One Thing Right Chapter 15 | Wenrene

One Thing Right

Chapter 15

"Uncertain" 

Irene was already in her 3rd month of pregnancy (8th week now) to which her doctor Taeyeon advised to take extra precautions since trimesters were always the risky stage. Her prenatal check up started on her 6th week, accompanied by Seulgi first and later by Wendy, Taeyeon recommended her to keep her lifestyle on check. Stay away from stress as much as possible, eat healthy, exercise and sleep right. With that, Taeyeon advised her to do not overwork herself. 

Irene assured Taeyeon that she already informed her agency and now only finishing some schedule set before. With that, Taeyeon approved and everyone was relieved especially Wendy. Also, her baby bump was already starting to grow obviously so it'll be better to take a leave the soonest before people start noticing. That soonest was first declined by Irene's agency though, only 2 weeks prior notice for a year break was a shocker to everyone. Thankfully, her manager who was very close to their bosses pleaded on her behalf without probing too much. The only reason Irene gave them was that she wanted to go back studying when in fact she has no plans at all. It was a thought only to reason out. She just wanted to protect her child's privacy above all. She'll just vanish from the limelight without notice for the public. 

On the good and lighter side of things, Wendy who she adores so much everyday was making her world a better place to live. Ever since their heart-to-heart session about opening to each other a week ago, her heart just kept melting. She's in pure bliss hearing the beauty of Wendy's mind. Her worries, her perspective of the world and her thoughts and feelings about her. She has the idea of how hard it was for Wendy to disclose everything but she was serious about making efforts for her so she did it bit by bit. Irene was truly moved and cherish every seconds with Wendy in her heart. 

When Irene informed her that it'll be her last week of work this week, Wendy didn't hesitate to offer accompanying her every morning to go to her workplace and fetch her at night. Wendy didn't take a no for an answer so Irene gave in. Irene told Wendy not to force herself though if she doesn't feel like doing anything and that she'll be fine, but the latter didn't budge and continue with her plans.

Monday (Irene's last week at work)

Wendy was standing by Irene's unit door early in the morning. Irene got startled and even squeaked in fear the moment she opened her door. Irene had thought that Wendy already had forgotten since she didn't receive a message from her and that was fine with her really. She wants Wendy to take all the rest she needed after all. But Wendy was always true to her words. 

"Wendy. You scared me. Stop laughing!" She hits Wendy with her hand who was chuckling at her reaction, but she also didn't waste any time to give her a good morning kiss. They both blushed at the action, they haven't adjusted yet how their hearts always went wild with each other.  Even a skinship like hand holding never fail to make their stomach filled with butterflies. Every movement of each, they were well aware of it all. They just grow sensitive for each other that just a glance was enough to set their hearts on fire.. Although, at this point they still haven't gotten passed the intimacy of a french kiss and they haven't talked about it either. For now, they just mutually want to make things slow and enjoy every sensation that their growing attachment for each other brings.

"You look so beautiful." Wendy complimented and gazed at her with eyes full of admiration. Irene was elated, she really thought through which outfit she'll wear the night before. After all, she wanted to impress Wendy and she did. 

"Thank you." 

"It still feels so unreal that I'm dating you." 

Irene gently caressed Wendy's face and get lost in her loving gaze. "This is real Wendy. It's real that I love you." 

Wendy this time took a peck on Irene's lips and sighed in contentment after. "Thank you for being real." 

Tuesday, 9:45pm

Irene was super tired with her squeezed schedule, she was supposed to head out by 8pm but her photoshoot director asked for one more pose which was entirely for a different cause. The company announced that they wanted to provide a freebie for the product that Irene was endorsing and a photocard was decided lastly. They were really taking advantage of the time left that Irene has for the week.

At this kind of an ultra busy day, Irene was thankful that she's now only finishing some schedule before her requested break. Her manager started declining offers despite the surging number of projects coming in after seeing her latest photoshoots. 

When she exited her workplace's building, she noticed a familiar built even though it's facing opposite of her. Wendy was sitting on the entrance porch of the building just like last night. Irene's tiredness and stress was instantly washed away but she felt bad that Wendy had to wait more than 2 hours. 

Since the photocard shoot was announced late, Wendy already arrived at her workplace around 7:45pm. She told her that she doesn't have to wait any longer and go home but Wendy refused. 

Feeling bad about it, Irene surprised her with a backhug and a kiss on Wendy's cheek from behind. She first assured that there were no paparazzis around of course. 

"Don't make me get used to this, I might not let you get out of my sight ever." Irene whispered in her ear and that made Wendy stood up and face her.

Wendy smiled. "That's okay. I don't want to go anywhere without you." 

"Hmm? Why is my girlfriend so lovely?" Irene moved closer to Wendy and wrapped her hands behind her neck. She took a moment to admire Wendy's features, it's been her favorite routine to do in a day whenever they are together. She should be diving in for a kiss at this point but they are at a public location so she had to refrain herself. 

"A flower for you, Irene." 

In between their intimate space, Wendy managed to insert a single red rose flower in front of Irene.

"While I was on my way home after driving you here this morning, I noticed a new flower shop opened near our apartment. I want to buy you one." 

"Y-you don't have to." Irene was touched at the gesture. She had received so many flowers before, but only Wendy made it feel so romantic. She felt so special.

"But I want to. Do you like it?" 

"No." 

"No?" 

"I love you."

Wednesday, 12nn

Phone messages

Irene: Have you eaten lunch?

Wendy: Yes, have you?

Irene: Yes, I should be happy now that I'm full but why do I feel like something's missing?

Wendy: I miss you too.

Irene smiled, she was trying to indirectly tell her that and yet Wendy's revealing her right away.

Irene: Yah! I didn't say I miss you though.

Wendy: Why? Are you embarrassed to tell me that you do?

Irene got provoked so she paused and thought of something to say to get back at that. Wendy's so good at reading her emotions lately even behind a phone, she felt so bare to her. Suddenly her phone vibrated again, she reads.

Wendy: Don't think of anything else. Just know that I love you.

Irene lost the battle.

Thursday, 4pm

"Irene unnie, I'll be back after a week. I just need to settle an emergency in my hometown, tell Wendy unnie not to worry, I'll call later!" 

Those were Joy's last words when they bump with each other at the lobby of their apartment. Irene came back early after a shoot and Joy was with her luggage rushing to get on the taxi she had booked. It all happened so fast but she instantly thought of Wendy's wherabout and if she had knowledge of Joy leaving.

Irene walked through the elevator lobby while busy dialing her girlfriend's phone. When the elevator opened and Irene was about to get in, Wendy reached out from behind pulling the girl carefully towards her. 

Irene yelped earning everyone's attention in the area and Wendy chuckled while she holds her in her arms protectively. 

"It feels like I'm kidnapping you the way you screamed." Wendy said teasingly. 

Irene immediately separates herself away from Wendy before her face turn incredibly red. Wendy's perfume allures her very much, she's getting addicted to it which is not good for her weak heart at all.

"Where have you been?" Irene said as she regained composure.

Wendy only smiled in response and Irene squint her eyes suspiciously. Speaking of suspicions, Wendy's well dressed today. She looked even more gorgeous!

"Should I be nervous with that grin of yours?" 

"Nope. You'll be proud!" 

"You're my pride, Wendy. I'm always proud of you." 

Wendy brushed the back of her neck, embarrassed. It's been like this now, Irene's words were like fuel that fills her drive to move forward. "S-should we head to my unit first? We could talk there?" 

Seeing Wendy getting shy again, Irene can't help but smile widely. She was ecstatic to see her effect on Wendy just as she has on her. 

When they're already inside Wendy's unit, that's when Irene finally remembered Joy. 

"What emergency?" Wendy asked worriedly after Irene relayed Joy's words. 

"She'll call you soon, I'm sure. It's Joy after all, if there's one person who doesn't want you to worry after me, then it's her." Irene caressed Wendy's face to comfort and calm her. Irene was incredibly worried too, but she won't display it as it will affect Wendy's mood. "Wendy?" She called out softly when Wendy was already starting to zone out. 

"Oh, sorry. I was spacing out again." 

"It's okay, I understand." She said as she embraced Wendy. Irene noticed how Wendy was reactive positively whenever she's caressed by her so she often does it with her. She added kisses too, she just can't help herself at times. "Let's wait further okay? If she didn't call within an hour, we'll call her already." 

"You're right, Joy might be busy at the moment considering that you said she was rushing her way out here. I just wonder what emergency it was." 

Despite Wendy agreeing to her, Irene could still read her mind like an open book. At this point, she already sensed that she won't be able to stop Wendy from worrying because it's about Joy after all. Her cousin, her sister, her other light, Joy. The least thing she could do now for Wendy was just to stay by her side and not make her feel alone. Giving her compliments became as easy like breathing, Irene just have all genuine and beautiful words to say about Wendy.

"I'll stay with you here." 

"Don't you have other schedule? You finished early today. Sorry, I was not able to fetch you. I had prior arrangement at this time." 

"Don't worry, I'm all fine. And nope, I'm free of schedule now so I'm all yours for the rest of the day." She winked playfully which made Wendy finally smile. 

"My cute Wendy is smiling again. Have I told you how beautiful you are? My heart sometimes can't take it. What should I do?" 

"Aish." 

That's when they both started teasing and laughing foolishly at each other. 

"So what was it that you wanted to tell me about earlier? And where were you?" Irene reminded while they both sat side by side on the sofa in the living room.

"Oh. Uhm..." Wendy was hesitating and her face reddened. 

"What is it?" Irene spoke softly gently encouraging Wendy to speak comfortably. 

"I got a job now, Irene!" She grinned widely. 

"A job?" Irene was taken aback, she didn't see that coming at all.

"Yeah. I went on the final interview earlier and I got hired! I can provide for you now and the baby with my own hard earned money while you're on break!" 

Irene was speechless. She didn't thought Wendy was worrying about this for her that she even pushed herself to go back to corporate world with a goal of taking care of them. 

Wendy must have felt responsible to her and the baby which was inevitable considering that they are in a relationship. Irene hates it when Wendy's having a hard time because of her, though. She promised herself that she'll not pressure Wendy and rush her pace of recovery. Irene wanted her to take all her time in the world to heal, but it felt like she's the one causing her pace to be offbeat.

"I kinda know that you would object but.. I didn't know you'll end up crying." Wendy frowned disappointingly but still embraced the latter.

"Wendy, I'm sorry." She mumbles in Wendy's shoulder. 

"Why are you sorry?" 

"I don't want to burden you." 

"But you don't, this is me trying. I thought I'll make you proud.." 

Irene hurriedly caressed Wendy's sad face to look at her, "I am proud of you, Wendy! You don't know how much I really do!" 

"You are?" Wendy doubted. 

"Of course!" She then moved closer to kiss her shortly, it always had been her assurance to her. "That's a brave deed. But..." 

"But?" 

"Will you be fine? I know how hard this is for you." Irene asked carefully. She didn't want to come across as if she's doubting Wendy's capabilities. She was just really worried since she's still undergoing medication for her depression and too much stress won't be good to her mental health.

"I'll be fine, Irene. As long as you're with me, I am at my best."

"Wendy."

"You drive me crazier than my depression, Irene. I feel like I can do anything!" 

Irene was amused. Wendy was giving her so much to feel and if there's on person going crazy now that she's sure of, it's her. She's madly in love with this beautiful person. 

"I have enough savings though. I can really provide on my own." 

"Are you proud of me or not?" 

"I told you, I am!" 

"Then if you really do, let me provide for you and the baby while you are on a break. Savings are called savings because you don't spend them, you know." 

Irene wasn't sure if she has low resistance towards Wendy or she's just born weak from the beginning because she always finds herself unable to refuse. Wendy has a way to make the events turn according to her. 

She paused for a while adoring the features of her girlfriend who's currently anticipating a positive response. "Can we at least spilt the spending in half? I would really feel bad if you insist in providing whole. I have my own ego too Wendy, I'm afraid." Irene jokes but it was acrually half meant. 

That's when Wendy smiled ever so widely. She won. Wendy really cares for her and the baby because if she didn't, she wouldn't be venturing outside her comfort zone and explore again the world that hurt her emotionally and mentally. Thinking that Wendy was willing to risk everything for her, it was the most touching action that one has ever done for her. 

After half an hour, Wendy received a message from Joy. She was expecting a call but Joy messaging her was enough to calm herself throughout the night. Irene was a big help for her but Joy was as the same important person in her life as well. Without Joy, Wendy doesn't think she'll be in the present at all.

"Wendy unnie, I'm sorry I had to leave without notice. I had to rush back but everything's better now. I'll be back in a week! Don't miss me too much." 

For now, Wendy would let it be. As long as Joy had said everything was fine then she'll believe so. Joy will open up to her once she's all ready after all.

Friday (Last day before taking a break on her career)

Irene has a schedule to her OB for her regular check-up at 9am. Usually, her agency doesn't put a shoot at this day and time since Irene requested it to be open and secretly come to her check up. However, since the shoot was cancelled yesterday, reason why she was able to go home early, they rescheduled everything at this hour. Irene couldn't argue since the boss stressed out how much the company was already losing because of that long break she requested so they couldn't afford to lose this deal as well. She end up rescheduling her appointment with Taeyeon on a Saturday morning so she could come to Wendy's counseling on the afternoon too. 

"You look really tired, Irene. Are you sure you're okay?" Wendy asked for the third time that morning as she drives Irene to her workplace instead of the hospital. 

"Yeah. I have no choice but to finish this." Irene said as she massage her temples.

Wendy already got an explanation why Irene had to do it today, but she can't just sit back while seeing Irene so stressed. This isn't good for her and the baby at all as advised by Taeyeon. 

"Irene, you should sleep first. I'll wake you up once we get there."

"I can't sleep anymore at this rate. I just want everything finished so I could finally focus on you, myself, our baby and other things that matters to me the most."

"O-ours?" Wendy asked shyly and Irene couldn't point out why.

"What ours?"

"I mean, you said it's our baby."

Irene's mood was never good in the mornings, but Wendy just makes things better for her. Wendy sounding excited with her tone just brings joy to Irene. It really feels like Wendy was more excited than her for the baby. This really lifted up Irene's worries about raising the child alone, Wendy always reminds her that she'll never be alone again. 

"Yes, it's our baby." She smiled at her but tears were already edging her eyes. 

"I-I'll become a mother too?!" 

Wendy's priceless positive reaction was giving Irene so much strength in becoming a parent. She cannot ask for more now that Wendy's with her. They will become a perfect family with the three of them. 

"Yes. It's yours too." 

"Can I really call it mine?" 

Irene giggles. "Yes. We're both yours, Wendy... Thank you." Irene was having anxiety over her future with the baby, what the society would call them, but she couldn't care less anymore now that she felt secured with Wendy. She's no longer alone in this, she has the perfect partner who truly cares for them both. 

Wendy having depression and yet still fighting for both of them, she felt so proud of her and at the same time feel so loved like she hasn't been before. Irene swore to devote herself to help Wendy recover and live happily but it turned out the other way. Wendy was the one helping her out, challenging her condition and getting back on track again even if it's the hardest thing to do. The fact that Wendy's doing it not only for herself but for Irene and her baby too, Irene was deeply moved.

"I'll strive to become the best partner to you for our baby, Irene!" Wendy grinned at her and it made Irene love this person way beyond she could ever imagine. It scares her to have someone she love so dearly like this, but she will do everything in order not to take for granted this person that's continuing to transform her miserable life into a life that she has ever wanted.

Irene wonders if Wendy was life's answer to her question on why she has to suffer gravely like that in her past because if she was, she could admit now that it was all worth surviving. Wendy was more than enough for her to forgive what life scarred her with. 

"I feel like I'm the luckiest person alive to have you, Wendy. I'm not sure how I can ever return the same amount of love and effort you're giving me... but I'll assure you that I'll do and give you my everything to make you happy." 

"What are you saying? You're my life now, Irene. You gave me a reason to live, now tell me if you're still the luckiest because I feel like I am that one." 

"Then... we're both lucky?!" Irene retorted that made them both laugh while shedding the tears brought by only happiness of being together in this harsh world.

"We sure are!" Wendy giggled while she drives. She's euphoric and she had never felt this way before.

"Careful with the driving, you're too excited for this!"

"Of course I am! I'm excited of the future with you and.. our baby." Wendy never imagined the future because all she ever see before was darkness but with Irene... she's slowly anticipating the future because today, the present, it felt so much better.

When they arrived to her workplace Irene mentioned something that shifted their mood negatively. She's been thinking about this for almost the whole week now. It was something that occupies her mind lately that hinders her from resting fully. She's afraid how Wendy would react.

"Wendy.. uhm.."

"Yeah?"

Wendy only stared at her, waiting for the words she has to speak. 

"Can I meet up with Bogum?"

Once she blurted out his name, Irene could see the change of Wendy's countenance from all smile to a frown.

"O-of course. He's the father." 

Irene's chest tightened. Just earlier they were talking about how the baby was hers and now...

"I'll be clear, Wendy. This is only about the baby and nothing more. You're the one I love now, you know that right?" Irene embraced Wendy, disregarding the fact that they were in a public place. But Irene wants to give Wendy an assurance and this was the first thing she could ever think of other than a kiss. 

"Yeah, I know. You should go or you'll be late." She pushed Irene away gently. Although she was trying to smile again, Irene could still feel Wendy's insecurities.  

"I love you." Irene tried one last time and Wendy only nods goodbye.

----

"I heard about you taking a whole year leave." Park Bogum raised after a few moments of silence. He asked Irene to meet afterwork in the café they used to date after learning about the rumor circulating inside their agency. He was the one who took Irene officially to the modelling world by introducing her to his workplace after all. 

Irene requested her manager and bosses to keep her break away from the limelight. But then again, what was she even expecting? She's a popular model and she knew how people work by nature, they always want to dig in on other people's plate without looking at their own. They wouldn't just let anyone be with their own lives. 

"What about it?" Irene asked nonchallantly while taking a sip from her cup of tea.

"What about it?!" Bogum scoffed in disbelief. He rests his back on his seat and shook his head, disappointed. Irene was shutting him out of her life and he felt offended by it. 

"You're carrying my child." He finally used his final card to get through Irene's aloofness towards him. "I have the right on you both." His eyes were fierce staring at Irene, he demands an explanation and an apology like what Irene used to do whenever she 'disappoints' Bogum in their past relationship. 

Irene knew what Bogum was indicating because she had become aware of how stupid she was once for him. Literally leveling to the lowest in order to convey her love to him, begging on her knees for him not leave her. Irene had thought that it was normal. It was normal to be hurt and find everything difficult when it comes to love. She was head over heels for him, she wanted to return the favor of him accepting her in his life by working on herself and satisfy him with everything he wants. She was enduring everything for him in order to become 'enough'. That was the goal, to be enough for his love and be kept by his side. That's how she craved for any form of love before, because she never had felt that since Jisoo went away. 

But that was all in the past because now, she has her bestfriend Seulgi by her side who she discovered to be the one that truly cares for her in her circle of friends. Her loyalty and love as a friend gave Irene a sense of hope to strive for a better life, their friendship was already tested by time and she swore that she will take care of this friendship until her last breath. Also, it hasn't been a while but she found friendship in the spontaneous Joy. She maybe young but her maturity in handling things in life was something she's always mesmerized about. She's an old soul that Irene found courage in facing life. Joy also has a refreshing vibe to her that contributes liveliness in her life now, she promised herself to irrigate this friendship everytime to blossom into a strong and wonderful one.

Also, the one that continue to make her heart flutter, Wendy. The person that made her realize that loving wasn't supposed to be difficult. Because if you really love someone, everything that comes with it will all be bearable. Everything just seemed so lightweight. Despite Wendy battling her depression, that woman never failed to make her feel special. With Wendy, she felt loved. The real love that was beyond her knowledge that exists in this life until she experienced it with her. With Wendy, she felt enough. She never begged for her attention or her love because there was no time to when Wendy was already  showering her all of it. Irene oath to her life to make Wendy continue living because this time her goal was for both of them to find happiness in this lifetime, and that will only ever happen if they were together. 

And lastly, her baby. Even though this child hasn't been born yet, she takes pride in it. She regretted and repents that she had the idea of aborting this child, but Wendy and the others taught her to frogive herself and make it up to her child by loving it unconditionally. She's able to accept and love the baby and herself all because of these three people that came and chose to stay in her life. They are all Irene needed in her life now. With them, she cannot ask for more. 

"Yes, you have the right on my child and I believe I haven't taken that away from you. But I don't think you have a right on me." Irene sets the cup of tea on the table and finally looked at Bogum. "Have you forgotten? We're through." 

Bogum was annoyed, her ego as a man was kicking in. He just can't believe that the woman who was willing to do anything for her was gone. "I know you still love me. We can talk this through, I will come back to you and have a complete family with our baby. Just ask me to." 

This time, Irene sniggered at what she had heard. She can't believe she dated a trash of a man like him. 

"I'm no longer the Irene that you once knew, Bogum. I don't love you anymore." She looked at him straight to eyes. She wanted to convey the message sincerely without hard feelings anymore that they really are over now. That it's just the baby that connects them both, and she's willing to keep him to his life for their child alone. 

"Irene." Bogum was starting to get alarmed. He reached out to Irene's hands on the table and clasped them shaking. "D-don't you want to give our baby a complete family? Are you going to become selfish and throw this chance away?" 

If Irene was listening to him after they just got broken up, she might have considered his offer and get back to her old pitiful self. But right now is not the same anymore. She'll accept it being called selfish, but staying away from Bogum, she's doing it not only for herself but for her baby as well. She doesn't want her child to grow up in a toxic family and witness her in despair all because of him. Irene would never allow that to happen!  

"I'm sorry, Bogum. All we'll ever be now are being the parents of this child I'm carrying. Nothing more." She pulled her hands away from Bogum's and settled it on her lap. 

"Is there someone else now?" Bogum asked with tears edging his eyes. 

"If there's someone else or none, that's no longer your business." 

"Irene, I still want you back. Please, I'll do whatever you want." He begged and now bursted crying. 

"I can no longer go back when I'm already moving on and happy where I am. You don't need to do anything for me, do it for yourself instead. Accept how we are now and become a responsible father to your child." 

"I will still give you more time to think about it. I cannot give you up just like this! Let's meet on another day next week!" Bogum stood up hurriedly and left Irene on her seat. He's still in denial of everything and he just want her back. 

Irene was super stressed. Today was her last day at work, she just finished all the remaining shoots on her schedule. She's glad that she'll finally take a rest, but her meeting with Bogum was totally ruining everything for her. It feels like she's being dragged down, he's not setting her free at all.

At this point, she just want to see Wendy right away. Retire to her arms and be comforted by her warmth. Today was a long day and she misses her so much. Also, she wants to make it up to her and make her feel that she's the only one for her. 

When she stoop up and about to head home, a painful cramps suddenly exudes from her lower tummy. The first thing that came to mind was the horror of losing her baby. "Oh no! Wait!! ahh.." She squeezed in pain but still tried to reposition herself back on her seat but the pain was too much that her knees gave up on her and fell on the floor. 

She was at the corner part of the café so it was hard to locate her right away, but thankfully, a crew cleaning the tables saw her at that time. He hurried towards her and called for help. Irene could blurrily see the panic in the crew's face, she wonders how serious the situation was. The cramps was so painful that she couldn't think straight and the last thing she felt was a warm liquid dripping onto her legs before passing out fully.