A Melody of You: Book Five

Leanne

It's funny that we are going to prevent Danny from getting fired but they're acting like this is a mini vacation. Emma is so excited and I chuckle as she talks to her best friend on the phone about this trip.

I suppose I could see it as my mini vacation, too. Cristina made me promise I would have fun when we were at the mall. I nodded and said, "Yes. I can finally sleep in and watch television in peace. I might read some dissertations since I have extra time to prepare for-"

Cristina let her smile fall and looked at Emma who also gave me a frown. "Please promise me that you won't let her stay in the hotel room for the entire weekend. At least make her take walks."

I scoffed at her words as my sister rolled her eyes. "Trust me. I've done everything. She's a lost cause. I kind of let her be and enjoy life while it lasts."

Cristina made me promise before I drove to the airport that I would have fun again. She said she would get upset if I didn't. I just rolled my eyes and said, "Don't worry. I'm going to go to the conference event Friday night and watch Yujun's presentation."

I knew she would let her eyes grow wide at this new plan and I let her be with that. I closed the door and I heard her yell out, "Call me every night and tell me everything!"

She's more invested in this trip than I am.

Emma knows me too well that I hate being a third wheel. So even if I made sure to bring books and earbuds just in case I feel uncomfortable, she nearly pays much attention to Danny. To be fair, he is doing some sort of coding on his little computer throughout most of the trip.

We make a list of what we should do together and I start to feel more excited about the trip. The day she has to have that big meeting is on Saturday, so I will have a free day on my own.

Her colleague, Mr. Hernandez, is a quiet man. He mostly chats with Danny but even if I try to make small talk, he answers quickly. Sadly, on our second flight I have to sit next to him. I put on my earbuds and look out the window as the world turns small. I start to get nostalgic about my trip to Ecuador. I suddenly miss college and those carefree days. Back then I felt like the world might collapse if I did the wrong move. Now, I wish the world could silence even if I make the wrong move.

Mr. Hernandez gently tapped my shoulder so I could wake up and finally, we arrived. With a yawn, I follow Emma into the country of our ancestors. It's odd to suddenly switch my brain from English to Korean, but I am lucky to survive here because of it. Mr. Hernandez is the only one in our group who is completely lost.

I admire the country of South Korea. I fall in love with the city lights and how busy it is no matter how late it is. Everyone has somewhere to go and things to do. Groups of friends walk around and everyone wears stylish clothing. Cristina would like it here. It's quite the buzz and vibe.

I tiredly enter the fancy hotel and quietly observe its shiny walls and floors. All the employees look clean and ready to attend to anything. I smile at a woman passing by and she returns it with a perfect smile.

After Danny checks us in, he gives us a wave and says, "Please let me know if you guys need anything. I'll be staying with my parents!"

Mr. Hernandez ignores him since he does not understand the language and stays on his phone. But Emma does a sad pout. "You're not gonna stay with us?"

"That's alright. Have fun. This is a very good hotel. I'll be available at any time of the day, okay? If you need me, I'll be here."

Danny gives me a respectful head bow and I return it. I look away as Emma decides to go up to him to quietly talk to him. I take the keys from the concierge and explain to Mr. Hernandez the instructions we were given before.