Meeting

"Did you bring all the paperwork I gave you." Soojin, my mother’s longtime friend spoke as she hugged my mother. Soojin was much older than my mother. She looked worn out almost like she hadn't slept for a long time. From what I heard from the past stories my mother would tell me, she was twice divorced with a young daughter. Her first husband died and her second husband left her for a much younger woman.

"Yes I brought everything I needed even small things like my American papers." My mother spoke as she hurriedly walked up to the main entrance of a beautiful modern style garden.

Although it was beautiful it was hard to get in. The taxi driver had to stop at the main entrance after the security guards stopped the car. First to search the car and then to ask about our visit. After almost an hour of interrogation they signaled us in. By the time we made it inside it was 9:15 am and her interview was at 9:00 am.

"Sorry Soojin, I'm actually extremely late I didn't think there would be a interrogation beforehand"

We kept walking towards the back of the main entrance. It seemed as commoners were not allowed to enter the main building.

"Its okay lets hope the head maid is in a good mood she's the one whose doing the interview but first things first."

Soojin stopped mid walk and peered at me and softly spoke.

"I don't think it's a good idea to bring Aspen today. The head maid is very strict on bringing children to work."

My mother peered back with a smile and looked right back at Soojin.

"I know but I didn't have anybody to leave her with. I won't bring her to work but just for today. You know I just got here a few days ago."

Soojin sighed and we continued to walk up to a smaller house farther away from the mansion. Heading closer to this modern style cottage it resembled cottages I had seen on television. They all had been in a nice tucked away forest area but here it was tucked away by a nice garden. As we kept moving the more I realized how big the garden was.

"Okay I'll leave you here. I have to work in the main building in about an hour. Please go in and I'll call for the head maid"

"Thank you Soojin, wish me luck today I'm going to really need it." my mother grabbed her friend hand as tightly as possible. This was the first time in 8 years that she had seen her.

"No worries Jihye I know more than anybody how hard it is to make ends meet. Now I have to go get ready."

She cheered for my mother and gave me one last glance as her smile turn colder.

I knew what she was thinking. I didn't look korean and you could clearly see that I was mixed. Thinking back I remember how much it stung for a 5 year old. I already knew my father didn't want me but to think that now korean society didn't want me either hurt me harder than experiencing a father’s rejection.

"Aspen wait right here okay"

My mother signaled me to come closer. She glanced at our surroundings and took a deep breath.

"Mom will do a short interview okay so just stay right here don't move or go anywhere else. Our life's depend on this job okay"

She took me by the hand and quietly moved me to small bench located to the side of the cottage. I smiled back at her and nodded. I knew more than anybody how much this meant to her and I wouldn't move even if the whole cottage caught on fire.

Years ago my mother called me Aspen after a street we crossed everyday to get to her job. "Aspen street" she would speak up loudly as we passed by almost everyday. I didn't get it until I was much older when I would giggle and proclaim.

"Mommy they called it Aspen street after me"

Life was harder but it didn't mean I was unhappy. I wasn't fatherless, my mother was my father and I couldn't be prouder. All the miss givings he thought he left behind couldn’t be further from the truth.

My mother waved goodbye as she made her way up the steps towards the entrance and shortly disappeared. I waited I sat down on the bench, after a while I got tired and moved to the grass besides the flowers. The cottage resided in the back of the mansion. The backyard was pretty big, half of it was pure grass while the rest was made into a beautiful patio. The cottage seemed to be a little hidden secret from the rich lifestyle that was presented at the main building.

From time to time I'd see maids come and go. Some heading to the cottage and and some heading to the main building. I would routinely stand up or sit down whenever they’d pass by. Some would stare down at me trying to figure out who and why I was there but wouldn’t approach me.

This is where my life did a complete turn. I credit this part of my life for the beautiful moments I would receive but also for misfortunes I would experience moving forward. If I could go back and change everything I would do it in a heartbeat.

"I ALREADY TOLD YOU IM TIRED OF ALL THSE TOYS. I WANT SOMEONE TO PLAY WITH.”

"Minsoo please come here! I'll ask Miss if we can go thru the toy catalogue once again and see if maybe we can order more toys."

"I DONT WANT ANYMORE TOYS IM SICK OF ALL OF THEM! I want someone to play with!"

"Minsoo I'll ask maid Chaewon to come play with you after she finishes with the cleaning."

"No I hate it she's too old to play with me I want someone my age!"

"Okay Minsoo wait!! Miss asked me to keep you away from the cottage!"

The stomping grew closer and closer. All I could think was about how much my heart kept pounding louder and louder with every step I heard.

"Who are you?!" They spoke up with arrogance. I kept my head low, as I was too scared to look up at who was speaking to me but I knew it wasn’t an adult. Their voice was childlike and quite demanding.

"Uhh sorry..." I minced, being too scared to say anything else. I looked up worried that if I didn’t pay close attention I’d be in bigger problems.

He was also a kid about my age. He was dressed in what seemed like fashion pieces straight from New York. He looked arrogant and poised but his face seemed that of a child model.

He stared at me for what felt like 20 minutes, he seemed confused by my appearance as though he had seen something strange. He smiled at me and then turn to his maid who had been behind him with a smirk.

"MAID MINA COME HERE" he waved arrogantly with his right hand.

The maid bowed and headed closer to him quite confused.

"I want her." He smiled back at her and then back to me.

"I want her. She looks unique so I want her"

He pointed at me while looking at the maid. She frowned as he loudly proclaimed his intent.

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