One Boy's Journey Chapter 51

Written by Brianna Demonet

John and I worked for two weeks. We shot 6 additional scenes, including us entering witness protection together.

The last day for us was Saturday. John was paid for 13 days of work. I was paid for 18 days. Because of our stunt work and acting we were given union cards for both screen actors and the stunt unions.

After taxes, John and I wound up about 65% of the gross. It was still a good chunk of money for an 18 and 21-year-old to make in less than 3 weeks.

John got back to school on time. Me! I was way behind. Kathryn was as good as her word. My absence was excused and I was given extended due dates for all my work.

I practically lived in the library for the next four weeks. With a week and a half left in the semester, I was finally caught up. Exam week was right around the corner.

John and I talked almost every other day on the phone. John was trying to get an internship at the Las Vegas police department crime lab or the Clark County Jail. Peggy was already interning there. She loved it.

Blake was working as a reserve Deputy for Clark County Sheriff's Department. His Dad was now a lieutenant. When John's internship fell through, Blake's father tried pulling some strings, but it wasn't enough.

Becky, out of the blue, somehow found out and offered him a job as an intern investigator.

I didn't say anything to Becky about it. I asked her the one time and she said she had to discuss it with her family and investigators.

Exam week came and went. I aced my exams at least I think I did. Ian and Caleb picked me up in my Traverse. We cleaned out my dorm room and headed to Becky's place.

I'd been looking for a condo or decent apartment within 30 minutes of the school for a while. I had 12 places I looked at online and in person and didn't hear anything from them.

Not too many landlords are excited about renting to an 18-year-old girl. It didn't matter to them that I could afford rent or could pay the rent upfront. They saw my age and it was over before it began.

I resided in the fact I was going to have to live with roommates again, that's if I could find anyone that needed a roommate.

The guys helped me unpack and stored my stuff in a corner of the detached garage at Becky's home. I was grateful for the opportunity Becky gave John and I. But I knew I had to find a place and fast. There was no way I could expect her to put us up all summer.

As a last ditched effort I called Maria, Anita's mom. She was a real estate broker. Maybe she could work some magic. I called Mom, too, and looped her in on my idea.

I went upstairs to Bree's old room. I put away my clothes and showered and went to sleep. Bree woke me for dinner. I ate and went back to sleep. I was completely exhausted.

The next morning was Friday I woke up at 10 am. I put on my swimsuit went out to the pool, and started my laps. I swam until I was exhausted. I went upstairs, took a shower, and put on my sweats. I went downstairs and I was rushed by Caitlyn and Violet.

They were excited to have me staying for the summer. They wanted me to dance ballet with them. I said I would after lunch.

After lunch, as promised, I started with the basics. The girls were enthusiastic about ballet. I was wearing my leotard and leggings. The girls had cute leotards with print patterns.

I made a stretch out and went through the basics. Caitlyn paid a lot more attention than Violet did. But Caitlyn was 6 years old.

Ian and Bree took advantage of my distraction from the girls. Bree and Ian went grocery shopping. And ran some errands with James.

I also showed the girls my curtsy routine so they could greet Becky when she got home from work. I took the girls for a swim in the pool. Caitlyn was a pretty good swimmer. Violet was still in a float suit.

I taught Violet how to swim that day. She worked really hard. Violet wanted to be able to do everything Caitlyn did. I was surprised at how encouraging Caitlyn was with her little sister.

After the pool, the girls were exhausted. After we showered. I made them a snack and let them watch Disney Plus in the den.

I went upstairs and started checking emails. I wanted to confirm my grades. My first two exams were in I aced them.

My phone rang, it was Mom.

She told me she talked to Maria. They were both working on finding me a place to live. She said Maria had some contacts and a couple of leads in a couple of places and to be patient. She said when they had something solid she would call me.

John called me and told me about Becky's intern offer. He would be driving up in two weeks to interview for the job. I told him about my trying to find a place for myself this summer.

I was excited to see him. In five weeks we were leaving for Korea. John said he was in the best shape of his life. I was hoping he would win. His competition, Li-Pok, is a very worthy opponent.

John told me this was probably going to be his last tournament. He wanted to finish school and go to grad school. I understood why he wanted to retire from competition, but I also knew he loved to compete.

Over the weekend I swam a lot. I continued to dance with the girls. Becky, Bree, and Ian enjoyed the show.

Sunday morning I was up at 7 am. I swam for a little over an hour. I cleaned up and everyone had breakfast together.

Get some clothes on Ree! We need to go shopping! Said Becky.

I have office clothes I said.

Not enough! I already cleared it with your mother.

When we got to the mall we met up with Cathy. I hugged her tightly.

Wow, Ree, that's quite a hug! She said.

I missed you! I said.

I missed you too.

We to Nordstrom first. Becky brought over an Anne Kline pantsuit with a matching mid-mid-length pencil skirt. I tried it on. I loved the skirt but I didn't really like the slacks.

Becky insisted on me getting it. I was going to say no.

This one is my treat! Trust me one day you'll need it! She said.

We selected a new coat dress, two skirt suits, and two blazer dresses. I got three pairs of shoes to match with 5-inch spike heels.

We stopped for lunch and caught up. Everyone was doing great. Cathy's parents were busy at the vineyard. Orders were up and Hank bought some newer equipment to automate the production.

Cathy talked him into it.

Everyone is invited to the vineyard for Memorial Day weekend! Said Cathy.

Can John come? I asked.

Of course, he can. Said Cathy. Vanessa, your parents too!

That's a lot of people! I said.

My Dad made the den downstairs into a bunkbed room.

Caleb and I rented a house for the weekend a few miles down the road. Don't worry they'll be plenty of room.

Despite my worries about finding a school place, my summer was looking up.

After lunch, we stopped at the MAC makeup counter with this beautiful girl, Tia.

Your transitioning? Tia asked.

No, I'm fully transitioned now. I said.

But you're so young?

I had a physical altercation with boys in school. So I didn't have a choice, I said.

I'm so sorry! I hope they're in prison!

Two of them are! The other two were fifteen years old. They got two years in juvenile detention and a long parole with a suspended sentence.

I'm glad to hear that! Said Tia.

Tia showed me how to do a professional office look. I bought three different color and shade combinations.

Cathy went home and Becky and I headed back to the house.

Ian was grilling salom when we got home.

The next two weeks were busy. I was getting up at 5:30 in the morning to swim. I was on my way to work before 7:30 every morning.

I was working 10 and 11-hour days for Cathy. Sometimes I filled in for Sharon at the reception desk. I was happy for the experience.

Sharon really knows her stuff. She helped me with filling briefs, motions, and court dates. I was learning a lot. Wednesday before Memorial Day. I was walking to Becky's office and John was sitting there!

I hugged him. He was wearing a new suit. He looked really good!

When did you get here?

About fifteen minutes ago. He said.

I never got your flight number?

I drove! He said

That's a long drive!

It wasn't too bad! Besides I have to get around somehow! He said smiling.

Do you want some coffee while you wait? I asked.

No, but a bottle of water would be great. He said.

I'll be right back!

I got John his water and I had Sharon buzz me into Becky's office.

Here are the files you requested, Ms Stapleton.

Thank you, Ree!

I turned around and left.

Good luck, John!

Thanks Ree!

Just as I kissed his cheek, Rick and Keith walked in.

Ms Stapleton! Keith and Ian are here! Said Sharon.

Yes ma'am!

Go on in guys! Mr Park, it will be just a few more minutes.

Thank you Ms Rosollini! John said.

I went back to work.

I spent a few hours wondering how things went. I was pretty sure she intended to hire him, but nothing is guaranteed.

Cathy and I worked until 6 pm. We were trying to get everything done by Thursday night. We were all driving to the vineyard on Friday.

As Cathy and I walked to our cars I saw John's car still in the parking lot. I noticed Rick's Charger was gone. I figured he was in the field with Rick.

I went back to the house and got into my sweats to get comfortable. John showed up just as we were finishing dinner.

How'd it go? Asked Becky

It was great! I went to the gun range and got checked out. My Conceal and Carry permit was expedited. I should have the permit by the end of next week. Said John.

That's great news! Just don't shoot anyone unless you don't have another choice! Said Becky.

Yes ma'am! Ha said.

The next day John and I each drove to work separately. He had much different work hours than I did. It was a busy day. Cathy and I were in at 7:30 in the morning, and we worked together until after 7 pm. I never saw John.

Cathy congratulated me on my work and said she would see me tomorrow.

I drove back to Becky's house and started packing my things. Ian asked for my keys. He wanted to load up my car as well as Becky's car. I said here, be my guest!

John and I drove up in his Civic, and Ian drove my Traverse. John was really enjoying the mountain roads. It was still early in the morning, and traffic was light. We got to Hank and May's in time for lunch on Friday.

Aunt V and I were roomed together. John was given the den. My Mom and Dad got the guest room.

We had a great weekend.

John and I would get up early before sunrise and run together. I was glad I used the treadmill and stair master at school. John was a gifted athlete. It was all I could do to try to keep up.

John and I made love in the moonlight at Cathy's secret spot. We rode the quads all over the mountains. We were still deeply in love.

Becky took all us girls in town. We stopped at Betty's Boutique I bought another 4 bras. She has the best stuff. Mom went a little crazy. She bought some very sexy nighties and 6 bras.

Becky and Bree bought three bags of things between the two of them.

Cathy outfitted herself and her mother.

May hesitated because of the prices. Cathy coaxed her into trying a couple of bras on, and she fell in love with the quality and comfort. Cathy replaced all her mother's bras in one stop.

We all watched as Ian and John spared together. I swear John never stopped training.

Ian turned out to be a formidable opponent. John was caught by surprise a couple times. This only encouraged him to try harder. John had to focus just like he did in the competition.

My dad refereed their matches.

Ian was a college football player and wrestler in college. Ian was also trained in jujitsu! John had his hands full.

Ian liked John to begin with. After they were spared together, they became better friends. You gotta love male bonding!

Damn, your pretty good, Ian! Said John. I'm very impressed!

Don't sell yourself, John! Said Ian. I haven't faced anyone with that kind of skill since Keith and I spared!

Keith knows karate? Asked John.

He sure does! He was a marine! He fought in the UFC a couple of times; he's really good! Said Ian.

He studied Kempo, Sanbo, and Brazilian jujitsu! We wrestled in high school and college. Keith might be able to give you a run for the money!

Everyone loved watching them spare! Hank and Dad loved watching them. We girls enjoyed watching them fight with their shirts off. Becky, Bree, Vanessa, and my Mom loved it.

The girls were cheering for Ian. It was a lot of fun.

The weekend ended with barbeque ribs, corn-on-the-cob, coleslaw, and a lot of laughs.

John and I drove back to San Francisco. We held hands the entire way except when John had to shift gears in the car.

Over the next two weeks, John and I would either swim or run together every morning. Ian prepared special dinners and lunches for John. On the weekends, John would spend time with Keith and Ian.

Keith was equal to John in skills. In fact, Keith beat him a few times. John never fell for the same move twice.

Before we knew it. We were getting on a plane for Korea. John's family and my parents joined us at the airport. My Mom paid for first-class tickets for us and upgraded the Park's tickets, too!

We sat together. It was a very comfortable way to fly. My mom was the only one that didn't speak Korean. She could speak Spanish now. Not fluently but she was getting better.

We got to our hotel and unpacked. Dad and I explained to her about her lag and how to cope with it. It was Friday morning Korean time and the tournament was Saturday afternoon.

Yon and Soo-Min stopped by the hotel and took us shopping and lunch. They gave a tour of Seoul which I didn't get to do the first time I was here. I was surprised by quite a few people when they tried talking about us in Korean.

It was fun. Mom bought a few souvenirs. Dad bought some Soju and a few sauces and trinkets.

Mom and I bought another dress. Yon bought two dresses at this little shop Yon knew about. I bought an embroidered comforter. I had it boxed and we went to the American embassy to Mail it back to San Francisco.

We were exhausted by 3 pm. We stopped for coffee. That perked us up. Between Mom, Dad, and I, we bought a dozen bags of Korean coffee. With everyone traveling with us we were under the limit.

The next day was Tournament day. We arrived at the Olympic Village 4 hours early. The tournament was sold out. We were 9 rows from the front sitting on the American side.

I sent the pay-per-view links to Ian, Keith, and Caleb. I also sent the links to Peter, Kathryn, Lexi, Emma, and Aunt V.

The opening ceremony was a grand affair. Traditional Korean dancing and, music. They did the Korean and US national anthems. My mom was enjoying all the dancing and entertainment.

Finally, they started introducing the teams. The last two they introduced were Li-Pok and John. The crowd went wild.

This was the men's tournament. 5 fighters on each team. Each fighter scores points for his team. The team with the most points wins. Full contact, only pads on the top of feet, 6-ounce fingerless gloves, foot covers, a cup, and a mouth guard are allowed.

Three rounds, Three minutes per round. A fighter scores one point per strike, two points for takedown, one point reverse, and six points for knockout or submission by tapping or saying Ma'te! (Ma-tay).

The first two matches went the distance, the US was down by two points. The third match was the heavyweights. This match was very entertaining and a bit brutal. Hard strikes and lots of wrestling and throwing each other to the mat. The US won by going the distance by a single point.

Up next was the 180 class, Sean Mitchell. John knew him. He was US national champion the year after John won it. John always said he was glad he didn't have to fight him.

Sean's match went three full rounds with Ji-Ho. Ji-Ho fought in the 180-pound class. Ryan avoided two submission holds and a knockout punch as the match ended. Ryan lost by two points.

The US was down by 3 points going into the John vs Li-Pok match. John had to beat Li-Pok by four points to win the match and the tournament. A tall order for any fighter. Li-Pok is a very formidable opponent.

We had a half-hour intermission before the final match. Dad and I introduced Mom to Yaki-mon-do and wok-fried shrimp. She was skeptical at first but ended up enjoying it.

We sat with the Extended Park family. There were over fifty of us sitting together. Soo-Min had connections with the Olympic Village committee.

They announced the final Match. Jii and Master Moon were talking to John, getting him focused. John was their ringer. Victory rested with John.

I saw that focus in his eyes. No one outside the Park family knew that look better than I did.

John and Li-Pok took positions. John used his best weapon against Li-Pok, his patience. John had studied every tournament Li-Pok fought in.

Li-Pok went on the attack as expected. John changed tactics and used a combination of styles and strikes to slow Li-Pok down. At the end of the first round, they were tied, 3-3.

At the beginning of the second round, Li-Pok was caught by surprise by John's attack. John used a San-bo hip toss. Li-Pok caught more air on the toss than expected. When he hit the mat the wind was knocked out of him. John followed up with a strike to the heart.

The ref blew the whistle and John went to the edge of the mat. While the trainer and Ref checked on Li-Pok. Li-Pok wanted to continue.

They finished the second round. Li-Pok was fighting a little slower and more cautious. Li-Pok was trying to be more patient. The battle became an aerial display of kicks and flips. Li-Pok and John looked like they were wire fighting!

The crowd was roaring! My mom was cheering as loudly as Yon was.

The second round ended, John earned three unanswered points, team scored tied.

The third and final round. Li-Pok and John stalked each other on the mat. They looked like two tigers waiting to pounce on each other. Li-Pok was trying to bait John to strike first.

John remained focused and patient. John dropped his guard several times on his right side. I've seen him do this in sparing sessions several times. Li-Pok took the bait.

Li-Pok over-extended himself a little too much. John dropped and spun on one foot and a leg sweep. Li-Pok fell face-first on the mat. John missed capitalizing on his move. Li-Pok rolled outside the fight zone.

Li-Pok was stunned and angry. They squared off again. John was determined now. Li-Pok was looking to strike first. Li-Pok went for John's face with a high sidekick. John connected with a front kick to his stomach.

Li-Pok dropped to the mat. For almost a full minute with no points scored John gained another. With only 35 seconds left, Li-Pok had to make John tap or knock him out to win.

They squared off for the final time. Li-Pok tried drawing John in. John circled to the outside to his left. Li-Pok attempted a back fist and missed.

John did a leg scissors takedown and punched LiPok in the stomach. John gained 3 points. John attempted an arm bar and Li-Pok escaped. Li-Pok connected with a roundhouse kick to John's chest, knocking him backward.

Li-Pok did a beautiful jump and spinning backkick and missed. John connected with a double punch in his stomach and jaw. Li-Pok went down.

The ref started counting Li-Pok couldn't regain his balance. It was over with only 5 seconds remaining in the third round.

The crowd waited for the decision. Both fighters were bloody and exhausted!

The US men's team won for the first time ever. Over fifty years they have competed. This was a major victory for the US and the Park family.

Like before, we went to Soo-Min's home in the mountains. My mother was impressed with the beauty of the property.

We had a grand celebration. The party went on until late in the evening. We ended up staying the night. My parents danced half the night away. John and I did too.

I was so happy and proud I could barely sleep.

We spent Sunday getting ready to go home. John and his family were still at the family home. Soo-Min stopped by our hotel. She wanted to talk to me.

My Mom went with me while Dad continued to pack our things.

We ordered coffee. Ree I want to talk to you about your relationship with my nephew, Soo-Min said.

Is there something wrong? Asked my mother.

Yes, Brenda,, there is! Said Soo-Min said. My family is trying to arrange marriage for John and the daughter of a close family friend.

My jaw dropped! I was stunned!

John never said anything to me! I said.

Of course not My husband is talking to his parents right now!

It is one of many old customs in Korean Culture. Said Soo-Min.

My Rianna and John have dated exclusively for four years now! Said my mother. They are very much in love!

Yes, I know, and I'm very fond of you, Ree! I am. But you are not Korean. You also can't have children. It's a matter of lineage and honor that we do this. I take no pleasure in telling you this.

We are both too young to be married I said. John isn't through college yet. He can't get married and start a family. He will be married the summer he graduates college. He will be married here at our family home.

This isn't fair! I said. I've done nothing to dishonor your family! I said.

No, Ree, you haven't! You are an honorable young woman. This isn't just my decision, it's the family's decision!

Doesn't John get a say in this? I asked!

He does! But if he turns this down. His family would be excommunicated from the rest of us.

So that's it? Our relationship is over? Because I'm not Korean and can't bear children?

You were a boy at one time! We can't have a transgender person married into our family! I am very sorry! I hope you will try to see things from my side! I like you Rianna. You're a good person, and you have a deep respect for our culture. I'm sure in time you'll understand this is for the best.

The best? John asked me out four years ago. I've never even looked at another boy! I've read about arranged marriages in your culture. It's not a normal practice these days and hasn't been in years. I said

Yes, that's true! But our family lineage can be traced back for over five thousand years. We come from a very old and noble lineage. Your relationship with John has to end. Said Soo-Min.

Yon and Jii never mentioned anything about this to me, I said

Yon and I talk all the time said my mother. Not once has she ever expressed concern for our children and their relationship!

I'm very sorry for this! My family waited until you were all here to explain things face-to-face. We figured we owed you that much.

You need to let John go Ree!

You do realize he's living with me this summer with friends of my family while he interns at the same law firm I work at? I asked a huge favor to get him this opportunity. I said.

Yes, Ree, I know, and he will have to return home to his parents after he returns to the States. Said Soo-Min.

Soo-Min, you and your family are wrong this time! Said my mother. My Rianna may have been a boy at one time. However, she is my daughter! She has been through hell and back several times in the last four years!

She endured a brutal assault and had to change her gender because of her injuries. Did you know she flat-lined twice in the hospital while they tended to her wounds?

How did she respond to all of it! She became a model daughter and a successful young woman. She is intelligent, caring, loyal, and hard-working. Your family would be lucky to have her as an in-law.

All this is true, but the fact remains she was a boy and she can't have children. We have to protect our lineage! I'm sorry but it's really that simple! Said Soo-Min.

I'm truly sorry ladies! I am if there was another way, I would love to help you, but it's a family decision and my hands are tied. Please try to understand.

Thank you for your time and listening, said Soo-Min.

She dropped money on the table for coffee and left.

My Mom had a tear in her eye. I suddenly broke down and started crying.

I was barely able to walk back to our room. I went into the master bedroom, closed the door, and began to cry a river of tears. I felt like my heart was ripped from my chest.

My life was over! I didn't know what I was going to do! What was John going to do! I promised him I'd never get between him and his goals. I respected his family way too much to lash out at Yon or Jii.

I cried for almost two hours. My parents tried to console me, but it was no use!

Finally, my mother asked, Are you staying? Or do you want to go home?

I got up, cleaned myself up and we headed to the airport. I was as distraught and depressed as ever. I wanted to talk to John and his parents, but I didn't want to face them either.

I kept thinking about how I was going to handle things when I got back to San Francisco. Every plan and every idea I had was gone in a ten-minute conversation over a cup of coffee!

How could Soo-Min do this to us! What made it worse was the way I felt when she called me Transgender. I never thought about being transgender. I always thought about myself as a girl. All my friends thought nothing else.

We met up with the Parks at the airport. I could see John was as dumbfounded as I was. Yon and Jii couldn't look at me. It was the look of shame on their faces.

I wanted to talk to them, but a crowded airport was not the place for this conversation. I walked up to John and took his hand. I didn't kiss him like I normally did. I let my heart-broken eyes do the talking.

John pulled me in for a hug, but I resisted his efforts.

Ree! He said softly and directly. I know what happened, I was just as surprised as you. I'm not any happier than you are. If you love me as much as I love you, you need to trust me!

But what about us? Your internship? I asked.

You need to trust me! I will take care of it! But it's going to take time. Said John.

We flew back to San Francisco. He held my hand almost the entire time! His affection felt the same. But somehow I feared another shoe was going to drop.

When we got to San Francisco, John's parents got a hotel room for us and invited us to dinner.

Everyone! Yon started talking. First thing before we start, I want to say neither Jii nor myself could foresee what happened today. This was not anything we wanted.

Rianna we think the world of you. We think of you as a daughter! Our girls look up to you! The situation we find ourselves in is far more complicated than we realize.

Jii started to talk. Rianna this situation has nothing to do with you! Yes, you are affected by it, but I have a sneaking suspicion this was planned a long time ago. These things they sprung on us take time. It's easy to keep secrets when you have 11 thousand miles of ocean separating us.

What are we going do, Dad? Asked John

Soo-Min is demanding you quit your internship and not live with or near Rianna.

I can't quit! I just started! Said John.

You're not quitting, John! You're not changing anything! You, my son! As long as you make good decisions, your mother and I will back you up!

You worked hard to get where you are. I'll be damned if I'm going to let someone 11 thousand miles away tell us what to do! This kind of thing is exactly why I never moved back to Korea.

Ree, we love you! You have been respectful, kind, and considerate. You are the girl every parent hopes a son will find. Jii said.

What do you need from us asked my Dad.

For the moment discretion! Keep your social media on the down low where Ree and John are concerned.

John, as far as anyone knows, you broke up with Rianna. Keep your job. I'll handle that. Said Jii. No one has the right to tell you that you have to sacrifice your education.

Ree, keep things between you and John as discreet as possible. Said Yon.

As bad as you both feel, we feel equally as bad and twice as embarrassed! Said Yon.

I'll keep everyone informed when I know more. For now, just keep things quiet. Said Jii.

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