True Love and Friendship Endures It All by Hope Roshten

Disclaimer: I own the characters. The story so far is based on some parts from a Korean drama 'Sweet 18'. If any part is similar to something I haven't listed, it is pure coincidence.

Synopsis: Kate and Sammie have many things in common. How is their life tied in together?

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Chapter 3- Disappearances and Decisions

Los Angeles

Wednesday cam by really quickly and the wedding went smoothly. Everyone was really excited. The bride was beautiful and the groom was handsome. The best man was dashing and the maid of honor was glamorous. But the maid of honor had to leave to Korea. So now everyone was gathered at the airport saying their goodbyes. With hugs, kisses, tears, and more hugs, Kate was on the plane flying toward her two year teaching English contract in Korea. She was really excited. It was like she was going to a whole different world.

Seoul

"I can't believe this girls. I am 17 and have to marry some old guy. And to top it off, it's the guy that caught us clubbing that time."

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Why are you guys not saying anything"

"What's there to say Sammie? You got a really hot and mature husband. You should be happy."

"No. I will not let this happen. If I can help it, this wedding will never happen."

"What are you talking about?"

"I am running away?"
"Where will you go?"
"Laura, Laura. My little disciple. Watch and learn."

The girls looked at watch other in wonder.

"Hey Doggie. I want to take you up on that deal to go to the trip…Yeah…just don't tell anyone where we are going, and don't tell my mom…..because I'm running away….I'm being forced to marry some 30 year old….no I' don't like him, that's why I'm running away….Yeah, let's leave tonight…I'll meet you at our favorite place….Love you too…Chao."

With a mischievous smile Sammie hung up the phone and looked at the dumbfounded girls.

"Well? Did you learn?"

"Yes."

"Man Danny, I'm skrewed."
"Why?"

"I'm getting married?"

"Whoa, what? Since when?"

"My grandfather and the grandfather of the chick, made this pact when I was 8 that I'll marry the other dudes granddaughter when she's born. She's now 17 and to make matters worse, she's the chick we caught clubbing that one night."

"Man, you are skrewed."

"Not helping."

"Why don't you call it off?"

"If I could I'd done it already. I tried talking Grandpa out of it before we met them, but it was no use. He keeps pulling the 'promise' crap on me."

"I don't know man. Maybe there's some bright side to this. Though I can't find it right away, but I'm sure there will be one."

"Thanks man, I feel a lot better."

"I know that's sarcasm."

"Whatever, got to get back to work, the wedding's in two days. You coming?"
"Hell yeah."

(NOTE: From now on or until otherwise stated, the events occur in Seoul)

The next day, the airport, Sammie landed and was really excited to tour the city. She got enough sleep on the plain and so she had all the energy in the world to tour the place. She called a cab and went to her apartment to set up. When she got there, it was really nice. It had a nice view and was near a big shopping center.

"Sweet. They know where to put me."

She unpacked, took a shower, and went to sightsee. The weather was beautiful and warm. She loved it. She was really ready for an adventure. Little did she know, that one was just around the corner….literally.

Sammie's mother was running around the whole city since last night looking for her. She got a note saying that the girl would not be at the wedding and to not look for her because it was no use. As she rounded the corner she bumped into a girl. Both women fell.

"I'm so sorry miss, I didn't see you."
"It's alright. I wasn't looking either. Can you tell me how to get to a grocery store?"

Rose looked up at the girl and gasped.

"Sammie!"

"Huh?"

"Oh, I've finally found you! Where did you go? I was worried sick! Hurry we have to try on the dress today. I like what you did to your hair though."

Kate stood dumfounded. She didn't know what to say. Who was Sammie? What dress? And where was this lady pulling her?

"Excuse me?"

"You don't have to be polite Sammie. You never have. Even if you do that, I won't change my mind about the wedding.'
"I'm sorry but I don't know who Sammie is and my name is Kate. Kate Silvares. I just arrived about an hour ago here from Los Angeles."

Rose stopped in her tracks and looked at the girl.

"Ha, very funny Sammie. Now lets go. I don't have time for this."

Kate couldn't think of anything else to do but to follow. How was she going to prove to her that she wasn't the Sammie the woman was looking for. At the fitting room she was put into a wedding dress that fit her perfectly.

"Wow, I can't believe my daughter is getting married. Don't worry, although you're 17, you're pretty strong and if you don't want to do something, be strong and stand up for yourself ok?"

"…"

"I know this is overwhelming, that's how weddings are."

Then it clicked. Kate stepped down from the bridal fitting platform and went to her purse. She pulled out her wallet and gave it to Rose. Rose stared at it in awe.

"Wow , I'm so sorry. I really went overboard. It's just that my daughter went missing and the wedding is this Saturday and now I don't know what to do."

"It's ok, I'm sure everything will be fine. Sammie will turn up."

"No she won't. She wrote a note saying not to look for her because she isn't going through the wedding."

"Why doesn't she want to go through it?"

Rose told Kate the whole story and started to cry as soon as she finished. Kate felt really sorry for the woman. What could she do to make it better? She sat rubbing the woman's back trying to calm her down. Then she came up with an idea. If she really looks like Sammie, maybe she can go in her place until Sammie turns up.

Stay tuned for the next chapter. Chapter 4- Weddings, Honeymoons, and Secrets. Let me know what you think so far. Thanks.