Hide And Seek

After the one class I had on Saturday I hurried back to my room. Today was the day, if I was correct, my mother would be at the bank.

Ruby had gone with some of her art friends to an exhibition that was only on for one day in Seoul. Jimin was visiting his parents that lived in Seoul.

I had the whole day to myself. I'd reread the bank statements last night trying to figure out the best time to go. I hadn't had much luck as all the statements showed different times. Id decided on the afternoon. My sudden morning class didn't really give me a choice.

I quickly got changed from my white shirt with black ribbon and grey skirt into my old baggy faded red shirt and faded black shorts. My goal was to blend in as much as possible. Or at least try to.

I walked into the bathroom and undid my long French braid. I tied my long brown waves into a bun. I grabbed the black cap on the bathroom counter, took off my watch and put on my oldest black sneakers.

All I had on me was my phone and bag.

I stepped onto the concrete pavement that led to the steps of the bank, stopped and looked around, people were milling in from left and right but no one stood out.

I walked inside the busy bank and took a seat next to an elderly couple in the waiting area.

Unfortunately I had already made the realization that although Mum had long black hair 10 years ago she probably changed it since then so all I had to go on for sure was her face.

I smiled back at the elderly couple as their name finally got called.

I overheard crying coming from behind me. I turned quickly and noticed a young girl on the floor holding her knee and the woman I assumed was her mum cradling her as she cried.

Without realizing, I had stood and walked over to the little dark haired girl. I smiled at her sad teary face and pulled out a colourful bandaid from my purse.

It had become a habit to keep backups of bandaids. When I was younger I was the most uncoordinated child always falling over and tripping that Mum had bought me a small purple bag that she had filled with bandaids. At the time I carried that bag around like it was a purse but when I got older I'd always carried it around with me in my schoolbag. It just made me feel closer to her.

I kneeled down and spotted the big bruise that was already purplish on her knee surrounded by small cuts. I looked under the mum's seat and noticed shards of glass. I realised the little girl must have attempted to go under the seat when she cut herself.

"Hey look at this," I exclaimed trying to draw her attention.

I watched amused as she stopped crying and stared as I placed the bandaid over the small row of cuts. She leaned forward and ran her finger over the rainbow coloured bandaid.

"What do we say Rose?" the mother asked.

The little girl stood up. "Thank you. Mummy can we get ice-cream now?"

I smiled as the little girls face came back into my mind as I remembered how quickly her face had changed from sad to happy. Kids had always liked me but I had never had the patience or tolerance for their boisterous energy but seeing the way that little girl had clung to her mother had reminded me of myself.

I wiped a tear that I hadn't realised had fallen until I felt the drop on my hand.

I turned and collected all the glass shards into my hand then walked to the nearest bin, dumping the glass.

I took my cap off and sat back in my original seat and scanned the area in case she had come in while I had been distracted.

I had stayed until closing time and had been unsuccessful. I had spotted 6 potential's but they were all misses.

I tried not to let the overwhelming wave of disappointment drag me down but I couldn't help it. This was my only chance, now I have to wait another 4 months.

I realized that my only avenue now was to confront Dad. At this point he was the only one I knew that had some answers.

I stood outside in front of the Bank steps waiting for a taxi when someone bumped into me. I swivelled and was surprised to find a tall black haired girl with delicate features wearing a designer black dress.

"Sorry. Sorry," she mumbled furiously tapping on her phone.

Shit.

I quickly turned back around and pulled the cap further down untying my tight bun and letting the waves create a border around my face.

I can't believe this. What is he doing here?

I prayed that the damn taxi would arrive as I heard their footsteps stop next to the girl who hadn't moved.

"Jennie what are you waiting for?" the older woman asked.

"Mum my phone won't even turn on anymore and then I bumped into this girl."

"I told you already I'm not getting you another one. You've only had it for a week. You should've looked after it better," the older woman said.

My curiosity at its peak. I couldn't help slightly turning and pushing some of my hair to glimpse behind me.

I tried not to look at Jungkook, focusing instead on the older woman standing next to him. She had the same black hair as the girl but slight strands of grey ran through her fancy up do. She was shorter than me and wore an elegant and professional maroon dress. Her face had the same features as her daughter just more aged. I guessed she was in her mid 40's.

"Hey. I'm really sorry for before," she blurted out walking past her Mum and Jungkook, standing in front of me. "Jennie."

I knew if I said my name Jungkook would recognize me immediately but I couldn't be rude either.

I shook her extended hand. "Phoebe," I mumbled.

"Sorry, what was that?" she asked stepping closer.

"Phoebe," I repeated louder.

I noticed Jungkook and the woman move to stand next to Jennie. I looked up and locked eyes with Jungkook. His eyes widened in recognition. I looked away when he winked. There goes my plan to be incognito.

"Jennie, Jungkook get in the car please. Were already late," the older woman ordered from next to a black Bentley.

"Nice to meet you Phoebe," Jennie said.

"Same."

Was that Jungkook's mother and sister?

I couldn't help spending the whole taxi ride back to the dorms wondering what the chances were of coming across Jungkook at the bank of all places, times and days.

I finally arrived back to my room grateful for the calm and quiet after the busy bustle of the bank, to help soothe my migraine that had started.

I took off my cap hanging it on the rack on the wall and flopped on the bed. My body sore from the constant sitting. I stretched rolling onto my back and grabbed my phone out of my pocket. I sent Dad a quick text.

Dad. I'm less busy now so call whenever you can. Love you.

It was strange to think I had spent nearly two weeks without talking to him but he had work and I had been focused on school.

Coming to Seoul had definitely changed a lot in my life.