24 hours....

2 more hours before I cross the 24 hour mark (AGAIN!!) of being awake, I know it isn't much, I've gone straight without sleep for 3 days before (I was so close to going really crazy by the 3rd day) but doing it 2 days straight with only a couple of hours rest in between is plain crazy and bad for the health. I just hope all this sleepless nights are worth it!!!

Shinhwa Philippines

Here's to the crazy, fun loving, Shinhwa obsessed and did I say crazy Shinhwa wives, girlfriends, and mistresses of Eric, Hyesung, Minwoo, Junjin, Dongwan and Andy!!!

CHEERS!!!!

your resident Orange Ghost

The Nano Month

Everything that could go wrong did, computers suddenly freezing up and refusing to boot up, printer refusing to print from the main server but would print when using a secondary server (I swear whoever invented computer viruses should be condemned to a hundred lifecycles as a toilet paper!!!) bills piling UP, sales that refuses to go up, crazy customers, sleepless nights, software licensing problems, an underfunded cheque, the quest for the cheapest laptop I could find (which I literally said goodbye too when I have to make the painful decision to go purchase software license I can't afford ,I know it's the right thing to do. But RIGHT NOW I HATE BILL GATES and his overpriced softwares!!!). There are days I'm too tired I could barely concentrate. Thank God for Mari (a friend and fellow Shinhwa fan) who would ask me everyday what my word count is or how much I have written for the day because if nobody asked I probably wouldn't get pass 5000 words.

I finished 2 days ahead of schedule, (ok I cheated, I inserted a made up folklore into the story , gave way to my carnal desires and easiest word padding tool, love scenes...hehehe). I have an excuse for the folklore (I made it an important part of the story) the love scenes (just because....hehehe...but my male lead was HAPPY!!!! enough for him to cooperate till I reach 50,000 words).

Before I knew it the month of November is over and done with. I walked away with a .pdf certificate I could print if I want to, a cute Nano icon and a deeper understanding of why I did it in the first place, I Love to Write.

Even if sometimes what i write makes no sense to no one but myself (although there are times when even I couldn't make heads or tales of what I am writing), I still love it, and come November next year, I will do it again!!!! I just hope it won't be as crazy as my first Nanowrimo year!

Andy's 1st Digital Single

Incomplete

A fanfiction I wrote. The girl is a friend from one of the forums I frequently visit. Just to make things clear this all FICTION, none of the events happen in real life (although my friend fervently hopes it will). Featuring Shin Hye Sung of Shinhwa.

Incomplete

Whoo
Ooh
Oh yeah yeah
Bright lights
Fancy restaurants
Everything in this world that a man could want
Got a bank account bigger than the law should allow
Still I'm lonely now

Traffic is light for a Friday evening. Driving pass the fancy restaurants that he often frequent, Sungie continued driving with nowhere to go. He called Eric earlier but his out on a date with one of the many women that are occupying his time right now. Junjin is still in China, Minwoo and Dongwan are both busy with album promotion and Andy’s phone is unreachable. He knew he should be resting. However, Hyesung does not want to stay in his apartment. Even the computer games that he enjoys playing all the time feels boring now. He feels lonely and knows the reason why, but his pride is refusing to cooperate. All it would take is a single phone call but his stupid pride is paralyzing him.

Pretty faces from the covers of the magazines
From their covers to my covers wanna lay with me
Fame and fortune still can't find
Just a grown man runnin out of time

The phone rang, Hyesung checked and immediately turned off his cell. It was Cecilia, the French model, his manager introduced to him the other day. Pretty, tall, elegant looking, she is all that and more. She is fun, witty, and very worldly. The dinner they had ended with him invited to her bed. Sure, it was fun and she is as good as she say she is. By the time it was over, he felt emptier than he felt in days. She is a warm body who willingly offered him a quick roll in the hay. No man in his right man would actually say no to such a creature of beauty. Unless if he is a man hopelessly in love with somebody else.

[CHORUS]
Even though it seems I have everything
I don't wanna be a lonely fool
All of the women
All the expensive cars
All of the money don't amount to you
I can make believe I have everything
But I can't pretend that I don't see
That without you girl my life is incomplete

He left the bright lights of Seoul without realizing it. The streets in this side of town are narrower and instead of brightly lit commercial establishments, there are only low cost hostels everywhere he looks. Most of the residents here are foreigners working in the many commercial establishments in Seoul. Housing here is cheaper than in downtown, that is why foreigner’s flock here. Without meaning to, he found himself parking the car in front of a well kept but obviously old apartment complex. Checking his watch, he knew that the person he wants to see is probably inside one of those small apartments. She probably is back from work now, cooking dinner while doing her laundry or checking her emails. Her ability to multitask amazes him sometimes. She will make a good wife to any man. However, she is also very independent and outspoken, something that always collide with his idea of how a perfect wife should be.

He was already in the elevator before he caught himself asking what he is doing there in the first place. Will she even give him the time of day? “Just do it Pil Gyo!”, he silently told himself

Said without you girl ahh

Your perfume
Your sexy lingerie
Girl I remember it just like it was on yesterday
A Thursday you told me you had fallen in love
I wasn't sure that I was

They met in one of the many secret trips he takes whenever things get too crazy in Seoul and he wants to play around without worrying about the press and the fans catching on. She was in Bangkok for a 3-month company sponsored training and he was there for some good time. It started simple enough, he was drunk already and she seemed to be willing company. But the moment he kissed her, he knew it was something else. Despite her bravado, he knew she is not used to playing this kind of games. Still his alcohol-addled brain told him to ignore this warning signs. In the 3 months that she was there, he came and visited her more than 10 times. He can feel her honesty when she mumbles “I Love You” in his ears whenever she thinks his already asleep. He pretended not to hear because he was not sure if he feels the same.

It's been a year
Winter summer spring and fall
But bein without you just ain't livin ain't nothing at all
If I could travel back in time
I'd relive the days you were mine

Then the recording for his second album started. At first, he would call her and she does not seem to mind at all his continued absence. Then the phone calls became less frequent and whenever she takes the initiative to call he would feign being busy. She even applied to transfer to Seoul so that she could be near him. In the beginning, he would visit her but his manager warned him about keeping it private. She obliged to all his request for secrecy to a point that none of her friends and family does not know about him. The busier he got the less they saw of each other. He has thoughts of asking her to move in with him but his manager stopped him and warned him against going through with it. Slowly they drifted apart, she in her attempt to give him the space he wants and he because of the album recording. Until both of them lost touch and he heard nothing from her again, sure there are days that he felt guilty for ignoring her but he knew deep within that he was just scared of asking himself how he really felt.

[CHORUS]

Oh yeah that without you girl ahh

I just can't help lovin you
But I loved you much too late
I'd give anything
And everything
To hear you say
That you'll stay

He knocked 3 times before somebody came and answered the door. She has not changed much, maybe lost a little weight. She is wearing the shirt he gave her as a joke one time she dragged him to watch Minwoo’s concert incognito. It was a merchandise T-shirt for his first concert. He was busy that time preparing for the concert but somehow he found the time to accompany her. He has watched Minwoo performed before both as a member and as M. However, it was the first time he would be watching him incognito, playing the role of a suffering boyfriend every time she would shout and wave a placard with M’s picture in it. The next day after the concert, he sent her the shirt and told her he was offended by her action the day before and she could only make up for such wanton display of affection towards another man by wearing this shirt the next time they see each other highlighting the words “THIS SHIRT AND NOTHING ELSE” . She answered back by saying he was just jealous. The messages flew back and fort but the next time he came over to her apartment, sure enough she was wearing it and nothing else. That was months ago.

If she were surprise by his sudden visit, she did not show it. She opened the door and let him in without saying a word.

“I’m sorry for bothering you, I was just driving by and saw your apartment light was on, I thought I might drive by and say hi” in all honesty Hyesung does not know what else there is to say to her.

“It’s ok, it’s not a bother at all” she answered in monotone.

Hyesung looked around and was struck at how oddly familiar and comfortable being in her apartment felt. The small apartment still look the same, the drab paint, the creaky sofa, the faded carpet, but what struck him the most is the smell. It was a pleasant smell of her favorite cologne mixed with the sweet scent of freshly laundered clothes. Sure enough, he caught a glimpse of newly washed linens on the makeshift laundry lines she has in her bedroom. That’s when he caught sight of a big box left open.

“Sending gifts home?” he asked her. It first baffled him when he first encountered the practice of sending what they call a “balikbayan box” to folks back home.

“No” she answered him without explaining.

He noticed that unlike the last time, this time she is wearing cut off jeans with the shirt. “Why have such a big box then?” He asked.

“I’ll be moving back to Manila, my flight is the day after tomorrow,” she answered curtly.

The sense of panic that enveloped Hyesung surprised him. He felt the blood drain from every nerve in his body.

“You’re leaving?”

“Yes, I asked for a transfer” she said in the same dispassionate voice.

“Why?”

“I don’t need to explain anything to you!” she said.

He stood there rooted to where he is standing. He wanted to kick himself for his stupidity, for neglecting her and lastly for not saying how he really felt.

[CHORUS (2x)]

Without ya girl
Without ya girl my life
Without you girl
My life my life is incomplete
Without you girl
My life is incomplete
Oh yeah
My life is incomplete
Oh yeah yeah
Whoo

It took his manager a month before he could arrange a way to see her again. Getting to Manila was easy enough what prove to be difficult is coordinating the schedules of all the other members. Andy for one is only available certain days, Minwoo and Dongwan on the other hand have to do a lot of rescheduling just so they could give in to his request. Junjin has to cancel a photoshoot. Only Eric is available but that is because he is not doing any new project yet.

Nobody knew that Shinhwa is coming to Manila except for a contact his manager managed to befriend online. She is a Shinhwa fan but promised them that she will be very discreet. She helped them arrange their hotel reservation and even manage to get info’s about an informal gathering of Shinhwa fans that will meet that same afternoon. She assured them that the object of this clandestine visit would be there. At least this is what the organizer of the said affair told her.

Hyesung did not say a word throughout the trip. The other members would grin at him but also did not say anything. Missy, their contact and their manager are the ones who attempted to keep a conversation going. He knew she fancies Andy but she kept to herself and did not attempt to start any conversations at all with him. He reminded himself to properly introduce the two later. She seems to be a nice girl, well grounded with a quirky sense of humor. “Pil Gyo, why the sudden urge to be match maker?” he silently asked himself.

Their manager is concerned about security but Missy assured them that no one knew they are coming. It was not long before they reached their destination. One of her friends sent a message that the person he wanted to see just arrived. Suddenly his heart beat faster and he felt beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Missy gave him a reassuring smile.

“Ready?”

“Yes” He lied.

One by one they alighted from the vehicle with Missy leading the way. He heard a gasped coming from the inside of the house followed by a shriek. Somebody recognized Eric.

Somebody ran from inside the house to meet Missy. From the open window, he saw them appear one by one, but still the one person he is seeking is not one of them.

An uneasy silence greeted their unexpected arrival. Missy just grinned at them as if a mischievous child caught doing something she was not supposed to do.

Then she appeared, she looked well rested but he can sense how unhappy she is.

“Hi” he heard himself say. He knew he should say something else but words fail him now.

He felt somebody gently pushed him forward. Looking back he there was Eric and the other members giving him a reassuring smile.” He saw her hold back her tears but failed miserably. With both his voice and knees shaking, he went down on his knees and took out the small red box he has been guarding with his life from the time they left Seoul.

“Riel, my midnight girl, will you marry me and make my life complete?”

It's been a while since I wrote something that I'm happy with. Lately I have been stuck in starting a story, organizing it and later shoving it to the back burner because I don't know what to do with it anymore. I've been contemplating on my buying myself a low end laptop so I can write anytime, anywhere I want to. I now wonder if this will solve my problem. Hmmm......decisions...decisions...

I am now torn between buying myself a new laptop (I don't mind if it's low end) and a new digicam OR paying my damn credit cards and using it (again!!!when the hell do I get out of this DAMN CREDIT CARD DEBTS) to buy my grandma a small mini refrigerator. Sure she could live without one, but it would be so much convenient for her (and for us when we go to her home to visit) if she has one. Besides it would surely make her happy, even if she will deny it to death.

Shall I be a good grandaughter and buy her one or should act the selfish and self centered person and let my parents figure out where to find the money to buy her one. WAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Why can't I act ;ike a selfish brat just this once?

LONG ROAD HOME: MINWOO'S ROAD HOME

Long Road Home: Minwoo’s Road Home

Chapter 1

He tried his best not to cry, he knew that the more he cries the more she beat him up. It will be over soon he told himself. She’s already drunk and stoned that she won’t have the energy to beat him up for long. Minwoo can’t even think of a reason why she is beating him up, then he told himself she don’t need a reason to beat him up, she just does.

It was soon over and Minwoo tried not to move too much because if he does it might agitate her again and the beating would start all over again. The woman he calls “Mother” finally stopped, struggling to keep her footing, she picked the last bottle of soju on the table and drink all of it in one go. She passed out within minutes.

Minwoo waited a couple of minutes before slowly uncurling himself, every bone and muscle in his body protesting more from the beating it receive than anything else. He knew he has to leave this house before she woke up or she could end up beating him to death. Slowly he tiptoed out of the room. It didn’t help that he was limping and he himself is not sure whether she managed to break any of his bones like the last time she has one of this episodes.

With blooded hands he slowly reached to his secret hiding place for his few precious possession, an old Polaroid photograph of a young woman and an older man, an old calling card and a few loose bills. Still limping, he walked out of the tiny room he shared with his mother. He did not even took a last look at his mother, he doesn’t want to see, doesn’t want to remember the woman who gave him life but made every minute of it a living hell.

******

He walked as fast as his limping legs would let him, unmindful of his grumbling stomach and the bruises all over his face and body. The bus station for buses that leave for Seoul is quite far from where they live, but he managed to arrive a few minutes before the last bus left. Slowly he lowered his weary body on the last available seat at the back; Minwoo did not even look out the window to see his past fade away from sight slowly. He promised himself that no matter what happens he is not coming back. Instead he looked at the faded photograph, at the father who doesn’t even know that he exists.

Chapter 2

Lee Kwan Dae walked past the reception area without so much as a glance, Junjin’s soccer match is going to start in an hour and he wants to be there for the opening ceremony. It doesn’t really matter if he came in early or late. Jin never knows anyway. He usually is so concentrated on his games he never pays attention to the crowd. Besides that Kwan Dae never bothers to let his presence be known. He knows that Junjin sometimes felt pressure whenever he knows that he is there.

At one corner of his eyes he caught site of a lanky young boy around 10 or 11. He’s got bruises all over his face and he looked like he is badly in need of a bath. Kwan Dae muttered to himself, how parents nowadays don’t bother to teach their kids about the importance of appearance. He saw the young boy walking towards his direction. He can see that he was slightly limping and for reasons unknown to him he stopped dead on his tracks. He just stood there and watched the young boy slowly limped his way towards his directions. Under normal circumstances he would have walked away. He is a busy man after all and has neither time nor patience to deal with vagrants. But there is something about that boy that caught his attention. As he has suspected the boy stopped in front of him. Unconsciously Kwan Dae felt into his pockets for some loose change but did not find any. He was about to turn to Mr., Ho Dong his head of security when instead of asking for money the boy began talking to him.

“Excuse me sir” Minwoo said.

The burly man standing a little behind the man he believes to be his father started towards his direction. He knew he has to move fast or lose this chance.

“Are you Mr. Lee Kwan Dae?”

Kwan Dae motioned for Mr. Hodong to let the boy speak. If there is anything that can catch Lee Kwan Dae attention that is boldness and from what he can see this boy might just have heaps of it if he doesn’t anything else. He did not answer him but just looked at him in the eye.

“I’m Lee Minwoo, the son of King Shin Bin”

Lee Kwan Dae tried to search inside his brain for anything that would remind him of the name but he came up with nothing.

“So?” He said impatiently.

“I just want to give you this.” He gave him the faded photograph and old calling card.

Puzzled now, Kwan Dae took the photograph from the boy. It was a faded Polaroid shot. He saw himself seated beside some woman whose name and face he can’t remember at all. He looked at the boy again, thinking if he is some sort of hustler. But he looked too young to be one. He looked around looking if the boy is with somebody. Seeing nobody that looked suspicious he turned towards the boy again.

“Who are you and what do you want?”

“She told me that man is my father”

“Then she is lying, I don’t know this woman”

“She used to worked in a karaoke bar as a singer, she told me you tip really well and was very generous with the ladies”

“You want money?”

“No, I just want to see who you are…. Now that I’ve seen you I’ll go away now”

And with that Minwoo walked away without even looking back. He did not bother to take back the photograph. He has no need for it. He came here to look for his father, all he wanted was to see him in the flesh, and he did not expect anything else.

He did not notice that Kwan Dae was still standing on the same spot looking at him.

Chapter 3

Minwoo found himself in an almost empty park. It was almost winter season now and people are not exactly too keen in staying outdoors. He can feel his stomach grumbling again and he realized that he hasn’t eaten anything else since the morning of yesterday. It’s nothing new to him. His mother never exactly cared whether he has food to eat, so long as she has her soju she’s happy, that’s all that matters to her.

He tried searching for his pocket for some loose change and found a quarter. It was his last money. It was already getting dark and he has nowhere else to go. Yesterday was not a problem because he slept on the bus. He decided to use his last quarter to buy himself a mint candy. It was all that he can afford. Slowly savoring the mint in his mouth he slowly walked around the park looking for an inconspicuous place to rest his tired body.

He found an empty bench in the more secluded area of the park. Still moving carefully he manages to lie flat on his back. He can feel every muscles of his body complaining of pain, it doesn’t help that the clothes he was wearing are thin and worn and he can feel the cold slowly enveloping his body. He looked at the clear blue sky and wished that tomorrow he won’t wake up. He doesn’t want to wake, there’s no reason too.

Minwoo what are you thinking? He asked himself. She did say he did not know that she was pregnant and if only she knew a way to contact him she would have asked him for money. Then they wouldn’t be so poor. The business card she nicked from him the night he took her from the club for some private fun was for his office and apparently they screened all his calls. She couldn’t get through and when she tried to go there she was refused entry. And from that day she blamed Minwoo for being born, for cutting short whatever singing career she has, and for ruining her life. She made sure Minwoo knew this, made sure he pays for whatever sins she thought he committed against her.

Minwoo tried to change position only to realize that if he does the pain will return again. “She probably broke a bone like the last time” he told himself. Because he couldn’t stand the pain he went back to lying on his back. He whistled himself to sleep.

***********

Ho Dong watched the boy attempt to sleep on his side but immediately went back to lying on his back. From the little light there is he could see that he was in pain. He has been watching him for hours, from the moment he walked away from President Lee Kwan Dae, up to now. He really can’t understand why his boss wants this boy followed; surely he can’t believe this boy’s tall tale of being his son. But then his boss does have many sons, all from different women. He sometimes pities them for having him for a father. His boss is a kind man he knows that, but he isn’t exactly known for being a warm person. It sometimes baffles him how he manages to charm all his women. Well he doesn’t need to be charming not when he is already one of the riches man in the region, Ho Dong told himself.

He heard the boy whistling, but it wasn’t for long. “His probably asleep now” he told himself. He started the car, careful as not to make too much noise. Taking a second look at the now sleeping figure, Ho Dong saw that he was very still. Whether it was plain instinct or something else, Ho Dong found himself walking towards the boy.

He was cold to the touch, which did not surprise Ho Dong as the boy was wearing threadbare clothes. He was a police officer before he became Pres. Lee Kwan Dae’s head of security and personal driver. Years of experience has taught him to trust his instinct and his instinct told him something was wrong. His hand automatically went towards the pulse. He could hardly feel any signs of life in there. He immediately picked up his cellphone and dialed 911, this boy is not going to survive the night if left there alone.

********

Ho Dong was surprised when Pres. Lee Kwan Dae appeared at the hospital to personally check on the boy the next morning. After he called an ambulance to take the boy to the hospital, he called his boss. He was instructed to stay there and make sure that he is well taken care off.

“Is he ok now?”

‘The Doctor said he would have died if we brought him in too late” Ho Dong answered his boss.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“Apparently everything, he has a broken rib, his got bruises old and new all over his body, his nose was broken , his malnourished and suffers from dehydration, and Doctor’s are also testing for infections, his knees are…….” Ho Dong would have gone on and on if President Lee Kwan Dae did not cut him off.

“Tell the Doctor to perform DNA testing. I can have my blood drawn today”

Ho Dong did not bother to ask his boss why. There is no use asking him that whenever he uses that tone of voice. Immediately he left the room to tell the Doctor of his boss request.

It only took a couple of minutes for a nurse to draw blood samples from Pres. Lee and Minwoo. Ho Dong was instructed to go home and rest. A private nurse was commissioned to look after the boy.

Chapter 4

Minwoo knew there was something different the moment he opened his eyes. For one he was sure the bench he slept on last night was hard and cold. But now it was soft and warm, and the sky was too white too.

“So finally you’re awake” it was the same man who was with the man he talked to yesterday.

Minwoo attempted to get up but failed.

“Don’t move, I’ll just call a doctor”

Minwoo did as he was told because he couldn’t do anything else. His body simply refused to move.

A doctor entered and checked on him. He found out that he has been asleep for almost 3 days now. That the reason he could barely move is because he has bandages covering various parts of his body where his bones are broken. The doctor did not take long, just asked him a couple of question and then she left, but the man stayed and just looked at him.

“Sir, can I have some water please”

The man did not say a thing but gave held a bottle of water with a straw for him to drink.

After having his fill he went back to staring at the man who also did the same to him.

“How did I get here?…what happened to me?”

“I was going to ask you the same. How you managed to break almost every bone in your body within a few hours of your conversation with my boss?” Ho Dong knew he did not do anything to get hurt but still he asked the question.

“Oh, my bones are broken….must be because she hit me a little harder than usual.”

It didn’t take much effort on Ho Dong’s part to know how the boy’s mother mistreated him. He didn’t even need to show any sympathy because the boy doesn’t seem to want one. He was telling it in a matter of fact manner as if a mother beating her child until his bones are broken is the most normal thing in the world.

Little by little he managed to piece together a more vivid picture of the person behind the faded photograph. Minwoo said that was what the boy said his name was; that she used to be a singer in a high class karaoke bar. He doesn’t know much because she would only talk about her past whenever she gets drunk and high on drugs. He said that the photograph was something she showed him during one of her drunken state. He also said that she would usually beat him up whenever she gets drunk and blame him for all the misfortune that befell her. That Lee Kwan Dae would have bought her a house and a car and give her lots of expensive jewelry if she didn’t get pregnant with Minwoo.

Ho Dong knew that at least in that aspect Minwoo was right, his boss is indeed quiet generous when it comes to his women. But the woman was wrong in her assumption that he abandoned her because of Minwoo, on the contrary if he knew that Minwoo existed he would have given her all that she wants and more. Ho Dong knew his boss’ taste for women, he likes them with a touch of class, not necessarily rich but those that can carry themselves real well, he likes women whose beauty is matched only by their intelligence. He knew that every now and then he would stray from this types and bed women with questionable reputations who lack the class and refinement he likes the most but that relationship does not go beyond that of having a female body to keep him warm at night. The man simply has a high standard when it comes to his women.

The boy soon tired of telling him of his stories. He was asleep not long after.

Ho Dong immediately called his boss to give his report. He then made a couple of phone calls to some old friends of his in the force to check out on Minwoo’s story. It would only take a while before everything he said can be confirmed.

Chapter 5

Unexpectedly the boy’s story was confirmed. His mother does have a long list of criminal record. One of his informants said that the woman is a chronic drinker, that she’s into prostitution and there are rumors circulating around the neighborhood that she’s also into drug trafficking.

Ho Dong would have continued reading the report if his boss didn’t call him. It was still quiet early in the morning but he knew his boss is an early riser.

“Did you find anything?” Kwan Dae asked him.

“His story jibed with the report I got from my sources, drugs, alcohol, petty theft, and prostitution, name it and she probably got a record to show for it. The neighbors also confirmed that she does beat him up regularly especially when she’s drunk”

“That’s all?”

“Yes sir, that’s about it”

“Have the result of the test come in yet?”

“Yes sir, I already have it. I will bring it to the office later”

“Good do that. Thank you”

“You’re welcome Pres. Lee”

Lee Kwan Dae continued staring at the young woman on the faded photograph, asking him what drove her to do that to her own son. He still can’t remember her, he usually has a good memory of every woman that came his way but she is a big blur to him. He must have been so drunk that time for him not to remember.

**************

Lee Kwan Dae no longer knows how long he has been staring at the piece of paper on his hand. He was silently asking himself why he was surprised at all at the result of the DNA test. He wouldn’t admit it but he felt something for the boy the moment he laid eyes on him. It’s certainly not the look for he looked so much like his mother, but there is something in the boy’s eyes that caught his attention. His a fighter that one, his sheer determination to see him and then walking away without so much as a glance when Kwan Dae told him he didn’t know his mother simply impressed him. That fire, he can see that in his other sons too. Eric the quiet one, he has silently bore the burden of people talking behind his back for having so many half brothers and parents whose extramarital affairs would have made headlines if both of them do not take extra care to avoid a scandal. Dongwan who wouldn’t stop until he masters something he has set himself up to learn. He also has to do an emotional juggling act because both parents are barely civil to each other. Hyesung, the one after Eric who lives in America with his mother is the same. She said told him that not only is he is he doing well in school, he also manage to earn a black belt in Taekwondo, the youngest and only one in his year to do so. And Jinnie the youngest one, he may not have the fire his elder brothers have in their eyes, but his competitive enough and have the intelligence to match. It’s just that unlike them he grew up pretty much isolated from the burdens they carried, he grew up with him but most of his upbringing can be attributed to Mrs. Kim the head maid. Cho his wife accepted him in their home but pretty much left him to his own devices. So he grew under the care of Mrs. Kim who proved to be a blessing in disguise. Jinnie grew up well adjusted and well, happy and more playful as compared to Eric or Dongwan.

Lee Kwan Dae put the piece of paper in his pocket. He knows now that Minwoo is indeed his son. There are many details that need to be taken care of but for now, he has a meeting with Cho that cannot wait.

The End

LONG ROAD HOME : HYESUNG’S ROAD HOME

LONG ROAD HOME : HYESUNG’S ROAD HOME

The clock on her dashboard said it’s already 11 past 12, and all the lights in their house are already turned off. “Sungie, must be sleep already” she told herself. Silently she thanked the heavens for giving him to her. His responsible boy….no…young man she corrected herself. His almost a head taller than her now and from the looks of it he might grow some more.

She parked as silently as she could. Their garage was made for two cars, but so far Sungie does not seem too inclined to have his own car. This made life easier for her because then she did not have to suffer the same anxiety suffered by other parents with teenage kids.

Turning the lights on, she found him asleep on the sofa surrounded by his books and magazines. She would have left him there because she knew that once he wakes up he would make his way upstairs to his room on his own. But something caught her eye. A thick book with a mixture of characters and letters written in front, a Korean English Dictionary. Slowly she flipped through the other books and magazines, half of them are in Korean too.

“His learning Korean” she silently told herself. She could feel her knees shaking. She knew that sooner or later his going to fly the coop. He only has a few months left in high school and she knows he got what it takes to get into an Ivy League school. His too good to be stuck in a community college, but Korea is too far she told herself.

She felt him move beside her. Getting up even before opening his eyes, “Mom is that you?”

“Yes, honey it’s me, did I wake you up?”

“Nahhh”

With his eyes half opened now, he saw that his mother was holding the dictionary he just bought that morning. Without saying a word he took it from her hand.

“Would you like to eat? I made some crab soup”

“Sure I would love that”

Together mother and son walked their way to the kitchen. Hyesung half feeling his way towards the kitchen because he is not fully awake yet. His partially on autopilot now. But Samantha knew that he’ll be fully awake by the time the soup is heated. The soup smells nice and the French toast he made to match looks just as heavenly. It sometimes surprised her at how good he is at the kitchen. She’s a full time career woman and part time soccer mom. Running you own law firm is not an easy task and you just have to sacrifice some things. In her case she sacrificed the delight of home cooked meals to easy to prepare and more convenient microwave foods. Until now she can’t figure out how her Sungie learned his way around the kitchen. He definitely did not learn that from here.

“That looked good!” Samantha tried to sound enthusiastic.

“I’m glad you like whatever I prepared for you”

“Even if it’s just burnt toast you know I’ll eat so long as you’re the one who made it”

“I never burnt toast before”

“Yes you did”

“I did?”

“When you were 7, it was your first time to try to cook me breakfast”

“Oh that….I did not know how to use the toaster yet”

“But I still ate it didn’t I”

Hyesung without prompting leaned his head on her shoulder.

“What are you going to do when I’ m gone?”

“Eat plastic?” Samantha tried to make light of things.

“I’ll be off to college soon….”

“Yeah I know…..when that time comes I’m going to miss you…”

“No mom…what I mean is…”

“Honey you don’t need to explain anything…you’re a responsible son…I trust your judgment”

“I didn’t mean that…”

“Honey, if what you want is to travel to Korea before you go to college. Then go ahead. I won’t stop you. I’m sure your Dad will be happy to finally have a chance to have you stay with him”

“I want to go to college there”

This surprised Samantha, she knew that Hyesung has been studying hard because his aiming for a place in an Ivy League school. He never mentioned anything about wanting to move to Korea.

“Mom, I know…it’s just that…”

“Honey, I’m honestly surprised…..but why…?.....Don’t bother explaining…I mean….you never said anything about wanting to study there”

“I know, it’s just that…you know I’m interested in going into business right…and you said Dad is a very good businessman”

“Yes”

“I just thought I could work as an intern for him while getting my degree. To get my foot at the door before anybody else”

“Honey you don’t need to explain anything”

“I need to tell you, I don’t want you to be upset at me for not even trying to get into Harvard like what we’ve always planned for.”

Samantha was speechless for a while.

“Mom, your not mad at me right?”

“Of course not, why would I be. I know there are very good universities there too!”

“But not as good as Harvard?”

She’s a Harvard alumni and pretty proud of it.

“Well yes, but where you study can only get you so far. Sometimes one’s perseverance and hard work is more important and of course how you use your grey cells are important too.”

Hyesung laughed at his mother’s attempt at humor.

For a while mother and son silently sat together with Hyesung picking on his mother’s food once in a while.

“Do you think he would like me?”

“Who you’re Dad?”

“Yes”

“Of course!”

“I’m scared”

“There’s nothing to be scared of …..his not going to win Father of the Year Award but I’m sure he’ll be happy to have you with him”

“He never calls”

“That’s because his a busy man, but at least he never forgets to send you gifts during your birthday and Christmas”

“It’s not the same”

“I know, but hey at least you don’t need to explain to him why you want a new oven for your 10^th Birthday”

Hyesung giggled.

“I just wished…”

“I know, I’m sorry for not choosing a better man for a father for you!”

“That’s not what I mean”

“I now wished I made more effort to be there for you”

“Mom, you were always there for me”

“But I was always late”

“But you were there”

“Please don’t blame your Dad for not being there, he would have, but we live halfway around the world from him”

“ I know”

And then without prompting Hyesung hugged his Mom.

“I love you. You’re the best mother for me”

“ I know honey….but I am not the best cook am I”

“ No that’s me!”

Mother and son laughed at their own joke.

“I’m going to miss you when you go away”

“I’m going to miss you too……..who’s going to cook for you now?

“Well I do know how to cook”

“Mom heating something on the microwave does not count”

“Don’t worry about me too much….I’m a big girl I can manage”

“If ever I decided to stay there for good, will you get mad at me?”

“Honey that’s silly! Why would I do that, I’ll feel bad but you know I’ll never be mad at you”

“I just want to know that. If ever I do that will you come and visit me?”

“Of course, not even your father can keep me away”

“I don’t think he stand a chance with you!”

“You bet!...want me to call him for you?”

“You’re going to do that?”

“I’ll tell him you want to go there to study and he better make sure his women treat my baby right or I’ll sue his pants off!’

“Mom, did I ever tell you your scary, no wonder Dad stayed so far away!”

Samantha said nothing to this.

“Mom, I’m sorry I did not meant it that way”

“There’s no need to apologize dear, your father and I. I don’t think we’ll last anyway. I’m too tough for him and honestly I don’t think he can stand to leave Eric to Cho. His not the best husband in the world but I know he’s a good father”

“Why? Because he refused to leave his real wife for you because of his son?”

“No because he acknowledged all of you as his own. Very few men of his standing would actually go out of their way to that!”

“But it’s not right to have so many sons from different women”

“Yes, but nobody’s perfect. He probably thought it was the most important thing in the world….to acknowledge his flesh and blood. Why don’t you go to bed. I’ll clean this up”

“Are you sure?”

“Honey I do know how to wash the dishes’

****************

Samantha put down the phone and looked at the clock, almost 3 in the morning. She did not realize she has been talking to Lee Kwan Dae this long. They’ve never talked to each this long. Yes they communicate on a regular basis because of Sungie but she herself was surprised at how excited he sounded when she told him about Hyesung’s plan to go to Korea to study and to apply as an intern in his company. Try as he might he can’t hide his excitement. He immediately asked his secretary to call Universities to check on requirement for acceptance.

Despite her tiredness, Samantha couldn’t sleep. The thought of him leaving so soon upsets her. Slowly she made here way upstairs. The house would feel so empty without him. Mentally she calculated the cost of getting an apartment in the city. The mother in her admonished her for even thinking as if her son is not coming home anymore. She told herself that this is just a passing thing. He grew up here, all his friends are here. Once he realized how different the culture is he’ll come back home. This little spark of hope is enough reason to hold on to this house she knows that. But the realist in her knows that little spark of hope cannot win against the wind of reality. Her Sungie has always longed for his father. He doesn’t say much but she knows how much he wanted to experience being close to his Dad. She can see it in the way he would look away when he sees his friends with both parents in attendance during school activities. He would always run to the phone when he knows it’s his Dad on the other line and the way he would try to hide his disappointed look when his father couldn’t stay on the phone long enough for him to say everything he wants to say. She sometimes feels guilty for letting him grow up without a father. Sure there are many other willing men who wouldn’t mind having him for a step son but somehow Samantha has always felt satisfied with her life. She’s always been an independent career woman, she never planned for a family and Sungie was not part of her plans. But the moment she learned she was pregnant with him her motherly instincts kicked in. She never regretted having him and can’t imagine life without him.

“Better start looking for a nice small apartment Sam, and better yet start learning to cook. Kwan Dae will not let him go so easily now that he has his chance at having Sungie close to him” she told herself silently.

CHAPTER 2

Hyesung scanned the crowd looking for a familiar face but did not find any. He is beginning to regret coming here now. Sure it sounded exciting and easy at first but the more he thinks about it during the flight the more he realized how absurd it is to move away so far. His mother offered to accompany him but he refused. He knows how busy she is, especially since she has to move house and put the extra furniture’s in storage and all the other nitty gritty detail that needs to be taken care of. He was hurt a little when she said that she’ll be moving to a small apartment near her office once he goes to Korea, he felt that she does not want him to come back. But he knows his mother does not mean it that way and besides the house will be too big for her, it was even too big for both of them. Thinking of her now, coming home to an empty apartment made him feel guiltier than he already is for moving so far away.

He saw a big man holding a small banner with his name on it. Slowly he made his way towards the burly man. He can feel his knees slightly shaking. “Calm down” he admonished himself. He knew the possibility of his father taking time out to pick him up from the airport is really small, he knows how busy he is. But somehow he hoped for it. Seeing that his father is nowhere in sight, Sungie tried his best to hide his disappointment.

He recognized the man as Mr. Ho Dong. He has met him before when his father came to the United States for some international convention. He and his mom met him for dinner; it was the first time he ever laid eyes on his father. He remembered it as if it was just yesterday. His father looked so dapper to him then. He was wearing a nice coat and tie, just like what the friends of his mom wear during formal occasions except that he wears them better. He was just 6 and somehow thought his father was like the father of his friends who lets them sit on their lap. He did that and he did let him sit on him briefly before he told him to sit down on his chair properly because dinner will be served soon. He was so disappointed then. He never saw his father again after that except for the occasional photos he would send and the sporadic phone calls he makes monthly. Sure he never forgot his birthday, and he always sends him a gift for Christmas and whenever he wins something in school.

“Mr. Hyesung?’ Mr. Ho Dong approached him with so much formality that Hyesung wanted to laugh at him but stopped himself. He knew how formal Koreans can be and he has to remind himself that he is still half Korean despite the fact that he was born and raised in New York City.

Hyesung saw that Mr. Ho Dong was not alone. A young man only a few younger than him was with his father’s Head of Security. Hyesung did not have to search in his memory for long who this young man is because he was introduced by Mr. Ho Dong immediately after he said his greetings.

“Mr. Hyesung this is Mr. Jinnie, he is your youngest brother”

“Nice to meet you” Junjin said to him shyly.

“Yeah…I know you, Dad sent me pictures of you, hey…Mom sent you a gift by the way. It’s in one of my bags, I‘ll give it to you later.”

“Thank you, Hyesung Hyung”

“Naahhh….it’s nothing and call me Sungie, everybody does”

“If that’s what you want you can call me Jin”

Very soon Hyesung was thanking himself for at least trying to learn Korean before coming here. Because it turns out that Junjins knowledge of the language is pretty limited. He do understand English but speaking the language is a totally different story. Anybody listening in on their conversation would find it really amusing because they are conversing in two totally different languages with Hyesung speaking in English and Junjin speaking in Korean. Once in a while Hyesung would get lost on the words used by Junjin but still it made him feel better to know that at least somebody likes him to be here.

The travel from the airport to his father’s house was pretty long. Both Junjin and Hyesung spent most of the time talking, with Junjin doing most of the talking. He talked mostly about soccer and how his team in school is doing and how they might have a chance to get into the national finals. Hyesung who is too weary now was thankful for the idle talk; he was in fact very nervous about meeting his father and other half brothers.

**********

Eric silently watched from his bedroom window as the two identical cars were parked in their driveway. He knew one of those cars is his and he has a faint idea for whom the other car is for. His mom has already talked to him about the arrival of another brother. Eric knew that he has no reason to hate him and it’s not his fault that they share the same father. He should be used to it by now but still he sometimes still resent his father for siring so many other sons from so many different women.

Another car drove into the driveway. Upon seeing who the arrivals where, Eric stood away from the window and took a deep breath, he knows what’s going to come next, he will yet again be introduced to another brother. Silently he got out of his room, passing by Minwoo’s room he knocked to warn him that Hyesung has arrived.

Eric saw the lanky boy carry some of his own luggage into the house. He is just a few months younger than him, he has to remind himself. Hoping that he wouldn’t be noticed he took that few moments to look at his foreign brother. That’s what his mother addresses him. He was tall, almost as tall as him, but his features are delicate almost like a girl.

His revelry was cut short when Minwoo intentionally bumped into him. Minwoo did not apologize but instead just grinned at him. Eric sometimes wonders what it is in Minwoo that made him welcome any additional brother so openly. He is almost like Junjin in a sense that he doesn’t seem to mind having to share their father with yet another son.

‘President Lee!” Both he and Minwoo stood in attendance when they heard Jung Hwan the butler addressed their father.

Eric was silently glad that their father was present for the introduction. He knows how awkward it can get.

Lee Kwan Dae silently patted Hyesung in the back. Hyesung acknowledged him by awkwardly bowing his head. Kwan Dae has to try really hard not to show how happy he is that Hyesung is finally going to live with him.

“How was your flight, you must be tired”

“It was ok, I got to sleep because Mom booked me in first class”

“That’s good to hear. You’ve met your brothers already?”

“We just arrived a few minutes ahead of you” Hyesung answered hoping he wouldn’t be offended by such informality.

Looking at his four sons, Lee Kwan Dae has to think for a while how to introduce them but was distracted by a running figure that bumped into Hyesung.

‘I’m sorry, I know I’m late!!!” Dongwan was still trying to catch his breath while apologetically patting the lanky boy whom he guesses must be his half brother Hyesung.

“”Sorry for bumping into you, I’m the…..”

“Fourth…..” Minwoo finished his sentence.

“No…his not the fourth his third, his older than you by a few months.” Eric corrected him.

“Ok his third and I’m fourth, I’m Minwoo by the way and this is Eric…his OLDEST”

“I know that, I’m Hyesung by the way but I won’t mind if you call me Sungie, my mom always does. And I think I’m second.”

“Naahh, I’m second” Dongwan told him.

“Actually his right, his second and your third, Minwoo is fourth and Jinnie is the youngest and hopefully the last” Lee Kwan Dae decided to correct them himself.

“Really? Are you sure” Minwoo knew he can be too cheeky at times but he just couldn’t resist not saying that.

“Well do you want another one?” Lee Kwan ask them all.

“NO!!!” they said in unison.

LONG ROAD HOME: ERIC’S ROAD HOME

Just as I promised here is the second installment. Based on Dongwan’s fic this just might turn out into a short fic instead of a One Shot which is actually my original intention. I’m already on my second chapter and I have yet to decide whether I should add another. Please help me decide by giving feedbacks so I will know if I should another chapter or two for the reader to understand Eric’s character more. I will be posting them in installments too.

LONG ROAD HOME: ERIC’S ROAD HOME

Chapter I

She walked the length of the corridor towards her husband’s office, unmindful of the eyes that were following her every move. Her husband’s employees rarely see her in his office that her mere presence here today is a reason enough for curiosity. She knew they would be more curious now if they ever find out the reason for her visit. For this is not a social visit, she came to the General Headquarters of the LKD Group to ask her husband for divorce.

She knew they should have done it a long time ago. Then things would have been easier and not as complicated. She knew they would eventually end up divorcing each other the moment they said their “I do’s”. It was an arranged marriage, arranged by parents who thought that their union would strengthen the influence of each family. It served its purpose yes, but it also led to her and Kwan Dae’s estrangement from their respective parents. He rebelled, had an affair left and right and siring illegitimate sons in the process, how many she no longer care to count. She on the other hand stopped sleeping with him the moment she found out she was pregnant; it was a deal she made with him the day before they got married. She will give him an heir, and then they are free to live life the way they saw fit. Sure she had her affairs, but unlike Kwan Dae who flaunts them, she at least was very discreet, careful to protect her reputation.

To many people she was the long suffering wife of Lee Kwan Dae, a martyr who tolerated her husband’s infidelity and welcomed his bastard sons by other women into their house. Little did they know that she only tolerated them because Kwan Dae would not have it any other way. He may not win husband of the year award, but he at least tries to be a good father to his sons. Secretly she pitied them. At least Eric has her, and despite her lack of feeling for his father, she loves her son very much. Too much actually that she allowed this farce they called a marriage to go on because she did not want him to suffer the stigma of coming from a broken family.

Then Walter happened. He was a diplomat she met in the many social functions she attends. Handsome, witty and intelligent, he did not only catch her eyes but also her heart. He was very different from all the other lovers she ever had, for one is that he is not married. He offered her his heart and friendship, said he wanted to marry her, something her other lovers could never give her. He was willing to give her everything he could offer; his only condition is that he does not want Eric in the equation. He does not want any kids of his own either. This hurt her a lot and she was ready to give up on this chance of happiness if he didn’t offer her an alternative. So long as Eric will not live them on a permanent basis, she will be free to see him anytime and Eric is welcome to visit them anytime.

She did not wait for Lee Kwan Dae’s secretary to show her in his office. He was alone and seems to be caught up in his own world. She knocked loudly on his table.

“I thought the lawyers are already here?”

“I asked them to come a little later; I wanted to talk to you”

“I don’t think there is anything to talk about”

“Would you like some tea?”

“Water would be fine”

After calling his secretary to ask her to bring them some refreshments, Lee Kwan Dae ushered his soon to be estranged wife into his private conference room.

“Please make yourself comfortable. They will be here in a couple of minutes”

“I did not come here to exchange pleasantries Kwan Dae”

Kwan Dae did not say anything he seemed to be deep in his thoughts. Cho was left with no choice but to just wait till Kwan Dae decides to speak. Trying not to appear bored she pretended to look at a large painting that was dominating one of the walls in the room.

“I’m sorry”

She was surprised by his words; Kwan Dae never apologizes for anything and to anyone.

“Excuse me, did I hear that right?”

“I said I’m sorry….”

“Don’t you think it’s too late for that now!”

“I’m sorry if I cannot give you the happiness Walter could”

She did not know what to say to this.

“I guess I…..I should say the same”

“It was a stupid mistake…yes….just a stupid mistake”

“Yes just a stupid mistake”

Cho could not believe she was having this conversation with her husband. They never talk like this. In fact they don’t talk to each other unless it has anything to do with Eric.

‘Kwan Dae…”

“Yes….”

“Walter said he can visit anytime he wants…..and I hope you don’t mind if I….”

“You’re free to see him anytime….”

“Promise me you’ll take care of him……I don’t want to hear any of your mistress laying their finger on my son…”

“Cho….you don’t need to tell me that”

“Yes, I know that”

“Cho can I ask you a favor…”

“Yes…anything”

“Can you talk to Eric….tell him….tell him it’s not his fault we are divorcing… that Junjin and Minwoo has nothing to do with this…with us”

“I’ll do that, I know he will understand”

They shared a few minutes of uneasy silence before Cho spoke again.

“So Minwoo is yours too?”

“The DNA tests arrived this morning, all positive”

“He seemed to be a nice boy, do you think his mother wouldn’t…..”

“She better not…unless she want to end up in jail”

“She did all those to him?”

“Yes, I sent people to investigate and check out his story. They all said his telling the truth.”

“I’m glad he found you.”

“I’m not sure that is something to be glad about”

“Do not be too hard on yourself.”

“If I didn’t sired any of them they wouldn’t have to suffer all this pain”

At that instance, their respective lawyers arrive. It only took five minutes before the marriage which changed them forever was over. Their both free now to pursue the happiness that has eluded them as a couple. The only question left to answer is whether Eric, the fruit of their unhappy union would also find the happiness they both want to give but was unable to give him.

Chapter II

She found him in his room, playing games on his computer again. It took a while before he noticed that she was there. Without a word he stopped what he was doing and looked at her.

“Are you busy son?”

“Just playing. You did it did you?”

Before answering she took hold of his hand and looked into his eyes.

“It’s all for the best”

“If that’s what you say”

He was about to go back to his computer games but his mother stopped him.

“Sit with me for a while”

Eric did as he was told.

“I know this is confusing to you, that you probably hate me and your Dad right now. Someday you will understand why”

Still he did not say anything.

“Not because were divorcing it means your also going to lose us.”

“Walter don’t like me”

“Honey it’s not that he doesn’t like you, it’s just that the possibility and responsibility of being a father scares him”

“Then why are you marrying him?”

“I don’t know….maybe because he can make me laugh….make me happy”

“Do you love him?”

“Yes. But I love you more….but”

“You want to be happy too….”

“I’m sorry….but yes….”

“You were never happy with Dad?”

Cho couldn’t answer her son. She could only nod her head.

“Is Dad going to get married too?”

“I don’t know?” Cho cannot stop her tears from flowing now, seeing her son look so lost.

“Honey I want you to look at me….me and your father….we love…we love you…we love you very much…but we can never make each other happy”

“Is that boy coming to live here now?”

Cho was surprised with the change in subject.

“You mean… Minwoo…yes, they gave him a DNA test and it came back positive”

“So I have 3 brothers now”

“Four…you forgot Hyesung”

“Yeah…I forgot about him”

“You’re not mad at your father are you?”

“I don’t know….”

“Honey…. Look at me….your father made a lot of mistakes…..maybe he made a mistake by giving you so many brothers all having different mothers…..but your father love you….he loves all of you….that’s why his letting them live here…..their mother cannot take care of them “

“You can take care of me…you always took care of me….then why…”

“We had this conversation before…maybe someday you can come and live with me…….…when Walter changes his mind”

Eric did not answer, but instead went back to playing on his computer. Cho can’t think of anything to say anymore. She knew she has hurt Eric by leaving, but she also knew that she does not belong in this house. This house is home to her son but not to her.

She left the room without looking back at her son. If only she did she would have seen him silently crying.

THE END