"How's the data collection?" Dr. Jeffrey Chen asked Michaelle, since she is one of the point persons of their team.
"Well, it's fine. Everybody works very hard, so in just three days, we were almost done." Dr. Yoon proudly said.
"Ohh. Good teamwork huh? By the way, don't forget about the dinner. KC really misses you, especially Baby Rein."
"Alright, Dr. Chen."
"Ohh. I almost forgot to ask, you're aware that Henry and Clara would be there right?"
"What!?!" Dr. Yoon almost yelled. Everybody in the nurse station looked at their direction.
Dr. Chen released a very hard laugh. "Well, now you're aware. Tell Dr. Lee about your plans for tonight. He has the right to know. You know, it may cause a petty fight." then he left with a wide smile in his lips.
Michaelle released a long deep sigh. She was still writing the data that she had collected in the neurosurgical department when her phone rings.
She glances at the screen of her phone to see who the caller is. "Ice Prince." She read and immediately took the call.
"Yes, Dr. Lee."
"Too formal Baby."
"I'm in the Neuro-ICU section. What is it?"
"Ohh. That's why. By the way, I have a precious visitor at this moment."
"Precious? Who is it?"
Rein whisper something but she can't clearly hear it. "Say it. Over the phone." after a moment of silence, someone says "Mama." Dr. Lee chuckled.
"Ohhh. He said, Mama. That's the first time." She starts packing her things up. "Thank you." She said to the nurses on the ward before she walks and leaves. "Where are you?"
"In my office. Are you done working?"
"Yeah. I'll be right there. Is Mrs. Co there?"
"A while ago. I let her take her lunch first."
"Ok. Maybe we could also eat lunch now. Say at the cafeteria?"
"Alright then. We'll be waiting for you here. I love you."
"Ok. I love you too."
-------------------------
The hospital cafeteria is half full when they arrived. Most of the people eating there are hospital employees.
"Are you sure you wanted to eat here?" Dr. Rein reconfirmed his girlfriend's decision.
"Yeah. I think Baby Reign would like to try the food here. Right baby?" Then she gave a look to her son who is now in his father's arm.
"Mama." Then he smiled at her.
"Oh! I can't believe that you are now calling me mama." She pinched his son's left cheek. "Though you learn to say Papa first. I can't believe it either! I'm the one who raised you by myself and yet your first clear word is Papa." She jokingly said. Though there is a hint of slight disappointment.
Rein chuckled, while Baby Rein laughed. As if he really understood every word that her mother said.
"Fine. Laugh all you want." Then she goes straight to the counter area.
"You really want to piss off mama. You're a little evil inside." Michaelle heard Rein behind her. They were now standing in line, waiting for their turn to get a healthy lunch.
"Did they have a high chair in here?" Michaelle turns around to face the two.
"I think they have here." Then he pointed out a child seating in one of the highchairs near them.
"Maybe I'll get our food and you both get a vacant table and a highchair." She commanded Dr. Rein.
Dr. Rein rolled his eyes. "Alright, Boss." then he left with their child.
Michaelle softly laugh. She didn't imagine that she will be commanding a bossy doctor like Dr. Rein Lee.
-------------------------
Michaelle is holding a tray of healthy lunch, with two servings of red sauce pasta, mango and watermelon shake, a small box of fresh milk and a plate of clubhouse sandwich. She carefully walks while scanning the area. After two minutes of searching, she finally saw the two. Baby Rein is seating on a highchair, a female doctor is looking down at him, seems she was talking to him. While Dr. Lee is observing them, his chin is leaning against his right hand and he is smiling.
'He is smiling?' she said to her mind. "He is smiling? What? He's smiling at her?!" the words materialized, though nobody heard her.
She immediately walked towards them as if she is ready to kill a wild boar. Then she paused. She realized that she needs to calm herself down. She doesn't want to make a scene.
"Hi, Baby. You're really cute. Can I have you?" She heard from the female doctor who eventually pinched her son's cheek. "You look like your dad. Ohh I really want one!"
"Really? You can borrow my boyfriend if you really want a beautiful baby like my son." She calmly said. Though inside her, she is storming out.
The female doctor and Dr. Lee turned their eyes to Michaelle. "Ohh, you are his mother. Now I know why the baby is really cute. By the way, I'm Dr. Lim. Ellie Lim, from neuro department." She offers her hand to Michaelle to give her a handshake.
"Sorry. Holding a tray of food." Michaelle said. But she didn't give her any hint that she is pleased to meet the other female doctor. Even a weak smile.
"Ohh I see. Maybe I'll leave now so you could eat your lunch. Bye Baby. Bye, Dr. Lee. See you around." then she smiled at him before she left.
He smiled back but didn't say a word. Michaelle saw what just happened and she didn't like it. She put the tray on the table and pull the chair before she takes the seat. Her mood was now fully ruined.
"What?" Rein confusingly asked her.
"Nothing." she plainly replied without looking at him.
"When you said it's nothing, it means there's something. Now, what is it? Come on. Tell me."
"I said nothing." she turned around to face her son. "MY baby Rein," she emphasized the word My. "I'll just wipe your face first before you take your lunch. You know, somebody put germs into your cheeks." then she gets a facial wipe from her bag.
"Ohh..." Rein chuckled.
"What?"
"Nothing." but he continues to laugh.
Michaelle rolled her eyes. She was about to stand when Dr. Lee immediately stops her from doing so.
"Don't get jealous. She's nothing compared to you." He said while looking directly into her eyes.
"Who said I'm jealous of her?"
"You." he smiled. "or let's better say, your actions actually."
"No I'm not." she continues wiping Baby Reins cheeks
"Yeah right."
"I said I'm not!" She almost yelled. Some of the people there turned their eyes to their direction.
"Calm down Baby. Ok, ok. I'm wrong. Alright, you're not."
There is a minute of silence before Michaelle decided to look at him.
"You smiled at her." She looks down.
"and?"
"You never smile to other girls."
"Baby." He reached for her hand. He gently caressed her fingers. "I smiled at her because I'm happy."
"What? You're happy that-"
"Wait. Let me finish." He smiled. "I smiled because I'm happy with my life, not because I'm happy about her intruding my time with Baby Rein. I realized that I'm very lucky. Really lucky." He intently stares at her.
"What? I didn't get it."
"I'm sorry. It's hard for me to express my feelings into words. Alright. I smiled because while she was talking to Baby Rein, I saw from her eyes that she really adore our child. She genuinely wants him. Someone is jealous of what I have in my life." He paused as if reminiscing some sad memories. "Two years ago, I can't imagine that I will be this happy. Really happy."
"Rein, people are jealous of you even the time that Baby Rein isn't yet born. You are a great doctor, intelligent, good looking, rich. What else..."
"But I'm not happy. Now I could be proud of what I have in my life now." He paused. "I'm happy. And I know they are jealous of me because I have a beautiful child and a wonderful woman in my life."
Michaelle was about to get emotional but prevent herself when she saw Dr. Chen with Dr. Kim coming to their direction.
"Another intruder." She gestured to the direction of their two senior doctors.
"Hello, you two! Ohh, three!" Dr. Chen cheerfully greeted them. "Hi, Baby Rein!" He kneeled down to face his nephew.
Baby Rein smiled at his uncle. He is obviously pleased with him.
"Is this your child? Dr. Yoon, Dr. Lee." Dr. Kim asked the two.
"Yes, Dr. Kim." Dr. Lee smilingly responded.
"Ohh. This is new. You're smiling." Dr. Kim noticed the change in Dr. Lee's facial expression.
"Yeah. You know. I have a son and-"
"Dr. Lee. Stop." Michaelle pulled Dr. Lee's hand.
"Ohh. Somebody here is being shy." It's Dr. Chen. This time he is holding Baby Rein into his arms. "By the way Shobe, don't forget about the dinner, alright?"
"Dinner?" Dr. Lee confusedly asked Michaelle.
"Ohhh. I guess you haven't told it to Dr. Lee yet." He gave his sister a weak and awkward smile. "Maybe we should go get our food first. I'll borrow Baby Rein for a couple of minutes. Bye!" With that, he immediately walks away without hearing other people's replies. Dr. Kim just released a soft laugh before he bid goodbye to the two and followed Dr. Chen.
"So?" Rein asked his girlfriend. His right eyebrow is arching up.
"Ohhh. About that. I was about to tell you that later. But I guess, later is not a good idea." She released a long sigh. "Here is the thing. KC, Dr. Chen's fiancée wanted to have dinner with us. She really misses Baby Rein, and she wanted to know you. But I am not forcing you to come. Take note of that."
"I'll come with you. That's not a problem with me."
"Even if Henry, your brother and his wife Clara are there?"
Again, his right eyebrow arched up. "No."
"That's fine. I know it's not easy for you. But could you just drop us there, so you could meet KC?"
"I think that's not a bad request." He plainly said.
"Rein." She reached for his right hand. "I love you."
"You know I can't withstand that." Rein surrendered and give her a wide smile. "I love you too Princess."
------------------------
"Give me a call later. I'll fetch you later." Rein told his girlfriend. They are now in the parking lot of a five-star hotel, where the venue of the dinner is located.
Michaelle shook her head. "I think KC will insist to give us a ride back to my mother's place. She will be staying with us tonight.
"So I can't spend this night with you?"
"You could come over to our place if you want."
"Ok. I will think about it."
"Alright then."
"If I can't help it and misses you so much and Baby Rein, maybe I'll break to your room's window." Rein jokingly responded.
Michaelle released a soft laugh. "You could come through the main door you know? Mama really likes you, so staying with us is not really a big issue."
Rein's mood lightened up. "Really? She likes me?"
"Yeah. Want to marry my mom?"
Rein widened his eyes. "Not funny Michaelle."
"Just kidding. But yeah. She really likes you. You have her approval."
"I'm glad to know that." He leaned towards Michaelle to give her a quick kiss.
Michaelle smiled and gently touched Rein's left cheek. "Maybe we should go now, it may lead to something if we stay here for another couple of minutes."
"Green." then they both laughed at Rein's comment.
-----------------------
"Are they here yet?" KC, Dr. Jeffrey Chen's Girlfriend excitedly asked.
"On their way here. Calm down honey." it was Dr. Jeffery Chen.
"I think your nephew is really adorable." it was Clara, she is talking to Jeffrey.
"Yeah. He really is. Baby Rein is very cute." Jeffrey excitedly replied.
"What? Baby Rein?" Clara surprisingly uttered.
Henry, who has been quiet for a while shockingly looks at his best friend.
"They are here!" KC excitedly stand up to meet her soon to be sister-in-law. "Shobe!" she immediately hugs her. "I miss you! Where is our Baby Rein?"
"Hi KC! I miss you too! But I'm guessing you missed Baby Rein more than you missed me?" they were at the entrance of the Restaurant.
KC softly laugh. "Of course! So where is he?"
"Calm down lady. He is with his father. You know he's quite a shy type." She winked at KC before she turned her gaze to her right.
A handsome young man, holding a baby who is exactly look like him step forward to Michaelle's right.
"Ohh!" KC accidentally bit her tongue. Her eyes obviously looked shock.
"KC, this is Rein, Baby Rein's father. My boyfriend of course!" Michaelle said to KC. A bit of humor was evident to her tone.
KC eventually regain herself. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was a bit shocked. You really look like our baby Rein."
"Just a bit shocked?" Michaelle teasingly asked KC.
"Stop it Michaelle. Ok. I was really surprised." KC shyly surrendered. "Oh, that's why Baby Rein was named after his father. He-"
"For God sake KC. I'll stop you from what you are about to say. Yes, they really look alike."
"I'm sorry for Michaelle's behavior. I'm pleased to meet you. It's Rein." He offered his right hand for a handshake.
"Oh, I'm KC. Jeffrey's fiancée." She accepted his hand. "By the way, you don't have to apologize for Chaelle's behavior. I'm quite immune to it. But still, I do hope that Baby Rein could also get yours."
"What do you mean by that KC? Are you both making fun of me?" Michaelle calmly said. But there is a hint of danger from her tone.
"No Baby, you know its-" It is Rein, being defensive now.
"Shut up. Come on. Let's meet the others." she grabbed his left arms and winked at him. They both smiled at each other before they followed KC to their table.
----------------------
"Jeffrey told me that you all already know each other. So I guess there's no need for a formal introduction." KC said to the other couple.
There is an awkward moment upon the arrival of Michaelle and Rein. Clara can't directly look at them, while Henry is staring down.
"Alright then. So lets us start the night." KC took a seat in front of Jeffrey, to her right is Clara who is still quiet. Henry who is in front of his wife Clara also doesn't know what to say.
"Chaelle, please seat beside me." KC was pointing to a vacant seat to her left side.
"Baby Rein will be seating in a highchair beside me." It was Jeffrey. A high chair was placed at Jeffrey's right.
"Ah Atsi, Ahia. Rein will be leaving now. He has important things to attend. So, he can't join us now."
"I'm sorry Dr. Chen, as much as I wanted to stay, there are some things that I must do right away." Rein calmly mutter. It was followed by a vow.
"It's ok. We understand." Dr. Jeffrey smilingly uttered. "Oh, I almost forgot, Goodluck on the project Dr. Lee, don't worry too much, I'm here to support you." Jeffrey smiled again to Dr. Lee.
"Thank you, Dr. Chen." He awkwardly smiled and took another bow. "I'll see you tomorrow," he said to Michaelle.
"Ok. Take care." She smiled at him then whispered something.
"For you, I will. And, I love you too." and with that, he made his exit.
"Omg! I didn't know that Dr. Lee is very expressive of his feelings. He is such a sweet guy! I thought he's more of a reserved type." KC leaning her head to Michaelle's right shoulder.
On the other hand, she gained a teasing smile from his brother Jeffrey. This makes her blush even more. The other couple was a bit uncomfortable with what is happening.
"Ohh. I remember, Henry, you're Dr. Lee's brother. So, that makes you Baby Rein's uncle, am I right?" KC talking to Henry.
He smiled at her before he gave his answer. "Yes."
"Amazing. So you want to hold him?"
Jefffrey and Chaelle looked at each other. They have no idea what is KC up to.
"Well, if I am permitted to." Henry looked directly at Michaelle's eyes. As if he is saying, 'Yes, I am talking to you'.
"That would be no problem." Michaelle gave him her most awkward smile.
"Alright then." Henry stood up and make his way to get his nephew.
He carefully lifts up the baby and holds him into his arms.
"So?" KC's intriguing question.
"What?" Henry has no idea of KC's meaningful inquiry.
"Nothing." She wickedly smiles. "Oh. You have the same eyes."
"Really?" then everyone in their table looks at Henry's direction.
"Yeah Henry. He got your eyes." Jeffrey agreed on KC.
"No." Michaelle paused for a while before she continued talking without looking to the people around her. "It is more of Rei's eyes." Her tone is as if defending his guy.
"Alright then," Henry said while putting back Baby Rein into the highchair.
There are a few minutes of silence after the thing about Baby Rein's eyes happened. Clara, on the other hand, was really uncomfortable with what's going on. Luckily the food that they had ordered already came.
"Oh thank goodness! I am really hungry." it was Jeffrey who broke the silence.
"Honey, please.." KC talking to her fiancé.
"Ok honey. I'm sorry."
"You two are really a cute couple." It was from Clara.
"Us? Cute?" KC asked back.
"Yes. Did I already tell you that I am a big fan of yours? By the way, how's the wedding preparation?"
"Oh really? I'm so flattered." KC smilingly said. "Well, everything is almost done. Oh! Jeffrey told me that your friend is a professional photographer and videographer."
"Yes, he owns the company."
"Oh really? Can we meet him? I wanted to see his works."
"Sure. I will call him tomorrow so we could set a meeting with him. When will you be available?"
"The day after tomorrow. Is that ok?"
"Let's see. I'll let you know if he is available on that day."
"Alright then. Let's eat. The food is getting cold." KC smiled at her.
"Ohh ok." Clara smiled back.
-----------------------------
After almost 2 hours of eating and catching up, their group split into two.
"Thanks for tonight. Just let me know if your friend is available. If not, just ask him when will be the best time." KC said while leaving Clara and Henry in the parking lot.
"Alright. It was a good night with you guys. I'll see you. Bye!" Clara wave her hand to KC.
"Bye Clara, bye Henry. Take care." Then the three of them and the sleeping baby Rein left the couple.
Inside the car, Clara is quiet. That is not usual of her since she is more of a talker especially when she and Henry were left alone.
"You're quiet. What's the matter?" Henry asked his wife when the traffic light turns red.
"Nothing." Clara plainly said.
"You're quiet. It is unusual of you."
Clara released a deep breath. "Ok. Here's the thing. I'm sad."
"And why is that?"
"I want a baby."
"Sweetie." Henry turned his gaze to her.
"We've been trying for 2 years, Henry. And yet, we didn't get pregnant."
"Sweetie. We will be. In God's time."
"No!" Clara almost yelled. "I want now. I want a baby now! As in now."
"Clara." Henry closed his eyes as if calming himself. "Is it about Baby Rein?" Henry looked directly on Clara's eye. "Tell me the truth. You want a baby because you want one or just because Michaelle has one?"
Clara didn't reply. She turned her eyes to the other side because she doesn't know how to tell Henry that in fact, he is right.
"Alright. I'll take it as a yes." He pressed the pedal and drove fast without saying another word to her wife.
----------------------
"Thanks KC for this wonderful night," Michaelle said while stepping up on the stairs.
"Please look at the steps. You're holding our precious Baby Rein." KC seems more concerned of the Baby now than anything else.
"Ohh. I'm sorry mam. I'll be putting Baby Rein on his bed now." Michaelle jokingly replied.
"And please be careful." It was Jeffrey, obviously riding on the joke.
"Shut up Jeffrey!"
"It's Ahia to you Michaelle." He wrapped his arms around KC's waist before they turned their back to his sister.
"Goodnight Chaelle" it was KC, without looking back at her.
"Night people." Then she walks towards the hall to her bedroom.
------------------------------
While holding baby Rein in her right hand, she carefully inserts the key to the keyhole. When she heard the click sound, she carefully turned the doorknob with her left.
She slightly pushes the door and was about to enter her room when her key fell to the ground. "Careless." She whispered to herself. Before she could kneel down to grasp the key on the floor, someone did it first.
"I think you need my help." The voice from the kneeled man on the floor is, of course, came from her boyfriend.
She surprisingly looked down at him. "I-I didn't expect that you were here."
"Well, it's supposed to be a surprise." Rein smilingly looked up to her lady.
"Alright. You got me. Come on, help me to put baby Rein on his-" Michaelle almost bit her tongue on the sight of her bedroom.
Red rose petals where scattered on the floor while red heart-shaped balloons are floating in the air. The wall is filled with glowing Christmas lights as if like those stars shining in the sky. She almost fails to notice that there were tiny bubbles rooming around.
"What is this?" She finally finds her tongue that she had almost swallowed earlier.
Rein was still on his knee when he opens a rectangular box in front of her. He didn't say a word.
"Rein! Say something. You are creeping me out." Using her shaking left hand, she reached out for the thing inside the red rectangular box. "This is-"
"Yes Baby. That is yours. The bracelet that signifies your union to our family. The bracelet that is customarily made for each member of our family." He finally broke his silence.
"You're giving me this? So are you proposing to me?" She is still not sure of what is going on.
"I thought you're a smart doctor. What else could it be?"
"Really? This is your way of getting my yes? Very romantic Rein. Very romantic." She smirked at him before she looked intently on the bracelet. "Can I wear it?"
"Yes. But after you gave your answer to my question."
"What question?"
Rein took a deep breath. He is really nervous right now. But he didn't want her to notice it. He smiled at her before he opens his mouth. "Michaelle Yoon. Will you be my best friend, partner-in-crime, critic, the light of my home, the mother of my children, and most importantly, the doctor of my life?" Rein gave his shy but the sweetest smile while still on his knee, waiting for her answer.
"Rein." Her eyes were now filled with tears. She can't talk because of the overflowing joy that she is feeling right now.
"Shhh." He stands up to give her his warmest hug. "I know it's really big and it's hard to contain the emotions inside of you. I am not compelling you to give your answer now. Please think about it. Ok? Just so remember that whatever it is, I will understand."
"Rein. I will-"
"No. Don't. Please think about it carefully. I don't want you to give your answer if you are not sure of it. Alright?" He kissed her forehead before he enclosed her to his warm embrace.
"Alright. If that's what you want. Although you know that I already have my answer."
"Don't spoil the moment. I know that you are really into me. But just this time, let me be the one who fell head over heels to you." it was followed by a soft laugh.
"Yah right! As if." she jokingly slapped his chest.
"Ouch!"
"As if it really hurts."
"Yes, it did. Is it your way of saying no?"
"Of course-" She was cut by his index finger.
"Save it. I said think about it first."
"You really are serious about that."
"Yes of course. I don't want you to regret your decision."
"Rein. You know that I lo-" again, she was stopped by her boyfriend. But this time, it was through a kiss.
"Satisfy?" He smiled. "Let's go to sleep. I know you're already tired of dealing with difficult people of the past. He gets Baby Rein from her and carefully guides her inside the room.
"Yeah. And you left me while suffering with them."
"Of course not. I was busy preparing all of these. I want to do it personally."
"Really? Did you do it by yourself?"
"Yes. Ohh. I got some idea from your brother."
"So Jeffrey know about this?"
"Yes. And KC? I think?"
"Those two weirdos!"
"Thank those two weirdos."
"Maybe tomorrow. Let's rest."
"Ok, I'll put Baby Rein first to his crib." Rein was about to enter baby Rein's room when Michaelle stop him by a hug from behind.
"Thank you. It really made me happy."
"I know." He smiled.
"I love you Rein."
"And I love you more."