WALK THROUGH WALLS

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE

"Long time no see siz. I see that South Korea life is not bad to you at all." Brenda came to me and hugged me.

"I am ok. I miss my girl though. By the way, does mom know that you are here?" I asked Brenda as I hugged her back.

"She was the one who flew me here. Oh, by the way, meet Jean-Pierre. He is my fiancé. We are on our way to Thailand but decided to make a courtesy visit to the Lee family. I just heard about this party yesterday when one of your friends called to get a recorded birthday wish from our part of the family. They decided for Asenath to do the honors, so I had to peep in and prepare a presentation at that. Oh, I also have some gifts from mama, baba, Stacy and your girl. I will give you later before I leave. "Brenda asked and hearing this, I was so angry that my mother was in Korea but never bothered to call and call me. " Mama sent her apologies. She has been having so long trips nowadays that are why she could not make it. Dad has a conference for now a month. He is in Italy. Asenath went with him. Apparently, your girl is into learning Italian and now that she is out for holidays."

"How comes she is out for holidays. If my memory is correct, children in Kenya go for holidays during December! And wait, So you are just peeping and leaving immediately? You guys are bad." I said angrily.

"Who told you that your girl is learning the 8-4-4 system?" Brenda shocked me. I knew that my girl was in a public school." I can't believe you thought your parents will take their beloved granddaughter to a public school."

"They took me to a public school when I left South Korea so do you blame me." I said as I walked along with them.

"You learnt in a public school?" Jean asked. The guy had a French accent. And it took me aback.

"Just imagine and yet Brenda when to one of the most expensive schools in Kenya. By the way Bro, are you from France or something?" I just had to ask even though.

"Lensah!" Brenda shouted.

"What, I can hear the accent, not to sound offensive Jean." I said.

"It is ok. I am even humbled that you are able to spell out my name well, just like the French do. Tu parles François? "Jean asked.

"Oui. Let us not make someone jealous but welcome to the family. I know that some people will be heartbroken to meet you." I said as I looked at my sister.

Before she said anything, the song Hillbilly Girl by Lisa McHugh started playing and we were literary dragged to the dance floor. The person who came for us was Yedam. When did this boy get here. The song was posed for a moment and my uncle Jae went and thanked everyone for making the day special. He said that the song was just to make everyone stand and at least stretch their muscles and he would appreciate if everyone does so. After the forced exercise, people continued chatting away. All my brothers were busy with their adoring fans. Even Minho and Song were surrounded by them. I decided to take a walk because as of now, my sister had gone to introduce Jean-Pierre to grandpa.

I walked to the swimming pool area where I knew that people would not be there. I had a wine glass on my hands. As I passed the changing room, I heard some voices of women chatting. I was about to ignore them but when I heard them mention my mother's name, I was tempted to hear what they were saying.

WOMAN 1: Grandpa Lee has always had a soft spot for that wild daughter of his.  Lee Hellen will always be the golden child even though he is not even his biological daughter.

WOMAN 2: for me I doubt that narrative of this Lee Hellen being a daughter of his best friend. Who ever saw this best friend. Or maybe she is an illegitimate child of the Lee and it is a well-kept secret.

WOMAN:3 I am married to one of the Lee family members, I could have known if it is real a family secret.

WOMAN 2: You are just married to a cousin of the family.