Jeyah’s POV
After my class in the afternoon, I fixed my things and bolted out from the room. I told Clarisse that I need to go ahead and couldn’t go with the group mates this time because my brother texted me telling me that he already booked a ticket for us to take our flight to South Korea.
“Oh, so you’ll be out of the country for a while bubs?”, Clarisse spoke.
“Yes bubs, we need to be at my mom’s wedding or else she would be upset. I already asked permission from our professor bubs, so I think there’s no problem anymore. Anyway, I’ll be out for only two days. Kindly tell our group mates bubs. Thank you”, I said and then left, heading to where I parked my car.
In my mind, it’s better to stay away from Darren even just for a while and divert my attention to other things so, it’s easy for me to forget him. I know I can do it. I need to do it because the feelings I have for him, could never be reciprocated.
After I settled the steering wheel, I started the engine and pulled my way home. My phone beeped but I did not bother to read the text messages. I tried to set aside my thoughts about Darren and accept the reality that we are only friends and nothing more than that.
I arrived home at exactly 3:30 in the afternoon. I noticed my brother’s car is already at the parking garage so I’m sure he is packing up his things in his room. I hurried inside the house and saw nanny, preparing something in the kitchen.
“Hi nanny”, I said and approached her with a kiss on her cheek.
“Are you coming with us, nanny?”, I asked curiously.
“Yes, darling. Andre wanted me to come with you”, she said and smiled at me.
“That’s great nanny!”
“Go and pack your things now darling, our flight will be at five, so we’ll be leaving in fifteen minutes”, she spoke and smiled at me.
I went upstairs and walked into my room. I grabbed the luggage and put my things inside. Just several pieces of clothing would do and of course a jacket. I feel a little excited because it’s my first time going to South Korea. It’s been my dream to visit the country even before when I was young and now it’s coming to reality. I changed my blouse to a dark color and put on my cardigan.
“Sweetie, I’ll get inside”, Andre spoke, then got inside carrying a backpack.
“Hi boo, I’m now ready. Shall we go now?”, I said and approached him with a hug.
He smiled at me and pinched my cheek. He carried my luggage and together we went out of my room.
“C’mon, let’s eat first!”, nanny spoke. I also want to fill my stomach, especially that she prepared my favorite food to eat in the afternoon. It was a homemade pizza with pepperoni and sausage toppings, and nanny was really good at it.
After eating, we set off going to the airport with our family driver. While inside the car, I couldn’t help but think of Darren, and a loud sigh escaped from my mouth.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?”, my brother asked. Nanny turned around and looked at me. She was sitting in the passenger seat while Andre and I were sitting in the backseat.
“Darling, are you okay?”, she asked anxiously.
“Yes I’m fine nanny, boo.”
Then I remembered I got text messages a while ago when I was on my way home. So I grabbed my phone and clicked the messaging app. They were all coming from my group mates, telling me they miss me already since I could not go with them. Sadly, there’s no message from Darren, and I was a little upset about it. My group mates are all good people and I even enjoyed their company. But for now, I need to stay away from them just to forget Darren.
We reached the airport at 4:15, so we immediately got inside the boarding area. Excitement rose in my heart because in four or five hours from now, I’ll be seeing mom and the beauty of Seoul as well.
******
Incheon International Airport, South Korea
From a distance, I saw someone waving her hand. The woman was wearing a coat with an oversized blouse under it, paired with denim pants. And as soon as I realized who it was I ran hurriedly going to her direction.
“Mom!”, I exclaimed and hugged her tightly.
“I missed you, mom!”, I spoke.
“I missed you too, dear!”.
I slowly pulled myself away when I noticed she was with someone else. The man in his late 50s was standing beside her, smiling at me. I know he is Mr. Park, my mom’s husband-to-be.
“Annyeonghaseyo!”, I greeted and bowed as a sign of respect. Well, I know this is a Korean tradition to bow to people they meet for the first time or to people who are older than them.
“Mom! It’s good to see you again!”, Andre hugged mom, and nanny did the same.
Then mom introduced us to Mr. Park, afterwards, we were heading to the parking area and went inside the Porsche Panamera. I was just silent while looking at the views outside. I can’t help but be impressed by the huge buildings and the very nice downtown views caught my sight. Seoul is indeed beautiful at night, no wonder many people wanted to visit here.
“How’s your studies, dear?”, mom suddenly asked.
“It’s fine mom. Soon to graduate, God willing”, I responded, but my eyes still looking through the car window.
“Namjachingu isseo? (Do you have a boyfriend)”, she asked again. I understood what she meant to say because I’ve been studying the Korean language for about six months already.
“Eopseo eomma.(I don’t have, mom)”, I responded.
“Wae? (why) Joh-ahaneun sarami eopseo? (Don’t you have someone you like)”, she asked again, trying to tease me.
“Ajig nae ma-eumsog-eneun eobs-eo, eomma (not yet in my mind, mom.)”
“How about you, honey buns?”. Gladly mom turned to my brother.
“I don’t have yet, mom. You know this sister of mine is so possessive of me!”, Andre chuckled and wrapped his arm around my neck.
“Boo, I’m not possessive, I am just overprotective!”, I chuckled as well.
“But if ever you want to have a serious relationship boo, you need to ask permission from me first”, I sounded off, then everyone laughed.
After a thirty minutes ride, we arrived at a luxurious apartment. Mom said it’s one of the most expensive apartments in Gangnam-gu. No wonder, Mr. Park is one of the rich businessmen in Seoul, so he could really afford to have this kind of home.
We went out of the car and headed towards the wide entrance door. Housemaids approached us and bowed their heads.
“Annyeonghaseyo!”, they chorused and smiled at us.