Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

131. Chapter 131

Chapter 131

The news of Eun Mi's pregnancy was a much needed bit of happy news for the family. Jae Sun and Mae Sun were excited, hoping for a little brother, but Eun Mi was hoping to finally have a girl. Then, of course, news reached town about JJ and Eun Mi expecting another baby and there were no shortage of patrons coming over to buy something while also extending their congratulations. According to what was discussed, Embry started coming to Hailey's house every other day and every weekend to make the changes to Hailey's house that had been discussed. To make the project go as swiftly as possible, JJ and several other members of the family helped with the improvement project which included expanding the house to make it a larger home rather than a single home and even the addition of a fence and updated appliances. With all the extra help, Embry managed to have everything finished in two months on schedule and the house was immediately put on the market. As Embry and Kevin had promised, the improvements made to the house made it all the more marketable and it sold in no time for considerably more than its original value. Just as Hailey had instructed, the money was put aside for the boys and other future children.

In the meantime, Salem eventually was assigned to a sub and on that sub made the trip to Guam. As per tradition, Salem got a tattoo on his back and got the image of a beach with a boat on the water and a palm tree. After his assigned time in Guam, it was off to South Korea. He made a point to get acquainted with the landscape that he saw in Port Busan. While it wasn't exactly the same as what JJ remembered and had seen, once he'd gotten to go to the countryside and ready take it all in, he understood why Eun Mi loved it here so much. When he got the chance to get his tattoo he couldn't resist getting two. He first asked for the tattoo that would go on his back and the artist gave him the image of a man and a boy out on a boat in the ocean fishing stating it was one of his fonder childhood memories before the war. Later, he asked that same artist a few more tattoos that were more personally.

He started with asking for a clock with the Iron Cross discreetly incorporated with the design and the name Dauer on there as well. What the artist gave him was a clock that had the Iron Cross on the door of the clock with the pendulum inside also having an Iron Cross that was harder to discern and the name Dauer was on the face of the clock with the hands indicating noon which he had put on his left shoulder. Then, later before he had to leave Korea for Japan, on his right shoulder he asked for a tattoo that would be for his nephews. He asked for a Siamese cat in a Santa hat, unable to resist, with one paw atop a jack-o-lantern, a head of Napa cabbage and wearing a necklace more or less of the Korean flag, but with the American flag modified to be in the center just like what JJ had gotten long before. After Korea was Japan and the artist, when asked to make something that made him think of his home, gave Salem a picture he would have never thought of. He made for Salem the image of what he was told was Astro Boy standing beside Kimba the Lion both wearing white Headbands with the red dot at the Center and the characters for Divine Wind (Kamikaze as American's new it) on either side of the red circle. Remembering seeing Kimba the Lion before from Jae Sun's comics he got from Akihiko, he loved the tattoo instantly and got it added to the circle. Kimba the Lion and Astro Boy completed the circle, so Salem's next plan would be to get the symbol of the American Navy in the center of it all. When he retired, he'd have the years of his service tattooed right under it.

While Salem was away, as the year went on, life continued on. Ivory graduated High School summer of that year. Nathan, Ada María with their sons and Jaedynn, Scarlet with Lulu and Kai, Jacob and Renesmee and the whole Cullen Family (for whom keeping out of the sun was a chore beyond belief) made the trip to Las Vegas for her graduation. Nathan had never seen Tamara cry so much in the time he'd known her, but she was tearing up the whole ceremony. She kept recalling memories with Nathan from when Ivory was just a baby and when he'd finally met her for the first time and so on. The memory of meeting his daughter at the train station all those years ago was enough to make him choke up a little.

He remembered getting off that train and seeing Ivory and Ariel running to him eager to welcome him home. Since then, with Ivory and all his children, he'd had ups and downs and moments where he felt like he'd made mistakes, but he wouldn't trade any of it for anything. When the principle called Ivory Dahlia Black, Tamara was quick to make sure the photographer the school had gotten was taking pictures as Ivory came forward and accepted her diploma with a handshake to the principle and a big smile.

"She's grown up so much," Nathan said to Tamara. Her only answer was more tears and a nod. "She looks so much like you."

"Does she?" Tamara asked with a light giggle. "I always thought she looked like you. She's certainly tall like you."

"It runs in the family," Nathan smiled.

After the graduation, they all went to the school's gymnasium where a party was arranged for all the graduates and their families. They stood by so Ivory could spend time with her friends, but once they returned back, they stayed up for hours talking about the graduation and what Ivory was planning to do now that she'd graduated. Nathan would be remise if he didn't attempt to convince her to come back to Washington even if just for a little while, but Ivory insisted she wanted to stay in the desert for a while. She even bragged of how she was already applying to every place in Las Vegas that was hiring, from a Pawn Shop to a phone company to casinos. "Someone's bound to hire me, right?" Ivory joked.

"What job did you apply for at those casinos exactly?" Nathan asked rather hesitantly.

"I applied for a position to operate the Black Jack table and another one at a different casino for a bartender or waitress. Out of the latter, I'd rather the bartender."

"Eh," Ariel shrugged. "You'd be surprised how people behave when they're drunk."

"Remember when Jeff Louis was so drunk he was hitting on you all night?" Gabriel asked with a chuckle.

"Yes, as I recall, you had to carry that man home on your back," Ariel chuckled. "I don't envy the hangover that man had the next day."

"I'd be shocked if he managed to get out of bed at all," Gabriel said.

"My point is you see crazy things in tiny towns. Imagine how nuts people will get when you're in a city and they'll probably never see you again."

"I'd think that's one of the pluses," Ivory giggled.

Finally later that year, on Monday September 5th, 1960 – on Labor Day no less – JJ and Eun Mi welcomed another son to the family: Hae Li. As he'd done with all the others, the morning after Hae Li was born, JJ brought the boy outside with him while he drank his coffee and like clockwork, the blue bird flew down and went right to the blanket. Hae Li was asleep but the bird still got close enough to tweet right by the boy's face and then look up at JJ. The moment was sadly interrupted when Blu Jae came outside and sat beside JJ on the porch, making Blu fly away.

"Another boy, huh?" Blu Jae smiled.

"Yup," JJ said. "We'll have a girl next time."

"Didn't you say that after Mae Sun? Then Eun So?"

"I don't appreciate your negative attitude, kid," JJ teased and Blu Jae chuckled.

"Does Eun Mi even want any more kids?"

"She probably will," JJ said. "She really wants a girl."

"Given all the boys in her house, I'm sure she's desperate for some female companionship," Blu Jae smiled. "What happens if the two of you have another boy?"

JJ shrugged, "Probably name him Tae Sun or something and try again later."

"Will you be surprised if she starts integrating wives' tales that guarantee a girl?"

"She'd probably write Yon for that," JJ said. "She's determined to go to Korea next summer. We haven't gone in a long time and she misses it."

"Well, if you want to go, I'll run the shop for you while you're away," Blu Jae said.

"I'll keep my trip brief," JJ said.

"You don't have to shorten your vacation on my behalf," Blu Jae said. JJ's answer was hard line and a lifted brow. "What? I'm still learning right now, but by next summer, I'll be operating the shop just fine."

"A huh," JJ sighed. "Just don't push it."

"You really need to learn to accept help and outsource, JJ," Blu Jae said.

"Yes, Eun Mi, I heard you the first time," JJ joked and Blu Jae laughed out loud. The laugh stirred Hae Li who started wiggling in JJ's arms seeming like he might start whimpering. "Damn it, Birdie, you woke the baby."

"He was bound to wake up eventually," Blu Jae said and laughed a little harder from the dirty look JJ gave him before gently swaddling and rocking Hae Li to calm him back down.

By October of that year, JJ and Eun Mi received unexpected news. While JJ was working, the post man came in with his mail both for the store and his personal mail as he always did, but one letter in particular was different. It wasn't unusual for Eun Mi to receive letters from Yon or occasionally Yoshiko and those were always covered with stamps both American and Japanese or Korean. The envelops were always in English but he knew inside it was all Korean if Yon had written. But this letter's envelop was in Japanese and had needed to be translated on the sides before shipping to America. What was stranger was the fact that instead of being addressed to Eun Mi, it was addressed to Daueru Family (Apparently having been translated directly from the Katakana).

"Eun Mi," JJ said when he got home and she was getting dinner on the table with her phantom hands while holding Eun So and Hae Li in her arms. He noticed right away Jae Sun and Mae Sun were in the living room. "Jae Sun! Mae Sun!" As if shocked, both boys stood immediately to attention. "Why aren't you helping your mother set the table?" Without answer, both boys ran to the kitchen to help. Eun Mi smiled at him appreciatively and with a bit of humor.

"How was work today?" she asked.

"Work was fine, but we got something from Japan. It's not like what Yoshiko would send, though." JJ showed the envelope and Eun Mi used a phantom hand to take it and examine the envelope. Then she opened it. "This is an invitation I think," Eun Mi said and turned towards the kitchen. "Jae Sun," Eun Mi said.

"Yes, Eomma?"

"Can you read this? Most of the characters are unfamiliar to me," Eun Mi said and showed the invitation to Jae Sun. He skimmed through it.

"I can see Uncle Akihiko's name," Jae Sun said and then thought really hard to remember the others. "Oh! I think it says Uncle Akihiko's getting married!"

"Is he?" JJ asked. "And they're inviting us to the wedding?"

"I guess so," Eun Mi said. "Wait, there's a letter in her." Eun Mi managed to get it out and saw right away it was addressed to Jae Sun then handed it to him. "Looks like you get a special message." Jae Sun accepted the message and opened the second envelop. This letter was also in Japanese, but Akihiko had put little hiragana beside the Kanji so Jae Sun (or Eun Mi if she had to read it) could understand it. JJ breezed through the letter with that extra help and held a bright smile.

"엄마, 그는 나를 그의 반지 무기명자가되기를 원해요!" (Eomma, geuneun naleul geuui banji mugimyeongjagadoegileul wonhaeyo!) Jae Sun said with excitement.

"What's going on?"

"He said Akihiko wants Jae Sun to be his ring bearer," Eun Mi said, a little stunned by the invitation and then asking to take the letter so she could see. She read through it with the help of the hiragana and, as Jae Sun said, Akihiko was asking for Jae Sun to be his ring bearer.

"Japanese weddings have ring bearers?" JJ asked.

"It looks like they're having a more Western traditional wedding," Eun Mi said, looking more closely at the invitation but it was in Japanese. "Jae Sun, does it say when the date for the wedding is?" Jae Sun took the invitation back and read through it as best he could, mumbling in Japanese as he did it hoping that saying the sentence would help him know what the kanji meant. Eventually he found the date.

"1961年6月3日,"(Sen Kyu Hyaku Roku Juichi Nen Roku Tsuki San Nichi) Jae Sun said to himself.

"The wedding is June 3rd next year," Eun Mi translated for JJ.

"Not that I'm unappreciative for the notice, but isn't it a bit early to be sending invitations?"

"The invitation we got is just for us," Eun Mi said. "Apparently the official invitations haven't gone out yet, but Akihiko is really hoping Jae Sun will be his ring bearer and wanted to ensure we were given ample notice to write him back."

"Fair enough," JJ sighed. "I guess since we're planning to go to Korea anyway, we can spend two days in Japan either before we go to Korea or before we come back home. I don't suppose Yoshiko would be so kind as to let us stay with her while we're there?"

"I can ask her," Eun Mi said and looked at Jae Sun. "I'm guessing you would like very much to be Akihiko's ring bearer?"

"Can I be?! Please?!" Jae Sun asked eagerly, first to Eun Mi and then to JJ. JJ and Eun Mi looked at each other, Eun Mi shrugged a little and smiled gently, and then JJ looked back at Jae Sun.

"If you want to," JJ said and Jae Sun cheered and hugged JJ. "How about we go to Japan first, then to Korea and I'll stay in Korea the week before coming back here?"

"Stay at least two?" Eun Mi pleaded.

"Alright, two," JJ answered, returning her loving smile.

As soon as they'd finished dinner, Jae Sun ran to Scarlet's and Kai's house so he could help Jae Sun make sure he spelled his reply to Akihiko correctly. With a little extra help from Edward just to be sure, Jae Sun had his reply written and gave it to Eun Mi so she could send it with her letter to Yoshiko. She also wrote to Yon despite still waiting for a reply from her last letter when she'd told Yon about the new baby sending another big picture with her, JJ and all the boys in the picture with her while she was holding Hae Li.

They didn't receive any word from Yoshiko until December, but when they did, it was with the bride's detailed instructions for outfits, color (yellow and green), and – this instruction being from Akihiko – a hanbok to wear after the ceremony. According to Yoshiko, the bride wanted a Western style wedding but for the reception she would be wearing a kimono and Akihiko would also wear a men's Kimono. According to the letter, the bride – Yue was her name – wanted Jae Sun in a kimono but Akihiko had convinced her to let Jae Sun wear a hanbok instead. The issue that arose, however, was the fact that Eun Mi didn't have a hanbok for Jae Sun to wear. She only had her white wedding hanbok, so another letter was sent to Yon requesting that she send one if at all possible, giving her the colors the bride had given as the primary. Yon came through in just the nick of time, sending a little hanbok that left Eun Mi holding her breath with nerves until she had Jae Sun try it on and, to her great relief, it fit him.

"You look so handsome," Eun Mi gushed, adjusting the hanbok so it fit Jae Sun just right.

"I thought I was wearing the suit," Jae Sun said.

"You are for the ceremony, but for the reception you're wearing this. Bride's instructions," Eun Mi said.

"I never pictured Akihiko would marry a woman so pushy," JJ said with Hae Li sleeping on his lap, Eun So sitting next to JJ on the bed sucking his thumb and Mae Sun standing next to Eun Mi watching her fuss over Jae Sun.

"JJ, we haven't even met her and this is her wedding day. She's allowed to be a little pushy," Eun Mi said. She smiled at Jae Sun and sighed a little. "너는 약간의 황제 같아," (neoneun yaggan-ui hwangje gat-a / You look like a little emperor).

"엄마," (Eomma / Mommy) Jae Sun grumbled from the fussing he was getting.

"You agreed to this, Jae Sun. No one to blame but yourself," JJ teased and rustled Jae Sun's hair which Eun Mi immediately started brushing to get it cleaned up.

"I agreed to be Uncle Akihiko's ring bearer, not a doll," Jae Sun complained.

"Same thing, kid. Same thing," JJ said.

"Eomma, aren't dolls supposed to be white like snow?" Mae Sun asked.

"You're thinking of a porcelain doll, Mae Sun," Eun Mi said.

"Can I take this off now?" Jae Sun asked and, reluctantly, Eun Mi agreed and got Jae Sun back in his normal clothes putting the hanbok back in the box Yon had sent it in to keep it clean.

Then at the end of May, JJ and Eun Mi got on a plane with all the boys to Japan. JJ left Blu Jae in charge of the shop swearing it would only be for three weeks. Hae Li and Eun So both cried for a good hour after they left the ground making Eun Mi go to the back of the plane desperately trying to calm them down. Thankfully, there was a flight attendant that was kind enough to help her so JJ could stay with Jae Sun and Mae Sun. Then they stopped in Hawaii for about two hours before getting on their next plane, reliving the hell that was Eun So and Hae Li adjusting to the change in pressure. By the time they landed in Tokyo and got off the plane, JJ looked right at Eun Mi and said, "Next time, we're taking a fucking boat."

"You don't have to tell me twice," Eun Mi groaned in complete agreement while Hae Li and Eun So were both finally asleep in hers and JJ's arms.

"Doesn't a boat take longer?" Mae Sun asked innocently.

"I'll take longer over your brothers crying for four fucking hours," JJ said.

"JJ, don't swear," Eun Mi scolded while he tried to get them a cab to take them to the train station.

It was the middle of the night by the time they'd finally landed, but Yoshiko knew to expect them and when, so Eun Mi hoped there wouldn't be too much fuss over them getting into town so late. Of course, by the time they got to the right neighborhood, it was 1 in the morning and JJ didn't want to wake the whole house at such an obscene hour. However, that begged the question of where do they stay. While they walked the neighborhood weighing their options, they saw a couple walking together. JJ knew their smell instantly and grabbed Eun Mi out of instinct, but Jae Sun thought nothing of the couple.

"すみません！"(Sumimasen / Excuse me) Jae Sun called and ran after the couple.

"Jae Sun!" JJ barked, but the couple already turned to look at Jae Sun. He recognized the woman immediately as the woman that would bring a little girl to the park that Jae Sun used to play with. He was left to assume to woman at her side was her mate. Once before then, Jae Sun stopped, remembered to bow respectfully and looked up at them, their darkened red eyes going completely unnoticed or unconcerned with.

"私を許してください、しかし私の家族はちょうど東京に到着し、私たちは滞在する場所が必要です。 私たちはどこに行くことができるか知っていますか？" (Watashi o yurushitekudasai, shikashi watashi no kazoku wa chōdo Tōkyō ni tōchaku shi, watashitachiha taizai suru basho ga hitsuyōdesu. Watashitachi wa doko ni iku koto ga dekiru ka shitte imasu ka/Please forgive me, but my family just arrived in Tokyo and we need a place to stay. Do you know anywhere we can go?) Jae Sun asked and then bowed again for good measure. The woman looked up at her mate.

"ここからわずか数マイルの小さな宿がありますか？"(Koko kara wazuka sū-mairu no chīsana yado ga arimasu ka/There is a small inn just a few miles from here isn't there?" the woman asked.

"私はそう信じますが、誰もそれらをチェックインすることはできません。夜のこの時ではありません。"(Watashi wa sō shinjimasuga, dare mo sorera o chekkuin suru koto wa dekimasen. Yoru no kono tokide wa arimasen/I believe so, but no one would be available to check them in. Not at this time of night) the man answered. "どうしてここまで来たのですか？ 空港近くの東京のホテルはまだ開いています。" (Dōshite koko made kita nodesu ka? Kūkō chikaku no Tōkyō no hoteru wa mada aiteimasu/Why did you bother coming all the way out here? Hotels in Tokyo near the airport would still be open).

"ここには友達がいますが、電話するのは遅すぎます。"(Koko ni wa tomodachi ga imasuga, denwa suru no wa oso sugimasu/We have friends here that we stay with but it's too late to call on them) Jae Sun said. JJ and Eun Mi came up to Jae Sun ready to take him away.

"その犬の匂いは何ですか？" (Sono inu no nioi wa nanidesu ka?/What is that dog smell?) the man asked and then looked right at JJ. "あなたはいつ最後にシャワーを浴びましたか？ あなたはペットケージのようなにおいをします。"(Anata wa itsu saigo ni shawā o abimashita ka? Anata wa pettokēji no yōna nioi o shimasu/When did you last shower? You smell like a pet cage."

"I don't speak Japanese," JJ said to the man.

"He just said you smell like dog," Eun Mi translated but immediately looked back at the couple. "私はあなたを混乱させることについてお詫び申し上げます。 私たちは途中で行くでしょう。" (Watashi wa anata o konran sa seru koto ni tsuite owabi mōshiagemasu. Watashitachi wa tochū de ikudeshou/.I apologize for disrupting you. We will be on our way."

"お待ちください,"(Omachikudasai /Please wait) the woman said. "あなたが町に戻ってくるまでには、それは午前中には遅すぎるでしょう。そうじろう、私たちは彼らが私たちと一緒に夜を過ごすようにすべきです。"(Anata ga machi ni modotte kuru made ni wa, sore wa gozen nakaniha oso sugirudeshou. Sōjirō, watashitachi wa karera ga watashitachi to issho ni yoru o sugosu yō ni subekidesu/By the time you return to the city it will be far too late in the morning. Sojiro, we should let them stay the night with us).

"いいえ," (Īe/No) the man, Sojiro, said without hesitation.

"お願いしますそうじろう。 それはやるべきことです," (Onegaishimasu Sojiro. Sore wa yarubeki kotodesu/Please, Sojiro. It is the kind thing to do) the woman persisted. "彼らは眠ることができ、意図したとおりに友人の家のために午前中に出発することができます。"(Karera wa nemuru koto ga deki, ito shita tōri ni yūjin no ie no tame ni gozen-chū ni shuppatsu suru koto ga dekimasu/They can sleep and leave in the morning for their friend's home as intended).

"Eun Mi, what are they talking about?"

"She's trying to convince him to let us stay the night with them," Eun Mi translated.

"Tell them thank you for the offer but we'll be alright," JJ said.

"But dad, it's late," Jae sun protested and returned his attention to the couple bowing low in respect. "私たちはあなたと一緒に夜を過ごすことができますようにしてください。"(Watashitachi wa anata to issho ni yoru o sugosu koto ga dekimasu yō ni shite kudasai/Please allow us to stay the night with you). Jae Sun kept himself bowed as a show of respect while the man, Sojiro, stared at the boy and then at his mate. She smiled gently up at him until he finally sighed a little to himself and nodded.

"彼らは朝まで滞在することができます。" (Karera wa asa made taizai suru koto ga dekimasu/They can stay until morning).

"ありがとうございました," (Arigatōgozaimashita/Thank you) Jae Sun said and bowed again and then looked at Eun Mi and JJ. "Please? Can we stay the night with them?" JJ was extremely ill at ease with the idea. Especially when he could tell the man was not terribly eager to go with his mate's suggestion. But he glanced at Jae Sun and Mae Sun. The two of them were exhausted and given Eun So and Hae Li were in his and Eun Mi's arms asleep and content wasn't helping. Eun Mi was exhausted too. So JJ looked at Eun Mi.

"Are you alright with it?" JJ asked. She didn't seem any more eager than him, but she was too tired to argue the matter in truth.

"We'll leave first thing in the morning," Eun Mi said to JJ. "あなたのおもてなしをありがとうございました。 私たちは朝に出発します。" (Anata no omotenashi o arigatōgozaimashita. Watashitachi wa asa ni shuppatsu shimasu/Thank you for your hospitality. We will leave in the morning) Eun Mi said to the couple respectfully and with a bow, keeping a hand on Hae Li's head so he wouldn't be disrupted from sleep.

"それは私たちの喜びです。 私たちと一緒に来てください。" (Sore wa watashitachi no yorokobidesu. Watashitachi to issho ni kite kudasai/It is our pleasure. Please come with us) the woman answered and said a few words to her mate before they all started the walk back to their home. "私はお詫びしますが、私はあなたの名前を学んだことはないと思います。" (Watashi wa owabi shimasuga, watashi wa anata no namae o mananda koto wa nai to omoimasu/I apologize, but I do not think I've ever learned your name) the woman said to Eun Mi suddenly as they walked.

"私の名前はEun Mi Dauer," (Watashinonamaeha Eun Mi Dauer/My name is Eun Mi Dauer) Eun Mi answered and then proceeded to introduce everyone. "これは私の夫のJJと私の息子のJae Sun、Mae Sun、Eun SoとHae Li," (Kore wa watashi no otto no JJ to watashi no musuko no Jae san, Mae san, Eun So to Hae Li/This is my husband JJ and my sons Jae Sun, Mae Sun, Eun So and Hae Li). "あなたの名前は岩本花子ですか？" (Anata no namae wa Iwamoto Hanakodesu ka? /Your name is Hanako Iwamoto?)

"はい," (Hai/yes) Hanako answered. "そして、これは私の夫うじろうです," (Soshite, kore wa watashi no otto sojirodesu/and this is my husband Sojiro). While they followed the couple, JJ came to the front, gently pushing Jae Sun behind him ready to act the moment they did anything.

"So what brings you out this time of night?" JJ asked. The man, Sojiro, did not bother to turn, but Hanako glanced back.

"So sorry. No English," Hanako managed.

Eun Mi took over the small talk, speaking in Japanese leaving JJ out of the conversation so he just kept alert. Eventually they reached their home. Sojiro went in first, taking off his shoes at the entrance and stepping inside without another word to them appearing to go off somewhere else. Hanako remained after she'd gotten out of her shoes over the threshold and took everyone's luggage while they took off their own shoes. She said something that Eun Mi translated to JJ as 'Come with me please', and they followed Hanako. Suddenly, Jae Sun seemed to realize something with a smile.

"恵子さんは家にいますか？" (Keiko-san wa ie ni imasu ka? /Is Keiko Home?) –

"ごめん?"(Gomen/I'm sorry?) Hanako asked.

"恵子さんは家にいますか？" (Keiko-san wa ie ni imasu ka? /Is Keiko Home?) Jae Sun repeated eagerly.

"Oh," Hanako said, "遅いです。 彼女は眠っている。" (Osoidesu. Kanojo wa nemutte iru/ It's late; she's asleep)

"Oh," Jae Sun muttered but smiled again, "私は朝に彼女を見ることができます。" (Watashi wa asa ni kanojo o miru koto ga dekimasu/I can see her in the morning).

"ありそうもない," (Ari-sō mo nai/Unlikely) Sojiro, appearing suddenly with spare blankets, said to Jae Sun. "彼女は毎朝早く起きて列車に乗る。 彼女は東京の大学に通っています。" (Kanojo wa maiasa hayaku okite ressha ni noru. Kanojo wa Tōkyō no daigaku ni tōtte imasu/She wakes early every morning to catch her train. She is attending University in Tokyo).

"あなたの娘は何を研究していますか？" (Anata no musume wa nani o kenkyū shite imasu ka? / What does your daughter study?) Eun Mi asked Hanako.

"エンジニアリング," (Enjiniaringu/Engineering) Hanako said with a gentle but proud smile. Sojiro set up the blankets and spare futons on the floor and exited the room so JJ, Eun Mi and the boys could enter then he walked away. Hanako remained to wish them goodnight, bowed and then closed the door.

"You and the boys sleep," JJ said to Eun Mi. "I'll keep watch."

She seemed as though she would protest but, given where they were, she thought better of it and just got the boys tucked in with her while JJ stood, leaning against the wall staring at the door just in case. The sun started to rise just in time to make sure JJ stayed awake in the later parts of the morning. Then he heard movement in the house that didn't come from the direction Sojiro and Hanako had gone to. JJ went to the door and gently slid it open looking down the hall where the noise was coming from. He overheard more rustling before that door slid open to a young woman stepping out. JJ got back in the room so the girl wouldn't see him and he heard her walk to another room and then heard a shower start. While the young woman was in the shower, Eun Mi began to stir and sat up with the boys still sound asleep surrounding her.

"Should we wake the boys or let them sleep?" JJ asked.

"Let them sleep," Eun Mi said and yawned. "Poor things are exhausted." A few minutes later, Hae Li began to whimper, so Eun Mi quickly searched for a bathroom and attended to Hae Li there. The commotion was enough to wake Jae Sun.

"Morning," JJ said.

"Morning," Jae Sun answered and yawned while he rubbed his eyes. "I need to pee," he finally said.

"Your mother's taking care of Hae Li, but once she's back, she'll show you where the bathroom is," JJ said and Jae Sun nodded absently.

Eun Mi eventually returned and showed Jae Sun where the bathroom was. As was typical, there was only a toilet and sink while the shower was in a different room. After Jae Sun finished and came out, Mae Sun went past him to use the bathroom himself. At the same time, the young woman from earlier stepped out of her bedroom now dressed in a green pleated skirt that went just below her knee, knee high white socks, black kitten heel closed toe shoes and a yellow short sleeve button down sweater. Her black hair was shoulder length with the ends curling inward just a little and straight bangs. She had a large school bag on her shoulder as she stepped out of the room. When Jae Sun saw her face, he remembered her instantly.

"恵子ちゃん!" (Keiko-chan) Jae Sun said with an eager smile. She looked up at him surprised to hear someone other than her parents refer to her as 'chan' but she realized it was Jae Sun and was now surprised he was in her house.

"Jae Sun?" she said. He nodded and she smiled a little but was still surprised to see him. "あなたはここで何をしているの？" (Anata wa koko de nani o shite iru no/What are you doing here?) She gently shook her head, remembering that last they'd met he didn't speak Japanese and started wracking her brain for the correct words in English, but Jae Sun interrupted.

"叔父アキヒコは結婚しよう！ 彼は私にリングベアラーになるように頼んだ。 私たちの飛行機は昨晩遅く着陸し、あなたの両親は私たちに夜を残すことができました。" (Oji Akihiko wa kekkon shiyou! Kare wa watashi ni ringubearā ni naru yō ni tanonda. Watashitachi no hikōki wa sakuban osoku chakuriku shi, anata no ryōshin wa watashitachi ni yoru o nokosu koto ga dekimashita/Uncle Akihiko is getting married! He asked me to be in ring bearer. Our plane landed late last night and your parents let us stay the night).

"お父さんはあなたが夜泊まりますか？" (Otōsan wa anata ga yoru tomarimasu ka?/ Daddy let you stay the night?) Keiko asked, not able to picture her father being so generous to strangers, but then she shot a stunned look at Jae Sun. "日本語は話せますか？" (Nihongo wa hanasemasu ka?/ You can speak Japanese?)

"はい！" (Hai/Yes) Jae Sun answered proudly.

"秋彦おじさんがジャングル大帝のマンガを私にくれたので、日本語を勉強してみたいと思っていました." (Akihiko-ojisan ga janguru taitei no manga o watashi ni kuretanode, nihongo o benkyō shite mitai to omotte imashita/ Uncle Akihiko gave me some manga of Jungle Emperor and I decided I wanted to learn Japanese so I could read them).

"あなたはジャングル大帝を読む?" (Anata wa janguru taitei o yomu/You read Jungle Emperor?) Keiko asked with a smile. She walked up to Jae Sun and kneeled before him, but that put him just a little taller than her. "あなたは言語を強く理解しているようです." (Anata wa gengo o tsuyoku rikai shite iru yōdesu/ You seem to have a strong grasp of the language).

"話すことを学ぶことは難しくありません。 日本語と韓国語は簡単に翻訳できるので、話すことは難しくありませんが、読むことを学ぶことは恐ろしいことです." (Hanasu koto o manabu koto wa muzukashiku arimasen. Nihongo to Kankoku-go wa kantan ni hon'yaku dekiru node, hanasu koto wa muzukashiku arimasenga, yomu koto o manabu koto wa osoroshī kotodesu/ Learning to speak isn't hard. Japanese and Korean translate easily so it wasn't hard to learn to speak but learning to read is horrible)

"はい、それは学ぶのは難しいかもしれません," (Hai, sore wa manabu no wa muzukashī kamo shiremasen/ Yes, it can be hard to learn) Keiko agreed. "元気でしたか？ 私たちはお互いを最後に見たので、あなたはとても成長しました." (Genkideshita ka? Watashitachiha otagai o saigo ni mitanode, anata wa totemo seichō shimashita/ How have you been? You've grown so much since we last saw one another).

"私は大丈夫ですよ," (Watashi wa daijōbudesu yo/I'm okay) Jae Sun said. "お元気ですか？ あなたはいつ大人になったのですか？" (Ogenkidesuka? Anata wa itsu otona ni natta nodesu ka?/ How are you? When did you turn into an adult?)

Keiko giggled and said, "私は本当に速く育った." (Watashi wa hontōni hayaku sodatta/ I grew up really fast)

"あなたは半分の吸血鬼だから意味しますか？" (Anata wa hanbun no kyūketsukidakara imi shimasu ka?/ You mean because you're half vampire?) Jae Sun asked matter-of-factly.

"どうしてわかるの?" (Dōshite wakaru no?/ How do you know that?) Keiko asked, a little stunned.

"私の家族にはたくさんの吸血鬼がいる。 私は何を探すべきかを知っている。 また、あなたのママとパパは赤い目が明るい," (Watashinokazoku ni wa takusan no kyūketsuki ga iru. Watashi wa nani o sagasubeki ka o shitte iru. Mata, anata no mama to papa wa akai me ga akarui/ My family have a lot of vampires. I know what to look for. Also, your mommy and daddy have bright red eyes) Jae Sun said with his chest out just slightly, feeling smug for noticing and that Keiko was surprised.

"そうですか？" (Sōdesu ka?/ Is that so?) Keiko smiled. "その場合、あなたは正しいでしょう." (So no baai, anata wa tadashīdeshou/ In that case, you would be correct.)

"あなたは本当にかわいがった," (Anata wa hontōni kawaigatta/ You grew up really pretty) Jae Sun said and made Keiko giggle a little. She brought her hand up to Jae Sun's cheek and pinched it slightly.

"そしてあなたはとても背が高くなりました," (Soshite anata wa totemo se ga takaku narimashita/ And you grew to be very tall) Keiko said. "あなたは何歳ですか？" (Anata wa nan-saidesu ka?/ How old are you?)

"私は12月に7歳になる," (Watashi wa ju ichi tsuki ni nana-sai ni naru/ I turn seven in December) Jae Sun answered. "あなたは何歳ですか？" (Anata wa nan-saidesu ka?/ How old are you?)

"私は8月に7歳になる," (Watashi wa hachi tsuki ni nana-sai ni naru/ I turn seven in August) Keiko smiled.

"本当に？!" (Hontōni?/Really?) Jae Sun asked with big eyes.

"はい、そうです," (Hai, sōdesu/Yes, really) Keiko smiled. "しかし、学校が尋ねると、私は17歳です." (Shikashi, gakkō ga tazuneru to, watashi wa ju nana-saidesu/ However, if the school asks, I'm 17)

"あなたの秘密は私と一緒に安全です," (Anata no himitsu wa watashitoisshoni anzendesu/ Your secret is safe with me) Jae Sun said and Keiko giggled.

"私はあなたを信頼できると知っていた," (Watashi wa anata o shinraidekiru to shitteita/ I knew I could trust you) she said.

"Keiko," a firm voice came and grabbed her attention. "時間がかかり過ぎていないか、電車が足りないでしょう." (Jikan ga kakari sugite inai ka, densha ga tarinaideshou/ Don't delay too long or you will miss your train)

"はい、お父さん," (Hai, otōsan/ Yes, daddy) Keiko answered and looked at Jae Sun. "あなたを見てとても良かったです。 そして、あなたに話すことができます。 あなたは日本にどのくらいいるのですか？" (Anata o mite totemo yokattadesu. Soshite, anata ni hanasu koto ga dekimasu. Anata wa Nihon ni dono kurai iru nodesu ka?/ It was so good seeing you. And being able to speak to you. How long are you in Japan?)

"秋彦おじさんの結婚式まで。 私は月曜日に韓国に行くと思う." (Akihiko ojisan no kekkonshiki made. Watashi wa getsuyōbi ni Kankoku ni iku to omou/ Until after Uncle Akihiko's wedding. I think we leave for Korea on Monday)

"月曜日まで?" (Getsuyōbi made/Until Monday?) she said as she stood up. "あなたが出発する前に私はあなたを見ることができるかもしれない." (Anata ga shuppatsu suru mae ni watashi wa anata o miru koto ga dekiru kamo shirenai/ Maybe I can see you before you leave)

"私たちと結婚式に行きたいですか？" (Watashitachi to kekkonshiki ni ikitaidesu ka?/ Do you want to go to the wedding with us?) Jae Sun asked.

"それはあなたに尋ねるのが甘いですが、あなたの叔父が予期せぬゲストに満足するかどうかはわかりません," (Sore wa anata ni tazuneru no ga amaidesuga, anata no oji ga yoki senu gesuto ni manzoku suru ka dō ka wa wakarimasen/ That is sweet of you to ask, but I don't know if your uncle would be happy with unexpected guests) Keiko said and then patted Jae Sun's head. "あなたを見て良かった、ジェサン." (Anata o mite yokatta, Jae Sun/ It was good to see you, Jae Sun)

Then Keiko started to move swiftly through the hall waiving gently to Jae Sun before she was out of sight and Sojiro stayed put as if to make sure they all left the house. Once all the children had been taken care of, JJ made quick work of gathering their luggage and getting them all out of the house. Hanako tried to offer them something, but JJ was eager to leave and Sojiro was quick to agree with the sentiment. All the same, Hanako wished them goodbye and to have a good time at the wedding they were attending and JJ took the family through the neighborhood until they reached the house Yoshiko was still staying at with her mother. When they knocked, Yoshiko was the one to answer the door.

"You made it!" she smiled and hugged Eun Mi. "I thought your plane was coming in yesterday."

"It did technically, but by the time we got in the neighborhood it was 1 in the morning," JJ said. "We ended up staying with one of your neighbors for the night."

"Who?"

"The Iwamoto couple. They're the reclusive ones you and I used to talk about," Eun Mi said.

"You went to stay with them?" Yoshiko asked, very confused as they all came inside and started removing their shoes.

"They were walking together in the street and Jae Sun asked if there was anywhere we could stay the night. Mrs. Iwamoto offered to let us stay with them," Eun Mi said.

"What on earth were they doing wandering the streets at 1 in the morning?" Yoshiko asked.

"Probably hunting," JJ muttered without thinking.

"I beg pardon?" Yoshiko asked.

"Nothing. JJ's just being mean," Eun Mi said and swatted JJ's chest with a ghostly hand.

"I suppose if they're wandering the streets at night it's no wonder no one ever sees them. If I didn't know better, I would think they don't live here anymore, but their neighbors insist they do. In fact, according to Mrs. Hinamura, they virtually never leave the house during the day. Sometimes she sees Mrs. Iwamoto step outside to tend to her koi pond and hang laundry. Sometimes she'll hear Mr. Iwamoto's voice but she's never actually seen him. I don't think any of their neighbors have ever seen him. She says there's a young woman that lives there now but she doesn't know what happened to the little girl that used to live there."

"She goes to college now!" Jae Sun said only to feel Eun Mi slap his butt with a ghostly hand.

"She's going to college? How's that possible? Last I saw her she couldn't have been older than six," Yoshiko asked.

"According to Hanako, their daughter was able to enter college early," Eun Mi was quick to make something up. "As far as I know, she leaves the house early to make her train and doesn't return until late."

"She sounds like a hard worker," Yoshiko said with a gentle sigh. "Her parents are proud I'm sure." Then she had a realization. "My goodness, I don't know where my manners went. Did you already have breakfast?"

"No," Mae Sun pouted. "Mrs. Iwamoto offered breakfast but daddy insisted we leave without eating."

"Well, luckily for you, I'm making Okayu, so I'll just ensure there's enough for all of you," Yoshiko smiled.

"Okayu?" JJ asked.

"Juk," Eun MI said. "It's that rice porridge I make for the boys."

"Oh, that stuff," JJ said. "That sounds good actually."

"I'll make sure not to use any anchovies in the broth. I have some coffee too if you like."

"Yes, coffee would be amazing," JJ said. "Just black."

"No rice syrup or milk?"

"No, just black is fine," JJ said. "So where's the groom?"

"Still asleep," Yoshiko smiled and then looked at Jae Sun. "He'll be so relieved when he sees you. You have the suit with a yellow vest and green tie?"

"Yes, and Yon sent a Hanbok for Jae Sun to wear that's yellow and green," Eun Mi said.

"Excellent! That will make Yue happy. The rehearsal will be at the venue at 2 this afternoon and then we're all going out to dinner. Then we'll all be up bright and early tomorrow for the wedding. Jae Sun will have to go to the venue with Akihiko and the other groomsman. Is that alright?"

"That'll be fine," Eun Mi agreed. "He'll need to wear the suit for the ceremony and the hanbok for the reception?"

"Yes, exactly," Yoshiko agreed. When they reached the kitchen, Eun Mi helped Yoshiko and her mother prepare breakfast while JJ and the boys stayed in the dining room together. Eventually, they were finally joined by Dan Holloway.

"Yoshiko, is the coffee ready?" he asked in no particular direction as he came into the dining room. As if on cue, Yoshiko came in with two coffee mugs and handed Dan his mug first then gave JJ his. "Thank you," Dan answered and Yoshiko kissed his cheek.

"I'm making Okayu for breakfast," Yoshiko said. "We have bacon and an egg to go with it."

"Sounds like a perfect Saturday morning," he answered, turned his head to kiss Yoshiko back and then took a sip of his coffee while Yoshiko left. "Morning, Sergeant. I was wondering when you'd get in."

"Morning to you too, Lieutenant," JJ answered.

"I see you added more children to the family since last I saw you," Dan said.

"Two more specifically," JJ said and patted Hae Li's head who was napping in his lap. Jae Sun and Mae Sun were scribbling on some paper and Eun So was in the kitchen with Eun Mi acting as her shadow as much as his little legs would allow. "All boys."

"Congratulations," Dan said.

"So where's Helen?"

"At school. Crazy people make their kids go to school on Saturday. Thankfully, she's not in the wedding party, so if she misses the rehearsal it's no big deal. She'll be out by the time it's the rehearsal dinner."

"That's what counts right?" Then, finally, they were joined by Akihiko who stepped into the dining room with his own mug of coffee.

"秋彦おじさん!" (Akihiko Ojisan/Uncle Akihiko!) Jae Sun cheered and went to give the man a hug. Akihiko kneeled to hug Jae Sun back.

"日本語を話す練習をしていますか？" (Nihongo o hanasu renshū o shite imasu ka?/ Have you been practicing speaking Japanese?) Akihiko asked.

"私は日本語を話すことができますが、読むことを学ぶことは難しいです," (Watashi wa nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasuga, yomu koto o manabu koto wa muzukashīdesu/ I can speak Japanese, but learning to read is hard) Jae Sun answered and walked with Akihiko to the table sitting next to him.

"ちょうど努力を続けると、問題なく読む方法を知ることができます," (Chōdo doryoku o tsudzukeru to, mondainaku yomu hōhō o shiru koto ga dekimasu/ Just keep working hard and you will know how to read without issue) Akihiko praised.

"Please, Akihiko, it's too early for Japanese," Dan said.

"You really should try to learn Japanese, Lieutenant," Akihiko teased.

"I speak enough," Dan said.

"So your fiancé's name is Yue?" JJ asked.

"Yes, Yue," Akihiko smiled.

"How long have you two been seeing each other?" JJ asked.

"Two years or so," Akihiko said. "My supervisor set us up and we got along really well so we continued to see each other."

"Your boss set you two up?" JJ asked with a light chuckle.

"Yeah, they do that here," Dan said.

"I guess if your boss knows you well enough," JJ said with a shrug. Finally, the others returned to the dining room with a large pot of Okayu and dishes with things to add to it.

"Uncle Akihiko?" Jae Sun said once breakfast was served.

"Yes?"

"Would it be okay if I invited a friend?" Jae Sun asked.

"To the wedding?" Akihiko asked.

"Yeah," Jae Sun asked. "Keiko Iwamoto."

"Iwamoto? Aren't those the people a few blocks from here that don't speak to anyone?" Akihiko asked Yoshiko.

"Apparently they were out walking when JJ and Eun Mi arrived at 1 in the morning," Yoshiko said.

"What the hell were they doing out at 1 in the morning?" Dan asked.

"I guess they're just night owls," Eun Mi said. "That is how to phrase goes right?"

"Yeah," JJ nodded. "Jae Sun, it's too late to ask to bring a guest. Weddings are strict with seating and what not, so they need more notice than the day before."

"Oh," Jae Sun mumbled looking upset. Akihiko patted the boy's head.

"It's alright, Jae Sun. I'll tell you what: if Keiko wants to be your guest at the wedding, I'll make sure there's a seat for her."

"Really?!" Jae Sun immediately perked up.

"It's just one seat. I'm sure it'll be fine," Akihiko said.

"Are you sure it'll be okay?" JJ asked.

"It'll be fine," Akihiko promised.

Since he had Akihiko's reassurance that it was fine to do so, Jae Sun asked Akihiko to help him write up a make shift invitation to give to Keiko. Wanting to deliver it himself, Jae Sun asked Eun Mi to let him run over to do so, but JJ insisted he not go alone and walked with him to the house. Once they arrived, Jae Sun went up to the door and knocked, waiting seconds for Hanako to answer. She was surprised to see him and didn't bother hiding her read eyes.

"何か忘れましたか？" (Nani ka wasuremashita ka?/ Did you forget something?) she asked, unsure why else he'd be there.

"いいえ、岩本さん," (Īe, Iwamoto-san/ No, Mrs. Iwamoto) Jae Sun said. Then he extended the invitation and bowed. "秋彦じさんは結婚式に慶子を招待できると言いました。 この招待状を彼女に贈ることができますか？" (Akihiko-ojisan wa kekkonshiki ni Keiko o shōtai dekiru to iimashita. Kono jōtaijō o kanojo ni okuru koto ga dekimasu ka?/ Uncle Akihiko said I could invite Keiko to the wedding. Can you give her this invitation?)

Hanako took the invitation from Jae Sun a little surprised but eventually said, "彼女が家に帰ると、私は彼女にそれを与えるでしょう." (Kanojo ga ienikaeru to, watashi wa kanojo ni sore o ataerudeshou/ I will give it to her once she returns home)

"ありがとうございました," (Arigatōgozaimashita/ Thank you) Jae Sun said as he bowed one more time and walked away from the door to JJ. JJ kept a close eye on Hanako while they walked away. She stared at the invitation a moment before finally closing the door.

"Try not to be disappointed if Keiko doesn't come okay, Jae Sun," JJ said. "It's really short notice so she might not be able to go."

"I hope she can come," Jae Sun said.

"I know, but if she can't it's not because she doesn't want to," JJ reassured, figuring that would likely be the case at the end of the day.

The remainder of the day was busy. They all had to leave for the venue for the rehearsal and Jae Sun was thrown in with the rest of the wedding party practicing when he needed to walk, where he'd be sitting and so on. He sat next to the flower girl most of the rehearsal when the man that would be marrying them and the wedding planner was walking them all through the whole thing. They finally got a chance to meet Yue and, despite being rather stressed and frazzled from all the last minute preparations, she was a nice girl. She was very sweet to Jae Sun and, during the rehearsal dinner, kept him busy with drawing for her and praising ever drawing he made on a napkin for her. The rehearsal dinner was over by six so everyone could return home and get some sleep before the next day, particularly the bridal party that had hair appoints early the next morning. By the time they returned, it was eight and the boys were really tired and ready for bed. Eun Mi was making them brush their teeth before bed when a knock came at the front door that Yoshiko answered.

"Good evening," Yoshiko said to the young woman.

"Good evening," she said and bowed. "I'm so sorry to bother you so late at night, but my mother said I received an invitation to a wedding for a Mr. Akihiko Satonaka and Yue Hanamura?"

"Oh, yes!" Yoshiko smiled. "Jae Sun wanted to invite you as his guest and my brother said it was alright."

"I see," Keiko said a little awkwardly. "I don't think I can make the ceremony, but if you're certain it's alright for me to be there, I can come for the reception."

"It's no trouble at all," Yoshiko said. "Would you like to come inside for a bit?"

"Oh, no, I need to return home. I have exams in the morning so I really should go to bed. Will you let Jae Sun know I said thank you for the invitation and I will try to come to the reception?"

"I will let him know," Yoshiko said. "Good luck on your exams tomorrow."

"Thank you," Keiko answered, bowed and then walked away from the house. Yoshiko waited a moment before closing the door. By then, Eun Mi was tucking the boys in for bed.

"Jae Sun?" Yoshiko said. "I just received word that Miss Iwamoto won't be able to attend the ceremony but she would try to join us for the reception."

"Really?" Jae Sun said.

"Try not to get overly excited," Yoshiko said. "She said she has exams tomorrow so after all that she might be too tired and want to go home."

"She has exams on a Sunday?" JJ asked, baffled by the concept.

"Some schools will hold exams on Sundays when necessary," Yoshiko said.

"Christ almighty," JJ groaned. "Well," he said to Jae Sun, "at least that's a maybe." While it wasn't the affirmative Jae Sun was hoping for, it was at least a possibility and that made him happy. With the little smile, Yoshiko giggled.

"Oh, Eun Mi, your son already has a girlfriend," she teased.

"She's not my girlfriend!" Jae Sun said suddenly defensive. Mae Sun started to tease Jae Sun while Eun Mi sighed and JJ couldn't help but laugh.

"That's my boy," JJ said and gently slapped Jae Sun's back while the poor boy blushed.

The following morning there wasn't a moment's peace. Akihiko's groomsmen arrived at the house bright and early and they all got into their suits with Akihiko's mother making sure all the groomsmen's outfits were just right. Dan wore his uniform while Yoshiko and her mother wore kimonos. Eun Mi dressed in a nicer dress she'd brought for the occasion and ensured Jae Sun was dressed in his suit for the ceremony and kept the hanbok with her so Jae Sun could change before they went to the reception venue. JJ, Eun Mi and the boys all took seats on Akihiko's family's side of the church while Jae Sun stayed with Akihiko and the other groomsman until he was directed by the wedding planner where he needed to go reminding him what his cue to walk down the aisle would be.

When the music started, the flower girl went down the aisle first throwing flower petals along each side of the aisle. Then the bridesmaids all went down the aisle with their assigned groomsman one by one followed by Jae Sun and then finally Akihiko. Once everyone was in place, a new song played and Yue walked down the aisle with her father who handed her to Akihiko and the ceremony finally began. Jae Sun waited at the front for his time to step forward with the rings and when the pastor told him to come forward, he presented the rings to Yue and Akihiko. After giving each other their rings and saying their vows, they were pronounced man and wife and everyone clapped for them when they shared a light kiss.

Then it was off to the reception venue. Eun Mi gave Jae Sun's hanbok over to the maid of honor and Jae Sun traveled with the wedding party to change into their other outfits while the remaining wedding guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers while waiting for the bridal party to appear. The bride and all her bridesmaids changed into their kimonos. Yue wore a shiromuku or wedding kimono complete with the wig that fit like a helmet and a circular white hat called a wataboshi that was three times the size of her head while all the bridesmaids wore yellow and green kimonos. Akihiko was assisted into his Motsuki Haori Hakama, the groomsmen wore men's kimonos and Jae Sun was in his green and yellow hanbok complete with the black cloth hat. While they wouldn't be having a Shinto wedding, they would be implementing elements of a traditional Shinto wedding into their reception.

When it was time for their arrival, the guests were encouraged to take their seats which were assigned and with their party being so large, JJ and Eun Mi had half a table to themselves with other family there, but there were two empty seats, on being for Jae Sun and the chair that had been added for Keiko should she come. Once all the guests were seated, there was a second wedding precession. Jae Sun walked down the walkway beside the flower girl, then they were followed by the groomsmen paired with the bridesmaids and then finally Akihiko and Yue came forward and they all walked to a small shrine that was in the reception venue. The guests watched as Akihiko and Yue engaged in the Sankon no Gi, a ceremony in which Akihiko and Yue took turns drinking sake from cups increasing in size in which appreciation was symbolically shown to the ancestors, a vow to each other to care for one another as long as they live, and finally a cup of sake wishing them fertility. Then they read a vow together, not meant for them but for the Gods expressing gratefulness and a vow to love one another. The ceremony ended with every guest in attendance having a sip of sake to celebrate the union of the two families.

It was after that when the bridal party could take their seats at their table while Jae Sun returned to his parents and brothers to sit with them. He noticed the empty seat immediately but didn't let himself be bothered by it though he was sad not to see Keiko. About an hour into dinner, a band started playing more upbeat music for anyone that wanted to dance. While guests danced, Keiko walked into the venue glancing around. She felt horribly underdressed. She still wore her black skirt, knee high white socks and a pink sweater having just been released from her exams. She looked around the room and when she finally found Jae Sun, she smiled and went right to him, taking a seat next to him at the table.

"You came!" Jae Sun said, elated, when he noticed Keiko take her seat beside him. He was about to correct himself and speak Japanese, but she smiled and gently shook her head.

"Don't worry," she said in a thick accent. "I need practice English." She paused a moment, cleared her throat and then said, "I need to practice English speaking."

"You need to practice speaking English?" Jae Sun said with a smile.

"Yes, exactly," Keiko giggled. "How did the wedding go?"

"It was nice I guess," Jae Sun said. "Uncle Akihiko looks happy. Miss Yue is nice. I'm happy you could come."

"Yes, I'm sorry to arrive so late and underdressed," Keiko answered. "I'd wanted to change into a kimono but after leaving exam building, I realized I was already one hour late."

"It's okay," Jae Sun said.

"So where are your parents?"

"They're dancing," Jae Sun said and pointed at JJ and Eun Mi dancing together with Hae Li in Eun Mi's arm and Eun So on JJ's other arm. "They brought Eun So and Hae Li with them. They aren't big boys, so they can't be left alone like me."

"I'm a big kid!" Mae Sun protested.

"No, because I have to look after you because I'm the oldest," Jae Sun responded. "Eomma said so herself." Keiko sat back while Jae Sun and Mae Sun continued to bicker a little until JJ and Eun Mi finally returned, putting an end to their antics. "Eomma, daddy, look, Keiko came!" Jae Sun said.

"I'm sorry again for un dressing well," Keiko said.

"You look more comfortable than most of the guests," JJ joked. "Well, Jae Sun was really hoping you'd show up, so thank you for joining us."

"Thank you for inviting me," Keiko smiled and bowed her head a little.

She turned her attention to Jae Sun's outfit, realizing she didn't recognize it and Eun Mi explained it was a Hanbok. Eun Mi then got Keiko to talk about her exams and what she was studying in school, what her plans were, etc. etc. When she couldn't explain something adequately in English, she would return to Japanese. The whole time Eun Mi had Keiko talking, Jae Sun listened intently. JJ chuckled a little under his breath when he noticed but otherwise said nothing. But then Akihiko had a chance to come over and sit with them to talk, so Jae Sun's attention shifted to him. After a while, Yue walked over and asked Akihiko to dance with her. He encouraged Jae Sun to invite Keiko to dance since she was his guest and though she had refused initially, Jae Sun convinced her to join him. While Jae Sun was tall for his age, he wasn't quite as tall as Keiko, so watching them dance was rather adorable.

Keiko wound up staying at the reception for two hours before deciding she should really get home. Since it was late and they would need to travel again the following day, JJ insisted on taking her home. They made sure to let Akihiko and Yoshiko know they were leaving for the evening and wished Akihiko and Yue congratulations and hopes for a happy marriage. By the time they'd made it to the train, all the boys were falling asleep. Jae Sun was trying not to fall asleep but eventually couldn't help himself and fell asleep against Keiko's arm.

"Thank you again for the invitation. It was nice to have a night out," Keiko said to Eun Mi and JJ.

"It was all Jae Sun's idea," JJ said. "We appreciate you coming. It really made his night."

"He's a sweet boy," Keiko smiled down at Jae Sun and then proceeded to make small talk with them through the remainder of the train ride.

Once they arrived, Eun Mi carried Hae Li in her arms and JJ carried Eun So while Jae Sun and Mae Sun had to force themselves awake to make the walk back to the house. But first, they walked Keiko home despite her insistence they didn't have to. When they reached Keiko's house, she bowed to Eun Mi and JJ thanking them for their kindness and then bowed to Jae Sun.

"Thank you for inviting me to your Uncle's wedding. It was beautiful." Taking her by surprise, Jae Sun walked up to Keiko and hugged her. When the surprise wore off, she hugged him back. "It was good seeing you."

"You too," Jae Sun answered. When they finally released one another, Keiko waved goodbye to everyone and went back inside.

"Did you enjoy your date tonight, Jae Sun?" JJ asked.

"It wasn't a date!" Jae Sun protested while JJ laughed.

Back in the states, while it was still early, Heather began preparing for her Bat Mitzvah in the form of becoming better acquainted with Hebrew first and foremost just as had been done when Amber was younger. Levi was encouraged to practice with Heather giving him an even greater head start in preparation, but Kevin was preparing for the ceremony financially speaking. Heather had begged, pleaded and begged some more that, for her Bat Mitzvah gift, she wanted to go to Paris. She'd wanted to take some friends, but Kevin drew the line there saying she could take 1 friend. Given the option, she chose Evalynn. Naturally, Levi would go and, since Evalynn was going to be able to go, Caleb would be going as well. Levi Sr. and Anna would be going, Embry would be going, and Jacob and Renesmee would be going. After he'd done all the calculating and researching, it was enough to make his head spin, but Heather's bright smile when he told her he was saving up for their trip to Paris as her Bat Mitzvah gift made it worth the trouble. The following hug and 'thank you, daddy' made it that much better.

"I told Heather last night," Kevin said to Embry while they two of them were in his new workshop.

"About going to Paris? What'd she say?"

"She hugged me and said thank you," Kevin said. "Amber's got her and Levi studying their Hebrew."

"Levi too?"

"May as well," Kevin shrugged. "Learning a new language is no small feat. Rabbi Kowalski said preparing her around January, she'll be ready for her Bat Mitzvah by April."

"I'm sure her classmates will be very jealous that she gets an early vacation," Embry chuckled. "And Amber is alright? With going to France I mean?"

"So long as it's just France, she's alright. She wants to go to Chateau while we're there, but that's the closest to Germany she'll tolerate being. Poor Levi. He'd suggested that, for his Bar Mitzvah, we could go to Germany and Amber made clear that wasn't happening."

"Can you even go to Germany right now? Or at least Berlin? Isn't it closed off?"

"You can access West Berlin through a train system as far as I'm aware but you have to go through East Germany to get there and there are checkpoints. From what little I've looked into it, it's a nightmare. The best we'd likely do to go to her home would be Munich, but…you know."

"Too close to Dachau. I get you," Embry nodded. "Maybe Levi will agree to Disneyland or something."

"A child's dream and a parent's nightmare you mean?" Kevin said and they both chuckled.

"You could always keep the boy on a leash so he didn't run away," Peta, stepping into Embry's little office to grab something, said.

"Afternoon, Peta," Kevin smiled.

"Where are Zephyr and Grae?"

"They still at the Luther house. We forgot to bring Mrs. Luther's statement for the remodeling; I'm just grabbing it."

"Damn it, Peta," Embry groaned.

"Oh, relax, she wasn't angry. Frankly, she's been flirting with Grae the whole time we've been working so trust me, she doesn't mind the extra time."

"Don't let him encourage her," Embry said.

"He isn't; don't worry. Grae has been polite and not contributed."

"If you say so," Embry said.

"So how do you guys like actually working for Embry instead of helping out for beer here and there?" Kevin asked.

"He treats us like shit either way; at least now we're paid for it," Peta said and tapped his toe against Embry's office chair with a light chuckle.

"I raise you and this is the thanks I get," Embry said, laughing a little under his breath.

"Yeah, he pulls that shit on us every chance he gets," Peta laughed.

"I would too in his position," Kevin chuckled.

"Shit, I forgot to tell you," Peta said to Embry, "Aidie called earlier. Marcus's mother passed away this morning."

"Our sister's mother-in-law passes away and you 'forgot to tell me'," Embry groaned.

"This is the first time I saw you all day; so sue me," Peta said. "She said Ruth passed away in her sleep, but Marcus is really crushed about it. They're planning to send her to Georgia so she can be buried beside her husband."

"Alright. Ruth would have wanted that," Embry said. "I'll trust you to keep the shop standing while I'm away. I'll have Bayaq and Taraq come with."

"You think it's bad enough they need body guards?" Peta asked.

"Have you been paying attention to the news lately?" Kevin said, referring to the protests. While Dr. King's peaceful methods of protest did wonders to win the hearts and minds of Americans, it did not negate the ferocity with which these protests were being met.

"Even if they'd be fine, I'd rather not take chances," Embry said. "I'm more concerned about keeping Naevia out of trouble."

"She takes after her uncle," Kevin said with a light smile. Naevia had, as of late, expressed a great deal of interest in traveling south to contribute to the fight for Civil Rights and, while her heart was in the right place and she was certainly one the matter concerned, Aidie had expressly forbidden it for the simple reason of her safety.

"I was protesting to get my damn money. By comparison, Naevia's goals are downright noble. And of course, since Naevia's been so passionate, so has Marcus Jr."

"If the boy has to look up to anyone, may as well be Naevia, right?" Peta said. "Alright, we'll look after things while you're in Georgia. I'll see you later." Peta finally left, leaving Kevin and Embry alone.

"Give me a minute?" Embry asked Kevin while he reached for the phone. Kevin shrugged and leaned against the desk while Embry called Aidetzi. Thankfully, she was home and answered giving Embry more information. They were still working out how to get Ruth's body to Georgia but the plan was to have her funeral that coming Sunday. "How's Marcus feeling?" Embry asked after Aidetzi ran down the current funeral plans.

"He's doing better," Aidetzi answered. "Now that it's had time to sink in, he's just relieved she died peacefully."

"How are Naevia and Marcus Jr. doing?"

"They miss their grandma," Aidetzi said. "On the bright side, they're excited to go to Georgia; get to see Robby. I don't think we've seen them since Laurence and Didi moved to Atlanta."

"How have they been?"

"Divorced," Aidetzi answered bluntly. "They've been divorced for years now. I thought I told you."

"You probably did and I forgot," Embry chuckled a little. "Will Laurence be going to the funeral?"

"I doubt it. He and Ruth were never friendly. Suits me just fine."

"Hey, it means you met Marcus, so don't complain too much," Embry teased.

"That is true," Aidetzi smiled a little. "Are you sure you want to go to Georgia with us? I'm sure we'll be alright so long as we're only there for the funeral."

"I'd rather not chance it," Embry said. "Just let me know when you're all leaving alright?"

"I will. And thanks Embry."

"Any time, Aidie. I'll talk to you later," Embry said and the two ended the call. Then he got on the phone with Embry Sr. regarding Ruth's funeral. He found out Embry sr. and Caevia intended to go to Ruth's funeral, so he was relieved to have the extra backup should it be needed.

"I know they relinquished their wolves, but do you think Naevia and Marcus still have the side effects?" Kevin asked, referring to hearing, strength, etc.

"They might," Embry shrugged, "but I just in case. I can fly there, but I'll need to help mom, dad and the twins get plane tickets."

"Well, if you need any help, let me know," Kevin said. "Did you want to come over for dinner tonight?"

"I may just take you up on that offer," Embry said. "Is Amber cooking or Anna?"

"Probably Anna," Kevin said and chuckled a little, "Those two are both retired in theory, but good luck telling them to slow down."

"Hey, that's how you want to be in your seventies right?" Embry smiled. "What's for dinner?"

"I haven't asked. We'll find out when it's time to eat," Kevin said.

Kevin stayed at Embry's shop until it was nearing time for dinner and the two walked from the shop to Anna's and Levi's house where Levi Jr. and Heather already were practicing their Hebrew. After school, Anna had taken Heather and Levi to the Synagogue to practice and though Heather was grumbling about having more homework than just what she got at school, she was coming along extremely well. Of course, as soon as Embry came into the house with Kevin, she dropped what she was doing and ran right to him to give him a hug.

"Jeez, Heather, are you going to say hi to me?" Kevin teased.

"Don't worry, I'll hug you too," Heather said and then went right to Kevin to hug him just as Levi was walking over to hug Kevin too.

"So how goes learning a dead language?" Embry teased.

"It's not dead. It's spoken in Israel so it's not a dead language."

"Is that true?" Embry asked Kevin who just shrugged.

"Daddy, when Levi has his Bat Mitzvah, we should all go to Jerusalem," Heather suggested and then looked right at Levi. "Doesn't that sound fun?"

"I'd rather go to Germany," Levi protested.

"Your mother already said the answer is no, Levi," Kevin said. "Maybe one day you can go, but not for your Bat Mitzvah. As far as going to Jerusalem, Heather, help raise the money for that trip and then we'll talk."

"It's okay. I can contribute. My investments in Embry's business are paying off quite nicely," Heather said proudly. While the money that she was getting back for her small investment were certainly nothing to scoff at, it was hardly a trip for a family of eleven or so to Jerusalem. All the same, Kevin chuckled and patted Heather's head.

"We'll see," Kevin finally said.

"You know what that means, Levi. You need to be good so we can go to Jerusalem," Heather said.

"I don't want to go to Jerusalem," Levi said.

"Sure you do!" Heather said.

"Alright, calm down," Kevin said. "Both of you back to your school work." With a pout, Heather and Levi went back to their work as they'd been instructed.

"Why don't you want to go to Jerusalem, Levi?" Levi sr. teased. "It's the Holy Land."

"Meh," Levi Jr sighed.

"For shame, young man," Levi sr. teased further.

"Levi, would you mind if Embry and I helped ourselves to a beer?" Kevin asked.

"Just one moment, Kevin, I'll bring you two some in a moment," Anna said from the kitchen, so Kevin and Embry went into the living room to sit with Levi and the kids. Moments later, they heard the pop of beer caps being released and then Anna came out with three beers.

"So what's for dinner, Anna?" Embry asked.

"I got a recipe for Stroganoff from a lady at the Synagogue, so we're having that," Anna said.

"You feeding us Commy food, Anna?" Embry joked.

"I'm told it's Russian," Anna said. "It's beef with a white sauce and potatoes. She said I could use noodles but she always makes it with potatoes so that's what I'm doing."

"It sounds good, so I'll give it a chance," Embry said.

"I won't tell poor Anya that you called her a 'Commy'," Anna smiled and returned to the kitchen.

"So is Amber still at the shop?" Embry asked.

"Yeah, she'll be there a while yet most likely. It's the wedding rush and she's still training a new carver," Kevin said.

"Hasn't that woman been working for her since last year?"

"Yeah, but learning to carve candles efficiently and with Anna's or Amber's expertise takes a lot of time and training," Kevin said. "Amber said she'd coming along really well but still doesn't work quite as fast as Amber would like her to."

"Well, that's a touch unfair wouldn't you say?" Embry chuckled. "Amber works faster than Anna and she's the one that taught Amber how to carve candles in the first place."

"I'll admit Amber has a slightly unfair advantage, but she'll want this woman to be at least as proficient as Anna."

"So acquire the experience of a woman with 50 plus years' experience in just three? Sounds reasonable," Embry joked.

Amber did eventually get home. When she had, everyone was already at the table eating their dinner but she sat down with them while they enjoyed coffee. Embry relayed the news of Ruth's passing and that he'd be in Georgia for a few days as soon as he knew more from Aidetzi. Conversation veered more towards Embry's business, talk of his brothers and while they spoke, Levi Sr. remembered something.

"Aren't some of your brothers acting as tribal police?" Levi asked.

"I don't know if it's even official yet. Last I heard, Kevin was still trying to iron out a few legal details."

"That's more or less taken care of. It's a matter of securing enough money for supplies and then a stable current of money. In the case of Police, taxes usually handle that. Given that we're technically a sovereign nation in the eyes of State law, getting tax dollars geared towards us is a little tricky."

"Can't you rely on the police in Forks?"

"We do right now, I guess, but the response time isn't to dad's preference," Kevin said and Embry chuckled.

"What am I missing?" Anna asked.

"A few weeks ago, someone drove through the tribe drunk and he was being disruptive. Dad had called the police in Forks but it took about twenty minutes for someone to get out to us. By then, this guy had started stripping and was singing to loud and bugging everyone. The next day, I get a call from dad asking how we could legally establish our own police force."

"Couldn't you just ask the man to leave?" Levi asked.

"They had, but I guess the man was too drunk and dad was worried this guy would cry harassment if they removed him forcefully. We're basically trying to work something out where the pack will act as the tribal police and we'll all switch off being the police during the day and the pack at night."

"In the meantime, let's hope we don't get any more drunks coming in," Embry chuckled. "On the bright side, this guy didn't hurt anyone."

"The way dad was yelling about it, you'd think he did," Kevin groaned. "Point is I'm getting it taken care of. Since you and I have businesses, we may begin contributing a little tax to the tribe."

"Fine by me," Embry shrugged. "I give Uncle Sam his fair share, so I can give Uncle Jacob his."

"As your future chief, I'm pleased to hear it," Kevin joked.

"Does this mean Amber's and Anna's business will be contributing to that tax?" Embry asked.

"Seeing as I'm married to the chief apparent, it's only fair we do," Amber said.

"Will I have to pay that tax?" Heather asked.

"You might, honey," Embry said. "When you make investments, the government takes a percentage in taxes. That's just how life works I'm afraid." Heather seemed less than pleased and glowered a little but otherwise said nothing.

"Don't worry about it, Heather," Kevin reassured.

Later in the week, Embry and the others got the go ahead to make the trip to Atlanta. Embry flew on his own while everyone else took a plane. By the time they all met up, they stayed together in a large group no matter what upon Embry's insistence. The day after arriving, they all made the trip to Ruth's hometown where she would be buried beside her husband. During the wake, Aidetzi stayed predominantly with her brothers, not recognizing many people. Marcus and their children were a little more social, but Marcus Jr. and Naevia were no more familiar with anyone than their mother was, but once Robby arrived with his mom, they instantly gravitated to him and caught up.

"Aidetzi?" Didi came over and looked at her. "You've…aged well."

"Thank you, Didi," Aidetzi said. "How have you been?"

"Alright," Didi said. "Robby's been working up at the Steel mill."

"That's good to hear. How long has he been working there?"

"Two and a half years now," Didi said. "He's already a manager of his division."

"I'm happy to hear it."

"So how have Naevia and Marcus been? My nephew I mean."

"They're well. Naevia's working her way through nursing school and Marcus got a job at a car dealership."

"Where does Naevia work now?"

"She's working for a phone company right now. She hates it but it's helping pay for school. Her father and I contribute what we can, but it's expensive."

"Good for her for going to school," Didi said. "I know mama was proud of her."

"She was," Aidetzi said, forlorn. "Naevia was so upset when she passed away. Ruth was such a big supporter. Naevia would have days where she'd come home crying because she'd just gotten off school late at night after a long day of work during the day and Ruth always knew how to lift her spirits and remind her to keep her eye on the ball." Didi nodded and took a moment to cry a bit but recovered rather quickly with a deep breath.

"How much longer will Naevia be in school?"

"Hopefully, another year and she'll be able to graduate. A good friend of ours has already promised once she graduates, she'll have a place with the hospital he runs. If there's one thing Kyle will never turn away, it's more nurses."

"That's good to hear," Didi said. "Well, I'm going to see mama. Pay my respects. I'll talk to you later."

"Good to see you again, Didi," Aidetzi said and Didi walked away. Aidetzi glanced at Marcus Sr. and saw him speaking to what she was assuming were either an aunt and uncle or friend of Ruth's. They looked in her direction briefly, so she smiled at them. After Marcus had made a few rounds speaking to people, he finally came to her.

"Everyone keeps asking who you are," Marcus said to Aidetzi. "They don't believe you're my wife."

"Should I find the sentiment flattering?" Aidetzi asked.

"Well, they think you're young enough to be my daughter, so I guess flattery is normal," Marcus smiled. "When I tell them we're about the same age, they think I'm crazy." Embry and his brothers looked at Marcus nervously who smiled and gently shook his head. "Don't worry, I don't say anything."

"Would they even believe you if you did?" Aidetzi said.

"I sure as shit didn't at first," Marcus said. "But then when your kids turn into wolves before your eyes, it's a little hard to call bullshit."

"I'd say so," Bayaq chuckled.

"All the same, we appreciate you not saying anything," Taraq said.

"It's no problem," Marcus said and looked at Aidetzi. "So long as you still love me even when I'm old and grey."

"I love you old and grey; I'll still love you when you're older and greyer," Aidetzi teased and laid her head against his shoulder.

The following day was the funeral and there wasn't a dry eye in the church. While the Pastor delivering the sermon didn't know Ruth personally, he'd certainly done his research speaking to each and every family member so that, by the time he was at the podium, he spoke of her as if he'd known her all his life. The choir sang some of Ruth's favorite songs as family came up to her casket to say goodbye one last time before funneling outside to wait for her to be transported to the cemetery. After the funeral, the family remained in Georgia for another day to visit before returning back home the Washington. To Embry's relief, the shop was still standing when he returned. By then, JJ, Eun Mi and the boys had returned to Washington as well. JJ even brought back a framed bug to give to Blu Jae for old time's sake that he hung in his room.

It took some time, but by the start of 1962, Kevin and Jacob established a Police force for the tribe. Once it was established and could be operated legally, Nathan took control of it for Jacob. Nathan rationalized that Jacob had a lawyer and a doctor for a son; may as well have a cop for a son too. They didn't have an official 'station' per se. They operated out of the school and would likely do so until the funds could be raised to build an actual police station. In the meantime, Jacob contributed towards that project by wood carving for Embry's business. The pieces Jacob provided for display and pictures of all the work he'd done years before on the Cullen house, it didn't take much to establish a clientele. While it wasn't on her birthday, the family all went to the World's Fair together in April as part of Heather's birthday present where the Space Needle was unveiled and officially opened to the public.

Sadly, they could not eat at the Sky City restaurant in the Space Needle given their party size went into the dozens, but they were able to at least ride up the elevator to see out the windows onto the city. That same year in 1962, Salem was able to return from Sea Duty and, finally, got stationed in Seattle meaning he was able to visit far more often. It turned out to be a blessing when, come October, the whole country was on edge. The Cuban Missile Crisis began October 14th. While the country received only bits and pieces of what was going on thanks to the news, Salem was kept posted far more so given there was a risk that he and several others might be rushed to Florida should reinforcements be needed. He wasn't permitted to talk too much about it so he was all the more on edge. The worst part of it was for those that had kids. Kevin would never as long as he lived forget his young son looking at him asking, "Daddy, are the Russians going to kill us?" Worse yet, he just didn't have an answer for him.

The Cuban Missile Crises didn't finally end until, on October 28th, an announcement was made that Nikita Khrushchev that the missiles would be removed from Cuba. Unbeknownst to the American people, this also meant the United States needed to remove their missiles from where they were located in Turkey. Of course, this was kept secret so it would appear that the Soviets and backed down rather than a compromise having been reached. Regardless, the crises was over and the whole country could breathe a sigh of relief. The same could not be said of Cuba. At least from what Salem had heard. Around November after the Crises was over, Salem received a letter in very poorly spelled English from a friend he'd not heard from in a very long time.

Salem,

I hope this leter finds you well. I am riting to you because my wife and I came to Florida not long ago. I hope you can help us. You of course know about the missle crisis in Cuba. I had wanted for a long time to leave Cuba, but after all that happened, this past October was more than I can take. We are not safe there. I only thank God my mother did not live to see it get this bad. Esparenza is also pregnant. I cant raise my child in that fear. The problem is we have nowere to go and outside of getting us out of Cuba, I do not know what to do. I do not want to impose on you, but given our situation, I have little choice.

Arturo Perez

"Sir?" Salem asked the man that gave him the letter, "The man that sent me this letter: do you know where he's staying?"

"I'm afraid I don't. It was sent to us from the base in Homestead. I'd call them and start from there."

Salem thanked the man and went to the administrator so he could do just that. It took another day or so, but he was eventually able to get a hold of Arturo. It took even more time but eventually Salem was also able to get Arturo his wife to Washington. Natalie and Suerro agreed the pair could live with them at least until their citizenship could be obtained and they could find work and their own place. Already knowing the logistical nightmare of it, Kevin assisted with the process in any way he could even if all he could do was call up the immigration office for updates. In the meantime, Kyle was ever present at Natalie's home checking on up Esparenza and her progress.

"The baby isn't hurt from our traveling is it?" Arturo asked Kyle when Esparenza presented the question in Spanish.

"No, not at all. A little swimming won't hurt the baby. I don't generally recommend mothers fly, but she's not far enough along that there's a fear the baby would have been born on the plane," Kyle said.

"When do you suppose we'll have the baby?" Arturo asked nervously.

"I'd estimate no later than February," Kyle said. "If you'll let her, my aunt Alice would happily throw you a baby shower."

"I'm sorry?" Arturo asked.

"A baby shower. It's when you have family and friends over and they give you gifts for the baby."

After Kyle explained, Arturo took a moment to explain to Esparenza in Spanish to which she said, "No voy a discutir con eso."

"If I'm correct that the verbs are the same in Spanish and French, I assume she said she'd not argue with that?" Kyle said and Arturo chuckled.

"Yes, she agreed a baby shower sounds good. We'll definitely need it to be sure. No one has to buy us anything. We'll happily take hand-me-downs."

Kyle chuckled, "Now, now, Mr. Perez, watch your language. 'Hand-me-down' is a four letter word to Alice."

"I'm afraid I'm not sure what you mean," Arturo said.

"All that matters is little Amelio or Amelia will want for nothing," Kyle said, forgetting for a moment that neither Arturo or Esparenza told him what they wanted to name the baby.

"How did you…" Arturo began.

"Sorry, I remembered Salem telling me your mother's name was Amelia. I admit I assumed you wanted to name the baby after her. I'm sorry about my assumption," Kyle said.

"No, no, it's alright," Arturo said. "It's just….that was exactly what we'd been planning."

"Well, they're good names for good reason. Don't let me guessing it ruin the names for you," Kyle said reassuringly while patting Arturo's shoulder.

It was later after having arrived and after receiving their first check up with Kyle that Salem was able to leave Seattle and come home to the tribe to visit Arturo. Once he'd arrived, Salem and Arturo sat on Natalie's porch drinking beer together and catching up. Most importantly however, the long term for Arturo and his family came up. While employment was offered to him by Ada María in the form of a waiter and bartender, he did not want to do that forever. Especially once he and Esparenza were officially citizens. Salem suggested, perhaps, Arturo could save up for the supplies to sell tattoos. Maybe even open his own shop. They even toyed with the possibility of Esparenza teaching them how to make rum to sell. Come January of 1963 when President Kennedy rendered all sale and trade between the US and Cuba illegal, the prospect of making an authentic Cuban rum available for the market made in the United States made the possibility that much more enticing. Of course, any joint business venture would have to wait until Salem retired from the Navy. That didn't, however, mean Arturo didn't take to heart the suggestion of opening his own tattoo shop that he promptly began setting aside money for.

Then that February, Arturo and Esparenza welcomed their son Amelio into the world. It would be some time yet before Arturo and Esparenza were American citizens, but at least their child would have the luxury of being born an American. When Arturo held his son in his arms, he promised his little boy that he'd never suffer the hardships either he or Esparenza had suffered in their youths. That same year would mark a turning point for African Americans in America. Something that Aidetzi's children followed intently. Martin Luther King's peaceful protests, his arrest and release and then his speech that had been televised proclaimed his dream that all men will be created equal. Naevia and Marcus Jr. made a point to listen to the speech as soon as they had access and it brought tears to their eyes.

However, just three months later on November the 22nd of 1963, John F. Kennedy, while in Dallas, was shot fatally during a procession. The Governor, John B. Connally who'd been in the car with the President and first lady, was seriously injured. Jackie Kennedy was unharmed but shaken by the tragedy and for three days, the news was devoted entirely to the assassination and the aftermath. The assassination was caught on camera for millions of Americans to see. While everyone had been at work, the children at school, the country seemed to come to a standstill when the news of the assassination was hurriedly relayed. Kevin went to the office's break room to see everyone watching the news, seeing the president shot and fall onto Jackie's lap, then Jackie seemingly trying to get out of the car only to go back and duck into the car atop her now dead husband's body. The TV in the tribal school was turned on and all the children saw. Heather and Levi, in their respective schools and classes, also watched in horror as the president was shot. Yet it didn't stop there. The man that had assassinated the president, Jack Ruby, who'd been arrested and would of course face the penalty for murdering the president, was also shot dead on national television. Lyndon B. Johnson was now the president and it would mark a great transition for the whole nation.