Her, His, & Roses

HER - Chapter 9: Ooh, It's Too Real (1 of 2)

I broke Jun’s heart once again when I told him coldly that I don’t feel anything for him though I felt a sharp pain in my chest that night.

I took a cab instead of getting in with him in the same car as I’m angry that he forced himself to me in public.

What’s worse is that our photo of us kissing was taken and we ended up in the newspaper the next day.

Good for him that he’s going to Washington so the reporters couldn’t possibly follow him to America but it’s trouble for me who got left behind in the country where everyone knows where I am working.

“There’s still a lot of reporters outside.” Nurse Ji come back for me to report the situation. “There must be in our residence too.”

“That’s expected. I miss my ladies in this kind of situation.” thinking of my 8 ladies who used to serve me when I’m still part of the family.

“What are you going to do now? How will you sneak out from the reporters outside without getting caught??” Nurse Ji worriedly said.

“I might know a way out.” Dr. Haggerty appeared behind us. “Come with me Nurse Nevaeh.” walking off first. “If you’re on the run, just walk.”

He told me to put my bag inside my blouse as if I’m pregnant and put a mask on my face before we made our way outside.

With his left arm around my shoulders and my right arm around his waist we walked past by the reporters unrecognized.

“If I only had one helmet, I would give it to you but this is just a Moped. French Motobécane "Moby" is a popular moped sold in the U.S.”

“Honestly, I don't know nothing about Mopeds.” shaking my head to him. “I think it’s a safe ride since it looks slow, but the thing is, I’ve got nowhere to go, Dr. Haggerty.”

“I’ll take you to my place at KU, you may stay there for a while, I’m staying at the residential area anyway. Hop in.” he said.

When we arrived at KU, he lends me his room that are supposed to be for professors only, but we’ve got no other choice but to make do.

“No one will know that you’re in the enemies base.” he said with a smile. “You’re from YU and you’re here in KU, YU and KU are rivals, right? You don’t get it? I guess my sense of humor doesn’t work on you.”

“Ahh …” trying to understand his joke. “Sorry, there’s a lot of things going on in my mind right now. May I use the telephone?”

“Go ahead.” checking his fridge.

I called Ryan and even him got some reporters lurking around his suite, so I really got no place and no one to bother but Dr. Haggerty.

I gave him my key to get my luggage from my place and told him to give it to Ryan tomorrow morning.

It felt like I’m a wanted person that I’m running away from Seoul to Goyang, fortunately I’m officially on leave for a week.

“Sorry, for involving you two in this mess.” taking off my hat as I got at the backseat of Ryan’s car.

“Will you explain to us now, what’s the fuss all about?” Ryan said.

“Your kissing photo is all over the news, you two turned celebrities overnight.” Joanna added.

“It’s Jun’s fault!” feeling agitated. “He kissed me in public forcefully and now he’s in Washington while I’m here hiding from media.”

“Jun did that??!” Joanna reacted. “I never thought he could be that aggressive, hahaha. I guess he had enough that’s why he did that.”

“What happened after that?” Ryan looking at me through the rearview mirror. “Did you hit him hard? With your temper, you won’t let him off that easily after he forced himself to you.”

“I didn’t hit him hard physically but I’ve done it mentally.” looking away. “He asked me if I don’t feel anything for him after that kiss and I told him that I don’t then left him standing alone as I took a cab.”

“I feel so sad for Jun.” Joanna started crying. “It must be hard for him to accept that kind of rejection from the person he loves.”

“It’s for the best, maybe this time he really give-up on Hera and move on.” Ryan said as he handed his handkerchief to Joanna.

“Yeah, it’s the best for both us, if only we can stay friends then it doesn’t have to end like this.” staring ahead on the road.

We arrived at the orphanage before lunch, so I helped at the kitchen to prepare meals for everyone.

It’s Hebe’s 6th birthday but I couldn’t give her a proper party because of the other children who doesn’t celebrate their birthdays.

I had to sneak her out while Ryan and Joanna play with others just to let her eat a cake on her birthday.

“I still don’t understand why do we have to keep it a secret from everyone, Nurse Hera.” Hebe eating her cake. “Why am I the only one celebrating a birthday but not the other kids?”

“We’ve done it last year but you didn’t ask me.” patting her head. “Do you feel bad for other kids who doesn’t celebrate their birthdays?”

“Mmm. I think it’s unfair that I’m the only one eating a cake and getting a lot of presents on every 2nd of August.” putting down her spoon.

“How about let’s celebrate everyone’s birthday too on the following days?” staring at her. “Me, Ryan and Joanna, are staying until Sunday, so we can have a party every day, what about that??”

“Really??! You’re staying that long with us?!!” her face brightens up with a huge smile on her face. “We’re going to have a party every day?”

“Yes, we can do that.” nodding at her. “Will you finish your cake now?”

“Mmm. This is so delicious, Nurse Hera.” continue eating her cake.

I’ve saved a lot for this week, Ryan and Joanna also contributed for the expenses we’re going to incurred so money isn’t a problem for a week worth of parties for the children.

Sunday morning after the first mass, I already know that everyone is planning something for my birthday but I have to pretend that I know nothing about the surprise.

Ryan told me to buy something from the market so I was out alone to do the groceries but when I came back the place is on fire, literally.

“What happened??!” looking at everyone in the ground. “Where’s Yuri?”

“One of the kids snuck out a firework and lit it up in the kitchen.” Joanna on panic. “We just heard the explosion and then everything’s on fire, Ryan went inside to save the other children left.”

“I don’t see Yuri here yet.” looking around once again.

“Ryan!!” Joanna run to Ryan the moment she saw him. “Are you alright?! Stop going back and forth, you’ve done enough!”

“Yuri??!” checking the girl on Ryan’s arms but it’s not Hebe. “Where’s Yuri?!!” asking him even if he’s coughing hard on the ground.

“She’s not here yet?” Ryan looking around. “She must be in the girls’ room; I’m going back to get her.” about to get in again but he already inhaled a lot of smoke so Joanna stopped him from going away.

“Stop it! You’re gonna get yourself kill! You can’t do it anymore!” Joanna hugging Ryan tightly. “You’ve done enough and saved other lives!”

“Then I’m going, take care of the other children here who need urgent medical attention.” about to go inside when someone suddenly grabbed my arm to stopped me.

“Where do you think you’re going?!” Jun standing right next to me.

“Let me go! Yuri is still inside! I need to save her! I’m going to kill myself if she dies!” crying out as I try to get away from his grip.

“I’ll go, stay here!” Jun run quickly inside without hesitation.

I’m about to follow him inside but suddenly the doorway got blocked by burning woods and I couldn’t even take another step forward.

My mind was all blank and I don’t know what to do anymore but to scream Yuri’s name at the top of my lungs.

I could only watch the place burn as there’s nothing else left to do but wait, praying that Yuri will be saved and still alive.

“Boom!!” another huge explosion as the fireworks they prepared all lit up on the side of the burning church.

I’m about to lose my mind when the building collapsed right in front of me and all my strength got drained that I just flopped on the ground.

It took 6 hours to completely extinguished the fire, and the sun already sets but I still don’t want to give up on finding Yuri.

There’s something telling me that she’s still alive and waiting for me to find her under the pile of burned woods.

“There’s a movement down here.” a man said to his colleague. “Help me lift this wood up.” start digging from the piles of burned woods.

After taking out all the woods the fridge door suddenly opened, Jun came out with Hebe, both soaking wet.

“Oh my God!!” running towards to them. “Hebe! Oh, Thank God, you’re alive! My baby!” hugging her tight as I cry on her shoulder. “Are you hurt anywhere?” taking out my coat to put on her.

“No, I’m not.” Hebe shaking her head. “Old brother, keep me safe.” looking at Jun standing beside us.

“Jun!” kissed him on both cheeks a few times. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for saving my baby.”

“Is this real??” wrapping his arms around me. “You’ve kissed me a lot?”

“It’s all real.” kissed his lips quickly. “Alright, that’s enough.” pulled away from him when he’s about to kiss me back. “We need to get you the hospital, specially you.” turning to Hebe who’s looking at us.

Fortunately, no one is seriously injured except from Ryan who have to get admitted because of inhaling carbon monoxide when he’s saving the children who got trapped inside the orphanage.

Jun rented the whole inn for everyone to stay in while Father Erik ask for help from other orphanage in the country to take the children.

I was in the room with Hebe and thinking about everything what happened today then Jun suddenly come to my mind.

He saved my daughter’s life without knowing whom he’s risking his life for and he’s even willing to sacrifice his own for my sake.

Maybe thinking too much about him, bring him knocking on my door.

“Hey.” Jun standing in front of me as I opened the door. “Just checking up on you and the girl, is she sleeping already?”

“Yup.” closing the door behind me as I stepped outside from the room. “Do you want to grab some drink with me?”

“Yeah, sure.” walking with me at the hallway. “How are you feeling?”

“I had a roller coaster of emotions this day but now I just want to get a beer before the night ends.” glancing at him. “How about you?”

“I thought I’m gonna die but I’m still breathing right now and I’m glad that I made it out alive.” he said with a smile on his face.

“Why did you do it? You know it’s dangerous and you really might die but you run towards the burning the building.” glancing at him.

“If I didn’t, then you would’ve risked your life. You even said that you’re going to commit suicide if that little girl dies, so what choice do I have? I won’t let anything bad happen to you.” he uttered.

“Too much for love, you’re even throwing your life for me.” holding his hand. “Am I really worthy to hold this hand?”

“Take my whole life too if that’s the only way for me to be good enough for you, I’m giving you my everything, Hera.” holding my hand tight.

“You’re not good enough.” intertwining my fingers with his. “You’re perfect, too perfect for a girl like me. I can’t tell you everything about me but you should know that I’m a sinner.”

“You think I’m a saint?” chuckles. “I’m a sinner too, and I’m not perfect. Now that you’re holding my hand like this, I’m not giving you up. No matter how many times you push me away, I’ll always come back for you and stay by your side, whatever it takes.” kiss the back of my hand.

“Don’t say that I didn’t warn you.” I stopped walking and stand in front of him. “I’m giving you one last chance to run away from me.” staring at him. “Are you certain that you want to be with me?”

“I’m certain that I’m not living my life without you in it.” he replied.

“So romantic.” I grabbed his collar to pull him for a passionate kiss.

If not for the innkeeper we won’t realized that we’re kissing in the hallway and doing a public display of affection.

There’s only half an hour left before my birthday ends so he celebrated it with me even if we only share a cupcake and cans of beer.

The next morning, I woke up beside Hebe and she’s looking at me like how she used to when she’s a baby.

“Good morning, did you sleep well?” brushing her hair with my fingers.

“I prepared a gift for your birthday but it got burned into ashes.” she said with sad eyes. “Sorry, if I got nothing for your birthday.” crying.

“Uh, don’t cry. I’ve got the greatest gift of all that I could ever wish for on my birthday. It’s you.” wiping her tears. “I prayed to God about your safety and he listened to me. I don’t need anything else but you.”

“Really, you’re not angry with me because I didn’t give you anything on your birthday?” sniffing. “You always give me a lot of things but you never take anything from me in return. There’s no such thing as free in this world. It’s always, give and take.”

“Well you’re not entirely wrong. Are you sure you’re just 6? How come you’re too mature for your age.” sitting up as I got reminded of who her father is. “Such a smart kid like him.” mumbling. “Come, let’s wash our face and brush our teeth first before we meet the others.”

“Nurse Hera, are you my hero’s bride?” looking up to me as we walk towards the bathroom.

“What??” almost choked up. “Who are you calling your hero and how come I’m his bride??!” clearing my throat.

“The handsome you showered with kisses last night. He saved me so he’s my hero. Father Erik always tell to the groom to kiss his bride in the wedding so I thought you’re his bride.” she explained as she washes her face in the sink.

“Ah, haha.” chuckles. “His name is Oh Jun, and I’m not his bride.”

“I’ll marry him then.” she said while looking at me through the mirror.

“Excuse me??” looking at her in disbelief. “You’re not even in the 1st grade and you’re telling me you’re going to marry someone that you don’t even know?!” handing her the towel to wipe her face.

“Well he saved my life so I’m going to marry him.” shrugging her shoulders before she takes her toothbrush. “Jun, so that’s his name.”

I couldn’t help myself but laugh at her ridiculousness, she’s being silly but she’s too cute while being serious with her words.

I wonder where she got that kind of idea but she really made my day after everything that happened yesterday.

“I called the HR and told them I’ll be back on Wednesday for work since it’s my off tomorrow.” sitting beside Jun at the bench. “She sounded displeased but she understands my situation for hiding.”

“Hiding from what??” Jun looking at me cluelessly.

“You don’t know??! Nobody told you what happened while you’re gone?!”

“I came straight here from the airport. Why? What happened??”

“Wow, you really are free from worry about the scandal you made before you flew to Washington.” holding his left thigh. “Our photo was taken at the airport and it ended up on the newspapers the next day.”

“Photo?? What photo?” thinking deeply. “The time we’re together at the airport was when we sent off Hailee.”

“Us kissing at the front gate!” squeezing his thigh out of frustration.

... To be continued ...