Just Enough For Her Little Dream: Book Two

In Kyung

I went on my first date with Jongho as an official couple. It was after he had a long talk one night with unnie and grandfather. I couldn't sleep as I tried hard to understand their muffled voices. Then they started to laugh and I fell asleep with a smile next to In-hye.

I tried asking Jongho what they talked about, but he wouldn't say anything. He just kept giving me his silly grin and I would always roll my eyes at his childish gestures. He took me to Santa Monica pier. I was so mesmerized by how beautiful the beach was. Jongho remembered that I'd never been to the beach before, so he thought that our first date should be a memorable one.

We took a long walk along the pier hand in hand and had a long chat about everything we could possibly think of. Every time he would give me his cute blushing smile, I was glad that I chose him. How can someone make me feel so peaceful yet so excited at the same time?

At night, the Santa Monica pier is so beautiful. We watched the sunset together on the sand and listened to the sound of the waves. I tried to put my feet in the water, but I quickly ran away from its freezing water. I asked him if we could go to the beach together again and he gave me a kiss. I took that as a yes.

The boardwalk was so bright with neon lights and filled with people at booths. There were small stands at each step you took and the food was amazing. I tried a few desserts with Jongho and he took pictures of us every other moment. My favorite one is the one where I wrap my arms around his waist and he puts a loving arm around my shoulders. He brought me close just as the sun set closer to the waters. They did an unforeseen kiss that we did, too.

I wanted to say those words that I've always said to him since we were children. I used to finish my playdate with him and hug him tightly to say goodbye. Then he would yell out to me, "I love you, In-kyung!" I would always wave back with a wide smile as my heart soared. My heart still soars now that we are adults. I want to hear him tell me those words again. This time, I'll say them back loudly like he used to.

But we are adults now. We have our own responsibilities that make us miss each other even more. At least, he still feels like my partner in crime when he accompanies me to important things like the doctor's appointment for In-hye. I let out a sigh of relief when I was told that she applied for medical help even if she was a foreigner because of her critical condition. We drove back home and I looked through the files she gave me to fill out for In-hye and the different appointments we need to go to for her to get approved. Jongho took my hand and gave it a warm squeeze.

"See?" he warmly said. "I told you everything would be okay. You don't have to worry anymore, my dear."

I returned his soft squeeze and smiled at him as he looked forward. "Thank you, Jongho, for helping me with everything."

"Of course. You know I've always got your back, In-kyung." He gave me a quick wink that made a blush start on my cheeks and my leaping heart made me give his cheek a quick kiss. The butterflies in my stomach soared at the sound of his sweet chuckle at my kiss.

I try to think of these pretty moments of this week to ease the nervous pit in my stomach. I wait to be called in for my very first interview in the States. Not even Jongho could ease my nerves this time. He reminded me of all the things I've done back in Seoul. That same "talent" brought me and my sisters down in the dumps.

I let out a long breath and take a deep breath. I can do this. This is for them. It's just a small position. I've done bigger roles. I've even been on national television. It'll be okay. This is nothing compared to what I've been through.

"Ms. Oh?"

I look up and swallow. Here it goes.

I give the lady a small bow before walking into the office of interviews. I look around at the shiny walls and clean glass table. A man at the end of the table stands to give me a firm handshake. I return it and sit diagonally from his seat as he gestures to me. Now I pray that my English doesn't sound too bad as I say, "Thank you so much for the opportunity."

He notices my accent, but he is able to understand as he gives me a smile. "Thank you for considering us as an option for your career. Tell me. How long ago did you arrive in the States?"

We have a long chat. Luckily, my English isn't as bad as I thought. He understands everything and even laughs at some of my commentaries. He then takes out a file that has my resume on it and says, "So I called the sponsored company you put here."

Jongho did mention that it was best to ask for a sponsorship. After all, my visa says that I came here to work. So I asked HTN for help and they said they would be happy to do so. I quietly wait to hear him say, "You have quite the reputation in South Korea, Ms. Oh. I looked into some of your articles as well and I have to say, you have a strong willpower to show your story to the world." I gave him a thankful nod and wiped my clammy hands on my pants. My reputation can either ruin me or make me impressive here.

"I also noticed a report of drinking while on the job?"

Damn it.

I swallowed and nodded. "Yes. I...I had two weeks of punishment."

"Yes. Do you have any record that you went to any center of rehabilitation for your alcoholism?"

No. I didn't have time. I was too busy trying to bring reveal the Park family's secrets.

I sadly shake my head and kick myself for not realizing this part of the interview. Of course, they would want to make sure I won't fall again. I already fell not that while ago. I could easily fall here, too.

I could tell this interview was not going to end well. He gives me a sympathetic smile and closes the folder. "I like your resume, Ms. Oh. I can tell that you're very tenacious and we need more people like that, but I can't even consider your application if you don't give me proof of some sort of rehabilitation. There should be some that are about a month long and that should be enough. Until then, I hope to hear from you again."

"Oh, thank you." I stand up and give him another firm handshake as he ends the interview. I watch him leave with a straight posture and relaxed expression as if he has not just crushed my spirits.

I numbly walked out of the building with fallen eyes and shoulders. I thought we would be new here. I thought our mistakes wouldn't follow us here and we could even change our names. But some mistakes are too bad to be forgotten. I should've known that record would stay with me forever, stabbing my heart and reminding me of the person I could be if I don't be careful.

I begin to cry when I see Jongho waiting for me while leaning on his car. His smile falls when he sees my tears and I cover my face. I only hear his running steps coming to me so he can hold me close.

"What happened, baby? What did they say?"

"I should've known better. I should've known. How can I be so stupid?"

"What? What do you mean? You're not stupid, In-kyung. Don't ever say that."

"His curse will follow me everywhere now. My father's curse has fallen onto me, Jongho."

"Hey. Hey." He takes my arms and tries to find my eyes as he holds my cheek. My lips quiver at the sight of his shining eyes. How could he want someone like me? How can he still believe in me after everything I've done? Would he still love me if he knew that I fell for alcohol again not that long ago?

"You are strong, you hear me? You are nothing compared to your parents. You are dedicated and tenacious. Whatever mistake they may have on those files does not compare to the person you are. Every once in a while we fail and that's what makes us humans. Now get back up and do what you have to do. Do what's right."

His words are like ice against the sizzling anger running through my veins. I can feel the burning sensation on my cheeks and ears fade away at the look in his hopeful eyes. Peace takes my heart back from panic and I only give Jongho a silent hug.

He's right. The first thing I'll do for the rest of this summer is to improve my English, get into a therapy group, and get a small side job. It's the only right thing to do for now.