Sunshower

Chapter 26: Resources

"So who are you meeting this morning?" Hoseok asked Cassia over breakfast the next morning.

"I can't tell you yet," she said with a smile. "You would vehemently disagree." Hoseok looked at her sideways, wondering what she was up to. "Just trust me for now, Hobi. Please." He agreed to trust her, though he still worried, and got up as Cassia prepared to leave. "When you leave, just lock the door behind you, please."

"What if I decide to stay here?" he asked as he walked up to her, leaving no space between them, and wrapped his arms around her waist. She removed his hands, but didn't let them go.

"Then, Mr. Hobi, sir, I will see you when I get home." She grinned brightly and reached up on her tip toes to plant a small kiss on his lips. The look of shock on his face was humorous. That was the first time she had kissed him since their fight.

She grabbed her cardigan off the couch and walked to the door. Before turning the knob, she turned back to Hoseok like she wanted to say something, but then she decided otherwise. Instead she gave a small wave goodbye.

**********

Cassia went straight to the bus stop that would carry her 40 miles outside of town. She wasn't about to meet this person inside Seoul or anywhere they could be seen. She got off the bus and walked up the hill to the small resort where they agreed to meet. As she topped the hill, her father's face came into view. He smiled at her, but she didn't smile back. She hadn't wanted to depend on him, but she had no other clue how not to involve Jungkook, which was something she didn't feel comfortable doing yet.

"Hi, Cass. Where would you like to go talk?" The man was nervous. She could tell by his voice.

"We can go to the lodge, or the ornate garden which is about a mile that way." Cassia motioned with her head and her father agreed to a walk.

As they walked, Cassia told him how bad she didn't want to call him nor depend on his help, but if he really was sorry for leaving her in that mess, then he should help her with what she needed. The rest of the time they remained silent.

They got to the garden and sat down at a picnic table near the Azaleas. She laid out everything before him on a piece of paper.

"I need records for all of this." Cassia explained, running her finger down the list. Mr. Jeon picked it up and studied it.

"What is all this for?"

"I knew I was missing some memories from my childhood. Once specific memory. I took some therapy sessions with my doctor and we were able to uncover those memories. That woman you are married to now, she had a hand in keeping me in America. And I can't say anything to Jungkook... I won't say anything to Jungkook without evidence."

"Do you know what you're asking me to do?" Mr. Jeon looked dismayed. Cassia looked fierce.

"Because of you and her, I was left to live a life of hell. Because of you and her I was bullied and raped. I don't give a damn what kind of 'trouble' you think you'll get into with her. If you're really sorry for putting me through that, as you say you are, then you'll get me the evidence." Cassia didn't back down. However, Mr. Jeon seemed to sway in his resolve.

"Okay. Okay. I will help you get this information. If it means that you will finally get answers you seek, then I will do that for you. That is the least I can do." He looked back up at her. "You must keep this between us."

Cassia scoffed, "Sure."

"I have no interest right now in working things out between us. You were my reason for living at six and you left me. But if you can prove to me that you are willing to help me and that you are truly sorry for leaving me, then we may can try and start to mend our relationship." Mr. Jeon nodded and stood.