Spelling and Grammar Checker

I feel so frustrated today. I was using an online spelling and grammar checker and just when I was about to finish my net connection got cut off.....waaahhhhhhh.....

The Lemon Fic

For Rho!!!! Girl did I ever tell you how much you rock!!! ENJOY!!!!

ps. do tell me if I got the partnering part right!!

THE LEMON FIC

Andy can’t wait to get out of the car. He’s been waiting for this moment the whole day. Missy has called him and told him everything is ready. They’ve been planning for this for days now. When in the middle of album promotion finding one free day is a rarity. It’s a good thing the other guys agreed when he suggested that they take a day off instead of scheduling something else when their guest appearance on Ho Dong hyung’s show was cancelled. He enjoys going on variety shows, but he wants to do something else tonight. “Give me a break!!!” He said to no one in particular. His driving alone because he told his manager to go home early. Besides that he don’t Missy will actually appreciate him inviting his manager to come and join them for their “we” time. He saw a car that he thought looked familiar overtake him but did not bother reacting. Before he would have given chase and overtake whoever is the jerk who attempts to cut him off, but he stopped doing that lately. Partly because he has been doing very little driving on his own because his manager usually do that for him since they are on a tight schedule and because Missy has once called him on it. She told him that giving chase might just land him in an accident and she wants him to be more careful especially since drivers these days are less careful and doesn’t really pay attention to traffic rules. He himself can’t think of a reason why she has so much influence in him something that he would never admit to her.

Finally he saw the private road that leads to his villa. It’s actually a dirt road with a warning sign saying dead end. It was already like that when he bought the property. He did not bother doing any improvements because he found out that it actually afforded him lots of privacy because drivers are not tempted to use this dirt road as a short cut. Fans has so far not found out about this new address yet which is a good thing. He was practically forced to leave his former apartment by the other tenants because some of their fans would come and linger in front and around the building. This bothered the other tenants so much that Andy decided to pack up and leave before they filed a complaint against him. Hyesung advised him on buying an off the track place, saying that not many fans would actually go out of their way to tract him down if he leaves far from the city. At first his main concern was the travel involved and his manager did voice out his complaints because he is the one who would be driving Andy around most of the time. Andy compromised by building a small bedroom with a private bath in his Entertainment Company’s office where he could spend the night when his schedule gets really tight.

But he seldom uses that, in fact he only used that once and almost did not last the night. He couldn’t sleep despite the tiredness; he misses Missy and has to call her in the middle of the night just to hear her voice. Now whenever he has to stay the night there she would come over and join him. He knows it’s pretty difficult for her but one of them has to give right and it’s a good thing she is a very giving person.

The driveway wasn’t empty as he expected, the familiar car that cut him off earlier was in the driveway.

“Honey, Eric is here!” Missy told him as soon as he opened the door.

Despite being friends for more than 10 years now, Andy was not very happy to see Eric. His been looking to have this private moments with Missy and the last thing he wanted is to have any of his hyungs disturbing them. But Eric is not alone, his with June and Rho. Honestly he can’t figure out how they manage to work it out, 2 women 1 man, he knows there are others the two of them probably doesn’t even know about but his too loyal to Eric to blurt that out loud. He can’t think of doing the same to Missy, not because there aren’t enough willing females out there, but Missy can be too much to handle already.

Eric did not say a thing but just raised an eyebrow and gave him that knowing look. Their both guys, and they both know what goes on behind closed doors, and this is not the first time that Eric used his place as a getaway before with his women in tow but tonight is just not a good time.

Missy came out of the dining room to tell them that dinner is ready. Andy cannot read her face. That woman is so good at masking her emotions.

Dinner was a noisy affair with the women dominating the conversation. Its fine with Andy, he knows how exuberant and opinionated Missy is and it doesn’t help that both June and Rho are the same. He can see that they have become such closed friends now with the way they exchanged banters.

They were in the middle of dinner when they heard a car arriving.

“Are you expecting a visitor?” Andy asked Missy nonchalantly.

Whoever it is needs to go home fast enough , Andy thought because he is beginning to lose his patience.

But Andy it seems need to hold on to his temper a little while longer because on the door is Hyesung, with Eliza, Thet and Coco. Andy is becoming frustrated by the minute. It seems the one night he has been looking forward to for days now will be spent in the company of other people. Under normal circumstances he would have welcomed the presence of his friends in his home but not tonight.

Hyesung just like Eric did not say a thing. There’s no need for words really.

After exchanging a few drink Missy feigned a headache. Andy knew she’s faking it. Missy is not one to let a headache ruin a fun night with friends. She’s probably as excited as I am, Andy thought.

He was proven right because as soon as he closed the door to their bedroom, the pained look in her eyes was replaced by that naughty smile. Sometimes it scares him how good an actress she could be when she wants to. He sometimes felt helpless whenever she give him that smile and he knows that she knows how much power she has over him.

Andy was rewarded for all his frustrations when she let him lead her to the shower. She has always been averse to bathing with him. In fact she wouldn’t even allow him to undress her with the lights on but tonight he felt like his going to get lucky.

She was gingerly unbuttoning his shirt when they heard a loud crash. Andy immediately ran towards the window to see who it is.

It was Minwoo and he looked like he almost crashed into one of the many trees that lined the road facing their house. Andy was not really surprised seeing that he is not exactly alone. He was in the company of girls too many to mention. Andy did not bother checking up on him. He can see his in good hands. Andy saw Minwoo enter their front gate and went directly to the back garden where the Jacuzzi is. All of the members know their way around his house and all of them can come anytime they want and use the swimming pool and Jacuzzi at the back. That was before Missy arrived in his life. So for her privacy he decided to build a guest house at the back where the other members can hang out when they need to. It has a small kitchen, and separate bath and toilet. Everything they need to be comfortable when they come here without inconveniencing her.

He was distracted from his revelry when he heard the shower running in the bathroom. Missy must have gone ahead and showered without him. Andy felt his heart skip a little when he attempted to open the door to the bathroom and found it unlocked. She never does that ……unless….Andy did not bother finishing his thoughts. He does what every normal healthy male will do when confronted with the same situation. He stepped into the bathroom unannounced.

Andy was stumped to see a fully clothed Missy sitting at the edge of the bathtub laughing as silently as she could. Andy proceeded to turn off the shower and joined her. Without the noise of the shower running he now could hear more clearly the reason for her giggling.

It looks like their next room neighbor is having a circus. Andy need not strain his ears because he can recognize that laughter anywhere.

“What are they doing to him?” he asker her.

“Nothing he couldn’t handle” she purred into his ears.

Andy smiled and took hold of her hand; gently he placed them on his chest to remind her of what she was supposed to do earlier. She obliged him by slowly unbuttoning his shirt while he gently nibbles her earlobes. He was trying to catch her lips but Missy is good at playing this games. Andy could hear the three girls laughing loudly and heard Hyesung hyung singing at the top of his voice. He silently thanked the heavens that his nearest neighbor lives a good few hundred meters away.

Missy is still playing with his buttons; she is yet to undo one. Andy reminded himself how much of a tease she could be when she is in the mood. Slowly he untangled himself from her and decided right there and there to give her a Shinhwa special show, because he Andy Lee can play this game too.

It seems like she can read his mind because instead of leaving or covering her eyes like she always does, whenever he attempts to do a striptease she instead shifted her position to make herself more comfortable. Andy smirked…. he is going to get lucky tonight.

He started by slowly swaying his butt left and right, he then as slowly traced the buttons on his shirt with both hands. Missy is giggling uncontrollably now. This was not the reaction Andy was aiming for and he was a little put off. But Missy knew the exact buttons to push. She stood up, and turned the shower on. This was enough for Andy to forget whatever irritation he felt for her earlier.

Without wasting a second he proceeded to gently pushed her under the shower. She did not even show any resistance at all. The water was a little too cold for comfort but he does not care anymore. He was trying to kiss her lips and undress her at the same time.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

It was coming from outside their bedroom.

Andy immediately jumped out of the shower. Wet and dripping he proceeded to check what that entire racket is all about. He can sense Missy following him.

It looked like Eric thought it would be fun to play cowboys and Indians with Eliza and Rho. Andy and Missy saw them ran off to the other side of the corridor towards the guestroom they are using. The two of them looked at each other and smiled, maybe now finally they could have some peace and proceed with their business.

Before closing the doors Andy listened for any other unusual noises but heard only some moaning and giggling in the other bedroom. Even Eric and his girls seemed to have quieted down now.

“Where were we now?” He asked her coyly.

“I don’t know about you Mr. Lee but I’m going to shower” she then slowly walked her way towards Andy and kiss him on the lips before turning around to go back to the bathroom.

Andy did not waste anytime and almost slipped while trying to run after her. He managed just in time before she stepped into the shower.

“Aren’t you going to invite poor me?”

“Let me see, Minwoo is having a small party at the back don’t you want to join him?”

“ I don’t like big parties….I like ……” but Andy was unable to finish whatever he has to say because Missy got busy unbuttoning his shirt. Andy could hardly contain himself because finally their going to get something started soon.

“Andy!!!!”

Andy knows that voice, and he is now seriously considering packing his bag and moving to a deserted island with Missy. Silently cursing under his breath Andy stepped outside the bathroom again.

He saw Dongwan and Junjin standing at the top of the stair.

“Andy!!! Did we bother you?”

“Uhuh” Andy hoped they will take the hint and go immediately.

“I forgot my bag in here when we slept over the other night, have you seen it” Dongwan told him.

“And have you seen my orange jacket? The one Minwoo hyung gave me the other week” Junjin piped in.

Missies who somehow manage to get into some dry clothes peered from behind him.

“Oh I think I saw your bag in one of the guestroom, the one you used the last time you’re here” she told Dongwan .

“And Jinnie I think your jacket is in the other room, just looked for it in the closets I think that’s where I saw it”

Both thanked her and proceeded to the rooms she pointed to them immediately.

Quickly Missy closed the door to their room. She was smiling naughtily at him.

Looking into that smiling face Andy immediately forgot how irritated he was at the other members. Her inviting lips were too much to resist.

They were so caught up in their own world that they did not notice the 8 sets of voices that simultaneously shouted in surprised.

Andy made sure their door is locked securely before following her to the bathroom.

THE END

Addicted to Hyesung's SInging

An old video but still ....love the voice....

Something I found in another blog

ONE FLAW IN WOMEN
*Author Unknown

By the time the Lord made woman, he was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate." The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."

And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry.They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice.They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better
solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.They love unconditionally. They cry
when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no
strength left.They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love.They have compassion and ideals.They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Writing for Another Day

I've been procastinating lately. The fanfic I was writing for Hyesung for the LRH backstory is still in draft and might remain there for a while. I know I need to sit down soon and write it before I forget what I am supposed to do with him.

This will be it for now.

My Blog at Mylot

I hope I'm doing this right. I am currently attempting to link this blog to my mylot account. If you can read this then I probably did something right.

Happy reading and blogging to everyone.

myLot User Profile

edit: to say that I DID IT...I DID IT...I DID IT.....ok I'll stop gloating now!!!...

Shinhwa

Another fan fic

Characters:
Hyesung
Eric (Implied only)
PSY (Implied only)
Someone (I refused to name because she might :anyonehome: me. CLUE: she's from somewhere around here..:shifty: )

FADING LIGHT

I closed my eyes trying to sleep but sleep refused to come to me. In all honesty I know other peoples life are harder and more than half the population in the world have it worst. But still the heaviness of my heart wouldn't leave me. I changed position thinking it would help and all I got was a painful toe that I accidentally hit on the headboard.

Then I heard that familiar sound of his car. I went back to my usual position and pretend to sleep. I know that if I asked him the questions I wanted to ask we would just end up fighting. I closed my eyes tightly when I sense him enter the room. He smells of cigerette and alcohol. He was humming a tune that I'm beginning to hate now.

"Honey"...I can hear him call me. I did not answer, pretending to sleep instead. He did not even attempt to kiss me like he always does whenever he arrives home. He is now pacing the room, he is probably not as drunk as I thought he is because he still can pace the room without falling over. I heard his phone ring. I know by his ringtone alone who the caller is. He is a man of habit and it has always been his habit to assign a ringtone for certain persons in his phonebook. I know who his talking to right and it makes my blood boil even more. How dare he call him this late in the night when I know that they already spent the whole day together.

I felt a slight breeze touch my bare skin. Slowly I open my eyes to peer, he has opened the window and I can see why, because I saw him light a cigarette while he talks on the phone. This is going to a long conversation if he has the urge to light a cigarette.

I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. I don't want to listen in on their conversation. Slowly he stood up from where he sitting and closed the window. I thought that finally he'll join me in bed now but I was wrong. I heard him go to the shower instead still singing that stupid song.

I felt my phone vibrate , grudgingly I reached for it. The caller id told me who is it. I did not bother answering, as I am equally irritated with that woman as well. Why can’t someone so beautiful and smart hold on to her lover? What exactly is she doing to lead her lover to go astray and now wreak havoc to a perfectly happy relationship? I have to stop myself from cursing her some more because truth be told I should ask myself the same questions. But then I told myself that I am not a celebrity who appears on tv and movies and gets paid to endorse products. I'm just a simple girl, who can’t even hold a simple conversation in the local language without making a single mistake. I know she has nothing to do with this. It's not her fault. But still right now I hate her with all my heart and soul.

Then who's fault it is? I asked myself again, if not her then who? Surely your not blaming yourself, are you? I told myself. You've done everything he asked of you. You gave up your job, moved away from family and friends and basically uprooted yourself just to be with him. From an independent career woman, you are now reduced to being a plain housewife dependent on him for financial support, who spend the whole day keeping his house clean, washing his clothes, cooking for him and despite all the hundred and one errands you have to do, you still make sure your fresh and pretty when he comes home. Sometimes even though your tired yourself you'll smile and dote on him and once in a while would even give him a massage. Isn't that enough?

I refused to answer my own questions, for I am in fact afraid to answer them. He is done with his shower now, and I can sense him moving towards the bed. He smells better now, and I can feel his bare skin touching mine when he finally joined me in bed. If only his fans knew that he sleeps with only his birthday suit on then ....then what I asked myself?, even without that knowledge they managed to write fics about him in various state of undress.

I silently laughed at myself remembering all the fanfics I have read online whenever I have to wait for him when he is late coming home. I once told him about it and he laughed out loud, clearly embarrassed when I told him how a fan actually went out of her way to count his moles. He told me she was wrong and then proceeded to show me his other “moles”. I was really surprised at how free he is with me.

His breathing is even now, a clear indication that his already deep in sleep. Slowly I turned around to face him. He looked liked an angel when he sleeps, sweet and innocent. I traced the contours of his nose and lips with my pinky finger. Before when I touch him like that he would catch hold of my hand and kiss each finger. We love teasing each other. I wish he would do that now. I would give everything for him to open his eyes, smile at me and catch my hand to kiss the tips of my fingers and nibble on them slowly to tease me. Silently I willed my Sungie to open his eyes and give me that smile. To reassure me that all is alright, that it was nothing but pure friendship that their bond is like that between brothers. But he did not do such things, instead he continued sleeping, sometimes mumbling words I do not understand.

I felt something warm and salty touch my lips. I didn’t notice the tears that have formed in my eyes. Slowly I turned my back on him again; I know the tears wouldn’t stop until sleeps claims my consciousness.

Forum post 2

Another one of my crazy moment!!!!

Ze person below me, sometimes have a two way conversation with themselves inside their head.....

TRUE.....SO TRUE

Me: What in the world are you thinking when you wrote that?
Myself: What's wrong with what I wrote?
Me: Aren't you afraid he might come in this site out of curiosity and read what you wrote?
Myself: So what! He probably have seen worst!
Me: You honestly think he won't find out do you?
Myself: Honestly I did nothing wring in doing that, I've seen people planning on Kidnapping the other members....
Me: Well, you did that too...or have you forgotten....
Myself: I did?
Me: In Soompi!!!
Myself: Oh....that was just a plan...we haven't gotten around to the actual planning yet....
Me: Sometimes your scary.....
Myself: No I'm not I'm a perfectly sane and harmless person
Me: Hmmm.....so what exactly are you going to write next?
Myself:....I already have the "kiss"..... ....what do you think is next?
Me: Woman don't you have any pride.......don't tell me a LEMON FIC?
Myself: Who said anything about a lemon fic? I was thinking in the lines of a dinner by candlelight and a romantic proposal...but a lemon fic... .......but that's a good idea....
Me:

forum posts

something I poseted in shinhwabiz that I want to repost here for posterity.

One of my crazier moments I swear :-)

The question: But Ze person below me has actually thought of what she would do if ever confronted by her fave member on what see said in here

My Answer:

Andy: You're crazypumpkin?
Me: Yes
Andy: You wrote Long Road Home
Me: Yes
Andy: Why did you write my character like that? I'm not like that!
Me: Yes you are....the biggest baby I have ever seen!!!! Not even your die hard fans would say your HOT....you're always CUTIE ANDY
Andy: No I'm not!!!
Me: Yes you are!!!
Andy: No...no...no!!
Me: Yes....yes...yes...
Andy: NO!
Me: YES!
Andy: No...no...no!!
Me: Yes....yes...yes..
Andy: Want me to prove?
Me: You can't be hot and sexy like them even if your life life depends on it!!!
Andy: (mad now....) I'll prove you wrong....... (gives Missy the longest french kiss she has ever had in her entire life...)
Me: (breathless)............that....you......how...... ........
Andy: you believe me now?
Me: Yes...........
Andy: Do I get a lemon fic now....
Me: I....ahhhhh......think....
Andy: (kisses missy some more)................
Me:
Andy: when?
Me: tonight.....
Andy: where?
Me: In every forum where I post....
Andy: ...good..............promise....
Me: ...yes
Andy:........good I'm going now....
Me: ...ok
Andy:.............(wipes her tears)...don't cry now.....I'll call you later....I'll just go out play video games with the other members
Me: ok...take care...bye

(andy leaves)

Missy:

[I]NOTICE: The above conversation is purely a product of a brain deprived of sleep, a stomach that is currently on strike due to too much caffeine and too much time on the hands of a fangirl because she's too tired to do anything else but lurk on this forum.[/i]

Writing for Money

My computer decided to strike on me. It would hang up whenever I try to watch any kind of videos whether it's videos saved on my pc or from youtube it would freeze forcing me to restart. It would even hang up even before it would finish loading windows. So what do a net addict like me do? Well I spent the whole afternoon lurking on a website of travel writers. It was such an eye opener for me. Making me realize that although it's possible to earn money being a writer it takes more than talent to get you published.

Somewhere in my past blogs I said something about not wanting to get published. So allow me to correct myself. I do want to get published but it's not my ultimate goal in wanting to write. I know it doesn't make any sense, but that's how I feel right now.

So what do I want? For now I want to write, and for me to grow I need to explore new things, experience new places, meet more people. I need to leave the cocoons of the familiar in exchange for the adventure of the unfamiliar.

But how do I do that when I don't have the means to just pack up and leave? Work for it I would in the best way I could, writing. I just hope I have what it takes to earn my place under the sun and have the freedom to do what I love doing and that is writing.

That's all for now...ciao!!!

LONG ROAD HOME

Finally I'm posting my first fanfic here. This is the original draft, so character description is included.

LONG ROAD HOME

CHARACTER SKETCHES

President Lee Kwan Dae - President of one of the biggest conglomerates in Asia, considered to be a ladies man, has sons from various women but stopped his philandering ways when he met Andy’s mother. Despite the fact that he loved her most, she decided to leave him because she cannot stand his philandering ways and believed that he would never change. After she left he continued to love her but in his attempt to forget he has affairs with various women, but none of them could ever replace her in his heart. All of these women he has forbidden to bear any child because he doesn’t want anymore kids. He has six sons the youngest of whom is Andy. While he loved all of them and acknowledged them as his sons he treated Andy differently. He considered him both a curse and a blessing. A curse because of his disorder and a blessing because he is the fruit of his love for Bo Bae, the only woman he really loved and the only one who turned her back on him. Because she has too much pride and refused to be just another number on the list of his many conquests.

Bo-Bae- Andy’s mother, both beautiful and strong. She was a child prodigy, considered to be a genius, Math and Music being her specialty. She also has a black belt in taekwondo, something that she forced herself to learn after Andy was born. She grew up in an orphanage but managed to do good because of her innate talent and abilities. She was only 20 when she met the charismatic Lee Kwan Dae, who is 15 years her senior. It was not long before she was swept over by his charisma and sweet talk. She was only 21 when she had Andy, not only was it a difficult pregnancy it was also during that time when she discovered that the man who she loved with all her heart had has an affair with quite a number of women and has already has a son. What made it worst and what really made her decide to leave him is when she discovered that he is a married man. This knowledge and the hurt she felt at that time made her leave him for good. She cannot believe that the man she almost put on a pedestal is not the man she pictured him to be. With nowhere to go she found herself in a small town in Jeju Island , there because of her natural talent she found a job as a pianist in a prestigious hotel and as part time Math tutor. She secretly blamed herself for Andy’s disability but despite of this she loved and took care of him. Making sure that despite his autism he would be able to function as normally as possible and that he wouldn’t be a burden to those around him.

Andy- the youngest son, a (high functioning) autistic savant, is very good in math and in playing various musical instruments, the father’s favorite son because his mother is the one he really loved. Grew up in a small town where his mother supported both of them by teaching music and mathematics and playing piano at the various high class hotel on the island. Has a very sweet temperament, playful and very hyper. Gets violent when somebody touches his things specially his toys. Being raised single handedly by his mother, he was trained early on to be self sufficient, he can do simple things like wash himself, dressing on his own, setting the table, and do simple chores around the house. He likes giving names to all his toys. He also has the ability to repeat word for word conversations he hears, copying the tone of voice used by the speaker. He refused to be separated from his mother and refused to acknowledge his father unless his mother asks him to. It took a lot of effort from his father before he would even look at him. Liked all his brothers at first, but is fonder of Eric, (but despite this fondness will manage to ruin/destroy some of Eric’s more expensive toys i.e his car and cellphone). He behaves extremely well around Dongwan and never throws a tantrum when he is around. He likes playing games with Junjin and is the only who can touch Minwoo’s musical instruments without getting into trouble (unlike Eric he never ruined any of Minwoo’s expensive toys maybe because he grew up playing with musical instruments because like himself his mother is a gifted musician). Hyesung like him from the start that he actually cooked for him when their cook was forced to take a few days off (because of Andy), he also likes buying him stuff. Eric at first treats him the same way he treats the others but somewhere along the way he found himself feeling more and more responsible for him.

Eric Oldest son, their father’s second in command

Hyesung Second son, a few months younger than Eric

Dongwan 3^rd Son, he is also a few months younger than Hyesung and Eric, a budding photographer

Minwoo 4^th Son, he is a year younger than Dongwan, a rockstar wannabe

Junjin- 5^th Son, he is a year younger than Minwoo, a star soccer player

OTHER CHARACTERS

Minah- the current mistress and the longest one he actually kept, she aspires to be the last Mrs. Lee because she is attracted by the money and influence it would bring her and her daughter Ara. She never liked any of her lovers sons but acts nice towards them, but she is particularly cruel to Andy because Lee Kwan Dae is quite fond of him and because she is jealous of Bo Bae

Ara- Minah’s daughter, a spoiled brat through and through she sees Andy as another competition for Lee Kwan Daes affection, because she secretly hopes that if her mother and him will get married she will finally have a father she secretly craves.

Jong Min- Lee Kwan Dae’s driver, but will end up looking after Andy making sure he will not get lost or get into trouble. He is funny and Andy actually gets along well with him pretty well. He will usually cover up for Andy and the five other sons to get them out of trouble.

Shin Jung Hwan- The cook and butler of the family, he usually ends up as the unwilling victim to the many mishaps caused by Andy, but to be fair Andy never actually tried to harm anyone (the same way that he doesn’t know that you can’t clean a car by using a steel brush and that you cannot clean a dirty cellphone by washing it with water and soap …lol)

CHAPTER 1

7:36 pm …Dang ….if this traffic does not move he will be late for dinner, he thought to himself. Not that he is actually looking forward to this dinner. But if the old man says he wants everyone to have dinner at 8:00, you better be there on time or he will give you that look. Damn…he muttered to himself, his 24 and still afraid of his Dad, well they are all afraid of his Dad not that any one will actually admit it. But yes if they share anything in common it’s that they are intimidated by him, and the fact that they have him as a father for none of them share the same mother. How they come to share the same roof is in itself a testament to the old man’s strong will and character. For none of them given another choice will actually choose to live in the same house as the others, but then when you have the great Lee Kwan Dae for a father you actually have no other choice for his word is law around here. It’s not that they actually hate each and will kill the others at first site. But then who would like to live in a house where to see a smiling face is like having Christmas in May. “Rngrrr….” He was pulled back to reality by his cellphone…”Yes….”…”Hello to you too….brother….it’s Dongwan”, “What is it?” he asked as he saw an opening at an intersection and decided to take it hoping that the rest of Seoul would not also decide to take this less traveled street…. “Don’t kill yourself trying to get here on time…..the old man called and said he will be late because he is also holed up in traffic…”. He put down the phone without even saying goodbye. He figured that at the rate he is going he will probably arrive home by 8:20, good enough. “Let’s just hope I have sometime to rest before dinner.” He muttered to himself.

“Thank you…. Too…” Dongwan muttered to himself, he put down the phone as Hyesung followed by Junjin came rushing trough the front door. “ Dad home yet?” they asked in unison, ‘Nope…he called, got holed up in traffic…..”…”Good, I thought we wouldn’t make it… why does he want all of us here anyway? . “Beats me! I am surprised myself, the last time he asked…no demanded as to be all home for dinner was when…when is was that anyway?...” can’t remember anymore….”. …”Memorial day….and I think he did just that to pissed Sungie and Eric…” Minwoo answered coming from upstairs. “Nope, he asked all of us to come because he invited Minah and her brat to dinner…” answered Junjin. Junjin and Ara never really got along and it doesn’t help that Ara is an angel in front of Dad and a devil when his not around. Minah is the same but then she just acts civil towards all of us, honestly I can’t see why Dad…the great Lee Kwan Dae can’t see past her sheer façade. She don’t like us and we feel the same. I think that’s the only thing we ever agreed upon, next to being of scared of the old man off course. This makes me really wonder, because for the life of me I can never remember him actually hurting any of us. He is cold yes, but not once did he even touch the tips of our hairs. If we do something wrong all he will say is that we disappointed him, will give us that look and then send us to our rooms.

“Where the hell is Junjin?...” it was Eric looking really pissed, just then the person in question came slowly coming from the kitchen. “Miss me?”…”When will you ever learn how to park properly? I almost crashed into your car!!!.. Get it out of the driveway before Dad arrives…you know how he wants everything in order”…. Hyesung without a word took Junjin’s key from the table where he threw it earlier and went out to fix the problem. He is like that when it comes to Junjin he always make exceptions and has in more than one occasion silently covered up for Junjin which is not exactly surprising because among us he is closest to him. Actually between the five of us only the two of them get along pretty well, the rest of us just are plain civil to each other, which is actually surprising because we hardly get along well with our father. It’s not that we fight all the time, it’s just that…the term cold is the best word to describe it….we don’t hate each other were just detached that’s all. This is not really surprising since we are the sons of the great Lee Kwan Dae, Ice King if there is ever one.

Eric was standing in the middle of the room, he looked from Minwoo, to Junjin and then finally to me (he wouldn’t looked at Sungie if he can help it…they are like that for as long as I can remember, like oil and water) “Anybody have any idea why we are having this dinner?”… “Nope, and don’t tell me you have to cancel on your date….I have to skip band practice because of this...” Minoo answered, his a rockstar wannabe, and what’s more surprising is that Dad doesn’t seem to mind this fixation or the fact that we all think he is wasting his time and his business degree to pursue music full time. Minwoo despite all appearances is even better than Eric when it comes to managing a business; after all he has been helping Dad run one of his many companies since before he graduated from high school, and even now when all he seems to think about is his music he still continues to manage it, which is a wonder to all of us because he seldom comes to the office and only attends meetings here and there. But I am not complaining because we are on the same boat, my hobbies on photography and writing is taking most of my time, but just to make sure I don’t hear any complaint from the other guys, I try to carry my own weight by doing the Ads for the many company which Dad owns, I also handle publicity.

“His here!” Sungie announced and before he could even finish this short sentence we saw Dad walked down the front door, we all bowed to him. “Everybody here?” he asked, “Yes” Eric answered. That’s when Jung Hwan the butler (his also the cook) came rushing from the kitchen, “ Good evening Pres. Lee, dinner is ready?”

“Let’s go then!” was his curt reply. Not even a hi or how is everyone’s day gone…etc,…his just like that always goes straight to the point, he has no time nor patience for small niceties.

Dinner was as usual a silent affair, none of us really talked to each other unless we have too, and when Dad joins us, the silence is more pervasive you could actually hear the sound of a pin dropping. Dinner is almost over when he finally spoke. “If any you have any appointment this weekend cancel it., we are going to Jeju island to inspect the beach property we will be developing.” We all looked at each other no one dare talk back especially when the tone of his voice says that no matter what we have to do it. Eric is the first one to speak up, which is actually a good thing because Dad despite everything actually listens to him, well to him and Hyesung and Minwoo. He listens to them and has shown his trust in them by actually letting them make their own decisions with respect to each company they are managing. “I thought you’ve already inspected that last month and preparations are already being made?” he asked. Dad is the one who runs the property development company , one of the many companies under the LK Group, We all expect Eric to one day run the whole thing with Hyesung taking over the financial sector and Minwoo, Junjin and I will be running the much smaller companies.

“ I am having doubts about the whole thing and I wanted a second opinion.” Was all he said. He then stood up from the table and bade us all goodnight. That was the end of it. We were left gaping at his empty seat. Hyesung is the first one to speak up, and surprisingly he looked at Eric and asked “Dad is not sick or anything is he?” “Not that I know of” Eric answered. “There must be something else, Dad seldom have doubts when it comes to projects specially something as big as the Jeju project” Minwoo spoke aloud. “ Well asked him and not me… he never said anything about any problems there, and as far as I know there really is no problem. Did any investor backed out?” this question was targeted at Hyesung, because in reality the only time they would voluntarily have a conversation is when it involves business, Sungie is part of the financial group, they are the one who actually talks to prospective investors, approves the amount to be invested in any given project and actually does the crunch work in assessing the feasibility of any project or the financial standing of each company. While Eric on the other hand is Dad’s second in command, he is his trouble shooter, if something needs to be done and done according to Dad’s way then Eric is the man. He knows the running of each and every company. Both of them work closely with Dad and each other. “None that I know off, all the contracts are ready and all parties has already agreed in principle, contract signing is on Monday… you know that!” he answered. Junjin stood up, let’s not beat ourselves, tomorrow by this time we probably know the answer to all our questions.

We all stood without even saying good night to each other. We know he is right. Tomorrow we will know.

CHAPTER 2

We were in Jeju island in no time at all, the trip itself was comfortable enough. Well what can you expect, if there is something about Dad is that he like creature comforts, we always travel first class, and because he is a major stockholder of the airlines that flied us to Jeju, let’s just say we are all treated like royalty.

From the airport we were transported to the Jeju property by a chartered chopper. I don’t know about the others but I like riding on choppers, I get to see the view and feel the wind on my face. I brought my camera because Dad don’t usually mind me taking pictures even if we are on a business trip. In fact on more than one occasion he asked me to take pictures of the place they are going to develop I think it gives him a clearer perspective of the place.

After a couple of minutes we saw the beach, from where we are it really was a magnificent site to see, the sand was so white and looks so pure, and the water is so blue and clean. I immediate took out my camera and started shooting. I didn’t even notice that we landed already, not until Junjin gave me a little shove from behind. I continued taking pictures as soon as my feet touched the ground, I walked away from the group and continued shooting, I was so engrossed that I actually did not notice that the others are walking behind me. From afar I saw a solitary house facing the beach, and in front is a boy…no a young man building sand castles. From where we stand you really cannot tell. “I thought there are no houses here ?” It was Minwoo, “That side is not part of the property we bought , the owner refused to sell, but she did agree to have a wall built, in between the two properties, she promised to cooperate” one of Dad’s many assistants answered him. But Dad was not listening to any of this, he continued walking towards the house, we all followed him, both because we don’t know what else to do and because we are all curious how Dad will handle this. Nobody says no to him, and secretly I want this to be the first time.

I now can see that it is indeed a young man I saw earlier, he stood almost as tall as I but he is leaner and his skin is that of someone who has lived by the sea all his life. He probably heard us coming because he immediately stopped whatever it is his doing. He did not even looked at us but immediately run towards the house we saw earlier. But that few precious seconds was enough for us to see his face.

We all stood frozen from where we are standing, Dad ran after but the rest of us just stood there. I turned around to see the looked on other’s face. I then knew that they also saw what I saw. “ He looked……” Jun Jin who seems the most surprised is the first one to speak….”Just like Dad”…..Minwoo finished his little speech for him. Eric looked at Hyesung and then me….I nodded in agreement. He did looked like, well he looked liked Dad when he was 20 years old, except that his skin is more tanned and he looked like he does a lot of running judging by the number of seconds it took him to run from the beach towards the house which is a couple of meters from the beach.

Dad was unable to catch up but he continued running towards the house. Hyesung patted me on the shoulders; the others have decided to follow Dad. I can see that they are as curious as to where this will lead us.

When we finally caught up with Dad I saw that the house is smaller than I thought it would be from afar. The house looks neat, with a white picket fence and a small well tended vegetable garden in front. Some of the paint outside is peeling but overall you can see that the owner of the house has kept it in good condition and is well maintained.

“Bo Bae…Bo Bae…” Dad called, we all looked at him in disbelief, I looked at the other and I saw that they are us puzzled as I. Who in the world is Bo Bae I asked my self silently. And as if on cue, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen stepped in front of us. She is both beautiful and graceful, the way she walks you would think that you are before royalty. Except that she is wearing a simple shirt and cut off jeans, and looking at her hand you can see that she is doing some gardening.

She looked as surprised as Dad but it did not stop her from muttering” What are you doing here?” She was both angry and surprised judging from her voice. For the first time in my life I saw Dad speechless. He just looked at her. “Stay away… stay away from us…we don’t need you here!!!. Before any of us could even react or say anything she shut the door on the great Lee Kwan Dae.

Dad just stood there staring at the door for a couple of minutes. Finally Eric and Hyesung tapped him on the shoulders at the same time. “Dad let’s go.” Hyesung gently told him.

The ride back to the hotel and the lunch that followed was a silent affair; all of us knew that the situation was more serious than we thought. To be really honest, all five of us were really curious, especially Junjin. He and Hyesung were by the bar having a drink, it was too early to drink but I guess all of us were at lost about the situation. I joined them without being invited. From the bar I saw Minwoo and Eric playing billiards; I don’t have to hear their conversation to know what they are talking about. When they saw me the two of them joined us by the bar. Eric ordered beer for the two of them, he would have ordered one for me too but I said Iced tea would be fine. They all knew I drink only if I have too and I am thankful that they at least did not give crap about that.

“So you think his Dad’s?....it was Junjin. “ I have no doubt…” Eric answered. “I thought I was seeing an apparition…” Hyesung said. “I thought after Junjin he doesn’t want another….” “That’s what we all thought, but how can you explain him….” This is in answer to Minwoo’s question. I would have said more but the person in question walked into the bar. He was wearing a long white shirt and dark pants and dress shoes. From my perspective he looks like a clean shaven young man until he opened his mouth to speak.

“Are we going to play tonight?”

“Honey keep your voice down, and no we are not going to play tonight, Mommy is here to work, now you seat over there and watch mommy play for this nice people okay…”

It was the beautiful lady we saw earlier. If I thought she was beautiful the first time I saw her, she was simply stunning now, she had very little make up on, and is wearing a very simple blue dress. Her simplicity makes her even more beautiful. The others I think were also thinking the same thing because from the corner of my eyes I saw Hyesung, Eric and Minwoo gaping at her.

“What is he doing here? You know it’s against company policy. If Mrs. Kim sees him….” It was the head bartender talking to her.

“I know but I have no one to leave him too and I do not want to leave him home alone… and besides I already talked to Mrs. Kim, she said it’s ok as long as he behaves himself.”

“You should have sent him to that place…would have saved you a lot of trouble really, you’re to young and too beautiful wasting your time looking after that retard…..” he was not able to finish his sentence because the very pretty lady suddenly turned into a tiger right in front of our eyes. She kicked the head bartender really hard on where it hurts the most…” Call my son a retard one more time and I swear even if I lost this job I will break every bone on your body…” Everybody was on their feet, the guy from behind the counter immediately jumped between the two of them. “Bo Bae please calm down” . Someone probably the Manager came and called both of them to his office. Someone took the young man and brought him somewhere because at that very instant after his mother kicked the poor guy, he jumped on his feet and is about to join the fray. I was amazed at how strong she really is because she managed to single handedly stopped him from doing anymore damage to the poor guy on the floor.

We all stood there watching the whole spectacle, except for the staff we were the only guest there at the bar. We just looked at each other and did not say a thing. None of us made any move to leave; I knew then that the others are also curious as to where this will lead too. The beautiful lady came back and went straight to the piano, the others from what I can see seem too glad to be ignored by her. Just then the young man came out from the kitchen and immediately hugged her.

“Why is mommy angry?”

“Mommy is not angry….go seat over there…mommy needs to start her program now…you stay there and behave yourself ok.”

“Andy will behave…because Andy is a good boy!”

She let him kiss her on the cheeks, and then sent him towards where she told him to sit. Afterwards I saw her straightened up and flexed her fingers. I didn’t know what music she is playing all I knew is that it is classical music.

“Mozart…she’s playing Mozart….” it was Minwoo…honestly I was quite surprised that he knew what it was, because I thought he only listened to rock music.

“It sounds familiar” it was Hyesung, “I heard that before…” ‘Dad…he always plays that on the car …” Eric answered him.

To say that she is good is an understatement, because even if I don’t understand a thing about music I knew she was good. There is something about the way she plays that will make you listen. It is as if the music is coming from her very soul and that no one and nothing else matters…just her and her music.

CHAPTER 3

We were supposed to have a meeting that night, at least that’s what Dad’s secretary told us that afternoon, but Dad was nowhere to be seen and no one knows where he went. It was not like him not to inform any of his many assistants of his whereabouts. Not even Eric and Hyesung who are both heavily involved in the project knows where he is. Since no one seems to know if the meeting will push through or not Eric decided to cancel it for tomorrow but informed everyone not to get drunk and make sure we have our cellphones on all the time just in case Dad makes an appearance and decides to push through with the meeting.

We left the bar together but went our separate ways the moment we are out the door. Were like that, always. I think no one actually bothered to ask the others where they are going and what they are going to do. But I do have an idea, Hyesung and Junjin would probably hit the other bars that night, and Minwoo would go clubbing with Eric, they are like that, no one bothered to ask me because they know I don’t drink anyway. I returned to the hotel to get my camera. I figured if I don’t go too far from the hotel I would be able to make use of my free time by taking some more pictures, and if the old man suddenly shows up I would not be too far off and would be able to return immediately.

The hotel we are staying on was on the other side of the island, but it’s also close to the sea. I walked as fast as I can to catch a glimpse of the settings sun. Luckily I manage to catch a few shots before the reddish glow of the afternoon gave way to the darkness of the night. The sea was calm and the breeze was softly caressing my skin. I was glad I brought my jacket with me. Because I knew that it will be very cold soon. I was so caught up in my own world that I did not notice that I was not alone on the beach. From where I was standing I could see his silhouette against the sea. He was sitting hunched over some rocks, caught up on his own world without a care to the world. I took a photo of him and left. I don’t know why but I felt that I am intruding.

CHAPTER 4

He no longer knows how long he has been sitting here. The events of the morning keep repeating on his mind like a scene from an old movie. She did not change a bit. Still as beautiful as ever, with the same grace and calm that first caught his attention. He knew it was his fault that she left, he knew he would have willingly left Cho for her, but he couldn’t leave Eric just like that. He knew people talked about him behind his back and that he has a reputation for being a ladies man, but no one can ever accuse him of abandoning his children. Not even his own kids knew all the things he had to do so that he would be able to keep them all under one roof. He has to fight tooth and nail with Junjin’s mother so that he could keep him, it also cost him a lot too, something he would never tell him or the others because it would definitely hurt Jin to think that his mother exchanged him for a big sum of money, and Minwoo if he knew that one night of indiscretion resulted in a pregnancy he wouldn’t think twice of getting him too, that crazy woman, she should have given him up to him instead of physically abusing him for years. The only good thing that she ever did for their son is telling him of the father who never knew he existed. It’s a good thing Minwoo has guts, no 10 year old would have come up to a stranger and claim that he is his son, but he did just that. The other 3 were luckier their mothers at least wanted them and loved them enough that even his money was not enough for them to give them up to him so easily. Hyesung’s mother is a lawyer and from the moment she found out she was pregnant she made it clear that whatever happens to the two of them she will keep the baby, he was already out of high school when he came to live with him, and the only reason he stayed after college is because he was genuinely interested to learn the ropes of the business. Le Kwan Dae willingly took him under his wing, because if Hyesung didn’t show any interest in the business he would have found some other ways to convince him to stay. Dongwan’s mother on the other hand is the proudest among all of them, well next to Bo Bae, because if she didn’t die from that damn disease that have been the bane on her family for generations, she would never have let Dongwan come live with him. Not even poverty and hardships can change her mind, but at least to give credit to her, Dongwan was a well behaved and finely mannered young lad the first time he met him. He never had any problem with him and seems able to adjust so easily to the changes in his life. Cho, Eric’s mother only gave him up when her new husband made it clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with Eric, and she swore to him that if any of his other women ever dared hurt Eric in anyway there would be hell to pay. That’s why he is careful not to let anyone of them close enough that they would demand to live with him, who knows what will happen, it’s hard enough to keep his sons together and having another person in the house will complicate matters even more.

Five sons from five different women, and if that boy…no that young man…is really his ....Then that would make them six. He should be proud he told himself, but why is it sitting here alone by the sea he felt ashamed of himself.

He stood up, he don’t know how long he has been sitting there, and he can vaguely remember his secretary reminding him about a meeting, but right now he doesn’t care about anything anymore all that matters to him is Bo Bae. He needs to talk to her now.

CHAPTER 5

It was a slow night with very few patrons, from the corner of her eye she saw that Andy fell asleep on their table. It’s a good thing that their table is well out of the way and is out of view of the other tables. Tomorrow she sure would hear an earful from Mrs. Kim the owner of the bar, she knew that the only reason she keeps her on board is because she really is very good with the piano. She finished here last piece, bowed before an almost empty bar and immediately walk towards Andy. The bartender that she knocked down earlier was giving her an eye, but she ignored him.

“Wake up sweety...it’s time to go home now.” Andy still sleepy stood up and placed his arms around her. He has grown up a lot over the past summers and now is already taller than her. People who didn’t know them would think he is her drunken boyfriend or something…only if they knew the truth.

The walk towards the car was easy enough; it’s a good thing Andy did not throw a tantrum for being woken up. It has been a long day and she still has a long drive ahead of her. So many things are on her mind these past few days, and the event of the morning did not help either. Why… oh why of all people in the world does it have to Lee Kwan Dae who came knocking on her door that morning?

After learning that the beach property beside their house has been bought by the LK Group she never had a good night sleep. Just the mere thought of coming face to face with Kwan Dae again sent shivers down her spine. Now that his seen Andy she knew that they have to leave this small paradise they have called home for the last 20 years. She’s not really worried but she knew Andy does not like changes and he just loves the sea. He like playing with the waves and building sandcastles, and because this is such an isolated area she never have to worry about strangers intruding on their privacy, or cruel people harassing Andy. Not that they have not experienced this kind of behavior before, what happened in the club earlier is a proof to that, but leaving in isolation means that their contact with the outside world is very limited and the few people who live here doesn’t bother them at all. Some of them have even shown them kindness. She has other choices she knows that. Somebody from the company has already come up to her offering to buy the property where their house stood, she now knew that she should have agreed like the others because if she did then the meeting with Kwan Dae would have been avoided. But how can I know that he himself will come here? She asked herself.

She parked her car at the back of the house, woke up sleeping Andy and cajoled him into walking the short distance to the front door. When he was younger she would just carry him up to the house, but Andy is far from small now. In fact standing side to side he is almost half a head taller than her.

The moon is partly covered by the clouds tonight, and they could barely see where they are going. But both of them have walked this path before and even in complete darkness they know where to go. That’s why she was almost on the front door before she noticed that there is someone sitting on the front porch. Without even thinking she immediately pushed Andy to her back like she always does when she sense danger, and gave the sleeping person a quick kick on the shin and karate chop on the neck. Holding Andy with her left hand while her other hand seeks out the small knife she always keeps on her back pocket, she gave a small kick to the fallen figure on her feet. Still looking at the unknown person she just knocked out she told Andy to open the door and turn on the lights. Andy did as he was told while still holding on to his mother.

She gave a small gasp, because down on the floor is the last man on earth she wanted to see.

CHAPTER 6

He doesn’t know what happened, or where he is or what is he doing lying on the hard floor. The last thing he knew was that he was sitting on the swing on the front porch while waiting for Bo Bae and Andy. Yes, that’s what they said his name was. They said that Bo Bae plays piano at some high class hotel on the other side of the island and she usually came home late. She always gets a sitter for Andy but tonight she decided to take him with her. He’s not really surprised; he somehow knew that after what happened this morning Bo Bae will never let him out of her sight again. He vaguely remember one of the neighbors telling him that Andy is mentally retarded that’s why Bo Bae cannot leave him home alone.

‘Mommy he is awake…!!!’ Andy was peeking at the half open door. Kwan Dae wanted to sit up but his whole body wouldn’t cooperate.

Bo Bae: (Entering the room) so your finally awake!

Kwan Dae: That was some karate chop you gave me last night.

Bo Bae: Be glad that’s the only thing I gave you.

Kwan Dae: No, you also gave me a kick somewhere…..

He was still laying flat on the floor unable to move an inch. He tried smiling at her hoping to elicit some sympathy. She offered him her hand so that he may sit up.

Bo Bae: I made you some tea and there are some toasts on the table if you want some. Your cellphone is over there (pointing to a small table on the corner), we are going to town, and we’ll be away for a couple of hours. I don’t want to find you here when we get back.

Kwan Dae: Bo Bae I know you’re upset with me…but I just wanted to know is Andy my…..

Bo Bae: I don’t know how you found us and who told you his name …. But I’m not going to answer any of your questions.

Without another word she left the room. He heard the front door closing and the sound of a car driving away. Still gathering what little strength he has he took a look around the room where he is at. It was small and neat. Except for a few chairs and one small table, the room was devoid of any other furniture’s or decorations. Half of the room is occupied by a white grand piano, and on top of the small table is an equally elegant violin. When he finally managed to stand did he saw that to his back is a very big cabinet, he tried opening it but it was locked securely. He did not attempt to use force in trying to open it. He doesn’t need too, knowing Bo Bae he knew what it contains. Her most treasured possession. Her musical instruments and lots and lots of books.

Using the wall for support he walked out of the room, like the room where he just came from, the rest of the house is sparsely furnished. He found the tea on top of the stove still hot and the toast on top of the kitchen counter. He tried eating but he just couldn’t force himself to swallow the toast. Finally giving up he just drank the hot tea he poured for himself. It must have helped because he no longer felt dizzy when he attempted to stand up again.

Now that he could walk up again without feeling that the world around him is spinning he started to inspect the house more carefully. It was really small; except for the music room (which probably doubles as a bedroom) there are no other rooms in the house. There is a small laundry area and a toilet and bath at the back of the kitchen and small sitting room on the front side of the house and that’s about it. Nothing fancy which did not surprise him at all because that is Bo Bae, she grew up in an orphanage and is used to living simply. She is not easily impressed by things that sparkle and so long as she has her books and her music she is satisfied and happy.

Taking a second look around the house he noticed that on the wall are pictures, lots of pictures of the two occupants of the house.

He knows he only has a few hours to get back to the hotel, their plane is leaving at 11:30 and the clock on the wall says it’s almost 10 already. Walking back to the room where he spent the night to get his cellphone, he found another photograph of Andy on top of the small table. He took it and replaces it with a piece of paper where he wrote a short message. Just to make sure she sees his message he placed the picture frame on top of the grand piano. She better sees that he said to himself.

CHAPTER 7

The meeting was supposed to start at 9 but it’s already 9:15 and Pres. Lee of the LK Group has still not arrived. Everybody is starting to fidget it’s not like him to come late specially for such an important meeting such as the contract signing of what is to be the one of most luxurious and biggest resort and casino Hotel in Asia. Eric and Hyesung are particularly worried because their father has not said a single word to them ever since they came back from Jeju. He almost missed the flight back to Seoul and was quiet and withdrawn all throughout. It’s not surprising really because he really seldom talk to them anyway, but you can see just from looking at him that he is carrying a big burden upon his shoulders. The other investors are getting impatient already, one of them already stood up to leave when the person they are all waiting for arrived. He looked hurried and distracted and without even a murmur of apology he signaled for the meeting to start even before he could get settled on his chair.

Hyesung taking his cue from his father immediately started the discussion regarding the contracts that are about to be signed when Pres. Lee Kwan Dae interrupted him.

LKD: Have you checked with the Ministry of Environment regarding the extra permits we have to secure?

Eric: We already covered all of that, sir.

LKD: Good, we are investing quite a number a large amount of money here and it would be foolish to let something as simple as a special permit jeopardized the whole project.

Invs.1: I heard that there are a couple of houses near where we are building the casino, shouldn’t it be better if we just buy them out. They could prove to be a problem sooner or later.

Hyesung: There are only four houses within the vicinity of that area. The other 3 has already agreed to sell, we already paid partial payments and are just waiting for the paper works to be finished before full payment is made, but the last one, the one on the farthest part, she refused to sell. But she did agree to build a higher fence.

Invs.2: That’s not good enough. We are offering our guest the most luxurious sanctuary this side of the pacific; we cannot afford to take anything for granted. They may be a cooperative now, but once we start operation …..

Eric: You don’t have to worry about that, the people we sent they say she is more concerned about keeping her privacy.

Invs.1: Don’t tell me you have lost your touch my boy…. They have to go….double your offer if you have to, we can’t afford to have them there.

LKD: I don’t think we have to worry about them being a nuisance, the owner of the house doesn’t like being disturbed if we leave them alone, they wouldn’t be a problem to us. If she says she’s going to build a higher fence expect to see a high fence there the next time you come back there.

Invs.2: We cannot take her word for it.

LKD: Believe me if I tell you that she knows how to keep her word.

Invs.2: Do you know her?

LKD: I paid her a little visit the last we went there; let’s just say it wasn’t what I expect it to be.

Dongwan: She didn’t knock you down or something?

LKD: What do you mean by that?

Minwoo: That woman who owns the house we are talking about she works at the Grande bar, she’s the piano soloist there.

Hyesung: She tackled the head bar tender who is almost twice her size.

Invs.1: Why did she do that?

Junjin: He called her son a retard.

LKD: That is none of our business, let’s leave this issue for now, I’m sure we would be able settle this amicably.

Invs.2: I say you get this settled before we sign any contract, the money we are putting on this project is just too big for us to take any chances.

Invs.1: I agree. Say how about a week. If you can’t get her and that retard out of there within a week then we are out of here.

The look on Hyesung and Eric’s face tells me this is not the expected result they were hoping for. Although I don’t really care if the project pushed through or not but I actually feel pity for them right now. They have been working on this project for the last couple of months, negotiating with the investors, clearing the obstacles you call the government agencies, buying off the surrounding properties, making sure everything is taken care of and now, it just might be delayed or worst completely stopped because some woman refused to sell a house the size of a matchbox. But Dad seemed unmoved. It’s just impossible to read his face. I think I know now where Junjin got his poker face.

Eric has no choice but to adjourn the meeting, while the rest of the directors and the other investors left, father signaled for us to remain. We actually have no choice whether we want to leave to or not, if Pres. Lee Kwan Dae say you stay, you ask where.

LKD: Was she good?

His question surprised all of us. We are all thinking about this project and he is more concerned whether the piano lady is good or not.

Minwoo: She’s good, she played Mozart and some Bach and some contemporary music too.

Hyesung: And she kicks real well too…

It’s not surprising that Hyesung would notice that, he did have a black belt in taekwondo and I once saw him smash some bricks because he and Jin are trying to impress some girl. You really wouldn’t think his like that if you just look at him. His features are soft and some say even girlie.

Eric: So what are we going to do now? If she doesn’t sell all the months of preparation and all those money spent is going down the drain…. And ………..

LKD: Is that all you wanted to ask? …… If there is something you want to know….you know you can ask me…I have never lied to any one of you before…..

Eric after a few moments of hesitation finally spoke out loud.

Eric: He’s not one of yours….

LKD: Yes he is…

Minwoo: How could you be so sure?

LKD: The same way I was sure you were mine the first time I saw you…..now if there is something else I think all of you have other things to do….

He was almost at the door when Junjin spoke….

Junjin: You’re not going to get him too are you?

LKD: Should I?

Dongwan: Well… you always say you want all your kids together….

LKD: Do you think she’ll let me?

Eric: I…well…you always find a way to have your way…

LKD: Well let me put it this way….your mother, Sungie’s and Dongwan’s mom share something in common with Bo Bae….yes that’s her name…..their all proud, courageous and have a good head on their shoulders. The only reason I was able to get each one of you to live with me is because fate decided on my favor. In Bo Bae’s case…unless Sungie is willing to beat her out for me so that I could get Andy …………..there is no other way that she would give him up.

With that he left the room. I couldn’t believe my ears, that the most dominating person that I have ever personally known… the one they secretly call the Dictator behind his back is actually intimidated by a woman.

Eric: So Andy is the name…… Jin you’re a hyung now….

With that the others started to leave, Eric and Sungie has a busy week ahead of them, Junjin will be busy assisting Sungie and Dongwannie….well even if his not busy he always find ways to keep him occupied. As for me…I have band rehearsals to think about.

CHAPTER 8

I knew from the moment that the Doctor told me that I am pregnant the he is going to be special. Now as I watched him play his favorite game of playing catch with the waves that I realized that he more than special, he has proven to be a blessing. Despite all the hardships and trials the last 23 years of his life has brought me, I knew now that I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now that Kwan Dae has learned about his existence I knew that there would be more trials ahead, for a simple no will not stop him from getting involved in Andy’s life….my life.

Andy without warning ran to me and showered me kisses. He is always like that when he is happy.

Andy: Is mommy sad?

BB: Of course not sweetie…what a silly idea….mommy is not sad..

Andy: Andy is hungry….

BB: And what would my baby want to eat?.....

Andy: Ice Cream….

BB: No…… no how about cold noodles….

Andy: Ice Cream….

BB: No Ice Cream…..

Andy: But Andy wants ice cream…..

BB: How about we eat cold noodles now….and then we eat ice cream…. Is that good enough…

Andy: hmmmm…..yes…yes….Andy is going to eat cold noodles and ice cream

Andy gave her a big hug. She left him on the front porch where he happily amused himself by watching the waves. Others would think that taking care of him must be a big burden to her but in reality Andy has brought her immeasurable happiness. Yes there are times when things get bad…especially when his tantrums becomes uncontrollable or when he gets sick and she’s all alone to care for him but those times rarely happens. Compared to the……

Andy: Mommy!!!!!!!!!!!! The bad person is here again………..

Andy came running into the house; instinctively I picked the small knife from one of the drawers and without second thoughts I stepped outside. I honestly don’t know who I am expecting to see….because you see for Andy if I so much as raised my voice to another person, that person is a bad person because they made mommy angry.

LKD: My goodness Bo Bae when did you ever become this violent? Is that the way you always greet visitors to your home….with a knife?

It was Lee Kwan with five other young men….probably his bodyguards, but on second thought I don’t think Kwan Dae would approve of his bodyguards wearing earrings and in jeans. They all bowed their head to me in greeting. I bowed back but for some reason I did not put the knife away. Andy remained in the house, he learned early on that not all people that came knocking on our door is somebody to be trusted.

LKD: Aren’t you going to let us in?

BB: The house is too small and there is no place to sit for all of you?

LKD: You saw the message I left for you?

BB: That…. Andy threw it away when he saw his picture was missing, I think you deserve another kick…it took me three hours to calm him down.

LKD: I’m sorry about that…

BB: You could have asked for one if you really want one you know….I am not that selfish…

LKD: May I see him?

BB: I’ll call him…I may take a while because Andy doesn’t like strangers you know….especially the one that stole his photograph. Why don’t you ask your bodyguards to go and make themselves comfortable, we just cleaned the porch so it’s ok to sit on it.

LKD: Bo Bae they are not my bodyguards, (looking towards the other five) please meet my other sons….

BB: I’m sorry…I thought….

LKD: It’s ok…..there’s Eric, Dongwan, Minwoo, Junjin and Hyesung

BB: I think I already met the last one…Mr. Shin Hyesung right? You’re the one who came here offering to buy the house?

H: Hyesung would be fine madam….and yes I’m the one.

BB: (Looking at each of them)…..please make yourselves comfortable…. I’ll just go and make some tea….Andy honey can you bring some pillows outside for our visitors.

Andy: (from the inside of the house) How many mommy?

BB: Seven will do sweetie….

She went back inside, while the rest of us where left standing like fools. I’m not really surprised she thought we are Dad’s security because he seldom travels without one. From the inside of the house the young man that we saw the last time… the one Dad told us was our brother came running out with the pillows.

Andy: (With his eyes looking on the floor) Mommy said to tell you to please have a sit…..(he then carefully arranged each pillow in a semi circle position)

Junjin was about to sit on one the pillows with a Winnie the pooh design when Andy pushed him away.

Andy: (With his eyes looking on the floor) Don’t sit on Mally…..Mally is Andy’s pillow….. (he took the pillow away)

Bo bae came running from the house when she heard Andy’s voice…

Bo Bae: Honey what’s the matter?

Andy: Mommy he is sitting on Mally…Mally is Andy’s pillow….

Bo Bae: I’m sorry…that is his and he doesn’t want anybody else using his things… please sit down. Andy go and get the tea Mommy prepared for our visitors.

Andy: (Giving the pillow to Bo Bae) Mommy you hold Mally for Andy….

Bo Bae: Ok…mommy will hold it for you.

He went back to the house and came back a few minutes later with the tea. He sat on the floor beside his mother all the while hugging the pillow where Jinnie almost sat earlier.

LKD: (Looking at Andy) Bae I don’t want to be rude was he always like that?

BB: His autistic savant if that’s what you mean! And yes he was born that way…….

LKD: It must have been difficult …..

BB: It was …..but I have no regrets (to Andy who was busy eating cookies beside her) honey why don’t you give some cookies to our visitors

Andy still looking at the floor gave each one of them a cookie, he did not want to give any to Junjin but his Mom cajoled him to give him some. When he finally got to Dad…

Andy: Mommy said to give you cookies, but you’re a bad person…

BB: Honey no…..don’t call him that….

Andy: But he is a bad person!!!! Bad…bad …bad…person

We all felt uncomfortable with this situation but Andy’s action is making it worst. Finally Dongwan the most outspoken among us spoke.

D: Why is he a bad person?

Andy: (Standing up towards the center) Because mommy kicked him like this (kicking an imaginary sleeping LKD) and then hit him like this (giving a karate chop towards Eric, luckily Hyesung was able to deflect the hit) and then he fell like this (falling like a log , he fell face down on his pillow) and then mommy kicked him again like this (stood up almost immediately and then gave another imaginary kick again, his feet almost hitting Junjin’s knee) and then he rolled like this (going back from his previous position on his pillow and he rolled like a log towards Eric, Hyesung and Dongwan) (then standing up again) that’s why is a bad person…..

None of us could speak after this. First I heard someone chuckling and before I knew it Dad was laughing himself silly. Jinnie, Hyesung and Eric started laughing too, Dongwan within seconds joined in and before I knew it I too was on the ground laughing

BB: (Trying to stop herself from laughing too) sweetheart why did you do that….

Eric: Dad rolled like that….hahahahaha

Jinnie and Sungie are holding on to each other their laughter uncontrollable. We are like that for a couple of minutes. Until suddenly Andy started stomping on the wooden floor boards.

Andy: Mommy their laughing at me….. (he is about to cry)

BB: No honey .. their not (by this time she is laughing herself)..(holding on to her stomach) they are laughing at Daddy.

Andy: Andy has no Daddy because Andy came from heaven….

This statement silenced all of us. Dad brought us here to meet Bo Bae and Andy. Beyond that we don’t know of his other plans. We certainly did not expect both of them would welcome us with open arms or that Andy would come running to him. But this complete rejection must have stung him badly for when he spoke his tone was different.

LKD: Don’t you want to have a Daddy?

Andy: No…. Andy already has a mommy…no Daddy…

LKD: I’ll buy you toys….lots and lots of toys….

Andy: Andy has many toys….

(runs inside the house, he came a couple of minutes later with an armful of toys. then he returned inside again and came back with another armful, he repeated this a couple of times until there was a small mountain of stuff toys in front of them)

Andy: (Picking up a 3 small pig toys) this is ho dong, mc yoo and jaedong

(a small teddy bear) this is aindy (other toys) this is dv, shaziee, kimmy…nutzie, blueblue, calli…)

He went on and on….all through out this Dad was looking at him with a smile on his face. For all the years I’ve live with him I seldom saw him smile, well I did see him smile when Eric and Hyesung graduated with honors, and he did come when Jinnie’s soccer team made it to national level. He even treated the whole team afterwards when they won. I’m pretty sure that when Dongwannie finally have his one man exhibit he will be there too. Me, I’m counting myself out, not that he disapproved of me or my music I just don’t think he would feel comfortable sitting through a rock concert. All of us silently listened as Andy introduced us to each and every one of his little toys. Junjin probably getting bored with all of this absentmindedly picked up one his toys.

Andy: Hey don’t touch crystali…..(snatching the poor teddy from Junjin’s hands)

BB: Honey his just looking….why don’t you bring them all inside…I think you’ve shown them all you’re your toys already.

Andy picked his toys one by one and refused to be helped. When finally he was done, Bo Bae told him to go and play on the beach. Once his out of earshot, an uncomfortable silence greeted us.

BB: I didn’t know you have five boys…I thought you and Cho…

LKD: Their all mine but Cho only had Eric the others are….

BB: No need to explain I get it….so what brought you here.

LKD: I just want the boys to meet you and Andy and I was hoping you would let him visit with us.

BB: I don’t think that would be a good idea, Andy does not like changes, and I really wouldn’t want to impose on Cho or whoever is it with you right now….

LKD: Cho and I had divorced a long time ago….and no there is no one right…

BB: (raising her left brows) Sorry to be very blunt but I find that surprising,…..(to the five) I hope you don’t mind me being frank with your father….but I’m always like this…..

LKD: (clearing his throat) Well, all five of them live with me….and I was hoping…..

BB: You would like to get Andy too….

LKD: Not like that…..I was hoping……would you like to spend a few weeks with us…just so that Andy will get to know me…and his brothers….

BB: You’re not listening to a word I said…Andy does not like changes…and even if I agree to your crazy idea it would take a more than a couple of weeks before he would even know all of you….and ..

LKD: Please….

BB: Andy even by savant standard is not normal….he has enough intelligence for 20 geniuses, he can solve complicated math problems faster than me, he can master an instrument in a few hours and yet it took him 5 years to learn how to tie his own shoelace and now your asking me this…

LKD: Bo Bae…please…listen to me first…

BB: How would you expect him to understand…he doesn’t know he has brothers….he doesn’t know he has a father……your asking for the impossible… all your sons seem fine enough….and I am sure they would all do well.. Isn’t it enough that you have them? Aren’t you satisfied with that?

LKD: (In a desperate tone) I know what you mean and I am proud of all of them….but don’t you think Andy deserves to at least know his brothers even if he does not understand his relationship with them… Even if you think I will not be good enough for him, please don’t shut me out….

BB: That’s not what I mean…..

LKD: Bo Bae all I am asking is a chance to spend time with him….for him to get to know me…do you want me to beg for it…..because if that’s what you want…..even in the presence of my other sons I will do it…

The uncomfortable silence that we shared earlier even became more uncomfortable. It sure made the five of us squirm on our sits. Finally not able to stand it anymore Eric stood up followed by Sungie.

Eric: Excuse me I need to answer a phone call.

Sungie: Hmmm.. I’ll need to check something with the office…

Dongwan did not say a thing but also excused himself. I and Jinnie also found a way to excuse ourselves. This certainly is an awkward situation for all of us. No one would admit it…but not one of us I think is ready to see the great Lee Kwan Dae beg.

CHAPTER 9

She found herself on the beach that night, it was already late and Andy is already asleep. Lee Kwan Dae she thought is certainly a very complex man. She certainly did not expect him to behave this way, especially since he has only seen Andy a total of three times. Well she told herself, Kwan Dae may be ruthless when it comes to business and some even refer to him as the Ice King, but when it comes to his kid that’s a totally different story. She remembers the time when she found out about Cho, Kwan Dae pleaded with her to stay. He told her that it’s an arrange marriage that he doesn’t love her and the only reason he wouldn’t leave her is because of his son. That was the last stroke. She loved him with all her heart but her pride cannot accept the fact that she will remain a kept woman for as long as Kwan Dae refused to leave his wife and kid, and even if he finds the courage to leave his family for her, she knew that she will never find peace again knowing that another child lost a father because of her. Growing up in an orphanage taught her that, the importance of a father and a mother to a small child.

It’s so difficult to read his mind and he always keeps a distance between him and those around him. Now that she thinks about it the persona he projects when there is company is totally different from the person he is when he is around people he trusts. But the question is did he ever trust anybody? Or he only acts warmly when it serves him. She doesn’t know how he relates to his sons, but this morning except for the time they laughed because of Andy’s antics, she sensed a certain distance between father and sons.

His sons from what she saw this morning all seems alright. Hyesung, the one who spoke to her regarding the purchase of their house was certainly well mannered. He talked to her in a way that is both professional and straightforward, but with certain warmth that you cannot find from his father. The others is hard to say, Dongwan after he excused himself did nothing else but take pictures, Minwoo the one in jeans and pierced earrings shared a cigarette with Eric. Hyesung and Junjin, I think that’s his name was with them too. They kept their distance from us while we talked. None of them tried approaching Andy, they just watched him from afar. She does not blame them at all, they must be wondering how this man, (for certainly if Andy is normal like them he can be considered a young man now) became their brother. Except for being the mirror image of their father, he shared nothing in common with them. All of them are probably out of University now, working in their father’s company, learning from him, pursuing what will be their lifelong career path, dating pretty girls enjoying what normal people in their mid 20’s enjoy.

But her Andy on the other hand has remained a child both in heart and in his actions. Sure he can play so many musical instruments she already lost count, he can read music sheets the same way people read newspapers, solve very complex mathematical equation, can play a song he only heard once and can play all the classics perfectly all from memory, and yet till he was ten he can’t tie his own shoelace and button his shirts properly. Until now he still has difficulty writing his own name although he has progressed in his reading a little. He runs to her when he sees strangers and hides behind her back. It was cute till he was ten years old but now that he stand taller than her already, people find it weird. What’s worst they call him names and make fun of him without even trying to understand his situation. She remembers when he was 13 and did just that, a group of teenagers continued taunting him and throwing empty soda cans at him. Calling him names. She got so angry, she actually ran outside the house with an empty toy gun, off course that scared them off. But the parents of one of the kids reported her for having a gun. It took a while for her to explain to the police what happened. And the kid’s parent actually had the guts to get mad at her for scaring her son. Well to get back at them she closed access to the beach. She could do that because it’s part of her property. They protested but couldn’t do anything about it. She sued and won when a group of them attempted to enter the beach. But that did not stop some of them from vandalizing their fence. A group of them even came once when she was out of the house leaving Andy with a sitter. She came home to find police all over the place. It turns out they attempted to burn the whole house, it’s a good thing her sitter has the presence of mind to take Andy with him when he ran out of the house. He called the police from his cellphone and they arrive just in time to find the culprits laughing like crazy while watching the house burn. Those kids came from pretty influential family, but because they were caught red handed, even their family’s influence couldn’t help them. She refused to settle when they offered her a large amount of money, she only agreed when the patriarch of each family came to her personally to settle the matter. She asked them to pay for the damages, extracted both a verbal and written apology from each of them and made them promise on their families honor that those kids will never come near her or her Andy again. After that they never bothered her again, but the experienced made Andy even more wary of strangers, and it also made her ever more protective of him.

She knew in her heart that she cannot always protect and care for him forever, and that one day she would grow old and brittle. Many people have told her that she’s still young enough and beautiful enough to marry again and have a family, but no man in his right mind would accept Andy in the equation. They told her to just get him into an institution where he would receive the best care. She certainly can afford that, but her mother’s heart certainly cannot imagine a stranger singing Andy to sleep, cuddling with him when he wants to, calming him down when he throws one of his tantrum, listening to him play the piano or whatever musical instruments he wants to play for hours on end, or memorizing the names of all his toys so that they know which one they would give to him when he wants to hug them.

The visit from Kwan Dae and his sons was certainly a surprised to her, she expected him to send someone to talk to her and not drag all his brood knocking on her door but he did just that. He did not asked her to give up custody of Andy, his request is simple enough all he wants is for them to spend a couple of weeks with them in Seoul so that he would be able to spend sometime with Andy and he may get to know his brothers. Sound simple, but the mere thought of spending a night under the same roof with Andy’s father scares her. Not because his that scary but because she was afraid her own heart would betray her.

CHAPTER 10

Against her better judgment Bo Bae found herself and Andy on a private chartered plane to Seoul, the same city she left 23 years ago. She would have taken a commercial flight but Kwan Dae insisted on hiring a private plane for them, he said it would be much more comfortable for her and Andy. Not that she’s complaining, they have too many luggages because Andy insisted on bringing all his toys, and for good measure she also brought his violin and guitar just in case he gets bored and throws a tantrum. She need not have worried because Andy seemed to enjoy flying too and cooperated quite nicely. They arrived in Seoul a few minutes before 7:00 pm, a dark colored mercedez. Dongwan and Junjin are the one’s that came for them. Andy didn’t seem to mind them at first until Junjin attempted to take his violin from him so that it could be put at the trunk with some of the other luggage. Andy gave him a kick and Junjin has no choice but to return the violin to him. Bo Bae apologized profusely because of this. Dongwan also apologized for his father who is still in a meeting and wouldn’t be able to come personally.

Andy who has not seen that so many cars in his entire life was busying himself looking out the window, the incident with Junjin completely forgotten. The rest of us on the other hand spent the time in an uneasy silence. Traffic was light for a Friday night so we managed to get home a little past 8:00 , Dad’s car was already there, so was Eric’s, Sungie’s and Minwoo’s. Dad told us all that morning to come home for dinner, and home we are all before dinner.

Lee Kwan Dae was restless the whole day. Today Bo Bae and Andy will be arriving from Jeju. It was a big relief to him when she called him the morning after their meeting telling him of her decision. He wanted to bring them with him there and then but Bo Bae insisted that she needed time to prepare Andy and to close the house, and to inform her employers. She has many conditions, but he was more than happy to comply with all of them. There was no mention of whether she has a change of heart about the sale of her property. This disappointed Hyesung and Eric but they did not say anything. Finally at 10 past 8 his waiting was over.

Dongwan was the first one to enter followed by Bo Bae who holding Andy by the hand like a mother guiding a little child, Jinnie was supervising the unloading of the luggages. That morning he instructed the whole household to welcome them here, Bo Bae said there is no need for that but he insisted. He already told them the situation with Andy and has given a stern warning that if they even want to keep their job they must all treat him right.

Kwan Dae together with Eric, Hyesung and Minwoo greeted the new arrivals.

LKD: How was the flight? You both must be very tired?

BB: It was ok, Andy enjoyed it very much? Didn’t you sweetie?

Andy: Where are we? This is not mommy and Andy’s house….

BB: Do you remember them honey?...they are the nice gentlemen who visited us last week, this is their house…

Andy: This is the bad person’s house…Andy don’t want to stay here….

BB: Honey we already talked about this remember….he is not a bad person…mommy kicked him because she thought he is a bad person…but mommy made a mistake…

Andy: His not?.....who is he….

LKD: Call me Daddy….

Andy: Andy has no Daddy because Andy came from heaven…

Eric: We all call him Dad…and you shall call him that too…..

Andy: Who are you…..

Eric: I’m Eric we came to visit your house last week…

Andy: (pointing at Junjin) He sat on Mally….

BB: Andy…it was a mistake and he said sorry already remember…..he didn’t know Mally is yours….

The rest of the household was introduced to Bo Bae and Andy with Andy repeating of their names all throughout dinner.

Andy: (in singsong voice) Mr. Jongmin is the driver….Mr. Junghwan is the butler….Mr. Jong is gardener….Ms. Jin is the maid, Ms. Hye is the maid….

BB: Andy stop that now and finish your dinner….

Andy: Andy don’t want to eat because it’s not delicious….mommy did not cook this….

LKD: what do you want to eat then?

Andy: Ice cream…..

LKD: (to one of the maids) do we have any Ice cream?

Maid: None, sir.

LKD: Send Jongmin to buy some….

BB: There is no need for that…Andy…they don’t have any ice cream here…..so no ice cream.

LKD: It’s ok…there is 24 hr. store near here…

BB: No…we discussed this before remember……you cannot give in to everything he wants or he will be uncontrollable once we get back home. Andy finished your dinner…and no ice cream.

The five of us looked at each other without a word. Dad is the law here around the house; everyone knows that, so it’s quite amusing to everyone to see him reprimanded just like that.

After dinner Bo Bae excused herself and Andy. She has no problems sleeping late but Andy she told us is used to being in bed before 9:00. On the way upstairs Andy saw the grand piano in the living room. It’s been there for as long as I can remember, but none of us really plays, well Minwoo does but he prefers the electric toys he has in his bedroom. Andy got so excited all sleepiness forgotten. He immediately sat in front of it and took off the cloth covering the keys. He started hitting a few keys … and then stood and stomped his feet….it was obvious to all of us that a tantrum is about to begin….

Andy: It’s not working……(he sat at the foot of stairs)

BB: Andy…look at me….

Andy: (continued to kick the air) it’s not working…it’s working….Andy wants to play…

BB: (In a stern voice)…Andy look at mommy….

Andy: It’s not working……not working,….

BB: (In a sterner voice)…Andy look at mommy….look at me… (cupping his face and forcing him to oooke at her) this is not mommy and Andy’s house remember…that is not Mommy’s piano…. Behave yourself…

LKD: (in a panicked voice) Minwoo….you have that electric piano right…go and get it…now…

Andy continued his tantrum while Minwoo ran all the way upstairs to get his keyboard. While Bo Bae tried unsuccessfully to quell Andy’s tantrum. Minwoo returned a few minutes later with his keyboard, Dad took it from him and gave it to Andy. The look on Minwoo’s face when Dad did that was indescribable. It was one of the few times when I wished I had my camera with me…because Minwoo who loves his instruments more than his many girlfriends look like he was going to cry…

LKD: Here..here…this one is working…..you can use this….(placing the electric keyboard in front of Andy)

M: (afraid that Andy might do some harm to his precious toy) Dad…I don’t think he knows how to use that…..

Andy: (looked at the electric keyboard) This is not piano…..

BB: It works the same….

Andy: (Stroking a couple of the keys…no sound came out)..it’s not working….

LKD: (to Minwoo) What’s wrong with it….

M: You have to turn it on….here let me show you (turns the power on and adjusted it so that it will sound like a classical piano)..there….

Andy: (Again stroking a couple of keys…smiles brightly at Bo Bae) it’s working now…

BB: Yes.. and you are going to say sorry to them…

Andy: (to no one in particular, looking at the floor) sorry…

BB: You return that to Minwoo……and say sorry again like you mean it…

Andy: (with the most angelic smile on his face) sorry….Andy wants to play….

BB: No…it’s time for Andy’s bed…

Andy: One only….please

LKD: Let him play….

Then Dad to everyone’s amazement sat on the floor in front of Andy….

LKD: Go ahead and play for us….

Andy then proceeded to place the keyboard on his lap. Minwoo cautiously held on to it, afraid that Andy might do some damage to his precious electronic keyboard, but Dad reprimanded him and told him to let Andy play. The rest of us found ourselves a place to sit.

None of us knows what music he is playing well maybe except to the three person that is sitting around him for from where I sat I saw Minwoo’s face change to one of concern to admiration. He also started to move his head and feet to the beat of Andy’s music, a sure sign that he gets it. As for me all I now that is it sounded weird and is really fast. It must have been really good for afterwards both parents gave him a round of applause. Even Minwoo for a moment forgot about his keyboard to give him a clap. The rest clapped too, I did the same even though I don’t know exactly what he played.

BB: Honey that was really nice…now you return Minwoo’s electric piano and say goodnight to everyone.

LKD: Very good….you really is your mother’s son….

Andy happily obliged. He said goodbye to everyone and allowed his mother to lead him upstairswith Dad following them. But before he left to show them their rooms he told Junghwan to get somebody to fix the grand piano. While the rest of us were left at the foot of the stairs.

Junjin: Did anybody saw Dad….he was….

Hyesung: He clapped…

Eric: And sat on the floor…..

Junjin: I can’t remember Dad ever doing that….

Dongwan: Doing what?

Junjin: Clap for anyone of us…..

Dongwan: Yes he does…he came to the games when your team made it to the national finals remember….

Junjin: That was different because all the parents were invited by the University Director himself.

Minwoo: Well he did cancel his trip to China when Eric and Hyesung both graduated from University.

Eric: That’s because we both won medals and parents have to be there ….

Junjin: How did you know that?

Eric: Know what?

Junjin: Came to all the games….

Eric: Oh that…. I drove him and I’m the one who gets the tickets….he also came when you (pointing at Minwoo) first played at some bar..… he also came when Dongwan had an exhibit with his class….

Dongwan: I didn’t know that…

Minwoo: I didn’t know that either….

Hyesung: I don’t think none of us knows anything about Dad….

CHAPTER 11

“Wow , this new drummer is good… a virtuoso ” I told myself.. he was playing “flight of the Bumblebee” this is the fist time I have heard anyone do it on drums. You usually hear it done by orchestra or guitar or piano....I even heard it once played on an electric piano…but never on drums…I was so into the music before I realized that I was in my PJ’s when I looked at the audience all of them are in their PJ’s too…. But I have no time to wonder about that because someone is pulling my legs…

Junjin: Minwoo…I can’t believe you can sleep through all this racket….

BB: Andy stop that now….you are waking up everyobody….

H: (sleepily walked into Minwoo’s room) what is all that noise….

E: (sleepily walking into Minwoo’s room) Min…do you know what time is it….it’s 5 AM for God’ sake…. Stop that………

Eric was not able to finish because the object of his wrath, the one he thought was making all that noise was sleeping like a baby while someone happily bangs on his precious drum set. He could see that quite a crowd has gathered inside Minbong’s room, Hyesung looked like he’s still asleep with his head resting on one of the many Nirvana posters on the walls, while Junjin and Dongwan were trying to wake up a sleeping Minwoo. Honestly, with all that noise one would actually wonder how Minbong could actually sleep through it all… the rest of the house is already there….all still in their PJ’s and nightgowns. Dad is going to be mad….

BB: Andy stop that…….

M: (still asleep) wow that was good….

D: (in frustration hits him with a pillow) Wake up…………….

M: (hits back, hitting Eric who was standing at the foot of his bed) Hey you…..(was about to hit Minwoo back but the pillow he was holding instead hit a half asleep Hyesung)

So while Andy was happily playing “Flight of the Bumblebee” on Minwoo’s drums, the rest of the boys (Eric, Hyesung, Minwoo, Dongwan and Junjin) got into a pillow fight. They finally stopped when Andy stopped playing……only to find their father standing on the door to Minwoos room.

None of us could speak all eyes on the floor. For the life of me I can’t remember ever seeing such a scene in our house. Many people have commended Dad for having such well behaved children, and I can’t blame them because we have always behaved according to what he expect us to be. We always behaved ourselves wherever we are, which is quite surprising because he never thought us anything, maybe unconsciously all of us just knew that it was what he expected from us. So it was not a surprise that we all felt ashamed of ourselves to find all five of us having a pillow fight and behaving like little boys at 5:00 in the morning while Andy bangs on Minwoo’s drums.

Dad looks at all of us. The others I knew were expecting the worst but then Dad………started to laugh…. It wasn’t a chuckle….and definitely not a giggle… he was laughing at us.

I looked at the others, and I now saw what Dad was laughing about, Both Eric and Hyesung looked like they grew feathers on their head, Junjin and Minwoo is half buried in feathers. I started laughing at them too…

E: (Throwing some feathers at Dongwan) What are you laughing at?

D: (still laughing) You look like a chicken…..hahahaha

E: (threw some more feathers) look at yourself you look like a half dressed chicken….

H: (throwing some more feathers to Eric) Actually the chicken look suites you…….(continues laughing)

We all laughed at each other when we realized how the others looked, and before we knew it another pillow fight ensued, but this time Andy joined in the fray with all the thoughts of Dad or getting reprimanded forgotten.

-*-

I thought that I was dreaming, but that was definitely Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee”…but why I told myself is there so much noise. The noise is coming from Minwoo’s bedroom. He has so much musical instruments in his room that I think two bands can be there at the same time without any one having to bring their own instruments because he already has enough for everyone. I wonder when he learned that. It was really good, although I don’t think it’s healthy for anyone to hear so much noise at 5 in the morning. With my sleepy eyes protesting by refusing to open up I forced myself to get off from bed. While I am trying to feel my way to Minwoo’s room I was wondering whether I should reprimand him or not. I have never really reprimanded any of my sons, there is no need really for they all had done good and behaved in a manner that makes me proud. By the time I got to Minwoo’s room I found the whole household trying to fit themselves on his bedroom door, but they all hushed up and gave way when they saw me.

It took a while for my half asleep brain to realize what I was seeing. I rubbed my eyes twice, for I thought they are deceiving me, but still I saw them. All my sons…having a pillow fight while the youngest plays Rimsky-Korsakov’ Flight of the Bumblebee on drums.

I have never laughed this hard in my entire life.

CHAPTER 12

It was already way past 5 in the afternoon and the meeting with Bo Bae and the Board of Directors has been going on for hours already. She came to discuss about the offer we gave her for her property. Andy was in Dongwan’s office doing God knows what. Jongmin, Dad’s chauffeur was minding him. The rest of us are in the meeting. There really is no need for this meeting, but one of the investors who also happens to be a stockholder in the company heard about Bo Bae and Andy. Well he tried contacting her and the result were far from amicable. He said some things that insulted Bo Bae, so we found ourselves, spending a Monday night inside the board room of the LK Group of Companies Headquarters facing a tigress. Bo Bae when she arrived that morning was far from happy. I can sense it in the way she did not return Dad’s smile, and the way she coldly greeted the rest of us.

BB: Call my son a retard one more time and you will find yourself on the pavement outside without walking out those doors.

D1: Well there really is no need……

BB: I will make it easy for every one, you leave us alone and we will mind our own business, but I am not going to sell just to make it convenient for all of you and your precious project.

D1: I don’t think……

BB: You are not in any position to demand obedience from me………… in fact you have no business telling me go and move somewhere else…. Our house and the beach in front of it is not part of the property your company bought.

D1: You are being unreasonable…

BB: Am I….. then you don’t know me…..

D1: If money is a problem……

BB: It is not…. I have enough to live comfortably with my son…that beach house is our home… and you or anybody else is not going to tell me to move out…

D1: I’m sure our dear President is taking care of………….

BB: I have my own money if that is what your implying, and you have no business meddling in other peoples affairs.

D1: That is not what I mean……

BB: Then what the hell do you mean?

D1: Well what I mean to say is……………..

BB: You have done nothing but insult me from the moment you contacted me until now. And now here you are saying you mean no such thing…are you insulting my intelligence….

D1: Of course not….but what I mean is…..

Hyesung who by that time already has a headache listening to their bickering has had enough. He wanted to walk out of this meeting already but then he can’t because if they don’t get an amicable settlement with Bo Bae all those months of hardwork and long nights is going down the drain, they need her to sell the house now or all the investors with whom they negotiated for months with will walk away. They already agreed to extend the negotiation another week. He wanted to kick the Director and it seems that Jinnie was thinking the same, because at that time he accidentally kicked him in the shin.

J: Sorry about that….I was just stretching my………………

E: Well how about we all take a break. Say 15 minutes and then we come back.

D: That’s a good idea….

H: Well then let’s…..

BB: I have a better idea…why don’t we all go home now and end this ….my son might be looking for me already.

E: Hmm…. I’m sure after a short break we would be able to reach a…..

BB: If you want an amicable settlement I suggest you send this guys home and I’ll just talk to the five of you….

D: So want to keep it within the family eh………….

BB: Actually no…I just have had enough of talking to you with that pea sized thing in your head you call a brain…..

Bo Bae has hit the spot…the Director was about to slap her but Hyesung caught his hand.

H: (Looking at the Director in the eye) I think you should go now. We will finish this ourselves.

E: (Looking at the other Board Members) This meeting is adjourned. We will talk to Miss Lee and try to have this settled as soon as possible. The rest of you can go now.

Everyone leaves, except for Minwoo, Hyesung, Eric, Junjin, Dongwan and Bo Bae.

H: I’m sorry about that.

BB: There’s no need to apologize.

E: Is there anyway we could make you change your mind?

BB: You know to be honest just the mere thought of all those people and all that noise invading us is enough motivation to make me sell.

D: Then why don’t you….

BB: Because of that jerk who just walked out who calls himself Director So.

M: Now that his not here are you ready to talk business?

BB: It depends….Andy loves the sea….and one of the reason I really like that place is because for most of year the sea is calm and the sand is really good we have very few neighbors so I have no problem of people invading Andy’s space. We’ve experience being harassed before so privacy and safety is really a concern to me.

D: Really…..

BB: Why do think did I learn to kick like that….

M: That bad?

BB: A group of kids once tried to burn the house while I was away. Andy was left with only a sitter. It’s a good thing they were able to get out.

M: Was the culprit caught?

BB: Yes, if I tell you their names some of them might even be familiar to the rest of you, because they came from pretty loaded families.

D: What happened after?

BB: Let’s just say that I have in my possession letters of apology handwritten by some of most influential patriarchs on that side of the country promising me that their members will leave us alone, and that they swear on their ancestors honor that no such thing will ever happen again.

M: They must have been desperate.

BB: They are….arson is a serious crime you know. And those kids were caught red handed.

E: It’s a good thing nobody got hurt.

BB: Yes, or I would be in jail right now for murder…..

Everyone was silent for a while.

H: I have an idea. How about a property swap….and for good measure we could even offer to build another house on the new property we want to swap with you

BB: That’s an idea….but where…..

H: Incheon, the company owns a resort there but I think it’s a waste of company resources maintaining a place nobody uses. I mean if we are going on a company outing the company has other resorts where we could go. It’s too small really for a company outing but I think big enough for the two of you.

E: Actually the whole place is almost double the size of your beach property in Jeju, the water is calm for most of the year, and the sand is good too. And you don’t have to worry about other people invading your privacy because there is no other access to the beach except the front entrance to the property.

H: We could take you there this weekend if you want to see the place.

BB: Ok with me…. But I have a favor to ask….don’t tell the board that I’m negotiating already….let your father chew their head first. He deserves that ….

CHAPTER 13

The guys are at a bar having some beer, something they have never done before.

E: Do you think Dad will approve the swap.

H: He better. It’s the only choice we have right now. Besides I don’t think she will sell unless we offer her a better location.

D: I don’t think Dad will mind, he might even be thinking of giving them that just to keep them near.

J: I second that, I have never seen Dad behaved this way before. He actually bought Ice Cream the other day.

M: If he’s not our Dad I would think he suddenly went bonkers…..almost drove me nuts the other day because he kept on calling me to ask how’s the repair on the grand piano is doing…

D: At least it’s just that….can you imagine what I went through when he asked me to arrange the flight for Andy and his Mom….

J: And the room……remember the interior decorator almost cried when Dad said he does not like the design, that was Friday morning and Andy was arriving Friday night….

H: At least now you know what me and Eric go through whenever we are handling a special project. Sometimes I get so frustrated I want to buy myself a one way ticket to New York….

D: Do that and Dad would probably set up an office in New York just so will continue to work for him…..

M: (contemplative voice) You know what I have a feeling we will finally have a step mother soon….

H: Who Minah…. I don’t think so….if that happens I will definitely buy myself a one way ticket to New York….

J: Not fair…how about us….we have nowhere to go….I don’t want Ara for a stepsister

E: I don’t think Minbong is talking about Minah…

D: Who then Bo Bae…..?

E: Yes….

H: Come to think of it I have never seen Dad behave like that towards another woman? At least I don’t remember him being like that to any of his girlfriends…

J: Well, he is nice with Minah….

E: But never bends to her will…

M: Well, but she’s very crafty….acts like an angel in front of Dad…..

E: I don’t think Minah can get to Dad the same way Bo Bae can get to him. It’s not Andy either, but maybe his presence helps too. Because I am sure that if it were up to Dad, Andy will come live with us permanently now.

J: Yeah, he seems very fond of Andy even if Andy does not like him. Dad would probably spoil him rotten worst than Ara if Bo Bae is not here to stop him.

M: If it’s a vote between Minah and Bo Bae who would you choose?

H: Bo Bae, even when she’s mad she’s reasonable

E: I second that

J: She’s prettier

D: Yeah, she wins hand down even without trying

H: And she’s nicer

E: Is very intelligent

M: She likes Nirvana…..

J: She does…..? How come..?

E: Yes how come? I know she likes classical music and plays the piano very well

H: Your pulling our legs….

M: She borrowed some of my cd’s the other day. She said she can’t find those in Jeju.

A few minutes of silence because they ran out of things to talk about.

D: I think Dad loves her…

H: Come on how could you say that?

M: I agree ….I think he does

J: Anybody care to explain?

D: Dad was very nice to my Mom, sent her to the best doctors and made sure her last months are very comfortable and peaceful, but I have never seen him look at her the same way he looked at Bo Bae.

H: I now what you mean…..yeah I notice that too….

E: I’ll drink to that…..

CHAPTER 14

It’s been 3 weeks since Kwan Dae has come to see her, hell he didn’t even call her unless she calls him first. She knew from the very beginning that he is a busy man. But never like this. According to Ara , news has been circulating around in the office that Pres. Lee’s youngest son and his mother came to the office the other day. They say he was a mirror image of his father and his mother is really very beautiful. Well she is not surprised by this last piece of information, because if there is something she is sure about KwanDae is that he likes beautiful women.

It was something she has had to put up with ever since she decided to hook up with the powerful head of the LK Group. She thought at first that her own charm would be enough to entrap him completely but she later realized that a lot of cunning is required too. Something that a lot of his previous mistresses do not have. It’s nothing to her really because she doesn’t really love him. She’s more attracted to what he could bring her and Ara, acceptance to that elite circle she has been craving for since the time she was old enough to realize that everything in this world has a price.

Damn, she told herself, first she has to put up with his brat pack and now another brat to contend with. If she is to believe all the news that Ara brings with her from the headquarters, then this woman is someone she shouldn’t ignore. Ara said that this woman, Bo Bae almost got into a verbal scuffle with Director So, that she is a very intelligent nemesis with a very sharp tongue which she is not afraid to use. The son is another story all together. They say he is as good looking as his father but mentally retarded. She would have dismissed him easily as nothing but a nuisance to her and her goal. But according to Ara, his father dots on him. He practically has him followed everywhere by his driver and several security personnel while they were there, and Dongwan, the most cool headed among them practically shot down the whole public relations department because one of the staff there made fun of the boy. They said they never saw him that mad before. Even Ara complained that Hyesung gave her a verbal warning when he heard her making fun of that retard.

Well Kwan Dae is not going to ignore her just like this. Because if he refuses to come to her, she will come to him.

-*-

It’s been a while since he came home this early from work. The many responsibilities that besieged him as President of one of the biggest conglomerates in Asia is one of the culprits for this. It also doesn’t help that all his children are adults now with their own lives. Well honestly Kwan Dae, even when they were kids you were never ever home for them, it’s a wonder they turned out the way they are without any supervision from you. He himself admits it that all his kids grew up without him and he only had the Gods to thank that all of them turned out alright.

He counted all the cars on the garage like he always did, this way he knew even before he stepped inside the house if all them are already home. They all think that the reason each of their cars has a designated parking space is because he wants order little did they know of the real reason. But another car was occupying Sungie’s space, a white convertible that is all so familiar to him.

Minah: Your home!...... I called your office and your secretary said you left early today.

LKD: (Lying) I was not feeling well….

Minah: (made a big show of concern) really….Did you have your blood pressure checked….you really should take care of yourself.

LKD: This is nothing….

Their conversation was cut short when Andy came running out of nowhere, he hid himself in the small space between Eric’s car and Dongwan’s all terrain vehicle, followed by Junjin who seems to be looking for something or someone….

J: Andyyyyyyyy…. (stops on his tracks) Dad your home early….

Minah: Your father is not feeling and needs to rest…..and quiet

LKD: (poker faced) Looking for something….

J: No…yes….I mean no…..well I mean yes……Andy…. (he saw a movement in the shadows…came near it and then….) Booo……your it.!

Andy immediately comes out of his hiding place and then runs towards the garden. Junjin followed in his hills, almost bumping onto Hyesung’s car. He double parked when he saw that someone else was occupying his space. He alighted from his car, followed by Dongwan and Mr. Shin the butler who is nursing a big bruise on his forehead.

LKD: Mr. Shin what in the world happened to your head?

Andy at that instant came running up to them again. Mr. Shin immediately hid behind Dongwan.

Andy: Your home…your home….where is Andy’s Ice Cream

Mr. Shin: Keep him away from me…..please….stay away….

D: Dad, your early….

LKD: What happened?

H: Well, Jung Hwan had a little accident….

Mr. Shin: What little accident….I almost lost my head ….can you see this lump on my forehead….

D: Andy and Jin where playing catch ball and well… Andy…

H: Got a little bit excited and hit the kitchen windows and Jung Hwan’s head….

Minah: Oh my goodness….. is he always that rowdy…

LKD: How are you feeling now….

Mr. Shin: I need a raise….

LKD: How about you have a few days off… say a week; it’s been a while since you went for a vacation right?

Mr. Shin: I’ll take that…. So long as I get to stay away from this one (pointing to Andy)…..(muttering to himself while walking away) …oh my head….my poor head….

LKD: Was it bad? I mean his injuries….

H: Not really just a little concussion…. (to Andy) you better say sorry to him now or (showing him a gallon of ice cream) no ice cream…..

Andy: Wow….Ice Cream…..Andy is going to say sorry to Mr. Shin….. (runs after Mr. Shin) Mr. Shinnnnnnnnnn…….Andy is sorry………

From the inside of the house you could hear Mr. Shin shouting for Andy to stay away from him.

Dinner that night would have been a pleasant affair were it not for the presence of Minah. For one, Bo Bae was the one who cooked dinner and not only does it taste better, the preparation looked even better too. Junjin and Andy are both in high spirits and somehow Jinnie managed to get Andy to call Dad, Daddy. Something that made Dad beam, his smile not leaving his entire face all throughout dinner. Both Hyesung and Eric are in high spirits because Bo Bae already approved of the property swap and now both of them can heave a sigh of relief because it’s all systems go now for the Jeju project.

Bo Bae doesn’t seem to mind Minah’s presence, but we all could feel Minah’s animosity towards Bo Bae. Not that we mind really. I personally think that Bo Bae can hold her own against anybody.

Minah: So how long are you planning to stay here…..

BB: I’m not really sure…Andy is enjoying himself, and after staying in a houseful of people he may find it difficult to find himself alone again. It’s one of the things that really worried me before deciding to come here.

LKD: You know you and Andy are welcome to stay here for as long as you want.

Minah: But dear I’m sure Bo Bae has other plans, what about your work, they say you worked as a pianist for the Grande Hotel in Jeju, those kind of jobs are difficult to come bye.

BB: I’m not really worried about that, I would have to give it up anyway since were selling the house there anyway.

LKD: You’re selling? That’s news to me….

H: We are going to tell you later Dad, we took her to Incheon this morning, she has agreed to a property swap.

LKD: Which property?

E: The Company’s beach house in Incheon, it has the same market value as her property in Jeju.

LKD: Have you cleared this with the board.

BB: They will agree. They have to because they have no other choice.

Minah: Isn’t that such a big move, I’m sure Andy will find it difficult to leave his friends behind…

BB: Andy has no friends there and so do I. We will manage the change I think.

LKD: But what difference does it make you moving to Incheon if you’re both going to live in isolation again?

Minah: I’m sure Bo Bae knows what she is doing.

LKD: But Andy likes it here….he’ll be very lonely there.

Minah: But if that’s what Bo Bae wants…..

LKD: Andy is my son too, how come my opinion is not important? …. Besides look at him now, he was so different the first time we saw him. He is not as scared of strangers as before.

Minah: But …honey….

LKD: No buts….

BB: I think whether Andy stays here or not is for me to decide…. Now who wants dessert?

Andy: Me…me…I want ice cream….

J: Me too…..

BB: (to Andy) Sweetheart why don’t you go and get the ice cream

Andy: (to Junjin) I’ll race you…..

Before Junjin could even stand up from where he is sitting Andy made a dash for the kitchen to get the much coveted ice cream, crashing into Mr. Shin, who was on his way out from the kitchen. A loud crash was heard followed by two sets of scream.

H: Dad… I think it’s time you give Mr. Shin a raise……

CHAPTER 15

The conversation at the dinner table has forced me to rethink my plans. I thought when we first came here 3 weeks ago that we would stay a month and then go back to our previous life; that nothing would change. But Kwan Dae’s words are haunting me now. Because everything has changed, my Andy who just a few weeks ago run’s away at the first sight of strangers now comes running to the door at the first sound of a car arriving. He even knew who is coming just by the sound of car’s engine. He is really enjoying his brothers company, and they seem to enjoy his too.

Jinnie in particular has come around to the point where he would bring him to soccer practice all the time. I think having his personal cheering squad on the side motivates him more. I like Jinnie’s friends, they never make fun of Andy and they would even let him play a couple of kickball after their regular practice.

Minwoo is the same, he let Andy play with his instruments whenever he wants, one time he even invited his band mates over so that they could listen to Andy play Nirvana on the grand piano. From old school rock to classical piano, it amazed them that Andy could do it. They even wanted him to join them in one of their shows, but I did not allow it because I don’t think Andy can ever play that way on demand.

Hyesung on the hand would always comes home bearing gifts, ice cream or whatever Andy asks him to bring home. He would always ask Andy what he wants before he goes to the office in the morning. He even treated Andy and Jinnie out to lunch the first time Jinnie brought Andy to a mock soccer game. Sungie came to mind him while Jinnie plays. Together the two of them cheered on Jin till their voice got hoarse.

Dongwan on the other hand seems capable of bringing out Andy’s best behavior. He always behaves when Dongwan is with him. When his Dad asks him to take photographs of him and Andy, he not only agreed but did a magnificent job. That boy has talent. He is good with people and is able to get out the real emotions of his subjects.

Eric is still as distant with Andy, but Andy seems to like him a lot. Not that he ignores him but he is more reserved towards him as compared to the others. Well from what I can see he is the most reserved among the five. Not that I blame him, the poor boy has enormous responsibilities on his shoulders, he is after all his father’s right hand man. Compared to Sungie, he gets more involved in the day to day running of the different companies they own.

But if anybody changed it was Kwan Dae, he is not the same man that his staff and sons claim him to be. For one he always come home early now, something that really bothered Mr. Shin because now he must cook dinner earlier than usual and because of this he also became more aware as to the goings and comings of his other sons. He has more time for mundane conversations now and one time he and Dongwan even had a debate about the mandatory enlistment in our country. While on another occasion he regaled everyone on the dinner table about his adventures and misadventures during his younger years, giving the boys a glimpse on why his so successful with women. What I cannot forget was the first time Andy called him Daddy, which happened last night, the smile on his lips….he looks like someone who’s greatest desire in life finally came true.

I sighed and looked at the figure of my sleeping Andy, things have changed Bo Bae, I told myself. Because Andy, is not yours alone anymore.

CHAPTER 16

It was too early to wake up, but I couldn’t pretend to sleep anymore. So quietly I slip out of bed careful not to wake Minah. I offered to take her home the night before but she insisted on staying. She never does that, but the last thing I wanted is for us to fight here, not with all of them here.

I tiptoed silently around the house so as not to wake anybody up, only to find that I am not the only person awake. Looking at the clock on the wall I saw that it’s only past five in the morning but she is already awake. She was busy making breakfast; I’ve seen Junghwan prepare breakfast for us many times. It looks difficult. Well cooking for 6 grownup men is difficult and that is not counting all the staff and security personnels that need to be fed too. But looking at her now, the picture she paints is in complete contrast to the always hurried and harassed state of Mr. Shin.

It’s a good thing I never aspired to be a painter for no painter could do justice to her beauty. Calm and graceful she was sweetly humming a tune I’ve never heard before. I don’t know why I hid myself, but I do not want her to see me. From where I am secretly hiding I watched her as she chops the vegetables turning such a mundane task into something like a work of art, like a ballerina dancing to the music of an unseen orchestra.

I don’t know how long I’ve been watching her but suddenly…………Booo!!!!!!

I jump from where I am hiding and almost had a heart attack while Eric, Hyesung, Minwoo, Dongwan, and Junjin stood behind me laughing. If Bo Bae heard them she did not show it when she greeted everyone good morning.

BB : Good morning!, so your all awake now. Coffee and tea are ready and there’s also some fresh

juice in the fridge, breakfast will be ready in a while.

LKD: (Gathering what is left of his dignity in as a stern voice as he could possibly muster) what are we

having for breakfast? And where are the maids…why did they let you do the cooking alone?

BB: There’s rice and some beef and vegetable casserole. You mean Cathy and May … I sent them to cook breakfast for the others; I told them they could help me with the cleaning afterwards.

H: (Looking into the cooking pot) Wow, this looks good.

M: (Opening the fridge to get the juice) Smells good too…. First time (in a much lower voice) I smelled something appetizing from this kitchen

D: Don’t let Mr. Shin hear you or….

Mr. Shin: (Entering the kitchen) what am I not supposed to hear….

M: (With a naughty smile) Nothing….aren’t you supposed to be on leave?

Mr. Shin: I just came to bid my leave. (To LKD) Sir, I would be going now, I will be back next Saturday night. I already left instructions for the other staffs. I also left my contact number with Mrs. Kim

LKD: That’s good. Have a nice vacation Mr. Shin, you deserve it. (To Sungie) Have you prepared…..

H: (Getting an envelope from his pajama’s pocket) Here. I was going to give you that last night but the others said you went to bed early.

As he was saying this, a still sleepy Andy entered the kitchen.

Mr. Shin: Thank your sir. I will go now.

Andy: Mr. Shin where are you going?

Mr. Shin: Away from you…..Sirs…. Madam,… (Bowing to everyone)

He bowed to everyone and everyone bowed back to him. He left from where he came in, obviously avoiding any contact with Andy who was at that time sleepy resting his head on his mother’s shoulders.

BB: Ok … (checking the pot and saw that it was already done) this is ready now. Honey why don’t you go get the table ready

H: It’s ok we’ll do it.

Eric and Hyesung set the table while, Junjin made coffee for their father and Dongwan helped Bo Bae with food. Minwoo on the other poured juice for everyone and at the same time stopped Andy from sitting on Eric’s place on the table.

This was the scene that greeted Minah.

Minah: It’s only 6, why is everyone up already?

E: Good morning! (Offering her the chair on the far end of the table) Here….

Minah: (Looking at food on the table) Rice so early in the morning… I’ll just have some juice and toast….

BB: Well I did not make any toast….. But here’s some orange juice.

Minah: Why? Where are the maids (proceeded to ring the bell to call the maids)

BB: All the staffs are having breakfast now. But I believe there are some bread and butter in the fridge. Help yourself.

Minah: (Indignant) Well, I never…isn’t that supposed to be their job? (To Bo Bae) Their supposed to have their meal after we have our meal. Who is supposed to….

LKD: Look if you don’t want to eat what Bo Bae cooked , there are other food on the fridge, I can’t see the purpose of interrupting the staffs meal for that.

Minah: Honey, it’s not a good thing to treat your staff this way. They will become more demanding and lazy if you let them…..

LKD: Staffs are supposed to have their meals at 6 AM. We are just having our breakfast early.

Kwan Dae and Minah bickered all through out breakfast while the others tuned them out. Eric, Andy and Junjin looked like they are playing musical chairs but are instead using their plate and their food to do it. Andy would put all the stuffs he doesn’t like on Eric’s plate who will proceed to put them on Jinnie’s plate who in turn happily eats up everything. After a while Eric grew tired of this and just ate whatever Andy put on his plate. When he noticed that both and Jinnie’s glass is empty he poured some juice for them. Meanwhile Dongwan was busy discussing with Hyesung, Minwoo and Bo Bae the upcoming exhibit he is having with some former classmates.

D: But you said you and your band will come to play for the guest.

M: I know but I’m sorry I forgot that we are already booked for that date. We could come and see your show later but we can’t make it to the opening.

D: It’s too late to find a substitute; the show is two nights from now.

H: Why do you need a band anyway?

D: Their supposed to provide entertainment before the actual ribbon cutting ceremony and provide background music during the first day of the exhibit. We have lined up different activities for the whole duration of the show.

BB: What’s the concept of the show?

D: Well since there are five of us we split it up into five different categories, mine is emotions.

E: How about you Bo Bae, we got to watch you once when we came to Jeju…your good.

BB: If Dongwan asked nicely I might…..

D: (Got down on his knees and in a funny way said) Pleassssssss……….. oh please……..

BB: (Laughing) Of course I’ll do it. I was only joking. How about you show me a sample of the photos you and your friends are going to include in the exhibit so that I’ll have an idea what pieces to play.

D: Yes…… you’re an angel. But you (to Minwoo) owe me big time…..

M: I know…..maybe when you have your solo….we’ll have a rock concert for the opening…..

D: I’ll remember that. Bo Bae, Eric, Hyesung… you are my witness that on my first solo, Minbong is going to give a concert for the opening….for free…….

M: Hey …I know I am your brother but how about my bandmates…..we are probably the biggest in Korea by that time….

D: Biggest my ass…. You are going to play….

M: Ok…ok…. I promise you that. As this Fair Lady, 3 clowns and 1 mascot are my witness. I will give a concert on your first solo exhibit.

CHAPTER 17

I spent the next two days preparing the pieces I will be playing for the exhibit; Minwoo on the other hand is prepping up Andy to play “Flight of the Bumblebee” on drums. He and Dongwan thought it will be great if Andy will be able to play too. But since both of them know that Andy only plays when he wants, Dongwan decided that Andy will not be included in the official program, they will just extend it if Andy is in the mood to play.

Hyesung and Eric are both busy with the Jeju project but both promised to clear their schedules for the show. While Junjin on the other hand temporarily took over some of Eric’s other tasks.

Their Dad on the other hand seemed more excited than Dongwan, he sent one of his many assistant to help them in organizing the event, and even sponsored the food and refreshment for it. Another assistant was tasked to make sure that everyone, from business associates, friends, family members, officers and employees of the company and basically all of Seoul was informed that Kim Dongwan, son of Lee Kwan Dae of the LK Group of Companies is going to take part in a photo exhibit.

-*-

The show was a success and I was very glad of the response by the guests. Everybody was in a good mood. Eric and Hyesung despite their very busy scheduled managed to arrive in time for the opening show and the ribbon cutting. Dad was all over the place because he knows half the people who actually came. Everybody talked about Bo Bae’s performance, and we were surprised to know that she used to be a really famous. We learned this last bit of information when we read it on the news paper the next morning. Even Andy who we are afraid would throw a tantrum because of the vast number of people was in his best behavior. Not only did he manage to perform (although he first had a stage fright when he saw the number of people in the audience). We had to sit with him on the stage so that he wouldn’t run off. Just before he started his performance Minwoo out of nowhere jumped on the stage, almost scaring Andy. But Andy pulled thru when he saw who was it and gave such an outstanding performance the audience gave him a standing ovation. We all cheered for him. Bo Bae and Dad was obviously so proud of him. I did not waste those precious moments and managed to get a couple of shots of them as they loudly cheered for their son. Andy was in such a good mood that he even demanded for a group photo. We gladly gave in to his request, with Bo Bae and Dad joining us. To the casual observer we would look like one happy family having fun, and honestly I felt the same.

CHAPTER 18

They say home is where the heart is, and I have always thought the house where we live is home to me and Andy. But now I cannot claim the same anymore. The realization came suddenly to me as I look at the photographs Dongwan gave me. Most of them are random pictures of them and Andy, but there are also miscellaneous shots he took during the photo exhibit. But what really caught my attention was the group photo taken right after Andy’s performance; I don’t know how to describe it. I have never seen Andy that happy. He was standing between me and his Dad, with the rest of the boys scattered around us. I hate it to admit it but it looked so perfect.

I was interrupted by the sound of a car arriving. Looking at the clock I saw that it was only 3 in the afternoon. Who must be it I wonder, they usually start arriving home at around six. Andy beat me to the door, lately he has taken to running to answer the door whenever he hears a car arriving. He always seems happy to see his Dad and brothers come home, specially Hyesung since he always bring something for him all the time and Junjin because no matter how tired he is he always finds the energy to play a couple of games with him before dinner.

A: Mommy it’s Eric!!

BB: Your home early? Is there anything wrong? You don’t look well.

E: It’s just a headache. I already took some medication but I just couldn’t get any work done so I just decided to come home and rest.

BB: Yes you should rest. You’ve been working so hard lately. Would you like something to eat first, I made some Hotteok. Andy go and…..

E: Thank you, but I just really want to get some rest. I’ll just eat some later. If anybody calls please tell them I am not here yet.

BB: Sure no problem.

A: Eric is sick?

BB: Yes honey, so don’t go bothering him and don’t make any noise he needs to rest.

A: Andy will not bother Erick and Andy will not make any noise because Erick is sick.

Eric proceeded to his room while Bo Bae sent Andy outside; she just cannot trust him to remain quiet when he gets excited.

-*-

My headache was gone by the time I woke up. I don’t want to get out of bed yet but my stomach is protesting already reminding me that I only had a sandwich for lunch. But the site that greeted me made me forget of my grumbling tummy. Bo Bae was raging mad, she was holding a short stick, and she looks like she was going to hit Dad with it. Andy was cowering in fear behind him. Hyesung, Minwoo , Dongwan and Junjin looked liked as shocked as I am about all of this drama.

BB: Stay out of this Kwan Dae!!

LKD: Look! he already said his sorry. He doesn’t know his not supposed to do that….it was unintentional…He doesn’t mean any harm….

BB: Andy you come here right now….

Andy: Mommy… Andy is sorry…..Andy will not do it again….

BB: How many times did I tell you not touch things that does not belong to you? Ha? How many times. When Eric’s finds out about this….

LKD: It’s just a car….I’m planning to get him a new one anyway….don’t

Bo Bae taking a chair and putting it in one corner, she forcefully pulled Andy by the arm and forced him to sit down.

BB: You are going to sit down here and you are not going to get up until I say so. And when Eric wakes up you are going to apologize to him. Do we understand each other?

A: (Crying) Andy is going to say sorry to Eric…Mommy please don’t be mad at Andy…Andy is sorry….

BB: Sit down!..... you are not going anywhere until I say so….(to LKD) and you and I are going to talk….right now!

Bo Bae walked out to the garden followed by Dad.

This scene would have been funny I told myself if I didn’t hear them talking about me. I wonder what Andy did to make Bo Bae so mad, and Dad….the Great Lee Kwan Dae was just given order by a woman. Well I told myself I’m sure I will be enlightened soon.

E: What was that all about?

A: Eric….Eric…Andy is sorry…Andy will not do it again….promise!...Please don’t be mad at Andy….

E: Why would I be mad at you?

D: Well….you see….Andy here….Sungie you tell him….

H: Why me….

M: Your older….

H: Dongwan is almost as old as I am….

D: You were still born a few months ahead of me…

E: After you’ve settled who is older…maybe some can enlighten me what happened….

H: Well you see…Andy here you came home sick….and well he wanted you to feel better but his Mom wouldn’t let him come to your room because he might disturb you and she sent him outside to play…well he saw your car…

J: He said it was really dirty

D: and he thought….

M: it might make you feel better …if he cleans it….

E: So what’s wrong with that….

J: Well there’s nothing wrong with what he did…

H: It how he did it that made Bo Bae mad….

This is making me more nervous by the minute….

D: Why don’t go out and see for yourself…..

The five of us walked towards the garage where I parked my car earlier. My car was still there, and yes it looks clean to me. Andy looked liked he did a good job until I noticed the scratches….lot of it all over the car. I wanted to bang my head somewhere, wishing that all of this is a bad dream.

E: What in the world….how did this happened….my car….

H: Well he must have thought it was really dirty…

D: It was….

E: But how did he …what did he use?

J: Soap and water...

M: And the brush they use to clean the driveway…..

No …I told myself….this is just a dream….a very …very bad dream…Sungie tapped me by the shoulders.

H: I think you should talk to Bo Bae… tell her …

E: Tell her what….?... my car is ruined…

M: Well look on the bright side…now Dad just might get you that new convertible you want….and you don’t even have to ask for it.

D: Yeah… ask for the gold edition….I saw one the other day it looks so cool…

J: They have GPS … DVD on board….

H: The sound system is state of the art….

M: Acceleration is wow….0 to 100 man….

D: It’s electric too….and so silent….

I know I should smack Andy or something because of what he did to my car but just thinking of that car I so wanted to get and the fact that Dad might just offer to buy it for me to get Andy out of trouble....I just could kiss him for it. No….I think I should go and talk to Bo Bae before she do any harm to Dad.

E: Let’s go and check on Dad…..

H: Are you sure it’s safe…I really don’t want to be on her way when she’s on that mood…

M: We can’t leave Dad alone….think of what she is capable of….

D: But she has a right to get mad….because if it’s up to Dad, and you lot…. Andy would be spoiled rotten now. It’s a good thing he’s still scared of his Mom.

H: Why blame us…it’s not our fault….

E: Well you always bring him gifts and buy him stuffs all the time….

H: That’s because he always ask ….I’m just trying to be nice…what’s wrong with that?

E: You never do that for anyone of us….

H: That’s because you can all afford to buy your own stuffs and beside I used to that for Jinnie too! And what’s wrong with you…you’re the eldest but you never did that to anyone of us….

E: Yes I did….didn’t I always pick the tabs whenever we eat out….

D: That does not count because those are usually working lunches and dinners….

E: How about that time we went to Singapore with Dad…..

M: That does not count either because it was Dad’s birthday and you’re the one who asked us all out.

E: (Raising both hands) Okay I lost…..

D: So your going to treat us out now?

E: NO!!!!

CHAPTER 19

Bo Bae and Dad did not speak a word throughout dinner. Andy was still whimpering and wouldn’t eat a thing until Bo Bae told her in a very stern voice to eat. We thought Bo Bae is being too hard on him, but Dongwan pointed out later that if she didn’t do that, Andy would be uncontrollable specially whenever he throws a tantrum.

None of us knew what they talked about. But I got a feeling there’s more to this than what Andy did to Eric’s car. I asked about this to the others and I am not the only one who thinks the same.

As we predicted Dad did bought Eric a new car, but what’s better is he got me one too. He said that it’s our bonus for doing a good job on the Jeju project. We both think he just used that as a reason so that Bo Bae would not bite his head off for letting Andy off so lightly on that offense.

Dad has changed a lot since Bo Bae and Andy came to visit us. For one he has become more tolerant, you can hear him laugh more often and he doesn’t seem as scary as he does before. He has become more approachable, even the staff in the office noticed these changes in him. He also come home earlier now and prefers spending the weekend at home instead of playing golf with Minah and his friends. And even now that there are tension between her and Bo Bae, he would still spend hours in the garden reading a book while Andy and Junjin plays their many games. Every once in a while one of us or all of us would join them. I don’t know how Dad can stand all the noise that we make when we do. But one thing is for sure, Dad looks more contended and happier now.

Because of this Dad hardly ever sees Minah anymore, something that made Minah obviously unhappy. She has taken to coming to the office every so often. Something that irritated Dad more than once. I don’t want to admit it but I secretly hope he’ll end it with her soon. I just can’t stand that woman.

-*-

It was raining hard when I got home that evening, and when I parked my car I noticed that except for Minwoo’s everyone else is already home. I don’t blame them, I myself would not venture outside in this weather. Junjin was the one who greeted me at the door.

“Where’s Andy?” I asked.

“His upstairs.”

“Don’t tell me he got punished again…what did he do this time?”

“No, his not feeling well. I think he played in the rain too long!”

“Is he ok now?”

“I think so, Hyesung and Dongwan are with him”

“Where’s Bo Bae?”

“She’s cooking dinner ….Mr. Shin has a cold too…nothing serious but Bo Bae thinks we might all catch a cold too if she lets him cook so she told him to just rest and she’ll do the cooking.”

“Oh,..Eric …good your that home already. I was just about to call everybody down, dinner is ready”

“I’ll do that.” Junjin sprinted towards the stairs to call the others.

“How is Andy?... Jin said he is not feeling well”

“Well they told me he played in the rain too long and Mr. Shin caught a cold too because he got wet trying to make Andy come inside, I should have brought him with me when I went to get the tickets.”

“Tickets? What tickets?”

“Well I am going back to Jeju this weekend, Hyesung told me that construction will start soon and I still need to close down the house, get Andy’s medical records in order, and I also have to get all of our other belongings shipped here.”

“Would you like me to send somebody to help you with the packing and stuffs.”

“It’s okay I think I will just hire help from there, but I’ll probably need help in finding a place for storage, can you recommend a reliable storage service here?”

“Uhmm… Well you can use one of the outer guest houses. Just tell Mr. Shin so that he can ask someone to clean up the place so that you’ll have a place for your things.”

We were interrupted by the loud chatter of coming from downstairs. Dongwan and Hyesung are having a loud discussion, with Dad and Junjin looked like he grew an extra that looked like Andy….

“Goodness…you shouldn’t have carried him downstairs, I was going to send Mrs. Kim up with his dinner..”

“It’s ok, Dad said he might eat more if he eats with us”

“But his not exactly lightweight either…” she felt his temple with her palm “ Honey are you feeling better now?”

“No, Andy’s head hurts”

“That’s what you get for playing in the rain too long” she said gently ….you get down from Junjin now…here you hold on to Mommy” she was going to let him use her for support but Dad beat her to it.

‘Come let me do it”

“Ok thanks!”

I thought with Andy sick dinner that night would have been a silent affair but I was dead wrong. Junjin, Dongwan, Hyesung and I got into a discussion about the chances of the national team for the world cup. Bo Bae and Dad probably forgot that they are still not speaking to each other because from the corner of my eyes I could see them both taking turns in feeding Andy.

-*-

Bo Bae left that Saturday morning, she wanted to take Andy with her but he is still not feeling well. She was worried that Andy might throw a tantrum while she is away, but we assured her that we can manage it.

We manage to get through all Saturday without any mishap. Mr. Shin was still sick but Bo Bae made sure there is enough cooked food to last us three days. This is exactly the number of days Bo Bae will be gone. But come Sunday morning, I found Sungie staring at an almost empty fridge.

“What happened?, I thought you said that Bo Bae cooked enough food good for 3 days” I asked.

‘She did, but one of the new maid thought it was for the whole household so she served them to the staff last night…”

“Oh..oh…so what are going to eat for breakfast now? “

‘Well , there’s still some chicken in the freezer and some vegetable maybe we could make some spicy chicken soup.”

With Mr. Shin still not feeling well we decided to cook breakfast. Sungie seems to know what he is doing because he cleaned and chopped the chicken and vegetables and proceeded to cook them as if this is something he does all the time. I on the other hand have no confidence on my cooking skills at all. So I settled to making tea for all of us. Junjin who woke up a few minutes after us set the table while Dongwan who came down after him volunteered to make coffee. Dad, Minwoo and Andy came one after the other.

“Good morning! What happened why are the two of you doing the cooking? Is Mr. Shin still sick? ”

“Good morning Dad…” I answered.

“His still sick” Sungie said while he stirred the chicken he was cooking.

“What are you cooking?” Minwoo was peering onto the pot..

“Spicy Chicken Soup” he said proudly.

“You look like Mommy when she cooks” commented Andy.

All of a sudden Dongwan made a dash for upstairs and returned with his camera. He wanted to take pictures of Sungie wearing an orange apron. Sungie and Dongwan wrestled, while we sat around the dining table watching and laughing at them. In the end Sungie managed to outmaneuver Dongwan, and got off his apron first before Dongwan could take a picture of him. Dongwan was laughing at him all throughout breakfast.

CHAPTER 20

Andy did not create any trouble nor threw a tantrum while his mother was away. The weather was beautiful that day so Dad thought it will be a good day to go to the park. We managed to squeeze all nine of us on Eric and Sungies new convertibles. We ate lunch first in a Japanese restaurant where Dad knows the owner; they serve really good sushi there. Afterwards we went to the park where the six of us proceeded to play a round of soccer. Dad contentedly sat under a tree reading a book. I took my camera with me and managed to get a couple of shots of him and the other guys.

Dad treated us to dinner again before going home. Minwoo and Eric wanted to go and have a drink but Dad said we should just go next time because Andy is with us. Andy was still in his element and was happily singing the Three Bears Song with Eric and Sungie when we arrived home. It was already late but we did not come home to an empty house. Minah was there to the surprise of Dad.

“Honey I was calling you all day! Why are you not answering your phone?”

“Well I left my phone. What are you doing here?”

“Nothing, I just wanted to see you.” She gently purred into his ears.

None of us wanted to watch this scene so we said good night to Dad and went to go upstairs. We proceeded to go to our own room to wash and get ready for bed. But Andy for some reason doesn’t want to go to bed alone and kept on pestering Eric. When Eric checked on him he noticed that Andy again has a fever. He gave him some medicine and called me and others to help put Andy to sleep. Andy despite being sick can’t sleep. He wanted Minwoo to sing him a song, Minwoo, joined by Sungie sang to him until they ran out of songs to sing but still Andy can’t sleep. Eric tried reading him some stories to lull him to sleep but still he won’t sleep. When I noticed that the others can’t seem to keep theirs eyes open, I firmly told him that it’s time to sleep now. He agreed but on the condition that we sleep in his room too. All of us are too tired to argue with him. So we ended up sleeping on Andy’s room.

-*-

Minah’s presence when we got home was a surprise to me. It was a good thing the boys are already too tired and decided to go to bed immediately. Her presence made me uncomfortable. She said she missed me, I lied and told her I was busy. I told her to go home but again she insisted in staying.

I have never brought any of my previous women in the house. Very few of them even got to meet any of my sons. None of them interest me beyond what they can offer me as a man in need of a little warmth at night. It’s time for me to send Minah away I know that. Not only is she clinging too much now. Even her promises of a good night spent in her arms are not enough to sway me. My mind and my heart is somewhere else and I realize that now.

On the pretext of checking on Andy, I left her on my bed. I walked as silently as possible towards Andy’s room. I didn’t want to wake up the others. Gently I opened his bedroom door to find all of my six sons there, soundly sleeping.

I now understand why Dongwan always brings his camera with him wherever he goes, because there are just moments in time that you wanted to catch forever in a photograph. This is one of those.

Andy was sleeping between Eric and Sungie, while Minwoo was sleeping on the other side of Eric and Junjin on the other side of Hyesung. Dongwan managed to squeeze himself between Minwoo and the cabinet where Andy keeps all of his toys.

I silently closed the door and walked towards Eric’s room across the corridor.

CHAPTER 21

I knew there was something wrong the moment I opened my eyes, foremost was the fact that there just seems to be too many fishes in my room. Who took my Nirvana posters? I felt something… no someone moved above me and when I turned to check I bump my face on somebody’s ass. I turned around because I honestly was afraid that he might fart in his sleep; don’t want to be a victim of that. Only to find Eric has suddenly grown an extra arms, legs and heads. I rubbed my eyes again, to check if what I am seeing is just a figment of my sleepy imaginations. Yep, I was right I was just imagining things. The extra head, legs and arms belongs to Sungie and Junjin. I remember now where I was; we are in Andy’s bedroom.

I stood up and gently pushed Junjin and Hyesung with my foot to wake them up. They tell me I have weird sleeping habits, but right now I am seriously wondering whether I am the most normal among us, at least my only offense, is managing to sleep in the middle of a rock concert. Dongwan who I vaguely remember was sleeping above Andy, Eric and Junjin has managed to squeeze himself between me and Andy’s toy cabinet.

But where in the world is Andy?

-*-

I knew he did not return to join me in bed when he pretended to leave to check on Andy. This is not working, I told myself. Angrily I stood up. I stomped my feet as I drag myself towards the kitchen not caring whether I wake up the whole household or not. I wanted to drink something stronger than coffee but I knew that we would just fight if he finds out I was drinking so early in the morning.

Ah, the retard is also awake now. He seems to be looking for something inside the fridge.

“It’s too early, why are you awake already?” I asked bluntly.

“Oh…Andy is hungry…Mr. Shin is still sick so Andy is just going to drink some milk until they wake up”

“Would you like some milk too Miss Minah?”

I did not answer but just gave him a cold stare. The last thing I want right now is to drink a glass of milk. What I want is for him and the rest of those brats is to disappear on the face of this earth.

“Ahhh…..”

I found myself drenched in cold milk, making me angrier than I already is.

“You stupid….stupid,..retard..can’t you do anything right?...” I began hitting him with my hand. Not content with this I found a big wooden spatula on the kitchen counter. I used this to hit him really hard.

“Andy is sorry….please stop….please…Andy is sorry…Andy will not do it again…please…”

I continued hitting, venting all of my frustration and anger on him.

-*-

I managed to get a few hours of sleep, I know this is not healthy and I should sleep some more. But I thought I heard someone screaming. Forcing myself up I almost bumped into Eric’s bathroom door. I splashed my face with some cold water. There was the shout again, honestly where is the manner of all this gone too.

Walking briskly to go downstairs I saw movement inside Andy’s bedroom. They must have woken up by all those noise too.

The site that greeted me was something I have promised myself will never happen to any of my kids.

-*-

“Eric, Andy is gone…”

“Check the bathroom” he sleepily answered.

Minwoo checked the batroom butAndy was not there.

“His not here”

“He probably got hungry and went to the kitchen” it was Dongwan who said this.

This statement made Sungie suddenly sit up. “Andy might try to use the gas range!”

“Ohhh…shit…!” Eric cursed from under his breath and all stood up as suddenly as Sungie, sending Junjin rolling on the other side of the room.

We all ran downstairs, hoping against hope that Andy did nothing stupid.

-*-

If any of us have ever wondered why we are all scared of Dad, we know now the answer. Dad was standing in the middle of the dining room, staring at Minah who was holding a big wooden spatula. We were all standing at the foot of the stair but we all could feel the anger and power emanating from his very being.

He did not say a word, but you can see that his mad…very, very mad. Gently he picked up Andy from the floor, his eyes not leaving Minah.

“Honey it’s not what you think!......please let me explain” she tried in the sweetest voice she could muster.

“I don’t think we have anything else to say to each other…..please go before I forget that I am in the presence of my children….”

“So that’s it!.....After everything I have done for you….all my sacrifices this is what I get… JUST GO AND LEAVE!!!....I am not as stupid as your former mistresses… “

But Dad was no longer listening to her…she kept shouting at him invectives that none of us would dare use in the presence of Dad. He cradled a crying Andy gently cooing calming words in his ears.

Finally Minah gave up and stomping her feet walks towards us. None of us spoke to her, because there is really nothing to say.

“Good morning!!! I’m back…….What in the world happened?”

It was Bo Bae.

It’s a good thing Bo Bae was more concerned with Andy that Minah was able to get out of the house unscathed, either that or that she was too furious for words. Between the two of them Dad and Bo Bae managed to calm down Andy enough to get the whole story out of him. Dad poured him a glass of milk while Bo Bae tried to cook some breakfast for him. She was so visibly upset and couldn’t even turn on the gas range that Sungie finally took over from her. Eric poured both of them some orange juice to help them calm down, while Junjin helped by Dongwan managed to get Andy cleaned up. Minah was probably so upset with him because he got bruises all over his arms, back and even on his legs.

Dad did not go to the office that day. He told Eric to inform his secretary to cancel all his appointments.

-*-

I was too upset for words when I saw my Andy crying. It took a while before Kwan Dae and I managed to get the whole story out of him. Kwan Dae was obviously as angry as I but he did not say a thing. I know I should say something to him but I am too tired and too mad that I could hardly string two words together. Finally when the rest of the boys left for work, and after I got Andy to return to bed I found him in the garden in deep thoughts.

“I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have let her stay the night.”

“I have no right to impose on you like that…After all we are just…..”

“This is your home too, you and Andy”

“No…I don’t think so….we came here to visit or have you already forgotten that. When the house on Incheon gets finished …..”

“No Bo Bae…listen to me…. Please…”

“This maybe Andy’s house too….but I do not belong here”

“ I have never brought any of them here….Minah was the only who managed to stay the night …but that’s just because I was too tired last night and I do not want us to fight…not with all my sons in the house…”

“What you do with your life is none of my business….”

“I want you to know….that since…that since you and Andy came here…..”

“ Bo Bae….I have never felt this way before ….yesterday we went to the park….the boys played kickball and I sat under the tree and read a book while listening to them having fun…..I have never felt that happy or contented with my life before…and I know if you were there I would have felt happier …and more contented..”

“Let us not fool ourselves Kwan Dae……”

“I love you…all this years there were other women I will admit that….but none of them….”

“And there will be more women….Kwan Dae you cannot teach old dogs new tricks…. When the house in Incheon is finished we will move out….and you could continue on with your life…..and we….. Andy and I we’ll continue on with ours….”

With that I left him in the garden. I have nothing more to say to him.

CHAPTER 22

After the incident with Minah, Bo Bae and Andy barely stayed home. Bo Bae always finds a reason to leave the house, and when the contractor said that the house in Incheon is ready she did not lose any time in moving in. She told all of us that we are welcome to come and visit anytime. The house was a lot bigger than the one they have in Jeju, there are 6 rooms in total. One for her, another for Andy and one was converted into a music room. The other three she said is reserved for us just in case we want to come and spend the weekend.

Andy was obviously not happy with the changes in surrounding. He refused to come out of the car when they first came there, and threw a tantrum when he realized that all of us will be leaving and only he and his mother would be left behind. We all pity him but there’s nothing we could do.

The house has become silent again. Without even realizing it we went back to our previous routines before Andy and Bo Bae came to live with us. Dad would always come home late; Eric and Hyesung would fly out to Jeju and stay there for days on end. Junjin is always busy with his soccer practice and in assisting in the office. Minwoo and his band finally landed a recording contract, and me, I spend the time taking long walks and lots of pictures. I know the others miss them too, especially Junjin and Hyesung. I even caught Eric one time looking into Andy’s room.

If there is anybody more affected it was Dad, he would sometime sit inside Andy’s room for hours looking at the pictures and some of the toys Andy left behind. He has lost a lot of weight and seemed to look a lot older.

As far as we know he and Minah are officially over. Minah attempted many times to talk with Dad but Dad refused to even see her.

-*-

All of us are home but the house is so quite you would think nobody lives there anymore. Junjin is busy preparing some report for Eric, Minwoo is in one corner listening to his ipod. Eric and Hyesung are both busy reading some documents and I was busy tinkering with my cameras. Dad was in the garden alone drinking. Finally Eric put down the documents he was reading and;

“This can’t go on …Dad might get sick!.. With the way his going now…”

Hyesung answered while continuing to look at the reports in his hand, “There is nothing we could do ok….it’s something he has to resolve himself”

Junjin put down what his doing to but in…” We can’t pretend not to care….his drinking almost everyday and he hardly eats anything”

“Actually there is something we could do” Minwoo interrupted them.

‘Ok…we’re listening!”

“I think a day spent near the sea would help him”

“But who would talk to him?” I asked.

“Sungie and Eric…” Jin quipped

“Why us?”

“Your both the oldest! And beside Dad listens to both of you”

“Jeju is too far and it’s Memorial Weekend it’ll be too crowded”

“Who said anything about Jeju. “ Minwoo said. “Who wants to go to Jeju when Incheon is only two hours away and we could have the beach to ourselves.”

We looked at each other; it was the best idea ever.

-*-

“The answer is no!” Dad was pretending to be angry now. We all know because when he is angry you see it not only with the tone of his voice but also because his ears would turn slightly red. Eric and Sungie are convincing him to come with us to Incheon to visit Bo BAe and Andy.

“If you are all vent on going, then go I will not stop you, but I will stay here and rest”

Finally Minwoo stepped in front of him and said “Are you Lee Kwan Dae?”

“And what do you mean by that?” said Dad in a stern voice.

“You always get what you want, when you want it…how come your acting like a lose now!..If you want her that badly go and get her!”

For a moment we all got scared that Dad just might slap Minwoo or something. But he did not he just sat down and bowed his head.

“It’s easier said than done…you do not know Bo Bae”

“But we know you….” Hyesung said softly.

“Are sure all sure you’re all ok with her… I mean…”

“Dad…do you see anyone complaining …we all prove of her but I don’t think she would approve of us calling her Mommy!” Eric said with a naughty smile on his face.

“I don’t think she would mind if you continue calling her Bo Bae”

We stood like fools in the garden as we plan the trip to Incheon.

CHAPTER 23

No one was more excited than Dad when Memorial weekend finally came. We did not tell Bo Bae that we were coming; Dad wanted it to be a surprise.

It’s been a while since I’ve been anywhere near the ocean. I made sure to bring my camera with me and has been taking picture of the country side even before we reached our destination. The property is cutoff from the main highway by a private road, it used to be a dirt road but Dad had it cemented because he want Bo Bae and Andy to be as comfortable as possible. Dad asked the contractor to build a high fence on the side of the property facing the highway. It afforded occupants of the place absolute privacy, but it also made the place too isolated for comfort. I know this is what Bo Bae wants, at least which is what she told us before.

From the gate we have to drive a couple of minutes more before we reach the house. It was a simple single story structure. Sungie told me 3 of the bedrooms have a magnificent view of the ocean, while the other three opens up to a Zen style garden at the back.

From the driveway we could see a solitary figure building a sandcastle. He probably heard the car because he looked up and as soon as he saw us ran straight towards us. He ran so fast because he got to us even before Eric could step on the brake. All of us almost had a heart attack because we though we would hit Andy. Dad jumped off the car as soon as it stopped. Andy immediately jumped on him.

“Daddy!!!!....”

Dad hugged him tightly while laughing himself silly. Andy proceeded to hug each one of us; afterwards he jumped on Eric’s back and demanded that he carry him inside the house. Eric refused but Andy was already on his back and refused to go down.

Bo Bae was nowhere in sight when we entered the house. Andy said that went to the market and would be back soon. This obviously upsets Dad, because as soon as she arrived:

“How could you leave him alone here?...gate unlocked!....someone could have come and…”

“I was only gone for an hour…”

‘Many things could happen in an hour!”

“Andy knows what to do in case a stranger walks in here!”

“Yeah...he knows what do! He would run straight into them…Did you know we almost ran him over because he ran straight towards the car when he saw us.”

“He probably recognized the car”

“What if it’s another car that just looked like the one we have?”

“Well…I…stop shouting at me! Did you come here to tell me how to take care of my own son!”

“Is that what you call taking care off?...Leaving him alone while you go off somewhere….Is that the way you have always taken care of him?”

This is not what we expected to happen. They continued bickering and shouting to each other. Finally, we couldn’t take it anymore, Junjin asked Andy to show us the sandcastle he was building. Andy agreed but as soon as we are out of the house asked,

“Did Andy did anything wrong? Why is Mommy and Daddy fighting?”

“No you did nothing wrong, and they are not fighting” I told him.

“Mommy and Daddy is mad”

“What were you doing before we arrived?” Eric asked him.

“Andy was building a sandcastle”

“Show it to us, I think Dongwan hyung might want to take a picture of it” Hyesung told him.

We walked the short distance to the place where Andy was building his sandcastle. We pretended to be interested but all our ears were towards the house. I decided to take a couple of pictures of Andy and Junjin as they continue building the sandcastles. Eric, Hyesung and Minwoo was just loitering around, none of us was talking, for some reason we all kept near Andy. After a while we decided that waiting outside like this is not going to make things any better. Andy was afraid to go inside because he thought Bo Bae and Dad are both mad at him. We have to cajole him a little so that he would return with us to the house.

Everything was silent when we got inside. There was no sign of Dad and Bo Bae. We check the kitchen but they were not there. We checked all the rooms, but we couldn’t find them there too. Finally when we got to the last room we saw the door that leads to the inner garden was slightly open. Andy immediately walked towards it. “Why are they biting each other?” Andy asked.

We all followed and took a peek at the open door.

Bo Bae and Dad were in the garden…. kissing.

-*-

I knew we shouldn’t fight like this…not in front of the kids. But I couldn’t control myself; it seems that Bo Bae is the only woman who can get me into this state. I knew I shouldn’t blame her, after all she cannot look after our son 24/7, that is totally unfair for her.

We continue going around in circles. I know I should stop now before I say things that I might regret later. All of them has gone outside already. I’m glad their mature enough to realize that there are situations when you just have to let the people involved settle it for themselves. I do not want them to see Bo Bae in a bad light, well they all knew she could be very difficult at times, they’ve seen that before.

I finally got tired of all the shouting. This is not going anywhere, Bo Bae probably saw me stopping because she went inside one of the rooms. I sat down for a while to calm myself down. We have to settle this before the day is over or this trip will be a complete waste of time. It’s been a while and she hasn’t returned yet. I decided to follow her. I know this intrusion might get her going again but I don’t care anymore.

I found the room she entered earlier empty and begun to worry. I looked around and noticed that the door leading to the inner garden was slightly open. Taking quiet steps towards it I found Bo Bae in the garden crying.

“I’m sorry” I said gently I don’t know what else to say.

“Please don’t…don’t say anything…”

“I know I shouldn’t have said those words….I’m sorry”

“You were right….I shouldn’t have ….I….”

I couldn’t stand to see her cry like that. Before I knew what I was doing I found her crying in my arms. How long I held her I didn’t know all I know right there right now is that I shouldn’t have let her go the first time. All those years of loneliness, of raising Andy alone, while I was trying to find comfort and warmth in the arms of different women thinking that I would find in them what I was looking for. I now realize that I shouldn’t have let my pride and ego get the best of me. That sometimes only by humbling ourselves do we realize that things that can make us really happy are things we cannot buy from the store.

“Shhh…don’t say anything…’ I told her as I continue to hold on to her

“You have done more than you are capable of and you have given him the best years of your life…few people can do what you have done…..so stop crying now… I cannot stand to see you cry….you know that”

“ He really misses you …and the boys…he cried the first few days and he…he was so lonely…”

“And we all miss you both terribly…the house was never the same when you and Andy left”

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t say that again…you have nothing to be sorry about”

I didn’t know what happened but I found myself kissing her. Words cannot express what I was feeling right now. I know that I would never be able to forgive myself if I let her get away from me again.

‘I want you back”

“You know you are welcome here…Andy will be very happy if you visit him more often….”

‘Your not listening to me are you?....I want you back….back in my life…Andy no matter what happen will always be my son…but you….Bo Bae let’s get married…”

“I don’t think….”

“You think too much…” I told her and kiss her again.

“Why are they biting each other?”

I think I heard Andy…at least I thought it was Andy…I don’t really care anymore.

CHAPTER 24

The traffic is terrible and I really want to get home now and rest. I can’t remember the last time I was this tired, and besides I really have to be home early. I do not want to upset Dad not when they are celebrating their 1^st Wedding Anniversary. Aha...I silently told myself as I saw an opening in the intersection. I felt something move in pocket….my cellphone I remember putting it in silent mode during the meeting. It was one of the first things Dad told me and Sungie the first time we came to work for him. He said it’s disrespectful and a nuisance to others in a meeting.

“Hello!”

“Hello…Do not kill yourself trying to get home…Bo Bae said Dad called and he will be late coming home because of the traffic.”

“And so am I…this traffic is terrible..!”

‘Don’t say it because I don’t envy you!...Ok drive safely. Bye”

“Bye!”

Dongwan put down the phone, now that that’s done I only have to call Sungie and Jinnie.

“Their here!!!!!!!!” Andy ran all the way from the kitchen, almost running over Mr. Shin who was busy getting dinner ready.

It was Sungie and Junjin. Minwoo arrived home a few minutes after them. Dad asked all of us to be home for dinner. He and Bo Bae are celebrating their 1^st Wedding Anniversary. Not that he need to ask us because we wouldn’t miss it for anything else. I heard another car in the driveway.

“Where is Junjin?

“Why…Miss me already!”

‘You know you seriously need to get a refresher course on parking properly, I almost crashed on your car again.”

Sungie silently picked the keys on the table where Jinnie throw it earlier. But Eric took the keys from him.

“You should let him do it….because if you keep on doing that for him he will never learn.”

Sungie took the keys from Eric and gave it to Junjin. “Go and do it right this time …Dad would be arriving soon.”

Junjin took the keys from him.

“Wow…Mommy you look so pretty!’ Andy gave Bo Bae who just came downstairs a hug. All of us I know will I agree on that. She was beautiful even without makeup so you could just imagine how she looks like when she put more effort in her appearance like she does now.

“Is your Dad home already?”

Right on cue Dad walked in the room followed by Jinnie. He was holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand. We all know the scene that would follow so before Andy sees anything that minors shouldn’t see, the rest of us decided to proceed to the dining area. They would follow us after they realize we already started dinner without them.

-*-

Dinner was a pleasant affair. Dad mentioned something about going on a trip with Bo Bae, and Andy doesn’t seem to mind that they are leaving him behind. We don’t have to worry much about leaving him alone in the house now with only Mr. Shin and the housemaids to mind him. He has taken a liking to Mrs. Kim the head maid. He behaves really well when he’s with her and she dotes on him as if she is one of her grandchildren. This is not surprising at all since Mrs. Kim is really a nice person.

Dad and Bo Bae excused themselves after dinner. They have made it a habit to take a walk in a nearby every dinner. Bo Bae say it’s a good exercise and relaxes Dad, we all know they just want some privacy, a luxury in a houseful of people.

The rest of us decided to have some drinks in the garden. We seldom have time to get together for a drink, not with Eric and Sungie flying to and fro to Jeju almost every other week to check on the progress of the project there and with Minwoo busy with his band’s singing engagement. I on the other hand am busy preparing for a solo exhibit soon. Dad said it’s ok to do it even if others think I’m still too young to aim for something so big so early in my career. He said I will never know till I try and beside there is nothing wrong in failing the first time what is important is that I went ahead and did it. He said that those that never succeeded are the one’s who never took chances and are afraid to fail.

We were busy discussing the chances of Korea for the world cups when Eric realizes that he was suppose to return a call to someone. It was only then that he realizes that his cellphone was missing. Sungie offered him his phone while the rest of us started looking around the garden to see where Eric might have misplaced it.

I saw Andy walked out from the garden. He was using his shirt to dry something.

“Andy did you see Eric’s cellphone?” I asked.

“Yes, Andy saw Eric’s cellphone. It fell over there…” He pointed to a portion of the garden that is a little bit muddy because the soil is being prepared for spring planting.

“Hey, Andy has Eric’s phone” I told the others.

Eric who was already done speaking on the phone walk over to us to get it from Andy, the rest of the guys returned to the table where we are having our drinks. Andy proudly handed to Eric a very wet mobile phone.

“What in the world….” Eric was speechless as he looks at his mobile phone.

“It was dirty so Andy washed Eric’s phone to get clean again”

“What exactly did you use to clean it?” Sungie asked him.

“Wait I’ll show you…”

Andy ran back to the kitchen and returned a few moments later.

“This is what Andy used to clean Eric hyungs phone. Andy washed it with water too!... So it’s clean now!”

He was holding in his hand a bottle of dishwashing liquid and a sponge.

THE END