It’s frustrating, I can’t think of a hard password >_____<
No choice, will just settle for a simpler one ~~
Dr. Derek Shepherd = McDreamy; Dr. Mark Sloan = _______________
Tag Archives: fate
Protected: F A T E – EPILOGUE
F A T E – CHAPTER 29 (FINALE)
Illumination
FIVE YEARS AGO …
Kwon has just emerged from the bathroom, water still dripping from his half naked body, when the buzzer rang. He was to ignore and let whoever it is at the door to wait for him to get dressed but the chance the noise will disrupt Gain’s sleep made him choose otherwise. He went for the door.
He peeked to see his early visitor only to sigh aloud upon recognition. What is she doing here? He opens the door and almost tumbled down when stormed in.
“Well, a good morning is not necessary.” Kwon mumbles to himself. “What are you doing here, HyunA?”
“Can’t I come and visit you unannounced?”
“Obviously you are not here for a simple chit-chat. What’s up?”
HyunA eyed her for a minute, pacing the floor she continues. “I have been trying to get a hold of you since last night. I called your mobile but you aren’t answering. I tried your apartment’s phone but all I get is your answering machine.”
Obviously I don’t want to be disturbed! Kwon wanted to say just that but knowing how sensitive she can be, he kept the words to his mind. “My cell must have been in silent mode. And you can see, I stayed here for the night so there goes the reason for my answering machine.”
Rubbing his wet hair by another towel, he silently studied her. He noticed the paleness of her face, and her eyes blotchy. Something’s wrong.
“Are you all right?”
Kwon’s genuine concern stopped HyunA from walking. Her eyes began to well up. “Yeah, I am all right.”
“And why I don’t buy it.”
“Guess you knew me too well.” With a bitter chuckle she replied. “Jin-young broke up with me last night. He said he will tell your parents about it over dinner tonight, to call off the engagement.”
HyunA fought back the tears when she looked at him. “I asked him why, you know? It’s stupid because I somehow knew why, but I still asked him … deep inside me I am still hoping I’m wrong about him.”
Tears begin to flow down her face. Lost for comforting words to tell HyunA, Kwon went towards the mini ref across the room. He grabs a bottled-water.
“Here drink this. You look drained,” as he come closer to her.
“Thanks.”
“Why don’t you go sit on that chair and drink that water while I make myself decent? Is that okay?”
“Jin-young tried to give me false hopes.” HyunA said absentmindedly, her grip tighter over the plastic bottle. “To spare my feelings for further hurt, maybe.”
Okay, so it’s a NO. Kwon muttered to his brain. Shaking his head, he turns to his back to face HyunA who is now standing in the middle of the room.
“He said he just needed some time, a space for himself to think things over, blah blah blah … You know, the usual crap you guys say to women when dumping them,” HyunA’s eyes went to him.
“I won’t argue with that. My lips are zipped.” Kwon lifted his shoulders. HyunA smiled in return.
“But I dig deeper. I refused to accept his shallow reasons. You know how stubborn I can get when I want to.”
“Yeah I know. I am telling you, you will do well in interrogating people. Why don’t you apply for a job in law enforcement?” Kwon joked in attempt to lighten the mood.
“Ha! Remind me in the future, I might actually do that.”
HyunA sat on the chair. “You said you’d help me?”
“And I am helping you. I am in contact with the woman you suspect he’s recently seeing.”
“You befriended her?”
“You could say that, yes.”
HyunA raised one eyebrow.
“Okay no, we’re not friends at all. I always show her my bad side and it annoys her very much. I can tell I tick her off with just the mere sight of my face. But I am also quite sure I made her curious and interested all the more.”
“Are you saying you flirted with her?” She narrowed her eyes to him. “You made her fall for you.”
“In a way, yes.”
“What did you do?”
“You knew better it’s not my habit to disclose things like that to anyone.”
“Come on, Kwon-ah.”
After a good minute went by and HyunA still staring at him, Kwon relented. “Alright, just to appease you … I made her feel like she owed me.”
“How?”
“You don’t give up, do you?”
“You know me very well.”
“I saved her life one time, a knight in shining armor rescuing a damsel in distress. Little did she know it’s all a set up.”
“Oh …”
“I am not proud of what I did okay, playing with her emotions like that … But it’s the fastest way to get close to her.”
“Then why is Jin-young leaving me?”
“I don’t know. But trust me I’ll find a way to smoothen things out between you and Jin-young. I will talk to the woman.”
“Really you’d do that?”
Kwon nodded and hug HyunA. “Yes of course. What’s a small favor for old time’s sake?”
“What are you going to tell her? How are you going to keep her out of Jin-young’s life?”
“Let me handle it, HyunA. I’ll make her an offer she will find hard to turn down.”
“Thank you, Kwon-ah. You’re such a dear friend.”
~~~~O~O~O~O~~~~
PRESENT TIME …
“Any reaction?” Gain said after a long while and Kwon remain silent in the dark.
“It’s not my intention to hurt you.” He whispered. “Everything you heard is true.”
Gain thought she had prepared herself for this moment but to hear him admit them before her is much more painful than she’d imagined. It brought tears to her eyes.
“Back then Jin-young got worst, being engaged didn’t stop him from seeing other women. I feel terrible because HyunA not once did say anything about it. She loved Jin-young despite his womanizing ways. She’s hurting because of my half-brother. I had to do something. And so I helped by keeping women away from him. I gotten close with them, I flirted … my ways are ugly, I know that, but I want HyunA to be happy and Jin-young is her happiness.” Kwon moved to sit at the end of the bed. “But believe me, you are not part of the plan.”
“You just said –”
“I didn’t know Jin-young’s pursuing you.”
“He was.”
“I kept track of all the women he was seeing and I didn’t see you with him.”
“Probably when you began carrying out your plan we already stop seeing each other. I told him we need to take things slower … what about the set-up?”
“I saved one of his women from muggers. But it’s just my buddies posing as criminals.”
“And the offer?”
“I offered the woman money so she would stop seeing my brother. She agreed to move away minus the money part.”
“She took it lightly?”
“Well yeah. After slapping me on the face – twice.”
“Serves you right.”
“Yeah, I deserve it. For tricking her and for insulting her with the bribe.”
Silence wrapped the entire room. For minutes, no one dared to speak. Kwon willed himself out of bed and approach her seat. He kneeled down, their faces at eye level.
“I am so sorry for all the pain I caused you. For the five years you hated me, I am really very sorry.”
Gain start weeping. She’s crying for the lost years and the overwhelming relief of knowing he didn’t trick her.
“Hush, yeobo. Hush.” He dried her tears using his thumb.
“I had mixed feelings when I found out I am pregnant I was excited, ecstatic and scared at the same time.”
“Why didn’t you seek me?”
“I did but I don’t know where to find you. Vic tried your apartment but it’s been vacated. I went to the shop, talked to your buddies there but none of them can give me your home address. I was out of options and I was running out of time before the changes in my body shows. I was also worried for my family’s feelings so I decided to leave the country. I told Vic and your friend Jay to contact me soon as they hear from you again.”
“I lost contact with Vicky and Jay, my father sent me to study overseas. I didn’t agree at first because I want to talk you but when I saw you with Seul Ong in the mall …” Kwon let the words trail off.
“Seul Ong?”
“I saw you and him choosing rings. I thought you are going to marry him. I was so jealous, I called my father and the following week I flew out of the country.”
“But he is my brother, silly.” Gain hit him lightly in the shoulder.
“I didn’t know then.” Kwon capture her hand. “You and Aejin are the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me. I can’t go on living without you both in my life. So I’m here before you, asking and pleading you to give US a try. Give me the chance to be part of your life not just as Aejin’s Dad but also as your husband. I love you Gain. Marry me, please.”
She touched his face lovingly. “I thought I’d never hear you say it again.”
“You mean it’s a yes??”
“Yes.”
“Yes like you love me too??”
She smiled and nodded.
“D-do you really l-love me?” Kwon still can’t believe his ears.
“Yes, I love you.” She looked at his lips with so much longing. “Want proof?”
He flashed her a naughty smile. “Proof sounds great to me.”
She chuckled as she pulled him closer and locked their lips together in a kiss.
~~~~O~O~O~O~~~~
He was about to take off her wedding gown when someone knocked on the door.
“Great!! Can’t people read the DON’T DISTURB sign??”
Gain just smiled at Kwon’s frustration. “Get the door, yeobo. It must be someone important.”
“Important than this?? Yeah right.” Kwon left Gain inside and went to the door. “Whoever this is will surely hear a mouthful from me.”
“Daddy!” Aejin jumped him. She’s still wearing the gown she used as a flower girl.
“What are you doing here sweetheart?”
“I want to sleep beside you and Mommy.”
“But you can’t tonight sweetheart.”
“Why?”
Kwon came closer to whisper on his daughter’s ear.
“Okay Daddy, goodnight. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He hugged his child and put a chaste kiss on her temple.
~~~~O~O~O~O~~~~
“Who was it?” Gain said, sitting on the settee.
“Aejin.”
“Oh, Aejin want anything?”
“Yeah.” He pulled her up. “A baby brother. So are you ready Mrs. Kwon? This is going to be a long night.”
“Ready.”
His lips descended on hers, she closed her eyes in submission.
~~~~O~O~O~O~~~~ e n d ~~~~O~O~O~O~~~~
~~athenarei’s notes:
Whew! At long last it’s done 🙂 I can sleep peacefully from now on LOL!
Completing this has been a wonderful experience for me. Thanks for all the comments and support …
F A T E – CHAPTER 28
Reasons Why
She woke up in the middle of the night and saw Kwon sleeping peacefully right next to her. She carefully put a hand over his forehead to check his temperature. His fever has gone down.
Gain cannot imagine she was able to sleep with him lying beside her. In fact, snuggling close to her. She was surprised to realize she like being wrapped in Kwon’s arms. Stunned that she actually enjoyed the feeling of being needed by him. And bothered that she doesn’t feel disgust or any negative emotions whatsoever towards Kwon. Truth to be told, it gave her a certain warm feeling inside. I must be nuts!
Gain close her eyes to sleep again. But …
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Kwon said without opening his eyes. He was awaken by Gain’s touch.
“Tell you what?” Gain responded, acting clueless although she knew where the question is going.
“C’mon, you know what I’m talking about.”
Silence.
“Aejin, you mean?”
“Yes, exactly.”
Then there’s silence once again.
“Know what, there’s no sense in talking about the past. It happened a long time ago. You already found out Aejin’s existence and your relationship with her is doing great. She adjusted to you and to your family well and fast. Really, there’s nothing for you to worry about anymore. So, the things of the past …just let it be. Let it remain that way.”
She turned to her side of the bed, allowing her back to face Kwon. Minutes passed, Gain thought he went back to sleep and had decided to drop the subject. She almost jumped out of her skin when he spoke.
“It was a long time ago, yes. I know that, I know it very well. I’d been counting the days since you left that room. It’s been so long, but the questions in me from day one remains. Do you know how these questions have been screaming at me for answers? I’d been ignoring it … avoiding it … numbing myself for five years. And I grew tired of doing it again and again.”
Gain didn’t dare to move or talk back. She can hear it in his voice – the torture, the suffering – at that moment, keeping mum is all she knows.
“Why. Why did you refused my proposal? Why can’t you accept me?? How … how can you look at me with fiery passion that night and then with so much hate the next day?? What the hell is so wrong about me that you didn’t come to me when you learn about Aejin??”
Kwon forced himself up and shifted to a sitting position. Putting his hand over her shoulder, she made Gain look at him. Kwon continue.
“Tell me, am I not deserving enough to be Aejin’s father?? Does it horrify you, the thought of being married to me … to a bastard like me??”
Looking into his eyes, Gain saw how broken he has become. The emotions he is showing puzzles and perplexes her for it mirrors hers. Why are you hurting? … It’s not possible …
“Tell me. Answer me. Please … I beg you.” Kwon said in a soft, pleading-like tone.
The look. The voice. She can feel his pain. It’s as though someone squeezed her heart.
Unknowingly, Gain reach for his face. In her mind doing so would ease the pain he is feeling. Kwon put his hand over hers, rubbing his face beneath the skin of her palms, not breaking eye contact.
Do we really need to go through this? … But … “You are not feeling well. You must rest now. We can talk about this in the morning, when you are better.”
“No. I don’t think I can rest and wait for another day to hear you answer. I have waited long enough, five years is very long.”
“But -”
“I can handle this fever. Trust me, I will be fine. What I can’t handle anymore is the guessing and wondering about the reasons why.”
After making up her mind and letting out a deep sigh, Gain got up and moves to sit at a chair adjacent to the bed. Their position: Kwon sitting on the bed, Gain on the chair away by a meter or so.
“Okay then. Let’s talk.”
“I don’t know what it is, but I know for certain something happened to you that day. What made you turn into a cold person in a short span of time? Is it because you realized I’m a child out of wedlock that you rejected me?”
“No. I knew nothing about your illegitimacy. Not until I came back. J-Jea told me.”
“Then why?”
“You made me hate you.”
“What?? How – Is there something I said, or did?”
“Ah yes, it’s what you said. It’s all because of what you said about me.”
Kwon squint his eyes as he try to remember the events five years back.
“I don’t recall any.”
“You can’t remember? Is your conversation with HyunA ring a bell?”
“How did you – You didn’t even see HyunA came that day.”
“I was awake. I was standing behind the door while you are talking to her.”
HyunA … What about her that made Gain mad?? Then it hit him. “It’s not what you think it is.”
“Is that so?? I heard everything. I heard it all.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Five years later you demand for us to talk and you are just going to deny the things I heard myself? I told you, it’s useless to talk about this.”
“I don’t think you clearly understand my dialogue with her.”
“Okay, I will pretend I am doubting myself. Go ahead, make me understand.”
That day, five years ago …
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... Uhm … Oooopppss … cliffhanger much eh … 😛
I think this chapter fits this line: “I know that you believe you understand what you think I said. But I am not sure you realize what you heard is not what I meant.”
F A T E – CHAPTER 27
Temptation Island
“Gain-ah … Oh Lord, thank You!! You’re awake!!!”
It was Kwon’s face Gain saw when she opened her eyes. He was caressing her hair. She looked around, figuring out what happened. A lady in her mid-forties is standing a few feet away from where she was lying. She was carrying a basin and a tin cup.
“Where are we? What happened to us??”
“We survived … We’re saved.”
Then she remembered the accident. Their boat capsized and they were forced to swim the next island. She can’t recall how they reached the shore. The last thing she remembered she was crying, clutching at Kwon’s neck then after it was total darkness.
Gain hugged herself when fear began to spread all throughout her. She could imagine what would become of her if not for Kwon.
I would be dead by now! My lifeless body floating in the middle of the ocean!!
“Fortunately, while you were unconscious, a fishing boat came by and rescued us. In-young’s husband, Yoon-Jae, found us and brought us to this island.” Even as Kwon introduces the old lady and her husband, he continues to caress Gain. He was stroking the sides of her face when he probably felt the sudden coldness of her skin; he then put his attention to her arms.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling woozy.”
“Do you feel any pain? Are you hurt somewhere?”
“I don’t think I had any injuries, but my body’s aching. Maybe from swimming.”
“You should rest more.”
“You too, young man. You need to rest to regain your strength. You are running a fever and your whole body is hurting.” In-young said to Kwon as she hands him over a cup. “Take this, it will help lower your fever. And get some sleep.”
She brought her cheek closer to feel his hand. No wonder his palms are hot, he is sick. Right at that moment she notice Kwon is also on top of the bed she’s using.
“Lie down and rest.” The woman took the cup of medicinal herbs from Kwon and helps him lie down. Gain wanted to speak of protest about him sharing the bed with her. But it would be ridiculous because there’s only one bed available. She kept her mouth shut.
Kwon lay down beside Gain. He is grumbling in strain like it is so hard for him to even move his body.
With their arms touching, she can’t stop her senses from being aware of their closeness. Darn!
“I will send my son later to bring your food.” After putting a blanket over him, the kind lady left the lodge.
“How long was I asleep?” Gain asked, trying to ignore their awkward position.
“About three hours or so. You lost consciousness when we were swimming. Are you sure you don’t feel anything strange?”
“I am fine.”
“Don’t you feel the urge to vomit? There’s a swelling at the side of your head. I think you hit something hard when the boat turned over. You might have a concussion…”
“I don’t. I am all right, exhausted, that’s all. Where are we anyway?”
“Remember that island Mister was telling us about? That’s where we are right now.”
“Ahh I see … Speaking of Mister, where is he? Is he outside reporting the accident?”
Kwon turn to Gain and by the look on his face, the old man was not as lucky as they were. May you rest in peace, Mister …
Gain lays on her back again and stare at the ceiling. “I really thought we’re going to die.”
“When you fainted back there, I really don’t know what to do. You made me very worried about you.”
She turned her head to the right where Kwon is. He was earnestly staring at her.
“You scared me to death, you know.”
Gain remembered how the hug and the kiss he gave her calmed her down. She remembered how extremely worried Kwon was to her when the boat was being struck wave after wave. And when the boat overturned, it was him who pulled her up of the water. ‘I won’t leave you.’ She could still hear him say. Making her feel safe.
True to his words, he didn’t abandon me. She was touched. Gain didn’t expect that kind of concern from him, to the extent of risking his own life. She wanted to thank him. But she was reluctant to do so. In the end, she simply took her sight away from Kwon and goes back to viewing the ceiling. “Maybe I passed out because of fear and fatigue as well.”
From the corner of her eyes, Gain saw Kwon averted his gaze from her. Letting out a sigh, he copied what she’s doing.
“They must be so worried. Maybe they have a telephone or a cell phone we can use?”
“Unluckily, they don’t have a te-telephone. This is a ver-ry remote island and f-for sure, they don’t have a cell site e-either.” Kwon pulled the blanket up to his chin.
I almost forgot he is sick. “You’re burning up.” Gain said after feeling his forehead, cold sweats are forming on his face.
“I al-alre-ady took some m-medicine. This will be go-gone later.”
“And you’re shivering.”
“T-this is no-t-thing, I c-can t-take this. I’m a gr-grown man.”
“Yeah right. You are unwell and yet you won’t admit it. Is that the guys’ famous monumental ego??”
Kwon went to his side, facing Gain.
“I am sick and you are still sco-lding me.” Kwon said, smiling. Gain smiled back. “And if I wasn’t chil-ling to my bones I wouldn’t re-receive that smile.”
“Hey, I’m not smiling at you, alright? I am laughing at your state because you look so helpless right now.”
“K-know what, you are so-so mean.”
Gain laughed softly. She didn’t know what came over her that she’s joking with Kwon. And for the first time she could remember, she’s actually enjoying a conversation with him.
Kwon is really shaking and Gain feels sorry for him. There must be something I can do to help.
“Would you like me to hug you?” Crap! What did I just said??
“Really??”
It’s too late to take it back. “Uhm, well, I always tell Aejin that Moms hug their children when they’re sick because it makes them get well faster.”
Kwon stayed silent, his mind seemed to have a difficulty digesting what she said.
“Just think of me as your mom.” Gain suggested.
“Sure.”
“But hey, this is without malice, alright?”
“Unders-stood. No ma-malice. Swear.” Kwon answered with a smile.
After a brief moment, Gain took his arm and put it on her side. She gasped aloud when he pulled her closer and hugged her tightly. Kwon placed his head in a spot just right above her shoulder.
She can’t explain why her heart began to beat rapidly while their bodies are pressed together. Perhaps because they had been intimate once, in fact, they had done more than just hugging five years ago. Her cheeks burn up recalling that fateful night.
Several minutes passed and Kwon has stopped trembling. Gain is going to release herself from his hold, thinking that he’s asleep. But Kwon moved first, pulling his head up from her neck.
“Thank you.” He said smiling.
Gain look at his smile. His smile is really something. He looks really handsome when he smiles. It was so much that it made her want to touch his face and just admire its charm all through the night. Shoots! Get a hold of yourself!
When she moved her eyes up, she saw Kwon staring intensely back at her. The smile is no longer on his lips; it was replaced by a brooding expression. And there’s something in his eyes that made her feel excited and scared all at the same time.
The room suddenly felt as though it had shrunk. Oxygen seemed to escape her lungs making it hard for her to breathe. When Gain can’t take the tension any longer, she forced herself up. She was able to break away from this enthrallment she’s in. But not as far as she intended to because her muscles turn into jelly, losing its strength, she falls back to bed, crashing down to Kwon’s body.
A jolt of electricity shot through him upon contact. He almost gave in to his urges, envelope her in a tight embrace and kiss her, but he dare not and instead, only a mild touch to her waist is what he did. It nearly killed him to do just that. He restraint himself by gritting his teeth, too much, he could hear some are breaking.
In a hurry to move away from this scalding situation, Gain propped herself up with her hands over his muscled chest. It was after she felt his heart beating under her palms, she realize how her little hands are wrongly placed.
“A-are you o-okay, did I hurt you?” Her husky voice and her body at such proximity tickled Kwon’s imagination all the more.
He spent a few more seconds shaking cobwebs off of his mind. He didn’t want Gain to see any signs of what he’s feeling at the moment. To lose what they are having, the seemingly friendly conversation and the trust she was able to give him, is the last thing he wanted to happen. With a forced smile on, he looked up to tell her he’s not hurt and it’s okay. But what he saw next melted all his resolve.
She was licking her lips using her tongue! It was too much for him. The urge to crush her lips against his became too overwhelming. Kwon lost his self-control.
“Oh Gain-ah …” He purred then pulled her to him.
Goose pimples rose all over her body when Kwon finally managed to land a kiss on her lips. A sigh escaped from Gain as she felt something she had been longing for had happened at long last. With a mind of its own, her arms clasp around his neck. His kisses become more fervent.
There are warning bells ringing endlessly in Kwon’s head, telling him to stop now. But he had already lost the ability to follow what the small voice is dictating him to do. The control he has been keeping for quite long is gone. It deserted him the minute they touched.
Kwon didn’t plan for this to happen. He knew way long before what kissing her can do to him. He knew that once he give in, plant even just a brief kiss on those tempting lips of hers, it would be very difficult – almost impossible – to stop himself.
The kiss was getting deeper and their hands been busy touring each other’s bodies. She felt his hand went under her shirt and was soon followed by the warm and thorough exploration of his palms over her burning flesh. It began from her stomach then goes up in an agonizingly slow pace. She almost cried out when his hand reached its destination, molded itself to the fullness of her bosom.
“Ahem … Ahem …”
Just two words but it’s like a bucket of cold water was doused on them. They quickly parted.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to intrude. I just brought your food.”
Kwon went into a sitting position and told the teenager to put the tray of food over the wooden table next to the window.
“Thank you very much.” Kwon said. He elbowed Gain, who immediately dove under the sheets, to say something to the boy.
“Thank you.” She said without removing the sheets. She was too embarrassed to even look at the teenager. She wished for the sea to swallow her whole.
“You are welcome, go ahead and eat your dinner. I’ll just return tomorrow morning to get the dishes.” And the boy left them.
“It’s g-getting dark, we s-should eat.” Gain said stammering. She left the bed and approaches the food.
“Sounds good suggestion to me.”
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
~~athenarei’s notes:
Hmmm … now I don’t know where to stop this story. ~__~ Grrrr !!
Ugh!! stop, stop, stop thinking of tension filled moments … I need to finish this … Uwahhhh 😐
F A T E – CHAPTER 26
Not Leaving Your Side
“Are you newlyweds? On your honeymoon?” The operator asks them.
Kwon and Gain rented a pump boat to go to the island. All the ferries were full when they reached the dock.
Kwon just snicker at what the old guy stated.
“Mister, isn’t it obvious we are not? Because if we are, we will be seated side by side.” Kwon was seated at the other end of the boat.
“If you sit beside each other, the boat will lose its balance and will likely sink.”
Gain is somewhat embarrassed by the man’s logic.
“You looked good together. I thought you were a couple.”
“We are not married, Mister.” Kwon said.
“Really? Then what are you, just boyfriend/girlfriend?” The meddlesome operator continues.
Gain rolled her eyes in exasperation. Kwon laugh at her action. He is enjoying the flow of conversation.
“Okay. Okay. I will stop now.” The old guy said.
Gain twitched her lips. She chose to put her attention on the sea rather than listen to those two annoying males.
The two men talked about sailing and the different islands they should visit.
“You can check that island.” He point to his left at the closest piece of land. “That’s where I live, in a small village. The people there are very kind and hospitable. Tomorrow night we will be having a small feast, a thanksgiving for a great year. You should come, I’m sure your beautiful lady will enjoy it.”
“You don’t give up, Mister, do you?” Gain interrupts.
“Why are you so bothered, anyway? He is just teasing us. Unless …” Kwon answers.
“Huh? Unless what?”
“Unless you have a secret desire about me, that’s why you are so affected.”
Her eyes grew big. “Excuse me?! You are imagining things! You know very well that I don’t like you. In fact, I hate you!”
“Well, they said everything starts there. You know, the saying THE MORE YOU HATE, THE MORE YOU LOVE. I think it fits you both.” The old guy instigates more.
“Mister, I am telling you, one more and I will push you into the sea.”
Both men just laugh at her. Gain wanted to bang their heads together.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o–o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Gain is typing a message on her cellphone when Kwon suddenly bump her shoulder when organizing their baggage. Her phone fell into the water.
“Oh no! My phone!”
Kwon stop what he’s doing and glance at her.
“You jerk! I dropped my phone because of you!”
“I didn’t mean to. I will just replace your phone.”
“You can buy me a new one but you cannot replace the contents of that phone! That phone is important to me!!” Gain snorted.
“I’m sorry. It was an accident.”
“Accident?! You call this accident?! You are nothing but a big disaster in my life!”
“I’m really sorry, alright. Don’t be mad anymore. It won’t change a thing and staying angry is not going to give your phone back.”
So irritated with him being uncaring, she hit his chest again and again.
“I really, really hate you, you beast!!”
She knows she is overreacting. But she doesn’t care. She is really upset.
“I know. You don’t have to tell me over and over again.”
He took his cellphone out of his pants’ pocket.
“Here’s my phone. Throw this into the water if that will help you feel better. In that case, we’re even.”
“I’m not that childish.” Gain pushed the phone back to Kwon.
“If you can’t do it yourself, I will in your behalf.” Kwon drop his phone into the sea.
“You are crazy!”
“It’s just a phone.”
Gain felt a pang of guilt for freaking out. “You don’t understand how valuable that phone is to me.”
“But it’s already gone. Even if you keep blaming me about it, nothing will change. Even if you hate me forever, you can’t get back what has been lost.”
Odd. But Gain sensed Kwon isn’t pertaining about the phone she lost anymore. It felt like he’s referring to their issues and the five years that has gone by.
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A strong wind struck them and there they noticed the sudden change of weather. The sunny sky earlier is now dimmed.
“I think it’s going to rain.”
And a while later, the rain starts to pour.
“There are no reports about a storm. This rain will probably just pass us by.”
But the rain becomes stronger. The waves hitting them were growing gradually. Gain began to worry when water starts to enter their boat. Her eyes searched for Kwon. She found him looking at her.
“Don’t worry. We will be all right.” Kwon must have noticed her fear.
The heavy rain continues to fall. The boat is now being filled with water. It has reached her ankles. They had to scoop the water out of the boat. Her fear grows stronger with each passing minute. Gain started praying silently.
Kwon took a jacket out of his bag and put it on her. “Thanks.” Gain said in a weak voice.
They have been sailing against the strong winds when the boat suddenly stopped.
“What happened, Mister? Why did we stop?”
“We have a problem, Sir. The motor died and it won’t start.”
“What?!” Gain said loudly.
“I will try to fix it.” The operator grabbed his toolbox.
Shit! Kwon’s face changed. He also began to worry.
“What’s going to happen?” She asks him.
“Just stay put. We’ll fix this.” Kwon continue in getting the water out of the boat.
“So? Were you able to repair the machine?” Kwon asked the old guy the second he lifted his face from the motor. He shook his head in response.
“What are we going to do now?”
“We have no choice but to paddle the boat towards the nearest island.” The operator suggested.
Kwon try to view the island’s distance from where they are. It’s still pretty far.
How Kwon wish he didn’t threw his phone away. They could have now called for help.
“Let’s just hope there will be no big waves to strike us. That might sink the boat.” Hearing it from the operator, Gain wasn’t able to suppress her tears anymore. She cried.
“Hey …” Kwon said as he approached her.
“Are we going to die?” Gain asks wearily, tears trekking down he face.
“No. We are not.”
“I don’t want to die yet. I can’t leave Aejin alone.”
“Don’t worry. Even if this boat sinks, I will take care of you, okay? I will not leave you.”
She discarded her pride and hug Kwon. He hugged her back, his palms brushing her back up to her head. When the ship shook, she hugged him even tighter.
“It’s alright. I am here.” To her surprise, Kwon kissed her forehead.
A powerful wave hit them. Enough to shift the ship and since they are on the same side of the boat, it lost its balance and then it completely overturn.
Kwon’s first thought was to save Gain. With all his strength he swim upwards, holding her by the waist. When they resurface in the water they instantly embrace each other.
“Please don’t leave me … I’m scared.” Gain said while clinging on to him.
“I won’t. I promise.” Kwon reassured her. “Can you swim?” Gain nodded.
Despite the waves, they managed to stay moving. But in the midst of their swim towards the island, Gain lost consciousness. He panicked like he never did before.
“Gain!!”
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~~athenarei’s notes:
Oh how I love tragedy!!! *evil laugh* Haha!
Am I bad, am I bad?? I don’t think so 😉 You will know someday … *whistles* 😛
F A T E – CHAPTER 25
Mischievous Angel
Gain feels she is losing power over Aejin’s life, just like how she thinks she is losing control of Aejin.
Her original plans for Aejin’s birthday party were dissolved. Kwon’s dad suggested for it to be held in his summerhouse where Aejin will be officially introduce to Kwon’s family.
Gain wanted to turn down the offer but Aejin looked really happy about the idea of having a party near the sea. She always loved the sight of water. She was forced to accept.
But all her frustrations and dismay vanish when Aejin rewarded her with a kiss and a warm ‘THANK YOU’ while hugging her tight.
Agreeing to it wasn’t so bad at all. Gain thought.
Well, that’s where she’s wrong …
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The party is like a beautiful dream to Aejin. Bright lights in assorted colors made the open garden glow amidst the night. Flowers are all over and its fragrance fills the whole place. They also released butterflies and fireflies that just added magnificence to a fairytale like theme.
Aejin is dressed as tinker bell. She has been running around the garden with her artificial little wings attached to her back. And like a real fairy, she sprinkles her magic powder to anyone she encounters. Then she would turn away, giggling, to find another victim.
Gain saw how everyone smiles at Aejin’s deeds. Everybody adores her daughter and Aejin seemed to enjoy being around many people.
Deep inside, Gain felt guilty for keeping her hidden and deprived of this kind of joy. The happiness she is witnessing makes her dread that there will come a time Aejin will not be contented to have just her in their life. She is scared to acknowledge the truth that Aejin’s life is incomplete, that her love for her is no longer enough.
Gain looked at Kwon who was busy watching over Aejin, extreme fondness is all over his face.
Does Aejin really need a father?
Kwon turn to her direction and he caught her staring. He smile then winked at her. Gain blushed.
Gain feels like hitting her head for getting affected quickly. She is not a teenager anymore to blush because of a simple smile and wink from a guy, no matter how handsome. She’s a matured woman with a daughter for crying out loud!
Well, Kwon indeed is twice as handsome as before now. He looked really cool in his pale yellow suit over a white graffiti shirt and jeans.
When Gain realized she’s praising him, she silently scolded herself.
“Thank you, Daddy! I love you!” Aejin said, hugging Kwon’s waist. He then lifted Aejin and put her on his lap. He made her embrace his neck instead.
“I love you too, sweetheart!”
“I really thought I don’t have a Daddy. I’m so happy you came.” Aejin said, teary.
“Me too, sweetheart, me too. I’m happy we met. I never thought you exist until I saw you at the mall.” He kissed the top of Aejin’s head. “Don’t cry anymore, sweetheart. It’s your birthday remember?”
Kwon wipe the tears that are about to fall from Aejin’s eyes. “Do you need Daddy to sprinkle you with magic powder? Daddy will cast a spell to Aejin. She will now stop crying and will only smile.” Your smile made my bleak world bright, sweetheart, remember that always.
Aejin smiled. Then she encased Kwon’s face with her small hands and pulls it closer to hers. “You are more handsome than my playmates’ daddies.”
Kwon smile turn into a big grin. “Really? You think so?” Aejin made consecutive nods.
“Mommy, isn’t Daddy the most handsome daddy in the whole wide world?” Aejin yelled to Gain, who was caught off guard by the question.
“Huh?” She pretends she didn’t heard what Aejin said.
“I said Daddy is the most handsome Daddy in the planet. Right?”
Much louder this time, it grabbed the attention of others. Time seems to be suspended as everyone’s eyes are on Gain, their ears are on what she will reply.
“Err … sweetie …”
“You didn’t think Daddy is ugly, right?”
“Of course, sweetie. Your Daddy is … uhm … Daddy is … good looking.” There I said it!
“See, I told you, Daddy. Mommy agrees.”
“Alright, sweetheart. As long as Mommy believes Daddy is handsome then I am handsome.” He looked at Gain with amusement.
But the amusement on Kwon’s eyes did not last long. His stare became intense, and it made her conscious. She looked away.
After some games, they gathered around the big cake. They sing Aejin a happy birthday and the little angel come closer to the cake. It’s time for her to say her wish.
Aejin smiled happily at her parents, she closed her eyes before putting her hands together.
“I wish that my Mommy and my Daddy will be together again so they can make me a baby brother!” She said her wish out loud then she blew the candle.
Kwon and Gain are both dumbfounded; they are not expecting Aejin to say her wish out loud and in front of so many people. She turns to look at Kwon. He is smiling widely.
Kwon must have felt her gaze, he face her. His mischievous smile gone, eyes became serious, as if they are pleading for something. Can no longer handle his stare, Gain bow down.
It’s the same look he gave her that night five years ago. Why would he look at me like that?
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Gain wake up late the next morning. She had a difficult time sleeping because of Aejin. Her daughter is not giving up on her wish for a sibling and it’s giving her headache.
She tried talking Aejin out of it once again last night. But she is holding onto their promise to grant anything she asks. Gain scolded her for being hardheaded and Aejin cried. Aejin slept without talking to her.
“She’s becoming a brat.” Gain said to herself. Her trail of thoughts was cut with a sudden knock on the door.
“Are you awake?” It was Kwon behind the door.
What does he want this time? “Wait a sec.” She said coldly.
Gain took her time in getting out of bed. She walked slowly towards her closet to get a robe. She put it over the oversized shirt she wore to sleep.
Few minutes standing at the door won’t hurt. Gain told herself before finally opening the door to Kwon.
“Did I wake you?”
“No. I’m already awake even before you knocked. But as you can see I’m not dressed yet. What is it?”
“I’m just going to tell you we are going to an island today. Be ready in an hour.”
“Wha- Where?! That’s not part of the plan! We’re supposed to go back today. Where’s Aejin?”
“Aejin’s with Dad. They left for the island early this morning.”
“What?! Why am I not informed about this? Why didn’t you wake me?”
“I tried, okay. I knocked a few times but you are not answering. Aejin told me you are not sleeping well for the past days so I stopped. I told Dad to go ahead and we will just follow them.”
Gain is at loss for words. She is not expecting to spend another day with him. More so, spend it with only the two of them.
“You go ahead and prepare your things. Go down the house after one hour. It’s rather late now. Let’s hope not all the ferries are full by the time we get there.”
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~~athenarei’s notes:
Okay, I give up 😐 I can’t finish this in my desired number of chapters … *aish
Thanks for reading!
F A T E – CHAPTER 24
Are Promises Made to be Broken?
Kwon said he would give her time to decide. But she knows her time isn’t forever, he didn’t specify the deadline but it surely means soonest.
While she is contemplating, Kwon did not waste the opportunity to be with Aejin. Almost everyday the two go out. And Aejin enjoys her dad’s company. They have been to the mall, the zoo and the amusement park. And every time she comes home, she wouldn’t stop talking about the places they visited and how much fun she had.
Kwon showers her with gifts and toys, just like the day before yesterday, he had a van of soft toys delivered for Aejin. Her room looked like a toy store, and Aejin was very happy because of it. Smile didn’t leave her face the whole day.
Gain can see his efforts to make Aejin happy. Kwon sets aside his work to spend time with her. And she can clearly see that her daughter is starting to be totally attached to her father.
What she’s afraid of is that Aejin will demand for more time to be with Kwon. And she can’t refuse for it will not only hurt Aejin’s feelings but also because she can see how much her child became happier since Kwon came into the picture. She is naturally a happy kid but apparently, knowing her dad made her much happier.
I know Aejin loves me more than she loves Kwon. I’d been with her all her life. And I know if she is to choose, she will choose to stay with me. Gain convinces herself while she tucks Aejin in to bed.
“We will go to the butterfly zone tomorrow, Mommy. I am very excited.”
“Mommy misses you, sweetie. We don’t get to stroll anymore and go shopping. Mommy is lonely.” Gain brushes her hair as she lay beside her.
“You can come with us tomorrow. We will go together, all three of us.” Aejin’s eyes are hopeful as she looks at Gain.
“I am sorry, sweetie. I can’t come. Maybe next time?”
Disappointment appears on Aejin’s face. “Okay, next time.” She closed her eyes to sleep. “Daddy said he has a pet dog. I want to see it. I want to sleep in Daddy’s house.”
Gain was alarmed because of Aejin’s last statement. It felt as though she is losing her child’s affection, the custody, even before the battle begins. Suddenly, she’s not too sure about Aejin choosing her over Kwon. Such thought is enough to shook her whole being and make her question her decision. Can I risk it?
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Gain just finished tying Aejin’s hair. She looks cuter in pigtails.
Kwon is coming over to fetch his daughter to meet his father. He thinks it’s time for him to introduce Aejin to her grandfather.
“I am so excited to meet Grandpa.” Gain can only smile. She checks her appearance once more. She can’t help but feel anxious about this meeting, her stomach has been churning mad since this morning.
“My birthday will be very special. I have a Daddy and a Grandpa now. I am so happy, Mommy.” Aejin said, smiling.
“Your fifth birthday will be a blast, sweetie.”
“Daddy said he would give me three wishes like what genie gave Aladdin.”
“Really? So, have you used any of your wishes yet?” Aejin shook her head. “You think of good things, sweetie. And use those wishes well.”
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Kwon was late because of the heavy traffic brought by the rain. But he still came over to tell Aejin personally that they would have to cancel their dinner date with his father. A smart girl that she is, she understood.
The two were left in the living room while Gain went to the kitchen. She’s making him coffee.
When she returned, she found Aejin sitting on Kwon’s lap. Both are laughing. Aejin is very enthusiastic in her story telling, Kwon laughs at every hand gesture his daughter makes. She will be lying if she says she’s not jealous of their closeness.
“Drink some coffee first before you leave.” She placed the cup on the glass table.
“Thanks.” Kwon replied.
“Daddy, can you sleep here tonight?”
“No, sweetie.” Gain intervenes.
“Why, Mommy?”
“Because we only have one room.”
‘Well then, Daddy can sleep with us.”
“No way!” She exclaimed. When Gain saw Aejin was shocked because of her outburst, she realized how exaggerated her refusal was. “I mean, sweetie, your Daddy can’t sleep here. He doesn’t want to. Right?” She looks at Kwon, asking for back up.
“Actually, I’d love to sleep here, sweetheart.” Gain gave him her deadly glare but he just smirk at her. “But I can’t, it’s not allowed. When you grow up, you will understand why.”
Aejin was silent as though she is reviewing her dad’s reason. Pouting, she said okay.
“That’s my girl.” Kwon pats her head.
“Mommy, Daddy, my birthday is near. I want to ask my birthday gift from the two of you.”
“What is it, sweetie?” Gain asks while standing at the far corner of the sofa.
Aejin went down of Kwon’s lap and approach Gain. The little girl guided her to sit one seat apart from him. Aejin sat down between Kwon and Gain.
“Would you grant the gift that I like to have for my birthday? Daddy, it will be my first wish.”
“Sure sweetheart.”
“Of course, sweetie. What is it?”
Aejin smiled sweetly before talking. “I want to have a baby brother. That’s my birthday wish.”
Gain was dumbfounded. When she recovered from shock, she turns to Kwon. His grin is wide, amusement written on his face. When he looked her way, his eyes are teasing her. Gain felt her cheeks flare up, she look away.
“Nana (what Aejin calls her nanny) told me that if I want a baby brother, it should be my mom and my dad who are going to make a baby. So, I want you to make me a baby brother. Please?” Aejin get up and put Kwon’s and Gain’s hands together. Her eyes are pleading.
“Sweetie, we can’t make a baby anymore.”
“Why?”
“Me and your dad are not together anymore. So we can’t make a baby anymore.”
“Then you should be together again.” Aejin innocently suggests.
Gain waited for Kwon to talk. But it seems like he has no plan to help her explain. “We can’t. Your dad has a girlfriend.”
“Nope. I don’t have any.”
“If you don’t want to help me explain, can you just go with my story?” Gain whispers to Kwon.
“I don’t want to lie to my daughter. I told her lying is bad, I should follow what I teach, right? Be a good example.”
Gain’s attention went back to Aejin when she heard a sniff.
“I can’t have a baby brother.”
“You are going to have one. When I get married to my boyfriend someday, we will make a baby brother for you.”
Kwon wanted to say something. But before he could utter a word, Gain elbowed his side. Instead, a low grunt came out of his lips.
“No!! It should be you and Daddy!!”
Aejin starts to cry. Kwon embraces the little girl. Teasing no longer present on his face, instead, it was replaced with sadness.
“Sweetheart, don’t cry. Hush, Aejin …”
“Please stop crying, sweetie.”
Gain was about to get her from Kwon’s arms but Aejin break free from the hug. She went running towards the room.
“You both lied!! You promised!! You promised!!”
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~~athenarei’s notes:
It’s hard to explain things to kids.
But I feel for her, one must not promise things they cannot fulfill.
I think I will be having a problem squeezing everything into two more chapters 😀 Gee!! My schedule’s ruined 😛 hehehe
a t h e n a r e i 