A/N: So, I would've updated sooner, but my phone was really heated and it was slow and stupid, and... it just wrote words that made no sense even if I did write it right. It was a pain, but I got through it. *Warning: There is a part that has some deaths and people being injured, but it isn't so bad because I didn't go into too detail, you'll be fine if you can take that stuff in* Also, I do not own Adventure Time, I just put it in because it's an awesome show. SU is too, but AT has Marceline. Enjoy!*
Angela woke up ten minutes before her alarm. It was five twenty-seven in the morning, she had to go to work by seven thirty. Her heart pounded when she couldn't see Hana anywhere, she got out of bed and kicked something, making her trip. She saved her fall with her hands, and looked back at what she tripped on. She saw Hana on the floor, with her buttoned shirt rolled up revealing her belly button. Angela shook her head and got up, stretching her back as she did. She slowly picked Hana up, and gently placed her on the bed, covering her up with the sheet. Hana rolled up into a ball and mumbled.
"She couldn't look any cuter...," Angela whispered to herself.
Angela removed the alarm from her clock so it wouldn't bother Hana to wake up early for nothing. She went to the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a real mess, she always has a case of having the worst bed hair ever. She took her toothbrush and began to brush her teeth, going in the kitchen at the same time to check what she can make. She thought about Hana, and what she would want. Hana absolutely loves pancakes with chocolate chips, and that's what Angela decided to make. She took out the pancake mix, a bowl, some milk, a bag of chocolate chips, and a spoon. She went back into the bathroom to spit, rinsing her mouth with a cup of water. She rinsed her brush and puts it back, going back to the kitchen to make the pancakes for Hana later.
After some time, when the pancakes were being made, Angela glanced over at the clock above the sink.
Five fifty eight...
She went to her room to take a sticky note and a pen, writing out, 'This is your breakfast, there's frozen food in the freezer for lunch and dinner in case you're hungry. Be nice Hana, love, Angela.' She went back to the kitchen and put the note aside on the table. Angela took one pancake for herself, and the other two for Hana, putting them on a plastic plate and wrapping it with plastic wrapping. She grabbed the note on the table and placed it on the wrapping for Hana to read.
I have to make sure that I have enough time to call before I leave... Angela thought. Just in case they're all busy, I'll have enough time to leave Hana to Jesse. Mercy grabbed the syrup bottle and dialed Lena's number first. She put a good amount of syrup and spread it with her fork. Her phone kept ringing, until Lena's voice message came up.
"Heya! You've reached Lena's residence, except I'm not here! Leave a message!" And a laugh escaped her lips at the end.
Angela sighed and ended the call, dialing to Fareeha's number. She ate her breakfast in silence waiting for Fareeha to pick up. She was going to try Genji, but Fareeha finally picked up.
"Hello?" It was obvious to Angela that Fareeha was tired.
"Hello, Fareeha? Sorry for calling you earlier than usual, I'm just calling to see if you could take care of Hana?" Angela crossed her fingers and silently prayed that she would say yes.
"Aw, the little one? Of course, any time! I love taking care of that kid. When?"
"Today, I'm leaving at seven, so if you can come soon before I leave, that'd be great," Angela took a bite off her pancake, twirling her fork around between her fingers.
"You got it, I'll be there as soon as I can!" Fareeha had a proud tone now, obviously showing her excitement to take care of Hana.
"Great! Thank you Fareeha, I'll be sure to repay you for taking your time."
"I have an idea," Fareeha said. "When are you free?"
Angela blinked, wondering why she wants to know when she's free. "Er... This Friday," she answered anyway. "Why?"
"Angela, you work too much. I think a little break to eat some lunch together with Hana would be great, yeah?"
Angela thought about it. "Yeah, it would. What time?"
"How about three in the afternoon? That's a good time for Hana," Fareeha chuckled.
"Sure. It's nice of you to invite us, Fareeha," Angela said as she got up and put her plate and fork in the sink. "I just hope Hana doesn't cause any trouble."
"The girl will be fine, she's a pure angel."
A stressful angel... Angela thought.
"Well, I have to get ready. Getting there takes long with the awful traffic. I'll open the door to you if you can make it, but if you can't, you know where the key is."
"Of course," Fareeha said. "I'll see you later, bye."
"Bye," Angela said, and ended the call.
She went into her room and grabbed her clothes that she already ironed yesterday. She slips them on, and puts on her coat. She brushed her hair and tied it in a ponytail, like how she always has it. She grabs her ID, and her car keys and waited for Fareeha to come. It was early enough for her to check if she forgot anything, but she already had everything with her. Angela went back to her room to check on Hana, who was at the edge of the bed. Angela quickly went over to her to move her at the middle, so she wouldn't have to fall again.
"Mm...," Hana mumbled, and turned her head over to the other side.
Angela let her go, afraid that Hana might wake up. "Shoot...," she whispered, looking at Hana's face to see if she woke her up. Hana was still asleep, and Angela took the chance to move her a little more. She adjusted the sheet and gently stroke Hana's hair.
_
It was only after a few minutes when someone knocked on her door. Angela turned off her TV and looked through her peephole, seeing Fareeha with a navy blue shirt with black polkadots, and black yoga pants. Angela opened the door and went for a hug, startling Fareeha with the action.
"Oh, um... h-hello Angela," Fareeha hesitated to hug Angela back.
"Hello friend, I'm so glad that you could make it early, I can always count on you," Angela backed away and put her hands on her hips. "Come in, Hana is still sleeping," Angela pushed the door a little more to give Fareeha space to go through.
Fareeha walked inside and stared at something. Angela's eyes followed, and she saw Hana hiding around the corner of the wall. Fareeha waved to Hana, who shyly waved back and hid away.
"Excuse me...," Angela said as she followed Hana.
"Sure...," Fareeha chuckled.
Angela went to Hana's room and found her blowing bubbles.
Angela crossed her arms. "Why are you awake?"
"You woke me when you moved me... and I knew you were going to leave early... I wanted to say goodbye...," Hana looked down at her feet.
"Hana...," Angela shook her head. "Whatever, Fareeha is here now. There's breakfast on the counter."
"What is it? What is it?!" Hana hopped with excitement.
Angela smiled and placed a hand on Hana's head, making Hana stop jumping. "I made you pancakes... with chocolate chips~," Angela singed.
Hana gasped and ran out of the room. Watching Hana smile as she took the plate on the counter made her heart melt, she couldn't be any cuter, it would be impossible. Hana put syrup on her pancakes and put the syrup aside. Angela went back to Fareeha, who was standing around looking at the pictures Angela put around with her and Hana.
"Alright, now, you know what to do right?" Angela asked Fareeha as she clasped her hands together.
"Angela, I've been doing this since Hana was four, that was four years ago. I got this," Fareeha put her hands behind her head in a comfortable position.
"Okay... well, in case you forgot--!"
"The schedule is on the fridge, yeah I know. I know what I'm doing."
"Just please...," Angela begged. "Don't let Hana do whatever she wants. Get her away from the cookie jar, if she sees it, she'll try her best to get it, and I do not want her getting hurt."
"Sheesh Angela, you worry too much. Come on, you know me, we've known each other for years. And I know how Hana is, it's just... I let her express herself."
"Even if she has to color my wall with markers?!"
"She did a cute drawing of you, her, and me," Fareeha put her arms down.
"And she ruined her dress with paint! You let her paint on the wall with her hands!"
"I got her a new dress...," Fareeha said with a tone of guilt.
"And I love it! It's pretty!" Hana pitched in.
"Blue is your favorite color, I know you kid," Fareeha smiled.
"And you bought me ice cream that day too!" Hana hit the syrup bottle with her elbow as she threw her arm out to point at Fareeha. "Oh nooo, my pajama!"
Angela took a deep breath and pinched between her brows. "I have to go... can you..."
"I'll get right to it," Fareeha rolled her arms back.
"Thank you... Hana, I'm leaving, come give me a kiss!"
Hana jumped off the stool and ran towards Angela, hugging her first before giving her a kiss. Angela kissed her back and pat Hana's head. "Behave okay? I'll buy you some ice cream if you do. What do you want?"
"Chocolate chip!"
"I'll bring you chocolate chip. Bye Hana," Angela said with a wave.
"Bye... I love you...," Hana fumbled with her fingers, twirling her index with her other index.
"I love you too," Angela said, and closed the door.
Fareeha locked the door and watched as Hana ran to the nearest window to watch Angela leave. She watched her until she stopped at a stop sign and turn around a corner until Hana couldn't see her anymore. Fareeha grabs Hana away from the window and moves her to her room.
"Change out of your pajama so I can throw it in the wash. After that, finish your breakfast and we'll start with your lessons. I'll bring you a shirt," Fareeha left Hana behind to retrieve a shirt.
"What's today's lesson?" Hana said, loud enough for Fareeha to hear in the other room.
"Um... I think we'll be starting off with Math first," Fareeha said, pulling out a pink shirt. She heard Hana grunt, making Fareeha chuckle. She went back to Hana and set the pink shirt in front of Hana, who got her head stuck on the collar. "Do you need help?"
"Yes..."
Fareeha unbottoned the shirt and Hana slipped out of her pajama.
"You have to unbutton all the buttons...," Fareeha said, and threw the pajama in the machine.
"I keep forgetting...," Hana pouted, and slipped on the pink shirt Fareeha brought her.
"It's okay, I'll get the materials ready for you," Fareeha went into Hana's room.
"Hey," Hana shouted. "You know when Mama is coming back?"
"No clue."
"Oh...," Hana slumped down on the stool and picked up her fork. Fareeha came back with Hana's pencil bag, and some paper.
"Looks like that syrup you dropped spread over the table too... Where's the napkins?"
"Mommy moved them in there," Hana took a bite off her pancake.
"In here?" Fareeha put a hand on the handle of the top cabinet, looking over to Hana to see if it's the right one.
"Yeah," Hana nodded.
Fareeha opened the cabinet and took the napkins and placed it on the table. She slightly wet them and began cleaning the syrup. She grabs the syrup bottle, and closed the cap. "Next time," Fareeha said, continuing to clean the table. "Close the cap, else you'll make a mess and cause your mom some trouble."
"I'm causing Mommy trouble?"
"Er... no! No!" Fareeha scratched her head. "Well... you just make her a little tired, that's all. You don't cause her trouble, ignore what I said before."
"Is that why she never has time to play with me?" Hana looked up at Fareeha, with those sad puppy eyes.
"... I can't really... answer that. Sorry kiddo, but I'm sure she never has time because, you know, she's busy," Fareeha shrugged.
"You're a cop aren't you?" Hana asked.
"I am," Fareeha smirked.
"Why do you have time to do things and Mommy doesn't?"
"Well...," Fareeha pulled a stool back and sat on it. "We have different jobs, Hana. Both of our jobs are really important, but Angela is a doctor, a job just as important as mine, except it's needed more. She saves lives and helps the injured, I just bring people to justice."
"But you're job is sorta the same right? You help people too."
"True, we both help people, but it's different. I help people with problems... that needs to be solved, or stopping somebody that's been doing bad things. But if someone is hurt, that's a job for the doctors, you understand?"
Hana nodded.
"Good, now...," Fareeha looked at the clock. It was just barely seven... "It's a little too early to start..."
"That's okay, the earlier, the better, right? It just means I have more time when I'm done," Hana smiled.
"We always have time Hana," Fareeha took the pencil bag and put it in front of Hana.
"Yeah, but we'll have more time to go get stuff. I want to get my costume early!"
"What happened to your costume from last year?" Fareeha asked.
"I...," Hana put on a guilty face. "I fell on mud, and Mama couldn't wash it in time since we walked pretty far... And the stains stayed..."
"You're very clumsy, aren't you?" Fareeha laughed.
"Don't laugh at me!" Hana puffed her cheeks.
"I'm sorry! Let's start, shall we? Here, write these questions down," Fareeha reached for the paper and brought it in front of Hana.
"What's the questions?"
"Five... multiplied by eight... and the next one is four... multiplied by ten...," Fareeha continued this until there were no more.
She let Hana try to do it, and told her to leave out the ones she doesn't know. By the time Hana was done, Fareeha took the paper and looked at her answers, pointing at the ones she got wrong and acknowledged the ones she got right. As for the ones that were blank, Fareeha showed her on how to do it without giving her the answer. By the time it was finished, Fareeha scored it, and Hana earned a 47/55, only counting the ones she got wrong. Fareeha nodded and showed it to Hana.
"You're getting better," Fareeha smiled.
"Hm... it's still not good enough though! If I can get them all right, then I'll make Mama happy."
"Just being yourself makes her happy enough," Fareeha rested her hand on her cheek.
"She said that before... I don't believe her, I bet she said that to make me feel better," Hana crossed her arms.
"Hahaha, you're cute. Next lesson, or... juice break?" Fareeha smirked and arched an eyebrow up.
"I want juice, but no break, I want to finish this. What's next?"
"Division," Fareeha opened up the fridge and heard a thump. She looked back and saw Hana with her head on the table. "You okay there?"
"I don't wanna do division... it's frustrating...," Hana pouted.
"And that," Fareeha pulled out an orange juice box. "Is why you have to do it. If it's hard, you have to keep on doing it until your brain finds it easy."
"Nooo, I don't wanna! Let's do something else!" Hana sat up.
"Can't, gotta stick with the schedule, that's how Angela wants it," Fareeha set the orange juice in front of Hana.
"Why do you have to torture me?"
"...I'll buy you a new game...," Fareeha said slowly, making Hana's mood lighten up.
"Really?! Okay, what are the questions?" Hana grinned.
Bingo. Fareeha thought.
After a few hours, they finished the schedule just before twelve. Fareeha stretched her legs and asked Hana what she wanted to do.
"I want to get my costume," Hana said.
"Alright, let's go," Fareeha grabbed her keys.
"Wait, I need to watch this episode first!" Hana said, she was watching an old show Angela found for her.
"What's it called?" Fareeha asked as she sat down on the couch next to Hana.
"Adventure Time."
Fareeha could see that Hana was absorbed into the show. It showed some kid with a white bear hat, a blue shirt, a darker blue short, a green backpack, and what you can barely call a face. It was like looking at a stick figure, but at least it looked better than that. "Why is his arms moving like spaghetti?"
"It's like that," Hana said.
Fareeha was confused. These were the cartoons back in the day? Mine looked better than this.
The characters were trying to get back a sandwich... at least that's what Fareeha thought, she didn't get to see how it started. The sandwich belonged to a yellow dog that had the same problem with the spaghetti arms, and he could talk. The boy called for a "bubblegum," and Fareeha thought that he was actually calling a ball of gum or something, but then the show showed a pink haired girl with a tiara and a labcoat.
Hana gasped, she was smiling when that character came up.
"You like her?" Fareeha asked.
"Yeah! She's a nerd, but she's cool, and nice, and she kinda reminds me of Mommy."
The character brought two... bananas with her, or whatever they were. The character said, "banana guards," but Fareeha doesn't even call them bananas. They had a rocket on their hand, and Bubblegum was talking about something about "molasses." She took the rocket from one of the guards and launched it, but the rocket had a little rocket inside, and that was the rocket that launched.The little rocket went into the yellow sphere where the sandwich was in, and... it did nothing. Bubblegum had no other ideas and called for "Marceline."
"I hope Marceline comes!" Hana said excitedly.
"Who's Marceline?"
"Marceline, the Vampire Queen! She's an awesome character that likes to play with a axe guitar! She sings very nice, you'll see if they call her."
Jake went back home to try and make a new sandwich, but his loss of inspiration due to losing his old sandwich made him do... a horrible sandwich. A bread, with a leaf, and another bread on top of that. The character found it disgusting and threw it at the ground saying, "It's terrible!" He went back outside and sees that Marceline had joined them. Bubblegum was talking about the yellow time sphere and Marceline interrupted her to say hi to Jake, clearly uninterested to the nerd talk.
"What's the point of this show?" Fareeha asked.
"In this episode, Jake is trying to get back his sandwich."
"But, what's the point--."
"Shh!" Hana held up a finger to her lips, and went back to the show.
Making a new sandwich isn't that hard... Fareeha thought.
Marceline turned into some kind of weird monster, and flew into the air, going for a elbow drop, but she got stuck in the yellow time sphere too. Jake got tired and went into the sphere, going in normal motion, and the group found out what they have to do. Jake had to be sad, and he got his sandwich at the end. When the episode was over, Fareeha thought, what were the kids watching back then...
"Okay, it's done," Hana said.
It wasn't so bad, I could actually watch this when I'm bored, Fareeha thought.
"Let's roll!" Fareeha grabbed her keys and went out the door with the little bunny following behind. "Do you want... the Justice seat?"
Hana gasped. "The Justice seat? Really?"
"Only for today," Fareeha said as she unlocked her car, opening the front seat for Hana.
"You're the best, Fareeha!"
Fareeha closed the door and went to the opposite side to get in the driver's seat. She started the car and looked around before she went straight till the stop sign. She checked both ways and turned left, asking Hana what kind of costume she wants this time.
"I saw this pink bunny costume, I want that. It's so cute, I need it!"
"Is Easter your favorite holiday?" Fareeha asked, turning to the right, entering the city.
"Eh, it could be better. Mom can't hide the eggs well enough, and most of it is just healthy snacks instead of candy," Hana's voice showed disappointment.
"Well, you know how Angela is... She is a doctor after all, of course she wants you to eat healthy," Fareeha chuckled.
"She limits my candy in Halloween! I'm a kid! I should be able to eat candy before I get old!"
"You can still eat candy when you're old. What made you believe that you couldn't eat candy anymore once you're old?" Fareeha stopped at a red light, and looked over to Hana.
"Mom...," Hana fiddled with her fingers.
"Oh for the love of... you need more freedom. I can relate to you, my mother was a doctor as well, and she never really let me do a lot of things. She treated me like a child, even when I was past that! She would always eat my candy and that irritated me!" Fareeha sighed. "But, she was doing it to protect me, and I love her for that, but I just think you need to do... a little bit of whatever you want."
"That's what I think too!" Hana held up her hand.
"Keep this a secret, but when I'm taking care of you, you can do whatever you want with me," Fareeha pushed the gas pedal to move forward once the light turned green.
"That's why I love you! You're the best!" Hana smiled warmly. "Hey, when we get my costume, wanna go eat something?"
"Hana," Fareeha breathed. "Of course I'm going to buy you McDonald's!"
"Yay!! Did you read my mind?"
Fareeha nodded. "Legends say... that I used to be a wizard...," Fareeha moved her fingers eerily.
"Wow...," Hana said breathlessly.
"Oh yeah," Fareeha nodded. "We'll be there very shortly."
.
"Got the files checked?" Angela asked the nurse at the desk.
The nurse nodded and hand over the files to Angela, who took it with a nod and thanked the nurse. Angela opened up the file and took out a sheet of paper, and then put the file back on the desk.
"Leave it out, I'll be back to put this paper in once the patient fills it in," Angela said, waving the paper in her hand.
The nurse nodded and smiled at someone who was coming. "Hello Genji," the nurse said with a smile.
"Hello doctor! Hello Angela, do you have some time to spare?"
"Um... in a bit, I just need to have a patient fill this form out and I'll be with you...," Angela walked off.
"Her break is very soon... lucky you," the nurse whispered to Genji.
"Oh really? Then I guess I can stay for a while."
Angela went back to the room where the patient was waiting in, he was cleaning his glasses with his shirt.
"All right, I have a form for you to fill out. There's a pencil right over there...," Angela pointed with her finger.
The patient took the pencil and looked at the form. "What if I don't know if my family has any history of the sort of disease the form has listed?"
"Then you mark 'no.' Just fill it in on what you know, if you think you have or your family has that problem, check 'yes.'"
"Okay," the patient nodded and went back to the form.
Angela looked over at the clock.
It's only six twenty-one?! Slow day at work today I guess... My break is in nine minutes, I should call Fareeha to make sure they're doing okay... Angela thought.
"Hey Doc, who's that at the door?" The patient pointed.
Genji was at the door and waved. Angela excused herself out of the room and closed the door. "What are you doing?"
"You're not doing anything. He's just going to be filling out a form, you have time," Genji smiled, his scar on his lip stretching a little.
"Couldn't you wait for another nine minutes?"
"No," Genji shook his head.
"Well," Angela smacked her arms on the side of her body. "You never do. What do you want?"
"Oh nothing, I just wanted to chat with you, and... uh... maybe eat lunch together?" Genji smiled awkwardly, his cheeks showing a hue of blush.
"When I have my break, we can, but for now, I'm dealing with a patient," Angela adjusted her stethoscope dangling around her neck.
"By waiting? You're done, if he's done before your break then so are you. If he wasn't around, then you're done, and I know that you would use some extra time for yourself too," Genji crossed his arms.
Angela looked at him in the eye. "You're right," Angela shrugged. "I would take any early minutes into extra time for my break, I need it."
"You need more of a spa... or a vacation. I can see the bags in your eyes, don't you get any sleep?"
"Ugh, sleep is the least I get! A massage would be great, my bones needs to be cracked," Angela stretched her arms.
"Oh! Genji can help with that! In my family, we know ancient techniques our ancestors did. It is special martial arts, and I can use that to help you!"
"You're not a professional massager Genji, you'll break my bones...," Angela sighed and looked back at the room to see if the patient was done. "How about this? Until the patient is done, why don't you get us some lunch?"
"How about sushi?" Genji suggested.
"Sushi sounds nice," Angela nodded.
"I'll order you the finest sushi I can find. I'll be back!" Genji left Angela, going out of the main entrance with the double-sliding doors.
"Now, time to...," Angela took out her phone from her chest pocket. "See... if Hana is doing okay..."
The phone rang shortly, with Fareeha picking it up with a laugh. "Yes?"
"How's Hana?" Angela asked, anxiously clicking her pen.
"She's fine, she's right here," Fareeha laughed. "Want to talk to her?"
Angela's heart warmed up. "More than anything," she said.
"Okay, here you go Hana," she heard Fareeha said. There was an odd shuffling sound, but then she heard the most angelic voice ever.
"Mama?"
"Hana! Is everything okay? How are you?" Angela tried her best to hold back her tears.
"I miss you...," Hana said. Angela heard Fareeha make an 'aw' sound.
"I miss you too," Angela smiled. "What are you doing?"
"I was doing hangman with Fareeha, and I cheated when she wasn't looking, so we were in a tickle fight."
"That would explain the laughing...," Angela pushed her bangs back. "Are you okay? Anything happen?"
"No, I'm fine. But...," Hana took a second. "I want you to come home..."
"Do you not like Fareeha?"
"I do! It's just... at night, when I'm sleeping alone, I get nightmares of a burning house. I only get good dreams when you're sleeping with me."
The man came out of the room and looked at Angela, he gritted his teeth and slowly went back into the room, closing the door gently. Angela was speechless, Hana was only three when Busan, South Korea was hit by some suicidal terrorists. Angela happened to be there, studying the different herbs for her ailment research when a nearby town exploded. The explosion was bad enough for the fires to spread quickly. The police were everywhere, so when that explosion came, they drove there as soon as possible. She watch as some people were caught on fire, the police trying to help them, but then they would drop to the floor and burn right in front of them. She saw a few people squished between boards from their homes, babies with wood splintered into their skin, and children with missing limbs. Some families were lucky, most were not.
Angela watched as a man had a child with him in one arm, and the other, holding his wife. The fire made the ceiling board fall apart, and landed on the wife's head. The man looked back, and handed Hana to an officer, going back to the house for his wife. The officer looked around and spotted Angela, recognizing her coat and ID. He passed the child to her, and went after the man inside the home. They both stared at the house, and within a minute, it exploded, causing the house next to it catch on fire as well. Angela couldn't hear anything, just a high-pitched note, going longer, and longer... She stepped back a few paces, unsteadily, and then regaining her balance. She hugged the child and looked at her brown eyes. In those eyes, Angela saw... that the child knew, she lost her family, and that she was alone.
"Um... it's just a nightmare sweetie! Don't worry about it, you're fine. Don't think about it, okay? Can you pass the phone to Fareeha?"
"Ok...," Hana said, Angela knew that she was pouting in the other end.
"Yeah?" Fareeha said.
"Do me a favor," Angela said, still clicking her pen over and over. "Do not let Hana sleep today. Just have her watch TV, okay?"
"Is something wrong?" Fareeha asked.
"No, nothing, just have her stay awake."
"Okay, I will, is that all?"
"Yes, thank you," Angela held her bang back. "Bye Fareeha."
"Bye."
Angela sighed and put her phone in her pocket. Shoving her hands in her pockets, she went back into the room where the patient was. He gave her the completed form and Angela told him that he was all set. She left the room and put the form back into the folder, the nurse putting the folder away back into the bottom cabinet. Angela went into her office and sat down on her chair, checking her email to see if she got any important notifications. Her mail was empty at the moment, so Angela looked around to find something to do. Her break had started two minutes ago... she wonders where Genji is... And then a thought came up to her, what if she was supposed to meet him over there? Angela stood up and opened her door, Genji also coming up from the front doors.
"Oh! Angela great timing! I brought us some sushi!
Genji came closer and looked at Angela. "Something wrong?" He asked.
"No... no... I was just thinking about something, I'm fine. Let's eat, ja?"
Genji went into Angela's office and set the sushi down on the table. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Angela scooted her chair in. "You brought in my favorite order!"
"Of course! One must know his friend very well!" Genji cleared his throat. "Also, um... Angela..."
"Yes?"
"I was thinking, whenever you're free of course, if you wanted to hang out together to... watch a movie! With Hana of course!" Genji shook his hands in front of him at the last moment.
"A movie? I'm free on Friday, but I have plans. I'm free on Tuesday, next week," Angela took a rice ball.
"I will wait until that day comes! With patience! So, how's the little Hana bean?" Genji asked, taking a meat bun.
"Hana bean?" Angela chuckled. She swallowed before answering. "She's fine, she's having fun with Fareeha. They were playing hang man."
"That's good! Have you put up the Halloween decorations yet?" Genji grabbed a bit of rice with his chopstick.
Angela shook her head, holding the rice ball with two fingers. "I haven't put them up yet, too much work for so little time... And I still need to buy a new costume for Hana...," Angela sighed.
"I can help with that! When I take care of Hana next time, I'll put it up, and Hana can help too, with the small stuff," Genji smiled.
"That'd be great, what do I owe you?"
"You," Genji said with a point of a finger, eating more rice with his chopstick. "Don't owe me anything, I owe you everything. After all, you saved my life, and I thank you for that. Don't forget that you saved someone's life at Death's doorstep."
"It was a miracle operation, I was nervous, but it worked out... But that doesn't mean I owe you nothing, at least tell me what you want," Angela sat back on her chair, looking at Genji expectantly.
Genji looked at Angela, still chewing his food. His cheeks turning a bit pink, he looked away and thought about it. "For now, it's impossible since I do not know the answer... I cannot rush this, you're going to have to wait until the time comes."
"Not even a hint?"
Genji shook his head and used a napkin to clean the miso sauce around his lips. "Patience is everything Doctor."
"If only you knew my world... Patience is key, but during peril situations where you need to make a decision the very second it was giving to you, you have to rush it. Believe me... I know... I've been there...," Angela held her hands together, looking down. She thought about the decision she had with Hana when Hana was given to her that day...
"You don't look okay Doctor. Should I bring you some water? Your skin is pale," Genji stood from his chair and put his hand on Angela's face.
"I'm okay," Angela moved Genji's hand away. "I think I need some time alone, sorry Genji."
"Of course... I hope you feel better. Know that I am nearby, and will be willing to help you when you need it," Genji bowed and took the sushi with him, he closed the door gently and left Angela alone.
"Thank you...," Angela whispered to herself.
Within the new few minutes Angela had to herself, she pondered about Hana, and how Hana still remembers her past. Was the pain so powerful, that it stained to the poor girls memory? Does she constantly think back about her real parents? Does she know that she's adopted? Angela remembered the day when she took Hana back to the hospital, past a few rooms from the medical herbs she was examining. She asked Hana all sorts of questions, but the girl wouldn't speak. Angela saw how her eyes were shaped. It was wide, still with fear, and at a loss of words. Angela tried her best to get the girl to talk, even showing her pictures. Hana picked up a purple colored pencil and wrote her name down. The nurse in the facility knew English and Korean, translating it to Angela.
"'My name is Hana Song,' that's what it says," the nurse said.
"Hana... Song... what a beautiful name...," Angela said while looking at the girl in the eye.
Hana smiled, bringing happiness and a warm feeling to Angela's heart.
"She lost her parents...," Angela said. "In a house explosion," a tear escaped one of Angela's eye. "Is there a place where she can be safe?"
"A foster home miles away from here, that's the only safe place she's got."
"I'll take her... and tell them what happened...," Angela lifted Hana up.
"You saw eveything, didn't you?" The nurse shook her head. "It's an ugly time right now... I feel bad for her. We'll take it from here, don't worry."
"Thank you," Angela walked past the nurse and walked down the straight hallway.
Turning to the right, Angela used the elevator, going to the first main floor. She held Hana like if she could've been her baby, but she knew that she couldn't have the child. She was a busy doctor-in-training, distractions like a child would ruin her work. A child is too much responsibility...Hana was crying on her shoulder, making Angela think that she might've hurt her. She pulled Hana away to see her face, and Hana's eyes were normal.
"Mom...," she sniffed.
Angela gently shook her in rhythm, to calm her down and hopefully have her fall asleep.
"Shhh..."
Hana continued to weep for another half hour, Angela driving to find the foster care, praying that nothing happens to them right now. Hana calmed down and fell asleep in the back seat, clinging to her blue sweater with a pink bunny on the chest. It was quiet like that for a few hours, even when Angela pulled up in front of the foster care, Hana was still asleep. She stared at her face and her heartstrings were pulled. It was as if she was looking at all the cute things in the world combined, but into Hana's sleeping face. She unbuckled Hana's seat belt and carefully took her out of the car without waking her. She closed the door with her foot, and went inside, stopping in front of the front desk to tell them what happened.
They handed Angela a paper, and told her to fill it out. She put Hana down, feeling bad for waking her up. Hana held her leg tight, looking around in confusion. Angela's heart dropped to her stomach when she filled in one-third of the form. Her brain telling her that it's the right choice, but her heart and stomach told her that she would regret it. Her own hands hesitated to write out why she's giving up the child. The grip on her leg was tighter, Hana looking up at her with a sad face. Angela couldn't deny it, she was in love with the child, but it feels wrong to take her the same day her parents died. She checked a box out, but then ripped the paper apart in frustration.
The man at the desk scrunched his brows, and put his stack of papers down.
"I want... to adopt this child!" Angela said.
It wasn't fair for Hana, it wasn't. She didn't decided to be born into this world and lose her parents from terrorists that have no real reason to kill innocents! A child at the age of three, living in a foster home and sitting here every day until someone comes up and adopts her?! Angela couldn't let that happen. She wanted Hana to be happy... to live happy... She wanted Hana to grow up and be loved. She wanted Hana to be safe. She wanted Hana to pursue her dreams! Angela wanted Hana... to stay with her...
"Hold old are you? Miss?"
"I am 21," Angela answered.
"Fill this out please."
Angela took a deep breath, and smiled to Hana. She was eager to fill it out, just to give Hana a brighter future. By the time she was done, the man at the desk looked over it, in the meantime, Angela kissed Hana's forehead, and said, "Your future is safe, you'll be alright."
A knock on the door ripped Angela away from her memories.
"Angela, you have a call, it's from... Fareeha?"
Angela looked at the clock, she never realized she was daydreaming for forty minutes. She stood up from the chair and took the call. Fareeha's voice showed panicked breaths.
"Angela! Oh thank goodness... It's Hana!"
Angela's heart went up her throat. "... W-what happened?!"
"I was sleeping on the couch with her, and when I woke up, she was gone! The front door is unlocked, I checked all the rooms but she's nowhere. I'm already on the search, but do you have any leads to know where she is?"
"The only two places I know that Hana goes to is Jesse's and her friend Lucio, just next door," Angela said.
"I haven't checked with Jesse yet, I'll call him right now."
"Please," Angela ended the call and bounced her foot repeatedly.
She waited until Fareeha called her back. "He had her, said she told him that you told her that she could go to his house whenever she wanted to visit you. He said that it was odd that she came alone, but brushed it off," Fareeha sighed. "Well, that just tells us that you can't rely on him."
"I'm coming home early," Angela said.
"Wait, what? You still have three more hours!"
"I... I... I need to talk to Hana, it's important," Angela said.
"Are you sure its okay to leave early?" Fareeha questioned.
"Making an excuse is easy, don't worry. I'll be there by fifteen."
"Uh... okay...," Fareeha ended the call.
Angela locked her office and found Genji reading a magazine in the waiting room in the corner. He spotted her and put the magazine down, walking up to her in a hurry.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Yes, I am. Thank you for giving me space, Genji."
"Of course," he grinned. "Hm? Something else on your mind?"
"Have you... been waiting here the whole time?" Angela's eyes widen a little bit.
"Yes, I was waiting for you to feel better. Why? Was I not suppose to?"
"You can, it's just... You didn't have to do that, but okay. It's nice that I have you watching my back, but I have to leave now, I need to speak with Hana," Angela went to the front desk to sign off.
"I kept thinking about what I said that might have hurt you... Know that I didn't mean it, and that I'm sorry...," Genji frowned, making the scar on his lip pop out a little more from the corner of his mouth.
"You didn't offend me in any way, my thoughts got in the way. You don't have to apologize," Angela stopped outside in front of the entrance.
"Angela... Never mind, you need to get back to Hana," he smiled.
"You can tell me," Angela said.
"No, it'll take up your time. You can go," Genji put his hands behind his back.
"Genji...," Angela hugged Genji, making him jump a little. The hard metal of his right arm felt weird on her. "I'll see you, and thank you once again."
"Er... no problem!" He smiled awkwardly.
Angela walked to the parking lot to get her car, looking back at Genji who was waving at her. She waved back before going in her car and driving off.
_
Angela drove up in front of Jesse's house, and she saw Hana looking at her through the window. Angela made an air kiss to her, and Hana pretended to catch it, smacking it on her forehead. The cuteness made Angela laugh. She knocked on the door, and Hana opened it herself.
"Mom!" She tackled Angela, making Angela's stance unsteady, and fell backwards. "WHAAA-!"
"Ouch! Hana... be careful," Angela rubbed her head.
"But I missed you...," Hana was crying.
Angela didn't realize that Hana was crying. "I know, go, wait in the car."
Jesse came up to the door and tipped his hat. "M'lady," he winked.
"Jesse," Angela glared.
"Did you tell Hana to-."
"NO, I ABSOLUTELY DID NOT TELL HANA TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE ALONE JUST SO SHE CAN SEE ME! Jesse... you should know when Hana is lying! I would never send her out alone in the middle of the day!"
"I'm sorry, don't have to be super mom on me... the little critter is okay."
"And if she wasnt, I will go on a rampage, mark my words," Angela pointed her eyes, and then pointed to Jesse.
"Alright, fair 'nuff," he lighted up a cigar. "I'll see you around," he winked again.
Angela went back to the car and took a deep breath.
"Where's my ice cream?" Hana asked.
"It'll have to wait," Angela was heading straight home now.
"You sounded angry there... Jesse didn't do anything wrong, it was me..."
"I know, you're in trouble. Hana, you know my rules! You can't leave the house without permission! If you're gone, and I can't find you, I will be devastated! You hear me? When Fareeha called me, I was scared to death! All I could think about was you!" Angela's eyes were red, tears coming out of her eyes.
Hana was hurt. She didn't want to make Angela feel bad... "I'm sorry...," Hana began to cry again.
Angela sighed. "We'll talk about it when we get back. Dry those tears, your beautiful eyes shouldn't be ruined by such a thing."
Hana rubbed her eyes with her sleeve. "I won't do it again, I promise!"
"Good, stick with that promise."
Riding with Hana was quiet. It was weird to Angela, she usually talked to her, but she was planning about talking something serious with Hana... The silence between them made Angela remember how she was trying to talk to Hana when she was taking her home for the first time. Hana was a happy child then, and she still is now, but her mood now reminded her of that day.
I'm sure Hana doesn't remember that day anymore... Angela thought.
She parked her car and locked it, locking it twice to make sure. Hana was already inside, and Fareeha came up to her.
"Don't blame her, it's not her fault, it was mine, I should have never slept in the first place. Kids... you know, we can't leave them alone for a second. We can't leave Hana alone for half a second...," Fareeha chuckled.
"Heh... that's okay. I'm still going to talk to her, but... I have other things I've been wanting to discuss with her for some time now...," Angela ruffled with her bang.
"Alright, just don't blame her... I'm working all day tomorrow... so... you'll have to call somebody else," Fareeha looked at Angela.
Angela nodded and looked up as well, looking straight into Fareeha's eyes. They stayed like that until Angela coughed. "Well I uh... better get back to Hana. It was nice of you to take your day to take care of my little monster," Angela smiled
"Yeah, she was good today. I left her scores in the folders as usual. Night Angela," Fareeha waved.
Angela waved her off and went back inside, closing the door and locking it twice, just to make sure. She saw Hana trying to make herself a bowl of cereal.
"Hey Mom, you wanna-," Hana's elbow hit the cereal box, making the cereal box hit the quarts gallon of milk drop on the table. The milk splashed all over the table and the floor, with the quarts of milk still spilling. "Oops..."
"Pick up the milk!"
"Oh yeah!" Hana picked up the milk and put the cap on it, without twisting it.
"Ugh... Hana... I'll clean it up, don't worry. I need to talk to you about something in the meantime..."
"...What?" Hana looked at Angela, who was cleaning the milk off.
"About your dream...," Angela breathed.
Truth be told, Chapter 3 won't be coming in... (I lied, I took way longer) possibly two or three days? I've already started writing it in a offline writer app, which, by the way, saved me several times because my writing here wouldn't save, so I copied and pasted it over there, restarted, came back, and it was ALLLL gone. Good thing I pasted it in the other app, haha. The ending is supposed to keep you at the edge of your seats... did I do it right? I'm wondering who you guys like more, Fareeha or Genji? Who's your favorite from the four? I love Hana, uwu, she's a real cutie. Anyways, I hope this was good enough, it's longer than Chapter 1.