PhoneO_5
sarNie Oldmaid
Chapter 10 - Mixed Feelings
London
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you!” sang Kaneung as she brought a beautifully decorated cake to her daughter in bed.
NongLynn inhaled deeply and held her breath as she made her birthday wish. Kaneung chuckled until Lynn finally blew out her 6 candles.
It has been a few weeks since their return to London. Kaneung brought back all her work from the office to work on at home since it is Lynn’s special day. She had a contract with Brunel University as a professor of education administration for a few years, but had to take the month off to return to care for her mother in Thailand. The university gave her office work, tutoring hours and decided to wait until the spring semester to reinstate her to teach there.
Now that they are back in London, Kaneung has decided she is making extra money by selling pastries at her friend’s coffee shop. Lynn wanted badly to have her dad and her family in Thailand to celebrate with her. She asked if they could wait until after her birthday to return to London. But, Kaneung told her they had to return home for work.
After the candles, Kaneung told NongLynn that she has to take a bath and eat breakfast before taking a bite of her cake.
“Awe, Khun Mae ja, why did we blow the cake out so early then? I wanna eat it now!” said Lynn.
Kaneung chuckled some more before telling Lynn, “It’s nice to start the day off knowing it is your birthday. Once you reach a certain age, you forget. So, it’s nice to remind yourself early in the morning.”
Kaneung set the cake down on the dresser and sat on Lynn’s bed. Lynn looked at her intently and placed her small arms around Kaneung’s neck and hugged her mom. “Khun Mae ja, you’re the best mommy in the world. Don’t be sad.”
After Lynn finished her bath and had her breakfast, Kaneung headed to her bedroom to sign into chat. It’s a new feature that she finally downloaded onto her computer because Kaphon kept insisting it’d be great if he could see Lynn on her birthday. Kaphon wanted to fly to London to be with them but he had to work and Kaneung told him it’d be best if he works hard and not worry about them.
“Hey there Kaneung!” shouted Kaphon. “Where is my little one? Is she feeling better?” Kaphon kept asking questions that made it difficult for Kaneung to respond. He finally paused and laughed to himself. “Wow, I guess I’m being a super annoying dad right now.”
After a few minutes answering all of Kaphon’s concern, Kaneung asked about her mother. He assured Kaneung that her mother is doing well and that they aren’t letting her do any housework for a while. Kaphon leaned into the camera and whispered, “We’re not letting her do housework permanently! But she insists on doing it, so we’re telling her we won’t allow it for a few more months. Until then, we’ll make up an excuse later.” Kaneung knew what he meant and she felt bad because her mother is living there for free. Kaphon recognized her worried expression and told her that Thima is like his second mother and there’s no way he will allow her to work again after what just happened.
Kaneung was about to pick up her laptop and bring it downstairs for Lynn, but before she could unplug everything, Kaphon stopped her. “I know you want to find out about someone else too.”
Kaneung paused but insists she doesn’t want to know. “He’s been really quiet lately. He doesn’t even say a word to me. I found out from Thida that he was actually at the airport the day you left.”
Kaneung’s heart skipped a beat, taking in what she just heard. She pretended like it had no effect on her and continued to pick up her laptop and take it downstairs.
Lynn enjoyed her conversation with her dad. She asked how everyone was. To Lynn’s surprise, Kaphon took his laptop downstairs to her grandparents so they could wish her a happy birthday. Kaphon set the laptop down on the coffee table. After a few minutes, Lynn shouts, “Khun Loong!!”
Kaneung just took dinner out of the oven and set it on the granite counter top when she heard Lynn shout those words. She paused and her body started to react in ways she wished it didn’t. She felt her heart race and sweat beginning to form and she felt the goose bumps rising on her skin.
“Lynn,” said Sakorn softly into the webcam. Sakorn’s voice seemed gentle when he spoke to Lynn. Lynn also seemed really excited to get a chance to talk to Sakorn. What shocked Kaneung the most was that Sakorn stopped to chat with Lynn.
“How is your birthday going? Did you have your cake yet?” asked Sakorn. “I wish you could’ve been here to celebrate here. I’d throw you a wonderful party.”
Lynn chuckled and told her uncle that he should fly over to celebrate with her in London. Lynn called over to Kaneung, “Khun Mae, can’t we fly Khun Loong over? That would be the best present ever! Especially since Khun Por can’t come because of work. And we didn’t have cake yet!”
Kaneung faced her anxiety and walked to Lynn and sat down on the couch facing the laptop. Sakorn stayed focus on the screen too. He looked paler than usual. Kaneung placed her arm on Lynn’s shoulder. “Nong Lynn ja, Khun Loong can’t just leave and come see us. He won’t make it on time to celebrate before the clock strikes midnight.”
Sakorn leaned closer to the screen. “You dare me?”
Bangkok
“What did you send your daughter?” asked Thida.
“I gave her present to her mom the day they left. I want to go back with her so badly. Actually, I wished they could’ve stayed to celebrate with me here,” said Kaphon. “Her birthday is always a small one. Kaneung liked intimacy during these celebrations. And we always do candles in the morning with the birthday girl taking a bite of cake. Then we do some sort of fun activity and return home for the rest of the cake.”
“Intimacy?” asked Thida. “You two must really love birthdays then.”
Kaphon laughed. He agreed to meet Thida so he could give Thida, Kaneung’s address in London. Thida insisted he give it to her because she wants to send something to NongLynn. Sakorn had called her to let her know that today was NongLynn’s birthday.
“I can’t believe you drink this much coffee late in the evening,” said Kaphon.
“Hey, I’m a college student,” said Thida, “And I’m a teacher at the same time. Have to stay awake somehow.”
The two chatted a while longer before Kaphon asked Thida what her relationship is with Sakorn.
“I met P’Sakorn at a family function a few years back. I had a huge crush on him. Then, I left to attend college and get my degree in English. When I returned, dad reintroduces us and told him about how I’m thinking about going for my doctorate’s degree. We started to hang out a lot and became really close. I admitted my feelings for him and he rejected me. I became a bum for a few days until I realized that it’s no use making myself feel this way. I figured out why he couldn’t accept my feelings. He told me about Sakol and what she did and he told me what you did to mess things up for him. You’re an ass for doing that you know?”
Kaphon usually doesn’t care what Sakorn say about him. But hearing this come from Thida made him defensive. He hates that she perceives him this way. “You know, I wouldn’t believe everything that jerk tells you. You’re so blinded by him that you don’t know how terrible he really is.”
Thida slammed her book close and stood up abruptly. “Don’t you dare say that about him. He is the nicest guy I know. Not like some jerk here who would attempt to rape his brother’s girlfriend! Or the one making up lies about my man! I believe him over you any day!”
Thida grabbed her things as quickly as she could and walked towards the door. She turned to look at Kaphon once more and shouted, “You grab the tab!”
Kaphon took out his wallet and ran to the register to pay. He ran out the door and searched for Thida. In no way will he let this bratty girl say those things to him. He wants her to see that the man she idolizes isn’t a good man.
He spotted Thida walking towards her car a few yards away. She was about to get in on the driver’s seat when he dashed towards her, faster than a jaguar.
Thida turned ready to attack whoever grabbed her arms. She was about to scream when Kaphon covered her mouth with his other free hand.
“Look, it’s me,” Kaphon said. He released his hands and Thida shouts, “Are you going to attack me too?”
Kaphon grabbed her wrist again and pulled her towards him. Thida was taken by surprise by her body pressing against his. It seemed like forever staring into his eyes, before he shut the car door and quickly dragged her to a nearby bar alleyway. Thida was scared, but she didn’t shout for help. She knew that Kaphon is capable of doing anything to her, especially in the alley. He dragged her there so quickly that she didn’t really have time to react to the situation. Sakorn had told her about how cruel and evil Kaphon and his mother was. But she had mixed emotions after meeting him in person. And Pin seemed so kind when she visited their home. But Sakorn is the person she can trust most, more than her own family.
Kaphon pushed Thida to the brick wall. He held her wrist above her head and pressed his body against hers with firm pressure. Kaphon gulped as he realized how close he is to Thida. He doesn’t know why he is doing this, why he even dragged her here, but he is angry.
“Why aren’t you screaming? Why are you so hushed? Sakorn is right isn’t he? Aren’t you afraid of me? Of what I can do to you here? I pulled you into this dark alley where many others have been taken advantaged of because it’s very close to a sketchy night club. Go ahead, tell me I’m a jerk. Tell me I’m a rapist. Tell me you believe Sakorn and only him. Tell me you are judging me based on only his words.”
Thida sees the gloss over Kaphon’s eyes. He is being very serious with her. She doesn’t know why she can’t answer him. “Damn, he is either a good manipulator or I am smitten by this guy. Why does he have to resemble his brother?” thought Thida. “I don’t have an answer to his question.”
The next thing she realizes is that her eyes are closed, warm lips against hers. She felt her hands free from the grasp and her arms moving to the waist of the firm figure before her. She doesn’t understand her own reaction, but it felt good touching his lips. She felt him wrap his arms around her waist, his hands against the small of her back, between the brick. All of this sent shivers up her spine. She felt at a daze and she parted her lips for him to kiss her more. Her mind went blank, all that is left is his touch, his breath syncing to hers.
London
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you!” sang Kaneung as she brought a beautifully decorated cake to her daughter in bed.
NongLynn inhaled deeply and held her breath as she made her birthday wish. Kaneung chuckled until Lynn finally blew out her 6 candles.
It has been a few weeks since their return to London. Kaneung brought back all her work from the office to work on at home since it is Lynn’s special day. She had a contract with Brunel University as a professor of education administration for a few years, but had to take the month off to return to care for her mother in Thailand. The university gave her office work, tutoring hours and decided to wait until the spring semester to reinstate her to teach there.
Now that they are back in London, Kaneung has decided she is making extra money by selling pastries at her friend’s coffee shop. Lynn wanted badly to have her dad and her family in Thailand to celebrate with her. She asked if they could wait until after her birthday to return to London. But, Kaneung told her they had to return home for work.
After the candles, Kaneung told NongLynn that she has to take a bath and eat breakfast before taking a bite of her cake.
“Awe, Khun Mae ja, why did we blow the cake out so early then? I wanna eat it now!” said Lynn.
Kaneung chuckled some more before telling Lynn, “It’s nice to start the day off knowing it is your birthday. Once you reach a certain age, you forget. So, it’s nice to remind yourself early in the morning.”
Kaneung set the cake down on the dresser and sat on Lynn’s bed. Lynn looked at her intently and placed her small arms around Kaneung’s neck and hugged her mom. “Khun Mae ja, you’re the best mommy in the world. Don’t be sad.”
After Lynn finished her bath and had her breakfast, Kaneung headed to her bedroom to sign into chat. It’s a new feature that she finally downloaded onto her computer because Kaphon kept insisting it’d be great if he could see Lynn on her birthday. Kaphon wanted to fly to London to be with them but he had to work and Kaneung told him it’d be best if he works hard and not worry about them.
“Hey there Kaneung!” shouted Kaphon. “Where is my little one? Is she feeling better?” Kaphon kept asking questions that made it difficult for Kaneung to respond. He finally paused and laughed to himself. “Wow, I guess I’m being a super annoying dad right now.”
After a few minutes answering all of Kaphon’s concern, Kaneung asked about her mother. He assured Kaneung that her mother is doing well and that they aren’t letting her do any housework for a while. Kaphon leaned into the camera and whispered, “We’re not letting her do housework permanently! But she insists on doing it, so we’re telling her we won’t allow it for a few more months. Until then, we’ll make up an excuse later.” Kaneung knew what he meant and she felt bad because her mother is living there for free. Kaphon recognized her worried expression and told her that Thima is like his second mother and there’s no way he will allow her to work again after what just happened.
Kaneung was about to pick up her laptop and bring it downstairs for Lynn, but before she could unplug everything, Kaphon stopped her. “I know you want to find out about someone else too.”
Kaneung paused but insists she doesn’t want to know. “He’s been really quiet lately. He doesn’t even say a word to me. I found out from Thida that he was actually at the airport the day you left.”
Kaneung’s heart skipped a beat, taking in what she just heard. She pretended like it had no effect on her and continued to pick up her laptop and take it downstairs.
Lynn enjoyed her conversation with her dad. She asked how everyone was. To Lynn’s surprise, Kaphon took his laptop downstairs to her grandparents so they could wish her a happy birthday. Kaphon set the laptop down on the coffee table. After a few minutes, Lynn shouts, “Khun Loong!!”
Kaneung just took dinner out of the oven and set it on the granite counter top when she heard Lynn shout those words. She paused and her body started to react in ways she wished it didn’t. She felt her heart race and sweat beginning to form and she felt the goose bumps rising on her skin.
“Lynn,” said Sakorn softly into the webcam. Sakorn’s voice seemed gentle when he spoke to Lynn. Lynn also seemed really excited to get a chance to talk to Sakorn. What shocked Kaneung the most was that Sakorn stopped to chat with Lynn.
“How is your birthday going? Did you have your cake yet?” asked Sakorn. “I wish you could’ve been here to celebrate here. I’d throw you a wonderful party.”
Lynn chuckled and told her uncle that he should fly over to celebrate with her in London. Lynn called over to Kaneung, “Khun Mae, can’t we fly Khun Loong over? That would be the best present ever! Especially since Khun Por can’t come because of work. And we didn’t have cake yet!”
Kaneung faced her anxiety and walked to Lynn and sat down on the couch facing the laptop. Sakorn stayed focus on the screen too. He looked paler than usual. Kaneung placed her arm on Lynn’s shoulder. “Nong Lynn ja, Khun Loong can’t just leave and come see us. He won’t make it on time to celebrate before the clock strikes midnight.”
Sakorn leaned closer to the screen. “You dare me?”
Bangkok
“What did you send your daughter?” asked Thida.
“I gave her present to her mom the day they left. I want to go back with her so badly. Actually, I wished they could’ve stayed to celebrate with me here,” said Kaphon. “Her birthday is always a small one. Kaneung liked intimacy during these celebrations. And we always do candles in the morning with the birthday girl taking a bite of cake. Then we do some sort of fun activity and return home for the rest of the cake.”
“Intimacy?” asked Thida. “You two must really love birthdays then.”
Kaphon laughed. He agreed to meet Thida so he could give Thida, Kaneung’s address in London. Thida insisted he give it to her because she wants to send something to NongLynn. Sakorn had called her to let her know that today was NongLynn’s birthday.
“I can’t believe you drink this much coffee late in the evening,” said Kaphon.
“Hey, I’m a college student,” said Thida, “And I’m a teacher at the same time. Have to stay awake somehow.”
The two chatted a while longer before Kaphon asked Thida what her relationship is with Sakorn.
“I met P’Sakorn at a family function a few years back. I had a huge crush on him. Then, I left to attend college and get my degree in English. When I returned, dad reintroduces us and told him about how I’m thinking about going for my doctorate’s degree. We started to hang out a lot and became really close. I admitted my feelings for him and he rejected me. I became a bum for a few days until I realized that it’s no use making myself feel this way. I figured out why he couldn’t accept my feelings. He told me about Sakol and what she did and he told me what you did to mess things up for him. You’re an ass for doing that you know?”
Kaphon usually doesn’t care what Sakorn say about him. But hearing this come from Thida made him defensive. He hates that she perceives him this way. “You know, I wouldn’t believe everything that jerk tells you. You’re so blinded by him that you don’t know how terrible he really is.”
Thida slammed her book close and stood up abruptly. “Don’t you dare say that about him. He is the nicest guy I know. Not like some jerk here who would attempt to rape his brother’s girlfriend! Or the one making up lies about my man! I believe him over you any day!”
Thida grabbed her things as quickly as she could and walked towards the door. She turned to look at Kaphon once more and shouted, “You grab the tab!”
Kaphon took out his wallet and ran to the register to pay. He ran out the door and searched for Thida. In no way will he let this bratty girl say those things to him. He wants her to see that the man she idolizes isn’t a good man.
He spotted Thida walking towards her car a few yards away. She was about to get in on the driver’s seat when he dashed towards her, faster than a jaguar.
Thida turned ready to attack whoever grabbed her arms. She was about to scream when Kaphon covered her mouth with his other free hand.
“Look, it’s me,” Kaphon said. He released his hands and Thida shouts, “Are you going to attack me too?”
Kaphon grabbed her wrist again and pulled her towards him. Thida was taken by surprise by her body pressing against his. It seemed like forever staring into his eyes, before he shut the car door and quickly dragged her to a nearby bar alleyway. Thida was scared, but she didn’t shout for help. She knew that Kaphon is capable of doing anything to her, especially in the alley. He dragged her there so quickly that she didn’t really have time to react to the situation. Sakorn had told her about how cruel and evil Kaphon and his mother was. But she had mixed emotions after meeting him in person. And Pin seemed so kind when she visited their home. But Sakorn is the person she can trust most, more than her own family.
Kaphon pushed Thida to the brick wall. He held her wrist above her head and pressed his body against hers with firm pressure. Kaphon gulped as he realized how close he is to Thida. He doesn’t know why he is doing this, why he even dragged her here, but he is angry.
“Why aren’t you screaming? Why are you so hushed? Sakorn is right isn’t he? Aren’t you afraid of me? Of what I can do to you here? I pulled you into this dark alley where many others have been taken advantaged of because it’s very close to a sketchy night club. Go ahead, tell me I’m a jerk. Tell me I’m a rapist. Tell me you believe Sakorn and only him. Tell me you are judging me based on only his words.”
Thida sees the gloss over Kaphon’s eyes. He is being very serious with her. She doesn’t know why she can’t answer him. “Damn, he is either a good manipulator or I am smitten by this guy. Why does he have to resemble his brother?” thought Thida. “I don’t have an answer to his question.”
The next thing she realizes is that her eyes are closed, warm lips against hers. She felt her hands free from the grasp and her arms moving to the waist of the firm figure before her. She doesn’t understand her own reaction, but it felt good touching his lips. She felt him wrap his arms around her waist, his hands against the small of her back, between the brick. All of this sent shivers up her spine. She felt at a daze and she parted her lips for him to kiss her more. Her mind went blank, all that is left is his touch, his breath syncing to hers.
