-sided attraction or love or whatever this spell she was under, it left her restless and anxious.  She definitely couldn't let her mind rest.  "Nooo, I'll stay up.  I'll just go to bed early tomorrow.  Besides, I'll help pack up your car while you sleep in a little.  That way we can go to your Aunt's house as soon as you wake up."

 - "Okay, break time over, back to work."

 - "Umm...how many of these are we making?"

Before Abigaíl could answer, Ilana's phone indicated a message.  Unconsciously a huge smile appeared on her face.  It was Jihoo advising that he'd gotten home safely.

Jihoo:  Have fun tonight.  I'm going to eat some of the food you left the other day and then sleep.  I don't plan to get to the hospital tomorrow until I've had enough sleep.

Ilana:  I guess Jihoo will be home when I will.

JanDi had told Ilana how Jihoo used to fall asleep anywhere and at all hours.

Jihoo:  Maybe?  Call me when you're on your way back.  I don't want you to take a cab from Penn Station.

Ilana:  Ah, yes, how can I forget my personal driver?  Our year is almost up.

Jihoo:  Contract is renewable at a very affordable rate.

Ilana:  Mullah (whatever), eat and go to sleep, Jihoo is babbling.

Jihoo:  Strange how that happens whenever nae admin is around.

 - "Ah!"  Ilana squeaked in indignation.

Ilana:  >:P  Take that and go to sleep.

Jihoo laughed at the last text.  He'd had so little time to spend with her this week and he was leaving Wednesday night for home.  He'd have to find more time to spend with her before he left.  Their fifteen-minute walk to work each morning was not enough.

Jihoo:  Why don't we do dinner along the river?

Ilana:  Only if Jihoo lets me pay for my share.

Jihoo:  Na can't promise anything.

Ilana:  Na can't promise to go with you.

Jihoo:  (￣m￣)

Ilana couldn't contain her laughter.

Abigaíl had been watching Ilana's face.  She'd always been able to read her and lately was quite entertaining to watch.  Abigaíl had been praying hard for Jihoo and Ilana.  She sensed God was telling her it wasn't time yet, but to keep praying.  Keep knocking on his door.   "Chica, what's so funny?  You've been smiling from ear to ear for the last fifteen or twenty minutes."

 - "Have I?"  Ilana could feel herself blushing.  "Ay, Jihoo just makes me laugh.  Look."  She turned the phone so Abigaíl could see.

 - "What is that supposed to be?"

 - "I have no idea, looks like 'humph' to me."

 - "Well tell him I said you need to get to work."

 - "Okay girl."

Ilana:  ROFL, but Abigaíl says to get back to work.  Pabo Ajussi, eat dinner and get rest.  Jihoo has been working too hard.

Jihoo:  Jalja.  Gomawo.

Ilana reluctantly put the phone down.  She would very much like to keep talking but she would see him tomorrow.

Ilana settled back into work and soon she and Abigaíl had a system going.

 - "Did you order your dress yet?"  Ilana asked.

 - "No, I can't pick.  I'm going again to the store on Sunday.  Jaejoong is threatening to have them close the store just for me."

 - "I can see that happening," Ilana grinned.  "What about the bride’s maids?"

 - "Eommoni gave me a great idea and they had them at the Hanbok store.  They're apple red with sage trim mini hanboks."  Abigaíl brought up a picture on her phone.

 - "Cute."

 - "We've got the invitations back from the printer; we just need the engagement picture to go with it.  We'll be taking pictures next Saturday.  My parents are leaving Monday night for Mexico.  They'll be gone just under two weeks.  They're going to get my Grandma, Mama Rojelia.  This is good, with my Mom gone we can work here instead of having to pack everything up and take it to my Aunt's."

 - "Is your Mom still having a hard time?"

Abigaíl had confided in Ilana about her Mother struggling to let her go.  "Yes, it's not that she's not happy, she did the same with Luciana and now look at them.  She love's Edgar.  Jaejoong has been doing a good job of buttering her up.  When he comes over he does what he always does and takes over.  He makes her sit while he takes care of dishes, bussing, anything that she was doing.  He brings her favorite treats and stops at Starbucks for her.  On the other hand, Jaejoong shipped a bunch of things to Eommoni, she's going to help put favors together and then bring them back when she comes around the first week of September.  After Abeojim and she hand out the invitations to the invitees from Korea.  I just have to take care of the little things he says."

 - "You mean the hardest things."

 - "He says that's what I get for not wanting to hire a coordinator."

 - "You give me a panic attack just thinking about it.  Better you than me."

 - "Just wait until it's your turn."

 - "Not going to happen, so I have no problem waiting."

 - "Chica..."

 - "Abigaíl...less chatting, more working.  These favors aren't going to get made on their own you know."

 - "I see the way you look at Dr. Jihoo."  Abigaíl was busy tying tiny bows.

 - "Oh?  How's that?"  Ilana challenged her friend.

 - "Like you miss him when you don't see him for five minutes."

 - "Exagerada (What an exaggeration)!"

 - "I'm not exaggerating.  You should have seen your face a little while ago."

 - "He's one of my bestest friends and makes me laugh.  Is that a crime?"

 - "No, just wondering if you might have a crush on him."

 - "Abigaíl García!"

 - "You're blushing!"

 - "Am not!  Where’s a pillow so I can smack you with it."

Abigaíl was laughing so hard tears were pouring from her eyes.

They didn't call it quits until two A.M. even Isabel didn't quit.  In the end, Ilana happily obliged Isabel by sleeping with her, while Sylvia slept with Abigaíl.  Needless to say, no one was up early that morning.

New York, NY

Enjoying the warm evening Jihoo and Ilana walked lazily around the park, enjoying the view of the water.  They'd had a large dinner at 'The Frying Pan'.  A converted 1929 Lightship that had been previously sunken, before being rescued and made into a restaurant.  Not wanting to carry leftovers, Ilana suggested they just share several dishes.  They started with Ceviche, which was always one of Ilana's favorites, salmon, goat cheese salad (Ilana insisted they have more greens), and ice cream sandwiches for dessert.  It was still a lot of food and they couldn't wait to walk it off after.  Ilana managing to snag the bill before Jihoo, was a highlight.  Taking their ice cream sandwiches, they went for a walk along the Greenway.

Jihoo had suggested the restaurant wondering if Ilana would react in any way.  Other than curiosity, she was not affected at all.

 - "Did Ilana enjoy the restaurant?"

 - "Deh, it's a good thing we were there early; you saw how crowded it got as we were leaving."  She had enjoyed sharing the meal with him.  How could something as simple as food bring a sense of joy and contentment?  Or perhaps it was just the company.  She hated her cousin and loved Nana's cooking but whenever he was around food never tasted as good.  Unknowingly she was grinning to herself again, something that was becoming a habit whenever she was around Jihoo.

 - "Ilana is grinning like a Cheshire Cat."

 - "Am I?"

 - "Deh, what is going through that head of yours?"  She was now turning a pretty shade of pink but refrained from commenting for fear she wouldn't tell him what was on her mind.

 - "Anieyo, na was just thinking that food tastes so much better with good company."

 - "If that is a compliment to nae company, kansamnida," Jihoo bowed.

 - "It is, nae chingu," Ilana looked away from his all-knowing gaze.

 - "Mmm, if that's the case, Na will take every meal with you and I can be assured you eat."

 - "That would be lovely, hajiman you sir are too busy and your life does not revolve around me.  I'm getting entirely too used to your cosseting."  Weaning herself off of him was going to be an impossibility.

 - "Cosseting?"  He thought about the word, it wasn't familiar to him at first.  "Ah, indulging?  Ilana is using her Ajumma words again."  He realized, she did that when she wasn't comfortable or to avoid being embarrassed by something.  Suddenly a bike whizzed by, startling her.  In fact, the trail was crowded with bikers, runners, skaters and pedestrians like them.  Ilana had moved closer to Jihoo, trying to put as much distance between her and the passersby.  The crowds occasionally made Ilana nervous.

They continued walking with Ilana watching the path warily.  A group of runners, most likely from a nearby school came by, without thought to others on the trail.  Thinking for sure someone would grab her or knock her down; she clung to Jihoo's arm for support.  Jihoo stopped walking and pulled Ilana as far to the side of the trail as possible.

- "Ilana-yah, if you walk any closer I'm going to have to carry you.  If that's what you want, tell me."

 - "Anieyo!"

 - "Wae?"

 - "Jihoo knows I don't like jostling crowds."

 - "Ilana doesn't trust me to keep her from falling?"

 - "Deh..."

 - "Eotokke?"  Ilana remained silent, not knowing what she was supposed to answer.  She couldn't control when her fears flared up.  Seeming to have come to a decision.  "Come," he led her by the hand back amongst the crowds, but this time he put his arm around her waist and tucked her in close to him.  "Better?" Jihoo asked while they walked.  "When we find an empty bench we'll sit down."

Ilana didn't know if this was better.  She thought for sure he could hear her heart beating loudly.  But she did feel safe and comfortable wrapped in his protective net.  Not trusting her voice, Ilana nodded her acknowledgment.

Jihoo felt Ilana relax against him as they walked even slower than they had before.  Fifteen minutes later they were in luck and a bench had just been unoccupied.  They sat slumped together, silent, watching the boats cruise the harbor.  The weather was warm but a constant breeze bounced off the water relieving the warmth of the sun.

 - "This is so nice; we don't have water in our Southern California rivers."

 - "Is Ilana happy to be so far from home?"

 - "Deh, nae goal was to go as far away from home as possible."

 - "Wae?"

Ilana shrugged her shoulders.  "Nae cousin was the biggest factor amongst other things."  Truly, she hadn’t cared if she lived or died back then.  She liked to think she was currently a little better off than she was but at times she wasn't sure.  "What about you, are you happy?"

 - "Deh, na needed some distance from things."  He knew Ilana would never know that she helped him as much as he helped her.  "Na chingu helped me realize Na really didn't need to be afraid of those things anymore."  He smiled at her, leaving her perplexed.

 - "Jihoo-yah, you're the calmest and most collected person I know."

 - "Ani, it's all an act, Naega just like Ilana.  Na let my insecurities build until they are too much for me to handle and then I walk away without solving the problem."

Ilana stared at him in awe.

 - "Wae is Ilana staring?"

 - "An-anieyo."  Jihoo reached over and leaned her back against him.  He could see her mind working to figure him out.  She was going to give herself a headache trying so hard.  "Jihoo-yah."

 - "Mmm?"

 - "I bet your insecurities never haunted your days and nights?"

Jihoo thought carefully about what to say.  "Deh, at one time they did."  He couldn't tell her about growing up autistic, he couldn't tell her about not being able to drive but he could tell her there was hope.  "If it weren't for nae chingu-deul, na don't think I'd be here.  God has a way of putting people in your life when you need them most.  After...the accident...Na could've easily withdrawn from life completely.  But there was JunPyo who took the toy robot nae Abeoji gave me and broke it."  He laughed, while Ilana had a horrified expression on her face.  "Na think we got even somehow fourteen years later.  Yah!  Gwenchana."  He laughed at the worried face Ilana was making.  He leaned her back against his shoulder.  The thoughts made him sad but also made him laugh and thank God for the people that were around him when he needed them most.  "SeoHyun Noona is the one who gave me Rui.  She was always by my side, pushing me to let go of my grief."

 - "Na didn't know Jihoo had a Noona?"

 - "She was a close chingu that grew up with us.  Ilana-ssi saw her picture, remember?"

 - "Ah, maja!"

 - “She modeled to make her own way, studied law, and left for Paris.  Na lost touch with her after she got married.  Then there was JanDi.  She entered all our lives like a whirlwind and made us, well...me, see life outside of myself.  Ilana...reminded me a little of her.  Her stubbornness was always getting her in trouble."

 - "JanDi is a whirlwind, seeing her with InHei and Gu JunPyo and even the others.  She's a mover and shaker, a life force, the kind you would definitely want on your side but don't cross her or else."

 - "Mmm, that's JanDi."

Ilana felt a tear falling; something in what he was saying just hit her.  There was a little sadness but love and gratefulness too.  Most of all, she was touched that he was confiding these things to her.  It was like he was telling her these things for a reason.  Guilt plagued her again, for she couldn't confide in him the way he was.  "Gomawo," Ilana said quietly.

 - "Wae?"  He had heard her, despite how quietly she spoke.  He could see where a tear had slid down her cheek and hoped she would open up for him, even if it was just a little.

 - "Just for sharing with me.  You don't have to; it's hard to re..."  Remember, didn't seem like the right word. "...re-visit what you went through and...how you survived it all."  She could hear herself struggling for speech, ending in just above a whisper.  Even if he wanted to reach for her hand, he didn't.  Jihoo had to let her stay in her zone so she would talk.  "Kike was always by my side too.  He was always against my cousin.  Then I met the gang and a dam broke inside.  I was feeling things that I thought...were long dead."  Ilana's voice was hoarse with suppressed emotion.  Jihoo did nothing about her tears and just let her talk until she was at the end of her comfort level.  "Na think I might have slowly died again had I stayed with Kike in Miami.  He's always on my side but never pushed me like nae Oppa-deul did and Suzy."  Chuckling slightly, "Kike thinks I'm a bomb ready to go off and needs to be treated with utmost care.  Jihoo, Abigaíl, Unnie, even ShiYoon, Uee, and Shancai, everyone here has affected me in some way.  Something I can never pay back or return the favor."  Ilana knew what Jihoo was going to say and quickly added.  "Ara, it's not meant to be returned.  Na can't help it.  If someone does something nice for you, don't you want to do something nice back?"

 - "Ilana-yah, do you really not know who you are?  If any of your team needs a helping hand, aren't you willing to stay late and finish for them?  Aren't you the one who provided new employment opportunities for Park JungMin and Bae Suzy?  Aren't you the one who flew all the way to Seoul, hating to fly, just to be at their wedding?  Aren't you the one who orchestrated a party for me and left that wedding to attend?  Aren't you the one who did all that research for WooBin, nae chingu?  You didn't take any money, you were sick on top of it and you even introduced him to Uee's music.  You're kind, generous and loving."

Ilana tried to smile, albeit unconvincingly.  She tried to be those things he mentioned but what good was it if there will always be something missing?  Something she could never recuperate.  Something she could never be.

Jihoo sighed as he studied her face.  "It doesn't matter what Na say, no matter how many times I tell Ilana how lovely she is, you believe the demons inside your head instead of your chingu."

Ilana remained quiet, trying and failing to hold back tears.  He didn't yell at her but she'd rather he did.  The barely concealed emotion in his eyes and cool tone of voice was like waiting for a slap on the face.

 - "M-mianhae."  She averted her eyes; it hurt too much to see she was letting him down.

 - "Shh!  Hajima."  Telling her to stop was like telling her to continue.  He let her regain composure on her own.  Sometimes you just need to cry.

Once Ilana was staring dry-eyed and dazed onto the river, he asked:  "The traffic has died down, does Ilana want to walk more?"

Ilana just shook her head.  They walked arm in arm for a little while, not in any hurry.  He liked that they could spend time just being in each other’s company and not have to talk.  But at the same time, he really didn't mind doing most of the talking.

 - "Ilana-yah, let's start walking back, it's almost sunset."

 - "Arraso," she answered quietly.  She was still upset at herself because she wasn't strong enough to fight the demons as Jihoo had put it.

They'd only walked a few minutes in the other direction when the orange glow was just a line on the river’s edge and was about to disappear.  "Ilana-yah, on 'set' na want to see you smile, arraso?  No more tears for tonight, no looking back, just forward.  Can you do that for me?"

Ilana finally got the courage to look up at him.  "Deh," she said softly.

 - "Hana...dol...set!"

Ilana couldn't help but smile at the one she loved.  The one who pushed her most to heal.  The one who was always so kind to her, even when she didn't deserve it.  He wrapped some of her ponytail around his finger and then let it go again.

 - "Na want to help you fight those demons.  Na want to see you always smiling."

His words caused a huge commotion inside her heart.  She wished he could fight the demons for her but even the strongest bleach in the world couldn't remove the stains and there was no way to reach them.  They were buried so deep in her heart, impossible to get to.  But she smiled a true smile just for him, who brought her so much joy.  The one who survived, while she didn't.  She could do that for him.

August 18, 2014

The day began like most other Mondays; SeungRyung's staff was doing more chatting than working.  Although this time, SeungRyung herself was joining them.  Abigaíl was updating them on the wedding preparations.

 - "I have until tomorrow to cancel but I'm pretty sure this is the dress.  It was a little pricey but I fell in love with it.  I don't think it will need too many alterations and my Aunt can do them, saving me money."

 - "Felicidades futura Señora Kim (Congratulations future Mrs. Kim)," ShiYoon said.

 - "So, six weeks left, how are the other preparations going?"  SeungRyung asked.

 - "Not too bad, Eomonni, my Aunt, Ilana, and my sister are helping me with the favors."  Ilana waved playfully.  "My parents are in Mexico getting my Grandma.  Isabel and I were supposed to be on this trip, but..."

 - "Ooh, just a minor thing like getting engaged messed everything up," Uee teased.

Abigaíl smiled at the teasing, never even imagining that this would happen.  "Jaejoong wants to hire a florist but I want to do the flowers.  I can make them better and for way less than what a florist would charge."  Having taken flower arranging during high school.

 - "Abi-ah, you know how you get just planning Isabel's party," Uee said.

 - "I would agree with your future husband but I believe you can work hand in hand with the florist to accomplish your vision."

 - "I think what Unnie's saying is you can rein Jaejoong in so he doesn't go over the top."  Ilana's comment made everyone laugh.

 - "Speaking of over the top, he's planning Isabel's birthday during the wedding reception."

 - "Your wedding is going to be the event of the year," ShiYoon said excitedly.

 - "That's what I'm afraid of."

 - "Chica, you know he's doing it all for you and Isabel."

 - "I know," Abigaíl smiled.  She knew Jaejoong was taking great pains to make the day special and meaningful for them.

 - "Ah!  I praise the Lord daily for all my beautiful charges."  SeungRyung surveyed the scene of her cozy family laughing.  "Uee is on her way to becoming an idol, ShiYoon's video game is being shopped by several companies, Abigaíl and Jaejoong are getting married, and that just leaves Ilana and Jihoo.  I pray for you two daily for the Lord to illuminate your paths."

 - "Gwenchana, Unnie, God doesn't have time for me."  Little did Ilana know that God had already been answering her Nana's prayers.  While he hadn't taken all the pain, it was significantly less and her friends that cared for her and protected her were the songs of freedom Nana had prayed for the day she left home.

 - "Ilana, God has time for everyone who makes time for him."

 - "Unnie almost always gets her prayers answered.  She doesn't let up until God answers just to keep her quiet."  Uee said.

 - "It's true; the Bible tells the story of the persistent widow who appealed to the judge daily until her requests were answered.  It says, 'And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night'?"

Ilana remained quiet; she certainly wasn't one of God's elect, so why should he bother with her.  She didn't need anything, really.  The only thing she ever desired was her parents?  He wouldn't turn back time and bring them back.  If she hadn't chosen to follow in her Mother's footsteps, maybe they would still be here.  "Unnie, concentrate your prayers on Dr. Jihoo, he deserves it more than I do."

 - "If God can make water come out of a rock, he can melt even the most stubborn hearts."  SeungRyung smiled at Ilana, receiving her reluctant smile and head shake in return.  "Well, my dears, I think it's long past the time we all got to work."  They'd been chatting for over twenty minutes.

Abigaíl smiled at Ilana.  She too, along with Jaejoong, had been praying for Jihoo and Ilana.  She sensed He was telling her to keep praying no matter what.  It wasn't time yet.  "Well, it's not like we don't have work to do," she said.

The morning passed quickly as Abigaíl and Ilana were the most affected by the flu virus that was going around.  Jihoo and Jaejoong were busy seeing and assisting many patients.  Those files needed coding, ID's needed to be made and patient records needed updating.  Before they knew it, it was lunch.  Too busy to both go at the same time, Ilana went first.

 - "Chica, your fiancé is waiting downstairs for you," Ilana said upon her return.

 - "Really?"  Excitement evident in her face.

 - "Yes, he wanted to surprise you, that's why he didn't call.  He thought you would be down there already."

 - "Okay, I'm going now, thanks."  Abigaíl rushed off with her lunch, but forgot her phone.  Ilana saw this and put the phone back by Abigail's monitor where she always kept it.

 - "Jagiya!"  Jaejoong waved when he saw Abigail scanning the cafeteria for him.

Abigaíl saw him and smiled as she walked towards him.  "Hi!  Did you wait long?"

Jaejoong hugged her tight, "deh, I miss you."  He kissed her cheeks slowly, savoring the feel of her skin on his lips.

 - "Stop, someone might say something.  Besides, give me a minute to warm my food."

 - "Anieyo," he let her go.  "I bought us food; they have salmon today, your favorite."

 - "You didn't have to but thank you, it is my favorite."  They sat side by side in the booth.  Their only communication lately was by text or email.  Jaejoong was just so busy he couldn't even take her home.  "How are things going?"

 - "Well, the numbers of cases coming in each day aren’t as many as in the previous weeks, so that's good.  But anything can happen.  Jihoo will be in a meeting tomorrow, I'm sure he'll find out when the government will release this season's flu vaccine.  We're mainly worried about the kids going back to school soon.  Things like colds and flu's wipe out chunks of classrooms at a time."

 - "I didn't even think of praying for the kid’s safety.  I've been praying for all the Doctors."

 - "That's why Na love my jagiya.  She's always thinking about me."

 - "I said all the Doctor's not just you." Abigaíl gave him a playful shove.

 - "And here I don't even want to kiss you for fear of getting you sick.  I changed my shirt before coming, just so I could hug you."

Abigaíl smiled at the wonderful and crazy man next to her.  "I'm a Mom; I can't get sick that easily.  We have extra strength immune systems."

 - "Mmm, well, maybe I'll just take a chance.  Anyway, I am a Doctor; I can take care of you if you're sick."  With that, he leaned in and gently kissed her lips.  He took his time teasing her with his playful nibbling.  He rubbed his lips against hers just before pulling away.  "Ah, I missed your sweet lips."  He still managed to make Abigaíl blush when he kissed her.  He wanted to kiss her sometimes just to see her blush.

 - "Umm, I've got to get back to work soon."  Abigaíl looked down at her food.  He already knew his kisses made her forget everything around her.  He didn't need to see it written all over her face too.

 - "Here, you take the first bite."  Jaejoong fed her a piece of salmon.  The hospital cafeteria had surprisingly good food.

 - "Mmm, that's good.  Your turn."  She was getting better at the entire girlfriend thing and some things were actually kind of fun, like feeding each other.  She wished they weren't surrounded by people but if she just focused on him, it wasn't too bad.

 - "Six more weeks and you'll be Mrs. Kim, how does that sound?"

 - "Nice and weird and scary all at the same time."

Jaejoong laughed but then looked at her tenderly.  "Ah, jagiya, I can never love you enough for saving me."

 - "I didn't save you, Jesus did."

 - "But you obeyed his calling and you didn't let me die in my own foolishness."

 - "That's because he sent an angel to protect you for some reason."

 - "Don't you know?  You're my angel."  Abigaíl smiled.  To say it didn't make her happy when he said those endearing things to her would be a lie.  It made her very happy, but it still felt like she was dreaming.  But wasn't that what being in love was all about?  Dreaming together.

 - "I'm glad you came into our lives.  Every day I love you more, you know that?"  The two were lost in their own world and no one bothered them.

Food devoured, the lovebirds were discussing honeymoon destinations when Jaejoong's phone rang.

 - "Aish, I've been found," he said before answering.  "This is Dr. Jaejoong."

 - "Hi!  This is Lisa, from Oasis Summer Camp.  Isabel has been feeling sick since just after lunch, we'll need you to come get her."

 - "Just one minute," Jaejoong looked to Abigaíl with concern.  "It's the summer camp, nae jagiya is sick."  Thankfully he had added himself to Isabel's emergency contacts since the proposal.  "What are her symptoms?"

 - "She was complaining of a headache earlier but didn't want to go home.  As soon as she ate lunch she threw up and she’s running a fever."

 - "Thank you for calling, her Mother and I will be right there."  He turned to Abigaíl, "It's the flu."

 - "I must've forgotten my phone; I have to run back upstairs to get my things!"  Abigaíl was worried.

Jaejoong held a finger up, he was dialing.  "Meet me at Oasis Day Camp at Central Park, bring the Dodge."  He had driven his Z4 not expecting to take Isabel anywhere.  "Let's call Ilana and have her bring your purse and phone, it'll save time.  I'll call HyoJoo on the way and let her know I don't know what time I'll be back."

 - "Critical Care, Ilana Contreras speaking."

 - "Chica, I'm sorry, I have to leave.  Isabel is sick.  Can you tell Unnie and meet me in the lobby with my phone and purse?"

 - "Don't worry about it!  Go take care of Isabel.  I'll bring your stuff right now."  Ilana grabbed Abigail's purse and phone.  She'd turn off her computer when she got back.  Poking her head in her boss's office, "Unnie, Abigail has to leave, Isabel is sick.  I'm just going to run down and give her her purse."

 - "Tell her I'll be praying for Isabel and I'll call her later and not to worry."

 - "Arraso, Unnie, I will."  Ilana ran down the stairs as fast as she could.  Abigaíl and Jaejoong were waiting for her.

 - "Chica!  Thanks."

 - "Don't worry; take care of my muñeca preciosa (precious doll).

 - "I will, I'm sorry I probably won't be in for a few days."

 - "Just go, already," Ilana tried shooing Abigaíl away.

 - "Ilana-yah, Make sure you wash your hands well after touching Abigail’s desk," Jaejoong instructed.

 - "Deh!  My hands are like sandpaper from washing and using hand sanitizer.  Go get Isabel."

 - "Better sandpaper than sick!"  Jaejoong called as he walked away. 

Upon returning to her desk, Ilana turned off Abigail's computer and tied up her desk a little before getting back to work.  Realizing she'd be staying late to finish hers and Abigail's tasks, she sent a text to Jihoo, inviting him to dinner.

Poor Isabel couldn’t stop throwing up and was downright miserable.  She made sure Umma and Appa were well aware of the fact.

 - "Umma-a-a, make it stop!  Appa!!!  Hold my hand!"

 - "Aww, jagiya, I'm driving.  Appa hates that you’re sick, jeongmal."  Making an executive decision, he headed to his house which was only ten minutes from the park.  "Abi-ah, let's go to my place, we should get her to lie down as soon as possible."

 - "Well, won't it be worse to take her out later?"

 - "Appa!  Na want to go to your house."  They'd only been in the car for five minutes and Isabel had already thrown up twice.  Thankfully Jaejoong grabbed several heavy duty bags from the hospital.

 - "Arraso, jagiya, we'll be there in five.  Umma, call Sylvia and tell her to pack things for all of you for a few days, I'll send the driver for her when she's ready."

 - "We can't stay at your place?"

 - "Deh, your parents aren't home, you need to take care of Isabel first.  Who will take care of Sylvia and you?"

 - "l don't know..."

 - "Umma!  I don't feel good."  Isabel was whimpering in the back seat, despite her Mother being next to her.  Abigaíl didn't have the heart to keep her in the car any longer than necessary.

 - "Okay, we'll stay."

By the time Sylvia arrived close to five P.M., Isabel had finally stopped vomiting long enough to fall asleep.  Jaejoong had installed them in his parent’s room and Sylvia down the hall.

 - "She looks so tiny in your shirt."  They had given Isabel one of Jaejoong's shirts to wear after giving her a cool bath to bring down her fever and remove any vomit that might have landed on her skin.

 - "At least she's resting now.  I'm not worried; we just need to make sure she doesn't get dehydrated.  My little jagiya is going to be miserable for a few days.  Umma, make sure to rest when Isabel is resting.  Na don't want you getting sick too.  Sylvia, make yourself at home, you'll be getting chauffeured to school tomorrow."

 - "Cool, thanks!"

 - "Are you sure you can't eat before you go back?"  Abigaíl asked.  It was awkward to be in his home but even more, if he wasn't there.

 - "Deh, I have patients arriving soon, poor HyoJoo is staying overtime."

 - "I'm sorry, you didn't have to do all this for us."

 - "You'll be my wife in a few weeks, Isabel my daughter, and Sylvia my sister, you're my family now.  Of course, I have to take care of you.  Be good and take care of Jagiya.  Esther, keep an eye on them until I get back."

 - "Deh, Jaejoong-ssi," the housekeeper said.

Giving Abigaíl a kiss goodbye, he left for the hospital once again.  He would take care of his patients first and then go back and care for his family.  "Family," he said out loud with a smile on his face.

Sometime close to seven, Ilana felt a hand on her shoulder.  "Aish!"  So intent on her computer screen, she didn't hear Jihoo's approach.  Turning to see Jihoo chuckling at her, she smacked his arm.  "Oh, you!!  You know better not to sneak up on me!"  Ilana exhaled, trying to calm herself once again.

 - "Na didn't sneak up on you.  Ilana was so focused on the screen, Na could have blared a trumpet and you wouldn't have heard me.  I tried calling your name and you didn't answer."

 - "Oh, Mianhae," Ilana said, embarrassed.

 - "Kaja, you must be exhausted."

 - "No more than you, let me code this really quickly and I'm done."

Ten minutes later they were walking out the door.  "Na saw Jaejoong when I left, Isabel was doing better."

 - "That's good, poor baby."

 - "Kids are fairly resistant; she's in good health and will bounce back quickly."

 - "Deh, they're fortunate," Ilana said, thinking of her own circumstances.  "Japanese sound good for dinner?"

 - "Are you sure?  They might be very busy.  Na would rather you ate sooner than later.  If Ilana was so busy she didn't hear me approach, then you were too busy to stop and snack on something."

Ilana smiled guiltily.  "Na want unagi, kaja."

 - "Arraso but na don't want a call in the morning that you are running late because we stayed out too late or you couldn't sleep on a full stomach."

 - "I won't," she pouted.

It was about nine when Jihoo and Ilana were leaving the restaurant for home.  "I'm stuffed!  Wae do you always make me eat so much?"

 - "Because that's the only time you eat."

 - "Oh, yes, I starve myself when Yoon Jihoo is not around."  She was being sarcastic but lately, it wasn't too far from the truth.  It wasn't that she starved herself, it was just she had no appetite or food just didn't taste as good when he wasn't around.

 - "Deh, than wae is Ilana always thinner when I return."

 - "Anieyo!  Greon, what fun things do you have planned for when you get home."

 - "Ani, na will be attending meetings.  Na have to start preparing the budget for next year, confirming sponsors, getting ready for our annual benefit concert for the foundation.  The proceeds from that usually cover the majority of the clinic's expenses on top of private donations and sponsors.  When Kim KyuJong Uissa returns from military service, we've asked him to oversee all the clinics."

 - "Chincha!  Daeback, did he accept?"

 - "Not officially but yes.  We'll have to wait until he's out of the military to make it all official."

 - "Wau!  Naega so happy for everyone.  I know HyungJun and YiHyun are planning on opening a photo studio when he gets out.  YoungSaeng...I'm sure he'll be great at whatever he plans."

 - "And what great achievements does Ilana have in mind?"

 - "Anieyo, just be your admin for as long as you need me."  She didn't know why she had to phrase it in just that way and looked away in order not to get teary-eyed.

 - "Ah, so if Na return to Seoul and still need an admin, Ilana will come with me."

She would be jumping for joy, that he would think that highly of her to invite her to work with him wherever he went.  But she couldn't let him know that.  "Guerae...we'd have to negotiate my salary and moving costs.  You'd have to make sure Joy wasn't quarantined."

Jihoo's heart swelled at seeing her face light up with her smile as she played along with him.  Although, he wasn't playing.  He wanted her by his side always and not just as an admin.

They'd arrived at the apartments and being late, knowing they should go their own way but neither really wanting to.  Unknowingly, Ilana gave them an excuse to spend more time together.

 - "I'm so full still, why does sushi have to be so filling!"

 - "It's all the rice, wae do you think it's a staple food, it keeps you full?"

 - "Ara, but it's so good!  Especially surrounded by fish and seaweed."

 - "Does Ilana want to come over for plum tea?"

She shouldn't, she should go to sleep but she wouldn't see him for a week and wanted more of their "friend" time.  "Guerue."

 - "Choahyo," this was good; he wasn't ready to say goodnight when he'd have to leave for a week tomorrow.  "Dinner is my treat tomorrow, Na don't have to prepare anything and I'm not leaving until half-past midnight."

Jihoo had unlocked the door and Ilana stepped in.  "Hwagsiliya (Are you sure)?"

 - "Deh, na wouldn't have offered if I wasn't."

 - "Arraso, if Jihoo insists."

Jaejoong finished with the patients that had rescheduled for later and did a few rounds.  Now, he was walking in his door, knowing the house wouldn't be empty.  Unfortunately, his poor Isabel had to get sick for that to happen.  But soon he'd have his anae and little jagiya living permanently with him.  "Yeobo, nae waseyo!"  He called out, eager like a child.  He loved the way that had sounded.  Getting no response, he figured everyone was in their room.  He checked the kitchen and found a plate of food with his name on it.  It was Abigail’s writing, Esther usually just left it in the dining room for him.  Walking through the house, he spotted lights in the media room.  It was Abigail's little sister, "Sylvia, shouldn't you be getting ready for bed?"

 - "I know, I was just finishing up an essay."  He saw her laptop open and the TV on, turned to her favorite digital music channel.

 - "Arraso.  In the morning just meet Mr. Yoo in the kitchen, Esther will have breakfast ready for you."

 - "She doesn't have to!"

 - "Yes she does; cheoje (sister in law), jalja."

 - "Goodnight."

Sylvia grinned at her weird brother-in-law and thought she'd have to make sure to spend a lot of time with her sister when she got married.

Heading up the stairs, Jaejoong stopped outside his parent’s room.  Cracking the door open, he heard Isabel having a hard time.  He knocked on the door to alert Abigaíl of his presence.  "Anae, I'm home, how is she?"

 - "She just threw up again and she's refusing the pedialyte you brought."

Isabel had her Mother completely embraced and was whimpering.  She was uncomfortable and in pain.  "Appa," she whimpered having someone new to hear her distress.

 - "Wae, jagiya?"  Jaejoong pulled Isabel off her Mother and sat her onto his lap. Grabbing the cup from the bedside table, he brought it to .  "Drink a little.  It'll help you feel better."

 - "Shiro!"  Isabel burrowed herself further into Jaejoong's chest.  "You want Appa to drink some first?"

This got Isabel's attention.  "Deh!"

Abigaíl rolled her eyes and poured a fresh cup for Jaejoong.

 - "Ara, it's not very good hajiman Appa doesn't want his jagiya you to get really sick and have to go to the hospital."  Having drank his cup of foul tasting pedialyte, he gave Isabel her cup.  "Your turn, just take little sips, you don't have to drink it all in big gulp."  He rubbed the back of her neck as she sipped, making faces and gagging the entire time.  "Jagiya, you're really warm.  Does your head hurt?"

 - "Dehhh."

 - "Yah, should Appa massage your head?"  Isabel nodded.  "Arraso, finish your drink and I'll give you a massage."

Jaejoong gave his little sweetheart a massage, expertly hitting the acupressure points at the back of her neck, easing the throbbing pain of the headache.

Abigaíl was torn between worry over the flu or laughing at the way Isabel had Jaejoong wrapped around her little finger.  She laid back against the pillows to get a better look at her daughter's spoiled face as Jaejoong rocked with her on his lap and was singing something in Korean.  "Great Dads are born, not made," she thought.

By the time Jaejoong realized Isabel was asleep, it was about midnight.  "She's asleep now," he told Abigaíl.  The way he was sitting, didn't let him see her.  When she didn't respond, he stood up with Isabel still clinging to his neck.  Her Mother had had also fallen asleep.  Tucking in Isabel first, he then got Abigaíl under the blankets as well.  Kissing both of his girls on the forehead, he prayed, "Guard their sleep, juseyo."  With that, he turned off the light and headed up to his room on the top floor.

I'm running out of Ideas for chapter headings.  Did you guys know people who have the flu can pass it to others up to 6 feet away?  That makes you want to wear gloves and masks all the time.  Anyway, I'm tired chingu!

- Saranghae!