The Bodyguard

Arriving

I stepped out of Incheon International Airport. I never thought I'd step foot in Korea again. My previous experiences in Korea leaving a sour taste in my mouth.

As the cold winds of a December winter hit, I pulled my coat tightly round myself, cursing under my breath. I've always hated the cold.

I walked along the road, trying to decipher the circle-ly words that were so foreign to me. Keeping my eyes peeled for the airport shuttle that would take me into Seoul. Dragging along a small suitcase filled with my worldly possessions, I finally found my transport.

As the bus pulled out of the airport, I looked out the window. Thinking about everything I had left behind in sunny Singapore, or to be more precise, what little I had left. Here I was, turning 29 in a little over a month, and what was I doing? Jobless and without a family.

I had left my high-paying job in talent management at Lucasfilm a year ago to care for my sick mother. Now that she had passed on, there was nothing left at home to hold me back.

Dad and I were estranged. He had a new family to care for. All I had left to care for in my life, was a tiny bundle curled up on my lap, huddling close to me for warmth.

I stroked her, running my hands down her striped coat. Trying to soothe and calm the tabby cat. "Relax Troubles... You'll soon be in a new nice warm apartment." Shivering from the cold, I muttered. "I hope..."

Korea and I had a sort of tumultuous past. It was here in Seoul, that I met my psychotic ex girlfriend who was studying in a prestigious university in the city. I used to fly into Seoul every 3-4 months to visit her. She was a no good, controlling, manipulative... *&@#&$

But well, that is another story for another time. And yes, I am a lesbian.

As the bus traveled along the highway from Incheon into Seoul, I thought back on what brought me back to this country. A country I had not thought to visit, till I met 'She-who-must-not-be-named.' And which held bitter, unhappy memories of being controlled and manipulated.

"Hey Reg! How're you holding up?" My buddy, Yan walked into my garden, giving me a hug.

"I'm doing ok. Mom was sick for awhile so in a way, it was kinda a release for her." I replied non-committally, shrugging.

The wake was held a month ago and I had just finished tying up lose ends. Finally having the time to myself, to decide what I wanted to do with my life.

Turning to Yan I asked, "Hey... Every year you take a month long trip and spend the month just chilling with the locals. How'd you find it? Because I'm thinking of doing something like that. You know go to a foreign country, learn the language and just live like them."

"I think it's something you should do Reg. I strongly encourage it. What are your plans?" Yan asked.

I showed her the envelope in my hands, a letter of acceptance to Yonsei University. Yes, the very same one psycho ex went to.

Yan looked back at me incredulously. "KOREA?!?! Seriously?! I thought it reminded you of psycho?!"

I nodded. "Yup and that's precisely why I'm going back. But actually mainly because Japan's too expensive and the university I applied to didn't reply." I pulled a long face.

Yan laughed and clapped me on my back. "Well you have nothing holding you back... And since your mom left the house in your name, you could always rent it out for cash."

I smiled. Yup. Korea and I had some unfinished business.