Lee Arin

I was born in Australia. My mom is Korean and my father is Australian. Back then before I was born, even before my parents got married, my mom was foreign student majoring in Computer Science. My father was her senior in her major. They met and eventually fell in love. After graduating from college they got married. My mom started to work in Australia. A year after I was born. She started to work from home. It was hard for her, but she still didn't quit. Naturally I learned to speak English before Korean. When I turned three she got a big job offer in Korea. She was hesitant to leave father behind and go to Korea alone. But she eventually moved taking me with her. Father would come to visit us during holidays. So growing up I didn't really see him much.

I'm Lee Arin. You guys must be wondering, why do I have a Korean surname, right? My birth name was Arin Carter. That's my father's last name. But mom they changed my surname after we moved to Korea. Surprisingly father didn't have any problems with it. Ever since I can remember I had been in love with music. Specially I loved the piano. When we got to Korea mom enrolled me for piano lessons. At the age of six I could play complex music on the piano. Everyone said I was gifted. And mom was so proud of me. Which made me so happy.

I started elementary school in Korea. I was a pretty extroverted kid. I liked interacting with people despite their age. I used to be sick all the time that's why I joined school a little late. On the first day I met a boy. He was my classmate. I was assigned a seat next to him. He was so shy and Introverted. It took him awhile, but eventually he opened up to me and we became good friends. He told me some guys bully him just because he doesn't have a father. As I was taller and stronger than him, I always protected him from the bullies.

He always used to come to my house to hear me play. He said once that he's my no. 1 fan. He didn't have any other friends at school other than me. Although I had other friends, but I liked him more, so I spend most of my time with him.

But one day I kept waiting. He promised he'll meet me at my place. But he never showed up. The next day his mom came to the school and I found out the bullies cornered him when he was in his way to my place. And he's seriously hurt. I met his mom in the school hallway. She came to and asked if I was okay. I assured her that I was fine and not hurt anywhere. I asked her about Dae. She said his at the hospital. Later that day I went to see him. He had bandages all over his body.

"Dae? How are you feeling?"

Dae looked so frail and helpless in that hospital bed.

"It hurts a lot."

After hearing Dae say that I couldn't hold back my tears. I started crying frantically.

"Ari don't cry. I'm sorry I got hurt. I'll never get hurt again. I promise. So, please don't cry."

"Dae you *sniff* please don't *sniff* say *sniff* sorry."

After that none of us spoke another word. The chamber was silent. Only the sound of my crying could be heard.

I didn't visit Dae after that day. He refused to see me because he says he'll make me sad again. After some days I heard they moved to Seoul. I was really sad as we couldn't even say goodbye to each other.

I finished elementary school. In that time my little brother was born. He was so cute when he was a baby. Now he's super annoying. Siblings stuff. My mom said she'll send me to Seoul for middle school. My aunt is a photographer living in Seoul. So I'll live with her. I was a bit reluctant at first. But eventually I gave in. The thought of meeting him again took away all the other worries. But I forgot that I didn't know where he lives in Seoul or which school he's attending.

My freshmen year in middle school was smooth sailing. And these casting agents keep annoying me. But I don't think I want to sing for the rest of my life. Though I love singing, but I'm not sure yet if I want this to become my career. I still keep getting casting offers. But I didn't have any time to think about all that. In my sophomore year something drastic happened.

My aunt told my brother Si-woo and mom is going to move in. I was really happy. But later that day I heard my aunt talking with mom on the phone. What I found out was devastating for me. My father cheated on mom with some other woman. And he wants a divorce now because his mistress is pregnant. Leaving Si-woo with me mom left for Australia. After divorcing my father she came back. Guess the time was going bad for her. She left her job and stayed at her room all day. Aunt was severely worried about her. Aunt encouraged mom to start working again. With that encouragement mom applied for a job and got it. She started working again and eventually started dating her colleague.

His name is Kim Seojun. He's a really nice guy. He's also nice to me and Si-woo. During my senior year in middle school my mom and dad got married. Yes, we call him dad. After all he earned it with his behavior.

After thinking a lot I thought of applying for a performing arts high school. Mom even tried to convince me to accept one of the agencies offer. But I wasn't sure of it. So I put that aside. I told her I'll think about it.

The first day of high school. The school is so big. It took me awhile to find the hall. I loved the welcoming performance. I hope I can be on that stage one day welcoming the freshmen. After the ceremony was over I went to my classroom. I saw someone I wasn't expecting at all.

TO BE CONTINUED ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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