Second Best(2yeon/Najeong version)

Yoo Jeongyeon

Nayeon

" Don't look so happy. I was in the area and wanted to come check on you since you were missing my calls."

Jeongyeon's eyes divert to the flag encased on the mantel. It sits there, reminding me daily how that'll be the only thing I have of him. I want to throw it against the wall. Smash it until there's nothing left and burn it. I hate that flag because I'd rather have him. I want Jinyoung, not some token for his service.

" I am happy. I just didn't know you were up for orders" I say as I grab Emma and pull her into my arms.

Her eyes stay on the mantel.

" Is it really that bad?" She asks.

" No, of course not" I say wishing I had some way to pull her attention away from the awkward conversation we are having.

Jeongyeon turns her eyes stay fixed on Emma.

" She's beautiful, Nay" her hand grazes the top of her head.

" I have something for her."

I draw a deep breath and cradle Emma close.

" Really?"

She chuckles and removes a necklace out of her pocket

" I got this for Emma before you had her. When I was overseas I thought it was something a little girl should have, but... well, I am never having one."

Her lips twitch with amusement as she lifts the gift in the air.

Stepping closer, I look at the tiny, green jewel that hangs on the end of the end of the chain. Its small, delicate and yet breathtaking surrounded by diamonds.

" Jeongyeon, this is too much."

" Nah, like I said not like I'll ever have kids. I'd have to find a girl who actually might like me" Jeongyeon snickers hoarsely and looks out of the window.

" yeah I could see where that could be difficult for you" I joke and relax a little.

" Thank you though its beautiful."

She smiles and places her hand on Emma " So is she."

She is. She's tiny and a handful but to me she's perfect. Everything I have ever dreamed of is wrapped up in my arms. I hold her close and nuzzle her.

" Yeah I think so too."

Jeongyeon clears her throat bringing my attention back to her " I saw his car is still in the drive. Have you met with the Veterans Affairs people yet?"

I nod and try not to look at her. I have put off doing the thinks I know I need to do. Closing out all of Jinyoung's accounts his will, selling his car maybe even this house but I don't want to.

" I have been busy."

She steps closer and her hand grips my shoulder gently.

" I can help if you need me to."

Everyone always offers to help. That's the thing I have learned the most about death. People come out of the woodwork offering a hand. They cook for you, clean your home, fix the broken shutter but its all superficial. No one knows what to say so they try to do but after a week or a few months the help no longer comes. You have no choice but to face life head- on and learn that people forget they move on. But I haven't. I live the hell that was forced upon me day in and day out.

" I am fine" I gave a fake smile.

" I have Mark and Jackson if I need them plus I am sure you have plenty of other things you need to worry about. You just moved and I know checking in takes a lot of time."