One Boy's Journey Chapter 41

Written by Brianna Demonet

That night I slept like a rock. I woke up early and did my routine and started swimming. I completed over 30 laps and still had more energy. I decided to push for 50.

I had ten laps to go when the lights came on in the kitchen. I finished my laps and toweled off.

Martina was already making breakfast.

I took a shower and came back quickly, or breakfast would get cold. Martina had a big smile for me.

She didn't have to tell me twice. I showered quickly, put on my Mustang sweats, and hustled downstairs.

Martina's skillet scramble is a treat to not be missed.

Aunt V came downstairs.

So what are your plans for today, young lady, now that you're a free woman again?

The three of us laughed.

Today I'm organizing my school schedule and classes. I have an orientation class at UNLV on Tuesday next week, and I have to start packing up for Korea. My flight is on Thursday.

That's right young lady! We're going to have a lot of fun too!

I turned around, and Mom and Dad were behind me!

I was so caught up by yesterday that I forgot they were here. I rushed and hugged them.

Where's Detective Smith?

Knock knock at the door

Detective Smith was at the door.

Morning detective!

Call me Paul, Ree!

Morning Paul.

We sat down and had breakfast.

I'm glad you are here Paul, but I don't know why?

Mr Fountain called Judge Franks and told him the situation you were in. Judge Franks immediately called my Chief and asked me to fly out here with the details of your case.

I'm sorry you didn't get the chance to present it.

On the contrary, I had a conversation last night with the DA and Mr Stieg. We conferenced with Mr. Summers as well. Turns out the DA was never informed about your case at all, even after Mr Fountain demanded it.

Mr Stieg was suspended for 90 days and encouraged to find employment elsewhere.

Do you know exactly what will happen to Bart and Chandler?

They took a plea of misdemeanor assault, 12 months suspended sentence, and 2 years probation. Fortunately for them, their parents have connections and hired very good attorneys.

You and your friends are fully cleared of any wrongdoing.

Thank you, Detective Paul. Please thank Mr Summers and Judge Franks for me.

I will Ree.

I have to say your actions are some of the bravest things I've witnessed as a cop. But next time don't go in without backup! Cops never engage without backup, I don't care what the TV shows say.

Yes, sir, I said.

Everyone laughed.

Thank you, everyone, for breakfast, but I must be heading home.

I'll give you a ride Paul. Said Dad.

Thank you, Paul, for everything! Please thank Judge Franks and Mr Summers too! I asked again.

I will Ree, behave yourself and good luck with school.

I hugged Paul again. I watched as he left for the airport.

I spent most of the day getting organized for school on Tuesday. I had a lot of reading to do before my first class at UNLV. I was excited but nervous as well. The good news is the college course would cancel a requirement for my class in high school and allow me to take additional classes.

The counselor at Stanford said the more classes I had completed the better my chances for acceptance.

I worked most of the day at my computer. Mom came up and said you need a break.

Dad said, let's check out the house!

We walked over to the new house and I saw it was ready to move in. I was thrilled with the progress that was made. It was decorated similarly to Aunt V's house, but it was a little more modern. Only because everything was brand new.

My dad engineered a brand new entertainment system for the living room, with a 90-inch flat-screen television in it. The den was done similarly with a smaller TV and a Karaoke machine. The house had crown molding in every room.

The house had a certain amount of elegance to it without being gaudy. I noticed the kitchen cabinets and countertops were different. I asked about the cabinets and countertops.

Your mother and I decided to change them a while back. Don't worry nothing went to waste. Let me show you.

Dad took me to the garage. He put all the kitchen cabinets in the garage and added extra lights and ceiling fans in the garage. He even had the garage floor painted with industrial epoxy. There was another television in the garage as well.

It's beautiful! When are we moving in? I asked.

Soon! I have a couple of weeks left before I officially retire, and your Mom has to transfer the business license and permits to the salon. Then we start packing up the truck and the trailer. The movers aren't scheduled yet but they will be soon.

Are you selling your house? I asked.

No, sweetheart, I'm not. My daughters are going to take ownership of it. They want it for now and it was one of my late wife's last wishes for them to inherit it.

I can understand that, I said, smiling.

Your mother and I are not sure of the dates yet but we will be moved in before school starts.

That's great! I said.

It was great that everything would be settled. But inside myself, I was conflicted. I love my parents, but I have a great life with my Aunt V. While I was sure things would not change much, I was still worried, especially about Aunt V.

Aunt V has been a rock for me. Through everything life has thrown at me, Aunt V has been my superhero! We have grown so close over the last year. It's going to be a shock to both of us.

When we got back to the house, Mom was in the kitchen with Martina. Martina was teaching my mom how to cook her wet burritos.

Another thought passed through my head, no more Martina. I really loved Martina. She was more of a friend. My first friend when I moved out here. I had to stop worrying about all this stuff. I knew everything would work out.

After dinner, Mom and Dad decided to help me start packing up for my trip to Korea. John was leaving on Monday with Jii and his trainer Mr.Moon. We still had a few days before he left.

Mom, being Mom packed me two of everything, it seemed. I was only staying until Sunday. By the time Mom was done, I had both my Korean formal dinner dresses, a host of skirts, blouses, and a couple of skater dresses.

John said it would be very humid over there. I was used to humid summers in Ohio. Mom went a little overboard with my clothes and shoes.

I called Yon and asked her how I should dress. She said it wasn't really any different than here, but conservative goes a long way. We spoke Korean for a little while on the phone. She said I was getting better.

I've been studying Korean since Christmas vacation. John has been a big help. John was a true linguist. John spoke Korean and English, and thanks to me, his Spanish was improving.

My Spanish was top notch according to Anita. We Aced Spanish together. Martina was a huge help.

Mom and Dad flew back to Ohio. The following Tuesday, I had my first class, and Martina took me. She waited in the back of the room while the instructor went through everything. I had already completed my first two assignments and the Quiz. We had another quiz in class. I aced it.

With John gone for the week, I took advantage of the free time and decided to get ahead because of my trip. I took my book, phone, and tablet with me on the plane.

Dad was a light packer. One small suitcase, a garment bag, and a carry-on. On the other hand, I had one large suitcase, a garment bag, and a carry-on bag.

The airport shuttle took us to the Hilton Hotel. Seoul is a big city. It looked like Chicago. Packed streets and sidewalks with people everywhere. Buses and taxis racing everywhere.

Dad held my hand almost the entire time. I know most girls wouldn't like that sort of thing. But growing up without a father, I felt like I had to make up for lost time.

Walking into the hotel was pure luxury. Mostly modern American with a nice mixture of Korean culture. We checked in, and a bellhop helped us with our bags.

We had a two-room suite. The light on the phone was flashing. Dad answered it.

Jii! It's Dan... Yes we just got in. Okay, yeah, no problem; we'll see you in about an hour. Okay, I will see to it! We'll see you soon.

What's up, Dad?

Gii will be picking us up in about an hour for dinner with their family.

What color shirt are you wearing?

Dark blue, but Gii told me to tell you to wear the dark red dress.

I need the bathroom. Okay, kiddo, just knock before you come out because I'll be changing too.

Our room had a small kitchenette with a sink. I took a very quick shower and tied my hair up Korean style. I added the hairpins Yon gave to me for my birthday. I wore the hoops John bought for me and added small ruby earrings my mom gave me.

I added my false eyelashes and did my signature cat-eye eyeliner and a dark red smokey eyes eyeshadow. I tried very hard not to make it too heavy. My dark cherry red dress, black stockings, and garter belt. I wore my black 4-inch Jimmy Choo heels.

I knocked, and Dad said it was decent. I walked into the room, and he was shaved, cleaned up, and even looked a little trimmer and fit than the first time I remembered.

Dad, did you lose weight?

About 15 pounds. I've been so busy with working on everything I lost a few pounds.

You look great, Dad!

Thanks, kiddo!

Wow! You look amazing! You look just like your mother!

Thanks, Dad.

Are you ready?

No, not really, but let's do it anyway! I said.

Okay! Dad chuckled

I grabbed my purse and we went downstairs. Dad looked great in his black suit mom bought for him. He had a dark blue dress shirt and the Prada dress shoes my mother insisted on. He was wearing the Tag Heuer watch mom bought him and a gold wedding band.

We waited at the lobby entrance for about five minutes. I was watching the women and how they dressed. Many of the Korean women were dressed similarly to me. But a lot of foreign travelers were in business suits.

A lot of women reminded me of how Cathy and Becky dressed for work. Elegant and very classy.

I saw John walk in. He looked so handsome. His hair was cut a little shorter than normal and I noticed his suit kinda hung on him a little more than normal.

Dad and I stood up.

John! Dad said in a deep but not overpowered tone.

Dan, good to see you; welcome back to Korea. Ree, you are a sight for sore eyes! He leaned down and kissed my cheek.

Are you ready to go?

Lead the way, son! Said Dad.

I took John's arm and we got in the car. John and I sat in the back as Gii drove us to his family's estate.

Their families farm or estate as I refer to it. It was north of Seoul about 30 minutes outside the city.

It was a very beautiful place, nesting on the side of a large hill. Rice patties are all around it. Flowers bloomed everywhere when we got closer to the house. It was much larger than I imagined it would be.

John's entire family was there to greet us. His uncles and aunts were all waiting near the door as we walked in. I was very nervous not knowing what to think.

I remembered my manners, and Dad, and I bowed. They greeted us in Korean at first.

I was about to respond, and Dad stepped in and said in perfect Korean. Thank you for inviting us to your lovely home.

Before I could say a word, John's sisters came running full steam at me.

Ree!!!!! They squealed.

Hi girls! I said in Korean. As I leaned down and hugged them. I noticed the ladies all smiling at me. So far, so good, I thought.

So you're the young lady we have heard so much about. The nice woman said in English.

Yes Ma'am! Rianna Stevens, pleased to meet you, thank you for inviting us to your beautiful home.

My name is Soo-Min. Welcome we have been wanting to meet you for a long time now. Yon talks about you all the time.

I looked at Yon and she smiled.

I won't bore you with everyone that was there suffice to say it was a lot of people. The only people that weren't family that were there were Mr Moon and his son Evan, Dad, and myself.

Dad and I were given a tour of the property. John stayed beside me the whole time, holding my hand or my arm. The women were all dressed similarly to me. I was complimented on my dress and hair several times.

Yon pulled me to the side. Is that a new dress?

Yes, Aunt Cathy and May bought me a couple more.

Well, it's beautiful! I must say you are doing wonderfully. Everyone is very impressed with you and your father.

Thanks, Yon! I hugged her.

We had a wonderful dinner. I ate with chopsticks, and so did Dad. He fit right in with everyone. I wish Mom could have come.

John and I ended up taking a walk through the garden. There was a tea ceremony set up on the small balcony porch.

I began my tea service for him. We sat down and drank tea and kissed.

I've missed you so much, John.

I miss you too Ree.

You know, Ree, now that we have had the tea ceremony on my family's Korean property, it's now official: our relationship is fully accepted by my family and yours.

We kissed for a while and enjoyed the view of the rolling hills. It was almost like the vineyard, magical and peaceful.

We went inside and everyone was clapping and cheering for us.

Soo-Min said welcome to our family Rianna Stevens. She hugged me.

John's sisters were teasing him. Johnny's got a girlfriend!

He smiled and said that's right! You two better be nice to her too!

They hugged me.

We will we promise!

The night ended on a high note. Dad and I were exhausted, and jet lag was kicking in despite the strong Korean coffee.

Dad and I slept on the ride back to the hotel. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 9:30 am. John fights on Saturday afternoon, but there is a girls' tournament tomorrow and young boys in the afternoon. It should be a good show, said Jii

Casual, Jeans will be fine. Just wear comfortable shoes. Said Jii.

He dropped us off, and Dad and I went to the room and were out. It was 10 pm local when we went to bed.

I was up at 3 am wide awake. I called downstairs and found out the pool was open. I left a note for Dad and I went downstairs in my sweats and started swimming. The pool was quiet and I swam until I was exhausted.

It was almost 4:30 am when I got upstairs. I showered quickly and went back to bed. Dad was out he never hardly moved.

I woke up at my 7 am phone alarm. Dad was already up, showered, and dressed. Put some clothes on and let's get some breakfast!

I showered again and put on my skinny jeans and a pink blouse.

I was amazed they had a regular American menu as well as a Korean breakfast. I had the blueberry crepes and bacon. Dad got a ham and cheese omelet.

We went back to the room and finished getting ready.

Jii was right on time. I brought my pink hoodie just in case. I wore my new hip-waist purse. On Dad's advice I kept small bills in my purse and the bigger bills in my socks. I wore my hip purse more like a fanny pack in front. The belt was wide and heavy and had a buckle that kinda locked making it tough to pull off.

We went to the Olympic Village. It was quite a sight. The arena was packed with people.

The first fights we saw were 11 to 12-year-old girls. The girls were good too. They were fighting the American team. I was excited to watch them.

One American girl was from Reno, Nevada, and another was from Tulare, California. They were all great. Dad and I watched with enthusiasm. I was rooting for the American girls. The four divisions that fought that day were split. The Koreans won two and the American team won two in each division.

The boy's fights were a little different. The Korean boys won Three of the four.

Divisions were 9 &10 11&12, 13&14, 15&16. Tomorrow was 17-year-old girls and boys. Five on each team of different weight classes.

They score as a team through the individual matches much like a wrestling team.

John was training and preparing for tomorrow's match. He was fighting in the 190-pound weight class. His opponent was a pure trained fighter! Multiple family generations of tournament and Olympic championship fighters.

John lost to him last year by just one point. John has trained hard this year and added a different style to his arsenal. To be honest John looked more muscular and toned than he did in fall for football.

It's going to be a very interesting day tomorrow. Dad and I sampled the different concessions. The Yaki-mon-do and wok-fried shrimp were really good. I had to watch what I was eating. I could gain ten pounds if I wasn't careful.

Yon showed up with the girls and we all had dinner at the hotel. My Dad paid for it. John had to rest up tomorrow was going to be a very big day.

After dinner, John and I went for a short walk. We found a quiet corner and started kissing. I love how he makes me feel. We cut it short and said goodnight, I will see him tomorrow.

Dad went with me to the pool and I started swimming. Dad jumped in and joined me. I swam until I was tired. We went back to the room and I was up at 7 am. Dad and I went down for breakfast.

Yon and Soo-Min picked us up. We got to the arena two hours early and it was filling up fast.

We took our seats I was sitting between Soo-Min and Dad. John's sisters were excited to see their big brother fight. Jii and Mr Moon were assisting the team in the locker room. We were seated 8 rows back from the center of the platform.

The arena had huge monitors all over displaying the action.

John was fighting last. His match was hyped up for the tournament.

The teams matched out announcements for team USA was first each fighter and their weight class.

What I didn't know was John was the under-18-year-old US amateur champion in the 190-pound weight class. He had won the championship less than a month before we met.

He never told me. I'm not surprised or even upset. John is not a person to brag about his accomplishments. I have a feeling if he wins today his parents and family will do it for him.

The first two fights went the distance in the three rounds they fought. No knockouts. Soo-Min said it's rare for lightweight fighters to knock each other out. At the end of the first two fights, it was USA 9 Korea 11.

The third fight was far more exciting and a bit bloody. The 168-pound class. These boys moved like they were wirefighting in a movie. The American boy was losing in points only scoring 4 points going into the third round to the Korean boys 8 points.

Both fighters were a little wobbly, and their faces bloody. The Korean boy was taunting the American. I understood what he was saying.

We started chanting USA, USA! The boy got up, and the Korean boy was overconfident and dropped his guard for a split second, and the American boy "Danny" gave him an old-fashioned uppercut under his jaw, knocking him out cold.

Score 19 to 19.

The heavyweight was next. Each boy was over 200 pounds. They went two full rounds and scored 5 points each. In round three, the American boy scored five unanswered points. The Korean boy did a spinning back kick hitting the American boy in the side of the head. It was a technical knockout. Knockout is 6 points

Score USA 29, Korea 30

John Park vs Ji-Ho Lee

The announcer pumped up the crowd speaking both Korean and English.

Both fighters were given standing ovations. Dad and I were screaming for John. Soo-Min and Yon were cheering too. John's little sisters were shouting, too. There must have been 30 to 40 thousand people in the arena.

They took their places Ji-Ho was taunting John. John never said a word. I could see John's concentration. When the ref waved his flag Ji-Ho stepped forward with a face punch and missed.

Instead of hitting him, John gave him a hip toss, put him down, and hit him square in the sternum.

2 points, one for a takedown and one for a strike. They were separated and back to starting positions again. John was playing pure defense at this point. Soon it became a violent dance of punching and kicking. It was like watching Bruce Lee fighting his twin.

John did a leg scissors takedown and hit him in the sternum again. John was up two points on Ji-Ho.

Ji-Ho was not done yet, but John's sternum strikes were affecting Ji-ho's stamina. The beginning of the second round. Ji-Ho caught his breath and started fighting John from a distance and tied up the score with quick jabs and a back fist to John's head.

Just before the end of the second round, John hit Ji-Ho in the heart with a solid punch. Ji-Ho stumbled backward, and the clock ran out.

John and Ji-Ho lined up for the final round. Both fighters were giving in to fatigue.

Johnny!!! I yelled remember the diner!!

I saw his face and that renewed focus.

John and Ji-Ho squared off and both fighters went towards one another. Ji-Ho blocks a kick from John's right leg. John landed a 3 punch combo to Ji-ho's stomach and one on his right cheek.

It was then I noticed John was fighting left-handed, instead of right-handed.

Ji-Ho landed a front kick to John's stomach knocking him almost off the platform.

As John caught his balance Ji-Ho stepped back three steps and charged John.

John took two quick steps, jumped in the air, and landed a Superman punch square in Ji-ho's face.

Ji-Ho fell backward. Ji-Ho, being the warrior he is, tried getting up. He was almost to his feet and he collapsed. TKO.

The 17-year-old American team won 44 to 41.

Jii and Mr Moon were jumping up and down. Yon was screaming, and we all were. My Dad was screaming like he was at a football game. John's little sisters were saying that's my brother!

The teams returned to the dressing room and cleaned up for the medal ceremony.

The judges each put gold medals around the necks of the American team. The announcer read off their names. He handed the microphone to John.

John bowed to his team and opponents and the crowd. He thanked the Korean team for a very well-fought and honorable match in Korean and repeated it in English.

John waved to Ji-Ho to come beside him.

Ji-Ho, you may have lost this match today, but you will always be a champion to me and the Korean people. Thank you for a very well-fought match, my brother! John bowed to Ji-Ho.

Ji-Ho returned the bow and they hugged and shook hands.

It was a terrific display of sportsmanship. The crowd was roaring with cheer.

I was crying and screaming.

Ree!!! Ree!! He screamed at me. He handed the mic to the announcer, and Dad said go!

I ran onto the stage and hugged him.

Even as tired as he was he still lifted me in the air. I kissed his cheek.

Thanks, Ree!!

For what?

Diner! That gave me the focus I needed. Your timing couldn't have been better!

Anything for you John!

We kissed on stage.

I have to get cleaned up! I'll see you at the house.

Royal blue shirt John!

I know your aunt V told me!

Dad and I rode with Soo-Min Yon and the girls. We stopped and grabbed our party clothes at the hotel and headed to the house.

When we got to the house Dad, Soo-Min, and Yon. Started decorating the house. We put up streamers and a Big banner for John and the team. We set up the garden with tables and chairs. The food was being catered for today.

Yon, Soo-Min, and I all got ready together. I was just finishing my makeup when Yon walked in.

Would you like me to help you with your hair? Yon asked

Please! I said

Soo-Min saw us. Can I help?

Sure, said Yon.

You have such beautiful, thick hair, Ree! Soo-Min said. I love red hair it goes beautiful with your green eyes. If you dyed it black you would almost pass for Korean!

Thank you I said in Korean.

Soo-Min smiled. Your accent is pretty good too!

I have a good teacher! I looked at Yon.

She is also pretty good at Hap-ki-do too! Said Yon.

Really! Said Soo-Min. I'm impressed. Did you learn all this for John?

Kinda, my adopted aunt Cathy is half Korean and her mother is 100% Korean. My Aunt Cathy and her mother speak five languages.

Cathy said if I want to get into the college of my choice I need to have a diverse profile with grades and extracurricular activities.

Do you speak any other languages? Asked Soo-Min.

I speak Spanish fluently.

She is also a ballet dancer and a cheerleader. Yon said.

Yon and I used to dance together when we were younger, Soo-Min said.

I bet you two were great! I said. We were pretty good said Yon.

Ree, could you do our eyeshadow?

Sure. We continued to chat as we got ready. Dad was escorting the caterers as we got ready.

We just finished as most of the guests started arriving.

Soon, almost everyone was there. We waited for the team to arrive.

John's sisters were playing and watching the driveway.

They're here! They're here! They screamed!

Everyone took their places.

Dad waited at the door.

Dad opened the and shook their hands, congratulating each one. Dad bowed to Jii and Mr Moon.

Did you enjoy the tournament, Jii asked.

It was great. They're all good fighters. John was great today! You must be very proud! Said Dad

I'm extremely proud of my son, Jii said with pride. Ji-Ho defeated John twice when he was 15 and 16. Ji-Ho is a world-class martial artist.

So is your son Jii! I wouldn't be surprised if he was invited to try out for the Olympic team. Said Dad.

Jii just smiled and bowed, Dad bowed back

Meanwhile, everyone was celebrating the tremendous victory. This was the first time the 17-year-old USA team ever beat the Koreans.

We were in Korea celebrating a Team USA victory. It was a major victory and a continued legacy for the Park family. Everyone was family tonight. We ate and celebrated.

Everyone had flights the next morning. As people were filtering out of the house another car pulled in. It was Ji-Ho and his father, Yu Jun.

Welcome said Jii!

Yu-Jun and Ji-Ho bowed.

Congratulations Jii! Said Yu-Jun.

Thank you, Yu-Jun. We are honored by your visit.

I'm very happy for you both. If my son lost a fight, I'm very grateful it was to your son. Our legacy of tradition continues through our sons.

John came out and shook Ji-ho's hand. Welcome my brother! Would you like something to eat or drink?

I could go for some punch, please.

I'll get it, I said. In Korean.

Thanks Ree! Said John

I brought back punch for the three of us.

Ji-Ho this is my girlfriend Rianna!

A pleasure to meet you! He bowed to me I bowed back. He shook my hand softly.

She's very pretty and speaks Korean too!

A little I said in Korean.

She is also pretty good at Hap-ki-do! Said John.

Really? Ji-Ho said.

She is working on studying for her green belt. Said John.

How long have you been studying?

A year I said.

She's also a ballet dancer, said John.

That explains her graceful movement!

You're a great martial artist Ji-Ho. I said.

John was better today!

We made each other better over the years! Said John. I just happened to do a little better today.

John, Ji-Ho and I made our way through the remaining guests.

Dad and the men were chatting and laughing.

It was after 9 pm when we left for the hotel. Soo-Min and John took us back. I asked Soo-Min to stop at the grocery store. I didn't see much of Korea but I wanted to do a little shopping.

I bought three large bags of Korean coffee. Soo-Min helped me pick the best brand. Dad bought 3 more. I wanted to give May and Cathy a bag of coffee. Plus, I knew Aunt V and Martina loved it too.

Dad and I showered and changed for bed and we were out.

We had our last breakfast at the hotel. I had the blueberry crepes again; they are delicious. We took the shuttle to the airport. 11 hours later, we landed in San Francisco, and we changed planes for Vegas.

Aunt V picked us up. Dad and I were exhausted. I had to work hard to stave off the jet lag. I had a lot of schoolwork to do.