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Nong Gino was tire from the morning play and fell asleep. Rita put him into bed then went outsides to help around the house with the maids before returning to Nong Gino’s bed with a cup of water in case he wakes up. She was looking through the photo album on his book shelf and saw pictures of him when he was a baby and with Rome holding him. “A person can have two different sides,” before putting the pictures away then look at Nong Gino, “I guess I can understand why your uncle is protective of you, and he loves you like his own with you growing up by him.”
Rome was sitting in his office while thinking about Rita then his office phone rang. “Yes,” he answers. “Boss your father is on the line,” his secretary says. “Okay,” he says and hangs up before picking it up again. “Yes, father,” he say. “Rome, I have to go out of town for 3 days, you may take the three days off and be at home with Nong Gino,” say his father. “Where are you going?” he asked. “I’ll be meeting Mr. Lata before he goes out of the country about our merging the mall in Chiang Mai with theirs,” say his father. “Okay,” he says. “See you at home, remember don’t come home late,” say his father before hanging up. “Three days at home with Nong Gino and his nanny,” he says to himself with a smirk. Then he decides to call home and talk to Rita, “Hello,” she says as the maid hand her the phone. “What do you have plan for the next three days?” he asked. “Why do you want to know?” she asked. “My father is going out of town and wants me to take Nong Gino to Pattaya for the three days and since you’re his nanny, you’ll have to tag along,” he says. “What? I have to tag along when you wouldn’t even let him go anywhere with me? I will not be going,” she says. “You have to,” he says. “Who says I have to?” she ask. “Because I insisted,” he says. “You can’t tell me to go here and there,” she says. “Well then let’s see if Nong Gino is going to be happy with this,” say Rome then hang up. “I’m not done…” say Rita when the phone went dead, “crazy, why do I have to do what you say.”
“Toey, let me help you prepare dinner,” say Ja. “I got it, you can stay in the living room with mother,” say Toey. “Are you sure?”Ja asked. “Yes, P’Ja, I can do this,” and pushes her out of the kitchen. Ja saw mother sleeping on the couch and went over to mother, “mom, let me help you go sleep in your room,” say Ja helping mother up. They went upstairs to mother’s room and mother went to sleep. Ja cover mother with her blanket before leaving to go downstairs. She pack the clothes and went into the kitchen, “Ja I will be back I’m going to return these clothes to Grandma Janjaroen,” say Ja. “Okay, hurry home, it’s getting late,” say Toey. “Yes,” say Ja and left with the bag of the clothes.
At the restaurant, “What would you like to eat?” ask Pinky to Aum. “Anything is fine,” he answers. “Aff, why don’t we try seafood vegetable with rice?” ask Tui. “That’s fine,” answered Aff with a smile. “Let me get the same plate,” say Mark looking at Aum. “I will order two curry soups with rice for us,” say Pinky. “Sure,” say Aum. Tui has been talking more with Aff and seems to be getting along quite well. This makes Aum jealous but he didn’t think otherwise because he doesn’t believe Tui will do that to him because they have been friends since they’re small. After eating, everyone went separate ways except for Aum with Pinky and Aff. “Auntie, we’re home,” say Pinky. “How was your day?” ask Mrs. Chumanon. “Pretty good,” say Pinky. “Aum, don’t go upstairs yet, I want to talk to you,” say Mrs. Chumanon. “Okay, mother, let me take Aff upstairs then I’ll come back down,” say Aum and head upstairs with Aff. Inside her room, “I will be right back okay, if you’re tire from the whole day, go to sleep first,” and kiss her on the forehead. “Okay,” say Aff and went to wash up after Aum left the room. After washing up, she went straight to sleep.
Downstairs, “Aum, you have to take me and Pinky to Chiang Rai, Pinky’s parents brought a house there and once Pinky to go take a look until they get back,” say his mother. “When are you leaving?” ask Aum. “The day after tomorrow,” say his mother. “Okay, I will take both of you to Chiang Rai,” say Aum. “I don’t want you to take your wife along, she is to stay home until we get back,” say his mother. “But mother, no one is home with her,” say Aum, “it’s going to be boring.” “If you take her then I am not going,” say his mother. After hesitating, “Okay, I will talk to her,” and went upstairs to her room. When he got in, she was sound asleep and washes up then slept by her.
When Rome got home, he went upstairs to check on Nong Gino and found him asleep. Rita was also sleep with her hand over the blanket of Nong Gino. He smiles before going back out of the room. When he went downstairs, “you’re home early,” say his father coming in through the door. “Didn’t you say to come home early, seems like you want to talk,” say Rome sitting on the couch. “Yes,” say his father taking a seat on the opposite couch, “just about the three days that I will be away.” “What about the three days?” ask Rome. “I want you to be a little laid back with Rita, you’re not scare she’s getting all the attention from Nong Gino are you?” ask his father. “No,” says Rome, “I just want to make sure Nong Gino is taken care of.” “To tell you I think he is under the right person’s care, if you want to you can watch them then you’ll know that they are just right together,” say his father. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do,” say Rome, “but I’m not sure if they’re right together.” “How do you know they’re not when he asks about her every time she isn’t around,” say his father. “I’m retiring to my room for the night,” he says and went upstairs but met Rita when she was coming out of Nong Gino’s room. “About Pattaya,” say Rita but Rome just kept walking to his room. “What about Pattaya?” he asks. “I won’t be able to go,” say Rita. “You have to go if you don’t go Nong Gino wouldn’t be happy,” he says opening his door and walking inside. Without thinking, Rita followed him and close the door, “I will explain to Nong Gino, I’m sure he will understand besides it’ll be the right time for you and him to spend together,” say Rita. “Of course we spend time together ever since he’s still a baby and we still do,” say Rome turning to her. “But from what I have seen, you’re not spending enough time with him, you’re constantly working and paying attention to your girlfriend, you can’t say you’re spending time with him when you’re not with him,” say Rita. “Well, then why don’t you allow us this time to spend together and see for yourself if you would come along,” he says. “I told you I can’t go, I have family that I have to take care of also, I am not like you where I can go here and there anytime,” says Rita. “Why are you in my room?” he ask changing subject. “I’m not in your room,” say Rita. “Course you are,” say Rome. Rita then looks around the room and quickly turns around and walks but bump into the close wall. “Ouch,” say Rita placing her head over her forehead. “Told you you’re in my room,” say Rome. “You’re making fun of me?” ask Rita turning around to face him. “No, are you okay?” he asks taking her hand and having her sit on the edge of the bed. “Of course I’m not fine; I just bump my head on the wall,” say Rita massaging her forehead. “Let me see,” he says and took her hand from her forehead while he touches her forehead. She was looking up at him then smile. “Something funny?” he ask. “No,” she says still smiling. “It seems like it’s bruising,” say Rome. “Is it really? Do you have a band aid that I can cover the bruise?” she asked. “Yes, let me get it,” he say going into the restroom. Rita stood up, looks in the mirror on the night table and didn’t see the bruise. When Rome came
out, Rita threw his pillow at him, “What’s that for?” he ask stopping halfway into the room. “There’s no bruise,” says Rita, “you lied.” “Of course I lie and you believe that,” he says beginning to laugh. “Why you,” say Rita and began looking around for items to throw him. Rome came closer and Rita grabs another pillow and threw it at him. The pillow was a couple feet from Rome and while coming closer, he trip on the small items that Rita threw and they both fell onto the bed. His lip touches her and they just look at each other. Then Rita pushes Rome off her and ran out of the room. Rome stood where he was but touch his lip. Rita ran to Nong Gino’s room and went inside then stood by the door and touches her lip. “I can’t believe he got my first kiss,” say Rita to herself. “Rita,” say Nong Gino sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “Nong Gino, you’re up,” say Rita going to him. “Are you about to leave?” he asks. “Yes, I will be back tomorrow okay,” she says getting his hand and holding it. “Okay, can I see you go?” he asks. “It’s getting late I think you should stay inside okay, you can look at me from up here,” she says. “Okay, then see you tomorrow,” he say and kiss her on the cheek. “Okay, early tomorrow,” says Rita and kiss him back. Rita grabs her purse and left. Rome was also staring out the window while she’s leaving.
“Dinner’s ready, P’Ja,” say Toey coming out of the kitchen. “Mother’s asleep,” say Ja. “Okay, we’ll just wait until P’Rita gets home before we eat,” say Toey taking a seat at the table, “it’s already 8 and she’s not home yet.” “I will go check and wait outside in case something happens to her,” say Ja and went out with Toey behind her. While outside, “P’Ja, isn’t the sky pretty?” ask Toey. “Yes, it is,” say Ja looking up at the sky. “P’Rita,” say Toey and open the gate for Rita. “Why are you two out here?” ask Rita. “We’re waiting for you,” say Ja, “Nong Gino must not have wanted to let you come home.” “Not it’s not that, it’s his…” say Rita then stop herself. “His?” ask Ja looking at Toey then back to Rita. “His uncle,” say Toey finishing Ja’s sentence. “Well, I got into a little argument with his uncle because he’s taking Nong Gino to Pattaya and wants me to tag along otherwise Nong Gino wouldn’t go,” say Rita. “What do you think? Do you want to go?” ask Ja. “I don’t want to but he wants me to go,” say Rita. “Then maybe you should if Nong Gino wants you to go,” say Toey. “But I…” say Rita. “It’s okay P’Rita, Nong Toey and I are home so we’ll take care of the house and mother, you have to do what you have to with Nong Gino and his uncle, just have fun when you go,” say Ja with a smile. “Yea, P’Ja is right, have fun at Pattaya,” say Toey. “Have you two ate?” ask Rita. “Not yet, but since you’re home lets go eat, I’m hungry,” say Toey. “I can smell the good food, is it something that Ja likes?” ask Rita. “Of course, how do you know?” ask Toey. “Because it’s…” say Rita but was stop by Toey, “you’ll see when we get in what food it is.” “Hurry both of you, otherwise our dinner is going to get cold,” say Ja closing the door behind them. After eating they each retire to their room. Ja was getting ready to sleep when her cell rang. “Hello,” she answers but there was no answer from the other line. “Hello,” she says again. “How have you been?” the voice ask at the other line. Ja begin to get teary, “You?” she asked. “Okay,” he answers. “That’s good to hear,” say Ja getting up to go out to the balcony. “Are you getting ready to sleep?” he asks. “Yes,” she answers. “I saw your sister Aff today,” he says. “How and where did you see P’Aff?” she asked. “At my workplace,” he answers. "She wants to say congrats to us for getting married,” he says then went silent. Ja begins to cry because she’s happy to hear him say they got married, “are you crying?” he asked. “No,” she lied. “Well, mom and dad are going out of the country,” he says. “When are they leaving?” she asked. “In another day or two,” he answers, “I just want to let you know that I met Aff and mom and dad are going out of the country.” “Thanks for informing me,” she says. “Good night,” he says. “Good night to you too,” she says then hung up and cry herself out on the balcony.
The next morning, Aum woke up and went downstairs into the kitchen. “Aff,” he says and she turns to him. “Yes,” she answers. “Mom wants me to take mom and Pinky to Chiang Rai for a couple days therefore I will have to leave you home,” he says. “Don’t worry about me,” she says. “Of course I am, you’re going to be home alone for the time being,” he says going to hug her and she hugs him back. “I will take care of myself while you do the same,” she says, “I will wait here until you get home.” “Promise,” he says after releasing her and she nods. “That’s good, I will come home fast as I could,” he says and hugs her again. Aff prepared breakfast and after breakfast, Aum left for work leaving Aff home with his mother and Pinky. “Aff,” yell Mrs. Chumanon from the living room. “Yes,” say Aff coming in from outside. “I want you to go to the supermarket to buy some fruits,” she says. “Yes,” say Aff. “Take these money,” say Pinky. “I have money, I can just use mine,” she says. “Take her money, we don’t want you to use your money on us,” say Mrs. Chumanon then Aff got the money but notice it was too much, “this is too much it wouldn’t cost this much for just the fruits.” “Just use that, stop talking back to me,” say Mrs. Chumanon and told her to leave quickly which she did.
While she’s waiting for the taxi, she looks at her cell phone calendar and notice that in three days is Ja’s birthday. She called Tui but couldn’t get through to him. After hailing a taxi, she asked to take her to the mall first so she can talk to Tui. “Boss, Aff is here to see you,” say his secretary. “Have her come in,” say Tui setting his work aside. “P’Tui,” say Aff walking into his office, “I’m not bothering you am I?” “Of course not, what can I do for you today?” he asked. “I just want to let you know that in three days it will be Ja’s birthday,” she says. “Three days?” he asked. “Yes, I don’t know if you have anything plan or if you are even aware of that but I want to go home but I’m afraid I won’t be able to,” she says. “What do you mean you can’t?” he ask, “Aum doesn’t know you’re Ja’s sister does he?” and she shook her head no. “But he’s leaving to Chiang Rai with his mother and Pinky for a couple of days,” says Aff. “Oh, Mark and I will be leaving to Bangkok tomorrow afternoon you want to go with us?” he asked and she nods her head. “Let me ask Aum if that is okay first,” he says just then Mark walked in and froze in his track when he saw them together. “Mark,” say Tui. “Am I interrupting anything?” he asks before closing the door. “It’s okay, you can come in Mark,” say Tui and Mark came in. “Let me introduce you to Aff properly,” say Tui. “Mark this is Aff, Ja and Toey’s older sister,” say Tui. “How did you end up with Aum?” Mark asked. Then Aff decided to spill everything to them but made them promise not to tell Aum anything. “Now, Mark you’ll get to see Nong Toey when we go to Bangkok,” say Tui. “What are you trying to say P’Tui?” ask Aff looking at both the guys. “Well, seems like my friend Mark here has a crush on Nong Toey,” say Tui. “Are you?” ask Aff. “I want to get to know her better,” say Mark. “Nice,” say Aff with a smile, “Oh I have to get going, let me know if you get anything,” to Tui. “Where are you in a rush to?” ask Tui. “Mrs. Chumanon wants me to go buy some fruits at the supermarket but I came to see you first, I better get going,” say Aff. “I will take you,” say Mark. “Are you free to go though?” ask Aff. “Yes,” say Mark. “Take care of my sister for me, Mark otherwise you’ll see,” say Tui with his fist up. “Okay,” say Mark and Mark and Aff went out.
Rita arrived at work and Rome was outside. “Have an answer for me yet?” he asked. “What answer?” she asked. “Whether you’re going with us to Pattaya or not,” he say. “Of course not, I will talk to Nong Gino,” say Rita. Rome grabs her arm, “Try again, that’s not the answer I want to hear.” “What do you want to hear then? That I want to go? That wouldn’t be correct because then I would have lied,” she say and pull her arm back. “See you tonight then,” he says and head off. “I won’t see you tonight, I am leaving before you return,” she say to herself then watch him leave before entering the house. Nong Gino was upstairs in his bed and saw the scene downstairs in the front yard. He quickly ran downstairs and have a maid call his grandpa for him, “Grandpa, I want to get uncle and Rita together,” he say. “Uncle told me that he’s taking you and Rita to Pattaya but maybe Rita doesn’t want to go, if you have any ideas try it okay,” say his grandpa. “Okay, grandpa I will see what I can do,” he say and hung up. “Rita,” he say running to the door. “Nong Gino, you look happy today, something special happened?” Rita asked. “Yes, uncle’s taking me to Pattaya, you are going to right,” he say. “Nong Gino, I might not be able to go,” she say kneeling down to him. “But I want you to go, if you don’t go then I won’t go,” say Nong Gino. “Our little prince listen to me, okay, it’ll be a good time for you to spend with your uncle, just the two of you and no one else to interrupt your time together, I won’t be there nor will Ae be there,” she says. “No but I want you, if you don’t go then I won’t go,” he say and ran outside to the backyard. “Nong Gino,” says Rita running outside but didn’t see him. “Nong Gino, where are you, come out,” she yell looking around. After a while, the maids came out and help her but with no luck. Finally, “Nong Gino come out and I will go to Pattaya with you, if you don’t come out in five minutes then I won’t go,” say Rita. After a while, he came out from a small bush from the side of the house. “Promise?” he asked running to her. “Promise,” she say. She took Nong Gino inside so they can watch a movie together along with eating some snacks that Toey baked for him.
Aum is in his office when his phone rang, “Hello,” answer Aum. “Hello Aum,” say Tui. “Yes,” he say. “Tomorrow Mark and I will be leaving to Bangkok; will you be able to come along with us?” Tui asked. “I can’t I have to take my mom and Pinky to Chiang Rai, how long will you be there?” ask Aum. “A couple days to weeks,” he answered. “I won’t be able to, I will just see you both when you return,” Aum says. “Well, then I was wondering if Aff can go with us just for a couple of days if she’s not going with you since staying home alone will be boring, you know Ja is over there maybe they can become friends,” Tui say. “I know she wants to meet Ja, yea, she can go with you and Mark just make sure nothing happens to her otherwise I’ll come to you first,” say Aum. “Of course, I promise to not let anything happen to her since she’s my sister in law also,” say Tui. “Well, don’t forget to let her know and I will pick her up tomorrow at noon,” say Tui. “Okay, I’ll let her know, she’ll be happy to go,” say Aum before hanging up.
Tui hangs up his cell phone when Linda called. “Hello,” he answered. “Tui?” ask Linda. “Yes,” he says. “Where have you been? Why haven’t you come to visit me?” she asked. “I’ve been busy, I will come when I have a chance, okay,” he says. “Promised?” she asked. “Yes, now I’m busy but when I have a chance I will come see how you’re doing,” he says. “Okay, remember I miss you,” she says. “I know,” he says and hangs up. “Tui, you won’t get away from me, seems like you’re distancing yourself from me, but I wouldn’t let that happen,” say Linda to herself.
more still to come...