45 Helping an Old Friend

Alex, worked in the kitchen, cutting and slicing up vegetables. As well as occasionally checking up on his pots, on the stove.

Even though Alex had a perfect sense of time, he liked to see how the food is cooking inside the pot.

As Alex made the final preparations, the front door to the apartment opened. Alex than heard Vanessa familiar voice, coming inside.

" Hey, why can't he stay in my room? " Asked Vanessa, as walked into the apartment followed by her parents.

Helena carrying Benjamin in her arms, who at this moment is asleep, " You say that now but, you'll quickly regret it, if we really agree to it. " Daniel answered, as he carried few bags.

" Oh, you're all back, so soon. " spoke Alex, as he walked out of the kitchen, wearing a blue cooking apron. "Alex I see you've already begun cooking dinner, I see. "

Commented Daniel with a smile on his face, as he looked at Alex. " Well, I can't have my aunt, come back home and have to eat take out. " Alex spoke, righteously as he looked at his aunt.

" Awa.. that so thoughtful of you, thank you Alex. " Said Helena, with a smile, Vanessa on the other side had already ready walked into the kitchen. And began opening the pots that were still on the stove, " Vanessa, what are you doing? Stop that right now, " Helena raprimand.

" Ah, sorry mummy? Answered Vanessa , a little surprised as she just wanted to see what Alex was making.

Alex on the other side had a dark, expression as he looked at this scene. His mother would, have smack him hard over the hand than reprimand him.

" Ok let me, put this little one to bed. " Helena said, as she turned to look at, Daniel who stood behind her.

Daniel, nodd his head before giving Alex, a great full smile," Thanks for helping around the place it really good having you her with. " Said Daniel, " It's no problem," replied Alex, waving it off.

As the two, went to put off Benjamin to bed, Alex forced Vanessa to help him set the plates. As punishment, for looking into his pot, as the food was being dished. Harry entered the apartment, seemingly exhausted by the days events.

" Oh, Alex you made dinner? " Asked Harry, as he took off suit jacket. " Hey, Uncle Harry." Greeted Vanessa as she put, down some plates.

" Hello, Vanessa how was your day?" Asked Harry with a smile as he walked up to greet his niece

Looking at Alex and Vanessa plating the food. " Uhmm, yes you can take a seat, after washing your hands." Answered Alex, as he began to serve the spaghetti he had prepared.

The next day Wednesday June 1st 1988 in a small coffee shop early in the morning sat three beautifully ladies of different, ethnicity together at a small table. Jennifer and Ashley had gone out today to meet with an old their friend of theirs, for university.

" So, are the two of you going to continue your studies feather? " Asked Asian beauty with a Grey eyes and pale snow white skin, plump pink lips. A small pointy nose, straight eyebrows and a v shaped jawline.

This beauty is Ji-woo Park 18 years old who also went by the name of Rebecca Park as her west name.

She had superb facial features that met all the beauty standards for Asian society. She posited a well endowed figure, that was similar to Ashley own.

Not, just in the chest department but, overall in all areas, the only difference is that she has a much more slimmer figure. Compared to Jennifer and Ashley figures.

" We do plan to continue our studies but, we aren't in a hurry for now." Explained Jennifer.

Ashley nodded to her sister words, as she took a sep of her milk shake. Ashley and Jennifer had finished their studies in fashion design and architecture.

The three women met up today to catch up, after Ji-woo call them to inform the two of her arrival to America.

" So, why did come all the way here. And all of a sudden, I thought you would be back in South Korea to after the semester? Ji-woo." Asked Ashley.

Ji-woo expression seemed to turn gloomy, as turn to look outside the cafè window. As she rubbing her on her suit case that she hid underneath the table.

" Well how you're little brother Alexander doing? " Asked Ji-woo. As she turned to look at the two people she had become very close to, over the past two years of their college life.

Ashley and Jennifer frown at Ji-woo dodging the question. As Ji-woo was usually a confident straight forward girl. It was pretty clear to Ashley and Jennifer that something was bothering her.

" If something bothering you, you can tell us about it. " Jennifer is worried something had happened to their, as her arrival was unexpected.

" Yes, Jennifer right it's obvious that something happened don't be afraid to tell us. Otherwise we can't help if you don't tell us what wrong. " Ashley chimed in grabbing Ji-woo hand and holding it gently.

Jennifer did the same placing her hand on Ji-woo left hand. Looking at her friend with a concerned expression. Ji-woo heart softened as she could help well up with tears.

" My father has arranged a marriage for me back home. " Said Ji-woo with a trembling voice as she spoke.

As she began to explain what happened after she and her brother returned home to visit, her brother was praised their father and by their other family members.

Her aunt who lived Europe, had been able to help her move there, for a time with her older brother.

Sponsoring their scholarship which, thanks to her she was able to attend university, which she doubted would be possible if she had stayed in Korea. Her two older sister had already been married off by the time they reached 18.

So when she announced to her family that she had also doing her studies as well. Her family was less than enthusiastic about it, however for a time she had accepted this situation, as this was normally the case of how women were still viewed.

When she had been preparing to return to college, with her brother to continue her studies. Her father stopped her had announced that he had arranged a marriage partner for her.

And had told her aunt about it, telling her pull her out off college. As she would soon be married off, which her aunt was pressured to do by her grandparents.

Than her father began to perparing marriage arrangements for her, which was to one of her distant cousins. Who had been doing very well for himself, if this wasn't enough he was a full 16 years her senior.

Having three children who were almost her age. This situation had caused her a lot of stress which, at first she began to accept as her fate. As this was a common practice in her country.

" Wait, you're cousins? " Jennifer questioned, with a surprised expression her face, as her mouth agape at what she was hearing.

" Wait, you all still have this type of practice?" Ashley posed her on questions, as she found it hard to believe that people still have this practice.

Especially, in modern society now with most people being well aware of the possible consequences. " Yes, many families in my home country still carry out this practice. " Ji-woo answered as she wiped a tire from her eye.

" Well, you can still refuse right? " Jennifer asked, attentively not quite sure of her statement. " Yes, but that would bring disgrace upon my family. I'll likely be shunned by everyone in my family or worst abandoned. "

Ji-woo wasn't sure way this was happening too especially, since she knew the Korean government had long since forbidden. Marriage between people of the same surname, but many people still persistent in this custom.

Even though she had been doing very well in her studies in business management. She now couldn't even finish her own studies anymore.

This was her biggest concern as she had thought of being one of the first women in her family, to attend and finish university.

She had already been dreaming of her own future, which was also in reach. But, harshly crushed by her family wanting to benefit off her potential marriage.

Hence, seeing no better options she run away, from the whole situation. Thanks to the help of her brother who helped secure, funds for her to take a flight out of the country.

Which wasn't an issue as she is already eighteen years old. Even though she still wasn't consider a fully-fledged adult, she still had a certain level of freedom.

This situation was much better, compared to her parents generation. Which is way many people still followed many of the old customs til now.

" So, what do you plan to do for now do you have a place to stay. " Ashley asked, as this situation is quite serious and she was worried about her friend.

Jennifer also felt the same way even though the three had only known each other for two years. They had built a strong bond of friendship for one another.

" I don't no. " Ji-woo admitted, honestly. At first she had wanted to go to met her aunt in the UK.

" My aunt who had helped me to attend college, refused to help me. Fearing what will happen if the rest of the family finding out about it. " Ji-woo admitted, and didn't blame her for it, her uncle who her aunt had married.

Had been the one to insist for her to attend college in the UK. Due to her outstanding grades but, was held back from finishing school early by her family at first.

Ultimately it was her brother who was the one to suggested her coming her to the U.S. As she would havebetter opportunities here for a future. Especially, since thanks to the fact she had been able to attend one of the best University in the UK.

As well as having made friends who lived in the U.S. Who could help her for the time, she had at first rejected her brother proposal. Because of her pride, however there was really no better options.

As their father wouldn't let this matter go, wanting to marry her off to their distant cousins who in fact. Had become a very influential politician, and had been looking to remarry.

" You, can stay with us." This statement, broke Ji-woo out of her stressful thoughts. Ashley on the other hand was shocked at her sister words, especially since their parents would be the ones who would have to make this decision.

" What are you saying? You haven't even considered mother and father possible rejecting this idea. " Ashley glared at her twin sister who had said something ridiculous.

As much as she wanted to help Ji-woo they still needed to speak with their parents before saying anything. " What, you think mother and father won't agree? " Jennifer questioned.

" I don't know, but you can't go around saying things like that. " Said Ashley glancing at Ji-woo who now seems conflicted by the two's conversations right now.

" Uhh, I'll call mother." Ashley stood up abruptly, thinking that she had a better chance to convince her mother about the matter.

" See, I knew you would agree." Jennifer said, folding her arms, with a smirk on her face before looking to Ji-woo, who at this moment felt really embarrassed and ashamed. " Right, I'm going to tell her that this was all you're idea."

Ashley said while pointed a finger at, Jennifer who flinched at her words. Her expression turning sour at moment. Which put a smile on Ashley face, as she went to call their mother and inform her of the situation.

Ji-woo looking at the small interaction between her, two old friends. Who genuinely showed care for her, give her a glimpse of hope in her heart, and a chance that only her aunt had expressed in their family.

Who had married a person she fell in love with, and was able too mend her relationship with her family after a long time. She hoped for the same thing, that in the near future she could also mend her relationship with her own family.

" Hey." Ji-woo turned to Jennifer who had a turned to look at her with a hopeful smile on her face now. " I just want to say, that the two of us are here for you. No matter what our parents decisions is."

Jennifer than held Ji-woo, hand again after saying that. Ji-woo was really touched and felt a little guilty now as she hadn't been totally honest. Actually she hadn't just gotten to New York today, but has been here for nearly two weeks now.

She had tried but, struggled to find stable work and make in enough to support herself. As a foreigner things were more difficult than she had thought, she hadn't finished her degree which made it impossible for her to find suitable work.

There was also the fact that some of the interviewers had suggested, another means of enquiring the open position. Looking back she had been a little to complacent in her expectations. Blowing through all the money she had quickly.

After a couple of minutes Ashley, returning to the table. Looking between her sister and friend she couldn't help but, put on a smile. " Mother going to talk to father, but she said she going to try to convince him."

Hearing this Jennifer was sure that everything is going to work out now. She's never once seen her mother fail to convince their father.

Not even five minutes passed that Ashley, received a call from her mother saying there father, going to come pick the three of them up. Ashley hearing that she laughed happy and informed Jennifer and Ji-woo about the news.

Ji-woo though happy still felt like she had become a burden, especially for her two friends and their family.

Hence, at this moment she vowed to do her best and not disappoint her two friends trust. And repay all of them back for all their kindness.

The three girls didn't have to wait for long before Oliver arrived, at the Cafè. Jennifer and Ashley led Ji-woo to the car, Jennifer help carry Ji-woo suitcase.

Which she had forcefully taken from Ji-woo, while Ashley just watch her sister do as she wanted. Well, she wasn't wrong as Ji-woo was now under their care for the time being.

The three than quickly left the Café once Oliver arrived. They reached the car, where Oliver stood outside with unpleasant expression on his face.

However, his displeased expression it quickly disappeared once his eyes landed on Ji-woo, his two daughters friend. At that moment memories of his wife figure overlapped.

His heart than quickly softened at recalling his and his wife own struggles flash before his eyes.

Ji-woo upon finally meeting her two friends father, immediately felt intimidated. Just by his height and well built figure alone, he was easily the tallest man she had ever met.

She quickly give a respectful bowed towards him, Oliver was a taken a back by the bow. But, quickly understood that it was just a form greeting, for Ji-woo who is Asian. As Jennifer and Ashley had spoken about the different culture differences of their friends.

" Ji-woo it's nice to met you, my wife really went all out in letting you stay with as for the time being. " Oliver explained, as he reached out a hand to shake hands, which Ji-woo accepted.

" I'm really, sorry for making things difficult for your family. I." " Hey, it's quite alright, don't beat yourself over alright. " Oliver interrupted, as Ji-woo she was about to explain.

" We're happy to help you in anyway we can until you can find your own way in life. So, don't ever feel like you're a burden as long as you do you best. " Oliver continued as he looked, at Ji-woo with caring eyes, his fatherly love sipping through his words.

Oliver had now accepted Ji-woo, as someone he is now responsible for just a daughter. His own similar experience effects his thoughts and feelings at this moment.

Jennifer and Ashley couldn't help but, look at their father with a bit of surprise. "Alright, I'll drop the three of you girls home. Jennifer, Ashley help Ji-woo get comfortable.And tomorrow go out buy her anything she needs for now. "

Oliver said as he set in the driver's seat, as he looked through the rear view mirror. " Got it. " Replied Jennifer and Ashley as the Ji-woo set between the two. Ashley and Jennifer began to discussed things that Ji-woo would need to get settled in.

Though Ji-woo still felt embarrassed and ashamed at her current situation. However, she felt hopeful and determined to cover out her own path in life, just like what Oliver said.

And hopefully repay all the kindness, Jennifer and Ashley family is showing her. "Hey, your going to have to a bed with one of us, until we figure out how to make more room for you. " Jennifer said, turning to Ji-woo who had been thinking on how to repay this great debt.

" Oh, it's fine I can sleep... Uhmm I mean okey. " Ji-woo was about to, suggest sleeping on the floor. However, Jennifer expression told her that it hadn't been a suggestion.

Seeing her friend understand that it wasn't a suggestion and that she would be share a bed with either her or Ashley. Until they found away to make room, Oliver who was driving smiled at seeing, how caring his oldest daughter could be to friend in need.

However, the room situation needed to be addressed. Oliver thought to himself, as he began to think more on Ji-woo situation.