You're Still the One

Chapter 12 - Second Chances

For the past two days, her daily routine changed completely. She heads straight to work, which means no more morning runs by the beach then when she comes home from school, she stays inside her room most of the time. These are all for one specific reason - to avoid him.

Last night during dinner, her parents' "guest", casually informed them that he is going to Seoul for a collaborative meeting with a local production team for his upcoming film project. It only means he will be gone almost all day, and that is a delightful news for Mun-yeong.

Finally, he will be out of her house even if it's just for a day. She can breathe and get her own space back.

So, the next morning, when she is certain that their house guest is gone, she hurriedly looks for her mother. Today is the best time to confront her Mom about Gang-tae and their unusual way of being extra accommodating towards him.

She saw her mom in the dining area drinking coffee. Perfect timing , she thought.

"Mom, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Good morning sweetheart. I was actually waiting for you since I also have something to tell you."

"What is it? You go first!" Mun-yeong was curious what it could be and hoping that it's nothing to do with their house guest.

Her mother's face looks serious and there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Do Hui-jae took a deep breath, and gaze at Mun-yeong's face that shows anxiousness and worry as to what she is about to say.

"I'm so sorry Mun-yeong, for being a selfish mother. For thinking that I know what's best for you and for getting in the way of your happiness." Sudden tears start streaming down her mother's face.

"What do you mean, Mom? What are you talking about? I don't understand." Mun-yeong replied completely puzzled as to what her mother is implying.

"What I'm saying is that I begged Gang-tae not to bring you in America. I'm saying that I was selfish for making you stay here. I'm the one that you should blame not him. It's me that you should hate the most..."

"Mom... why didn't you tell me before and you've been keeping that from me all this time?" Mun-yeong started sobbing, unable to comprehend what she is feeling knowing her own mother somehow had something to do with how her life turned out.

"Because I'm a coward too. I'm scared that you will hate me. And most of all I'm scared to lose you. I'm really sorry Mun-yeong. I would understand if you'll hate me, but I hope someday you can find in your heart to forgive Mom." Her mother touched her hand, her eyes filled with remorseful tears.

Mun-yeong now understand why sometimes her mother's eyes are filled with regret and pain whenever she looks at her. Now she knows the reason why she would sometimes catch her Mom crying silently. She was living in guilt for the last 8 years knowing her daughter's life changed the moment she made a selfish plea.

"I won't be honest if I say that I'm not hurt, because I am. But I can never hate you Mom when all you did was love me. Maybe it was just too much love that you end up hurting me without you realizing it." Mun-yeong leaned closer and gave her mother a warm embrace.

Her way of saying she will try and learn to forgive her and forget the painful memories of the past.

Her mother hug her in return and in between her sobs she said, "I will wait for the day you forgive me, Mun-yeong"

For a moment, they both just cry in each other's arms. Letting their hearts be free from the burden and pain that hunts them from the past.