Heartstrings

3. Girls Night

Dae's POV

After leaving the cemetary, I had to meet Becca at the Jazz Bar before Serene came to meet us. I had to stop at the office since Dr. Park wanted to discuss something with me. I thought it was odd since the office was closed on the weekends. Pulling up next to his car, I got out and opened my umbrella before I locked the car door. Dr. Park walked past the window as I walked up to the building. When our eyes met, he walked to the enterance and unlocked the door.

"Thanks for coming. I feel bad for asking you to meet me here since it pouring outside." He said with a worried look on his face. "I'll be fine. At least I get a free car wash." I responded with a smile. Breaking into a boyish grin, Dr. Park laughed at my words. When he laughed, it was as if it came from within. He was easily amused and it was just the way he was. After helping me take off my coat, he took my umbrella and shook the excess water off as I rubbed my shoes on the mat. " We can go to my office, I've turned on the heater and its warm." Walking a few steps behind him, he opened the door for me and pulled out my chair for me to sit down. When Dr. Park sat in his chair accross from me, I smiled. "I got your message. Is something wrong?" He looked my way and leaned forward.

"I got a package in the mail and it's from the board of directors. Should we sign up to compete?" He knew that I was competetive and I wanted to win. He looked at me waiting for me to respond.

"Yeah, let's do it Dr. Park." Keeping a bright smile, he nods and leans back in his chair thinking as he strokes his chin. "What are you thinking about. Are you nervous?" I glance at him, hoping to read his facial expression. Instead he leans forward, only a second away from my lips. "We're here alone so, you can just call me Jong."

Just being around him lifted my spirits. The sound of his snickers and chuckles during my visit was enough to help me forget about my worries. "All we have to do is wait for a response and they will give us a date before the competition starts." Jong replied smoothly. Without realizing that I have lost track of time, Becca sent me a text. I was running late and Serene was on her way to the Jazz Bar. "Jong, I have to go. I lost track of time." He stood up and replied "Let me walk you to you car." I gave him a nod and walked to the front door. Before leaving the office, Jong gives me a packet to look over. I knew it was for our competition because of the forms. "Don't worry Dae. We will win because we have an amazing staff." Before I can respond, my phone rings. I knew it was Becca.

*RING*

*RING*

*RING*

Looking at the caller ID, I see Becca calling. I sent her a text that I was on my way. I guess he saw my expresion when I looked at my phone. Jong walked to his car and waves to me before starting the engine. Waving back, I opened the car door and bucked my seatbelt. I started the car and waited for the heater to kick in. Once I pulled up to the end of the driveway, Jong pulled off. 

I drove down the street and stopped at the traffic light. I noticed a young couple holding hands at the bus stop. Feeling a smile on my face, I noticed that she's pregnant as her boyfriend rubs her little baby bump. At that moment, I started tearing up. Suddenly, the car behind me honks the horn. I don't know how long I was sitting at the light but, I pulled off to meet Becca.

After parking my car, I take off my seatbelt and noticed that my eyes are a little pink from crying. I always keep eye drops in my purse because it will help soothe them. Looking for a kleenex, I found an old paper folded in the front pocket. Thinking it was an old job application since I had this purse since high school. Unfolding the paper, I felt a lump in my throat when I realized it was his drawing. Again, my past continues to haunt me. Everytime I feel any kind of accomplishment, I'm knocked back down. Failing to control my emotions, I sat there in the car while I lost control. It was more overwhelming than I thought. Crying like this didn't express the pain I felt from his drawing. I was sobbing because I've lost all hope. My pain that flowed from my heart was unbearable. Struggling to keep my tears from falling, all I can do is remember my first love.