AAE -- For Better For Worse

Part 3 -- Chapter 34

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

The taxi door closes with a muffled thunk. Sun-Mi steps onto the curb as the cab's taillights disappear around the corner. The Islington street lies quiet under a canopy of trees, a mild June breeze rustling in the leaves. The pavement, still slick from rain, reflects the golden glow of the streetlamps.

 

She pulls her Burberry raincoat closed over her pale blue Michael Kors jersey dress, shoulders her Furla bag, and grips her umbrella firmly.

 

The gate of the walk-up maisonette is a few steps away. She trudges up the short brick path, rummaging in her bag for the key.

 

Behind her, footfalls quicken, then fade.

 

Her breath catches. The key hovers halfway to the lock. She turns sharply.

 

The sidewalk is empty. No one moves among the parked cars lining the street in still rows.

 

"Who... who is it?" Her voice is thin, uncertain.

 

Silence.

 

Sun-Mi closes her eyes, exhales. Yet her hand trembles as she turns the key.

 

The heavy oak door groans open. She steps inside, pressing it shut until the latch clicks. She tests it, then leans against the dark-stained wood, listening.

 

Only the hush of the stairwell.

 

"It was just the wind," she says. "I must be imagining things."

 

 

She begins to climb the winding flights.

 

One... two... three... She counts each step as her Kurt Geiger courts land heavily. ...Twenty-nine ...thirty.

 

At the upper landing she rests her umbrella in the stand and steps through the door to the reception room. The clatter of dishes comes from the kitchen.

 

"Auntie?" Sun-Mi calls.

 

Auntie Lin appears from the kitchen. "Welcome back. You look tired."

 

Sun-Mi sets her bag on the console, shucks off her raincoat, and slides her stockinged feet into plush cotton slippers. "It's been a long day. Thanks for staying late. Are my angels sleeping?"

 

"I just put them to bed," Auntie Lin replies. "Jae-Young has a cough and the sniffles. It took some time to settle down."

 

"Did you give him anything?"

 

"A half-teaspoon of honey. And I turned on the humidifier in their bedroom."

 

"Good. I'll check on him later."

 

"How's Jun-Ae today?"

 

"She's eating better. So I pumped an extra bottle for her overnight feedings, just in case. But she's still so tiny."

 

A tear slides down her cheek.

 

 

Auntie Lin reaches for Sun-Mi's hand. "What is it, dear?"

 

"I keep wondering -- was it because of me? Stress from the ministry?"

 

"Stop thinking like that. It doesn't do anyone any good to dwell on the past."

 

"But what if it had happened again? I dream of holding Jun-Ae -- cold, still -- in my hands. It's awful!"

 

"Enough!" Auntie Lin's grip tightens. "She's a fighter. She lived. And soon she'll be home with you."

 

Sun-Mi takes a deep breath, steadying herself. "You're right. I should be thankful instead. And trust God."

 

"That's the woman I know." Auntie Lin lets go of her hand. "Now, I should be going."

 

"I'd like to leave by eight tomorrow," Sun-Mi says. "Can you come earlier?"

 

"Of course. I'll be here first thing. I'll make breakfast, too."

 

Sun-Mi hugs her. "Thanks so much. You're a true blessing."

 

 

Auntie Lin takes her coat from the hook, puts it on, and picks up her bag.

 

Sun-Mi follows her out to the landing.

 

Auntie Lin squeezes Sun-Mi's hand. "Don't bother. I'll see myself down."

 

"Good night. Thanks again."

 

 

Sun-Mi waits until the outside door latches shut. Then she goes upstairs to the children's bedroom and tiptoes in. The humidifier gently hisses. Mist curls in the light streaming in from the hall.

 

She kneels between the beds and caresses Mae-Young's silky hair. Then she turns to Jae-Young, and gently dabs the trickle from his nose.

 

Reaching out to hold their soft hands, she bows her head and whispers, "Lord, heal Jae-Young, and keep Mae-Young strong. Bless them, that they may grow to love and serve you. Amen."

 

Rising, she slips quietly out. The door closes with a soft click.

 

Sun-Mi turns down the hall and opens the bathroom door. The sweet fragrance of rose petals wafts out. She pauses, her breath easing. Then her eyes brighten as she steps inside...

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

The mantel clock chimes ten as Hyung-Chul pushes the door open. The reception room is silent, save for the steady ticking.

 

"Honey, I'm home."

 

From upstairs comes Sun-Mi's faint voice. He climbs the stairs and finds her in their bedroom, lounging on the bed, mobile pressed to her ear. She waves as he enters.

 

He unbuttons his jacket, loosens his tie.

 

"I've gotta go," she says into the phone. "Senior just came in... Bye."

 

She rises barefoot, her long silk dressing gown -- ribbon bows fastened down the front -- whispering as she moves. Hyung-Chul gathers her into his arms. They kiss.

 

"Who was that?" he asks.

 

"Shin-Hee. She called to tell me about tonight's visit to the club."

 

Hyung-Chul lets his jacket and tie fall beside him as they sit together on the bed.

 

"Anything interesting?"

 

Sun-Mi smiles. "She coaxed Mrs Ha into bringing the cookies in my place."

 

"That old battleaxe? Venturing into the 'den of perdition' herself?"

 

She laughs. "Can you believe it? But all the girls loved her. She was like everyone's Granny."

 

He shakes his head. "It goes to show, you never know people, do you?"

 

"Not when the Holy Spirit touches them," she replies. "Knowing that helped me persevere, even when she and I clashed."

 

"I'm happy everything's worked out."

 

"Me too. Thank the Lord. But I'm still praying for Ericka and Cherise -- and even Judith and Manager Chin."

 

Hyung-Chul frowns. "Do you really think that pair is redeemable? After doing so much evil to people?"

 

"We have to keep hope..." Her voice trails. She lowers her eyes.

 

He studies her. "Are you sorry about having to step away from the ministry for now, because of the baby?"

 

"I miss the women, not the headaches," she says firmly. Her smile returns. "This is where I belong now. Like the Apostle Paul wrote: 'In all things God works for our good, according to His purpose.' Right?"

 

"I'm glad you feel that way. For a while I was afraid you were blaming yourself for the baby coming early."

 

Sun-Mi looks away, restlessly knotting her fingers. "Um... you're home early," she blurts, voice taut. "How was the meeting?"

 

"We're struggling with the new training programme. Some promising candidates have washed out. I don't know if it's the people, or the intensity of the programme. Shin-Hee thrived in it."

 

"Maybe she's the exception," Sun-Mi says. "Oh... I heard she's applied for the manager's slot in Soho. What are you going to do?"

 

"She's performing so well in Cheam, I was thinking of making her the manager there, instead."

 

Sun-Mi's face falls. "Really? That's too bad..."

 

Hyung-Chul tilts his head. "You have a different idea?"

 

"Well..." Sun-Mi leans closer and rests her hand on his arm. "If she's at Soho, it's easier to organize the Sunday afternoon One Thousand Flowers Coffee Hour we're planning."

 

"Coffee hour?"

 

Sun-Mi widens her eyes. "Didn't I mention it?"

 

"Um... not that I remember."

 

"We thought the women would be more comfortable coming to the coffee shop for prayer and Bible study, instead of the church. But..." She chews on her lower lip. "If you don't think..."

 

Hyung-Chul slips his arm around her shoulders. "I think it's a great idea. And you're right, Shin-Hee could do just as well in Soho as Cheam. Maybe better."

 

Sun-Mi nuzzles against him. "I'm glad we agree."

 

"Me, too."

 

He plants a peck on her forehead. "How was it at the hospital? When are we bringing Jun-Ae home?"

 

"Next week, if she continues improving. She's almost five pounds now."

 

Hyung-Chul's eyes drift. "She was so tiny when I first held her. So small and delicate -- only three pounds! But the doctors were surprised at how loud she cried."

 

He chuckles. "She definitely takes after her mother."

 

Sun-Mi pouts, rapping his chest with her fist. "What do you mean? I have a loud voice?"

 

"Don't you remember? That day we met outside the Ho-Am Museum? You told me your voice was so loud, because your mother gave birth under strain."

 

She bursts out laughing. "I did say that, didn't I?"

 

His eyes mist. "I hope Jun-Ae grows up to be just like her mother."

 

"Be careful what you hope for!" She pokes his arm. "Do you think you could live with TWICE the nagging?"

 

Their laughter fades as Hyung-Chul draws her near.

 

"I couldn't live without you -- nagging and all."

 

Their kiss lingers, deepens. Smooth silk brushes against him, her softness pressing close.

 

When they separate, he notices a box on the floor, beside the bed.

 

"What's this?" He reaches for it.

 

"Don't," Sun-Mi protests, grabbing his sleeve.

 

But he lifts the lid. Glittering tops, satin and lace bodysuits, sequined heels. Recognition flickers across his face.

 

He lifts out a pair of fishnets and lacy suspenders. “You've kept all these? After three years?”

 

She looks down at the lingerie. "I was going to throw them out. But it didn't feel right. So I hid them in the back of the closet."

 

"Why bring them down now?"

 

"I don’t need them anymore. And... I've gained weight since the baby."

 

"So I’m the only man in London who hasn't seen you dance in these?" He shakes his head, a crooked smile on his lips. "What a pity."

 

Sun-Mi smirks. "The shoes still fit, even if the costumes might not. I suppose you could see that much."

 

She hands him the sparkling stilettos. "Be a dear, will you?"

 

He kneels before her. She slips her feet into the platform pumps, and he fastens the straps, drawing them snug.

 

They rise together. Perched high on the eight-inch heels, she meets his gaze level.

 

"Relax. Prepare yourself."

 

Hyung-Chul eases back onto the bed. "For what?"

 

"You'll see. Those other men paid dearly for a few minutes' privilege to look. But because it's you, Senior..." She winks. "I'll give you everything -- for free."

 

She steps over to the cupboard, where her Samsung MP3 player rests in its docking station, and presses PLAY.

 

The slow, atmospheric notes of Irene Cara's Flashdance... What a Feeling ooze from the speakers, filling the room with a languid pulse that gradually builds momentum.

 

Sun-Mi turns back, her eyes catching Hyung-Chul's. She sashays across the room with gliding steps, hips swaying to the rhythm, arms rippling in mesmerizing flutters as the lyrics pour out in a gentle, hopeful wave.

 

'First when there's nothing, but a slow growing dream...'

 

With a flick of her hand, the lowest bow comes undone. She twirls, the hem of her gown flaring. Dazzling gold sparkles beneath the pale silk.

 

Hyung-Chul raises an eyebrow. "You said those don't fit anymore."

 

Sun-Mi smiles, shrugging. "I said, maybe..."

 

 

The beat builds, pulsing stronger.

 

'...feel the rhythm wrap around, take a hold of my heart...'

 

Her torso shimmies, twisting in liquid, serpentine curls. Another spin -- faster, stronger. Another bow loosens.

 

The rhythm surges, lyrics cresting to a climax.

 

'What a feeling. Being's believing...'

 

Immersed in the music, she spreads her arms gracefully, like wings. The final bow flies open. The gown falls away.

 

Unrestrained, Sun-Mi moves boldly, sensually -- dancing, not for money, but for love.

 

 

After the crescendo ebbs, the last chords stop resonating, and the final beat dies off, Sun-Mi lies still, eyes closed, the echoes of ecstasy fading to a blissful calm. At the foot of the bed, the sequined heels lay askew on the hardwood. Shimmering silk tangles with glittering gold.

 

Hyung-Chul rests beside her, his sinewy arm heavy across her velvety skin. His slow, even breaths tickle her ear.

 

"Senior?" she whispers.

 

He murmurs drowsily. "Hmmm?"

 

"There's something..." her voice trails off, hesitant. "Something you need to know."

 

His eyes abruptly open. "What?"

 

"As Nicole, I danced not just for money, but for pride. I needed her -- for me. I'm not sorry about that."

 

He slides his arm around her waist. "Is that all?"

 

Sun-Mi turns. Her eyes meet his -- inches apart.

 

"No. Nicole isn't just a front I put up, but an important part of who I am." She looks away. "I hope you're not disappointed."

 

"Why should I be?"

 

"Because... It's not the type of woman you expected me to be. Not the proper wife and mother society approves of."

 

Hyung-Chul tenderly kisses her cheek. "I married you, not my expectations -- for better, for worse."

 

Sun-Mi snuggles closer, her silky hair smooth against his chest. "And now?"

 

"After tonight..." His lips curl into a satisfied grin. "I believe the best is yet to come."