| ** Maybe God Knows Prologue “…I…I can’t do anything about it now. It’s too late. And even if it’s not, I want to keep the baby.” “But then the child will be my responsibility! You know I can’t financially support the kid!” “No…we have no choice. The child is yours, Jang Woo Hyuk.” “Damn you.” Chapter 1 “Daddy, I’m going to work. Please take care while I’m gone. I’ll be home before nine. Please dad, don’t drink while I’m gone. I can’t get out of work to pick you up anymore.” Theresa gave her father a sympathetic look before closing the door to their small, one bedroom apartment. “Miss Jang, please go check up on room 351.” “Miss Jang, Dr. Lee needs you to attend his office by lunch time.” “Hey, Theresa. Are you busy? Can you look over my patients today?” All day, Theresa ran from place to place running errands and checking upon restless patients all over the hospital. Though it was quite hectic and the wage a bit low, Theresa loved working in the hospital to help those in need. Sure, sometimes she had patients who were old and horny or football players who scowled over a pulled muscle, but good things happened also. ::sarcasm:: For example, today… Theresa’s P.O.V “Don’t touch me you bastard!” A loud yell was heard across the halls. “Mr. Lee! Please keep quiet!” “I’m going to tell my lawyer about this!” I rolled my eyes as another loud patient went into his room. Sigh, men. They don’t grow up…they grow down. I strolled into Dr. Lee’s office and sat down on a metal seat, expecting another errand or such to contribute to my already busy life. “Miss Jang. I’m pleased with your work and attitude. I’d like to hand over another patient for you to attend. I’m sure with your professional work, you’ll be able to handle the patient. Here are his files and I’ll be giving you a 5% raise.” I faked a smile and walked out. Psh…a 5% raise?! Cheap ass…I’m handling 10 patients each day for 12 hours and he gives me mere 5% raise?! Clipping the file onto the clipboard that I held in my arms, I briskly walked into room 358. That instant, my eyes just went POP. It was him… the loudest one. “Hey, you gonna be the chicka who’s looking after me? Not bad.” From the looks of it, he was in the wrong hospital. He needed more mental help than physical. I ignored his comment and went straight to work. I noted his status and told him the hospital regulation. Like as if he gave a shit. “Hey you! Girl! Bring me hot chocolate, cable TV, my insurance plan, my will paper, inheritance paper, a pen, some Italian noodles, and um…. water.” “First off, Mr. Lee, I’m Nurse Jang. Second, you won’t die, so there is no need to call in for the will and inheritance papers. You only sprained your pinky and a minor concussion, thanks to the helmet. Third, I’m not your personal maid or servant so don’t order me around. Any thing else, Mr. Lee?” I asked him sarcastically. “Wow, you really know how to piss someone off huh?” Minwoo smiled and asked teasingly. Was he playing with me?! “I’ll be attending my other patients now, Mr. Lee.” Theresa angrily grumbled. “Hey! Hey! You…Uh…Miss Jang!” “Yes, Mr. Lee?” “Sorry Miss Jang. Let’s start over. It’s just a thing I have with doctors and those other white-coated freaks. Hi. I’m Lee Minwoo. Nice to meet you.” Theresa smiled, debating whether or not she should accept his apology and start over. “Hello, Lee Minwoo shi. I’m Nurse Theresa Jang. It’s nice meeting you. You will be released in a day or so. Good-bye. “Ah! Wait! Not yet! Don’t go.” Minwoo stopped Theresa again. “Yes…?” Theresa asked, getting a little impatient, but still keeping her cool. “I…Uh…. um…. never mind.” ^The next morning^ Theresa’s P.O.V I couldn’t wake up the next morning. For some reason, I found it hard to sleep with that stupid purple head popping in my mind last night. The only thing that actually got me out of bed in the morning was the fact that I was going to be late for work…very late. “Here are you medications. Your helmet will be at the front lobby.” I felt awkward as Minwoo stared down at me. “Ahem…uh…. is there something on my face?” Minwoo extended his arm towards me and brushed the back of his fingers on my cheek. I looked at him surprised; we were so close together that I could feel his warm breathes. I felt my world spinning around the rhythm of my pounding heartbeat as I saw his eyes twinkle. “Ha…Hahahahahaha. You must’ve been really tired this morning. You still have drool marks going up your face.” Wow…that was blunt I blushed furiously when my senses kicked in. I gave him a nice, stinging smack across his face before leaving the room, knowing that he’ll never be my patient again. How dare he touch and make fun of me? I stormed out of the room, leaving Minwoo laughing. Chapter 2 Theresa’s P.O.V…still. The apartment reeked of women’s perfume and beer. I could hear giggling that came from an old whore with a high-pitched voice. I forced a smile. I was totally okay, since this is what my father wanted to do…his choice. Argh! Who am I kidding? I was absolutely hundred percent disgusted. I picked up my stuff again and walked out of the apartment. I approached the payphone that was right outside of the complex. Depositing 35 cents, I dialed my friend to see if she wanted do something together and to talk to her about my situation. “Oh! I was meaning to introduce you to my cousin but something came up. But he got back today, so do you want to go out to a double date? I want you to meet him first and try to hook up. He’s a real sweetie.” “Rosanna~ you want me to deal with more guys after how I told you what happened? I was hoping for a ‘Girls’ Night Out’ or something.” “Theresa, we do that like every week. Hasn’t it been a while since Miss Jang has been on a date?” “Erg…fine. Where do you want to meet?” I reluctantly gave up could just see that triumphant smile spread across her face on the other line. “Haha. I knew it! I’m too cute to say no, huh? I’m just too good at this, huh?” Rosanna laughed like crazy. Oh… my… God…what’s wrong with her…daksal! And talk about gongju byung. “Rosie~! I’m freezing my underwear here! Can we please get with the program!” “Ah…! Okay lady~ coola down. CHILL~ let THE pimptress preach. Okay. Meet me at Pierre’s Moonlit French Restaurant in one hour. Remember! Wear your best. No hospital clothes!” I rolled my eyes; such a silly girl. I replied a ‘yes’ and hung up, running back to my apartment. Her giggling had quieted down, but I was still suspicious. I went to the small closet and grabbed a light blue one piece and cardigan to accompany it. After digging around looking for my dress shoes, I ran out of the apartment briefly leaving my father a note. I doubted he would be awake to see it anyway. I walked down to the other end of the city, since I didn’t have a car. I was almost there and only had to cross a street and a block before reaching the restaurant. I was walking, minding my own business when suddenly, I saw a bright light zooming towards me. Obviously, I freaked out and let out a scream, fearing for my life. I squatted down with my hands over my face. I was ready and waiting for the full impact, but it wasn’t there. After a few moments, I looked up and saw a motorcycle stopped right in front of me. Out of pure relief, I started to cry and sob. The guy who almost hit me finally got to his senses and got off to see if I was okay. “Oh my gosh! Are you okay? Are you hurt?” He pat my back and helped pulling me up. He carefully brushed the hair out of my face. My eyes were huge when I realized who it was…Lee Minwoo. “YOU…It’s you!” We screeched at the same time. We stared at each other like that in the middle of the road, unaware of the honking cars. “T…Theresa Jang!” “You…Lee Minwoo!” I gawked at him, not believing that Minwoo had almost run me over. I pushed that thought away and noticed that Minwoo was still holding my hand from helping me up. I pulled it back, but he would let go of me. “I…uh…have to go somewhere. I’m going to be late.” With that, I ran off although he had just begun to say something. I ran down the block and finally recomposed myself as I started walking again. “Madame, did you reserve a seat?” The waiter asked politely. “Uh, I believe I’m with Rosanna Iseri’s party. Has she arrived?” “Yes, Madame. Let me lead you to the table. The waiter professionally led me to the table. When I spotted Rosanna, I smiled and waved...and Lee Minwoo sitting across from her. I panicked and started to debate whether or not I should leave the restaurant. The waiter gave me a weird expression so I excused myself and ran to the bathroom as fast as I can. Chapter 3 Minwoo’s P.O.V I saw Rosanna give a small wave but she slowly put her hand down. I looked up to see who she was waving to, but didn’t see anyone there. I looked at her and she had a funny expression also. “Ahem, excuse me. I’ll be using the men’s room…” I briskly walked into the bathroom and started to take care of my business. I was just humming and staring at the wall when I saw someone coming out of the stalls from the corner of my eyes. I didn’t hear or see anyone when I first came in, but I didn’t really care. I turned to look at the person. BAM! Dammit~ I almost zipped my package when I saw the person…Theresa Jang. “AHHHHHH~!!” we both screamed at the same time of our realization. I quickly did my pants and gave her a glare. “What the hell are you doing here?!” “AHH! I’m sorry! I didn’t see anything! I swear!” Her hand went flying up to her pure eyes and kept them there even though I had everything on. I came close and held up my hands, reaching carefully for Theresa. My hand was couple inches from her face, but I noticed sobbing sounds. She was crying. “Sniff…Heuk…” I wanted to put my arms around her, but didn’t want to scare her any further. “Shh~ what’s wrong?” “…Heuk…I’m…. so…embarrassed…what am I going to do?” I looked at her sympathetically. She was cuter every time I looked at her and wanted to pinch her little nose, but controlled myself back from the temptation. “Hey girl, come on. Wash your face and let’s get out of here. I promise…nothing happened in here, okay?” I tried to soothe her with my voice. She nodded slowly and went to the sink to wash her face. All her make up was gone but since she wore light make up, I couldn’t tell too much. Besides, she was pretty even without the make up. Theresa’s P.O.V I was so scared and embarrassed that I actually started crying in front of him. I couldn’t believe it…I was crying in front of my patient! And I probably looked like a raccoon because my mascara was running. Great. The whole point was to get away from him…how the hell did I end up in the men’s room? Actually, he looked at me…more sincerely. I remember when I first met him…a major jerk. But since I decided to forgive him…-__-. I must have been crying hard because I found myself in his arms. He told me to wash up and that none of this happened. I actually trusted him and started to wash my face. After I washed off my face, he handed me a paper towel to dry with. I shyly took it from him because I was still humiliated by the fact that I showed him my weaker side…unlike the day at the hospital when I was being a little rude to him. Yet, he didn’t seem to mind. He smiled and took my arm to leave the men’s restroom and to meet Rosanna and her boyfriend. Rosanna looked at our direction and had a funny look. I don’t blame her…Rosie’s best friend already got acquainted with her cousin while in the SAME bathroom? We all sat down and Rosanna introduced everyone to me. It was funny to see the jerk Minwoo turn into a gentleman in one night. Minwoo couldn’t help staring at me when Rosie introduced me to him. He had a piece of green stuff stuck on his teeth when he was staring at me. Dork. Rosie kicked me from under, wanting to know what happened in the bathroom. I gave her a look and kicked her back and MAN! THAT GIRL KNOWS HOW TO SCREAM! She scowled so loudly that that everyone in the restaurant looked and pointed at us. Great, two embarrassing moments during one night. Chapter 4 Theresa’s P.O.V That night… The room was dark except for the light from the full moon. Everything was quiet too, except for those “occasional” snoring and snorting not too far away. I reminded myself to bring home “silent snores” from the hospital. I got up and sat next to a window and looked out into the graze of stars. I couldn’t help but to think about what had happened that night with him, Lee Minwoo. I didn’t know why, but his face kept on appearing in the darkness. He sparked my interest, though why it sparked remained a mystery…maybe because he himself was a violent contradiction? A total jerk one night, and a gentleman the next? Questions flooded my mind all at once and I had a hard time controlling the big out bursting scream that I held inside. Minwoo’s P.O.V I came home dinner on my new motorcycle I bought earlier today. I almost crashed it near the restaurant…almost crashed into Theresa. I laid down on my King bed and thought about that incident. How ironic it had been. Seeing her face so petrified, it made me want to protect her, though I was the one who brought her fear. It may sound stupid, but I knew it was love at first sight. She wasn’t like any girls…especially those my parents urged me to meet. She was different. She didn’t seem to care about my reputation…she had her own little attitude…personality…She didn’t seem to take notice or care of my family and money…it was probably the first time I was treated like a normal person…not a rich freak. Whether she liked or hated me, she nursed me and treated like an ordinary person. . I walked out to my garden of the newly bought house and looked up to the stars. The stars were so big and glimmer…especially because our house was set on top of the hill. Theresa’s face kept floating into mind, just as the evening clouds floated half toward the South stars. Not being able to bear it, I called Rosanna on her cellular phone. She was still out with her boyfriend, Yoon Kye Sang. Though she seemed to be a bit hesitant in her replies, I received Theresa’s pay phone number that was just outside her house. I quickly thanked her and called Theresa…my heart beating like it never did before. Theresa’s P.O.V I was happily sleeping when the ringing phone outside rudely waked me. I left it there to ring, but the person on the other line wouldn’t give up. Having enough of the ringing and Father’s shouting to particularly nobody, I got up and went to get the phone that was out in the cold, frosty air. “…Hello?!…” I gave a small shout. I was tired and a little stressed. “Uh…Hi! This is Lee Minwoo…” Right then, Minwoo didn’t know what to tell her. She would have thought Minwoo would have gone psycho if he said, “Oh, I just called to see if you wanted to hang out with me, your patient and your best friend’s cousin, for just few hours in this wee morning time.” So Minwoo went with my next alternative. “Sorry, I really couldn’t fall asleep so I was wondering if I could meet you somewhere.” Minwoo was waiting for a cold rejection, but he was only faced with silence. The other line was really quiet, and then he heard teeth chattering from the cold. “ O…Okay …I’ll see you at the M…Midnight Café…in…um…ten minutes.” “I’ll see you soon then. Bye!” Minwoo quickly hung up and ran out the door. The house guard looked at him questioning, asking where he was going at such late time of the night. “I’m going out to meet someone. If Father asks, tell him I’m sleeping at cousin Andy’s house. Thanks Jae Won.” With that, Jae Won let Minwoo hop out secretly. Chapter 5 Minwoo brought over the freshly brewed hot coffee to the table. The steam from the coffee fogged up Theresa’s glasses and Minwoo laughed as Theresa took off her glasses, annoyed. Minwoo stole her glasses and put it on, acting all silly. By this time, the two individuals were all over the chair, trying to get hold of the glasses. Suddenly, Minwoo stopped playing and dropped the glasses onto the ground. Theresa looked at him stupidly before picking it up. She looked at Minwoo questioningly. “Shit…it’s one of my father’s private services…WTF…I told Jae Won to keep his pouty mouth shut. Come on, Theresa! Let’s get out of here!” “But…we just got our coffee…” Theresa started to protest. “Screw coffee!” Minwoo grabbed Theresa’s wrist and ran out of the café, leaving couple dollar bills on his way out. Minwoo ran for a while, dragging Theresa along. Finally, they stopped when they reached the park. They sat down on the near by bench and tried to catch their breath. Minwoo looked down, trying to regain his composition. He noticed that he was holding something small in his hand…Theresa’s hand. Theresa seemed to notice this at the same time also, gently pulling it back shyly. They sat in the darkness, the only source of light coming from a nearby streetlight at the park. After a few moments of uncomfortable stillness, Theresa broke the silence. “Who were you running from? What do you mean by your father’s private services?” “They are like our family lookouts. If one of them saw me, they would tell my dad. You see, I’m supposed to be at home. My dad won’t let me go out because he wants me to study at home for our family business.” “Oh…at least you have someone out there that looks after you.” Theresa quietly looked down, envying the life that Minwoo lived. “What do you mean? You’re so lucky that you don’t always have to watch what you do and be aware of who’s watching. Besides, not all the snobby chicks come up to you every day trying to hook up. You could be your own person. People like you for the way you are…not who your father is.” “…I guess I’m glad people don’t know my father very well for who he is… I mean, with all respect to my father…but …sigh, I don’t know. He disappoints me sometimes.” FLASHBACK “Okay class, today, we’re going to draw a family portrait with paint, pencils and crayons! Make sure you label everyone in your family including pets!” Everyone in the kindergarten class drew away, some with their tongue stuck out from concentration. A little girl was first to finish. The teacher went up to her and looked at the picture half disappointedly. “You didn’t finish this picture, Theresa. Where are your mom and your siblings?” “…” “This picture is so small, I can’t tell where you are. Point to me where you are.” “My daddy said that my mommy don’t exist anymore and I might not even be his daughter because my mommy left as soon as I was born. That’s why I’m not in the picture…I’m probably not his daughter.” The whole class was quiet with shock and the teacher backed away, surprised at what this four year old had just confessed. END FLASHBACK All night long, the two people talked very deeply of every matter…religion, dreams, fate, time, love, and future. Both had never engaged in such a meaningful conversation…their true feelings for such deep subjects brought them closer in no time. The sun was slowly peeking through from the mountains and its radiance shone across the park's field and glistened the water from the little fountain. They both stared far into the horizon where the mountains and the sky met, watching the multiple colors of the sunrise cast across the sky. Minwoo watched the sunrise, and then turned his attention to Theresa. She was more beautiful than ever under the warm yellow light. The color of her hair seemed to grow lighter from the sun's warm highlights. Theresa caught her attention to Minwoo, who was gazing at her steadily. His eyes were so deep and sincere, something she had never seen. “…Minwoo…is it okay…if I kiss you?” There were no other words shared. Minwoo kissed her first, taking her into his strong arms. They sat on the same bench they have sat in for hours, now kissing under the bright sun. The two broke off their kiss and locked their eyes to each other. “I think I should be going…” Theresa started to avoid the awkward situation. “I’ll…I’ll take you home.” Minwoo offered. “No, you left your car at the Midnight Café. I think it’s the best for us to go our separate ways. Good bye…and thank you.” Minwoo quietly watched Theresa walk, heading back to her apartment complex before he himself tried to get a taxi. Theresa was finally home, but something wasn’t right. The front door was slightly open. Theresa slowly opened the door and stepped in. She carefully peeked inside the dark room. Suddenly, a cloth blinded her eyes and gagged her mouth…. a strong pair of arms took her away… and there was nothing she could do. Chapter 6 Theresa’s P.O.V I kicked and screamed for them to let go, but it was no use. For the final time, I gave it my all and kicked who ever were holding me. The last thing I heard was a yelp of pain before something hit me on the head real hard. Minwoo’s P.O.V I tried for so long to try to hail a taxi, but none stopped for me. Stupid, blind, stupid, dumb, stupid taxi drivers. Did I mention stupid? I finally gave up and sat down on the sidewalk and looked down. From the corner of my eyes, I saw a book with its cover down…just like how I had my head down. Interest sparked my curiosity and I went over to pick it up. It was a planner with a lot of pictures stuck inside…pictures of Theresa. Surprised, I quickly opened the planner to look for the rightful owner. I knew it was Theresa’s planner without doubt. I got up and started to hail a taxi again…I had to drop this off at Theresa’s house. I looked around the place…it wasn’t the greatest, I had to admit. I looked at Theresa’s little information card she carried around in her planner to make sure this was the place and I wasn’t being stupid and went to the wrong apartment. Nope. It was the right place. I walked into the apartment complex and took the flight upstairs to their apartment room. The halls were dark and murky with cobwebs strung from place to place. I walked down the hall and to the last door, Theresa’s place. I knocked, but the door creaked open since it was already half ajar. I hesitantly walked in but stepped back quickly in surprise. There was an injured man lying there on the floor half conscious. He was limp and barely breathing. His pulse beat uncontrollably and perspiration ran down his pale face. I looked around for help, but everything else was in the darkness and no one else seemed to be in the room. I couldn’t just leave him there, so I slung him over my shoulder and hailed the cab to the nearest hospital. Damn…he’s one heavy dude. I wondered the relation between Theresa and this man until he started to mumble through pain. “Theresa…Daddy’s…sorry…I’m sorry…” Theresa’s P.O.V I woke up in a dark room and I couldn’t see anything. Duh…I still had a blindfold over my eyes. Since my hands were free, I sat up and reached up to untie the blindfold. I looked around my surrounding…it was dark and messy, beside the point that I couldn’t focus because my brain was still boggled. I rested my head on my knees and held them with my arm, trying to comfort myself from all the frustration and confusion. Tears continuously welled up my eyes and spilled over, splotching my knees and the junky old mattress I was on. Thoughts of what happened kept coming to mind, Father, and Minwoo. “Minwoo…. please, come help me…I’m scared.” I whispered helplessly through my tears. “Yah! You awake? Come out of the room!” A silhouette shouted at her. Theresa was startled, since this wasn’t the first thing she expected while she was crying. “…Heuk…” Nothing more came out of her mouth. Chapter 7 Theresa’s eyes had grown wide as the silhouette came towards her. Theresa fearfully slid herself further into the bed, her hands clammy and sweating uncontrollably. “AHH!” Not being able to hold in the panic and terror, Theresa screamed. “Ah!! GO AWAY! DON’T HURT ME!” “I won’t hurt you if you cooperate and be a good girl…” “…” “Good. I know what you’re thinking…but I’m not that type of guy. I won’t touch you, but if you don’t hurry up, you don’t know what Eric might start. I have to take you to Eric before 5 tonight, so hurry up. I don’t have time to shit around.” Theresa nodded uneasily and she still shook severely. She slowly got up but extreme shot of pain ran through her legs and hipbones. Having no choice, she wobbled her way to pick up her purse that had been carelessly thrown aside on the ground. As she was about to reach down to pick up her purse, she crumbled to the ground. “Ack! My ankle…!” I must have stumbled hard, because that same figure took me into his arms and dragged me out. I took a careful look at him, and he wasn’t that bad looking. Right then, he caught me looking at him. Fine, I was drooling over him. “What are you looking at?” I just gave him a blank look and looked down. “I’m Andy…Andy Lee. But don’t call me that in front of Eric. He’s not going to like it…he’ll think I’m getting to “friendly” with you.” With that, he shoved me into the car, ignoring my yelp of pain. He drove furiously and stopped violently in front of a dead end alley. There, four other masked men stood as they awaited us. Minwoo’s P.O.V ^Bleep~^^Bleep~^^~^~^~^~^~^^~~^~^ “Mmm…” I awoke from my own sleep at the sound of Theresa’s father attempting to get up. I rushed over and helped him sit up. I could tell that his forehead was still bleeding because the bandage has been soaked with blood, and it hasn’t been long since the nurse came in to change it. I supported Mr. Jang’s head and leaned him against the pillow and the wall. I reached out and handed him a glass of water, which he accepted greatly. “…Do…you work…here?” He quietly mumbled painfully. I smiled brightly at him, trying to comfort him and giving him the impression that I was a good guy- after all, we’re talking about THRERESA’S dad here. “Hello Mr. Jang, I’m Lee Minwoo…I don’t work here at the hospital, but I brought you here because you were injured. Um…and I’m also Theresa’s…friend.” I stuck out my hand to shake hands with him, but he didn’t seem to notice…or at the worse, reject me. “Where’s my daughter!” It was more of a statement than a question. I looked down in confusion. “I…thought you would know…I only came after you got hurt…” “Fuck…you…get out! GET OUT!” “…I don’t understand Sir…why…” “What don’t you understand!? Get out of my face damn it! Go fuck around somebody else! GET OUT!!” My head hung low, and couldn’t help feeling hurt. After all, I saved this guy’s life and this is how I’m being thanked. I gave him a flagrant look and stormed out the door. Chapter 8 Theresa’s P.O.V I couldn’t tell who they were since no light except for streetlamps were on. “Huh…so, is this Mrs. Jang? Kind of short for her age now, isn’t she? Don’t tell me you brought the wrong bitch.” “Sorry Eric, but Mrs. Jang wasn’t there. Brian and I tried to beat it out of him, but he wouldn’t say. “ “Who’s the chick?” Eric grabbed me by the wrist and flung me toward a light so he could see clearly for himself. He looked dead serious and terrifying because of the shadows that loomed over his chiseled facial features. His grip on me became tighter as he examined me with his sharp ebony eyes. “I believe it’s Jang’s daughter…” Andy trailed off. Eric lifted her chin to look her directly in the eyes. “Name?” “…” “I said name!” “Theresa…Theresa Jang…my father-…” “Shut up. Jin! Take the girl for a dress up. I’ll see her at home.” I expected Eric’s home to be shabby like Andy’s, but it wasn’t. In fact…he was rich. I’ve never seen such exquisite gardening and magnificent mansion- no…castle- in my whole life. Jin pushed me forward and started to walk beside me with his hands around my wrist. I yelped in pain because of the injury Eric had done less than an hour ago…when he grabbed me and pushed me into the raw streetlight. Though I flinched in pain, he didn’t let go until we were fully in the castle…Eric’s castle. Andy dragged me up the stairs and into the hall until he pushed me into a dark room. He casually flicked the lights and walked in. I looked around the room; it was very simple, but elegant. The whole room was colored ivory: the bed, closet, carpet, and desk. I looked around in awe, all the furniture was carved beautifully and the light in the room was so light and warm. “Stay here…it’s for your own good. Eric isn’t as cold and dumb as you think.” With those final words, Andy slammed the door on Theresa’s face. Minwoo’s P.O.V Few days later… Theresa had been gone for days and wrinkles of worry formed on my twenty three year old forehead. It was driving me crazy…Theresa, I mean. Not the wrinkles. Okay, I lied…the wrinkles are driving me crazy also. I was reluctant, but I had no choice. I went back to the hospital, where Theresa’s father stayed. *Knock* “…WHAT NOW!?” I carefully opened the door. “YOU! I told you to get out of here! You’re the one who’s going to be responsible for corrupting my innocent daughter! Didn’t I tell you before the fuck off?!” I tried hard to remain my composure as he blared in my ears like a drill sergeant. “Sir…you may not like me, but I really do love your daughter. But this isn’t the time for me to explain my feelings for her. Mr. Jang…” “You don’t understand, boy! I’ve seen this happen…and for my daughter’s sake~ she’s the only thing I have. She’s my responsibility…I’m not going to let you take her so easily.” “MR. JANG! THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE ARGUING ABOUT ME! I MAY BE THE BIGGEST BASTARD ON EARTH, BUT I’M GOING TO BE THE ONLY BASTARD WHO’S GOING TO FIND YOUR DAUGHTER!” “…Find…my…daughter?” “I think they took her…no…I’m positive they took her. She’s been gone for days now…I have to find her…I have to knows she’s okay.” “…Moon…Jung Hyuk…that…. son of a bitch…” Woo Hyuk looked up into Minwoo’s eyes. “Prove me your worth…if you save my daughter…then you can see her…and only then will I allow you to be with her…if you see another woman…I swear I’ll kill you with my own two hands.” Minwoo bowed his head and started to make his way out, but stopped. He turned back and stood right in front of Theresa’s father. Minwoo handed him a box. “It’s a little something to show my thanks. It’s a box of cigars…smoke it when the chicks aren’t around. Thank you.” Minwoo left in search of Moon Jung Hyuk…Eric. Theresa’s P.O.V I wasn’t sure what I was at his home. Was I his doll? Entertainer? He never took me to bed, but he did contaminate my lips with his. Our relationship was like a monkey and the monkey’s master. I was the monkey. He told me to dance, and I danced. He ordered me rub his back, and I did. He commanded me to kiss him…and I did. Of course, I was forced to do so…to go against my newfound love for Minwoo. When he kissed me, it was disgusting, like as if a slug was sliding and squirming around my mouth and traveling to other places. My bedroom that I was first introduced to was no longer needed. I was like his dog, sleeping on the floor of his bed. Tonight was no different. He threw me down a pillow and shut off the lights. I stayed awake, listening to Eric’s soft slumber. I was about to go to sleep, when I heard a shotgun go through Eric’s oak door. Eric scrambled awake, a gun in his hand. I looked at the direction of the gunshot…and saw a familiar figure. Chapter 9 It was a male silhouette, and the gun was polished clean…the gleam from the gun hurt my eyes. The figure stepped forward. BANG!! Eric grabbed me by my neck and had the gun pointed to my head. “DON’T MOVE, OR ELSE THIS BITCH IS GOING TO DIE!” The figure didn’t move one bit…the figure that I believed it was Minwoo. By now, I was gasping for air because of Eric’s strong grip around my neck. I was squirming to get out, but it was no use. I heard an inhumane laughter coming from Eric. “Muhahahahaha! I have both of you tied around my arms! Hahaha! Hm, which reminds me…I have an important question to ask. Where’s the necklace!” “…W…What necklace…?” “THE KEYS!! THE PENDANT THAT OPENS THE SAFE! WHERE IS IT! WHERE DID YOUR MOMMY HIDE THE NECKLACE?!” I slowly felt my circulation stopping and oxygen cutting off. “I…don’t…know…I never…knew…. her…. please-…” “YOU! YOU KNOW WHERE IT IS! THAT’S WHY YOU’RE GOING OUT WITH HER! TELL ME WHERE IT IS OR ELSE I’LL BLOW YOUR SORRY ASS OFF WITH MY GUN!” BANG! Deadly silence…I shut my eyes, not wanting to see the gore…not wanting to see my Minwoo on the cold, marble floor… Chapter 10 After the loud gunshot, everything was quiet, but Eric’s grip on my neck loosened. Wondering what happened, I slowly opened my eyes and saw Minwoo looking dumbfounded and another man standing behind him. My father. He still had his gun pointed at Eric, and I knew it was my dad who killed Eric because smoke was still coming out of his gun. My eyes dropped to the ground where there was a pool of crimson blood oozing out of Eric’s body. Although we were still in the dark, his white face still glowed pale, his eyes still half open. I shrieked and ran to Minwoo with tears in my eyes. I hugged him tight, never wanting to let him go. He was surprised, but slowly put his arm around me and held me, burying his face in my hair. AHEM I forgot my father was there, watching us. Minwoo and I uncomfortably moved away from each other. My father just look straight ahead and walked past us and went to where Eric lain. I looked at Minwoo fearfully. He grabbed my hand, letting me know that he was there. We both walked towards Eric and I buried my face in Minwoo’s shoulder when we were right in front of his dead corpse. Minwoo pushed me back and he squatted next to Eric. “Do you think he’s really dead?” Minwoo harshly questioned my father. “Yeah, let’s get out of here.” We got into Minwoo’s car and started to escape from the murder scene. I was still shaken up from the incident, but Minwoo and my dad seemed pretty bold and sturdy about it. “This…this doesn’t make sense…how did you find my father…no, how do you know my father?” I questioned Minwoo, breaking the eerie silence. “I found your diary…so I ran to your apartment and found your father. I rushed him to the hospital…and went to visit him…to see what happened to you because I haven’t heard from you…” Hearing that my father was rushed to the hospital made me jump. “Dad…are you okay? How did you manage to come here?” Woo Hyuk’s eyes softened when he heard his daughter’s worried voice. “I couldn’t live, knowing that I was lying in bed while my only daughter was taken away by someone I hate. At first…I just laid there, but I realized I owed you so much…so I ran and broke out of the hospital with this young lad…Minwoo?” Minwoo merely nodded. This whole father-daughter thing was almost nauseating; it was too fruity. This was something he didn’t experience. It seemed like in his family, only his sister J was able to attract their parent’s love. The road began to look blurry from his tears, but he didn’t want to wipe it in case Theresa saw him wiping his tears. Instead, he slightly tilted his head back and tried to blink it away. It was no use. His white face was streaked with his sorrow. Chapter 11 Theresa’s P.O.V It had only been a week before my father was in trouble again. I knew he was in trouble again because he had left…all his clothes, belongings, money…our savings…they were all gone. I couldn’t believe it…my father left me…with nothing. I did nothing but crumble down and cry…there was nothing to do. I saw that he had already sold some of our belongings as well…like the few furniture we possessed…Him needing so much money wasn’t a good sign…and I knew from the start that he wouldn’t be home for a long time. Couple days later, I received a call from him in the middle of the night. “Theresa…” “Daddy? Where are you? Yawn…” “I’m in the States right now…just to let you know. You can take care of yourself for some time, right?” “Yes…of course. Dad…don’t drink there and stay out of trouble…call me often, daddy…I miss you.” “I’m going to go…bye!” “…Bye…” I knew that he was going to be away…and wasn’t really surprised that he had gone to the States. It was probably the police…perhaps they picked up something…since it was my father who had shot Eric to his death. During the time my father was gone, I continued to go to work at the hospital, though I was almost fired for being gone for so long. I also continued to see Minwoo, but it wasn’t something that we did often. It was only 9 o’clock but Minwoo had already dropped me off home from the shortest date I’ve ever been on. It didn’t matter though; he and I both had work left to do. Work was really killing me these days; Dr. Lee and some new doctors were overloading me with files to fill out, or organizing old and new profiles, and keeping a daily journal of each of Dr. Lee’s patients. By the time I finished my last entry of Dr. Lee’s patients, it was already four in the morning and I had work in several hours. The thought of work really bugged me and I was ready to pull out my hair the next time I heard another crazed patient screeching down the hall. I sleepily pulled myself to bed as the idea of calling in sick came to mind. I was too tired to think about it though, so I just closed my eyes and thought of Minwoo before snoring my head off. Hey, I was tired. The next morning, I woke up the sound of my damned alarm clock’s shrilling. ::BAM!:: Oh wells, not anymore. I was about to continue my peaceful rest until someone decided to run and scream down the apartment hallway. What a lucky day, I was going to kill them. I peeked outside thinking that a little kid was running around, but the hallway was empty. How strange. But if anyone made a squeak, I was ready to beat them. I’m really not a rough person...but after a 2 hour night’s sleep, I was really not in the mood for probable screaming streakers or stupid alarm clocks. You understand. As soon as I got back into bed, I suddenly remembered that I had to meet Minwoo in the park in couple minutes to excersize. Shoot. I was truly planning to get up, but the next thing I know, I woke up again, only to see the clock changing to 10:30 AM. I am so screwed. Minwoo will kill me for making him get up so early and me not being there. Great. Just great. With my condition, I was not even going to try to go back to work. Instead, I called in sick from outside, and told Dr. Lee that I would drop by some time to give him my work. Luckily, he didn’t need it today. That only meant that I could sleep in. I showered quickly in the small thing that I called bathtub. I got out and changed into something more comfortable...or the only thing I had to wear beside work clothes and couple formal dresses. Like as if on cue, someone tapped on my apartment door as soon as i finished brushing my hair. I wasn’t really sleepy or angry anymore. I just calmly walked a few steps to the door and opened it. My eyes must have popped out three feet right then. It was HwanHee...one of Eric’s guys...the one that lived with him in the same castle... I shook and was ready to shut the door on his face when someone quietly called my name. “...Ji Soo...” I felt myself crumbling to the ground and fainting after I saw this woman... The woman that resembled my Mother. Chapter 12 Everything was a blur and it took couple moments before my vision sharpened. The voice still rang in my head...Ji Soo...Ji Soo... The only person who would know my other name would be my parents...nobody else knew of it. And I knew this had to be my mother...only my mother would call me Ji Soo...or so my father says. He used to tell me how he hated my name...because it would remind him of my mother...Ki Soo. My mother looked at me intently and brushed her hands over my face to remove some hair that was stuck on my face. Her hands were still young...in fact...she looked exactly the same as the picture my father had hidden. So many questions flooded my head...Why did my mother find me now? Where was she? Does she know anything about me? What happened all these years? What’s the story behind my mother and father? I wanted to know, but as soon as I tried to get up, a splitting headache came about and I immediately lain back down. My mother had a worried face... I couldn’t help noticing my mother’s sophisticated style...everything about her spelled RICH...which kind of bugged me...knowing that my mother probably had a good life while leaving my father and I in the everlasting financial problems. My mother ran her slender fingers down my face, but I pushed her away.Yet, I wasn’t the one to miss the flash of hurt on her face. Tears were making their way down, no matter how much I tried to make them stop. I couldn’t wait any longer...I had to know what happened...I wanted to fill in the missing spaces of my past...my heart. “...Why...” There were so many questions...but I didn’t know where to start. “Why... did you... leave?” ...Silence... “Why are you coming back now...when I finally found someone that...I thought would make my lonely past... go away?” “I came back because I love you...I had to see my baby...I couldn’t wait to see how much you have grown!” Ugh...It was disgusting...her voice...coated with sugar...it was obvious that she was lying...My face was still turned the other way...hiding my angry eyes from my mother. “...Ah~ don’t worry about a thing...I’m here and there are some nice people you can meet...In fact there are many boys your age and...” “What about my father?!” “Y..Your father...Isn’t he in America?” “And how would YOU know THAT?” “Well, technology these days...my my...how quickly they’re advancing...” Well...it figures...she probably hired someone to stalk us...no...I know it...she’s somehow connected to Hwanhee...she’s probably linked with Eric... I couldn’t stand to listen to her give me all this crap. What a bitch...she didn’t even know how to lie....All I wanted to do was go home and be in Minwoo’s arms...be reminded that there are loving people in the world. My thoughts were interrupted when someone came busting into the room. Hwanhee. He glanced at me, but quickly turned away. He briskly walked up to my mother and whispered something oh so secretly. Suddenly, my mother screamed out a “WHAT!” but quickly gained her composure again. She cleared her throat and continued to whisper back to Hwanhee. My mother turned her attention back to me and gave me one of those “I’m sorry but I gotta run to do something evil” smile. She quickly screeched a sorry and left the room. I had nothing else to do so I decided to go back to sleep, hoping my splitting headache would go away. Chapter 13 I woke up to the sound of clattering, crashing, and...Brian...the guy who was trying to beat me up...make me tell where Mrs. Jang is...which really confused me now that I thought about it...why where they looking for my mother when she was with them? I didn’t want to go back to the splitting head ache so I just cleared my thoughts and tried to listen to the conversation Brian was having on the phone....that is...try to hear Brian over the crashing dishes that the servants probably dropped, the clattering of the dishes washing and someone’s squeaky voice scolding them. No one else but my mother’s. I tried hard to listen to Brian, but all I heard was bunch of “uh huh”s and such. I crawled out of bed and put my ears against the door to get a better hear of things. “...Yeah...she’s still sleeping....uh huh...of course this is going to work! If she has any love for her father, then she’ll work with us....uh huh...yeah...man...HwanHee is going to be one lucky guy...she’s not that bad...or so I think...I don’t know man...aiite....bye!” I knew that he was done on the phone, but I couldn’t help just standing there, trying to suck in everything I heard. ::CRASH:: Great, I don’t know what happened, but I landed on the floor. Oh~ I get it now. Brian just opened the door while I was still standing there. Perfect. Brian just looked at me funny and then slightly helped me up to my feet. When I say slightly, I mean that he just pulled out his hand and then let go as soon as I touched it. What a weirdo. He eyed me suspiciously before he started to talk to me. “Okay, so what did you hear?” As you can see, I was feeling a little sarcastic. “Oh...nothing but bunch of ‘uh huh’ and mumbo jumbo.” Brian’s eyes stared straight into mine. “I know you heard more.” Dang, his voice was scary...but at the same time, I couldn’t help noticing how sexy deep it was. Hey, I’m only a female. “Okay...So I heard whatever you said towards the end...I only woke up couple minutes ago.” I gave a little pout and just innocently looked at him. His face relaxed and actually gave a slight smile. Ha~ I, Theresa Jang, was totally pro at this. “You know...I’m a pretty nice guy...” Uh huh~ what ever...this doode just did a 180 turn on personality. I’m supposed to buy this kind of thing from him? “Um...do you need something? I’ll get you water or something to eat maybe...” “I want to know what is happening. I’m so confused...so many questions...” “...You really want to know?....Well...you see...our group of people...” “Who’s your people? Eric’s gang?” “Uh huh...Eric’s gang and this rich man...Moon Hee Jun...they joined forces...to make Jang Woo Hyuk’s life....miserable.” “...Why...why would they want my father’s life so miserable...? What have we done to you?” “Sigh...you see, your father and your mother were once lovers...and they had you out of wedlock. The problem was, your mother’s parents had arranged her to marry Moon Hee Jun...and she did...she had no choice. Hee Jun knew that your mother still loved your father. He was jealous...and still is...so he made up a lie and basically brainwashed your mother with all this jibberish that your father supposively commited. But you know what? She still loves you...and actually remembers you. It’s just now...she wants you to marry Hwanhee...my homeboy. Make him happy...aiite?” “Whoa whoa whoa~ back up! ME marry HWANHEE?! Uh...may I just say, HELLZ NO!! Besides, I don’t think I believe you.” “What do you not believe?!” Brian rolled his eyes. “Why did you kidnap me earlier...with my father practically dead on the floor?! Why was Eric looking for my mother...when she was with you?!” “At that time, we had no connection with Moon Hee Jun. In fact, we were trying to go against him. We knew that they had a safe...and only your mother’s pendant on the necklace can open it. This was the key to our sucess. But we failed...we didn’t know that your mother was actually the wife of Moon Hee Jun. It was only recently, we teamed with him because the money involved is good...And if we are on the good side of Moon Hee Jun, you never know what fortune will come. Eric is dead and we’re kind of helpless...this was the best opportunity. Gawd...I feel like a fool for telling you all this...but I think you have the right to know...the gang isn’t really that bad when you get to know them...really...” “I don’t care! Why the hell am I getting involved with Hwanhee...that bastard.” “I don’t know...it’s Mrs. Jang’s decision. But I’m positive money is involved. You see, Hwanhee’s family is supposively rich...he’s only in this dirt because he wants to be around me...told you he was my homie.” I rolled my eyes...this was not making sense to me and Brian was just bragging about his friends. “What if I refuse to marry Hwanhee?” “I wouldn’t do that...Moon Hee Jun will probably find some way to get you be wed to Hwanhee...like threaten to kill your father or even your lover...Minwoo. We know exactly where he is...all the time.” Brian’s voice got low again. “So as long as I play along in this and marry Hwanhee...everything will be okay?” “Yeah...and...” Brian leaned in to whisper. “You didn’t hear this from me but...once Moon Hee Jun gets the money he wants...maybe you can divorse Hwanhee...and go back to your old lover...if he takes you back.” If he takes you back...If he takes you back...If he takes you back...It kept on ringing in my head. Will Minwoo take me back if he finds out I married Hwanhee...Will he want me back after all the things...all the pain I put him through? At this point, I didn’t know what to do...it was all too sudden...It was only yesterday or so that I was in my small apartment...and the next thing I know...I live in a mansion...but with so much unwanted knowledge and fate. Brian broke my train of thoughts as he broke the silence. “I’ll help you get out for a day...be with your lover...” “What? What’s the catch?” “If you give me a kiss...afterall, I told you so much and even giving you a chance to go out for a day with Minwoo...how about it?” I really didn’t want to...but I felt like I owed Brian for catching me up on what’s happening. Besides...I really, really wanted to see Minwoo again...I would do anything to be at his side one more time. I closed my eye and leaned in to give Brian a little kiss. ...::I’m sorry Minwoo...I truly am::.. Chapter 14 Brian wasn’t the biggest lying bastard because couple days later, I was free to go out and see Minwoo...with a curfew of 12 am. Good enough for me, I never was able to go out so late anyway. In the morning, I called up Minwoo and woke him up. He was sleeping in since it was a Saturday. He sounded a little grumpy and groggy, but as soon as I told him I really wanted to see him, he lightened up and told me that he would see me as soon as he got dressed. Brian drove me down to my old apartment so that Minwoo wouldn’t get suspicious. I met Minwoo there after Brian left. Minwoo and I took a brief morning walk down to IHOP and we shared a plate of breakfast special. Actually, Minwoo had the whole thing...I just had some eggs since he didn’t like the eggs there. We were happily eating until Minwoo’s mouth flung open and some sausage flew out. o.O...? I gave him a look and then looked toward his direction. Great...there was an arcade across the street. I KNOW that he’ll want to go there. “OMG~!! THAT ARCADE HAS THE NEW VERSION OF DDR!! COME ON THERESA! LET’GO PLAY!!” Ack~ I hurriedly paid the waitress and ran across the street after Minwoo. By the time I got there, a crowd was already forming around MY Wooie. Dang...mad dancing skillz...But not as good as me. I pushed through the crowd and joined Minwoo on the DDR machine after inserting some coins. Minwoo started to get all competitive and used his hands and spin around as he was dancing. Chi~ he thinks he has it all memorized? I smirked and continued to play DDR, letting Minwoo have a victorious smile for a second. Then I wiped it off when I started break dancing it. SUCKER~ When you work at a hospital with patients like mine, you pick up couple pointers. The crowd was wild and all, but Minwoo and I decided to stop and go to his house. We were going to go have a picnic later in the hills where we can see the whole city. When we got to Minwoo’s house, Minwoo first took a shower while I started to make lunch. When Minwoo got out, he handed me his clothes and told me to change into them after I took a shower. Dang, Minwoo had a small waist. The clothes fit me...somewhat...I just had to occasionally pull them up. Minwoo finished packing so we went to the hill and made our long hike up there. I was hot, tired, and sweaty all over again in Minwoo’s clothes. Perfect. When we got to our destination, I didn’t care about anything and just plopped down onto the floor to sit. Minwoo just grinned and took out a blanket so that we can sit on it. I let him do that and I just lain down on it. Hey~ I’m usually not this bad, but I was pooped. He and I were laying down on our stomachs and looking down the cliff. It was kind of scary, but at the same time, you couldn’t help admiring the beautiful town we lived in. After resting up, we ate our lunch. I was hungrier than I thought. Probably because I played DDR and hiked all the way up here with IHOP egg power. Haha. Later in the afternoon, Minwoo suggested that we take a horseback ride that will take us to the beach. It sounded good so I agreed. It was a 30 minute ride, which was pretty good considering it took us an hour to climb up the hill. When Minwoo and I were dropped off at the beach, it was already almost time for the sun to set. We were still excited from the horseride, so we splashed water and got into the water...not caring if I got Minwoo’s pants dirtier than it was already. Besides, Minwoo never cared if something got dirty anyway. I continued to shout and splash water at Minwoo. Suddenly, he covered his eyes and squatted down. Worried that I got salt in his eyes, I called out to him. “Minwoo...are you okay?” “.................” ‘Shoot...it must sting so much...’ I ran to his hovering body and put my arms around him. “OMG...are you okay? I’m so sorry...It must hurt...here...let me wipe off...OOF.” I fell on my back and it was now Minwoo who was hovering over me like a dog. “Ah! Minwoo...erg. Get off me! I thought I really got water in your eyes! You’re evil!” “What? Me? Evil? Let’s find out.” Minwoo pinned me to the sand and gently kissed me. It was awkward especially because I was being kissed like this in front of few people who passed by now and then. Yet, I didn’t want it to stop. We were both soaking wet from head to toe and now that we were in the sand, sand was sticking everywhere and getting into my hair. We rolled around a few times before I felt something wet drop on my back. I pulled my head up to see what it was. Suddenly, everything started to pour down without warning. It was raining hard, soaking everything in seconds. Minwoo and I scrambled out from the sand and looked around for a shelter. Unfortunately, there was no shelter we can go, and since we didn’t bring our cars, we had to walk. I shaded my eyes with my hands and so did Minwoo; we were couple yards apart. “YA~ THERESA! MARRY ME!!” Minwoo screamed over the hard pounding rain and the lightening that was starting. He held up a box with a diamond ring. He ran up to me and held my hands. I didn’t know what to do...it would be my dream come true for me to marry him...forever be in his arms...know that we’ll never be apart from each other. Yet, what about my father? I had to save him...If I marry Minwoo, then Moon Hee Jun might kill my father...I didn’t want to lose him forever. Besides, unless I’m with my mother, I didn’t have enough money to support Minwoo and the family...or have enough to even have a small wedding. I would be nothing but a burden to him later. “...Minwoo...” I whispered, trying to hide my tears. “...Yeah...?” He whispered back. We were so close to each other. “...I...I can’t. I’m sorry.” With that, I ran fast as I can in the sand. Yet, because of the deep sand, I couldn’t go far before Minwoo caught me by my wrist. “Theresa...I don’t understand...” “Minwoo...Please don’t be like this...but...will you wait for me? Do you love me enough...that you’ll take me back no matter what?” “Yes...Yes! Of course I will Theresa....I’m always here...” “Okay...that’s all I want to hear. Good Bye Lee Minwoo...” I ran off again, but this time, Minwoo didn’t chase me. He was kneeling in the sand...rain drenching his silhouette… Chapter 15 I ran and ran until I toppled over. I have never cried so hard in my life…tears ran down like rivers. The hard pounding rain didn’t stop as I ran…I guess it felt sorry for me…sorry that it couldn’t make me and Minwoo be happy together. I hated myself so much…for rejecting my only true love…for making his heartbreak…and I hated him for making me love him. I squatted and hugged my knees. I needed to rest…I couldn’t breathe because I ran so hard. I looked around to make sure Minwoo wasn’t coming after me. I was freezing from the cold rain and the fact that I was wet from head to toe didn’t help. I slowly picked myself up and hugged myself for some warmth. I continued to trot down to my house…I still had some ways to go. By the time I reached my new home, I was dirty, wet, and miserable. Because this was a rich neighborhood, people passing by in cars would give me dirty looks and mumble what a thing like me was doing in their “perfect” neighborhood. I knocked on the gigantic doors and one of the maids opened the door. She gasped and immediately took me in and asked what happened. I still haven’t stopped crying and I couldn’t answer her. There was too much going in my head and I was caught up in my tears. All the other maids and butlers in the mansion stared at me. The maid who opened the door for me had a sympathetic look and got me a towel. I didn’t want to dirty the towel with my dirty clothes so I slightly pushed it away. It wasn’t like as if I wasn’t dripping already. I took off my shoes and ran upstairs to my room. I crumbled to the ground. Tears were still sliding down, but I had calmed down and was too exhausted to cry anymore. Noticing that I got my soft carpet wet as well, I slowly got up and tumbled into the bathroom. I quickly took a hot shower and put a towel around my body since I forgot to bring clothes with me. As I stepped out, Brian scared me by popping out of nowhere. He looked a little surprise as well. I guess he didn’t expect me to be not wearing anything but a towel. I smacked him across the face and he only looked at me with a dumbfounded look. I didn’t care…I no longer was sad, but rather frustrated and felt like a bitch. I was…I was a bitch for leaving Minwoo like that…so why not be a bitch to Brian. Nothing mattered. I walked into my room and slammed the door behind me. As soon as I slammed the door, Brian barged in. “What the hell was that for?! I worked things out so that you can be with Minwoo and this is what I get?!” “It none of your business so get out of my face so I can dress.” I said matter-of-factly. This time, it was Brian who slapped me. My head turned to the other side and I stepped back from the impact. I looked straight back at him, gave him a nasty look, and slapped him back. “Get the f--- out of here!” “You bitch…fix up your attitude and get your ass downstairs. Wear something nice…Moon Hee Jun is there. Don’t f--- up!” Gawd, I hated Brian. You can say I’m in denial. He seemed like a good guy and look what he treats me like. It was his fault… I opened the closet and looked at the many gowns the rich bastards have bought. I chose the light blue one. Blue to show my sadness…blue to represent my tears…Blue to remember Minwoo’s favorite color, light blue to show that I was ready to start again with Hwanhee…to try to forget Minwoo. I walked downstairs and saw my mother, Hwanhee and Moon Hee Jun sitting around the glass coffee table. I took a deep breath and walked to them. I knew exactly why Moon Hee Jun was here. ** ::Minwoo’s POV:: I hated myself. Why did I scare her away like that?! I punched the wall in front of me. Now there was a hole in the wall and my whole hand was covered in blood. I watched my blood drip down my arms and little droplets fall onto the white carpet. I usually didn’t cry, but this time, I couldn’t stop them from falling. It wasn’t the pain from my hands…but the piercing scar in my heart. I was feeling suicidal… I picked up my razor and made a small cut on my wrist…small enough that not a lot of blood was coming out from it. I suddenly put it down as a thought came into mind. ‘Minwoo...Please don’t be like this...but...will you wait for me? Do you love me enough...that you’ll take me back no matter what?’ What was that supposed to mean? Wait for her? Take her back? I quickly bandaged my wrist and got a coat on. I got into my car and headed to Theresa’s apartment. I scrambled out and ran into the building and went up to Theresa’s floor. I pounded on it, shouting for Theresa to hurry and open up. Her neighbors came out and said some bitchy stuff at me...shit that I didn’t need. I ran downstairs to the apartment manager room banged on his door as well. Since it was late, he was probably sleeping when I interrupted him. He came out in a pajama and a night cap...an old foegy. “Why are you interuppting my sleep at this time of night, young man?!” “Theresa...Theresa Jang...Jang Woo Hyuk...where are they?” “Huh? That nurse chick with the alcoholic dad?” “Yeah.” “Oh~ haha. Young man, I’m afraid you’re a little late. Another man came by today and told me she was moving out. He signed her out and everything.” “Where did she move to?” “I’m afraid that confidential information. I have nothing else to say so you have to leave.” I just numbly walked out into my car and started to drive home. ‘She moved out?’ Chapter 16 ::Theresa’s P.O.V:: I gave Moon Hee Jun and Hwanhee a respectful bow and sat down across from them with my mother. “Stand up.” Moon demanded. I was a little shocked at his sudden demand but followed his directions. He and Hwanhee looked at me...up and down...as if critiquing every detail of me. Every now and then, they would give looks to each other. “Turn around.” Moon commanded again. I never felt so degrading in my life. Moon and Hwanhee was checking me out...like as if I was an item waiting to be auctioned. “Stand up straighter, honey.” My mother’s sugar-coated voice bossed me around like how Moon Hee Jun was doing. I gave my mother a look, but did as she wished. After Moon Hee Jun and Hwanhee talked amongst themselves and my mother giving them a sugarry smile the whole time, the two men finally spoke up. “Hm...I like her...she looks better than the last chicka we looked at. But what’s wrong with her eyes? It’s too poofy and swollen. Why were you crying?” “Huh? I wasn’t...crying.” I replied best as I can. “I don’t like liars. And if you’re gonna lie, you might as well made a good lie. That’s a pretty pathetic excuse for lying.” Hwanhee said matter-a-factly. I wanted to tell him to shut his trap but I remembered my situation. “I’ll take her.” And simply as that...I was to be wed to Hwanhee. ::A year later:: I’ve been married to Hwanhee for almost a year now...tomorrow is our first annivarsary. Life with Hwanhee is...not as bad as one may think. I don’t know...but slowly...day by day....I am falling in love with him. But...in the back of my head, what is this awkward feeling? I know I shouldn’t worry about such things...but strangely, these thoughts pop up often. Tomorrow is our wedding annivarsary so I woke up early this morning to go shopping. Hwanhee’s favorite food...expensive steak and japanese style raw fish and sushi. The whole day, I was shopping for tonight and tomorrow’s dinner preparations, Hwanhee’s annivarsary gift, and some small things to brighten the house. After I bought everything, I went straight home and started to prepare tonight’s dinner. While I was waiting for everything to cook, I decided wrap the gift I bought him. What did I get him? It was the best formal suit set I could afford. It included shoes and hat as well. I quickly hid them before Hwanhee came home. Will Hwanhee like it? I wonder if Hwanhee got me anything yet. Hwanhee cam home couple minutes later when the food was almost done. It seemed like he was under a lot of stress. I went to him and took off his coat and asked how his day was. He gave me a distressed look and went into the bathroom to take a shower. I held his coat and took in a deep breath. I could smell his cologne, cigarette, and the smell of his office building. I gave a weak smile and hung it on the coat rack. While Hwanhee was taking a shower, I finished cooking and set it on the table. Once Hwanhee came downstairs after his bath, he sat down on the table to see what I made. “We’re having this again?” “What do you mean? I haven’t made this for several weeks now...” “But it’s always the same combination...rice, soup, and vegetables.” I bit my bottom lips to stop my mouth from talking back and arguing. Instead, I asked him if I should cook something else. “Bah...knowing the feeble minded you...it’s going to take you forever. Just clear all this. I don’t want it.” At the beginning of this marriage, I would try hard not to cry at his comments, but now, I felt almost nothing...maybe I was becoming stronger...more immune to his harsh words. To Be Continued..... ********************************************************************* |