A Day to Remember
Written 6/29-30, 2012
(Set in late April-May 2020. The Kita Family (+ In-Laws) work together to do something special for the girls in their lives.)
It had started with an email. HeuSeoh had sent it at sometime on a Thursday.
On Thu, 4/15/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:Hey, guys, I have the greatest idea for the girls this mother’s day. A Bahama cruise!
here’s the page I was looking at. I was just going to give Morgan a nice couple-day vacation to go off and relax on Jeju Island with any friends she can find, but I think it’d be nice to get the whole family together again, and mom would probably
love it. The catch is, we have to meet in Miami, Florida for the port and we seriously all need to chip in.
Email me what you think and
DON’T tell any of the girls!
On Thu, 4/15/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:I don’t have a girlfriend... -.- Why’d you send me this?
On Thu 4/15/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:For Beverly, idiot.... She’s a mother too. ಠ_ಠ
On Thu, 4/15/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:Oh... Yeah. Why do I have to pay for her though? She’s not my wife.
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Eric Black <ericblack@gmail.com> wrote:Just freakin do it, Kasem! I’ll help you pay the way if you need me to. I think it’s an awesome idea.
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Junsu Kita <jun_k@gmail.com> wrote:I like the idea too! But I think Autumn would want her sisters (you know, Lindsey and Jasmine) to come along.
On Fri, 4/16/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:I don’t care who comes, as long as they’re a mother and can pay their own way. :D And BTW, I was talking to cruise company, kids under five go free. So...
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:Sua’s 5... Does she get in free? ಠ_ಠ
On Fri, 4/16/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:ಠ_ಠ................................. Kasem... shut up. Kids
under 5.
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Eric Black <ericblack@gmail.com> wrote:Beverly’s not going to be a fun-sucker, is she?
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:ERIC HAVE A SOUL. I still miss my brother too! D:
Besides, Beverly’s practically become a workaholic. She’ll probably enjoy the break.
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Eric Black <ericblack@gmail.com> wrote:I do have a soul. ಠ_ಠ Thongchai was my friend for just as long as he was Beverly’s....
Why has she become a workaholic? That’s so... un-Beverly.
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:To keep food on the table, keep Sua healthy, etc..... duh. Thailand’s going through a rough economic time. I help her, but I have my own apartment now. I mean, it’s right next to hers, but still...
Besides, she’s pruod. ಠ_ಠ
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Eric Black <ericblack@gmail.com> wrote:What is pruod? I hope it’s not infectious. heh heh
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:I’m dyslexic you heartless, soulless human being!!!!! D<
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Sammy Amato <sammya@yahoo.com> wrote:I want to so be in. o__o But Jaela and I are new parents still in college. TT___TT
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Bayne Black <BB_bball@yahoo.com> wrote:Wow, way to use an email address I made in like... middle school HeuSeoh. lol I’m totally down for this. GenShi would love it and if they have an under five special, I can only assume DJ will love it too.
Sammy-I can help you out for my baby sister. =D
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Sammy Amato <sammya@yahoo.com> wrote:You’re the awesomest brother-in-law ever. =D
On Fri, 4/16/2020, Eric Black <ericblack@gmail.com> wrote:You tryin’ to pick a fight, too? *_*
On Sat, 4/17/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:Forgive me if
someone decided to not keep in touch.
Kasem, Eric, stop fighting, are you two in or not?
On Sat, 4/17/2020, Lanh Amato <violinistLA@hanmail.com> wrote:Junsu forwarded me this... I’m so in. OwO
On Sat, 4/17/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:…. I totally forgot there was someone I should know in Korea with me. Wassup, Lanh? :> Feel free to join us. :D Both your kids will get in free. And, to answer your question Bayne, yes, since it’ll be during Mother’s Day, they’ve got a bunch of activities for moms and their kids.
On Sat, 4/17/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:I’m in. ಠ_ಠ Do they have any specials for uncles?
On Sat, 4/17/2020, Junsu Kita <jun_k@gmail.com> wrote:Probably not, Kasem. haha. But maybe they’ll have something fun for teens. C:
HeuSeoh, I’m ignoring you. Apparently me living two blocks away from you qualifies me as chopped liver. =.=
BTW, HeuSeoh, Enzo said they can’t, and that he’s totally jealous.
On Sat, 4/17/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:Hyung (older brother)! I meant... outside of the immediate family.. :D....... yeah.
Send the money to
this bank account everyone. And leave a message about how many people are coming in your group. I’m paying for mom, so don’t worry about her.
On Sat, 4/17/2020, Junsu Kita <jun_k@gmail.com> wrote:=______________________= How do I know this isn’t just a hoax to get my money?
On Sun, 4/18/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:Junsu.... look... I’m sorry man... Just... give me the money in person and we can even let Ran and JaeSun hang out for a bit, okay? :3
On Sun, 4/18/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:Why aren’t any of our cousins included?
On Sun, 4/18/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:… Do you really wasnt JiSeok to come on this cruise? Don’t you think that’d ruin it? And Kavi’s being punished for breeding like a rabbit. |C
On Sun, 4/18/2020, Eric Black <ericblack@gmail.com> wrote:Regardless of who we
want to come on this trip... Rochelle would literally murder every single one of us if we didn’t include her.
On Sun, 4/18/2020, Bayne Black <bayneblack@yahoo.com> wrote:I invited them already, JiSeok said yes. And for the record, HeuSeoh, this is my most recent email address.
On Mon, 4/19/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:dually noted, Bayne. But damn... I was hoping to avoid those two... -_-
On Mon, 4/19/2020, Bayne Black <bayneblack@yahoo.com> wrote:D.J. and ChoHee have become pretty good friends, actually. I think she’d hate him if he suddenly got to go on a cruise. For the first time since... ever... pretty much, I think I’m slowly starting to become friends with Rochelle.
On Mon, 4/19/2020, Eric Black <ericblack@gmail.com> wrote:O_O Who are you and what have you done to my older brother?!
On Mon, 4/19/2020, Junsu Kita <jun_k@gmail.com> wrote:Is there a certain day/time we’re planning to meet in Miami?
On Mon, 4/19/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:Oh um... not really. I’m just thinking Kasem, you, me and Lanh can all meet in Incheon and/or Japan and fly to Florida from there. Since the cruise leaves on the 8th, why don’t we arrange to meet on the 7th in Florida at the Best Western Hotel
here? Then those of us that need to can readjust to the time difference.
On Mon, 4/19/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:You expect me to take a 23 hour flight with a five year old? ಠ_ಠ
On Tues, 4/20/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:You’ve done an 18 hour flight with a three year old. ಠ_ಠ
On Tues, 4/20/2020, Kasem Kita <kasemkita01@gmail.com> wrote:And then I crashed for a good week trying to get back on Thai time.
On Tues, 4/20/2020, HeuSeoh Kita <hdkita@gmail.com> wrote:You’re impossible. (._. ) okay guys, everything’s settled, the tickets should be coming to me soon! See you in... 17 days. :D
Except you Junsu. I’ll see you sooner in an attempt to get you to stop hating me.
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Bayne (31), GenShi (29), and Devyn (7)
“Honey, I love a surprise as much as the next person but I swear if you keep this blindfold on me any longer I will make it look like you’re kidnapping me.” GenShi insisted a little bit too loudly, biting her lip in frustration and digging her nails into her hand. Bayne had put on her a sleeping mask and headphones, so except for when she was going through security at the airport, which Bayne had carefully monitored her chances to look at the plane ticket, she had no clue where they were going.
“Calm down, honey, just a little longer.” Bayne assured her as he took off her headphones only once they were safely in the corridor and going to pick up their luggage. He looked to his son, now seven years old, and chuckled to him.
“I know you guys are plotting something and I don’t like it.” GenShi insisted, her hands seeming to be constantly ready to fight off “attackers.”
“Mom, chill.” Devyn said with a laugh.
“No, D.J., I will not
chill until I know what’s going on.” GenShi told her son, arms now crossed over her chest. She flailed around a bit before finding Bayne’s arm; “The
least you could’ve done was tell me we were going on a flight! I nearly passed out suddenly feeling myself being lifted into the air!” She scolded him.
Bayne, used to GenShi’s ‘violent’ behavior, could only smile more. He picked up the luggage and gave a simple wave as he noticed a tired looking HeuSeoh and Morgan, as well what seemed like only the most hyperactive three year old he had ever seen. At least, that he had seen since his own siblings were that age.
HeuSeoh waved back, giving a lazy smile. Morgan was looking around, seeming to know they were in Florida, but not why.
’Meet you at the hotel HeuSeoh mouthed to Bayne, then signaling to the luggage belt as if saying they were still waiting.
Bayne nodded, taking his own wife and leading her outside. “Now we’re getting in a cab.” He told GenShi as he slid the headphones back over her ears.
“I will
cut you...” GenShi growled, though her body seemed very willing to follow where Bayne was leading her.
HeuSeoh (27), Morgan (26), and Ran (2)
and Junsu (31), Autumn (26), and JaeSun (3)
“Why are we going to ‘merica?” Ran asked his father for the fifth time since he had heard the plans only an hour ago.
“It’s a surprise for Mother’s Day.” HeuSeoh answered his son patiently, packing up the final items they’d need. He made sure to pack all the tickets for the cruise in his carry on, after all, he was the one in charge of it. He made sure not to tell Ran exactly what those plans were, knowing his child was only two and not quite capable yet of fully understanding the exact meaning of the word “secret”
“And we’re leaving when mommy gets off work?” Ran asked.
HeuSeoh sighed, a playful smile on his face as he picked up his son and pretended to put him away in the suitcase. “If you keep asking so many questions, you’re going in the cargo.” He teased, tickling his little boy.
“Okay!” Ran giggled through laughter. He pretended to close the suitcase.
“Are you sure? It’s dark in there.” HeuSeoh told him, crouching down and then popping back up, calling out ‘boo!’
“Okay, no, I don’t wanna.” Ran said, making it seem so final.
HeuSeoh chuckled again, picking up his boy and putting him next to the suitcase on the bed. “Listen to me Ran. You get one carry-on. That means a bag you can bring on the plane with you. Why do you go find one,” He held up a finger, looking Ran straight in the eyes. “Just one stuffed animal you want to bring, and then one game, okay?” He told him, then held out one of Ran’s favorite backpacks. “It can only come if it can fit in this, okay?”
The two year old nodded, taking his backpack and going into his room. HeuSeoh was just putting away the final stuff when he heard the door open, and he knew it could only be his wife.
“Mommy!” Ran called, instantly racing towards his mother. HeuSeoh followed close behind.
“Hi, Ran!” Morgan called out, instantly crouching so she could hug her little boy. HeuSeoh really had to give his wife props, she spent all afternoon working in an afternoon preschool in one of the foreign schools, and then still always had the energy to come home and play with their baby boy. HeuSeoh had once joked maybe that was the upside to her ADHD.
“Mommy! We’re goin to ‘merica for a suprise for you!” Ran spilled completely after giving his mom a quick kiss on the cheek.
Morgan looked at Ran, and then to HeuSeoh. “Oh really?” She asked her boy, though it was obvious she was more so saying it to her husband.
HeuSeoh shrugged, giving her a snarky smile, “You know... We’ve spent so long in Korea, I thought you might enjoy it. Just think, Morgan,
American food. I know I’m for sure looking forward to a good, big, bacon cheeseburger.” He told her with a laugh.
Morgan smiled, “when does our flight leave?” She asked.
HeuSeoh pulled out his phone. “In about um... two and half hours.”
“... HeuSeoh.”
“Yeah?”
“It takes an hour just to get to the airport.”
“I know...” HeuSeoh gave Morgan an innocent look. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he realized why Morgan looked so freaked out. “Don’t worry! Everything’s packed!” He assured her, going into the bedroom and closing up the suitcase, and then putting his carry-on over his shoulder. Since the backpack he was using had two main pockets, he had put some of Morgan’s favorite things-to-pass-the-time in one and then his stuff in the other. When he came back with the luggage, he looked to Ran.
“Did you do what I asked you to, buddy?” He asked him, ruffling the little boy’s hair.
Ran nodded and held up his bag, “Yep!”
“And what’d you pack?” HeuSeoh asked.
“My doggie and your iPod.” Ran replied matter-of-factly.
“So that’s where it went. Fine. We should get going. The
airport bus will be here soon.” He told them.
“Wait... Where’s
Tiger?” Morgan asked, looking around for their cat.
“Our neighbor agreed to take care of him, don’t worry, come on.” HeuSeoh said, ushering everyone out the doors.
It didn’t take long before they got the bus to the airport and were on their way. They met up with Junsu, Autumn, and their three year old, JaeSun once they got to the airport. Even though Lanh was living in Korea, for the time being he had been in Japan with his own wife and kids, and said he’d just meet everyone at the hotel.
Junsu still seemed a bit bitter about HeuSeoh claiming he had no one to talk to whilst in Korea, but eventually they got a casual conversation going, giving each other sly glances and smiles as the girls tried to figure out what was being planned for them.
The flight was relatively uneventful, as Junsu had given HeuSeoh the “secret” of child-safe sleeping pills (it was actually an air-sickness pill he had once given JaeSun and ended up finding out it knocked the boy out like a light), but about halfway through the flight, both boys had woken up and were getting restless, and of course it was while everyone else was trying to sleep. As Morgan and Autumn tended to their sons in individual bathrooms, HeuSeoh looked to his older brother, looking exhausted already. “Luckily...” The younger of the two said as if he had just run a mile, “The girls don’t even seem to be thinking twice about what time of year it is...” He whispered, as if acting like the girls would be back any second even though they had just gone.
Junsu stretched as best he could in his seat, giving his brother a nod. “Maybe too much time in Korea, with only a parent’s day, has made them forget.” He joked, causing HeuSeoh to laugh softly as well.
Once they had gotten to the airport, Junsu was forced to find a bathroom with a sink big enough to practically give JaeSun a bath, as the boy had managed to practically bathe in his breakfast instead of eat it, and HeuSeoh led Morgan and Ran over to baggage claim, telling Junsu they’d meet up again at the hotel.
Morgan held onto Ran, instantly sitting down on a nearby bench near where their turnstile was as Ran squirmed in her arms, wanting to run around and play. HeuSeoh was scanning the area for anyone else who showed, smiling as he saw Bayne leading a rather upset-looking GenShi, but otherwise he saw no one yet. They had all agreed to meet up for dinner at 6, and Kasem, Beverly, and Sua were supposed to be the latest arrivals, coming in around 4:30 p.m.
“What I don’t understand is why didn’t we go to Riverside? When Ran said we were going to the U.S, I thought for sure it was going to be Riverside.” Morgan rambled, curiously trying to figure out what her husband had up his sleeve.
HeuSeoh just smiled, resting his head on her shoulder, “You’ll see.” He assured her.
Eric (23), Batari (23), Mason (2), and Makenzie (2)
and JiSeok (26), Rochelle (27), ChoHee (7), and Habika (5)
Eric was
thrilled as he, Batari, and the twins headed towards the airport, his mom nice enough to drive them (after a good three days of complaining
her kids never did anything special, to the point Eric ended up getting the Black kids to send their own mother on a cruise of her own (and then convincing HeuSeoh to send his mom on the same cruise)). Batari only knew they were going on a flight, she still didn’t even know the destination.
“Can I see my ticket yet, Eric?” She asked him, weakly reaching for his bag. She had been fighting to see their destination all morning, and by now she was exhausted.
“No, no, no.” Eric said, pulling the bag away.
“Daddy, will it be fun?” Makenzie asked, looking at him curiously.
Eric nodded, he had also only told them they were going on a trip.
They got to the airport and said goodbye to Tori, and then getting them on the flight, he conveniently and expertly covered Batari’s ears every time the destination was mentioned.
“You’re a brat.” Batari told him, pushing him playfully. It was pretty obvious she was enjoying every minute of this.
They got to Florida without error, and Eric was thrilled to see the twins practically pass out in the humidity of the Florida spring. The only other people he saw that he recognized was Rochelle, JiSeok and their two kids.
Eric rolled his eyes, “great...” He muttered under his breath.
Batari looked at him curiously before noticing her older brother. She smiled, “Hi JiSeok oppa (older brother). Rochelle.” She smiled and leaned down to be eye level with their two adorable daughters. “And hi you two, long time no see.” She told them, giving them each a hug. She turned the stroller (the airport was nice enough to give them a two seater to get the twins around) so Habika and ChoHee could see their baby cousins. “Do you remember them?” She asked the two girls.
“Are they still noisy?” Seven-year-old ChoHee asked with a grumpy-face.
JiSeok chuckled, “Hey sis. You know, ChoHee, you were noisy as a kid too.” He insisted.
“Nu-uh.” ChoHee argued back.
“Yes, you were.” Rochelle grumbled.
JiSeok bit his lip and attempted to give Rochelle a hug, but she pushed him away. “Roch, honey... I said I was sorry. I told you I crash on planes.” He told her weakly, causing Batari to only be able to giggle.
“Whatever, let’s get our baggage and go. You said the hotel was close, right?” Rochelle said, her voice becoming softer with each word, though it was obvious she was still mad at her husband.
“Did you have a good flight?” Batari asked, looking like she knew she was taking a risk in asking it.
“Maybe
some people did.” Rochelle growled, glaring at her husband. “Someone else took the responsibility of taking care of their seven and five year old daughter.” She replied pointedly.
Eric sighed, deciding it was time to just
say it. “Do you wanna take a taxi together?” He seemed to groan more than ask.
Rochelle looked at her younger brother, confused. Eric and her had never been close enough for him to
willingly ask something like that, and she could only assume he was doing it out of politeness rather than because he wanted to.
“Why not?” JiSeok finally answered back, sticking one hand in his pocket as he grabbed Habika’s hand before she could rush off to the finally-moving conveyor belt, some baggage starting to appear.
Sammy (20), Jaela (20), and Ava (3 months)
“Jaela, Jaela, Jaela.” Sammy called as he ran over to her. She was taking pictures of Ava, currently sleeping peacefully on the couch, and it caused Sammy to stop in his tracks and admired the baby girl.
“What is it?” Jaela asked after Sammy was silent for a little bit.
“What? Oh... um... We’re going on vacation for two and half weeks!” He told her, getting excited after he remembered what it was he wanted to tell her.
Sammy could see excitement in Jaela’s eyes, but she frowned. “But Ava’s still so young... I don’t know, Sammy.”
“
Come on, Jaela, we’ve been practically homebound since she was born.
I’m going stir-crazy, I can’t imagine how you feel.” Sammy argued.
Jaela took a picture of him, letting out a giggle as the picture showed him pouting at her like they were kids again. “Fine.
On one condition,” she said, holding up a finger to emphasize her point.
“What? Anything.” Sammy agreed.
“
You pack Ava’s stuff, and take care of her on the way there. Are we driving?” Jaela began, tilting her head curiously as she asked the question.
“Um... no, we’re taking a plane.” Sammy told her, thinking to himself,
and a boat... heh heh.
“Ooo~ really? Now I’m curious.” Jaela said, heading up to their bedroom.
“We’ve only got a couple hours, so make sure to hurry~” Sammy called to her, carefully picking up his baby girl in an attempt to not wake her. He brought her into her room and pulled out a small duffel bag. He began by pulling out a few diapers to put in the carry-on, and then shoving the rest of the bag into the duffel. He grabbed some of her cutest summer clothes, then a couple pairs of heavier clothes just in case the weather wasn’t as they planned. Hearing a couple whines, he went over to his baby girl. “You’re going to have fun.” He promised her. “The best part is you’re getting in free!” He said excitedly, lifting her into the air and causing her to giggle. He brought her close to him, making sure she didn’t need a diaper change or anything before carrying her around. As he got into the bathroom, he looked to her, “Do you wanna help me pack?” He asked her with a smile. She smiled back, putting a hand on his chin, and it caused him to smile more. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He told her, leaning her over carefully so her attention would be on her hairbrush. She reached out for it, picking it up and instantly putting it to her mouth.
“Thank you.” Sammy said, taking it from her gently.
After a couple more rounds of “take things from Ava before they went to her mouth” and the changing of a diaper, they were ready to go.
“Did you pack for me?” Sammy asked Jaela with a teasing smile.
“Yes...” Jaela replied, rolling her eyes and pretending to be annoyed.
Soon enough, they were out the door and headed to the airport. Sammy and Jaela were thankful Ava had yet to be a truly fussy baby, and six hours on a plane didn’t change that, Ava only crying once when she got hungry, and then babbling a bit when she wanted her diaper changed. He caught sight of Eric, Batari, JiSeok, and Rochelle getting into a cab together, but made an extravagant show of 'tripping,' causing Jaela to let out a small giggle. Jaela looked around the airport, still trying to figure out why they were in Florida, of all places.
“Are we going to Disneyworld?” Jaela asked as they waited for their luggage.
“Nope. That can be in a couple years when Ava will be able to enjoy it.” He responded with a smile, giving Ava a small kiss on the cheek as he mentioned her.
Jaela bit her lip, trying to figure it out until she noticed the luggage. “There.” She stated simply, pointing them out with a motion towards them.
Sammy grabbed the bags and they headed outside. “Let’s put it this way... It’ll be fun, and it starts off with a dinner with the rest of the family tonight.” He hinted.
“My family or your family?” Jaela asked curiously.
“Well, Lanh’s going to be here too, but it’s mostly your family and the Kita family.” He explained, and Jaela’s eyes lit up at the thought of seeing her siblings again.
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go!” She said, getting a taxi ten times quicker than Sammy seemed to have been able to.
Kasem (18), Beverly (23), and Sua (5)
“Beverly.”
Knock, knock knock “Beverly.”
Knock, knock--“Been watching Big Bang Theory again, I see.” Beverly told her brother-in-law, looking at him annoyed.
Kasem smiled widely, “จ้ะ (Yep).” He told her with a grin. He looked behind her as he heard little footsteps.
“Uncle!” Sua called out, jumping into Kasem’s arms as if she hadn’t just seen him that morning.
“Sua, sawadeekraup (hello)~” He told her, poking her nose playfully as he stood up with her in his arms.
“sawadeekaa, Na (hello, uncle). Why are you here?” Sua answered, looking as adorable as ever.
“Actually, that’s what I’m here for.” Kasem replied, looking to Beverly to get her to let him into the apartment more.
Beverly raised an eyebrow skeptically, but let him in, all of them going to the couch.
Kasem smiled, “we, as in all three of us,” He began, watching Beverly’s reaction carefully, but she only raised her eyebrow further. “Are going to go to America!” He said excitedly, raising up Sua arms, making her giggle.
“Why? What about work?” Beverly asked him, not seeming to like the idea. Then again, the last time they had gone to America, Beverly was also pretty much exhausted, though most likely for very different reasons.
“I called your work and told them you quit.” Kasem joked, only able to keep a serious face for a couple seconds. “No, I lied and told them we had a family emergency-we don’t, don’t worry-and we had to return to America for a little while.” He told her.
“I was about to strangle you...” Beverly grumbled. The economy in Thailand had taken a turn for the worse the year before, and jobs were becoming scarce. That, on top of new civil unrest, Beverly barely liked sending Sua off to school in the morning with only Kasem as her guide. The last thing she needed was a brother-in-law telling her work she quit.
“Hey... Don’t be mad at me, I think you’ll like this. But we need to get ready, the flight’s leaving in about four hours.”
After a little more convincing, Kasem had finally gotten Beverly to begin packing. He helped by grabbing Sua’s stuff. “Kasem, how long will we be gone? What about school? I don’t want Sua to miss too much and you’ve still got classes.”
Kasem went up behind her, massaging her shoulders, “Beverly, calm down, will you? I took care of everything. It’s a stress-free vacation. I’ll help Sua with her homework, alright?” He promised her. “We’ll be gone about two and a half weeks.”
Beverly sighed, still looking to Kasem skeptically. “I just don’t get why this is so sudden.” She told Kasem honestly. “It couldn’t wait for summer?”
“
No, it couldn’t, now keep packing.” Kasem told her, rolling his eyes.
Beverly packing her relatively new-favorite video didn’t escape Kasem’s notice.
“You may not need that.” Kasem replied simply, knowing it was the video Thongchai had made for her.
“Yes. You still have that little teddy bear.” Beverly replied simply, “Think of it like my security blanket.”
Kasem stuttered a bit, blushing slightly. “That teddy bear is from my
real parents. That’s totally different!” He argued.
“Assuming you packed already-”
“I did.”
“I bet you 300 baht (about $9.00) you packed it.” Beverly replied simply. She looked to him, leaning on her suitcase. “
Even if you might not even bring it out of your suitcase.” She said, and the look on Kasem’s face told her she hit the nail on the head. She smirked and went back to packing.
Kasem sat down on the bed next to her suitcase. “First of all,
น้องสะใภ้ (sister-in-law),
his name is Mr. Puy (Fluffy), and second of all, that’s totally different than bringing a DVD. Stuffed animals are um... ดัดแปลงได้ง่าย (malleable). DVDs don’t move as easy.” He argued. “What if it broke?”
“There’s a copy saved to my computer.” Beverly replied without thinking. She had done so after she had caught Sua using a different DVD as a frisbee about a year ago. She couldn’t stop her smile the more she thought about Kasem’s stuffed animal. With it’s condition, it was pretty obvious it had withstood the test of plenty of airplane flights, let alone the fact if he got it (
whoops, him, Beverly thought, still amused) from his biological parents, that meant he had gotten it at least fifteen, maybe even sixteen years ago.
They managed to make it to the airport on time, and by the time they got in the airplane, they were welcoming the cabin’s cool air-conditioning. “So tell me, Kasem... Why did the speaker say we were going to
Florida, not California?” She asked him curiously.
Kasem smiled, “That’s part of the surprise!” He told her, still excited about the plans for the vacation.
By the time they got into their fourth hour on the flight though, Kasem was restless, let alone Sua. “Beverly, I’m just going to bring her back to the bathroom, even if she doesn’t have to go, it’ll still be nice.” He told her. Beverly seemed to be half-asleep. “Mmhmm... Why not freshen up a little, too? Have her brush her teeth, it might make her want to go to sleep faster. It’s time for her to sleep anyway.” She told her brother-in-law without opening her eyes.
Kasem nodded, getting Sua to go to the back bathrooms with him and leading her in.
“Na (uncle), I don’t have to go...” Sua told him, slightly rebellious.
Kasem smiled, “We’re brushing our teeth.” He told her, getting an idea. “Stay here.” He commanded Sua, opening the door and checking outside before sneaking back to their seats, going through Sua’s carry-on until he found her pajamas. He brought them back with him, and handed them to Sua, giving her a smile. “You know how to put them on by yourself now, right?”
“Uh-huh.” Sua replied proudly.
“Make sure you lock the door, okay?” Kasem told her, shutting the door for her and holding it shut until he saw her lock it, he stayed right in front of the door, giving a slightly awkward smile to a flight attendant giving him a strange look.
It was only a couple minutes later that the door opened again, and Sua emerged in cute little pink and purple ensemble. “Okay.” She said simply, looking up at her uncle.
Kasem smiled. “Did you brush your teeth?”
“I didn’ wanna use the person’s stuff...” Sua said cutely, and it took Kasem a second to get she was talking about the complimentary toiletries. He laughed, ruffling her hair. He picked her up so she could see everything better, and also so they’d have more room in the tiny bathroom. “This is for everyone to use.” He explained to her, setting her on the sink and grabbing a small, paper cup. “See, we fill this with mouth wash. And we’ll just use that since there’s not a million toothbrushes in here.” He said, making a face as he exaggerated the number. “Now, watch me. You can’t swallow this, okay?”
Sua nodded, intently watching him.
“You swish it around in your mouth, then spit it into the sink, like this.” He explained before showing her how to use the mouthwash, taking her off the sink.
“Okay.” Sua replied, and he poured her a little bit before picking her up and handing her the cup. She did as she was told, and Kasem gave her an enthusiastic high five before carrying out of the bathroom. “Now it’s time for sleep.” He told her.
“I’m not tired.” Sua insisted, pouting at him cutely.
Kasem bit his lip, pretending like he was debating something. “How about this, I’ll pull up my armrest and let you lay down, and if you spend ten minutes trying to go to sleep and you still can’t, I’ll let you wake me up, okay?” He bargained. “But let your mom sleep, she’s tired. Deal?”
“Deal!” Sua agreed, giggling as Kasem pretended to “fly” her into her seat.
It was only a couple minutes later that Kasem peeked an eye open and saw his niece sleeping ever so peacefully on his lap, and he smiled and pushed some hair out of her face.
By the time they arrived in Florida, Kasem felt just as excited as Sua to be on ground again, causing Beverly to just sigh. “Children...” She called out to both of them.
“Come on Beverly! You’re only 23, have some fun!” Kasem tried turning and walking backwards for a bit to face her, hoping to get her more energized by the time they got to the hotel.
“Yeah, I’m a 23 year old
widow with a five year old.” Beverly grumbled.
Kasem dropped back a little so he could be walking with her. “Hey now. Be happy. You’re going to have fun. Aren’t you the
least bit excited to find out what’s going to happen?” He asked her, nudging her in the side.
“Of course I am. But I just went through a day-long flight. I want nothing more than a bed right now. I’m not even hungry.” She argued.
Kasem looked around once they got to baggage claim, but saw no one, and recalled they’d be the last ones to get in. He found their baggage quickly and pulled it off, carrying both bags (in the end, Sua and Beverly’s clothes were combined) out to get a taxi.
“Oh my gosh ก็เหมือนเราไม่เคยทิ้งประเทศไทย (Oh my gosh, it’s like we never left Thailand).” Kasem groaned once they were outside.
Beverly finally let out a chuckle. “Does that make sense to you?” She giggled, nudging Kasem playfully. She seemed to slowly be getting energy back.
“arai na (what?)” Kasem asked, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.
“Within ten minutes of us being back in America, you’re only speaking Thai again!” She teased him.
Kasem laughed. “ผมคิดว่าผมฮะ (I guess I am, huh)?” He cleared his throat, finally getting a cab. “I don’t know, maybe it’s a weird habit...” He said, finally speaking English, but it only cause Beverly to laugh more. He frowned, “What’s so funny?” He asked her.
“You...” Beverly began, wiping tears from her eyes at how much she was laughing. She got into the cab, trying to speak again but only bursting into a fit of giggles.
Kasem rolled his eyes and took the opportunity to tell the cab driver where to go.
“You’re accent’s back.” Beverly finally gasped in-between giggles.
Kasem blinked, thinking about his last few sentences. “Huh... that is weird...” He mumbled to himself.
Dinnertime
After many hugs, meetings of new cousins among the kids, and mentions of how much everyone missed each other, the families finally all sat down for dinner. Conversations were buzzing about ‘how cute’ the kids were, or ‘how much they missed’ one of the people they hadn’t seen in a while (especially GenShi and Jasmine, who had become friends in college but lost touch after they graduated).
HeuSeoh clinked a glass to get everyone’s attention. “I’ve always wanted to do that.” He began, with a smirk, causing GenShi to hit him. It was obvious she was still frustrated about being blindfolded and carted here. “Ow,” HeuSeoh muttered with a small laugh, jumping away from his sister. “Anyway. Girls, I’m sure you’re wondering why we brought you all here.”
the girls muttered choruses of “yeah”s and “I guess so”s and HeuSeoh only smiled as he looked to all the guys.
“So then, tomorrow, we have something really special.” HeuSeoh said, looking among the kids. “Can anyone tell me what this Sunday is?” He asked.
Devyn raised his hand, and ChoHee was quick to follow.
“Say it together.” He told them with a grin.
“Mother’s Day!” They said, a bit too loud as they got shushed by their respective parents.
“Right!” He looked to Morgan, giving her a sweet smile before looking amongst his siblings and in-laws. “Tomorrow, we all gotta wake up early-”
A couple groans came from Beverly and Kasem’s side of the table, and HeuSeoh looked to them. “I
know quite a few of us are jet-lagged. I am too, okay?”
“Then look it...” Junsu grumbled.
“
Anyway,” HeuSeoh began again. “Tomorrow, we’re going to the docks to... wait for it... go on a cruise to the Bahamas!” He said, smirking as he got collective gasps, excited squeals, and a general sudden rise in enthusiasm in the group (especially amongst the girls).
“Welcome to the best Mother’s Day you girls will ever get.” He added in, then turned to his own wife. “Morgan, I know I’ve managed to one-up myself a lot in our years together, but I promise you, I have
no clue what the heck will top this.” He gave her a pleading look. “So please don’t get your hopes up for something better next year.”
Morgan still looked stunned, stuttering a bit before finally being able to speak. “I... I just can’t believe you did all this. You coordinated it?”
HeuSeoh nodded.
“This is amazing, I love it!”
“I would’ve liked it better knowing you planned it, Eric.” Batari teased her husband.
Beverly looked to Kasem curiously, causing the teen to only smile at her. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?” He asked her.
“How did you make that much money?” Beverly asked him skeptically.
“I sold my kidneys.” Kasem joked, causing him to get hit by Beverly.
“Oh, that felt good. You’re too much of a prankster, you know that.” Beverly muttered, hitting him more.
“I helped, Bev.” Eric told his twin, smiling at her.
Beverly hugged Eric, “How sweet~” She said, giving Eric a big smile and then hugging him again. “I missed you so much!!!” She squealed, burying her face in his shoulder.
“Then move back to Riverside~” Eric tried.
“I can’t. Sua loves her school and she’d be heartbroken if I made her leave her friends now... And I think Kasem would be lost without me still.”
Kasem was smiling until Beverly mentioned him, and he gave Eric his best “pathetic, lost puppy” look.
“Well then at least come visit more often.” Eric bargained, trying to get Beverly off him. “At then you won’t hug me so much.”
“Okay, from now, I’ll try and come visit every summer. Even if it’s an annoyingly long flight.” Beverly agreed. She looked to the table. “Then at least we can visit Chai’s grave once a year...”
“Aaaaand, now we bring out happy talk.” HeuSeoh said, pausing Beverly in her thoughts. He gave her a look that told her the family still missed him too, and then looked around the table. “Anyone?”
“I’m two!” Makenzie said excitedly, causing the table to burst out into laughter (even Beverly), only enhanced when Mason gave his twin sister a look and then spouted out, “Me too!”
“They’re just like we were, aren’t they?” Beverly laughed as she looked to her twin.
Eric gave her a michievous smirk, “Except Mason’s older than Makenzie.” He told her, seeming to still hold some sort of grudge at Beverly getting out of the womb first.
Beverly rolled her eyes, “And I see you haven’t changed at all.” She joked to her brother.
Batari giggled at the two, shaking her her head from behind Eric as if saying ‘nope.’
After a delicious dinner, everyone walked back to the hotel. HeuSeoh stopped at his, Morgan’s, and Ran’s room, letting out a sigh as he looked to the group with a playful glimmer in his eye. “So, are we ready for the adventure of a lifetime?”