Chapter 28 - Revelation
Kaneung's Condo
Sakorn rushed into the condo as Kaneung quickly pulled away from Kaphon. The expression on Sakorn's face did not look good. He reached Kaphon, grabbed his collar and ready to strike a punch. Kaphon's eyes shot wide and all he could think about is that he is in for it again.
All Sakorn thought about at that instant is that he didn't want to see Kaneung hug another man. He dismissed the idea that he is the one in the wrong because he is sleeping with another man's woman.
Suddenly, Kaneung wrapped her arms around Sakorn's chest and gripped real hard. She could only hope that he wouldn't hit his brother. She doesn't want to deal with anymore drama and is confused at what she should do. All she knows is that she can't have Kaphon hurt because of her indecisiveness and can't have Sakorn out of the loop anymore. She had always liked Sakorn and she is sure that she doesn't want to hurt him anymore. Regardless of how hard she tries to hate him she always forgives him. She feels stupid for feeling this way.
Tears streak down her cheeks and soak through Sakorn's shirt. Sakorn's arm froze in the air and he felt Kaneung's grip around him so tightly. Sakorn tried to look behind him and gulped as he slowly lowered his fist. He wrapped his hands around Kaneungs to keep her grasp in place. He turned back to look forward at Kaphon. Kaphon stood still and not budging.
For the first time in a long time, he sees Sakorn's eyes water. Kaphon had never thought about it, but now he sees it. Because he had never taken the time to fully look and understand his brother, he didn't see it before. Also, since he knows what true love is, he can see it...the look in his brother's eyes. What happened in that room years ago was a cover up for his true feelings.
Sakorn used his mother's death as an excuse to do those things to Kaneung because he desired her. He tried to dismiss those feelings and Kaphon never saw it this clear until now. That is still the worst way to handle things and Kaphon thought, “He is such a coward.”
Kaphon turned and started to walk out of the condo. As he walked off he stated, “Please talk it over, and Kaenung...tell him everything. He loves you.” Kaphon continued after turning to close the door, “do what makes you happy and I helped you not in vain, so don't feel guilty. We were both foolish. I will talk to him after you go first. I share his blood, so we can never part. You share things with him that he needs to know about.”
The door closed gently and Sakorn held onto Kaneung's hand and pulls it away from his chest. He turns around while still holding her hands. Kaneung looks up into Sakorn's eyes and he gazes back at her.
“Let's sit,” Sakorn stated. Kaneung nodded.
She tried to pull her hand away from Sakorn, but he held onto her. She is afraid he will just walk right out and hurt her again. But, Kaphon deserves to be free and she knows deep down that she has to tell Sakorn today.
They reached the couch and Sakorn sits down first. As she was about to sit, he pulls her in and she falls into his lap. She didn't feel confident that he will accept what she is about to tell him. He is a very hot headed guy and so unpredictable with his emotions. But she had to tell him. If she doesn't tell him now, she will be worse off. She doesn't want to live in hiding or pain any longer. That is what she did for 6 years. Before she could speak, Sakorn wiped the tears away from Kaneung's eyes. “I'm sorry for my intrusion, I didn't even call ahead of time. I'm sorry I was about to do something you didn't want me to do.”
His remark made her more at ease. She isn't rushed to tell him everything, but her heart was racing as if she had already told him. “I don't know if you will ever forgive me for what I've been hiding from you for 6 years,” stated Kaneung. “If you hadn't come by today, I don't know if I would even ever have the courage to tell you.”
Sakorn continued to sit still, with his arms wrapped around Kaneung's waist. Whatever she has to tell him, he promised himself that he won't have an abrupt reaction. He can't stand to have that side of him ruin his relationships any longer. Kaneung continued, “I...I can't stop you from feeling angry towards Kaphon. I tried so hard to get you two to understand each other. But it never worked. And what I'm about to tell you isn't his fault. He should not be blamed for any of it because I was the coward who let it happen.”
Sakorn's mind was rushing with questions of what Kaneung is talking about. He imagined that Kaneung tried to avenge him by sleeping with Kaphon. But, he quickly dismissed it to focus on her words, “I thought that I would learn to hate you for...” Kaneung paused. “I thought that if I made you miserable it would make me feel better about myself for liking you.”
Sakorn grinned to himself. He thought, “She liked me all along.”
“I thought hurting you is the answer for making myself feel better about liking the person who can cruelly accuse my best friend of killing his mother. For the person who is ignorant and unable to accept another person's genuine love for him. Instead, my distance after what happened has made me think about you constantly. I couldn't stop thinking about you and all my planning and theories to hurt you for my selfish reasons didn't turn out as planned.”
“I thought of you constantly too,” said Sakorn. “I tried to convince myself that I didn't like you at all. I made myself think that I loved Sakarn. I tried to erase what I did to you and ignore it as if it never happened. But when Sakarn left me, all I could think about was how I let two people go. When she returned, I thought I hit jackpot because at least someone I thought I loved returned to me. Especially with a son. But then when I saw you...I couldn't help but feel so angry all over again. Angry because I couldn't have you. Angry because you are harder to get. Angry because you belonged to the one guy I hated. Angry because Lynn isn't mine but his.”
Kaneung looked at Sakorn and asked, “What did you just say?”
“That I was angry because you belonged to a guy I hated,” repeated Sakorn.
“So you don't hate him anymore?” asked Kaneung, but before Sakorn could answer, she asked, “and you are angry because Lynn isn't yours?”
Sakorn bit his lower lip, “Yeah, I don't like that she isn't mine and I feel like an ass for having sex with you when you're still with him. I could've stopped it so that you don't have to deal with the negativity of cheating on your man. But I was selfish. I wanted you so bad and still do.”
Kaneung wanted to bite Sakorn's lips to shut him up. She kind of smirked a little, but knew that what she has been keeping from him could stop him from liking her.
“What is it?” asked Sakorn. “Nothing can change my mind about you now that we've gone this far. I am not letting you go. So don't give me that look. We keep getting side tracked. Tell me.”
Kaneung pressed her lips together and turned towards Lynn's door. “You know one reason why I couldn't keep my mind off of you while I was away?” asked Kaneung.
“Why is that?” asked Sakorn.
“6 years ago, when I felt the lowest because of you...I also felt the strongest,” tears stream down Kaneung's cheeks again. “When I left for England, I thought a new life would be easy all by myself. I was still wanting to fight, you know? Be myself and had even convinced myself that that feeling is just temporary. I would soon avenge you and try to fix things once again. Turns out, I wasn't all by myself. I had someone precious inside of me. The first time I heard her heart beat, I thought of you. The first time I felt her kick, I thought of you. The first time I laid eyes on her, I thought of you. I thought of you when her heart beat because I remembered hearing yours when I fell on top of you and landed on your chest when I was about to splash water on you to get you up. And you didn't let me go. I thought of you when she kicked because it hurt at times. It hurt so much that you didn't accept me. If you had been honest that night I wouldn't have left. I just couldn't handle staying there feeling so dirty. I thought of you when I laid eyes on her because she looked so much like her dad. I was so happy I was finally able to meet her and love her and accept her for who she is. And I hoped she would love me in her dad's place since I didn't have that from him.”
“Wait, she looks like her dad? And her dad doesn't love you?” asked Sakorn.
“Yes, Kaphon didn't go to England until later. And Kaphon for sure loves me. The only person who didn't love me was you and the only person that I slept with at the time was you,” added Kaneung. “And before you ask me, you're the only person I have ever slept with. So...Lynn is yours.”
Sakorn's jaw dropped. His heart raced at the news. He couldn't describe how he felt. Whether it be relief, happiness, apparition.
Kaneung continued, “There, I told you. You don't have to forgive me for not telling you. You don't have to like me anymore if you wish. I am just glad to get it off my chest. You don't have to have a relationship with Nong Lynn if you choose.”
“Stop,” Sakorn said. “Just stop. Kaneung, please stop saying things before they happen. Stop thinking I'll react a certain way and treat you like crap again. Seriously, you don't deserve to feel that way. I told you earlier that I wished Lynn is mine and now that I think I am hearing correctly, she is mine.”
Kaneung nodded.
“And, I never once said I didn't love you,” said Sakorn.
Sakorn wiped Kaneung's tears. “Let's put our past behind us. Let's start anew. Now that I know, we can work everything out. Kaneung, I can't describe it, but I am so relieved.”
Sakorn gently pushed Kaneung down on the couch and got up to be on top of her. He leaned in for a kiss.
Before anything went further, both got up and picked up the plumeria from the floor. And Sakorn locked the condo door. “I'm staying over tonight so we can have an early morning discussion.”
Wilamorn House
Kaphon arrived home looking a bit ragged. No one was up except for the security guards outside and Thima stayed awake to greet him at his arrival.
“Aunty, do you always stay up to wait on us? You need some sleep,” said Kaphon.
Thima nodded. But it seems she had something she wanted to say. Kaphon put his hands in his pocket and asked if there is anything she wanted to say. Thima looked around nervously and then proceeded to say, “Earlier today Lynn came in to get a first aid kit. She told me Ami was bleeding and she wanted to help. When I saw her later that day, I asked her where the kit was, but she wasn't acting herself. She told me that she just left it for Ami to finish bandaging up. Then she left for school. Later in the day, Ami's servant mentioned that she had to take food up to her all day. As someone was doing laundry, I saw so much red on the towels and a pillowcase. I don't know if a simple band-aide was enough.”
Kaphon nodded and took his hands out of his pocket and put his hands on Thima's shoulder and thanked her for letting him know. They both went their separate ways and Kaphon continued up the stairs.
Ami ran back into her room. She left her room to get fresh air for breathing in the same dark air. It made her stuffy. Little did she know, she'd overhear that they are suspicious of the events earlier in the morning. Ami quickly grabbed a sweater and made sure her hands were covered. She opened her door and walked out as soon as Kaphon reached the top of the stairs.
Kaphon turned to look at his sister. Ami asked, “Where were you all day?”
“Out,” said Kaphon. He didn't answer as pleasantly as Ami had liked.
“Did Nong Lynn make it to school fine today?” asked Ami. “I upset her this morning. I feel kind of bad. I was hoping she would have come home with you tonight so I can apologize. I shouted at her.”
Kaphon had so much going on in his head. He thought about Lynn's bruised wrists and hands and wondered at that point if it could have been Ami. But would she harm her own niece like that? Ami has been nothing but a kind sister to him. She had always been the mediator for him unlike Sakorn. She has never hurt him so why would she hurt Lynn?
Kaphon also noticed that Lynn had a sweater on and asked why she has one on. She replied, “I am cold for some reason.”
Kaphon asked her if she needed anything, while thinking about what Thima had told him about the red stains on the towels. “Do you need to go to the hospital or anything?” he asked her.
Ami denied any medical attention and told her brother good night. “I'll bring Lynn over tomorrow,” said Kaphon. “You can apologize then.”
Ami smiled and entered her bedroom.
Kaphon had to ask Lynn where she got those bruises tomorrow. He thought about calling Kaneung to inform her of the information he just found out, but then she is with Sakorn. He can't interrupt at a time like this. He hopes that she is opening up to Sakorn and that he didn't waste his time leaving them alone. He thought about calling Thida, but it is late and she needed to rest up. Her lack of sleep used to be because of school and it can't be because of him tonight.
Morning
Sakorn sat at the breakfast bar smiling as he watched Kaneung reach in the fridge for milk. She looked great. More alluring as a woman than teenage years. He loves how her body changed.
“Have I told you, you look so sexy in the morning?” asked Sakorn.
Kaneung chuckled, “Okay? Thanks....” she paused.
Lynn opened her door and shouted, “Good morning Khun Mae tee-ruk (my love)!” before she realized Sakorn was sitting at the breakfast bar.
“Good morning Nong Lynn,” said Kaneung with a smile.
“Khun Lung!” shouted Lynn. She ran behind the couch towards the breakfast table and Sakorn reached down to lift her into his lap.
Sakorn felt differently doing this today. He felt something missing every time he picked her up in the past, a type of lonely longing. However, today he felt like that empty part of him is filled. She is his and he knows it. It is possible for them to live as a family together. The only thing is telling the family about how twisted this whole thing is and how Lynn will cope with all of it. Sakorn wants to be called dad by Lynn but if she doesn't feel comfortable, he is willing to be called uncle for the rest of his life.
Kaneung and Sakorn had a talk about telling Nong Lynn that he knows about their relation to one another. They are nervous about her reaction. Kaneung told Sakorn that Lynn was fine when she found out, but she doesn't know if her reaction will be different when her real father knows. Lynn can be hot headed like her father. Sakorn told Kaneung that that trait is actually her mother.
Kaneung sat a plate down on the table for Lynn and scooped a spoonful of rice onto the plate. She turned to grab some fried eggs and placed it on the plate. Sakorn reached for a fork and cut up the eggs and picked it up to hand feed Lynn.
Lynn obliged and accepted the food from Sakorn. Kaneung's jaw dropped and asked, “Nong Lynn, you are not a baby anymore. Eat your own food.”
Lynn smiled as she chewed on her food. Sakorn looked up at Kaneung, “Can't a father feed his daughter?”
Lynn swallowed her food and tilted her head to look at Sakorn. “Did you just say daughter?”
Sakorn nodded. Kaneung sat a glass of milk down on the table and folded her arms as she leaned down to be at Lynn's eye level. “Yeah, I told him all about it.”
Lynn's jaw dropped and quickly wrapped her arms around Sakorn's neck. She started sobbing. “And Khun Mae...did he really say he wants me as his daughter?”
Sakorn kept his arms wrapped around Lynn, “Your mom doesn't have to answer that. Of course, I want you as my daughter.”
After all the excitement settled down, Lynn released Sakorn and wiped her happy tears away. “Let's finish eating,” said Kaneung. “You still have school today.”
Lynn jumped out of Sakorn's lap and onto her own chair. “I'd prefer Khun Lung to feed me, but I'm a big girl now right Khun Mae?” Lynn did not realize she still called Sakorn uncle, but Sakorn knew he couldn't make her say dad just yet. He grinned and looked at Lynn more closely. He wondered how he could miss it. Why did he not see their resemblance? Sakorn then noticed the bruise on her hands.
“NongLynn, why is your hand blue?” he asked.
Lynn dropped her fork. She was so happy and had already forgotten about yesterday morning until now. She is afraid to answer. She got up and excused herself to bathe and get dressed since she is running behind. Sakorn and Kaneung look at one another and Kaneung explained that is what Kaphon had spoken to her about last night.
“Even though I barely found out she is mine, I know that something is wrong. I can't just let that slide. When did that happen? When did Kaphon notice it? Why didn't anyone tell me earlier?”
“Calm down,” said Kaneung. “You just found out last night, remember? We wouldn't have told you about it.”
That statement stung Sakorn to the core. If he hadn't found out last night, he may not even be important enough to know about what is going on with Lynn. Kaneung knew she had said the wrong thing. She walked over to Sakorn and wrapped her arms around his shoulder. “I'm sorry,” she said.
Wilamorn House
Lynn did not want to go to the house for a while, but everyone would be even more suspicious if she didn't go. Everyone is having dinner at the house as a family. And they were going to reveal everything today. Kaphon picked her up from her piano lessons and Thida was in the car too. Lynn pretended like she had nothing on her mind.
At the house, everyone acted normal. Then her mom arrived. Lynn stayed by Kaneung's side the whole evening. She even asked Kaneung to go with her to use the restroom. When dinner finished, Kaphon made an announcement that they all needed to discuss something.
The family gathered around the family room. Ami had put on another sweater today which was awkward. Kaphon noticed that even though she said she was cold, she had sweat droplets. He even asked her secretly upstairs if she is running a fever. She denied it.
Sakorn even asked her why she is wearing a sweater. She just told him it was cold. But Sakorn brought up something that made her even more anxious. When they were upstairs, Sakorn mentioned that he noticed bruises on NongLynn and they are going to find out who did that to her. He thought it wasn't an accident or else NongLynn wouldn't be weird and quiet about it.
In Ami's head, “Everyone will find out it was me.”
Back in the family room Sakorn began to tell his story. “I committed a crime. I shouldn't have been forgiven for it, but it seems like I am forgiven now. Dad, it was smart of you to kick me out of my position. A son who did that doesn't deserve to be considered in high regard.”
Everyone was in shocked at the story. Kaphon then announced that he and Thida are engaged or hopes to make the engagement official. “Like I told you mom and dad, we would tell you everything once Kaneung is ready. And she obviously is now,” said Kaphon. “So you understand all of it now?”
Pin nodded. “As for harming Kaneung, Sakorn I am disappointed in you for that. Especially when you accused your brother of doing that with Sakol. But it seems you have changed quite a bit from a few weeks ago. You are my son and I love you. I will support you all on whatever you decide to do with yourselves as long as it doesn't hurt others any further.”
Thima felt lost at how she didn't know all this was going on all this time. She felt like she wasn't close enough with her daughter to even know that her daughter was molested. They hid all of that from her and pretended like they loved each other. Thima couldn't handle all the news and began sobbing.
Kaneung comforted her and Pin walked over to her and gave her a hug as well.
Ami excused herself and left the room. She leaned on the wall and glared into the family room. “They all forgive that easily? Father says he is willing to support all of us? Yeah...right.”
Thida's House
“Wow, that was a long dinner,” said Kaphon.
Thida laughed and turned to thank Kaphon for a wonderful dramatic night. He laughed with her. “It is chilly out here,” said Thida. They walk inside together. Thida grinned as Kaphon no longer said a word but just look at her with smiling eyes. “I'm glad that you like me,” said Kaphon, finally.
Thida stepped closer to Kaphon and wrapped her arms around Kaphon's neck and tip toed to give him a kiss.
Wilamorn House
“Let me go!” shouted Lynn.
“No one will know you are here,” said Ami. She walked over to the door and opened it. “No one knows about this room. Not even your grandpa. Because my mother designed it especially for me and her. Soundproof.”
