Dark Secrets

Chapter 27: Talk Talk Talk Talk (1 of 2)

Sunday morning, 1st day of August 1976, after going to church for a mass, my parents and I headed to our new home.

House blessing, as well as the opening of Sienna Medical Clinic and Umber Bakeshop, all in one day.

Dad hired one nurse while Mom got a helper too who will assist the customers dining in.

Both the clinic and shop open at 7am and closed at 7pm, starting tomorrow Monday but for today they opened it from 9am to 5pm, because they’re preparing for a feast at dinner for their VIP.

Since my parents found out that Pluto is a Nevaeh, they treated him special although they’re nice with my other friends too.

“This is the first time we’re having roast duck. I told you fried chicken is enough but you still insist having this luxurious meal just because I told you that it’s Pluto’s favorite food.” preparing the table with Mom. “Do you really have to spend much money for this dinner?” still thinking of the first-grade duck cost in the market.

“Desa, sweetheart, just this one time. Let’s not be thrifty and treat ourselves in luxury. This is the start of our new lives.” Mom uttered.

“Yeah, I get it, that’s why we’re having a feast before this day ends.”

The doorbell rang and because Mom and I are busy, Dad opened the door to welcome their anticipated guests the brothers next door and Pluto along with his 8 men who carried his housewarming gifts.

From vegetables, fruits, meats, seafoods, there are also snacks that are available in groceries as well as other stuffs for our home, Pluto bought them all as present.

“Pluto bought pretty much everything in the grocery, so my brother and I got these for our new neighbor.” Ace handed a box of champagne and a paper bag of delicacies from abroad to Dad.

“Thank you. My wife and I will enjoy this champagne and Desa definitely like these sweets.” Dad received the stuffs from Ace. “Come, dinner is ready for everyone, but the thing is we don’t have enough chairs at the dining room. Would it be alright for you gentlemen to dine here in the living room?” asking Pluto’s men.

“You don’t have to worry about us Mr. Ha, we’re leaving now, we only brought here Young Master’s housewarming presents.” Butler Kim replied to Dad.

“But we have plenty of meal, you could at least stay and have a taste of my wife’s cooking. She’s a good cook, you know.” Dad insisted.

“We appreciate your offer, Mr. Ha and I’m sure Mrs. Ha prepared delicious meals based from the smell but we have our own protocol to follow. We can’t eat while we’re on duty.” Butler Kim resisted.

“They’re strict with their policies, Uncle.” Pluto responded. “Even if I asked them to join me for a meal, they won’t do it. You may leave now, Butler Kim. I’m staying at Diso’s unit tonight, please relay it to my Mama that I won’t be home.”

“Yes, Young Master Pluto.” Butler Kim slightly bowed his head to Pluto. “We’re leaving first, Mr. Ha, thank you again for inviting us.”

“Can we offer you at least a drink before leaving?” Dad doesn’t want the men to go yet.

“We appreciate the hospitality but we can’t do that either.” Butler Kim leaving along with the 7 other men. “Let’s go men.”

“Don’t worry about them, Uncle.” Diso uttered. “Pluto already dismissed them for today so they could rest earlier at home.”

“That’s right, Uncle. They were former soldiers so they strictly follow orders laid out to them.” Pluto added.

“I see. I guess it’s just us then. Well, come on boys.” Dad leading the 3 to the dining room.

“Are those men scary. Desa?” Mom whispered to me.

“No, they’re all kind Mom. They’re just serious with their job.” I replied as I take a seat beside Mom’s chair.

“Welcome handsome boys!” Mom greeted the 3 enthusiastically. “Please take a seat.” pointing at the 3 chairs across us.

Dad is at the center table while Mom is on his right side as Ace on his left, Diso and I are sitting across each other, as Pluto sits beside him across an empty chair beside me.

After we prayed for the meal we have on the table, we started our feast while talking about the day we had earlier.

I gave the boys a house tour as they wanted to see the interior design of our nature theme unit.

“Pretty much ochre since that’s the color that Mom wants for this unit.” I explained to them.

“Ah, just like the Sienna clinic and Umber bakeshop this is an Ochre unit.” Ace realized the concepts of our interiors.

“Mmm.” I nodded. “We don’t have much rooms here, so that’s the end of the house tour. Let’s go back to the living room.”

The unit have 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, the kitchen, dining room, and living room all in one open space,

The kitchen is elevated by 1 foot from the dining, and the latter is elevated from living room by 4 feet.

On the left side of the living room is where the 3 bedrooms and the bathroom is, all elevated by 5 feet, in other words same level as the kitchen on the right side of the living room.

“That explains the structure of the building, your unit is 5 feet shorter than their unit.” Pluto on his engineer mode. “Their unit has a 2nd floor and high ceiling living room.”

“Ah, that’s why the building is elevated on the other side.” agreeing on his conclusion.

“You’re done?” Mom prepared strawberries at the living room. “Come and eat some strawberries.”

The moment we all gathered in the living room, Mom told the 3 that we won the lottery and only Ace has a surprised reaction on his face.

“Hey! You two already know about it?!” Ace looking at Diso and Pluto.

“Auntie told me about it before.” Diso expressionlessly replied.

“I figured it out.” Pluto continue eating leisurely.

“Ah, so I’m the only one who’s clueless here. Diso, you should’ve at least told me about it.” Ace put his arm on Diso’s shoulders.

“I’m not in the position to spread that kind of news.” Diso responded.

“Still, I’m your brother and we’re living together. Am I stranger?”

“Please, it’s not Diso’s fault.” Mom fixing their misconception.

“So, Auntie do you want to invest in Nevaeh Group?” Pluto change the topic to divert Ace attention.

“That’s actually the best thing you’ll do with your money rather than keep it in the bank.” Ace nodded.

“Yes, we’re interested of buying stocks from Nevaeh Group but the thing is we don’t know how to do it.” Mom replied. “We already spent ₩340 million last month, almost half of the jackpot money we won. I’m keeping ₩100 million each for the expenses of our businesses and as well as ₩25 million for the expenses here at the house. Is it possible to invest ₩175 million in Nevaeh Group?”

“Definitely Auntie, we can process it by tomorrow if you want to.” Pluto responded. “I can come with you.”

“Really?!” Mom exclaimed. “Then, Desa do it tomorrow, put the stocks under your name. I’ll give you the money.”

“Me??!” pointing at myself. “Why me?”

“Because I’m busy at the bakeshop and your Dad at his clinic. You’re the only one who isn’t. It’s for you anyway so put it under your name.”

“Fine.” I sighed heavily as I turn to Pluto. “You’ll accompany me tomorrow, right? I don’t know anything about stocks.”

“Sure.” Pluto nodded. “Let’s do it after lunch. I’ve got plans in the morning; you have to withdraw the money from the bank too, right?”

“Ah right, the prize money from the contest.” I suddenly remember about the prize we won. “Speaking of prize, Dad, I’ll be out of town this Tuesday until Friday. Our dance crew is going to Jeju Island.”

“4 days and 3 nights in Jeju?” Dad looking at me with serious face.

“Mmm. That’s included as the prize for the 1st placer.” dipping the strawberry to the cream.

“How many are you again in your dance crew?” Dad furrows his brows.

“9 girls and 9 boys, including Pluto. Why Dad?” asking him curiously.

“How about the accommodation? Are you going to a hotel? How many rooms are reserved for your crew?” Dad asked continuously.

“I’m not sure about the accommodation.” turning to Pluto. “Do you know if we’re staying in a hotel and the number of rooms?”

“I don’t know about the details either. We’ll only know about it once we arrived at Jeju. But it’s a luxurious trip so probably in a hotel and we have our own rooms.” Pluto replied.

“If that’s the case then it’s fine with me.” Dad nodded.

“Geez. If that’s not the case, you won’t allow Desa to go on a trip with her friends?” Mom teasing my Dad.

“I’m only thinking our baby’s safety. She’s with boys and it’s not an all-girls trip.” Dad responded.

“Don’t worry Dad, you’re the only man I love.” clinging at his arm. “I don’t care about boys, they got nothing on you Dad.”

“Sweetheart. It’s not that I’m against of you having a boyfriend.” Dad patting my head gently as I lean on his shoulder. “I’m only worried about your safety, that’s all.”

“I’ll keep your daughter safe, uncle.” Pluto responded. “Desa is my girl … best friend. I’ll look after her.”

“I thought you’re going to say that Desa is your girlfriend.” Mom teasingly said. “What do you think of our daughter, Pluto?”

“Do you want my honest opinion or my flattery, Auntie?” Pluto asked.

“Hmm … let’s hear your flattery first.” Mom smiles at him.

“She’s gentle and affectionate.” Pluto said without hesitation.

“That’s definitely flattery, how about your honest opinion?” Mom laughed at his answer.

“She’s completely the opposite of what I said.” Pluto smiles at me.

“Hahaha!” Mom burst out laughing. “Desa are you harsh and cold towards Pluto?” turning to me.

“He’s lying Mom. He’s the one who’s cold and arrogant.” pointing at Pluto. “He also has the shortest temper out of all the friends I currently have.”

“I agree with the latter but I don’t with the former.” Diso uttered.

“Diso, here is my best friend for life.” Pluto tapping Diso’s shoulder.

“Pluto is actually kind-hearted, quiet, shy and very gentle.” Diso said.

“Diso-sunbae, are we talking about the same Pluto here?” looking at him curiously. “He’s not like that towards me.”

“Hmm … how about you, Diso?” Mom turned to Diso. “What do you think of Desa?”

“She does whatever she wants to do and says whatever she wants to say. I like her better when she’s not hiding her true self.” Diso said.

“I’m actually comfortable around Diso-sunbae, I can tell him everything, he’s like a big brother to me.” I uttered.

“Do you accept Desa as your little sister, Diso?” Mom asked. “She’s handful and disrespectful sometimes.”

“Mom! Am I really your daughter?! Why are you making it sound like I’m not nice??” frowning

“See, she talks like that to me.” Mom pointing at me.

“That’s because you’re telling my friends that I’m not good.” pouting.

“If that’s what she sees me to be comfortable towards me then I’ll accept it.” Diso nodded.

“Then Desa is my younger sister from now on too.” Ace smiles.

After a little while, the 3 went to the next door and called it a night.

The next day, Dad accompanied me to the bank to withdraw the ₩175 million as soon as it opens and I headed back home immediately since the bank is just 20 minutes’ walk from our residence.

Mom told me to be somewhat formal so she prepared me a blazer dress to wear like I’m about to go for a job interview.

“You look good in that dress.” Pluto complimented me when I opened the door for him. “Are you ready to go?” making his way inside.

“Uh-huh. I only have my student ID and passport; do I need to bring anything else?” putting on my shoes.

“As long as you’ve got money to invest, they’ll surely entertain you.”

“Right. We’ll I’ve got you with me anyway.” hang my sling bag on my shoulder and carry the bag of money in my right hand. “Let’s go.”

“That’s ₩175 million cash?” Pluto pointing at the bag in my hand.

“Uh-huh. My Dad and I withdrew it this morning from the bank.”

We arrived at the stock market after 2 hours’ drive and unlike the ordinary market that I know everyone inside have serious faces as they monitor a large screen that shows a graph that moves up and down continuously.

“What are they doing?” I asked Pluto as we walk at the side.

“Monitoring their money.” Pluto following the staff who guides us inside the building. “Stay close.”

“Mmm.” following them from behind as I look around.

The Nevaeh Group got their own office at the 3rd floor of the building along with the other offices for the big companies in the country and somehow there’s only a short line to get inside.

“Is it because the price of your stock is too expensive that only few can afford to buy or there’s another reason behind this?” I asked.

“I’m not sure either, this is my first time here in the stock market too.” he turns to the staff. “Do you know the reason?”

“Nevaeh Group stock costs US$100 each, we also have requirements for those who wants to buy stocks from us, not anyone can just avail easily.” the staff replied. “How many stocks are you planning to buy?”

“I’m not sure how many can ₩175 million buy if it’s converted into US dollars.” I replied.

“Ah, probably about 1,500 stocks or less.” the staff nodded. “The minimum is 1,000 stocks so you’re qualified Young Miss.” he opened the door for us where we could do our transaction.

I was interviewed about my source of income and since I’m only a college student and currently not earning money, I was asked about my parents’ business that just got opened yesterday.

“We actually won a lottery that’s why we had an instant huge money.” I explained as I noticed that the manager looks confused.

“Ahh.” the manager nodded. “That explains the mystery fund, well if that’s the case then I’ll approve your acquisition. How do you want to pay for the stocks?”

“I have ₩175 million cash with me right now.” I show him the bag of money. “Is there any problem?” noticed that he shook his head.

“The thing is we only accept US dollars here.” he looked at Pluto. “But we can make some arrangement.” typing the keyboard on his computer. “Considering that you have Young Master Pluto here with you. Hmm … converting the ₩175 million you have into US dollar you can buy 1,442 stocks.”

“If you make it 1, 500 stocks how much more do she need in Korean Won?” Pluto asked the manager.

“About ₩7.1 million.” the manager replied.

“Make it 1, 500 stocks then.” Pluto ordered the manager.

“Huh? I don’t have that extra money with me right now.” I told him.

“It’s alright. I’ll pay for it. Just take it as a gift.” he writes the ₩7.1 million in his checkbook.

“Hey, why are you giving me such a generous gift?” stopping his hand when he’s about to give the check to the manager.

“Because I want to give you a gift. It’s only 58 stocks anyway so don’t feel burden by it.” he handed the check to the manager.

“Still that’s ₩7.1 million, how could you just spend it so easily?” 

... To be Continued ...