Wanted: Chapter 1
~Chapter 1~
A sweet blissful smile lingered on his face as he lay down on his soft feathery bed. The snowy white bed engulfed the boy’s small body with the silky sheets hugging on to his every curve.
Little Seven-year-old Jaejoong was more happy than he had ever imagined on this midsummer night. His parent’s finally found time to fulfill their promise to their precious son.
Living a perfect life as a prince isn’t as great as everyone may expect. Since his dad is one of the most successful business man known, he is always busy with work. With the addition of a member in the family, his mom hardly has time for anything but Jae’s baby brother, Junsu. Of course, Jae understands it all. He understands why he is often neglected, and he doesn’t blame his parents for doing so. But as a Seven-year-old, he couldn’t help but feel a little sad.
So what if financial matters never troubled his family? So what if he could go spending the rest of his life getting everything he asks for without ever have to lift a single finger for work? However amazing this golden life seems to others who envy it, they would never quite understand the emptiness the little boy feels. What does gold, diamond, and all the materialistic things people asks for matter if he his family isn’t complete? Why does he always feel something is lacking in his family?
It is true that his parents spend whatever time they have with their precious sons. There are always those five minutes during a rushed breakfast whenever his parents are home and those few afternoons a month where his parents decides to take a day after a long business trip. Though it wasn’t fulfilling for a Seven-year-old boy that wished to be like all other boys he goes to school with, to go to the parks and museums with his parents holding his parents’ warm hands with smiles lifting up the corners of their mouths. He wanted to feel loved. That was all.
So many dark nights where he had cried himself to sleep when he remembered his friends telling him of the times they spend with their family. So many times he had to assure himself that they really do love him. Those same nights he would repeat over and over again that his family loves him and he in turn loves his family. As he tried hard to convince himself of that message, there was always doubt that will trigger another round of uncontrollable tears flowing freely from those big gorgeous eyes.
As his tears dries, or when he wakes up the following morning with red puffy eyes, he always comes to the realization that even if his family didn’t show as much love to him as he wished, he will forever love his family. After all, they are all he has.
Jae shook his head and let out a deep sigh.
Now is not the time to think about that. At this moment he should be nothing but happy. After all, he is finally getting his wish to spend a fun vacation with his family, and he should do his best to push away those thoughts.
He found it odd that very early this morning, when dawn barely arrived, his mom shook him awake just a little too forcefully. Her sweet voice contained urgency as she told him to get up, and they were going on vacation.
The Seven-year-old thinking that God has finally heard his prayers hurriedly got out of bed and got dressed. As soon as he finished that, his dad rushed him out the door, with his mom closely tailing them with his one-year-old brother held tightly in her arms.
It didn’t take them but a minute to set out, as the maids already packed up their luggage and their breakfast ready for them to enjoy in the limousine.
He was so excited that he missed the fearful looks lingering in his parents’ eyes as they headed out.
That very morning, Jae couldn’t sit still at all on the ride to the airport. He bounced up and down in his seat, munching on his food while smiling cheekily at his parents. All the while telling his parents how happy he was to finally have something to tell his friends. A vacation to remember, and something his friends would definitely be jealous when they hear all about it. He was finally going to be able to join their discussions of the fun times they had with their families.
His imagination took over, and his excitement heightened as they reached their destination. Meanwhile, he overlooked the fact that his parents didn’t take one bit of their breakfast, and his mom only half-heartedly took care of his baby brother’s needs.
They arrived on an island, and settled in a vacation house by the beach.
He didn’t know which island they were on, nor did he care. This was the very first time the little boy was let to explore somewhere outside of the boundaries of his school, home, and certain areas near home with his parents’ permission.
Jaejoong didn’t even wait for his parents when he rushed out when the limo came to a full stop.
He kicked off his shoes and his tiny feet sunk into the soft sand. The warmth of the sand after being baked for hours under the scorching sun caused Jaejoong to sprint toward the waves tumbling towards him.
Soon the entire Kim family was on the beach alone. Jaejoong’s mom set down a blanket in the sand, and anchored a big umbrella into the sand to give them some shade. His mom was again carefully handing Junsu, rubbing sunscreen all over his round little body, and set a cute pair of sunglasses on the tiny bridge of his nose. After she put some sunscreen on both her and her husband and herself, she called for Jaejoong.
With a huge smile plastered on his face, he ran over to his mom.
“Come on Joongie, let mommy put some sunscreen on you, then daddy will take you swimming.” Jaejoong’s mom looked over at his dad and gave him a curt nod, her eyes sternly communicating to him that he should enjoy their time here even if there is something they were worried about.
Though Jaejoong missed the silent communication, because he was busy being a good little boy obeying his mommy’s words. He took off his shirt revealing his creamy white skin that had been kept away from the strong sunlight. His mom caringly helped him rub sunscreen everywhere the sun could possibly target.
Jaejoong enjoyed this moment.
It had been long since his mom last had time to be this caring towards him. And longer still since his dad was to do something fun with him.
So that afternoon he played in the water with his father, with both of them soaking in every second of their happy time together since this may have been a very first for the father and son to enjoy a moment in each others company. Occasionally, Jae would look over to his mom and brother, and upon catching his glance, his mom would wave at him with a soft smile. His baby brother seemed to be content as week, snuggly resting his head in his mommy’s lap and feel into deep slumber with a smile painted on his chubby face.
When the sun went down, the Kim family went to their stunningly expensive vacation house. Mom carrying the baby who was still sound asleep, and the dad and son trailing behind walking side by side with matching steps.
When they reached the house, mom went to cook dinner and ordered Jaejoong and his dad to go take a shower and get dressed before they get sick.
Again, Jaejoong happily obeyed feeling so blessed after finally receiving a chance to have a little fun with his own father.
He skipped up the swirling stairs humming a happy song and took a long relaxing shower.
The rest of the night was spent as a loving family should. Jaejoong and his dad finally got to taste his mom’s cooking since usually professional chiefs that would conjure up their meals. Yet he felt his mom’s simple dishes surpassed everything he had tried before. Maybe it was the love he felt in his heart that makes everything that night seems extra amazing.
Jaejoong caught his little brother playing with his food, sending chucks flying in all directions. So Jae took the initiative and spoon fed his little brother.
“Su, say ahh!”
Little Junsu did as commanded and opened his mouth wide as Jaejoong brought the spoon up to his mouth.
After he swallowed his food, he smiled a huge smile proudly showing all his pearl white baby teeth to the point where his eyes thinned to a line.
At that moment, Jaejoong truly felt like an older brother, a proud older brother.
“Here, Appa wants to try too.” Jaejoong’s dad took the spoon from Jaejoong’s hand and proceeded to feed Junsu.
All seemed fine until the food entered Junsu’s mouth then splat out all over their dad’s face.
Little Junsu giggled none stop feeling victorious, and the rest of the family joined in with a heartfelt laugh.
It was a typical family moment, yet it was the first time the Kim family of four ate a peaceful meal together, no one was rushed, and everyone felt loved.
Another first for the family was family night.
Of course, Jaejoong had learned all about family night from his friends, so he was determined to play all the games his friends played with their family.
His parents laughed at the enthusiasm that built up in Jaejoong as the day progressed, and they in turn obeyed Jaejoong’s wish and had a relaxing yet fun night.
So there he was, lying in his bed that very night with a more than blissful smile painted on his face reminiscing the day’s event. He knew that this very day would forever be engraved in his mind, but he wasn’t able to foresee it would be for another reason all together.
~★~