Page 118 of Perfect Happiness
Jiyoo showed Mother the gloves and hat that she had in her hand.Satisfied, Mother turned to Stepfather who grabbed the travel bag and stood up.
“Shall we?”
Outside, Mother got into the driver’s seat as Stepfather put the bags in the trunk.He buckled Jiyoo in and then got in the back with her.
“How far is it?”Stepfather asked as they left downtown Cheongyeon.
“About two hours.I think you’ll like it.”
Jiyoo couldn’t understand their whole conversation, but from what she could understand, it sounded like the place she was taking Jiyoo was two hours away.Stepfather seemed to also think it was a good idea to take Jiyoo to the orphanage.But was that really what he thought?Jiyoo glanced furtively at Stepfather, and he looked back at her.He smiled at Jiyoo with his eyes.But Jiyoo was confused because the rest of the muscles of his face didn’t look like they were smiling.
“Let’s eat lunch in the car,” Mother said.
Mother parked the car in front of a building.There was a McDonald’s on the first floor.
“Honey, would you go in and buy us something?”
Mother wanted a shrimp burger and a coffee.Stepfather looked at Jiyoo.
“Jiyoo, want to go in with me?”
“Yes.”
Jiyoo was afraid of being alone with Mother in the car.Stepfather got out of the car first and gave Jiyoo his hand.In the past, Jiyoo would be afraid of what Mother would think, but not anymore.Stepfather was Jiyoo’s last hope.If she begged him, he might be able to stop Mother from sending her to the orphanage.
“Jiyoo, you want a bulgogi burger with fries and a coke, right?”Stepfather asked when they got to the cashier.
“How did you know?”
Stepfather chuckled.
“Your aunt told me.”
Stepfather’s laugh immediately lightened the mood.
“You’re taking me to the orphanage, aren’t you?”Jiyoo asked cautiously.
Stepfather raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“Because last night I made Mother angry—” Jiyoo added when she saw Stepfather’s reaction.
The smile of Stepfather’s face was slowly disappearing.
“No.We’re going on vacation.I think.”
Their number appeared on the order screen.
“Let’s talk about this later,” Stepfather said as he got up.
When they were back inside the car with the food, Stepfather’s cellphone started to ring inside his pocket.He took out his phone and checked the number.He looked like he was thinking about whether to answer.The phone continued to ring in a stubborn manner.Finally, Stepfather pressed accept.
“Hello?”
“Where are you?”
Jiyoo could hear a man’s voice.Jiyoo immediately turned to look up at the rearview mirror.She immediately made eye contact with Mother.Stepfather simply looked out the window without answering.
“I wanted to make sure you were—”
