Appa

     This is my take on the whole appa and child series in WFP. Also in time for father's day. Happy father's day Tay! Im always here for you.

I can’t remember how long we’ve been waiting here in the hall. All I know is that we rushed out of the house as soon as we received the phone call.  I immediately look for the car keys, my wife running around the house looking for her bag while mumbling a prayer.  We got on the car and that thank God it was the middle of the night so I wasn’t flagged down for over speeding. I was tensed, wondering if she’s gonna be okay and my wife was not helping in anyway. She was wringing her handkerchief, if she was not dabbing her tears.

What was supposed to be a normal thirty minute drive took us only fifteen minutes. I just parked the car haphazardly but my was wife was quicker. She went out of the car as soon as it stopped. We ran towards the information where the nurse gave us instructions on how to get to their room.  I trailed at my running wife and I wonder how she got the instruction amidst her crying and the noise in the hospital.  I was surprised to see Hyunjoong pacing back and forth of the room.  My wife was so nervous she ran towards him and all I can do is follow her.

“Hyunjoong, where is my baby? Why are you out here? Is she alright?”  She asked nonstop.

“ Omma, she’s still there.”  Hyunjoong answered while trying to fix his unruly hair.

“Then why are you here? Why aren’t you inside? What is wrong?”She again asked the unfocused guy.

“The doctors threw me out. They said she can’t focus with me in there.” He sheepishly answered.

“Can you go there with her, Omma? I wanna know what’s going on but they won’t let me in.” He asked her while tugging on her sleeves.

“ Aishhh… I don’t know why they threw you out but definitely I’m going in. Stay with Appa and wait. ” My wife answered him back.

So here we are- sitting and waiting patiently on the bench along the hallway. Correction, I am sitting and he just keeps on walking. While he’s doing that, I can’t help but smile remembering how I almost protested when he asked if he can date my daughter.  We were then having our usual Sunday family lunch when Hyejung told us that someone’s coming over to meet us. We were surprised to see that it was him she was referring to. Hyejung told us that this boy pursued her after their fake marriage ended and that he wanted to come clean with us, hence he wanted to formally introduce himself.  He came with a big basket of fruit. He bowed down in front of me and my wife and promised that he’ll take good care of Hyejung. When I asked him if his company knows about his plan he informed us that the company knows but to protect Hyejung, they’re keeping the relationship a secret for the meantime. At first of course, I disagree but my wife, Hyejung and this young man convinced me that it’s better that way and in time they will announce it to the whole world.

In all fairness to this kid, he really did show us how much he loves our daughter. I have never seen Hyejung so very happy. Although I know that their relationship is a lot of hard work, he and Hyejung tried everything to maintain their good relationship . Even with his busy schedule he always spends much of his free time with her.  He also finds time to visit me and my wife. He would always call us, just checking if were okay. When the scandal in Hong Kong came out, he immediately visited us at home and explained the whole incident. We saw how sincere he was and how he respects us. From then on, he became a member of our family.

After about two years in the relationship, he again came to us bowed down- this time asking for my daughter’s hand in marriage. They also informed us that they will announce their relationship by conducting a press conference. We gave them our blessings and wish them a good life. We saw how they face the challenge of breaking the news in the industry. It was not easy but they stood together- hand in hand and we supported them.  On the day of their wedding, I saw how Hyunjoong transformed into a kid to a full grown man. I saw how much he adore and love my daughter. And as I hand Hye jung to him, there were no doubts in my head that he’ll take good care of my princess.

I was startled and almost dropped the cup of coffee in my hand when I heard something dropped on the floor. It was Hyunjoong’s phone. He didn’t notice it slipped from his pocket because he’s still busy pacing down the hall. I called him to sit on the bench and he just picked up his phone and sat beside me.

“ Hyunjoong,  tell me honestly. Why are you not with Hyejung?” I asked him.

“ Appa, I wanted to stay with her but the doctors threw me out” he said.

“What did you do? Why did they threw you out?” I curiously asked him.

“Appa, they said I was too loud. I can’t help but scream with Buin every time she’s in pain.  I asked them many times to give her some medications so she won’t be hurting too much.”  Hyunjoong answered very much stressed out.

I can’t help but laughed out loud.  He’s really something. Good thing the doctor came out of the delivery room before Hyunjoong can react with my laughter. He said we can now see Hyejung.  He ran towards the room even after the doctor finished his sentence. I apologized with my son in law’s reaction and thank the doctor before following him in the room.

I saw him kissing Hyejung's forehead, saying sorry that he can’t stay with him during her delivery. Hyejung although very tired just laugh at him and told him that it’s okay. He still continued to shower her with kisses and it really warmed my heart. He's not afraid to express his feeling even if we are present. Hye Jung’s mom was smiling watching the couple. I walk over to her and squeezed her hand.  The nurse came in and we were all holding our breath as she hands the baby to Hyunjoong.  We saw his tears fall while holding her lovely daughter. Hye jung was in tears too. He bend down and I put the baby in Hye jung’s arms while saying

“Buin, we have a very lovely baby, thank you so much for giving her to me.”

Hye Jung kissed him and just told him he loved him and their baby. I cant help but to be overwhelmed with happiness. My princess found her prince and now she has her own princess. I gently tug my wife's hand and signal her that we should leave.  She nodded and kissed my daughter and grand daughter goodbye. She also hugged Hyunjoong and then started walking away. I also kissed Hyejung and the baby and extended my hand to Hyun joong. He gladly took my hand and I told him before I leave.

 "Congratulations, Kim Hyunjoong Appa.  Take good care of your family."

He bowed his head and with all sincerity said. " I will Appa. I definitely will".


With that I walked away with a smile on my face. I know my daughter and grandchild will be fine.