The Perfect Strangers

Chapter 10: Peter Pan & Tinkerbell

***His POV; it was a beautiful Thursday morning and I was woken up by eommoni's cooking and music. I could hear a French song playing and eommoni was singing along. I went out of my room and walked towards the kitchen and saw my mom preparing a few containers with side dishes. Well, I guess she made them for us. I surprised her with a back hug.

Mom: Good morning my son.

Me: Good morning eommoni.

Mom: Hi was your sleep?

Me: I had a good night sleep but the smell of your cooking woke me up. ~smiles~

Yoora: Woooooohhhhhhh... please do not believe him eommoni. He was trying to get you swayed by his words. You loved me first right eommoni? ~hugging her mom too~

Me: Woaaaaahhhh noona! ~hugged his sister and mom~ you are my most loved women but of course you have to share my love with Zee.

Yoora: I am perfectly fine with that. And I love her too as a sister. But how about you mom, are you willing to share the love of your son with Zee?

Mom: If it is with Zee, you don't have to ask me. ~smiles with 2 thumbs up~

Me: She is such a lucky girl. Thank you.

Mom: Oh, take these to Zee. Tell her to eat a lot.

Me: Wow. She will surely love these. Thank you eommoni.

My sister and I set the table for breakfast. Eating breakfast with my family is surely one of the best mornings I ever had and I wished to share this with Zee too. At least before she leaves.

Meanwhile Baekhyun and Zee was at Samsung Medical Center to see Dr. Kim Seo Hee, a neurosurgeon that Baekhyun's friend referred to him. Her medical records were forwarded by his father thru email. Every single office visit, emergency visit, prescriptions, laboratories and diagnostics was included.without Zee's knowledge her father sent Baekhyun a separate email. A personal message for Baekhyun's eyes only.

Baekhyun,

I heard what happened to Zee the other day and I thank you son for staying by her side. Zee is a strong person but at times like this she needed neither one of us. If it ever happens again, please continue to stay by her side.

I am sending all the copies of her medical records from three different doctors including the results of her laboratories and diagnostic tests. I am praying to God that he will help yij find a great doctor who can perform her surgery.

Son, I know asking you this is too much but please convince Zee to undergo surgery and treatment after. She gave up months ago because she said she has less than a year to live. Please, convince her. I don't want to lose my daughter. Please.

Thank you.

Love,

Dad

Baekhyun was crying when he was reading her father's letter. He also asked himself how can he convince her. "How can I convince someone to live when she has given up. I hope we can still change her mind."

***Her POV; I told Baekhyun oppa that I will go get breakfast for us while waiting for the doctor. Baekhyun oppa was looking too serious as he sat in the waiting area of the hospital. I knew he was more worried now that before. My father used to wear that face every day. I looked around the hospital and found an Artisan Bakery. I bought bread and coffee for us. As I continued walking, I saw a prayer room and entered.

God,

I am forever grateful to you for giving me this life. A life that I had to share with my father, friends and relatives. Months ago, when the doctor dropped the bomb to us, I was dead mad at you Lord. Why me? Why choose me? Why not those who do nothing aside from committing crimes? Why me? No one will look after my father. He's old and alone. You gave me my death sentence but you are giving those people around me that 1% hope that I can be cured. I don't want to believe it, not until yesterday. You showed me how beautiful it is to live and to be with the people I love and who loves me back. Then I met Chanyeol again. That one person I prayed and wished for meeting all this time. Can I be greedy for once? Can you let me live a little longer for them? I just couldn't let my father grieve alone. Please. My life is in your hands God. I lift everything up to you.

Amen.

I was sobbing when I went out of the prayer room. Oppa can't see me like this so I went to a nearby convenience store and bought something to make him happy. As I approached him, I leaned down and greeted him while wearing this funny eye glass with big nose and mustache.

Me: Annyeong handsome!

Baekhyun: ~laughing~ what happened to you?

Me: Nothing. So, do you really consider yourself handsome now?

Baekhyun: Yah dongsaeng! Yah! Tsk tsk tsk... do you have a problem of me being handsome?

Me: Yeah.

Baekhyun: What?

Me: Mmmm... to me... to me...

Baekhyun: What?

Me: To me you look like a man whom his lover left. ~laughing~

Baekhyun: Me? No one has ever left me.

Me: Are you sure? ~smiling~

Baekhyun: Stop Zee. ~smiling~

Me: Fine. Why are you so serious? You even look so tensed oppa?

Baekhyun: ~smiling~ because I was thinking about my sister.

Me: Remember I was the one sick here. I should be the one pouting and wearing that serious kinda face.

Baekhyun: Why do you have so much courage to smile when you know you can't live longer?

Me: Because I don't want to take it too seriously. I mean if I die then I die. But I cannot just let myself die lonely. I want to spend my time with the people I love. I don't want to have regrets. So stop being too serious. I am still alive oppa.

Baekhyun: Okay. I understand. Let's make good memories together.

Me: Mmmmmm... can we include Suho, Chen, Lay, Xiumin, Kyunsoo, Sehun, Kai and of course Chanyeol oppa????? It'll be a fun memory don't you think?

Baekhyun: If another EXO-L heard you they might pull your hair.

Me: ~laughs then look around~ Good memories with them????? ~smiling~

Baekhyun: 아라서 아라서. Does that mean you'll try to reconsider and get treatments?

Me: Why so pushy oppa?

Baekhyun: You have too Zee.

I removed the mask and said;

Me: Oppa please don't be too pushy. You're making me feel too pitiful. I am okay whatever the doctor says because they're all the same. They all are.

Baekhyun: I'm sorry Zee. I don't mean to make you feel that way.

Me: But you all are.

I wasn't talking to him even before we went to the doctor's clinic. I was sitting beside him and dying to cry. When Chanyeol called and asked him to pass the phone to me.

***His POV; I am on my way to the Studio NNG first to give a few side dishes to MQ hyung that was prepared by eommoni. I guess all these packed lunch boxes was for all of my friends and of course for Zee. It was the first bag she puts inside my car, on the passenger seat. It was wrapped in green cloth. But I wonder, how is she today so I asked Baekhyun if I she was already up.

Me: ~ring ring ring~ good morning Baekhyun-a.

Baekhyun: Oh Chanyeolie. Good morning.

Me: Is Zee up?

Baekhyun: Yes.

Me: Can I talk to her?

Baekhyun: Okay. I will pass the phone to her.

Zee: Hello Chanyeol, good morning.

Me: Hello Zee. How are you?

Zee: I'm good. You?

Me: I'm great. Oh, by the way eommoni packed a few side dishes for you and Baekhyun. Will give it later when we meet.

Zee: Oh really? Wow. Please tell your mom I will really enjoy them and of course thank you.

Me: Where are you?

Zee: Oh, just somewhere with Baekhyun oppa.

Me: Are you at the hospital?

Zee: Oh... uhm... No no no...

Me: Are you sure? Are you okay?

Zee: CY, I need to go now. See you later.

Me: Okay. Bye and see you.

"Are they at the hospital?" I am sure I heard it correctly and clearly. Those words that I could only hear while watching medical related movies and series. I honestly heard it loud and clear, 'Code Blue. Code Blue." It was repeated twice but if she says she's not at the hospital then I will believe her. She won't lie to me either.

***Her POV; I got too nervous when I heard the code blue announcement while talking to Chanyeol. My heart was beating fast. I immediately ended the conversation. "I'm sorry Chanyeol. I don't mean to lie to you." I just don't want him to get the idea that I am sick though I really am. I gave the phone back to Baekhyun oppa. I hold his arms tightly, leaned on his right shoulder and closed my eyes. Then the doctor's secretary approached us.

Secretary: Hello, are you Mr. Byun and Ms. Meco?

Baekhyun and I: Yes.

Secretary" Dr. Kim is already waiting for you at her clinic. Please follow me.

Baekhyun: Thank you. Let's go Zee.

I stood up from where I was sitting and walks slowly with oppa. As we get near the doctor's clinic I suddenly stop and called oppa.

Me: Oppa..... ~sounded and looking scared~

Baekhyun: ~looked at Zee~ Yes?

Me: I'm.... I'm.... I'm scared ~teary~

Baekhyun: ~walks towards Zee~ Hey! Hey, don't be scared okay. I'm here. ~extends his hands to her~ Shall we?

Me: What if????

Baekhyun: Hey stop thinking about those what if's. They are not helping you. Let's hear what the doctor will say first before we entertain your what if's.

Me: ~took a deep breath~ okay.

***His POV; I was at studio.nng when I realized I needed to prepare a surprise for Zee. "What gift will make her happy? I have done a surprise date for her in Romblon. Hmmmmmmm...???" I could no longer concentrate on the composition that I was doing so I asked MQ hyung to go out with me for a while to grab something to eat. While on the road, we saw a pet shop near our studio. I parked my car and went inside the pet shop to look around to buy something for Toben. I saw a baby Akita Inu that is up for adoption. I asked the manager.

Me: Excuse me ahjussi. How much is this dog?

Manager: Oh, this is not for sale.

Me: Oh, I'm sorry. But why is it on display. ~Chanyeol was trying to play with the baby Akita Inu~

Manager: ~surprised~ that dog was always barking at people like telling them not to come near him. But how come he never barked at you not even once.

Me: ~smile~ Really but too sad it's not for sale.

Manager: The owner of the dog was my friend and he is a monk. Every time his dogs give birth, he would always give me one but he would always always remind me that his dogs were never for sale.

Me: But why is he on display along with the for-sale dogs? ~still playing with the puppy~

Manager: Before he left, he said, only the dog will know who their owner is.

Me: Wow really.

Manager: And I think it's you.

Me: Me? Are you sure?

Manager: The dog chooses you to be its owner.

Me: Thank you so much. Please tell your friend thank you and I will make sure that his dog will be well taken care of and loved.

Manager: Thank you. Oh, this is a letter from my friend. He asked me to give this to whoever the dog chooses to be its owner.

"One moment is worth more than a thousand gold pieces."

The manager took the baby Akita Inu out of his cage. I couldn't stop smiling. I think I have found the best gift for Zee. MQ hyung and I sat down while I say to the dog.

Me: Your true owner is waiting for you. I know that she will love you and take care of you.

Akita: ~woof woof woof~

Me: Please look after her when I am not around okay.

Akita: ~woof woof woof~

Me: Make her happy and most of all be loyal to her all the days of your life.

Akita: ~woof woof woof~

MQ: Woahhh.... That girl must be lucky.

Me: Why?

MQ: Because you I allow you to tag me along this early and go to a pet shop and now we're dog walkers.

Me: Thank you. ~laughs~

MQ: she must really be someone you like.

Me: Yeah! She really is special hyung.

MQ: Ohhh you better be good and loyal to the woman Chanyeol loves. ~touching the dog~

Me: I'm sure he will be loyal to her and she will be happy. I am excited to give this to her.

***Her POV; We entered the doctor's clinic and she did greet us with warm smile.

Dr. Kjm: Hello, please come in.

Baekhyun and Me: Thank you.

Dr. Kim: ~extending her hand~ I am Dr. Kim Seo Hee.

Baekhyun: Hello, I'm Byun Baekhyun and she's my little sister.

Me: Hello Dr. Kim, it was nice meeting you. I'm Zee Meco.

Dr. Kim: It was nice meeting you too Zee. Please have a seat.

Baekhyun and Me: Thank you. ~we sat down~

I know I have been in this situation a couple of times but why am I suddenly feeling scared.

Dr. Kim: How are you feeling today, Zee?

Me: Oh, I'm perfectly fine.

Dr. Kim: Are experiencing any symptoms today or for the past few weeks?

Me: Yes.

Dr. Kim: Can you tell me what are those symptoms that you have been experiencing lately?

Me: Uhmmmmm... few months ago I started feeling dizzy then I had mild to severe headaches with vomiting. And just recently, I was experiencing blurred vision for more than 3 minutes, I guess.

Dr. Kim: Are you taking medications for pain?

Me: Yes. ~I handed her the medicine bottle~

Dr. Kim: This is a strong medicine. Does it help you relieve the pain when you take it?

Me: Yes, but I don't take it if I can tolerate the pain.

Dr. Kim: That's good. By the way, do you have a family history of cancer?

Me: Yes, my mom used to be a cancer patient but hers was not too serious and she was cured after operation. That was based on what my dad has told me.

Dr. Kim: It says here on your medical records that you were involved in a vehicular accident which it specifies that you hit your head that causes you to have a short-termed amnesia. But the reports do not say that you have fractures or anything else. Do you remember any of that?

Me: I have a vivid memory of what happened 3 years ago. But I was not into pain or anything else until early this year. Do you think it may really be one of the causes why I have cancer?

Dr. Kim: It could be possible Zee. Mmmmmm... Is it okay if we do a repeat test of your laboratories and diagnostics? Because I would want to check how aggressive the tumor is and so we will know what will be our next step.

Me: Yes Dr. Kim, I am willing to repeat all my tests.

Dr. Kim: Okay. ~writing a request letter for all the tests that Zee will be needing~ here's the request. Please have all the diagnostics done today and you can do the laboratories tomorrow because it requires fasting.

Me: Thank you so much.

Dr. Kim: You are always welcome. Keep that positivity, Zee. I will do my best to help you.

Me: Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me. But thank you Dr. Kim. I appreciate everything.

Dr. Kim: You're welcome, Zee. See you tomorrow.

Baekhyun oppa was silent the whole time. He didn't even say a word after our meeting with the doctor. While on his car I turn off the stereo and asked Baekhyun oppa to sing a song with me.

Me: Oppa sing a song with me. Please?

Baekhyun: Mmmmm... what song?

Me: Dream. but I want our version.

Baekhyun: ~laughs~ are you serious Zee?

Me: Yeap. Please... ahem ahem ahem ah ah ah... do re mi fa so la ti do..... ~laughs~

Baekhyun: Stop stop ~laughs~

Singing my favorite song with oppa was the happiest. I was able to give justice to Suzy Bae's parts. We even recorded in on my mobile phone. ~feeling vlogger na talaga ako to the highest level. Laughs. ~

***His POV; I went to a gift shop and bought cute decorations for Zee's mini party, gift wrappers and ribbons but I was never satisfied with what I was doing about wrapping the gift. In the end, I made a ribbon necklace for him. While driving, I was placing food deliveries then I remembered her favorite drink "She will surely like it if there's iced coffee." I looked for a Filipino mart near the area but I couldn't. I bought a few good korean coffee and will try to mix them with ice when I arrived at the studio. I am excited about her post birthday celebration. "Should I ask the boys to write her a wish?" I called Suho hyung to ask if he was already at the studio.

Me: Suho hyung, where are you?

Suho: I'm at the studio. Why?

Me: Can you help me set up a few decors ag the studio?

Suho: Why? What for?

Me: For Zee's post birthday party celebration. I have ordered food too they'll arrive soon. Please have them set up on the table. Are they all there?

Suho: Yes aside from you and Baekhyun.

Me: Oh okay! I'll be at the studio in 15 minutes. I need your help please.

Suho: Okah. No problem.

The food that I ordered arrived at the studio and my supportive co-members have set them up. I arrived at the studio carrying the decorations and party needs that I bought. I left the dog with my manager for a while. The boys helped me to decorate the place and once we're done, I was in the kitchen trying to taste which of these instant coffees are best to drink cold.

Xiumin: What are you doing?

Me: Oh hyung, help me. Mix each coffee with ice and let's taste if it nice. It has to be something creamy and sweet.

Xiumin: Okay. Will call them too. ~roll call~ Chen, Suho, Lay, Kyungsoo, Kai and Sehun please come here quickly. ~Xiumin explained to the boys what they are supposed to do and what taste they should be looking for in particular~

EXO Members: YES HYUNG! COPY!

***Her POV; I did the MRI and MRI and a few laboratories to check if I was addicted to my medications which I know I am not. Dr. Kim said that once she gets all the results, she will call us and from there she will tell us what to do next. I have been here for almost a week and will have to go back to Manila in 2 days. I guess I have to settle all my pending appointments when I go back and prepare myself. I saw oppa patiently waiting for me. He was serious and has been talking to someone over the phone. He saw me going out of the diagnostic testing area and I smiled at Baekhyun oppa and hugged him.

Me: Thank you oppa. I miss my dad.

Baekhyun: Welcome. Of course, to your dad misses his little princess too.

Me: ~laughs~ oppa.....

Baekhyun: I know you're hungry. Come on let's eat.

Me: No! I want to eat with the other members.

Baekhyun: Woaaahhhhh.... No! Eat with me.

Me: Please please please...

Baekhyun: Aigoooo... you're doing it again Zee. ~smiling~

Me: What????

Baekhyun: That face. ~laughs~

Me: What's wrong with my face???

Baekhyun: When I was about to say no with your request you will always do that pitiful dog face. ~laughs~ which suits you best rather than smiling. Hahahahahhahahaha!

Me: Yahhhhhh opppaaa!!!!!

Baekhyun: Did you show it to Chanyeol?

Me: NO NO NO NO!!!!! ~laughs~ oh oppa can you call them? Tell them let's have lunch together before you rehearse.

Baekhyun: Okay.

I heard oppa talking to one of the hyungs but I don't know who and he was laughing. While I was busy calling my dad.

Me: Hi dad. How are you?

Dad: Oh Zenaida, I missed you so much. Belated happy birthday. Our house is quiet without you. ~laughs~

Me: Thank you. I will be home in 2 days so don't you worry. I'm gonna turn on the speakers and play my favorites songs. ~laughs~

Dad: Oh please do so. By the way, how was your consultation today?

Me: It went well. Had to repeat a few tests and tomorrow will be back to the hospital to review the results.

Dad: Do you want me to go there?

Me: No. I can manage. Oppa is always here with me so you don't need to worry much about me.

Dad: Good to hear that Baekhyun is there. Please tell him I said thank you.

Me: Will do that. Have you eaten?

Dad: I am on my way to a lunch meeting actually. How about you, my princess?

Me: Mmmmmm.... I am meeting my princes for lunch. ~laughs~

Dad: Did you meet Chanyeol?

Me: Yes dad. We had a date too.

Dad: Who told you that you can go on a date? ~Baekhyun was laughing~

Me: Oh, oppa said yes.

Baekhyun: Abeoji, I didn't. She went there to meet him. I think they planned it.

Dad: I think so too, son. Zenaida better introduces me to Chanyeol. I want to know him. And maybe get an autograph also ~singing growl. Zee was laughing while Baekhyun was singing along with her dad~

Me: I didn't know you can sing growl.

Dad: Day and night all I hear is your music how can I not memorize them. Hahaha. And I am a fan of Baekhyun too and who' that guy who looked like Rizal?

Me: ~laughing~ that was Chen dad.

I showed Baekhyun our national hero's photo and he was laughing.

Baekhyun: I didn't know that Chen hyung was a Filipino in his past life. ~laughing~

Me: I know right. I love you dad.

Dad: I love you too my princess. I have to put down the phone now. I'll be on a meeting. Call or text me if you need anything okay.

Me: I will. Bye dad.

Dad: Bye.

Hearing my father's voice once again indeed made me happy. He was my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister and my playmate when I was young. Until today he has always been a great supporter and maybe a daddy EXO-L. ~laughs~

***His POV; Baekhyun called and invited us for lunch however I told him that we are preparing for a surprise post birthday party for Zee. I feel relieved when I heard Zee talking on his background and laughing. I knew it she's not sick. We are almost done with the decorations. We turned the studio into a garden. Most of all I have found the best tasting iced coffee that she will surely like. I almost forgot our costumes. I knew that the boys will hate me for this but I am pretty sure they'll be willing to do it for Zee. ~smiles~

20 minutes later, Baekhyun and Zee arrived at the studio.