Chapter 7: An Unexpected News
A.N.: Happy 10th Anniversary, BOF on Jan 5th. A decade on and we're still shipping them. Wishing for a reunion of the cast and production team but with the way things are happening in their lives, fat chance ey? *sigh* Well at least give us a "10 years after" episode, right?
Here's to wishing all the best to the cast of the original BOF and the production team.
Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters but the new ones, as well as the song "Memory of The Wind" by Naul.
Published: January 4, 2019
"I can't believe that woman! But I'm glad that she's going to jail!" exclaimed Jan Di and the F3 nodded, hmmm-ed and yeah-ed in agreement. Yi Jeong had just finished telling them about the incidents with Ye-Eun and Ga Eul. They were in his living room back home in Seoul.
"Poor Ga Eul, and the baby. I want to go visit them. All of us should go. What about next weekend? I have a conference to attend this weekend."
"Next weekend? I can't. There's a dinner and an award ceremony for South Korea Top 5 Business Tycoons this weekend, and you promised to come too."
"I totally forgot about that. Can't we just not go? Ga Eul and her baby are more important. I need to know the baby's condition."
"But you promised and I'm one of the candidates," argued the Shinhwa leader.
"Aish, Jun Pyo. You win every single year. It's old news. Surely you can skip it for just this once?"
The said man tapped his chin for a while. "I'll think about it."
Automatically, Jan Di beamed up and then turned to Ji Hoo.
"Sunbae? What about you?"
Smiling fondly at her, "I'm sorry, can't go. I have rehearsals every weekend for the upcoming concert." Apart from his doctor duty, Ji Hoo was still actively involved with the Su Am Center Orchestra and they were in the midst of preparing for the Center's annual concert.
Jan Di's face fell.
"Yah. What's with the face?" Jun Pyo scowled but Jan Di glared at him.
"Don't worry, Jan Di. If you need any assistance, you can contact my friend at the hospital."
"OK. Thanks, Ji Hoo Sunbae. Woo Bin Sunbae?"
"I'll join Yi Jeong on his next trip."
"Oh… Then, Jun Pyo. You have to come with me."
"Aish… woman. You're so bossy. Alright. I'll go if it makes you happy," grumbled the Shinhwa leader. Truth was, he had already decided to go with her.
And a broad grin curved up. Jan Di could not wait to see her best friend and her baby girl. Her concerns were not only for Ga Eul but also for the premature baby. She needed to know the baby's condition and would like to share with Ga Eul on how to take care of the baby.
"So, what now Yi Jeong?" asked Ji Hoo, catching the potter off guard.
"Excuse me?" And Ji Hoo raised his eyebrows, knowing that Yi Jeong had heard him the first time.
"Yes, Yi Jeong. What's going to happen now?" added Jun Pyo.
"Regarding?"
"You and Ga Eul."
"Ji Hoo Sunbae?"
Yi Jeong's face went red, surprised by Ji Hoo's blunt question. It was not that the doctor did not know about his feelings for Ga Eul, but he was not expecting the question.
"Yi Jeong Sunbae, what did you do to Ga Eul?"
"Nothing. I didn't do anything. Not like how you think."
"Then, why did…"
"Jan Di, I would never hurt Ga Eul. Not again. Never."
"Yi Jeong Sunbae, I know how you feel about Ga Eul but as I've said time and time again, please don't take advantage of her condition and vulnerability. I'm so thankful and grateful that you were there to help her with this whole Ye-Eun situation, but don't force her to accept you. She's still fragile emotionally and now she has to focus on her baby and herself. Please. Don't put pressure on her. I don't want her to be hurt again."
Jun Pyo placed an arm around Jan Di's shoulders when her eyes started to glisten and nose became red. Woo Bin and Ji Hoo, meanwhile, kept quiet.
"I'm not pressuring or forcing her, Jan Di. I simply offered my help. Am I not allowed to do so? Was it wrong to help?" He somewhat felt offended by Jan Di's words.
"I didn't say that. That's not what I meant."
"Look, I love her. Yes. I do and I want to marry her. I know that it's not going to be a smooth-sailing journey to get there. She just lost her husband not long ago and it's damn hard to compete with him, his memories and their memories. I know that but I have to try. I want her to be happy again. It hurts so much to see her so sad and depressed. If only you were there to see how she was. She wasn't living. I want to be there with her and her baby. I want to be in their lives. I know I can make her happy because I love her so much. But I'm not that selfish to force her. I know she needs time to heal and I'm willing to wait and if she allows, I want to help her heal. I want to bring back the sunshine in her life. I love her…"
He had to stop since his chest began to tighten from the emotions.
Woo Bin went to sit next to Yi Jeong and patted his shoulder. The Mafia Prince was the one who Yi Jeong confided in. He was Yi Jeong's shoulder to cry on. He knew that Yi Jeong had long regretted hurting Ga Eul before and now the potter wanted a second chance and vowed never to repeat his mistake.
"It's alright, Yi Jeong," said Woo Bin and Yi Jeong nodded and whispered "Thanks, Woo Bin."
"What about Ga Eul's late husband's family?" queried Ji Hoo. "Do you think they'll be fine if Ga Eul remarry?"
"That's another matter that I constantly think about. They came to visit Ga Eul at the hospital. I think they don't like me, I can tell by the way they looked at me."
"From what she told me, they love her very much," Jan Di stated. "Her mother-in-law, especially."
"Ga Eul is the first daughter-in-law and her baby is the first grandchild in the family, am I right?" asked Ji Hoo.
Both Yi Jeong and Jan Di nodded.
"That definitely is going to be difficult, Yi Jeong," Woo Bin chipped in, not sugarcoating at all.
"I know…" Yi Jeong ran his hands in his hair. It was going to be a 'battle' between him and the Im family if he wanted to be with Ga Eul. Her daughter was the Im Heir and the Im family would want the child to be with them and learn the family's business. His utmost concern was if they forbid Ga Eul to remarry. But that was wrong, wasn't it? Ga Eul had the right to decide what was best for her and her daughter.
"Do you know what I think?" asked Jun Pyo.
The others simultaneously looked at him.
"Let's cross that bridge when we get there. Right now, our mission is to help Yi Jeong gain more of Ga Eul's trust and make Ga Eul fall in love with Yi Jeong again."
Jan Di's mouth formed a big O while the others raised their brows.
"What?" asked Jun Pyo. "Was it wrong with what I said?"
"Jun Pyo, Yi Jeong was a ladies charmer. He doesn't need our help in that department," protested Woo Bin.
"Well, no offense, Yi Jeong, but given your history with Ga Eul…"
Jan Di elbowed Jun Pyo in the ribs.
"I get it and I'm not offended. I deserve that but I'm working on it. I want her to fully trust me again and see how much I've changed and that I love her and only her. But I can't ignore the matters with the Im."
"I know you'll be able to get your answers, Yi Jeong," Ji Hoo assured. "If you need our help, just say it."
"Yeah, man," added Woo Bin. "We want you to be happy."
"Thanks, Ji Hoo, Woo Bin." He was grateful for his F3.
"So when are you going to see her again?" asked Jun Pyo.
"Hopefully soon. Got to settle things at the Museum and Ye-Jin needs to go for her check-up. She almost got an attack when Ga Eul was in labor because she was so worried about Ga Eul and the baby."
"Oh, my. Poor Ye-Jin!" exclaimed Jan Di.
"But she got through the exercise."
"Thank God. That's a relief."
"And you should see her when she was with Ga Eul and her parents. Ye-Jin was extremely happy and excited. One night she mentioned that she wants Ga Eul to be her mama and she even called the baby her baby sister."
Yi Jeong tried to hold back the tears. Except with Jan Di, Ye-Jin had never had a mother's love since she was a baby and there was so much that he could do to fill in that void. Ye-Jin needed a mother-figure in her life and since getting to know Ga Eul, he knew that Ye-Jin was drawn to Ga Eul unlike with other women.
"Oh, Ye-Jin…" Jan Di wiped away her tears. She too loved Ye-Jin like a daughter. The little girl was smart, attentive, observant and kind. Unfortunately for Ye-Jin, her own mother did not want her. However, she was fortunate to receive undying love from her father, the F3 and Jan Di. To know that Ye-Jin expressed her want for Ga Eul to be her mother touched Jan Di's heart. She prayed that Ye-Jin's wish would come true.
"Jan Di."
Yi Jeong's call snapped Jan Di out of her deep thoughts.
"Yes, Yi Jeong Sunbae?"
"Before you leave to visit Ga Eul, I'll pass you some things to give to them."
"OK, Sunbae."
Half an hour later, the F3 and Jan Di said goodbye and left, leaving Yi Jeong to continue pondering and planning on his next actions.
Baby Ki Eui was released on the fifth day when the doctors were satisfied with her progress. Back at home, Ga Eul focused on her baby and followed all the doctors' instructions on how to look after the baby as well as herself. Fortunately, Baby Ki Eui was a good baby and did not give many problems to her mother and grandparents.
Every day the Im family called to check up on the baby and Ga Eul. Every time, they expressed their excitement of having the baby and her back with them. Ga Eul was getting tired of answering when that time would be for she had told them again and again that she wanted to wait until the right time came when the baby was much bigger and fit to travel. Truth was, she was not sure herself. A large part of her did not want to go back for it would be hard for her to be surrounded by Joon-Ho's memories. The Im would just have to wait.
She also received text messages from Yi Jeong and occasional video calls from him when Ye-Jin requested to see the baby. Despite being busy with Baby Ki Eui, she did miss little Ye-Jin too. She wished that the girl was there with her and accompany them, and she could also imagine how lively the house would be with her presence. She hoped to see her soon.
Two weeks ago Jan Di and Jun Pyo came to visit. Her Omma was a little nervous when she told them that the Shinhwa leader was coming for the first time ever to their house but her Appa was as cool as a cucumber and treated Jun Pyo like another of his old friends.
She remembered that day.
Flashback
"I missed you so much, Ga Eul." Jan Di was holding the sleeping Baby Ki Eui. They were in her bedroom while Jun Pyo was in the living room with Mr. and Mrs. Chu.
"I missed you too, Jan Di."
"How are you? What's it like to be a mother now?"
Ga Eul smiled, "Good, tired but good and adjusting to the life of a mother. The feelings are indescribable but amazing yet at the same time frightening and sometimes overwhelming. But one look at my baby's innocent face, all the fears vanished and all that is left are this love and need to protect her. I don't know how to define them," and she chuckled.
"You'll understand it when it's your time, Jan Di." She softly caressed the baby's pink round cheeks.
In an instant, Jan Di blushed.
"Can you keep a secret?"
"Secret? What is it, Jan Di?"
"I haven't told Jun Pyo yet. Hoping to tell him next week on our anniversary. I… I'm pregnant."
Ga Eul shrieked but immediately covered her mouth for Baby Ki Eui's hands jerked upward from the sudden sound. "Sorry, Baby." And the two best friends giggled.
"Oh, Jan Di. Congratulations!" Ga Eul hugged Jan Di carefully. "I'm so happy for you. How far along?"
"Coming to 8 weeks." A beaming wide proud smile adorned her face. "I just knew about it last week."
"And you managed to keep this a secret from him?"
"It's not easy, believe me."
Ga Eul giggled more as she nodded in agreement. "I'm so excited and happy for you, Jan Di. Your baby will be Baby Ki Eui's best friend. I can't wait for them to meet each other."
"But you have to keep this a secret."
"Got it." Ga Eul made a zipping mouth sign and threw away the invisible key, and they laughed at the action.
"I'm sure Jun Pyo Sunbae is going to be ecstatic. I remember you mentioned him wanting lots and lots of children."
Jan Di rolled her eyes. "Yeah, he thinks I'm a baby-making machine."
They laughed again and Baby Ki Eui shifted in Jan Di's arms, finally opening her eyes.
"Oh, hi cute little Baby. I'm Aunt Jan Di. Nice to meet you," Jan Di took the baby's little hand and gently shook it. The baby fluttered her eyelids and turned her head toward Jan Di's chest and opened her mouth.
"Hmmm. Someone's hungry." Carefully, she passed the baby to Ga Eul.
Jan Di then watched her best friend feed the baby. Ga Eul looked serene and calm, talking softly to her baby. Jan Di's chest suddenly tightened. It was an overwhelming feeling. Her best friend was a single mother. She could only imagine how Ga Eul was feeling. Sure, Ga Eul said that she was fine but in the inside? The thought itself broke Jan Di's heart. She wished she could do something, anything to help her best friend. If ever they did not live hundreds and miles apart.
"Ga Eul…"
"Hmmm?" The young mother looked up at her.
"Don't hesitate to call me if you need someone to talk to."
"Oh?" Ga Eul's brows almost met in the middle, surprised at Jan Di's words.
"About anything…even if it's silly. Even if it's in the middle of the night or the very early morning when you need to wake up and feed Ki Eui, anytime. I'm just a call away."
"Jan Di?"
"I just want you to know that you have me, your best friend when you need me. And I missed my best friend."
"Thank you, Jan Di. You are. You are my best friend and I missed my best friend too. I'm sorry that I have not been a good best friend these past months before Ki Eui's birth." There was sadness in her voice.
"No. Please don't apologize. I don't mean it like that. I'm sorry if you think so. I understand what you were going through."
"I promise to call you often."
Jan Di took Ga Eul's free hand and gently patted it. "I promise too."
Silence filled the bedroom. Ga Eul could sense that Jan Di wanted to say more and waited. She knew that her depression made her ignored Jan Di, refusing many of her calls and text messages. However, she thanked the heaven above that Jan Di was very understanding and did not give up on her.
"Ga Eul…"
"Yes, Jan Di."
"Yi Jeong Sunbae sent some things for you, Baby Ki Eui and your parents. I left them downstairs with your Omma."
"Oh, thank you. He shouldn't have troubled himself and you."
"It's fine. No trouble at all on my part."
"He sent his regards too and Ye-Jin sent her love. She wrote a card for you and the baby. It's also downstairs. She misses you very much."
Ga Eul just smiled and nodded. "I missed her too. She's such a good, kind and thoughtful little girl. Energetic too. Yi Jeong Sunbae is so fortunate to have her."
"Do you like Ye-Jin?"
"I love the little girl. It's hard not to love her." A smile curved up her face. "I wish she was here to meet Baby Ki Eui."
Jan Di returned the smile. "She's fortunate to have met you, Ga Eul. Yi Jeong Sunbae mentioned that Ye-Jin loves you too, and the baby."
"I know. She told me when she was here. She even called Ki Eui her baby sister."
"She mentioned that she wants you to be her mama."
Ga Eul's breath hitched as she looked at Jan Di but Jan Di held her eyes on Ga Eul's. Jan Di needed to know Ga Eul's feeling about it.
After a while, Ga Eul took a deep breath.
"I love her. I don't mind being her mother…"
"You mean…"
"She deserves a mother's love. I can give her a mother's love."
"Ga Eul…" Yi Jeong Sunbae would be very happy to hear this.
"I know what you want to say, Jan Di. It's about Yi Jeong Sunbae, isn't it?"
She then shifted the baby so that she could burp the baby.
"I'm thankful that Yi Jeong Sunbae is such a good friend. I know his feelings for me, Jan Di but it's too early for me. Baby Ki Eui… Joon-Ho's family… Joon-Ho… I love Joon-Ho..." She paused for a while to take a deep breath. "I need to think of Baby Ki Eui."
She had done a lot of thinking about Yi Jeong and her unnamed feelings for him since he came to her house. She had to admit that something inside her was awakening which sometimes made her feel guilty like she was betraying Joon-Ho's love for her yet the thoughts of Yi Jeong made her feel warm, loved, safe and protected.
Baby Ki Eui finally burped and Ga Eul held her in her arms again, rocking slightly to the left and right. She needed to put aside the matter with Yi Jeong and focused on her daughter Ki Eui.
"I don't have the right to tell you who you should be with, Ga Eul. All I want is for you to be happy and well. I'll support you no matter what your decision is."
"Thank you."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Jan Di, your husband is calling for you. I think he wants to see the baby."
"Oh, thank you, Auntie. We'll be right down."
Five minutes later, they were downstairs and Jun Pyo could not hide his excitement at seeing the sleeping baby. He insisted on holding the baby and kept kissing her forehead and cheeks, admiring her heavenly baby smell and telling Ga Eul how fortunate she was to have the baby. He also constantly reminding Jan Di that their time will come soon, making the said wife blushed furiously and Ga Eul giggled, remembering their little secret earlier.
The couple stayed for an hour more, exchanging stories with the Chus about Seoul, Jun Pyo's expanding business, Jan Di's work and more. Jan Di also shared some information regarding premature babies and reminded Ga Eul that the baby should be brought to the hospital without delay should something happened even if it was a slight increase in temperature. When it was time to go back, Jan Di promised that she would call more and if time permitted, would come to visit again. Jun Pyo agreed and offered his private jet should the Chus wanted to come to Seoul.
After Jan Di hugged Ga Eul, she passed a small box to her. "From Yi Jeong Sunbae." The others watched with curiosity but Jan Di just smiled and said her final goodbye.
The three Chus stayed in the living room to see what Yi Jeong had given them. To Mr. Chu, he sent two bottles of the finest wine and champagne. To Mrs. Chu, a silk off-white blouse with mother-of-pearl buttons and a medium-sized jewelry box with small multiple colored gems. To baby Ki Eui, a box of soft-toys and all types of clothes. To Ga Eul, a box of high-quality confinement herbal mix.
From Ye-Jin, a very small bracelet with charms. A note said the bracelet was for the baby and that she made the bracelet herself. There was also a drawing of the Chus and the baby in Ga Eul's arm, together with her and her father. They were all holding hands. On the background were a rainbow and a flock of birds. She had also written "Our Happy Family". Ga Eul and her parents exchanged looks, somewhat surprised by the drawing. Ye-Jin had high hopes for them to be one big happy family and Ga Eul's heart stung at the thought of having those hopes shattered and breaking Ye-Jin's heart should things did not go the way that she wished for. How was she going to tell the little girl not to put her hopes up too high without breaking her heart?
The last one to open was Yi Jeong's small package. The Chus gasped when Ga Eul opened the box. In the inside was a beautiful platinum bracelet with diamonds encrusted all around. A little note wrote: "A beautiful bracelet for a beautiful mother. The moment I saw this, I only saw you."
"Ga Eul…" called her Omma.
"I… I don't know what to say, Omma."
"That's very expensive, Ga Eul," stated her Appa.
Ga Eul could only nod. What was the meaning of this gift? Was it what she thought it was? Should she accept the gift?
"I'll message him later to thank him for the gifts."
Later that night after making sure the baby was comfortably tucked in her bed, she did. In an instant, his call came in.
"Yobeoseoyo, Ga Eul-yang. You are welcome. How are you? Ki Eui and your parents?"
"We're all fine. Thank you, Sunbae."
"I'm sorry I can't come sooner. So many things at the Museum." He really sounded sorry and frustrated.
"It's alright, Sunbae. I understand. I don't want to be a trouble for you."
"You're not of any trouble for me, Ga Eul-yang."
She cleared her throat.
"How is Ye-Jin? Tell her "Thank you". The bracelet is beautiful. Baby Ki Eui will be happy. And her drawing is pretty too. Thank you. She's very talented, Yi Jeong Sunbae."
Yi Jeong's smiled were wide. "Thank you. I'll tell her that."
"Sunbae, about the diamond bracelet."
"Do you like it?"
"I… I do. It's very beautiful but… I don't know if I should accept it. It must have cost you a fortune."
"Ga Eul-yang."
His firm voice surprised her.
"Please, don't worry about the cost. I truly want to give you the bracelet. When I first saw it, you came to mind. There was no doubt. It's my gift for you. Please accept it."
"But… I don't think it's… But why? Why did you give it to me?"
"Because you are a special lady and you just brought to life another beautiful wonderful life."
A rosy blush spread to her cheeks. "You're not making any sense, Sunbae."
"Because I want to. Is it wrong to give a present to someone who I care deeply?"
"Yi Jeong Sunbae…"
She heard him sighed.
"It's alright if you don't want to wear it but please keep it. I'd be honored if you do. You can also pass it down to the Baby when she's older."
Half a minute passed by. "Alright, Sunbae. Thank you."
She could imagine him smiling and feeling relieved and elated.
"Oh, I got to go, Sunbae. The baby's waking up."
"I'll come to visit as soon as I can, Ga Eul-yang."
"Alright, Sunbae. Thank you again for all the lovely presents."
"Good night, Ga Eul-yang."
"Good night, Yi Jeong Sunbae."
End of flashback
She sighed heavily.
Yi Jeong and Ye-Jin had not come to visit. Why was she feeling somber about it? She vigorously shook her head.
"Sweetheart?" Mrs. Chu was at the door of her bedroom.
"Min-A's wedding is on Sunday two weeks from now. Your Appa and I are going a day earlier. They asked if you can come. They want to meet Ki Eui too." Min-A was Ga Eul's first cousin and the wedding would be in Seoul.
She would love to attend the wedding. It had been almost two years since she last saw her cousin. Min-A was her closest cousin and they were like sisters. However, …
"Ki Eui is healthy and I'm sure she can handle the traveling if that's what you're concerned with." Mrs. Chu sat on the bed, watching the sleeping baby. "Besides, it'll be good for you too, Sweetheart. You've been cooped up in the house for too long. You need to see new surroundings."
"If I go, I have to go visit Omma and the family." She was referring to her mother-in-law and their home, her home with Joon-Ho. "I… I'm not sure if I can handle it, Omma."
Mrs. Chu gently cupped her daughter's cheek and smiled.
"I understand, Sweetheart but you can't run away from it or avoid it forever. You'll have to face it. It'll hurt because of all the memories but this needs to be done. They are your family too. They miss Ki Eui, and don't you want to take Ki Eui to her father's resting place?"
Ga Eul started to tear up. She did feel guilty for making the Im family missed out on Ki Eui but the hurt from memories with Joon-Ho was unendurable.
"We'll be there with you, Sweetheart. Let's just see how it goes and if you really can't be there, then we'll come back here. You'll stay here until you're really ready to go back there."
The young mother wiped away the tears and nodded. If this was what she had to do, then be it. She had to be strong, for Ki Eui and most importantly, for her own being.
"OK, Omma."
"Good, I'll inform Min-A. They'll be very happy."
"Where are we going to stay?"
"At the hotel where the wedding is going to be. Min-A made a reservation for us, two rooms."
"Even when I haven't decided yet?"
Mrs. Chu giggled. "Yes, she said she had a good feeling that you'll come."
The wedding went on well. All the relatives who came were excited to meet the little baby and she was passed from one relative to another. Everybody adored the cute addition to the Chu families.
Ga Eul told Jan Di about the trip and sure enough, Jan Di came to the hotel to visit. To Ga Eul's surprise, Ye-Jin came along. Her Omma went to her sister's room ten minutes before Jan Di and Ye-Jin arrived.
"The guys couldn't make it. They have to attend this big international business conference and auction. Yi Jeong Sunbae wanted to come badly but he has to give a speaker note and he's auctioning two artworks too. Oh, well. So, here we are. Just the two of us girls, right, Ye-Jin?"
"Yes, Aunt Jan Di. Appa and Uncle Jun Pyo, Uncle Woo Bin and Uncle Ji Hoo are busy men. But don't worry, Aunt Ga Eul. I already scolded Appa because Appa can't come."
Jan Di and Ga Eul laughed at her statement.
"Aunt Ga Eul, I missed you very much." She never left Ga Eul's side since she entered the hotel room.
"I missed you too, Sweetheart. How are you?"
"Much better because you and my baby sister are here, Aunt Ga Eul," as she kissed Ga Eul's cheek.
The two adults exchanged looks. Ga Eul had a frown on her forehead. "Much better?" She mouthed to Jan Di.
"Ye-Jin was hospitalized a week ago." The expression on Jan Di's face was of sadness.
"Yi Jeong Sunbae didn't tell me." Now she remembered that there was no message or call from him during that time. She did wonder but brushed it away as him being busy.
"He didn't want to worry you."
"Still…"
"Aunt Ga Eul, where is Halmoni?"
"Halmoni went out to see her sister. I'm not sure when she'll be back."
"Oh. I miss Halmoni and Harabeoji."
"They miss you too."
"Aunt Ga Eul, when will Baby Ki Eui wake up? I want to play with her." Ye-Jin was now next to the baby on the bed, admiring the little girl's peacefully sleeping face.
"Awww…Baby Ki Eui is bigger now and prettier. Her face is so round and her cheeks are so chubby like apples. I want to bite them, Aunt Ga Eul." Ye-Jin giggled cheekily.
"Yes, she is. I think she'll be up in a few more minutes. It's almost time for her meal."
"Can I help feed her?"
Baby Ki Eui was fully breastfed. "Uhmm… you can help hold her hand."
"Yes!"
"How long are you staying here, Ga Eul?"
"For a couple more nights. I'm going to Omma Im's place tomorrow."
"Oh, I was thinking of inviting you and Auntie to my house for dinner tomorrow. The guys are coming over too. It's their boys' night after dinner. What about the day after?"
"I'll have to get back to you on that. I need to tell Omma first. Some of my aunts invited us to their houses too."
"I see. You need to stay here longer. Hey, why don't you extend your stay? My house? Jun Pyo won't mind. He misses the baby too, and now that the secret is out," Jan Di gently rubbed her stomach. "He can't wait for it to arrive and I'm sure having Ki Eui around will make him happy. He's been watching lots and lots of baby videos."
"I'm very happy for the both of you, Jan Di. So how's it going? Still having morning sickness?"
"Yes though not as much as before. Maybe because it's Jun Pyo who's having them these days."
"Really?"
The two best friends laughed when Jan Di demonstrated Jun Pyo's throwing up. "Now he knows how I feel."
"Aunt Ga Eul, Baby is awake now."
"Aaa. Yes, she is."
"Hmmm… someone needs to change her diaper." Jan Di said while scrunching her nose.
"Oh, can I help?"
"Sure, can you get me a new diaper from that bag over there?"
"OK, Aunt Ga Eul."
A change of diaper later, the baby started to cry. Ga Eul sat on a chair and fed the baby while Jan Di and Ye-Jin watched them. Ye-Jin sported an amused expression at the sight.
"Aunt Jan Di, Aunt Ga Eul, do all baby drink milk like Baby Ki Eui?"
"Yes, Sweetheart. All babies drink milk. You too."
"But Appa doesn't have that." She pointed to Ga Eul and then to her own chest.
Ga Eul and Jan Di gawped.
"Because Appa is a man," said Jan Di.
"So how did I drink milk when I was a baby?"
"Uhm… Your milk bottles."
Realization hit Ye-Jin. In a low sad voice, "Because I don't have a mama."
"Oh, Sweetheart." Jan Di wrapped an arm around the little girl. She could feel the girl stiffened, trying to ward away a sob.
"But I'm here, Aunt Ga Eul is here too." Jan Di did not know what to say. Ga Eul could only look at Ye-Jin with pity and sadness.
"That's OK, I'm a big girl now. I can drink from cups and glasses," and she grinned widely, taking Jan Di and Ga Eul aback from the sudden change in Ye-Jin.
"Yes… Yes, you are a big, smart girl now." Jan Di kissed the little girl's temple.
"Aunt Ga Eul, can I stay here tonight? I want to play with Baby Ki Eui."
"You have to ask your Appa, Sweetheart," replied Ga Eul.
Jan Di added, "And you don't have an overnight bag with you. Your Appa didn't tell me anything about this."
"I can ask Appa to send my bag here?" Ye-Jin was hopeful.
"I'll give your Appa a call."
The little girl nodded enthusiastically.
A few minutes later, Jan Di and Ga Eul had to coax Ye-Jin who cried when Jan Di told her that her Appa said no to her staying overnight at Ga Eul's hotel room. He did not want to trouble Ga Eul and her mother.
"But I seldom get to see Baby Ki Eui, Aunt Jan Di, Aunt Ga Eul."
"I know, Sweetheart but your Appa said no," said Jan Di.
"Why? I won't cause any trouble. I just want to play with Baby Ki Eui and Aunt Ga Eul."
"Sweetheart, I promise the next time you come to visit us at our house, you can stay overnight."
Ye-Jin's cry receded. "Promise?"
"Promise."
And Ye-Jin wrapped her arms around Ga Eul's neck and kissed her cheeks. She then proceeded to kiss the baby's forehead and cheeks too, making the baby squirmed.
"Ye-Jin Unnie love you, Baby Ki Eui."
"Baby Ki Eui loves you too, Sweetheart."
Jan Di and Ye-Jin left half an hour later, leaving Ga Eul and the baby alone. Mrs. Chu called earlier saying that she would be back late and for Ga Eul not to wait for her.
Ga Eul's heart had been pounding hard since they arrived at the Im Mansion's compound. Memories of Joon-Jo rushed in and was overwhelming that Mrs. Chu had to repeatedly tell her to be calm. A few times Ga Eul wiped away the fallen tears before they entered the Mansion.
Now being inside, she had to fight with herself and reminded herself that she had to be strong.
"Omma, Ki Eui is so cute. She looks more like Oppa each time," stated Han Na, Joon-Ho's sister who had taken the baby into her arms.
"Hmmm. That's good," replied Madam Im.
"Ga Eul, how are you, child?" Madam Im hugged her tight while all of Joon-Ho's brothers watched them.
"I'm fine. Thank you, Omma."
"Do-Yeon, thank you for coming."
"You are welcome and thank you for sending a car for us," Mrs. Chu replied.
Madam Im nodded. "Ga Eul, you can put the bag in your bedroom. You know where it is, right?"
The young mother cleared her throat. "Yes, Omma. I'll be right back."
"Sweetheart, do you want me to come with you?"
"No, Omma. I won't be long." She knew that her Omma was worried.
"Ok, Sweetheart. We'll be right here."
Her feet felt heavy with every step and Joon-Ho's voice grew louder in her head the closer she got to their bedroom. Her heartbeats escalated and her eyes stung. "You can do this, Ga Eul."
Taking a deep breath, she opened the door.
When the wind blows and shakes up my heart
I think of the past times
And close my two eyes
The silent trembling that passes me by
At that small sound
I open my ears
The grown pieces of life
That breathe inside me
When they bump against and pass me by
I will look over there
Our belief, our love
Those eternal promises
If I remember those promises I can walk strongly
Our meets, our separation
Those faded memories
I loved those times, I can have a smile on my face
The unfinished memories of life
That are inside me
When they bump against and pass me by
I will look over there
And the tears escaped.
Welcoming her was their big wedding portrait on the wall, both of them smiling brightly.
The room was exactly as how she had left it months ago. She dragged her feet to the king-sized bed and placed the baby's bag on it.
She looked around the room and like watching a movie, she could see them moving around, talking and laughing in the room. Her chest tightened that she had to place a palm on it.
Eyes now on the portrait, "I miss you, Joon-Ho. So, so very much." She had given up on drying the fallen tears.
"There are still so many things that we haven't done together and so many places to go. Do you still remember our plans? Why did you leave me so soon? It's so hard to live without you, do you know that?"
She took the small pillow from the bed and hugged it tightly. She could still smell his masculine wonderful scent.
"You miss out on our daughter. Ki Eui's growing up beautifully and she looks more and more like you. She even has a freckle on her forehead exactly at the same place as yours. Don't worry. Every day I show her your picture and tell her stories about you. She knows that you're her Appa and nothing can change that. She will love you, Joon-Ho."
She then laid on the bed, facing his side of the bed. Her hand on his cold pillow.
"I really miss you. I love you, Joon-Ho," and closed her eyes.
Her heart hurt yet there was some kind of peacefulness embracing her being. A feeling that she had not felt since he was gone. A smile formed on her lips. It felt as if Joon-Ho was embracing her.
"I love you, Joon-Ho," she whispered.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
In an instant, her eyes opened and she sat up.
"Who is it?"
"It's me. Joon-Hyun Oppa." and a crying Ki Eui.
Joon-Hyun Oppa?
"Wait for a second," she wiped the tears and smoothened her dress before opening the door.
"Oh, Baby. What's wrong? Are you hungry?" Joon-Hyun passed Ki Eui to her and she went to the bed.
"All of us are in the living room."
"OK, Oppa. Thank you. We'll be there."
Joon-Hyun then carefully closed the door to give Ga Eul the privacy.
"Baby, this is our bedroom in Halmoni Im's house. Look at that, that's Appa and Omma. Appa is handsome, right? Appa and Omma have so many good memories here. Appa was a very good and kind man. Everybody loves Appa."
Ki Eui's eyes were fixed on her Omma as she hungrily fed on, her little fingers wrapped around Ga Eul's index finger.
"Baby, do you want to stay here?"
Ki Eui blinked and continued to drink.
"Omma am still thinking about this. Omma can't decide yet. Sorry, Baby. Omma want to give you everything. You know that, don't you? Omma want you to know all your uncles, aunt, Halmoni Im and your other Im relatives. They are your family but Omma… Omma don't know. Appa and Omma planned to live in our own house but now Halmoni wants us to live here. Should we live here, Baby?"
Ki Eui cooed a little.
"Do you think so?" She looked at her daughter with love and affection and hummed some songs.
A while later, the baby was done and Ga Eul placed her on the bed. She went to the en-suite bathroom to freshen up. She stared at her image in the mirror. What she saw made her cringed. She was thinner. The eye bags were obvious and made her look sick. Joon-Ho would not like how she was now. He would not love her like this. Where had the old happy feisty Ga Eul gone to? It was time to change. It was time to move on from this constant mourning and depression. It was not wrong to mourn the loss of the loved one but she should not let it ruled her life. Why was only now that she realized this? It was time to face the world and be part of it, again.
She had decided.
Carefully picking up the baby, she left the bedroom and joined the others in the living room. Everybody was there waiting for her. They stopped conversing when she came. Joon-Hyun offered his seat and she accepted.
"Ga Eul, my child," called her mother-in-law.
"Yes, Omma."
"I'm so happy that you and Ki Eui are here."
"Yes, Omma."
"Now that you're here, it's time that we discuss a few things."
Ga Eul looked at her mother-in-law and then to her brothers- and sister-in-law. Everyone was quiet and she sensed some tension in them. Or was it nervousness? Anxiety?
"Regarding Joon-Ho?"
"Yes and a few more."
"I thought all was settled before I left? The children center, his shares at the center and other business?"
"Well, this is about his daughter, my granddaughter."
"Oh," Ga Eul looked down to her sleeping baby. The thumping heartbeats were deafening in her ears.
"Ki Eui should be here and I don't want her to miss out any of us anymore."
"Omma…with all due respect, I've mentioned before…"
"Let me finish." The older woman's voice was firm.
"Ki Eui is the Im Heir and she will take over the family business. She needs the proper guidance and we must prepare her soonest possible. She should be living here with our family."
"But…"
Madam Im gave Ga Eul a stare that made her muttered "Sorry." On the inside, Ga Eul did not like where this conversation was heading to. She looked at her own mother and she could see that her Omma was also uncomfortable.
"So I have decided. You will marry Joon-Hyun."
"Omma!"