Chapter 130
The paramedics were eventually able to get JJ out of the back room so they could do what they needed to do. Eun Mi had JJ sit at Hailey's desk and stood before him so he wouldn't have to watch them remove Hailey's body in a body bag. Jae Sun was the only one to fully realize the gravity of the situation while Mae Sun was confused and asked one of the paramedics why they were taking Uncle Hailey away. She was extremely appreciative for the cop that stayed behind to talk to Mae Sun while the paramedics did what they had to do.
"You see, young man," the officer had explained as calmly and as kindly as he possibly could, "people grow old. And your Uncle Hailey we very old. Over eighty if I'm remembering his date of birth right. Anyway, when we get old, we pass away."
"Does that mean Uncle Hailey won't come back?" Mae Sun asked.
"I'm afraid so, young man," the officer said. Mae Sun looked ready to cry and Jae Sun was already crying and rubbing his arms. "It's okay to cry, but try to remember your Uncle Hailey lived a very long and fulfilling life surrounded by family and loved ones. And by the looks of it, he died peacefully, falling asleep in his chair enjoying a beautiful Sunday morning. It'll be hard to say goodbye, but take comfort that your Uncle Hailey died peacefully." Mae Sun kept rubbing his eyes while he cried and when Eun Mi glanced back to check on them, the officer was giving Jae Sun and Mae Sun a comforting hug reassuring them as best he could.
"Mrs. Dauer?" another officer said and got Eun Mi's attention. She was holding JJ close with Eun So in her arm as well and she appeared to the officer to be the only one he could talk to. "We'll be taking Hailey to the hospital. This is the contact information for the cemetery so you can call them to reserve the grave plot. If I remember correctly, he wished to be buried next to his wife, so the Cemetery will know what to do. The director's name is Norman East. You can give him a call in the morning and he'll walk you through everything."
"Thank you, officer," Eun MI answered and accepted the business card the cop extended to her. "Do you think we would be able to have Salem come back for the funeral?"
"He's the one that's enlisted in the Navy right?" the officer asked and Eun Mi nodded. "It depends on where he's stationed. I can reach out to the Naval base up in Seattle for you and find out what we can do if you want."
"Yes, please," Eun Mi nodded. "I realize it might not be possible for Salem to be here, but I want to make sure we at least let him know."
"Not a problem, Mrs. Dauer," the officer said. "And I'm very sorry for your loss. I know Hailey was a bit rough around the edges at times, but he was a good man." Eun Mi nodded solemnly and used a ghostly hand to run her fingers comfortingly through JJ's hair. "I'll make sure word gets around that Hailey Dauer passed away. I know everyone will wish to pay their respects."
"Thank you, officer," Eun Mi said.
With that, the officer walked away and said something to his partner. The other officer patted Jae Sun and Mae Sun on the backs telling them to keep their chins up and left with his partner and the paramedics. Eun Mi waved for the boys to come over to her so they could offer JJ comfort as well. Mae Sun, with Eun Mi's help, climbed into JJ's lap and hugged him. JJ hugged him back and hugged Jae Sun close to him too.
"I'll call Natalie so she can spread it around," Eun Mi said.
"Call Kevin too," JJ said, his voice shivering just a little from his previous bought of crying. "I don't know what legal matters he needs to handle, but the sooner he knows, the better."
"Alright," Eun Mi said and went to the phone. She called Natalie first and ended up getting Suerro. She relayed the news and he promised that he'd notify everyone. Next she called Kevin's house and when Kevin answered she let him know what happened.
"I have Hailey's Last Will and Testament, so I'll review that first thing in the morning. What's the number for the cemetery?" Eun Mi provided the number and Kevin took it down. "Okay, good. Once I review the will, I'll call them and make the burial instructions clear. As to division of assets, that can wait until after the funeral."
"I don't think JJ would want to talk about that any time soon," Eun Mi said.
"I know," Kevin said reassuringly, "but it's something we need to get taken care of as soon as possible. Especially where it regards any remaining debt Hailey may have had. Right now, we'll focus on the funeral arrangements and we'll take care of the Will afterwards."
"Okay," Eun Mi said.
"Eun Mi?"
"Yes?" Eun Mi asked.
"I can only imagine how JJ's taking this. If you guys need anything, you just call and let me know. In the meantime, be strong for him okay? He'll need all the support he can get and I can think of no one he'll need it from more than you."
"I will," Eun Mi said and brushed a tear from her cheek that escaped. "Thank you for your help, Kevin."
"Not a problem," Kevin said. "Just let me know when the wake and funeral is and we'll be there."
"Thank you," Eun Mi said and they said their goodbyes before disconnecting.
"Already talking about the will," JJ muttered irritably.
"Don't say it like that, JJ," Eun Mi said and walked closer. "He's just helping the make sure we follow Hailey's wishes." JJ looked up at Eun Mi and then sighed.
"I guess you're right," JJ answered and stood with Mae Sun still in tow and Jae Sun at his side. "I guess we'll take the food and go back home."
"I'll get dinner ready once we're home," Eun Mi said but JJ didn't answer.
They gathered their food and made the drive back to the tribe. JJ was eerily quiet and it left Eun Mi ill at ease. She extended a hand to him offering comfort. He didn't push her hand from his knee but he didn't react to her touch either. When they got back, the whole family was already at their house ready to grieve with them and offer any manner of possible comforts from more food than they could possibly eat and well wishes. Natalie went straight to JJ's side and hugged him to make him feel better. She brought him to the living room and sat beside him on the couch while Eun Mi stayed near the dining room not wanting to interrupt them.
"You called Kevin?" Suerro said to Eun Mi.
"Yes," she nodded. "He said he'd review Hailey's Will in the morning and would call the cemetery to ensure they knew what Hailey wanted for his burial."
"Good. One less thing to worry about," Suerro said. By now, Blu Jae was sitting next to JJ too. He wasn't saying anything but Suerro could tell Blu Jae's mere presence was helping a lot.
"I asked the officer that came to the house to reach out to the Naval base. See if Salem can't come home for the funeral," Eun Mi said.
"I suspect he won't be able to, but at least he'll know," Suerro said. "JJ's not going into work tomorrow is he?"
"I don't know," Eun Mi said. "I would assume news of Hailey's death has already spread like wildfire so if he's not in no one would wonder why."
"I'd suggest he not, but," Suerro said and shrugged a little, "you know he'd not listen to me."
Eun Mi smiled a little and patted Suerro's shoulder, "If it makes you feel better, I don't think he'd listen to me either about now. He hasn't really said anything to me since we left the house. I don't like seeing him like this. It worries me."
"Trust me: it worries all of us," Suerro said. "He's taking it in strides at least. I guess that's all we can do right now. How are the boys handling the news?"
"Jae Sun understands what's wrong more so than Mae Sun did, but one of the cops explained what was happening. He just knows Uncle Hailey isn't coming back and that's upsetting him."
"I can understand that," Suerro said.
Natalie sat with JJ as long as she possibly could before the dander from Popo made her eyes puffy and red and sneezing constantly. JJ insisted she could go home to recover and once she left, Eun Mi began saying good night to everyone and reassuring them that they could also get going. She knew JJ wasn't in the mood for company and thankfully everyone was very understanding about it. Once everyone had left, Eun Mi focused on getting all the boys tucked into bed for the night while JJ went to their room to take a shower. Once she'd gotten the boys to bed, JJ was still in the shower, so Eun Mi got into her nightgown and went to bed trying to fall asleep but not turning the light off yet. A few minutes later, JJ finally came out after drying off and went to the dresser of some clean clothes before he went to bed. He remained silent and the silence was deafening. She wasn't sure if she should try to say something or what to do so when JJ got into bed with her she didn't do anything but look at him. Once his head hit the pillow, JJ groaned a little and rubbed his face with both hands. Eun Mi kept quiet while she looked at him as he glanced at his clock and then back at the ceiling again.
"You think anyone will be upset it I'm late to the General Store?" JJ said.
"I would hope not," Eun Mi answered and then reached out to take his hand in hers. JJ laced his fingers through hers and took a deep breath like he was trying to keep his composure again. Eun Mi released JJ's hand only to move closer to him so her head was on his chest wrapping an arm around him. "I'm so sorry, JJ."
JJ didn't say anything, but he wrapped his arms around her so she was closer and even pulled her on top of him so he could keep her close. Then JJ rolled over so he was on top of Eun Mi and she cradled him in her arms letting him cry silently in her shoulder. Eventually the two of them fell asleep together. Eun Mi was awake bright and early the following morning with JJ still in her arms. She gently got out from under him and got the morning started. She attended to Eun So first and once he was fed, she carried the boy with her downstairs to get coffee started and breakfast ready. Once she'd finished making breakfast and the boys' lunches ready, Eun Mi woke Jae Sun and Mae Sun and made them get dressed to go to school, but she didn't wake JJ. She had a feeling he needed his sleep.
"엄마," (Eomma) Jae Sun said when he and Mae Sun were sitting at the table about to receive their rice and eggs. "아빠 괜찮 니?" (appa gwaenchanh ni / Is daddy okay). Eun Mi smiled gently and rubbed Jae Sun's cheek.
"너의 아버지는 헤일리의 죽음에 상처를 남겼다," (neoui abeojineun heilliui jug-eum-e sangcheoleul namgyeossda / Your father is heartbroken over Hailey's death) Eun Mi said. "너의 아버지는 우리가지지 할 필요가있어." (neoui abeojineun uligajiji hal pil-yogaiss-eo / Your father needs us to be supportive).
Jae Sun and Mae Sun nodded eagerly promising that they would do their best to be supportive. Eun Mi smiled at them both and then told them to start eating their breakfast. She gave some of the toasted rice to Eun So to suck on while the boys ate their breakfast and once they were done, Eun Mi guided them to the door to put on their shoes, gave them their backpacks and kissed both of them before sending them on their way. She stood outside on the porch watching the boys make their way in the direction of the school. Once they were out of sight, Eun Mi went back inside and started cleaning the dishes. She did the dishes just with her ghostly hands while she leaned against the kitchen island holding Eun So and when she was almost done with the dishes, JJ finally came downstairs dressed and looking ready to go to work. He glanced at the clock and when he noticed it was nine, he smiled just a little.
"Uncle Hailey would've threatened to dock me a day's pay for being this late," JJ said reminiscently. "I wonder if he would've ever actually done it." JJ had to close his eyes and take a deep breath so he wouldn't start to cry again, but he did start running his eyes. Eun Mi walked out of the kitchen and went straight to JJ wrapping her free arm around him once Eun So was situated comfortably. JJ took the two of them in his arms as well. After that brief moment, JJ pulled away, rubbed his eyes again so they were clearer and smiled sadly at Eun Mi. "I'd better get to the store. I'll see you tonight. I'll get to work on those funeral arrangements today too."
"I can take care of that," Eun Mi offered. "I have the number for the cemetery."
"Alright," JJ nodded, relieved. "Keep me updated."
"Do you want some coffee?"
"Sure," JJ said and Eun Mi returned to the kitchen and got a mason jar to put a punch of coffee into for him then put it in a cloth bag. "Thank you," he said after accepting the coffee and then he leaned down to kiss Eun Mi and then Eun So. "I love you. I'll see you tonight."
"I love you too," Eun Mi answered.
Eun Mi stepped outside and watched as JJ walked away in the direction of town. JJ glanced behind to see her and when she waved at him, he waved back and then continued going towards town. When JJ arrived in town he approached the store from the back as he always did and he could already hear the voices of people that were up front waiting for the store to open, though he knew it wasn't to buy anything. He let himself in through the back door and walked through the kitchen area into the shop space and the first thing he saw was Hailey's chair. The image of that man sitting in his chair so he wouldn't have to be on his feet all day was burned into his memory and to not see him there was a harsh reminder. JJ took a deep, shaky breath trying to make sure he didn't start crying. He'd give anything to hear that man yelling at him for being late or pestering him to tell him what he'd had for breakfast or really anything. Once JJ had a hold of himself again, he got everything set up as needed and then went to the door turning the sign and unlocking the door. He had a chance to step away from the door when the door opened and there seemed to be a swarm.
"JJ, dear, we heard what happened," one woman started and from there everyone in the group was extending their own words of condolences.
JJ did his best to stay calm and thank everyone for their kind words but it was draining. JJ promised he'd tell everyone as soon as he knew when the wake and following funeral would be and that he'd even post them on the door for everyone. The remainder of the day was much the same as that start to the morning, People would come in to make their purchases, but inevitably they'd bring up Hailey's passing asking questions and offering their sympathies and it was draining. By the time JJ closed shop for the day, he felt nearly as bad as he had when he'd found Hailey the previous night and he just couldn't get home soon enough. When JJ came home, it was to the smell of Kimchi Jjigae fresh off the stove. When he was taking off his shoes, Jae Sun and Mae Sun came running to the door to welcome him home perhaps more eagerly than they normally would. He glanced at Eun Mi and noticed she was smiling gently at the boys with a hint of pride. Even if she'd specifically instructed the boys to do so, being welcomed home in this manner was greatly appreciated.
"Welcome home, daddy," Jae Sun and Mae Sun both said and JJ patted their heads.
"It's good to be home," JJ said. "Dinner smells ready, so how about we sit down and eat?"
"Can we, Eomma?" Mae Sun asked as he looked at Eun Mi.
"Yes, we can start dinner now," Eun Mi nodded. JJ smiled a little. He wasn't sure how long dinner had been ready, but it must have been long enough for the boys to start getting impatient. They all went to the table together and Eun Mi started with JJ's bowl that she filled with rice, but it was rice with peas. She started getting the boys their rice when Mae Sun protested.
"Eomma, I don't like peas," he pouted.
"당신의 아버지는 쌀에 완두콩을 좋아해요. 그래서 오늘 밤에는 쌀에 완두콩이 들어있을 거예요," (dangsin-ui abeojineun ssal-e wandukong-eul joh-ahaeyo. geulaeseo oneul bam-eneun ssal-e wandukong-i deul-eoiss-eul geoyeyo / Your father likes peas in his rice, so tonight the rice will have peas) Eun Mi said firmly to the boy. JJ didn't know what she'd said but whatever it had been it seemed to make Mae Sun stay quiet and not utter any further complaint about the peas. Once they all had their bowls of rice, chopsticks and soup spoons, they all dug into their dinner. "How was your day?"
"Exhausting," JJ said. "Word of Hailey's passing got around town so it's all anyone talked to me about all day. They kept asking when the wake and the funeral are."
"I spoke with the cemetery and Kevin today; speaking of which," Eun Mi said. "Kevin took care of all the arrangements that were mapped out in Hailey's will, so the wake is scheduled for Friday evening and the funeral will be Saturday morning. I still haven't heard anything about Salem coming."
"I don't think he'll come," JJ said. "He's not really in a position to. He's probably in the middle of the Pacific right now in a submarine."
"It doesn't hurt to notify him at least," Eun Mi said. "Oh," she said suddenly and went to the kitchen and then returned with a balled up nurungji on a small plate that she put beside JJ, "There's the toasted rice."
"Just for me?" JJ asked and Eun Mi nodded gently with a loving smile. He couldn't help but glance at Jae Sun and Mae Sun and notice they looked rather jealous. "I don't know if I can eat all this by myself. Maybe Jae Sun and Mae Sun would like some."
"It's yours to share," Eun Mi reassured lovingly. After that, JJ took a small piece of toasted rice off the ball and handed it to Eun Mi so she could give it to Eun So. Then JJ did his best to cut the ball equally into thirds and gave Jae Sun and Mae Sun each their own share. "What do you say?" Eun Mi said when the boys didn't say anything after JJ handed them their share.
"Thank you, daddy," Jae Sun and Mae Sun both said and then enjoyed their treat before even touching their main meal.
Not wanting JJ to have to talk any more about his day, Eun Mi made Jae Sun and Mae Sun tell JJ about what they'd done in school that day and what they'd learned. Jae Sun went on a several minute tangent about his Japanese lesson that he always had with Edward and Kai after school and about all the new Kanji he'd learned, their meanings (JJ had a moment of feeling baffled over the prospect of a character changing depending on the sentence's context) and even showed them to JJ by drawing them on a piece of paper with a crayon. Normally Eun Mi wouldn't let Jae Sun be quite this vocal at the dinner table, but it was clearly distracting JJ so she permitted it. However, when Jae Sun would start to speak with his mouth full, she'd stop him immediately telling him to finish his bite before continuing to speak.
"And I thought Uncle Hailey was tough on me," JJ teased with light humor. Thankfully, Jae Sun had finished his bite and started talking with renewed enthusiasm before JJ could dwell too much on his statement.
After they'd finished dinner, Eun Mi went to their fridge to get some Chapssal-tteok that she'd made and filled with sweet red bean. She was about to do the dishes when JJ insisted that he, Jae Sun and Mae Sun would take care of the dishes since she'd clearly been cooking all day. Once the dishes were done, they all enjoyed the Chapssal-tteok together with the TV on watching a rerun of I Love Lucy until the boys couldn't stay awake anymore and Eun Mi got them ready for bed and tucked in. She got Eun So down for the night and returned downstairs where JJ still sat as an advertisement played. Eun Mi approached and stood near JJ where he sat placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Are all the boys in bed?" JJ asked.
"Jae Sun, Mae Sun and Eun So are all in bed," Eun Mi affirmed and then stepped around to sit in JJ's lap after which he put a hand on her back and another on her knee almost out of habit. "I can get some baked beans with no meat or lard in it from the grocer and a few other things. How about for dinner tomorrow, I make us Budae Jjigae. I'll put in baked beans, potatoes, lots of mushrooms and fried tofu just like you like. I've got some glass noodles I can put in there and I'll make it extra spicy too."
"That sounds good," JJ answered with a light smile and a gentle squeeze to Eun Mi's knee. "Thank you for tonight. It really is helping me feel better. Even listening to Jae Sun rattle on about Japanese was a welcome distraction. I don't know how he's wrapping his brain around that writing system, but he seems to be."
"Children have a remarkable talent for absorbing information," Eun Mi said. "You might not see it, but he does get frustrated with it sometimes. Before you came home, Jae Sun said to me, '엄마, 왜 일본어가 한글 같지 않아?'" (Eomma, wae ilbon-eoga hangeul gatji anh-a?) Eun Mi giggled, but JJ didn't.
"What?"
"He asked me why Japanese couldn't be more like Hangul," Eun Mi translated. "I'll remind you, JJ, that Jae Sun is still learning how to read and write in English and is taking on the rigorous task of learning Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana. Hangul? He can read and write that with fluent proficiency. So can Mae Sun for that matter."
"Yes, Eun Mi, Hangul's the easiest writing system in the world. You've made your point," JJ teased and slapped her knee gently to make her giggle again. After their lighthearted moment was a brief silence as JJ laid his head back. "It was so weird coming into work and not seeing Hailey in his chair. God, what I wouldn't give for Hailey to have been there. Telling me how I'm late and this is a job, not a country club and you can expect a dock in pay and when should we expect your next human larva. You know; the usual."
"Human larva?" Eun Mi asked.
"Oh, yeah, he's come up with some interesting names for children over the years," JJ chuckled a little. "When I was little, I apparently used to suck on my fingers and chew on my hands and Uncle Hailey would tell my dad that if I kept that up, I'd wind up eating them on accident. Did I ever tell you he fired me once?"
"Why?"
"I'd signed up for the army without telling anyone," JJ said. "He was so mad at me that he said I was fired. Not five minutes later, I'd broken down crying because I realized exactly what I'd just gotten myself into and he said that I'd better come home and that my job would be waiting for me when I came home. I said to him, 'I thought you said I was fired,' and he said, 'People say a lot of things in anger.'" JJ smiled a sad smile at the memory. "He used to tell my dad that he was the son he never knew he wanted and that I was the grandson he never knew he wanted."
"Hailey was a good man," Eun Mi said. "He will be dearly missed." JJ nodded as response but was quiet, trying to keep his composure. "Did you want to go to bed for the night?"
"Not really," JJ said. "Would you humor me and let me read to you in German? It's something Uncle Hailey used to do for us."
"Can I request Cinderella?"
"You mean Aschenputtel?" JJ asked with a smile. "I'd be glad to." Eun Mi smiled back and glanced around the room until she found the German Brothers Grimm collection of stories and used a ghostly hand to grab it and bring it to them. JJ took a moment to locate the right story while Eun Mi snuggled up against JJ's shoulder to listen to him read.
Eun Mi ended up falling asleep in JJ's arms while he read the fairy tale. He stopped when he realized she'd fallen asleep and put the book aside before taking her upstairs with him so they could go to bed. By the time news of Hailey's passing reached Salem, it was Tuesday afternoon and he was supposed to be returning to the sub to make the trip to Guam from Hawaii, but he went to his superiors explaining the situation and requesting he be able to return home for the funeral. He was able to be given emergency time off and was on the first available plane back to Washington. He would need to be back in Hawaii no later than Monday, though. He was finally back in Washington by Wednesday evening and called home for someone to come get him.
"How's JJ doing?" Salem asked Suerro once he'd arrived to pick Salem up from the airport.
"He's doing alright," Suerro said. "He's upset, but he's soldiering through. Eun Mi's been bending over backwards trying to lift his spirits so that helps. She's already quite talented at making sure the boys don't misbehave around JJ, but she's been downright ruthless keeping them in line."
"More than usual you mean?" Salem teased.
"Oh, yeah," Suerro said. "Mae Sun's showing his discontentment with it a little more than Jae Sun, but I think Jae Sun better understands the situation and is being more patient about it. You should see him. When they're at school and Mae Sun will start to complain, Jae Sun will actually scold him. At least I assume that's what he's doing. Most of the time, those two speak Korean so I can never understand a word they're saying."
"Hopefully, Eun Mi can relax after the funeral," Salem said.
"I'm sure she will," Suerro said. "She just feels JJ has enough on his mind and she's trying to keep everyone in line."
"So long as she's helping JJ feel better," Salem said. "So when's the wake and funeral?"
"Wake is Friday evening and the funeral will be the following morning. Hailey's being buried beside Leah."
"Naturally," Salem said. "How's everyone else been?"
"Alright, but they miss Hailey. JJ says he's never been so desperate for someone to yell at him over something. I attempted to appease him, but he just told me, 'fuck off, you're not my dad'."
"Sounds like JJ," Salem chuckled a little. "Do you know if he's planning to hire someone?"
"Not to my knowledge," Suerro said. "I'd bet if you and JJ went out drinking while you're here that would do wonders for his mood."
"Tomorrow night for sure," Salem agreed. "We'll even go into Port Angeles so no one bothers us. If we go to the bar in town, no one will give us a moment's peace."
"Good call," Suerro agreed.
By the time they returned to Forks, it was too late for a social call, so Salem waited until morning to go to JJ's house to let him know he was in town. By the time he got there, though, Eun Mi was alone with Eun So. They shared a hug and spoke briefly before Salem went into town to the General Store letting himself in through the back.
"You made it?" JJ said, a little surprised.
"Of course I did," Salem said and hugged JJ for a moment before they released one another. Salem stayed behind the counter with JJ leaning against the wall of cigarettes for sale. "So how about tonight you and I go to Port Angeles and just have a drink together. Catch up? I already told Eun Mi I wanted to take you into the city."
"That sounds great actually," JJ said. They were interrupted when a customer came in so JJ had to focus on them. They talked a little through the day, but JJ had to keep focused on the customers. When it was closing time, however, they made the trip into the city and went to the bar they'd gone to last they'd been in Port Angeles ordering a pitcher of beer to share.
"So how are you doing?" Salem asked. "Suerro tells me Eun Mi's being particularly strict with the boys lately making sure they don't get in trouble around you."
JJ smiled lightly a little, "Yeah, she's being a bit of a stickler lately. She means well, but I know the boys will be happy when things return to normal."
"Can't say I blame them," Salem chuckled. "Eun Mi's strict at the best of times, so I shudder to think how she's being at the moment."
"Let's just say I've seen my drill sergeants be more relaxed," JJ said and they shared a small laugh. "So how long are you home?"
"I have to be back in Hawaii by Monday," Salem said. "I was supposed to be leaving for Guam when I got word of Hailey's death. It's damn lucky I got the news when I did, otherwise I'd have already disembarked and couldn't leave the sub."
"Are they holding the sub for you?"
"Oh no," Salem chuckled. "I'm not positive what they'll have me do, but I may just end on either on a different sub or they'll have me fly to Guam or something. I haven't gotten my reassignment yet."
"At least they let you come home."
"Yeah," Salem said. "Maybe I'll wind up stationed in Hawaii for a while. No skin off my back. Hawaii's amazing."
"Yes, I remember Hawaii fondly," JJ smiled. "Have you gotten yourself a Tattoo from there?"
"Yes," Salem said and the two of them laughed.
"What is it?"
"It's a really small pineapple with a hibiscus carved into the fruit," Salem said. "That's what the artist said made him think of home." Salem turned so his back was facing JJ and lifted the back of his shirt so all the tattoos were visible. The circle was coming closer to being completed and there was the pineapple that looked like a hibiscus had been carved into it with the year under it.
"What happens when you complete the circle?"
"I haven't decided yet, but I have some ideas. I'm leaning towards putting the emblem of the Navy in the center. You know, the one that's a black circle with a rope border and the Bald Eagle in the center with a shield of the American Flag? Under that I would put the dates of my years of service."
"It would be appropriate," JJ said. "Are you planning to get a memorial tattoo for Uncle Hailey?"
"I want to," Salem said. "I just need a reminder of what year he was born and I need to decide where I can put an Iron Cross without risking someone seeing it and being offended."
"Maybe a clock with the Iron Cross subtly in the craftwork of the clock?"
"See, that's why I love it when we have our talks: you give me good tattoo ideas," Salem smiled.
"Not the intent, but okay," JJ smiled. "I may want to get the same tattoo actually. It can go on my other shoulder or something. Or my right peck."
"That's where I'd want to put it," Salem said. "I don't know when I can get it, but as soon as I do, I'll send you a picture."
"Sounds good," JJ said and gulped down his beer.
JJ and Salem were at the bar for several hours talking and didn't leave until midnight going straight back to Forks. Since he had work, JJ stayed at the General Store and slept there asking Salem to make sure Eun Mi was made aware. He didn't want to call the house and wake everyone. Several hours later after JJ had gotten abysmal sleep and was operating the shop half asleep, Eun Mi arrived at the General Store with Eun So in arm as well as a bag.
"Where are Jae Sun and Mae Sun?" JJ asked when Eun Mi showed up.
"They're at school," Eun Mi said. "Your mother said she's bring them into town for the wake. I brought some suits for you to wear tonight and tomorrow."
"Thanks," JJ said. Eun Mi brought the clothes upstairs to the master bedroom in the shop. JJ was busy with a customer when she returned downstairs and JJ stayed as polite as he could while the customer went on about promising to be at the wake that night. The shop closed early and once JJ had locked up, he and Eun Mi went upstairs to get dressed. "Is everyone meeting us at the Funeral Home?"
"I told them to," Eun Mi said, finishing buttoning up her dress. She then started getting Eun So dressed more appropriately. There was an uncomfortable silence as they finally left and made their way to the Funeral Home where JJ had to then speak with the directors while Eun Mi went to the viewing room. In his casket, Hailey looked as though he were sleeping wearing a suit that had been provided to the funeral home. His casket was surrounded by flowers and notes of well wishes to the family. Eun Mi sat at the front pew with Eun So and eventually JJ joined her but he didn't say anything. She eventually heard Natalie, Suerro and Blu Jae arrive with the boys and she was quick to make sure they weren't too loud.
"How's JJ?" Natalie asked, thinking it strange that Eun Mi was meeting them at the entryway of the viewing room.
"He's been quiet all day," Eun Mi said. Just then, a few more people walked in. Among those people were Salem and several other family members from the tribe.
"Hey, Eun Mi," Salem said and hugged Eun Mi and Eun So. "We're okay to go in?"
"Yeah," Eun Mi nodded. They all walked in but Eun Mi reminded the boys to make sure they don't get too loud and to be mindful of JJ. Family members paid their respects and then talked amongst themselves, but JJ didn't really talk to anyone. He just stared at Hailey and the pictures they'd managed to find and give to the Funeral Home so they could make a collage of Hailey.
They had one or two pictures of Hailey when he was a boy, but they were aged and very hard to see. The majority of the pictures were family pictures from holidays and they all included Leah in one fashion or another. Some of those pictures included Jae when he'd been a boy or JJ when he was younger. Those were the hardest pictures to look at for JJ. He wasn't crying, but it took a great deal of effort.
"JJ?" a man's voice came and he looked up to see Reverend Mackey.
"Evening, sir," JJ said and finally stood. "What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to review a few things with you for the funeral tomorrow. I have my own talk written out, but I wanted to know if you wish to say any parting words. I think it would be appropriate for you to do so."
"I don't really know what I could say that wouldn't reduce me to tears," JJ said.
"No shame in that," Reverend Mackey said. "I promise you won't be the only one."
"What should I say?"
"You can talk about fond memories or just speak from the heart," Reverend Mackey said.
"That's quite a flood gate that would open," JJ said.
"I'm sure," Reverend Mackey said. "What I would recommend is take a moment to put on paper anything you'd like to say. It doesn't have to be a full blown speech or anything."
"If I put together a proper speech, Uncle Hailey would roll his eyes from the grave," JJ finally smiled a little.
"That sounds like Hailey," Reverend Mackey smiled back pleasantly. "I'll talk to you a moment tomorrow before the funeral service and if you don't want to speak, you don't have to. I just think it might be good for you to do so."
"I'll speak," JJ said. "I don't know where to start, but I'll speak."
"Sounds good," Reverend Mackey said. "I'll see you again tomorrow morning."
JJ nodded and shook Reverend Mackey's hand before the man walked away to speak to other family members to pay his respects. JJ spoke briefly with a few family members as they all left the viewing room for the night before returning to the General Store with Eun Mi and the boys. She got the boys in the master bed prepared for all five of them to share a bed, but JJ didn't come upstairs. So once she had the boys tucked in, she went downstairs seeing JJ at the kitchen table with a pencil and paper. She didn't interrupt him and returned upstairs to go to bed with the boys. She woke up before them the following morning and when she got downstairs, JJ was at the table with a cup of coffee.
"Did you go to bed?"
"Eventually," JJ said, "But I couldn't sleep. Reverend Mackey suggested putting together some things I want to say. Before I knew it, I had four pages back to back."
"There's a lot to the man," Eun Mi said and went to JJ touching his shoulders. JJ brought up his left hand to cover Eun Mi's hand on his shoulder.
"I miss him," JJ said quietly. "I keep thinking I'll see him in his chair barking at me for something or the other but he's not there."
Eun Mi leaned down a little and wrapped her arms around JJ's neck from behind saying nothing and only offering comfort. Eventually, she had to get the boys fed and ready for the funeral and once they were all dressed, they went to the Funeral Home earlier than anyone else. JJ spoke briefly with Reverend Mackey trying determine what of his notes he needed to stick with, but Reverend Mackey wasn't all that helpful only saying, "You'll know when it's time." So he, Eun Mi and the boys all sat in the front while people were funneling in for the funeral. Once it was 9:00, Reverend Mackey got to the podium and began the service.
"Brothers and sisters, thank you for joining us here today. It is today that we say goodbye to Hailey Dauer: a man near and dear to all our hearts. Hailey Dauer was born August 14th 1880 to Hahn Dauer and Kathleen Thompson Dauer in Port Angeles, Washington. He was son to a first generation German immigrant and a woman who's family immigrated from Scotland generations prior. Hailey moved here in 1910 to work for his uncle, the late Mitchell Thompson, at the General Store. It was here that he met his wife Leah Jagger who was with him until her passing. Today we say our goodbyes so that he might return to his wife in the loving arms of Jesus. Now, Hailey and Leah never had children of their own, but they certainly weren't lacking in loving family. I recall Hailey Dauer often complained that Jae had too many children and then, after him, his son JJ had too many children, but I can say confidently that was just Hailey's way of bragging about all of them." JJ smiled a little to himself but had to rub his eye when tears began to burn in his eyes. Salem and Nesia were already crying quietly behind him. "Of course, I do not know Hailey nearly so well as the men and women that called him Uncle Hailey. We shall take a moment for JJ Dauer to come up and give some parting words." JJ felt his heart seize in his chest as Reverend Mackey left the podium. JJ finally managed to leave to Pew and go up to the podium. The flowers in front of the podium made it impossible for JJ to see Hailey. Had he been able to, he'd have fallen to tears right then.
"Um," JJ started and glanced at his notes, but they were all over the place. He had row upon row of memories and stories and he didn't know where to start. He tried to look up but when everyone was looking at him, he had to avert his eyes. He took a deep breath and stared at his notes, but it was dizzying to put into words all the fond memories. He looked at Eun Mi and she smiled encouragingly at him. It gave him a small boost in courage and he took another deep breath before starting. "Uncle Hailey was a hell of a guy," JJ finally said and heard the barest chuckles from a few people followed with crying. "Hailey taught my dad German and then taught me German. Some of my earliest memories involve Uncle Hailey insisting I say something in German and reading the Brothers Grimm to me in German. He was very proud of his German heritage. When my father died, he gave me a job even though I was underage because I had begged. He became like a second father to me." JJ soon realized he was beginning to ramble, so he took a moment to collect his thoughts. "Uncle Hailey was a man that didn't believe in telling you anything gently. He was to the point and wasn't afraid to hurt your feelings, but he always did so with the best of intentions even if he didn't realize it. He used to tell me that my father was the son he thought he never wanted and Salem, Nesia and I were the grandchildren he assumed he'd never have. I think my dad may have bullied him into being a family man," JJ said with a light smile just before his eyes burned again. "There's not a day that goes by that I'm not grateful for it." JJ took a moment to compose himself again before continuing. "You know, I have so much written down that I thought about. Memories and what not that made me think of Uncle Hailey. But if I went over all of it, we'd be here for hours. So all I'll say now is this: He was a man that my father honored by taking his last name. He was a man that helped our tribe truly become an involved part of this society where previously there was only animosity. He was a man that, even if he grumbled and groaned about it, was elevated to the role of Uncle and well deserving of it. He was a man that helped me through one of the hardest times of my life when my father died and, even when I joined the army for selfish reasons, reassured me that he would still be here when I got back. Hailey Dauer was a remarkable man and even though he's gone, he will not be forgotten. Not by a long shot."
JJ barely managed not to break down uncontrollably before leaving the podium to return to his seat while Reverend Mackey returned and proceeded with the remainder of the service. Eun Mi gently placed her hand on JJ's knee and he accepted it in his own while Salem rubbed JJ's shoulder from behind him. When the service was finally over, JJ stepped up as the head pallbearer and Salem stepped up as one as well. Embry Sr. and Jr. also helped carry the casket and the four of them got the casket into the Hearse so it could be driven to the cemetery. Even though the cemetery wasn't far, everyone drove behind the hearse while a heavy snowfall proceeded. When they all made it to the cemetery, above a large hole right beside Leah's gravestone, Hailey's casket sat waiting to be lowered.
JJ, Eun Mi and the boys were toward the front of the group while Reverend Mackey said a few final words. In the meantime, JJ just stared at the casket overwhelmed with loss. While he stared, a blue bird flew down and landed in the flowers atop Hailey's casket. He recognized the blue bird immediately. He'd never seen a bird appear heartbroken, but that's how the bird appeared to him. The bird released gentle tweeting sounds as it snuggled into the flowers as if to get closer to the casket itself. No one said anything, but JJ knew he wasn't the only person to notice Blu. If anything, the bird's presence brought another round of crying from everyone. Reverend Mackey said a prayer and with that prayer, the funeral was over and everyone was invited to go to the church for a complimentary lunch for the family.
"Do I need to be present when you review the will with JJ?" Salem asked Kevin when they'd gotten to the church basement.
"No, you don't," Kevin said. "It's directed almost entirely to JJ, so I need to speak with him."
"Okay, good," Salem said. "I need to be on a plane back to Hawaii first thing in the morning. I know the last thing JJ wants to worry about today is Hailey's will."
"I know," Kevin said, "but we can't put this off for too long."
"I say at least give him until Monday."
"It can wait until Monday," Kevin agreed.
JJ stayed mostly to himself throughout the lunch except for people that approached him to extend their condolences. Kevin didn't bother JJ with the matter of the will figuring it was best to leave JJ alone and then he could bring it up to JJ come Monday. The children were allowed to play together in the playroom the church had while the adults talked amongst themselves and when the food was more or less gone, people started leaving until it was mostly JJ's family that was remaining. They remained long enough to help clean up and once the basement was cleaned and uneaten food packed away accordingly, they all left and returned to the tribe where a funeral pyre was lit in Hailey's honor. When the boys were barely awake and needed to be put to bed since they didn't get naps that day, Eun Mi took them back home and got them tucked in. Even Jae Sun went to bed without argument from being so tired from the long day. After she'd put the boys to bed, Eun Mi went to their bedroom to shower.
As she did so, she glanced down to see the smallest little protrusion. It was barely visible, but she knew it was there and rubbed it gently and affectionately. She'd not gone to Kyle about it to confirm just yet. She realized it the Tuesday after Hailey had passed away and she'd not said anything since then, feeling like now was not the time to bring it up. When she told JJ about her latest pregnancy, she wanted him to be happy about it without the loss of Hailey and the impending legal matters of his will weighing on his mind. After her shower, Eun Mi got dried off and in her night gown and then went downstairs preparing the pot to make coffee she was rather sure JJ would want. As the coffee was brewing, the front door opened and JJ stepped in.
"Is the pyre still going?" Eun Mi asked.
"Yeah, but it'll be going out soon because of the rain," JJ said as he took off his shoes and coat. "You're making coffee?"
"I figured you'd want some."
JJ smiled gently and as he approached, said, "You know me so well." Not bothering to wait for the coffee to finish brewing, Eun Mi grabbed JJ's mug and removed the pot so the brewing coffee could go directly into JJ's mug. Once filled, Eun Mi handed him back his cup as she put the pot back under the brewing coffee. "Thank you," JJ said.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better I guess," JJ said. "It hurts, but I'm coming to terms with it but I'll always go to work wishing Hailey was there sitting in his chair talking to me through the day. This may sounds silly, but I think I'll feel lonely."
"That's understandable," Eun Mi said. "Have you spoken to Kevin?"
"Not yet," JJ said. "I'm hearing he plans to bring the will to the General Store Monday after I close the shop. I haven't voiced any disagreement with it so it'll give me time to steel up for it."
"Do you want me to be with you?"
"No, you don't have to be with me," JJ said at first but then seemed to think about it and looked at Eun Mi. "Actually, on second thought I would like you with me."
"I'll ask Natalie to look after the boys for me after we get back home," Eun Mi said and took JJ's free hand in hers. "It'll all be alright."
"I know," JJ said solemnly.
He was quiet again appearing as though he was trying not to cry. Eun Mi let go of his hand, used her extensions to get to his level and wrapped her arms around his head so he was in the crook of her neck. When she held him, the floodgates opened and he couldn't hold anything back anymore. She heard JJ drop his coffee cup and heard it break on the floor, but she didn't care. She could take care of it later. JJ didn't seem to notice and only wrapped his arms around her starting to cry. She petted his short hair reassuringly and didn't say anything. She wasn't sure how long they were in the kitchen like that, but she soon heard footsteps coming down the stairs. She looked to see Jae Sun at the bottom of the stairs probably hearing the mug break. JJ must have heard him because he took a deep breath and released Eun Mi rubbing his face.
"What are you doing down here, Jae Sun? You should be in bed," JJ managed to croak while doing his best to get a hold of himself.
"Daddy, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," JJ lied. While he wasn't looking at him, Jae Sun ran up to JJ and hugged him, barely reaching just above the man's hip. She noticed JJ shiver a little and his breath trembled the same way, but he forced himself to stay composed before kneeling down to pick Jae Sun up into his arms. "Come on, Jae Sun. It's time for bed."
To Eun Mi's relief, Jae Sun did not argue or say anything. He just laid his head on JJ's shoulder while he carried him up the stairs and back to his room. Eun Mi cleaned up the coffee and mug before going upstairs. She watched while JJ tucked Jae Sun back into bed without disturbing Mae Sun who was still sound asleep in his little bed. Of course, as luck would have it, Eun Mi overheard Eun So start to whimper preparing to cry, so she rushed to his room to start attending to him. By the time she'd taken care of Eun So and gotten him back to sleep and in his crib, JJ was already in their bedroom lying in bed trying to fall asleep. Eventually she joined him in bed and snuggled up to him, staying in his arms all night. JJ insisted on driving Salem to the airport that Sunday giving them a little more time to talk before Salem would be out to sea again. He didn't return until well into the afternoon with a big, early dinner prepared and ready on the table.
Monday came too quickly. JJ went to the shop early in the morning and felt a wave of sorrow at Hailey's empty chair. He contemplated removing it or at least putting it somewhere else, but when he'd made the effort to do so, he just didn't have the heart to move it and left it in its spot. At the end of the day while JJ was getting the shop closed, Kevin came through the front door with his briefcase.
"Afternoon, Uncle Kevin," JJ said.
"Afternoon," Kevin said. "I brought Hailey's will if you're ready to go over it."
"In a moment. I asked Eun Mi to sit with me while we went over it. She should be here in another hour."
"That's fine," Kevin agreed. "I'll just get everything laid out while we wait." By the time Kevin had out and had reviewed Hailey's will again and after JJ had closed the shop, Eun Mi let herself in through the back.
"You haven't started yet, right?" Eun Mi asked.
"Not yet," Kevin said. "Now that Eun Mi's here, JJ, do you want to get started?"
"Yeah," JJ muttered a little and sat across from Kevin at the table in the kitchen area. After a brief silence, Kevin got started.
"To start, JJ, Hailey's effectively left you as the sole beneficiary to his assets. As such, that means you'll need to take care of any remaining debts, but they're nothing that can't be taken care of with some of Hailey's instructions."
"He had a car payment didn't he? That's the only debt I'm aware of."
"Yes, he still has another $1000 owed to his car," Kevin confirmed. "I'll read through the will as is and if you want me to stop and go over something, just let me know." Kevin waited for JJ to confirm and when JJ nodded, Kevin proceeded. "I have here the final will and testament of Hailey Dauer:
I, Hailey Dauer, do leave all my assets in their entirety to Jay Jacob Dauer." Kevin glanced up at JJ. He seemed to be alright thus far, but he knew what was to come would be rather hard for him. "To him, I leave my house, my car, the General Store and all my other possessions and wish to be buried alongside my late wife Leah Dauer. I'm trusting you, JJ, to look to the benefit of the General Store and to do as you see fit with the house and car. However, if you choose to sell these things, you are to put that money you've earned toward your children. All of them; however many that inevitably will be. However, as to the matter of my Iron Cross Pocket watch-"
"Shit!" JJ said, his eyes wide, "Uncle Hailey's watch! He was supposed to be buried with that!"
"JJ," Kevin said sternly, "can you let me finish?" JJ was hesitant, but eventually complied. "Anyway:
However, as to the matter of my Iron Cross Pocket watch, I have very special instructions. This pocket watch, as you know, was given to my grandfather as a reward for his service to the Kaiser at the time. He then gave this to my father who then gave it to me. It was my assumption that I would keep this with me into death but circumstances at present have given me a change of heart. That being said, it only makes sense - seeing as my father gave me this Pocket Watch and my grandfather gave it to my father before me - that I should leave this Pocket Watch with a man I considered as much my grandson regardless of no blood relation. I have the watch locked away for safe keeping. When I pass away, I have asked that Kevin release to you the Pocket Watch that you are to keep safe as was expected of me by my father and my grandfather." After that, Kevin opened his brief case and unhooked the latch of a small box to reveal the Pocket Watch in question.
"He's leaving this to me?" JJ asked, convinced Kevin must be wrong.
"He's leaving this to you," Kevin affirmed.
JJ stared at the watch a moment. The Iron Cross held so much pain in his mind. He remembered receiving the Medal from Nathan as proof that the man that had seen his father dead had fallen to the same fate. He'd thrown it into the ocean not only because he wanted to forget the man's name – the man had not deserved to be remembered and JJ's opinion had not changed in that respect – but because he didn't want to think of the Iron Cross in that way. He'd grown up with that being a symbol of Hailey's heritage that he was so proud of. Looking at the watch now, he only saw Hailey and the memories he had of the man. JJ's hand shook as he took the watch in his hands staring at it. He opened it to see the eagle on the face of the watch ticking away as if Hailey were still maintaining it with religious diligence. Now that JJ had the watch in his hand, Kevin continued.
"I want you to know, JJ, that I've always loved you as one of my own. When your father died, it felt as though I'd lost my son and that my grandson had lost his father. It was a painful time, but I want you to know that above all else, I wanted for you to be able to live happily as your father had done and would have wanted for you. I've watched you grow up, fight tooth and nail to take care of your family – a responsibility I know your father never wished to force on your shoulders – and become the young man that your father would have been proud of. A man that I am very, very proud of. As such, I don't want you to mourn me for too long. I lived a ripe long life that you and all of your family have ensured was filled with fond memories and good times. Keep those memories close to heart as I'd held them close to mine."
By now, JJ was crying, but he was doing so silently so he wouldn't interrupt Kevin while he went over Hailey's will. Eun Mi was holding his free hand in her own while she also rubbed his back to offer comfort. Kevin choked up a little himself but stayed composed while JJ did what he needed to. Eventually, JJ took a deep breath, rubbed his eyes and returned his attention to Kevin.
"There are a few things you need to sign to have everything officially in your name. I have those with me now if you want to proceed."
"Sure," JJ nodded and Kevin walked him through all the paperwork so everything would officially be in JJ's name. JJ already decided he would sell the house and Hailey's car and that would go be put aside for the children as Hailey had instructed. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Kevin said.
"Do you think we should make improvements to the house before we sell it?"
"I can talk to Embry about it and he'll be able to come up with some ideas to run by you," Kevin said. "I'll take care of selling the car for you and as soon as you're ready, we can put Hailey's house on the market."
"Thank you," JJ said.
With Hailey's final will read, they walked to Hailey's house so JJ could hand over the keys to Hailey's car so he could take it to a dealer for selling. JJ was silent as he and Eun Mi drove home together. She held the pocket watch making sure she was careful while she examined it. She'd never actually seen the watch before; only seen it in passing. It was just as it had always been described to her with an eagle in the watch face and the Iron Cross on the watch's cover. When they returned home, JJ retrieved the picture of Hailey and Leah that he'd taken from Hailey's house and, once they were inside, JJ took the watch from Eun Mi and went to the mantel of their fireplace where Jae's picture and medals sat. Right beside it, JJ put Hailey's and Leah's picture on the mantel, gently rearranging the other pictures, and beside it he put the watch in a special case that he had set aside so the watch was on full display. JJ stared at the watch for a moment as Eun Mi approached slowly.
"I can't believe Uncle Hailey gave me this watch," JJ mumbled to himself. Eventually Eun Mi reached his side and put a hand on his arm. He took a moment to breath and then finally smiled a little. "We'll fix up the house so it's got more value. Get as much money as we can out of it: money for the boys' college and what not."
"I think that's a great idea," Eun Mi agreed and glanced down unintentionally at her belly. It wasn't visible, especially in her dress, but she couldn't help to look. "Do you think you'll be hiring anyone to help you at the store?"
"No," JJ said. "I can take care of it myself."
"JJ-"
"Eun Mi, I swear, I can take care of it myself," JJ said reassuringly. "It might make me able to expand the shop later for all the money I'll save. If that pans out, I'll hire more people."
"Maybe Birdie could help part time at least," Eun Mi suggested.
JJ chuckled a little, "I'll tell you what: I'll make the offer, but will not argue if he turns me down." JJ turned to face Eun Mi and held her. "I promise, Eun Mi. Everything will be alright. I can handle it." Then he leaned down and gave her a kiss that she reciprocated tenderly, wrapping her arms around his neck. When he pulled away, he suddenly realized it was far too quiet. "Where are the boys?"
"With Natalie," Eun Mi said.
"Oh, right," JJ said. "For the night?"
"No, I need to go get them. I can't leave Eun So over night."
"Yeah, I guess not," JJ said. "How about I get the kids and I'll get them ready for bed for the night. You relax."
Eun Mi smiled, "Alright."
JJ leaned down to give her one more kiss before releasing her and leaving for Natalie's house to get the boys while Eun Mi went to the kitchen and nibbled on some kimchi. Then she ate some other food they had lying around, feeling suddenly ravenous. Once she'd finished with an apple, she finally went upstairs to get ready for bed just as JJ was returning home with the boys. She overheard JJ reading to them in German and approached Jae Sun and Mae Sun's room where he was reading with Eun So already asleep against his shoulder. She came into the boys' room and sat on the edge of Mae Sun's bed rubbing the boy's back to help him fall asleep. She extended two more ghostly hands so she could do the same to Jae Sun and Eun So. By the time JJ finished the story, Jae Sun and Mae Sun had fallen asleep and since Eun So had been asleep long before them Eun Mi took him to his room to put him in his crib.
"What story did you read to them?" Eun Mi asked once they were in their room.
"Rapunzel," JJ said. "It's the story of a girl that was taken from her parents at birth and raised in a tower by a wicked witch."
"How does the story go?"
"Well, there was a woman that looked out onto her neighbor's garden while she was pregnant and she graved the greens that she saw in the garden. She begged her husband to get them for her and eventually he relented, but once she'd had them, she craved them even more swearing that if she didn't have them again she would die. So the husband went to get more and was caught by the witch. He explained what was wrong and the witch told him she'd let him take the greens if he promised to release the baby to her once born. The husband agreed and when the baby girl was born, she was taken by the witch who named her Rapunzel. When Rapunzel got older, the witch locked her away in a tower with only a single window at the top. There were no doors. The only way to get in was for the witch to tell Rapunzel to let down her hair and the witch would use it like a rope. Rapunzel's hair grew extremely long so that's how she could do that. One day, a prince heard her singing and instantly fell in love with her, but he couldn't find the entrance to the tower. When he saw how the witch did it, he waited for her to leave, went to the bottom of the tower and called out for Rapunzel to let down her hair and he let himself up. She was scared of him at first but he charmed her and Rapunzel fell in love with him too.
"One day when the witch had returned, Rapunzel noticed her dress didn't fit anymore and the witch came to the conclusion that Rapunzel was pregnant. She cut Rapunzel's hair and forced her from the tower. When the prince came back and called for Rapunzel to let down her hair, the witch let down the hair and, when he climbed up, it was the witch that greeted him. She told him his Rapunzel was lost to him and in a fit of grief he threw himself from the tower. He lived but was blinded and wandered the wilderness for two years in blindness until Rapunzel found him. By then, she'd given birth to their twins. Rapunzel cried into the prince's eyes and it cured him of his blindness. When cured, the prince took Rapunzel and their children back with them to his kingdom, they were married and they lived happily ever after."
"I confess to preferring Cinderella but it's a sweet story," Eun Mi said.
"To be fair, we're a touch biased towards Cinderella," JJ said with that gentle smile, remembering the night at the M.A.S.H when they'd seen that movie together and Eun Mi had whispered to him that she loved him. "I know I am." Eun Mi smiled back at him remembering the same night with the same fondness. "Let me get changed and we'll go to bed, okay?"
Eun Mi nodded while JJ got himself changed. Once out of his work clothes, JJ came to her and took Eun Mi in his arms, bringing her to their bed and sitting down on the edge of the bed never releasing her from his hold. He maneuvered so he was lying down and had Eun Mi against his chest. She got the lights turned off and they said goodnight to one another. Eun Mi was so tempted to tell JJ then that she was pregnant, but this wasn't the right time. She refrained and only told JJ that she loved him. In the coming days, JJ focused his attention on the shop and on details regarding Hailey's house. Embry came over one evening to have dinner with JJ and the family so they could go over some plans Embry had for the house. First thing being to make the house larger so as to accommodate a family. Embry would keep the cost of the project as low as possible but reassured the reward for the changes would reimburse those costs and then some. Before the end of the week, Kevin had Hailey's car sold and gave JJ the money from that sale so he could put it aside. While this all happened, Eun Mi finally went to see Kyle for an official confirmation that she was pregnant.
"It's early," Kyle said once he'd done the blood test, "but you're pregnant. I'd say you're about five to six weeks along."
"I thought so," Eun Mi said, rubbing her belly a little. "I'd wanted to wait to tell JJ until everything with Hailey's passing had settled, but with Embry making changes to the house I don't think that'll be possible."
"Embry's a fast worker, but he's not that fast," Kyle teased. "By the time he's done with that house, you'll at least be halfway through your pregnancy. I'm surprised JJ hasn't already noticed."
"He's not seen me undressed in a while," Eun Mi said. "He's had a lot on his mind."
"I know," Kyle said, "but you and I both know he'll be happy to have this on his mind too. Besides, the sooner you let him know you're pregnant the sooner you can stop sneaking food and eat with the family."
"That's true," Eun Mi giggled.
After having her official confirmation, Eun Mi returned home with Eun So and went back to business as usual. While Eun So was taking a nap, she got some cleaning done and wound up looking at the TV guide wanting to find a program she could have on in the background. However, as she looked through it, she found out Cinderella would be playing that night. Having an idea, Eun Mi made the necessary preparations. She put together a care package filled with bottles of breast milk that, while taking forever to get together, would me well worth the effort. With Eun So's milk and other items packed away, Eun Mi brought him to Natalie's house asking her to look after him and the boys that night for her. Natalie happily agreed and Eun Mi returned home. When the boys came home, she instructed them to go to grandma's house only telling them that she had something very important she needed to discuss with their father.
She got together a special dinner for her and JJ and made sure they'd be able to finish dinner in time to catch the movie once it started. She made sure to finish eating before JJ got home and by the time JJ returned, she had his share plated up and ready. JJ noticed the quiet and looked around before turning to Eun Mi.
"Where are the boys?" JJ asked.
"They're with Natalie. I thought the two of us could use some time alone," Eun Mi said and motioned for JJ to sit at the table with her. Once he was seated, he overheard Popo come downstairs to start nibbling at his remaining food. "So how was your day?"
"Pretty normal," JJ said. "Embry said he'd start working on Hailey's house starting this weekend. He's got another project he's in the middle of, but he promised it wouldn't prevent him from making the changes we'd talked about. He said he could have the house remolded and ready to sell in two months."
"That's good news," Eun Mi said. "I found out Cinderella is playing tonight. I thought you and I might watch it together."
"Just the two of us? No Yon to interrupt us before I drop you off home?" JJ joked.
"Just the two of us," Eun Mi said.
"Sounds like a date," JJ smiled back.
As promised, after JJ finished dinner, they went to their living room and waited for Cinderella to start playing. Once it started, they didn't speak. They just cuddled together on the couch. While the movie played, Eun Mi could almost feel the cool summer breeze after the sun had set on a warm Korean summer day. She remembered JJ walking her back to the bunk after the movie, the two of them holding hands the whole time, and the kiss they'd shared before Yon interrupted them. She even thought back fondly on the ladies in her bunk teasing her. When Cinderella made it to the ball and started to dance with the prince, Eun Mi couldn't help but hum and JJ kissed the top of her head in response.
"JJ?" Eun Mi finally said.
"Yeah?" Before answering, she turned her head so she was looking up at him.
"I'm pregnant," she said. For a moment, JJ seemed a little stunned by the news, but the surprise wore off quickly and he looked happy.
"Really?" he asked and Eun Mi nodded with a smile.
"I found out for sure this morning, but I noticed a bump forming a little while ago. Kyle says I'm five to six weeks along."
Wanting to see the bump, JJ slowly lifted Eun Mi's dress until her belly was visible and before his eyes was the tiniest little bump. He used his free hand to touch it. It was too soon to feel any kicking, but he was no less excited.
"Can we name the baby Hailey?" JJ asked, staring at the bump. "We can spell it the way you would for a Korean name, but I want to name the baby Hailey."
"Alright," Eun Mi smiled gently. "H-A-E L-E-E."
"No, L-I," JJ said. "H-A-E L-I. Hae Li."
"Hae Li," Eun Mi smiled. "I like it."
"Me too," JJ said.