In Love With You (Chapter 5)

Net101

sarNie Egg


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Yamnarm Family:
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Krit Chakrit Yamnarm: Head of the house hold.  Gave up the wild life to become a banking branch manager after marrying to Cherry.​
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Cherry Khemapsorn Sirisukha Yamnarm: married Krit Chakrit Yamnarm when she was very young. ​
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Vicky Sunisa Jett: Cherry's sister. 34 years old, her parents had her when they were old.  12 years gap between her and her sister.  Admired her brother in law and wished to marry to someone like him, wild yet would give up everything for the one he loves. ​
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Taew Nattaporn Yamnarm: 29 years old nurse.  Older of the twin. ​
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Sunny Yamnarm: 29 years old photographer/artist. ​
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Maurer's Family
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Grandma Maurer: 70 years old.  Manage the whole house hold.  She was born into a rich well known family with the royal heritance from far far back​
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Grandpa Maurer: 71 years old.  Retired.  Didn't care much about anything but his garden.​
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Jariya Anfone Maurer:  a 52 widow. Has two sons.​
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Mario Maurer: 32 years old Pediatrician. He is more like his father.​
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Nadech Maurer:  Soon to be 31.  Architect.  Working at his mother's friend company.  He is more like Anne, his mother. ​
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Maurer's Relatives:
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Kimberley Voltemas: from Grandma Maurer's side.  Distant cousin of the Maurer's brothers.  Kim is brought up as a lady. ​
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Yamnarm's Relatives
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Grate Warintorn Panhakarn:  30 years old.  Mint's older brother.  Krit's grandma from his mother side and Grate's grandpa from his father side are sister/brother.  Grate's grandpa remarried a younger woman and have late son which is Grate's father.  That will explain why Grate is a lot younger than Krit.​
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Mint Chalida Vijitvongtong Panhakarn:  28 years old. Krit's distant young cousin,Taew and Sunny's aunt or (cousin) ​
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***Please note, this is just a fanfiction with the purpose of satisfying one's fantasy, not to attack or insult anyone.
 

Net101

sarNie Egg
Chapter 1
 
In the 70s, social movements and hippie culture peaked and carried through out the decade.  Cherry Khemapsorn Sirisukha, an eighteen years old college freshman, didn’t have a clue why she would spend hours at these social movements when she didn’t really believe in such things.  Gay rights?  She could careless.  May be she cared a bit about feminist movement since she too wanted equal right.  After all, she studied her brain out just to show that a woman was as capable as a man.  It was all her best friend, Anne Thongprasom’s fault for dragging her here.  
 
“I am going to the convenient store, do you want anything? Water?”  Cherry asked her friend as she stood up.  She needed a break.  Anne was too busy with her boyfriend to pay attention to Cherry.  Cherry sighed then walked across the street toward the little convenient store located at the corner of D Street and Independent Avenue.  
 
“Hey there little sweetie, where are you going?”  Then the one followed, “Lonely?  Need company baby?”  A whole bunch of questions threw at her from a group of bikers in front of the store.  They checked her out, some whistled and some were even too bold reaching out to touch her.
 
“She is mine, gentlemen.”  That was it.  The claim got the bikers to quiet down.  Cherry looked up to locate the owner of such deep powerful voice only to find a young looking guy.  He couldn’t be more than 21 years old.  She was about to protest against his claim.  But before she could, he grabbed her by the arm and basically threw her onto his bike.  “Have a good day gentlemen.”  
 
“Where are you taking me?”  She asked.  He didn’t answer her.  “Let me off.”  Cherry’s head was spinning, from the speed he was driving and from the fighting thoughts in her mind.  Should she jump down?  But he was going too fast.  Her hands grabbed his leather jacket tighter.  Maybe she should wait until he stopped then run a way or scream for help.
 
Suddenly, the guy put on a fast break.  “Get off.”  She looked around seeing that he dropped her off right in front of her university.  How did he know?  She nervously got off his bike.  Once her feet were on the ground, he zoomed away leaving behind nothing but dust, and a tingling feeling in Cherry’s heart.  
 
Days after days, Cherry caught sight of him in the campus’ parking lot.  He leaned against bike with a cigarette between his fingers.  He didn’t walk up to her nor did he call out to her, he just sat there watching her.  
 
Will he be there, she thought.  Her mind couldn’t focus on the professor’s lecture.  She hadn’t stopped thinking of him for the past few days ever since he dropped her off in front of the campus.  5 minutes until the class would be officially over, Cherry watched the clock on the wall. The time seemed to go slower today than before.  As the professor ended his lecture, Cherry rushed out ignoring Anne’s calling after her. The spot was empty.  Her eyes searched around.  There was no sight of him.  
 
It had been 3 days since she last saw him.  Cherry slowly tagged along with Anne to their car.  No hope equals no disappointment was her theory. She didn’t want to look toward his regular spot, but couldn’t help herself.  One last look wouldn’t hurt, she told herself.  The moment she looked up, her eyes were trapped with a pair of bottomless eyes.  She took a turn to walk toward his direction without breaking the contact.  Neither of them said a word.  He handed her a helmet.  She put it on then seated herself behind him.  With no hesitation, she slipped her arms around his waist.
 
“And then what happened next?” Taew asked her father.  She had heard the story so many times yet still, couldn’t help but kept asking him to repeat it over and over again.
 
(to be continued)
 

Net101

sarNie Egg
***Thanks Bieluvr. Glad to know you liked it.
 
Chapter 1 Con't
 
“Well…” Before Krit could answer his 15 years old daughter, someone interrupted with a sweet chirpy tone, “She ran away with him, got married and gave birth to two beautiful twins. We all know how it ended so why do you always get excited when dad tells you his love story with mom? I don’t get it. You probably know the story inside out, beginning to ending yet you keep asking dad to retell it over and over and over again.” She exaggerated a sigh.
 
“Now now Sunny,” Krit clicked his tongue at the younger daughter of the twins, “you didn’t really have to sit through all those storytelling sessions you know.”
 
“Haizzz” Making another dramatic sound, she then replied, “I know dad but because you tell it differently each time so I had to sit there to pick on your inconsistency. For example, the last time you told the story, you said mom immediately held your waist the first time you took her on your bike. But this time you said she grabbed on to your leather jacket. So which is it?”
 
Taew winked at her twin then turned to her dad smiling sweetly, “Perhaps she held on too tight and close that he thought she held his waist.” 
 
“Or perhaps that he got nervous having a beautiful girl sitting so close to him that he imagined her touching him.” The girls giggled at their reasoning.
 
A beautiful lady walked into the family room as she untied the apron. She was in her mid-thirty but looked too young for someone to believe that she had two teenage daughters. “Girls, do not tease your father. You both know that only half of his story is true while the other half is made believe due to the romantic nature of his.” Though speaking to her daughters, her eyes filled with love never once left her husband of 16 years. As he reached out his hand toward her, she placed hers into his and squeezed it lightly. With many people, love faded as time went by but with them, their love grew stronger day after day.
 
“Then why don’t you tell us the other half mom. Please? With cherry on top?” Sunny blinked her eyes innocently.
 
“What I meant is that your father got the main points of the story but just added extra flavors. I did watch the clock often but only because that class was so boring that I couldn’t wait to get out of it. I did look around but girls, I always teach you to be aware of your surrounding for your safety. I was actually practicing what I preached.” Mimicking her daughter’s acting earlier, she heaved a sigh. “I didn’t know your father got the wrong ideas when I told him.”
 
Her husband quickly dropped her hand and held both his hands against his heart, “oh my, the owner of my heart is now breaking it into million pieces. How am I to live on?”
 
“It is really easy honey. Go have your dinner, shower then a good night of sleep, you will find yourself a perfect day again tomorrow.” She grinned showing her perfect rows of pearl white teeth.
 
Krit shook his head not knowing how to respond to his wife unconcerned comments, he slowly stood up then walked robotically to the dining room. Everyone else followed right behind. Unexpectedly, Krit turned around and pulled his wife into his arms showering her kisses causing her to shriek with laughter. “That is “half” of your punishment for being so mean to your handsome, loving husband.” He said.
 
“What is the other half?” She faked a worried expression. 
 
“Loving you and making you happy for the rest of your life is the other half of your punishment.” He gently whispered, well loud enough for both his daughters to react strongly.
 
“Eww.” They exclaimed in union. 
 
“You can say eww all you want but one day you will not react the same way as you do now when the special someone professes his love to you.”
 
“Double eww.” The younger one beat her sister on this one. “Action speaks louder than words.”    
 
Quickly her twin spoke, “However you need to be reminded once in a while how much you are loved with those honey dripping words my dear.” She then turned to her parents and asked, “Am I right?”
 
“Such smart mouthed, I wonder who they are taking after.” He looked at his wife. She lightly jabbed her index figure at his chest, “Not me, they are your kids. Like father like daughters.”
 
No matter how much they protested, the twins had always wished that they would be lucky enough to have the love like their parents shared. Taew looked around at her parents then her twin wishing this moment would last forever. Next year, they would be senior in high school then they would graduate and go on to college. They wouldn’t be able to spend much time with their parents. Well, at least I have one full year left, Taew thought smiling sweetly. 
 
A year later.
 
Mario just arrived to the States for couple of days.  He loved to travel but didn’t like being away from home for a long period of time and this time, he had to be out of the country to attend a foreign university.  There was nothing to complain when he was the oldest son whose family had a high status in society due to their family heritage and wealth.  As the son of such family, he was expected to have high education and to carry the Maurer’s name with grace. Fortunately, his family did not have a business to run else he would have hated to have learned business management when he adored children and wanted to care for them in the best possible way, health. Mario was an obedient grandson and son at home, a smart student in school and a great person to his friends.  Inherited everything from his passed away father, he had a tall fit body, a handsome face structure with a shining eyes and an attractive smile, which added to the list of reasons for him to become many ladies’ dream guy.  So many schools, so many girls yet none did ever have the power to catch Mario’s attention nor could they make his heart fluttered when seeing them.  That wasn’t the only reason.  Mario used to like someone during his high school years and when he began to feel attached to the person and the school, his grandmother planned for him to apply for an out of country college.  He asked his grandmother if he could attend their country most well-known university but with a cold stern face as a response, Mario knew then he had to leave everything here behind.  He then learned that by attaching to another person or a place, he would have to be prepared for heartbroken and pain.  
 
School year was about to start in couple of days; Mario rode around town on his bicycle getting to know his way and to enjoy the last few beautiful days of the summer. Stopping at a streetlight waiting for the signal, his eyes suddenly glued on a girl across the street.  He couldn’t see her face too well when she was facing sideway crossing the other side of the intersection but her long black hair tied back in a ponytail caught his attention. Mario looked back and forth then quickly tried to make across the street when there wasn’t any sight of upcoming traffics.  Suddenly, a cab made a screeching sound breaking on time before hitting Mario as the driver was making his right turn.  The old man got angry rolling down his window yelling and honking at Mario.  Mario smiled at him as he bowed his head saying sorry.  Not wanting to waste another minute, Mario chased after the girl.  
 
“I am sorry miss.  He just appeared out of nowhere.”  The cab driver turned around apologized to his customer.  
 
She quietly nodded at him.  “It’s all right.  Move on.”  The cab slowly caught up before the coming traffic began when the light turned green.  She turned around looking through the back windshield; she blushed remembering the guy’s sweet attracting smile though it wasn’t directing at her.  
 
As for Mario, he finally caught up with the girl that he didn’t know the reason why he followed her.  It just struck him as if his mind gave him an order and all he needed to do was just to follow.  Mario kept a distance not wanting for her to know he was stalking her.  Yes, he actually stalked a total stranger.  
 
Somehow Taew had a feeling someone was following her so speedily, she kept on peddling hoping to lose track of the person.  Still hearing the peddling than her own, Taew gathered up all her bravery and courage to put on the brake and planned to turn around giving him/her a lecture about how inconsiderate to follow someone.  To her surprise the person passed by instead of stopping.  He kept on going without momentarily looking back at her.  Been here in the town for all her life, Taew knew every isle to every road.  Narrowed her eyes, she turned her bicycle to the left taking another road home.  
 
Trying to keep himself from embarrassment, Mario had no choice but to keep going instead of hiding behind a corner.  But as he reached to another two blocks, he turned into a small isle waiting for her to ride on and also to have a peak at her face.  Once the girl made her turn, Mario quickly tried to catch up but she was nowhere in sight.  Mario looked around searching for the familiar figure.
 
“Where did she go?”  He mumbled.  “There are three ways, which one should I pick?  Mini …mo…”  He said under his breath. 
 
When he turned around going back out, someone was standing there with her bicycle leaning on to her as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.  “Looking for me?”  She asked firmly.  “Why are you stalking me?”
 
“Stalking you?  I am sorry miss.  It is a crime you are accusing me of.” He hoped his face didn’t blush or show any sign of embarrassment.  “I am new in town taking a look around here.  I got lost on my way home.  Perhaps you could show me how to get back home.”  He put on his sweetest smile.  While waiting for her next movement, he was able to observe her from head to toe.  A petite figure roughly to his shoulder length, she wore a blue jean with a white top reflecting the soft creamy skin of her face.  Her hair tied back with some baby short hairs covering her forehead bringing the youth in a girl at the age of sixteen or seventeen.  Those eyes were on him.  He wondered if she was observing him as well.  In those eyes, he could see a gray cloud covering it up.  She is not happy, he thought.  Tracing down to her high small nose, then to her proportional lips, which are not too thin or too thick, he thought.  “I wonder what they would look like when you smile.” 
 
“Excuse me?  What did you just say?”  Taew frowned and looked away not wanting to see any more of that face.  He shook his head indicating he was only talking to himself.  “Where do you live?”  She suddenly asked.  Mario gave her his new address.  “So a wealthy spoiled brat.”  She commented.  Only people with wealth would be able to live at those gated complexes.  He didn’t protest, instead, he sighed with a satire smirk on his face.  “Anyway, go out to the main road; make a left at the first light, then make a right at the first block after the third light.  Keep going for two miles then when you see a stop sign, make a left turn, then an immediate right turn.  Once you reach another stop sign, make a right turn.  You should be able to find out where your house is located since that whole block is gated.”  Finally she stopped to catch up with her breath.
 
He smiled again.  Why can’t he stop that smile?  It is so annoying, she thought.  Is it really annoying?  Another voice in her head was asking her.  She was afraid to look at him directly in the face.  “I am sorry miss.  I don’t think I can remember such direction by memory.  Can you write it down for me?”  He pled.
 
“Where?”  She stared at him.  Mario searched for a pen and a piece of paper but when he left this morning, he didn’t bring anything with him except for his wallet in case he needed the money.  He looked up at her shrugging.  Taew sighed.  “Give me your hand.”  She said.  He looked at her questioning.  “Stop looking at me that way.  So I can write the direction on your hand.”
 
“Oh.  But with what?  I hope you are not going to use your blood because it would hurt me…I mean you.”  He was about to say it would hurt him to see her bleeding.  Flirt.  She glared.  Taew took out a pen in her jean pocket.  “Do you go out carrying a pen with you like that all the time?”  
 
“Nosy.”  She looked down at his hand.  “Give it to me?”
 
“What?  Give you what?” He did that on purpose playing dump. 
 
“Your hand.”  She commanded.  Mario rolled up his sleeve.  “Your palm should be enough.”  She held on just to his index finger like he was having some sort of disease.  “Left, right, left…left, right.”  She mumbled.  
 
He laughed.  “I would have marched if these words came out from a commanding officer’s lips.”  He joked but she wasn’t laughing.  She rolled her eyes and continued to finish up the direction for him.  Mario could feel the soft skin as her hand contacted his.  “Thank you.  How should I thank you?”
 
“No need to.  There you go.  Bye.”  She nodded then hopped on her bicycle to ride home on time for making dinner.  
 
“Wait, wait.  Miss!  I didn’t get your name.”  Mario called after her.  Within seconds, she disappeared around the corner on the next block.  He sighed.  Looking down the ink marks on his palm, Mario smiled.  “What a beautiful handwriting.”  He rode around following her direction to get home.  He didn’t need her direction but with it, he would get home faster than he tried to find his way back on his own.
 
“Please, please, please.  Let her not be home.”  Taew prayed.  Her mother would not be happy if she knew Taew was coming home later than expected. Her mother would get worried.  
 
Upcoming
Chapter 2: Fiancé
 

Bieluvr

XiaojuXiyou
Awe, loving this so much, i can definitely see everything happening. Very great detailed writing. :)
 

Net101

sarNie Egg
Chapter 2: Fiancé
 ​
It had been forever since Taew Natapohn Yamnarm returned to Thailand.  Well perhaps she exaggerated a little bit when she said it had been forever.  It was only 11 years ago that she buried her parents one after another in the Backstreet Memorial Cemetery.  Eleven years might seem a really long time for most people but for Taew, it wasn’t long enough to ease the pain of losing both parents within a year not to mention, him, her first love and... Taew sighed.  Whenever his name popped up in her mind, it caused her heart twisting and yearning.  She hadn’t gotten over him yet as she claimed to be.
 
“Who was it to blame, Taew?  You brought everything on to yourself.”  She told herself.  
 
“Brought what on to yourself sweetheart?”  As a pair of arm wrapped her around waist with a bouquet of rose that seemed to be neglected and forgotten instead of delivering to the receiver, the guy whispered to her ear. Taew jumped then quickly turned around.  Hmm.  It’s him, Nadech, her “supposed” fiancé.  Yet he looked just like someone she knew, someone…oh no Taew, not now, not again.  Stop thinking about him for a second!  She scolded herself.  Everything and everyone reminded you of him.
 
“Nadech, sweetie.  What a surprise!”  She exclaimed, or pretended to do so.  “Are those for me?”  She took the flowers from his hands and inhaled the strong scent from the bouquet of red roses. Taew thanked her parents for not creating two completely opposite twins. Taew and Sunny both loved roses, just that Taew preferred white over red.
 
“And?”  Nadech mischievously waited for her next move.
 
Taew raised her eyebrows.  “And what?”  Then she grabbed his hand pulling him toward the airport terminal’s exit.  Nadech, on the other hand, thought his fiancé was teasing him so he jerked his hand hard taking his fiancé along and locked his arms around her.  Without wasting a minute, he leaned in to give her a kiss.  Wasn’t expecting the kiss, Taew shockingly gasped as Nadech locked his lips on hers.  Her eyes wide opened, her lips closed while her hands pushed him away.  “Nadech.”  If she didn’t control herself, her hand would probably land on his face as her instinct reacted.  
 
“Sunny.  You are Sunny aren’t you?  If not, then what have you done to my fiancé?”  Nadech stepped back.  “You…”  He tried to figure out.
 
Sunny?  Oh yes, her sister.  The name reminded Taew her position.  “I am just tired.” Taew looked away thinking up excuses.  “Please, can we go?”  As she picked up her suitcase, her eyes locked with another pair of eyes whose owner stood not too far of a distance away from her.  They just stood there looking at each other ignoring people rushing in and out of the airport.   
 
Meanwhile, his fiancé sudden quietness alerted Nadech.  “Sunny, are you angry?  I am sorry.  I didn’t mean to be so insensitive.”  He walked around to stand in front of Taew.  “Sweetie.”  Holding her hands into his, Nadech kissed them gently. Taew, broken from the gaze, looked up to Nadech and smiled.  
 
“Let’s go.”  She said softly. Taew seemed to be running with Nadech speedily walking behind her.  He saw them kissing, basically Nadech kissing her.  She could still feel his stare as she escaped.  Those eyes.  They had haunted her for so many years and still they could have such effect on her.  But, they were no longer the smiling eyes that seemed to spark even when he didn’t smile.  They were sadder now looking at her, drawing her into their endless pit.  She kept walking not knowing where she was heading, or what was her purpose here until Nadech pulled her back. 
 
Nadech looked into her eyes realizing his fiancé hadn’t been happy one bit.  Was it about meeting his family for the first time?  Wasn’t she supposed to be worried instead of being sad?  Or was it him that caused her sadness?  Slowly Nadech dropped the suitcase, stepped closer to shorten the space between them.  He embraced her.  “Shhh.  Don’t say anything.  Just let me hold you.”  Vulnerably, Taew leaned onto Nadech for the comfort, for the close up feeling between a human and a human.  Other than her parents, no one has held her this way to sooth her off all pain.  Not even her twin.  She wanted to stay in these arms not wanting to part them though for a second.  She would be safe, and her life would be peaceful with no worries.  For no reason, Taew tears streamed down uncontrollably.  Holding his fiancé in his arms, Nadech felt useful for once.  With Sunny, she showed no sign of weakness in her especially when it came to the deeper emotional ones.  She screamed when she got mad, she laughed when she found herself happy, she kept quiet…oh wait, Sunny was never quiet down nor had he ever found her sad.  Despite all those up and down emotional coasters; Sunny would never cry.  It was the first time Nadech saw another side of his fiancé.  It wasn’t that Sunny a cold person; she was just carefree and strong headed.  She once told him, “It is a way to protect myself from being hurt.”  She didn’t trust him completely, she admitted.  Nadech didn’t get mad at her for saying that because he too, didn’t fully give his heart and trust to her.  They both understood where they stood with each other and they trusted each other enough to maintain their relationship.  In addition, they got along pretty well and both had a similar interest, art.  
 
As both standing there in a warm comfort embrace, they didn’t know that someone else wasn’t comfortable at all.  “Cousin, can we go home now?”  The voice from the person sitting in the passenger sit brought him back to reality.  No, it couldn’t be her.  After all the years he used to heal his wound, she wouldn’t come back just to rip it open, just by her mere existence.  He nodded apologetically.  
 
Neither did Nadech and Taew know that there was another person watching their every move.  This individual had himself covered up behind the sun glasses, a long rain coat and a hat and had been following them since they left the airport.  He patiently waited for them to finish up their embrace.
 
Taew wiped her tears with the back of her hand.  “I am sorry Nadech.  My behavior was inexcusable.”
 
Nadech cupped her face in his big hands.  “Since when did you start apologizing for your action madam?”  He knitted his brows.  “But I am glad that your behavior was inexcusable because it would only show you are a person, more likely a girl.”  He wrapped one arm around her shoulder as he picked up the suitcase.  “I have never once seen you cry.  It was like you are completely another different person.  Are you sure you’re all right?”
 
Taew forced a laugh.  “No I am not all right.  I am going through a mid life crisis.”  She smiled.  Her sister never once cried?  How could that be?  Poor Sunny.  She must have held up everything inside.  She didn’t cry at their mother’s funeral either.  
 
His fiancée is back and she still has the sense of humor in her.  Nadech happily thought.  “Yes, midlife crisis at the age of 29.  Hmm.  I am glad I passed that moment.”  Nadech grinned.  He will turn 31 soon, the age that people considered “over the hill”.  Hand in hand, Nadech led Taew to the parking garage where his BMW was waiting for them with a still warm engine.  Was about to open the door for Taew, he stopped midway.  “Uh Sunny, I forgot to mention something.”  He hesitate a little not knowing how to bring this news to her.  But knowing Sunny, it would be best just to tell her directly.  “We will be staying with my grandmother’s for a while until my apartment recovered from a fire disaster.”
 
“You didn’t set the fire on purpose did you?  Just to get me to stay at the main house at your grandmother’s request wasn’t it?”  She questioned him with suspicion. “You know what; I could stay with Aunt Vicky. I don’t think she’d mind one bit. In fact she told us to come and live with her before she left the States after mother’s funeral.” Well that was 11 years ago and Aunt Vicky was only in her mid-twenty and was single at the time. Though they kept contact throughout the years but she didn’t feel as sure as she had told Nadech.
 
Taew had heard in the past from Sunny about Nadech’s family.  Starting with Nadech’s mother, a fifty two years old widow who was funny, easy going, open minded, who basically didn’t care of how people look at her, she just did what she feels like and when she felt like it.  Nadech also had a 32 years old pediatrician brother who Sunny very much wanted to hook Taew up with.  “So we all can forever be one family” she said. Taew immediately casted off the idea never gave Sunny a chance to talk further about the guy.  Before Sunny left, she left a long letter explain in details of what she knew about Nadech’s family members.  Of all listed, Taew worried most about was the grandmother.  A seventy years old woman, who was still healthy and powerful enough to manage the whole house hold.  She was born into a rich well known family with the royal heritage from far, far back.  Brought up as a lady she was very strict, close minded which meant everything had to be traditional.  The only thing she did out of rules was to marry to Nadech’s grandpa who was just a bell boy at the hotel where she stayed during one of her luxurious vacations.  Sunny went on described the relationship between each family member so that Taew could be aware of everything around her.
 
While Taew tried to remember Sunny’s analytical notes for her, Nadech tried to explain.  “Well grandma really wanted the family to stay together and my family really wanted to meet you and get to know the woman of my life.  Give it a try will you?  For me?” Taew panicked.  What if they didn’t like her?  That would jeopardize Nadech and Sunny’s relationship.  As if Nadech could hear Taew’s brain process, and feel her hesitation, Nadech decided to make a change for their good.  “You know what, let not go to the main house.  A hotel will just do.”  He dialed 411 for information.  “I don’t want to hurt grandma’s feeling but I also don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”  His desperation and sincerity moved her.
 
“Well, since it is a little late to book a hotel room and soon or later, I will have to meet them, so why not now.” Taew shrugged acting like Sunny would in the same situation.  For one thing Taew admired most about Sunny was that Sunny would never be afraid of anything, anyone or any situation.
 
Nadech grinned sheepishly yet grateful for his fiancé didn’t make things more difficult for him.
 
Meanwhile at the Maurer’s house, Mario dropped his cousin off then quickly went out avoiding having to entertain his cousin as always requested by his grandmother.  In addition to that reason, he needed time alone to recall what just had happened in the airport earlier today.
 
“Aw.  You missed meeting my brother.”  Nadech pointed at the car driving passed them from the opposite direction.  “He is one great guy.”  He paused momentarily until something hit him.  “Why don’t we set him up with your timid mousy sister?  My brother is very reserved.  They will suit.”  As the word timid mousy slipped off Nadech’s lips, Taew turned toward him with darting look.  “Hey, those weren’t my words.  You started them.”  Nadech defended. Taew was about to say something but decided to keep quiet, as she always did in an argument. 
 
When they arrived, the butler informed them that grandpa was busy with his gardening while grandma was having tea with their cousin.  Nadech mother and brother weren’t home but his mother did instruct the housekeeper to prepare everything for Nadech’s fiancé. Taew followed the housekeeper to the room that had been prepared for her.  She will be here quite a while and there will be plenty of opportunities to check out the place, she told herself. Too exhausted, she instantly fell asleep once her body hit the soft comfortable mattress. 
 
Hours later, Taew woke up with enough time for her to shower and brush up a little.  Knock.  Knock.  Knock.  A pause of silence then Taew’s voice echoed out.  “Who is it?”
 
“It’s me hon.  Dinner is ready.  It is time for an “ugly bride” to meet her mother in law.”  Nadech pushed the door open. Taew went to the built-in bathroom to hang up her wet towel.  She frowned hearing Nadech’s tease of her being “ugly”.  She took a longer look at herself in the mirror.  Is she that ugly?  Nadech laughed then came behind her wrapping his arms around her waist.  “If you claimed yourself to be ugly, then no other woman on this earth would dare to claim herself beautiful.” Taew rolled her eyes.  Sunny likes this type of things?  They were flattering words, true but too much would make them sound so fake.  “All right, that was too much.  How about…”  
 
While Nadech was thinking, Taew pushed him toward the door.  “How about you wait for me outside and think of more sweet lines?  Fair?  Fair.”  She closed the door on him and shook her head smiling at this silly act.
 
They both ascended down stair fifteen minutes later however, dinner wasn’t served because one single person hadn’t arrived. Grandmother wasn’t pleased but she showed no signs of irritation or anger. Her eyes followed Taew as Nadech introduced her around. Taew felt like she was a prey while the grandmother was a hawk waiting patiently for the prey to make one mistake. One mistake would be enough to end this little prey’s life.   
 
Thanks goodness for Nadech’s mother keen observation, she eased the intense atmosphere by making light conversation. “So how did you guys actually meet? My younger son here has all grown up and doesn’t bother to tell his mother anything anymore. He said he had a met a girl at school and years later, he dropped a bomb I meant he announced that he had proposed and the girl had accepted without filling us in the details of the courtship.”
 
Taew looked at Nadech with many questions running through her mind. The guy actually blushed. “Mother, I am man. Men don’t kiss and tell.”
 
“I didn’t say anything about you telling me your kisses. I wouldn’t want to hear about them either.” She retorted and turned toward Taew. “I just wanted to know more about my future daughter in law. Now hun, tell me everything even things Nadech wouldn’t say.” She held Taew’s hand and patted it lightly. Her motherly gestures made Taew want to pour her heart out. Mother, I miss you so much. She called out to her deceased mother.  
 
“It wasn’t anything interesting if not borderline boring.” She swallowed back the tears and put on her smile, yet she was still very sincere.  From what Sunny told her, it wasn’t much to tell.
 
Before Taew could find descriptive words to enhance her sister’s romance, Nadech jumped in, “This beautiful girl was taking picture of me while I was drawing her. Funny as it sounds but yes, that how it happened.”
 
Taew smiled gently. “I studied photography and was doing a project for my class on 100 strangers. I believe he was the last of my 100 strangers. I had watched him for a while flirting with girls, playing sports with his friends and helping new students on campus. He was so animated and full of energy so he caught my eyes…” She paused a bit then continued, “As a subject at first. So I came up to him asking if it would be all right for me to use him as my 100th subject. He agreed. We accidentally met each other a few times after that on and off campus and I then realized I fell in love with my 100th stranger.”
 
Listening to Nadech and his fiancé retelling their stories, though romantic as it sounded, Jariya could tell something was missing between the two of them. Sunny said she fell in love with her son, perhaps she actually did at the time but currently, her eyes didn’t show any love toward Nadech, it was more of respect or sympathy and Nadech too replicated the same feeling. Love was mentioned in the stories but was not in their eyes. Have they realized that yet that they are not right for each other, Jariya wondered. “So honey, when will your parents come back here? I would like very much to invite them over for dinner one day and to discuss the wedding.”
 
Unconsciously Taew jerked her hand away and quickly grabbed onto her shirt. “I’m sorry but they will never able to meet with you Mrs. Maurer. They passed away long ago.” The memories of the past uncontrollably rushed back like a flood in the spring, filling her head with painful images. She was in class when Margie rushed in telling her that the bank her father worked at was being robbed and her father was one of the victims getting shot. Without a single thought, Taew rushed out of class rushing to the hospital like a lunatic on loose. Instead of finding her father hopefully in the operation room, she was told that her father passed away on the way to the hospital. After her father’s death, her mother basically gave up everything in life including her two daughters. Without her husband, her other the half, she seemed to have lost the will to live. At the age of 18, both Taew and Sunny almost grew up overnight to become a fully responsible adult. They both got full time job during the day and took classes at night. Half a year later, everything they worked hard for seemed to go down the drain when her mother finally gave in to death and died in her sleep. 
 
“Sunny, are you all right?” Nadech’s concerned words pulled Taew out of the painful memories. He pulled her hands free from holding tight to the material and simply held them in his. “I’m here for you.” He whispered. She nodded and pulled her hands away as the butler announced that dinner the young Master was home and dinner was ready to be served. 
 
 
Upcoming:
Chapter 3: Who is she? 
 

Bieluvr

XiaojuXiyou
Awe, so sad for taew. Jariya seems like a good mother, being able to tell if the kids loved each other or not.
 

Net101

sarNie Egg
Chapter 3: Who is She?
 ​
 
After washing up, Mario went down to the dining room, “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I apologize for being late. We have so many young patients admitted today."  Mario said smiling while his eyes scanning around the dinning table. Tonight's dinner seemed more formal than usual.  His eyes suddenly stopped on a couple who sat at the other end.  They weren't paying any attention to him because the gentleman was busy whispering something into the lady's ear while the lady responded with laughter.  Until they felt the stare, they looked up.
 
Mario stood there dumfound not knowing what to say. Well, he wasn't the only one with such expression.  Taew was totally shocked not knowing her supposed fiancé’s brother was actually her first love, Mario Maurer.  Nadech Maurer, why didn't she put the two and two together instead of brushing it off as a coincidence?  She had thought about the chance since there were similarities between the two men but automatically assumed that she was still hanging on to her former love.  Oh no, why was life so cruel to her.  Not after so many years.  Taew’s heart beat frantically.  
Mario was the first to recover from the shocking moment. "Nadech." He called his brother's name.
 
"Mario.  How have you been?"  Nadech asked then looked over to his fiancé.  "Have you met my fiancé?" then realized, "Ah, how silly of me.  Of course you haven't met her.  She got here while you were out."  He then officially introduced them.  "Mario, meet my fiancée Sunny.  Sunny, this is my brother, Mario."
 
"Nice meeting you. Sunny."  He could only say as much. His mind was going crazy with all those questions about her, about them.  Enough, he screamed to himself silently. Could this be Taew, the same girl who haunted his dreams for the past decade?
 
Taew stood up extending her hand toward him.  "It is my pleasure."  Taew could feel that same electrical shock when they first touched and she could tell he felt the same way.  Their hands lingered until grandma Maurer coughed signaling them to sit down for dinner.  
 
“All introductions can be continued later.  Dinner has already been delayed enough so let not make the rest of us wait any longer.”  Though the statement seemed like it was for Mario but it actually was for Taew to hear.  Reluctantly Mario dropped Taew’s hand; still his eyes were on her the whole time.  Taew looked around pretending to follow every single one of the conversations at the dinner table.  She smiled, laughed, whispered to Nadech, talked to Kimberly, and laughed at mom’s joke yet she didn’t glance once toward Mario’s direction, not even for one second.  Through out the night, she avoided him at all cost.  Mario on the other hand, tried the best he could to talk to her wanting to confirm that she was Taew Yamnarm.  Their strange behaviors didn’t get pass the experienced eyes of Grandma Maurer and Jariya Maurer.  Jariya Maurer smartly concealed all her questions and reaction thinking a one-on-one conversation with her older son would be needed while Grandma Maurer didn’t bother to hide her distaste toward Taew or Sunny in this case.  Occasionally she threw a disapproving look toward the couple’s direction making Taew so uncomfortable.  Many times she almost choked on her dinner just because of those looks.  
 
“Sunny, are you all right?”  Nadech concerned when he found his fiancé’s face turned pale as a ghost.  All eyes turned to their direction.
 
Taew bowed her head a little.  “I am not feeling well.  May I be excused?”  She sat there waiting politely for Grandma Maurer’s approval.  The older woman didn’t show a sign.
 
Feeling the intensity, Jariya quickly signaled for the maid to come over.  “Take Miss Yamnarm up stair.”  Her other hand was firmly holding on to Mario’s arm, who wholeheartedly wanted to speed to Taew’s side.  Mario sat still.  Jariya felt a tug in her heart seeing her son’s eyes begging her.  But to prevent further drama, she better off stopped all impulsive behaviors. 
 
The same last name, Mario noted. But her name was not Taew.  Did she change her name? But why? So many questions he had running through his mind like the buzzing bees. Mario closed his eyes taking in a deep breath holding on to the last piece of tranquility. 
 
Before the maid could offer her hand for support, Nadech brushed aside announcing, “I will take her.”  Nadech stood up.  “Excuse me.”
 
He led Taew toward the stairs.  “Nadech.  Sit down.”  It was not a request but a demand, coming from Grandma Maurer.  She continued “you should know better that no one is to leave the table while dinner time isn’t over yet.  It is not polite.”  Once again, the implication was directly for Taew.  “Have we taught you no manner?”  
 
Taew turned around about to explain then decided against that.  “Nadech. Please stay.  Let not make it more complicate than it should be.  I’ll be fine.”  His girlfriend had changed.  He couldn’t figure out what exactly that made her different after arriving town.  
 
“Grandma. May I be excused?”  He asked her; somehow it sounded more like he was challenging her to make further demand.  His grandma finally gave in.  She nodded.  “Thank you.”  Then he led Taew up stair.  From that moment, Taew knew her life would be even more difficult to live under the Maurer’s roof. 
 
After they left, grandmother Maurer began to rant on how disrespectful they were.  She told Jariya that she was too easy on Nadech that he turned out to be improper and that she should discipline him more.  “He was just like his father; because of a woman.”
 
“Grandmother!”  Mario raised his voice but was able to tone it down when he received his mother’s look.  “May I be excused?  I would like to go back to my room to review the patients’ results.”  Unlike Nadech, Mario patiently waited and would have sat still if his grandmother didn’t dismiss him.  With her dismissal, Mario left the table yet didn’t go back to his room as he said he would.  
 
“Mother, Nadech is 31 years old.  I couldn’t discipline him no longer even if I wanted too.  I am happy that my son has a mind of his own.  I prefer the same for Mario.”  Jariya knew that her last comment would earn her a glare from the old Mrs. Maurer.  Still, she had hoped that the old Mrs. Maurer would leave Mario alone to find his own love instead of pushing Kimberly onto him.  
 
Expectedly, the old Mrs. Maurer snickered.  “A mind of their own?  So they can run away and be with any type of women?”  Grandma Maurer could not forgive Jariya for stealing her son from her.  She always disliked Jariya thinking Jariya had seduced her son and turned him against her will.
 
“At least they will be happy with their choice of woman just like their father, who died with a smile on his face.  Excuse me mother, but I will not be able to entertain you longer.”  Jariya then turned to grandpa Maurer who had been quiet all the time, “good night father.”  The old man nodded.
 
Up stair, Taew was very nervous trying to find a reason to get Nadech out of her room as soon as possible.  She did not want anything to happen; as she learned from all those romantic movies, something was going to happen if Nadech stayed in her room long enough.  Taew stopped at her room’s door hoping Nadech could get the cue and leave her be.  Nadech on the other hand, didn’t notice the strange behavior from his fiancé, pushed the door wide open and led the way into the room.  
 
“How are you feeling?  Do you need any painkiller?”  Nadech gently grabbed hold of Taew’s hands.
 
Taew shook her head.  “No thank you.  I just need to hit the hay to catch some rest.  I will be better tomorrow, I promise.”  She then looked at the door.  
 
Nadech stood up, walked toward the door giving Taew a little hope that he would leave after all.  But instead of doing as she wished, he just shut the door close and turned around moving toward Taew.  She backed off slowly until the back of her knees touched the queen size bed.  She saw his playful smile.  Taew began to fear, not of Nadech of course, but of what might happen next.  “Good night Nadech.”  Quickly she jumped onto the bed, got under the cover and turned side way with her back to him.
 
Nadech laughed.  “If I didn’t know better, I would have thought you were afraid of me.”  
 
She had no choice but to turn around to face him.  “I…” The footsteps outside the door stopped her from explaining, actually finding an excuse.  The pacing back and forth could only mean one thing; Mario was on the other side of the door.  Taew nervously gazed over toward Nadech’s direction then toward the door, and then back to Nadech to see if he noticed anything.  Either Nadech was oblivious or he pretended not to recognize the guilt on Taew’s face.  
 
He tucked her in, “Sleep tight, Sunny dear” using his endearing term for her to wish her a good night.  “I will see you tomorrow.”  He then leaned forward until their faces were an inch apart.  Their eyes locked.  Taew’s lips trembled while Nadech sweetly smiled.  Within the speed of light, her eyes closed.  Nadech took it as a sign to proceed not knowing that Taew was trying to focus and think of a way to avoid the kiss.  She got even more uncomfortable as she felt his hot breath on her face.  Her hands grabbed onto the bed sheet tightly, her body tensed up as her teeth gritted.
 
Sorry Sunny.  Sorry Mario.  Taew said to herself silently.  But as the kiss was just second away, the knock on the door followed by the door swinging open, saved Taew from the crucial moment.
 
Their faces got reddened once they recognized the person who just entered.  “Mom!”  “Mrs. Maurer!”  Both Taew and Nadech exclaimed.  Taew sat up straight while Nadech stood up.  
 
Jariya waved her hand.  “Nadech, tell her to call me Jariya.  Mrs. Maurer makes me sound so old.  Am I old?”  She asked.  Without waiting for them to answer, she continued “Of course not.  Anyway, I just wanted to check on Sunny to see if she felt any better.”  Then she turned to Taew, “how are you feeling my dear?”
 
“It’s the jetlag.  I am sure will be fine tomorrow after a good night rest, thank you.”  Taew softly responded.
 
Jariya chuckled, “are you sure that it wasn’t our special family that caused you the headache hun?”  Taew suddenly felt nervous all over again.  She didn’t know what to think or how to respond.  If Sunny was here, she would pick up whether Mrs. Maurer was teasing or testing her.  She looked over to Nadech for help.  
 
Nadech first laughed then his eyes brows formed the V-shape.  “Mom, Sunny has had enough for the day.”  He then assured Taew.  “She was only teasing you, Sunny.”
 
“I see.  You are already defending her when you haven’t even married her yet.  I know.  I am an old lady with no one wanting.”  Jariya let out a sigh, a long dramatic one.  “At least I still have Mario.”
 
Taew strongly reacted when Mario’s name was mentioned as if someone pierced through her heart with a knife.  Her body jerked up, her eyes revealed pain but was quickly covered by a blank look.  Nadech, with his back to Taew, didn’t catch that but Jariya didn’t let a single gesture slip by.  “But mom, Mario has Kimberly, or soon will.  Grandmother is arranging for him to marry her.  Therefore, he will be defending her too.  So why are you picking on me?”  He turned around, “She always loves Mario more than she loves me.”  He told Taew.
 
Taew presented them a smile.  He is going to marry someone after all, she thought.  Oh Taew, how stupid of you to think that a guy would wait for you after what you left him.  No guy in his right mind would do that.  She wanted to cry her heart out, and she would normally do that if no one was around.  Not now.  She forced her tears back in.   
 
Jariya took Nadech by his arm and dragged him of the room.  “It is late and Sunny needs her sleep.  You can see her tomorrow.  Good night hun.  By the way, welcome to the family.”  
 
“Sunny, I…”  Nadech couldn’t finish what he was trying to express when Jariya closed the door behind them.  
 
After Nadech and Mrs. Maurer left, Taew couldn’t think of anything but Mario until she heard the sound of pacing outside her door.  The pacing finally stopped.  She could feel he was right outside her door, hesitating whether or not he should knock.  Taew’s heart began to miss its beats.  Should she open the door and face him or should she pretend that his existence was just like everyone else’s, didn’t affect her at all especially she now plays the role of Sunny?  Her mind told her to ignore him yet her heart had its own reason.  Taew got off and walked toward the door.  She opened it but no one was in sight.  Perhaps she was imagining thing.  Letting out a sigh, she returned back into her room and into bed.
 
She was exhausted but her mind was like a working clock, spinning constantly. Oh how she wished for time to go backward where she could have her parents and her time with Mario again.
 
She remembered how she was so happy to see the sight of the campus after a long summer break.  School was the best time she had in her then eighteen years.  Still enjoying the early morning fresh air and watching the leaves falling onto the ground, Taew shockingly jumped behind a nearby tree hiding when she saw someone.  While watching him walked away to the other direction, Taew yelped when someone tapped on her shoulder scared the soul out of her.  
 
“What are you looking at?  Why are you acting mysterious like a detective?  Who is the suspect?”  That was her best friend Margie with her mouth yapping nonstop.  
 
Taew straightened up.  “Nothing.  No one.  I was trying to scare you but didn’t know you changed your way of coming in.”  Taew blushed.  She wasn’t a very good liar; she admitted however, any excuse available would be good to distract the sharp mind standing across from her right now.
 
Margie laughed.  “I always use this gate to come in.  Taew, you know you should not lie because when you do, your face always turns red.”  Margie wrapped her arm around Taew’s shoulder and pulled her friend along with her.  Taew and Margie were talking and laughing and telling each other how their summers were spent.  Taew once again acted strangely.  She moved to Margie left side hiding behind her friend as they passed a group of guys standing in front of the building entrance.  “What are you doing?”
 
“Shhh.  I will tell you later.”  Taew whispered.  But the two girls acting weirdly had caught the group’s attention.  Before the guy turned around, Taew ran as fast as she could into the building but not without leaving something behind.
 
“Hey.”  The guy called after her.  But she was gone.  Margie came to him nodding and thanking him before asking him back for her friend’s shoe.  The guy shook his head and smiled.  “It is not yours.  I can’t just give it to you.  What if the owner comes back and asks for it?  What shall I say?”  
 
Margie explained.  “But…but…but it belongs to my friend.  I just want to get it back for her.”  Still, he refused to give it back to her but told her that if she knew the owner, then just tell the owner to come and get it back. 
 
Taew huffed when Margie recited the conversation she had with the handsome stranger. “Well, his exact words were “Tell Cinderella to come and get her shoe back. I am not just going to give it to anyone unless the shoe fits.””
 
“Hmm, shouldn’t he be going around searching for the person who fits the shoe not the other way around? Why should Cinderella be looking for Prince Charming?” Taew rolled her eyes then of all sudden, she became quiet with her mind wandering back to the stranger. This was the third time she saw him and nothing good ever happened when they met.
 
“You hoo, anyone home? Hello?” Margie basically had to shake Taew out of her daydreaming. “Spill love, how did you know the guy? And from what happened, it seems like you two have a history. And don’t you dare lying to me. You know the punishment.” Margie held out her hands wiggling her long lean fingers.
 
Taew could handle anything except for tickling. She grinned at her long-time friend trying to weave a perfect story of how she met the guy. But seeing the knowing look on Margie’s face, Taew gave up the idea. “Well I first met him year or so ago when I thought he was following. But it turned out he was just lost and asking for direction. I have no clue why but I was feeling mischievous that day so I gave him the longest route I could think of.” When she saw Margie shaking her head, Taew laughed out loud. “I wasn’t being mean, honest. I was just playing around a bit. Well…”
 
“Well???” Margie pushed.
 
“Well I didn’t know I would see him again a year later in this university. Do you remember couple days ago when you, Sheila and I were tossing the football around with some friends? That same day Sheila came up with the silliest idea to attract a guy ever. She told me to throw the ball toward where her crush was standing so she had an excuse to run into the guy.” She could feel the heat on her cheeks recalling the day. Sheepishly she continued, “I didn’t know I had the talent of playing football, the ball flew straight into the guy standing next to her crush and hit him on the head. It turned out to be the same guy I gave the direction last year. And then when he looked up and saw me…I…”
 
“You grabbed me and ran without stopping as if a mean German shepherd was chasing after you.” Margie finished the story.
 
“Uh huh. You see? The guy must hate me now. I am sure he will come up with many vengeful plans to make me suffer for the rest of my life.” She sighed theatrically.
 
Margie burst out laughing. “Save the drama for the hot boy Missy. You have to figure out how to get your shoe back else you will be hopping on one foot to your bike.” 
 
Now that Margie reminded her of the shoe, she truly needed to get her shoe back. How would she explain to her parents? Mom, dad, I lost my shoe to a guy and he was not even my prince charming. But what if he thinks I did that on purpose trying to attract his attention? She pondered. Before she could think of something, a friend of hers walked toward them holding a brown package with purple ribbon tying around it. “Good day ladies.” He said to both Taew and Margie. “Taew, someone asked me to deliver this package to you.” He handed over to her but she didn’t take it so he put down right in front of her. He winked at her before he left.
 
Taew got nervous not knowing if she should open the package. “Do you think it’s a bomb?” Sure, she was so important that someone planned to assassinate her. What if it wasn’t meant to kill her but just destroy her face? Oh that would be awful. Curiosity kills the cat. She should not open the package. Though her mind was thinking one way, her hands already started untying the ribbons. “A man’s shoe? What kind of joke is this?” Her eyes narrowed, her brows raised, Taew tried to think who could the culprit be?
 
“There is a note.” Margie pointed it out. She leaned forward reaching for the note but Taew was quicker. “What does it say? Read it out loud.”
 
Taew hesitate looking up at Margie then down at the note, finally she decided not to hide from her best friend. “You gave me your shoe to remind me of you every single day, every single moment of my breathing life. So now I give you my shoe hoping you will think of me night and day. Until we meet again ;) , then our shoes can be together as they were made to be, as a pair.” Taew picked up the shoe wanting to throw it out the window or into the trash can whichever was closer. 
 
“Uhm. That is not a very good idea my sweet. At least wear it to the bike or wear it home so you don’t have to hop around looking like an idiot or getting your foot hurt for walking on rocks and all.” Margie recommended trying to hold herself from bursting out loud. “So romantic. People used to exchange hair locks, heart lockets, rings, you name it. But you two are so different, exchanging shoes.”
 
Taew stuck her tongue out, “Perhaps it is because this is a modern Cinderella.”
 
“So you admit he is your prince charming then?” Margie touched her chin thinking a bit then went on. “To be honest, the guy is not bad looking, in fact he is very cute. Such long lean body…” Margie said dreamily.
 
Taew smiled at the sweet memories. She wasn’t sure whether it was Margie’s words or his sweet smiling handsome face that had affected her but whatever it was, it had caused her to have many restless nights since. Her mind went to the shoe box in her suitcase which she hadn’t have the chance to unpack since she arrived the Maurer’s main house. Even after they got together, they still didn’t return the other’s shoe back to the owner. The shoes truly became their love tokens. 
 
ps. It will be a while til chapter 4. sry.
 

ImQueen

sarNie Adult
No! A while?! LOL. It's alright. Thank you for updating the first three chapters. I swear I enjoy it so much! :D
 

Net101

sarNie Egg
Chapter 4: My Shining Star
 
“Mother.”  Mario greeted as he saw Jariya down the hall.  After dragging Nadech back to his room, Jariya decided to check on Sunny for the last time before hitting bed.  She didn’t expect to find her older son outside Sunny’s door.  She had suspicion earlier but didn’t say anything because Mario would only talk when he was ready to do so. She didn’t answer his greeting, just patiently waiting.  Knowing her son, all she needed to do was to wait.  “I came to look for Nadech.  I couldn’t find him in his room earlier.”
 
What Mario didn’t know was that Jariya just came from Nadech’s room.  Her son lied.  Mario had never lied.  Between Mario and Nadech, Mario was a bad liar.  His face expression and gesture would have turned him in for any case.  He could never look anyone straight into the eyes and say the lie. At the moment, his eyes were looking anywhere but directly into his mother’s. “Want to take a walk with me Mario?  I haven’t had a chance to pay more attention to you two since I opened my gallery.”  
 
“Mother, you know that is not true.”  Mario comforted Jariya.  His mother was a painter and he knew that she would spend more than 24 hours without sleeping or eating when she was inspired.  She gave up her painting when she married his father.  She didn’t start painting again until his father died.  Both Mario and Nadech knew that she used painting to hide her pain of losing the one she loved.  Though she was hurt, she had never neglected her responsibility as a mother.  Mario and Nadech finally urged her to open her own gallery when the chance was given to her when both Mario was stable as a pediatrician and Nadech began to work for his mother’s friend as an architect. “You gave us the support, the care, the love that no mother could have done better.  We are grateful to you and love you very much.”  Mario wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they strolled toward the backyard garden.
 
“Mario, how come you never called me mom or mommy?”  She asked quietly.
 
Mario knew better that his mother would not ask anything just out of randomness.  “Well it is more proper to call you mother.”  He smiled.  His smile was somehow so sad, she noticed.
 
Jariya turned toward her son and caressed his face with her tenderly.  “You know you can call me anything you want honey.  Mom, mommy or ma… However, you can be proper and prim as your grandmother taught you to be in front of anyone, but with me, please just be yourself.  I love you no matter what.”
 
Mario held his mother’s hand to his face enjoying her love and care.  “Mom.”  
 
“Sometimes I wish you were more like Nadech, fighting for what you wanted.  But then, you wouldn’t be my sweet caring Mario who put everyone ahead of himself.”  She gently smiled at him.  “I am just worried about you.  Please promise me you will not settle for anything less than love.”
 
“I will not settle for anything less than what you and father had.”  He assured her.  They then continued to stroll down the path until they reached the gazebo in the center of the garden. Mario considerately brushed the leaves and dust off the seat for his mother.  “It’s beautiful tonight.  The moon is so full.”  He then directed his eyes toward the window on the second floor at the end of the East side.  What is she doing now?  It would be wonderful to have her in his arms as they watched the full moon and counting the stars.  They used to camp out on the campus’s lawn to watch the moon and the stars with the grass as their bed and the sky as their blanket.  While going down the memory lane, Mario didn’t hear his mother calling out to him until she tapped his shoulder.  “I am sorry.”  He apologized.
 
“What were you thinking?”  She followed his gaze.  “Mario, be honest with me.  Between you and Sunny…”  She left it half way for him to complete.
 
Mario thought for a while then answered.  “I used to date someone who looked exactly like her back in my college years.  Her name was Taew.  One day, she just disappeared and I have not heard of her since.  Until today when I saw Sunny, I thought I was seeing Taew all over again with her beautiful face and sweet smiles.  Though the name was not the same but the gesture and the look were similar as if Taew was really here.”  He took a deep breath.  “I couldn’t help it mom.  I need to know.”  Hesitate for a while, he finally took out his wallet and pulled out an old photo which was hidden under his driver license.    
 
Jariya took a look but displayed no reaction.  The photo showed her son in his late teen, having his arm around a young girl around the same age or perhaps younger.  Though the ages between the girl in the picture and Sunny were probably a decade different yet, they looked like two drops of water.  “And then?”
 
“I don’t know mom.” He then took a deep breath as he ran his fingers over the photo before putting it back into the wallet.  
 
With the marks and the fading colors, Jariya could tell it had been looked at for many times.  Looking at her son just now, she saw the exact same pain Sunny, for a moment had expressed when his name was mentioned earlier in the bed room.  She wanted everything to be resolved but no matter how it would come out, someone would end up getting hurt.  Jariya’s mind went crazy with thoughts.  Both of them are my sons, who do I want to be happy and who do I want to get hurt?  Mario was more like his father, quiet, reserved, carefully weight all his decisions and most of all, considerate.  He would rather take the pain onto himself than hurt other, especially his family.  He inherited all his father traits.  She wondered if he had inherited the special trait that when situation called for, he would do the unexpected.  His father obeyed grandma Maurer on all aspects of his life and almost gave up on Jariya when grandma Maurer demanded.  Jariya almost gave up on the thought of being with him too until one day he decided to kidnap her and basically forced her to marry him.  Jariya smiled remembering the old time.  “Honey, it’s getting late, you should go to sleep.”  
 
“You go ahead mom, I would like to stay here a bit longer. I’ll be in shortly.” He said, smiling at his mother assuring her. 
 
Tonight’s sky somehow seemed to be clearer than the night before. Mario looked at the North Star then started to recite a childhood rhyme someone once taught him. “Star light star bright…” Her face came into mind with eyes twinkling like the stars in the sky looking at him, calling out to him. It was just a memory, Mario, he reminded himself.  The memory of a day he fell in love with her seeing her standing there with her eyes closed and head tilted up toward the sky chanting something. 
 
“Star light star bright
The first star I see tonight
I wish I may
I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight.”
 
He heard her whispering as he came near. With the enchanted moonlight dancing around her, she was so alluring that he was tempted just to kiss her right then and there. “So, what were you wishing for?” He said quietly not wanting to startle her. Still, she jumped backing off so quickly that she almost tripped over her own feet and fell. “Be careful there,” he held her by the arm to hold her steady. 
 
“Don’t ever do that again. You scared the kitty out of me.” She held her hand at her chest hoping to calm her heart down. Unfortunately, his hand on her arm didn’t help much with calming her erratically beating heart either.  And when he just stood there smiling at her without letting go, she slowly peeled off his fingers one by one. 
 
“One little finger, one little finger, one little finger. 
Tap tap tap. 
Point your finger up. 
Point your finger down. 
Put it on your head…”
 
Seeing his eyes wide open gaping at her she quickly covered up her embarrassment with a silly grin. “These are nursery rhymes.”
 
“Uh huh and you are treating me like a kid?” He asked.
 
She then looked at him from head to toe, then shook her head. “Nah, you are too big.”  And definitely looks nothing like a kid, especially that killer smile, oh no, no, no, no, she thought. Afraid he might see through her thoughts, she started walking away, still, a bit slowly as though she wanted him to follow her and secretly smiled when he actually did. 
 
“So, what were you wishing for earlier? Passing an exam? Money? True love?” He fished hoping to keep the conversation a bit longer. 
 
As he hoped, she responded. “No, none of above. I believe in studying to pass the exam, to work for money because wishing without hard work will only produce disappointment. As for true love,” she paused for a second, “he will come along when it is time. I was just wishing to see someone…” She slipped out regretting for not being able to hold her tongue in front of a stranger, especially this particular stranger.
 
“Ah…I see.” Perhaps it was too early to hope for, “And has your wish come true?” 
 
She bit her lips deciding on whether to tell him or not. Before she could say anything, someone was calling out to her interrupting her thoughts. Margie just parked her car not too far from where they were standing, and she was waiving at Taew. She turned to take one look at him then ran away laughing cheerfully. 
 
“Wait, shining star, don’t go.” He called after her. 
 
When she got to the car, she didn’t get into it immediately but turned around facing his direction. “Yes, it has.” She said it loud enough for him to hear. He couldn’t help but smiled right there and kept on smiling even in his sleep.
 
The old memories brought a smile to Mario’s lips, though not much but enough to keep him hoping for one day to see her again. Out of nowhere, a sound of snapping tree twig brought Mario back to the present. He turned around in time to see the back of a female figure, a quite familiar one where he had time spent numerous times watching her walking away. 
 
“Shining star.” 
 
The person stopped for a moment then turned around to face him. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you older brother. I didn’t know someone was already here.” 
 
Mario cringed at the words older brother as they reminded him that the person in front of him was not his love but his brother’s fiancé. “It is all right. I trust you are feeling better now.” 
 
She nodded, standing in the same place not moving forward or backing away. “Thank you, I feel much better. Unfortunately, the long nap I took in the afternoon kept me awake so I thought a walk might help.” She held out her hand to stop him when he was about to stand up. “Please don’t stand up on my account. I will be going anyway. Again, I apologize for disturbing.” 
 
“Please.” He pled. “If you could spare me a bit of your time, I have a few questions to ask you.”
 
Taew had expected their one on one encounter she just didn’t expect it to be this soon. She wasn’t prepared. Seeing him sitting there alone in the darkness earlier she felt a stab of pain in her heart as if someone squeezed the life out of it. She really should have left as soon as she saw him but no, her feet didn’t move, her arms wanted to reach out and wrapped themselves around him. She was glad for the shadow blocking him from seeing stain of tears on her face. He remembered her all along. My shining star, he called her after the night he caught her wishing upon the stars. 
 
Perhaps it would be best to avoid him. “I don’t think it is appropriate for us to be alone together at night here in the garden.” She looked around. 
 
“The meeting is completely innocent, no one would say anything.” 
 
Reluctantly she came into the gazebo and sat down into one of the chairs across from where he was sitting. They sat there silently. The night was so quiet that she thought she could hear her heart beat. Over the past ten years she had learned how to be patient, to wait yet somehow, she couldn’t remain still around this man. “Brother, you were saying that you had questions for me.” She spoke up first.
 
He was watching her slowly taking in every feature every movement she made. She hadn’t looked at him directly diverting her eyes elsewhere. “Ah…yes. I was wondering if you were somehow related to a friend of mines, Taew Yamnarm.” Finally, she turned to look him straight into the eyes. He felt a flare of hope in his broken heart, a chance for it to heal? 
 
“A friend you said?” She asked annoyingly though she had no reason to be.
 
Unknowingly, he chuckled. “To be honest, she was more than that to me. It’s just that I haven’t seen her for more than a decade so I didn’t know what she saw me as then and what she sees me as now.” He took in a deep breath.
 
The love of her life, she wanted to scream but the words seemed to get stuck at her throat. Swallowed them back down she tried to even her tone. “She is my sister. However, I have never heard her mentioning knowing you.” Oh how she lied. She couldn’t stop talking about him to Sunny then. She wanted Sunny to meet Mario to see what a great guy he was but they didn’t have the chance. Sunny even suggested that they should do a test to see if he could tell Sunny from his girl friend so she asked Taew not to mention about them being twins. The topic never came up again when things started to collapse around their lives.
 
“But she talked about you a lot. You are as lovely as she said you were.” Mario recalled. “Just…”
 
“Just not as lovely as she was?” She interrupted. But once the words were spoken, she truly regretted them. Since when did you fish for a compliment Taew, she scolded herself.
 
Mario smiled, politely brushed it off. “I was going to say that it was just too bad that we didn’t have a chance to meet due to those misfortunate events.” He observed her carefully for any reactions she might have. To Taew, her parents’ deaths took a major toll on her. “I am sorry about your mother’s death. I came back that summer hearing your mother’s pass away. I came by the house but was told you guys moved out and left the state. I flew to California but the landlord said you hadn’t come back to your apartment.” Shock was undeniably displayed on her face. “You didn’t think I would, did you?” It was more of a statement than a question.
 
She sat there frozen in place until minutes later, she replied. “I would think no such thing brother. I didn’t know you then, remember?” 
 
“Right. I am sorry but you look exactly just like her. It will have to be a while until I could distinguish who is who.” He smiled apologetically. “Is it funny? We were supposed to meet but didn’t until years later. Fated I should say. We now meet with you being my brother’s fiancé.”
 
Ill-fated I would say, Taew thought. 
 
“Oh there you are. I thought you ran away.” They both turned toward the voice. To Taew at the moment, Nadech was like a savior. “Why aren’t you resting?” He concerned not bothered by the fact that his fiancé was sitting alone with a man who was not him in the middle of the night. She explained to him about the afternoon nap, how she ended up here and her conversation with his brother. “Oh, so you knew her sister bro? I have always wanted to hook you up with her, but now, I see no point of doing so since fate has already had its hand in this.” He cheerfully babbled on. Neither of the remaining parties commented, each lost in their own thoughts.
 
“Nadech, why don’t you stay and talk to your brother. I am sure you guys have a lot to catch up. I think I need my beauty sleep after all.” Taew slowly stood up. “Good night Nadech. Good night Mario.” She no longer had the energy to keep up with the charade. The guys stood up as well but didn’t move when she started walking away. When she got to the steps, Taew turned around directing her question at Mario. “Why did you stop looking for her?”
 
“I haven’t.” 
 
Upcoming
Chapter 5: A Simple Mistake (changed from People Change)
 
Thanks guys for the support. I planned to do one chapter per day but didn't work out that way. Please continue to support me as your supports are my motivation. 
 

Bieluvr

XiaojuXiyou
I appreciate you giving your time to write this fan-fic for everyone to read. Loving it so far. I will wait as long as it takes for the next chapter. Lol, i know how hard it is to write, even i can't write that fast because i would run out of ideas. :)
 

Net101

sarNie Egg
Chapter 5: A Simple Mistake
 
Regardless he was telling the truth or not, she felt elated today as if tons of bricks had been lifted off her chest . Taew woke up early and came down to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the family. It had been her routine since she was a teenager helping her mother every morning before school. In the middle of setting up the table, her phone rang. 
 
“Hello.” She answered after hesitating a bit because the incoming number was blocked. After a few back and forths, Taew took in a deep breath then hung up the phone. She went to kitchen and politely asked the old maid to help her with the remaining tasks.
 
Less than ten minutes later, everyone was coming down for the first meal of the day. “Good morning grandfather, good morning grandmother, good morning mother…” Both Mario and Nadech took turn greating the elders of the family before sitting down. 
 
“It is wonderful to start the day with some hot rice porridge.” Nadech commented then turned to say thank you to the maid.
 
 The maid was about to tell him it wasn’t her that prepared the breakfast but backed away when grandmother Maurer raised her voice. “Go get her. Didn’t she know that breakfast begins at 7 am exact.” The maid opened her lips to explain but then again, someone beat her to it.
 
“Sunny left after she made breakfast. She did ask me for permission and I gave it to her.” Grandpa Maurer slowly but firmly made a statement daring anyone to say anything. That was it, no further explanation.
 
Nadech looked at the maid seeing her nodding her head. He smiled thinking how considerate his fiance was. His smile was then turned into a frown when he saw his grandmother’s stern face. He couldn’t understand as to why his mother disliked Sunny so much when she hadn’t gotten to know the girl. It wasn’t like his grandmother to be judgemental.  
 
As everyone began eating their breakfast, the maid brought out a small dish of patongo and a glass of grapefruit juice and placed in front of Mario. “Ah nurse Pim, you are being unfair again favoring Mario more than me. How come he gets dessert and I don’t.” Nadech put on a pouting face.
 
“Master Nadech, I didn’t make those.” When nurse Pim responded, spoons clattering, eyes wandering with no other sounds made.
 
Jariya was taken by surprise like everyone else, however she was the first to recover. “Arisa, you were supposed to place that in front of Master Nadech. Clumsy girl.” Ah, that made more sense. Sunny prepared breakfast so making the extra dessert for her fiance was a normal thing to do. 
 
“But ma’am, Miss Sunny told me they were for Master Mario. She even said he needed his grapefruit juice to go with it.” The young maid was confused trying to do as she was told.
 
“Well you either misheard Miss Sunny or your memory is fading.” Before the maid clarified further, Jariya commanded. “Just bring the dish over to Master Nadech and go do your chores.” The maid wasn’t happy that she got accused of making mistake, however, it wasn’t her place to argue with her employer. She would have to ask Miss Sunny later.
 
“Maybe Arisa was too tired. Perhaps we should give them more breaks.” Nadech innocently suggested. He then picked up the delicious dessert and took a bite. “The benefit of having a fiance, brother. You should hurry up and have one.” He looked over to Kimberly who sat there quietly looking disheartened and winked at his brother. 
 
At this moment, Mario was too confused to be paying attention to anything or anyone around him. His mind was still on the dessert and the one making it. He looked forward seeing her this morning and was disappointed to find her missing from the table. He knew he shouldn’t be thinking about his brother’s fiance but he couldn’t help his feeling, his heart seemed to have a mind of its own. Perhaps because she looked exactly like Taew that he imagined them as one. But the incidence just now made him twice over. True both of them like patongo but it had been his habit of drinking the grapefruit juice before eating something heavy or greasy. The maid could have mistaken about the dessert but the juice, it couldn’t possibly be. 
 
“It was just a coincidence I am sure.” He told himself. 
 
Meanwhile in a crowded coffee shop not too far from downtown, Taew was sitting across from a strange behaving man in a long trendcoat, with a fedora on his head and sunglasses so big that they covered almost half of his face. “We need to stop this charade. I don’t think  I can’t do this anymore.” Taew said.
 
“Please sis, just a bit longer.” A feminine voice came from her company. 
 
Taew shook her head. “Please Sunny.” She begged. “How could you ask me to do such ridiculous thing, testing your fiance. It wasn’t a big deal when we were little and it was no harm done to play a little trick then and there. But if someone found out, we both could get into trouble. Do you think Nadech could easily forgive you? In a way, you are hurting him now.”
 
Sunny huffed. “What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.”
 
“All right then. What do you suggest I do when your fiance wanted to make romantic moves on me?  Do you expect I just hang around for him to make such advances on my person?”
 
“What advances?” Sunny said with shocking tone. “Did he force himself onto you?”
 
“No no no. What are you thinking? I meant he thought I were you so he attempted to kiss me and all. I do not like this one bit. Please Sunny, can we not switch back?” Taew sighed. “I saw him again you know. Fate hasn’t been kind to me at all.”
 
The sunglasses blocked Taew from seeing the surprise in her sister’s eyes, still she could tell in her sister’s voice. “Who? Oh him. Where?”
 
“Think about it Sunny. Mario Maurer.” Taew looked out the window hiding the pain showing in her eyes.
 
Sunny thought for a second then jumped out of her chair. “Oh my freaking god. You mean to say your Mario Maurer is my Nadech Maurer’s brother? That Mario Maurer?” She put her hand to her mouth covering herself from cussing out loud then dropped herself back into the chair. “You mentioned his name before but I never…”
 
“Really paid attention or cared.” Taew finished it up for her sister.
 
Sunny smiled sheepishly with guilt. “I am sorry sis. But I did care, not about him though.” She pushed the falling glasses up her nose. “I was busy with school works when you called so his name might have slipped. But then again, how come you didn’t say anything when I told you about Nadech.” She grinned, turning the table around.
 
“I admitted I too didn’t really pay attention as much as I should. I was so tired from the school and work. Our constant moving and having to find new job everytime, I didn’t have much energy left to think about it. If I even did, I probably brushed it off as a coincidence.” 
 
Sunny knew her sister wasn’t being honest with herself. There were nights she heard her sister calling out to Mario and cried in her sleep. It must have hurt her sister a lot to leave the guy she loved behind. Feeling even more guilty now, Sunny reached out holding her hand. “Give me a few more days to sort out my feeling. I promise I will not ask you to do switch ever again. By the way, Aunt Vicki was right. She read that you would meet with a long time lover once again but she didn’t...” Sunny left it hanging but they both knew what Vicki didn’t say. 
 
After half an hour of chit chat, the sisters agreed to part their ways and to meet again at their aunt Vicki’s place. Sunny came over to give her sister a hug thanking her for her help. Suddently, she hugged her sister closer and whispered into her sister’s ear. “Uhm sis, there is this man staring at us right now. He doesn’t seem too please. You’ve already made enemy though haven’t been here that long?”
 
Taew turned around to look at the man her sister was referring to then turned to look at Sunny. Speedily she withdrew her hands and slightly pushed Sunny away. “Oh no. How could you not know your fiance’s brother? Oh gosh, from his look, he must have thought you, me one of us is cheating on his brother.”
 
Sunny’s mouth formed a big O, “He is very good looking. You sure know how to pick your man, sis.” She teased not worrying one bit about the misunderstanding. “Well, he is all yours. Gotta go now. I will be in touch in a few days.” She stood up looking at her fiance’s brother one more time, then bent down kissing her sister on the cheek. “And sis, I love you very much.” After that, she dashed out toward the side door as the man angrily approached.
 
How should she explain? She knew this look from before. He definitely was thinking she came out here to meet another man. He did get upset like this once when he saw her talking and being friendly with Uncle Grate, her father’s cousin before he knew it was her uncle. The man in front of her at the moment was not much different from the man-boy from her college years, same old fiery eyes when he got furious. “That was…”
 
“Who was that?” He asked her at the same time she planned to explain.
 
She then changed her mind, “I don’t think this is any of your businesses, brother.”
 
“My brother’s welfare is my business.” He tried not to show his irritation.
 
Her right brow went up. She thought for a while and decided not to get into the argument. She slowly stood up, let out a sigh then told him. “Be assured brother, I have no intention of hurting my fiance.” True enough, she spoke for both herself and her sister and silently hoped that no one would get hurt in the end.
 
“Taew.” Someone called out to her interrupting them both. Unconciously, Taew turned her head toward the direction of the voice. Noticing her mistake right away, Taew quickly turned back to Mario seeing him watching her. “I guess I wasn’t the only one who jumped when that name was mentioned huh?” She didn’t really want to use such cheap trick but if it could help, she would use it to protect this charade. 
 
Mario didn’t say anything, his mind was still distracted with suspicions. 
 
“Uncle Grate, what are you doing here?” Though they called him uncle due to generation ranking, the twins treated this uncle whose age was very close to theirs like an older brother. Taew went into his open arms for a familiar embrace. Grate hugged her tightly at first then released her when his eyes laid on the person standing near by. 
 
“Not again.” Grate rolled his eyes. “Why do we always meet like this?” Still, he held out his hand for a shake with a friendly smile on his handsome face. 
 
“Don’t worry Uncle, I will protect you this time.” She grinned at him silly.
 
Politely Mario reached out and shook Grate’s hand. “It is a pleasure seeing you again.” He then glanced at Taew and excused himself. “I am sure you two would like some privacy to talk. I have to go to work anyway. Uncle Grate, I will be in touch for coffee some day.” 
 
When Mario walked away, Taew suddenly turned pale as she remembered something. “Oh no. Oh no.” She kept repeating those two words over and over again. She didn’t have to guess as his eyes had told her so. “I am so dead. Might as well go hang myself now.” She whispered.
 
“What was that again?” Grate cautiously looked at his niece not quite sure of what to say. 
 
Taew stood there like sculpture for a while then turned to look at her Uncle who had been gazing her with strange expression. “Uncle, I would love to stay and chit chat with you but I have a very important business to take care. Do you live at the same place? If so, I will come and visit you one of these days where I am not going crazy. If you do not, please text me your address…I have to go kill my sister now then after that, I will jump off a bridge.”
 
When she was about to go on with her babbling, Grate grabbed hold of her. “Honey, breath.” He waited until she could focus again, he chuckled telling her. “All right, I don’t know what Sunny did to deserve a death sentence. But since I have today off, I will take you to her and perhaps if I feel like it, I will help you kill her or push you off the bridge.” This was one of the reasons why she loved this uncle of hers. He joined them in their craziness. Taew hooked her arm in his and led him out of the coffee shop.
 
On their way to her destination, Grate didn’t ask Taew any questions but just simply said to her, “I am happy that you two are back together.” 
 
Taew smiled at him not knowing how to respond. Sure he knew about them not being together but he had always thought they ended on a friendly term and didn’t know his niece just ran out of the relationship.
 
As soon as the car stopped right in front of her Aunt Vicki’s place, Taew immediately ran to the door knocking on it nonstop. A very beautiful lady in her  a mid thirty opened the door and smiled sweetly at Taew. Taew gave her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek then ran straight into the house.
 
“He knew. He definitely knew. And if he didn’t, he does now.” Taew narrowed her eyes searching for her target. When she spotted her target, her hands went up ready to throttle her twin sister. 
 
Sunny backed up away from her oddly behaved sister then dashed past her and hid behind their aunt for protection. “Aunt Vicki, do you think you can perform some sort of rituals to help Taew out? I think she is being possessed by some demons. She actually wants to kill her sister.” Twin instict. She could feel the chaos in her sister’s mind as soon as Taew walked through the door. 
 
“If she wanted to kill you, she must have had a very good reason for it I am sure.” Vicki chuckled. 
 
Grate, after catching up with his niece, stood there like teenage boy entranced by the smiling dimpled lady that his nieces called auntie. But the shrieking quickly pulled him out of the trance. Grate finally reached out to hold Taew back from her younger twin to end the chase. Taew turned around looking at him accusingly. “I thought you said you were going to help me.”
 
“Correction dear, I said if I felt like helping. And for now, I feel like Sunny is not ready to be executed.” He winked at the other twin. “By the way, you have never showed a temper before, so why now? What causes it?”
 
“Him.” Sunny yelled over Vicki’s shoulder.
 
“Eh? Him who?” Grate thought for a quick second then gasped. “Oh, him.”
 
“Okie, let’s all sit down and continue our discussion over tea.” Vicki spoke up. “Calmly like an adult.”  She emphazized.
 
Mario Maurer. Her heart bled everytime his name came up. They should have stayed as friends, she thought quietly, then it wouldn’t hurt as much.
 
“Uncle Grate, meet my friend Mario Maurer. Mario, this is my father’s cousin, uncle Grate.” The young Taew introduced the guys when Mario for the first time saw her in uncle Grate’s embrace. They sat there sipping beverage in awkward silence. Mario was probably too embarrassed to speak up while Grate was probably observing the young man his niece was considered as friend. 
 
That same evening, Mario passed to her a piece of paper while they were studing in the library together with Margie and a few more friends of his. Before the note got to Taew, a different hand quickly caught it and took way from them. “Uhm, could it be a love note?” Margio said it loud enough for the group to hear. Everyone looked up from their books waiting for the mystery to be unfolded. 
 
“Hey, it is personal.” Taew called out.
 
One of the guys took the paper from Margie and actually read it out loud. “I don’t want to be your friend.”
 
Everyone gasped while the two sat there silent each with their own thoughts. Minutes went by. Everyone else pretended to be studying but their ears were wide open listening for their friends’ conversation. “So, I guess you want to be my enemy then?” Taew teased trying to lighten up the serious atmosphere.
 
Taew remembered clearly the way he looked at her after she teased him. For a minute there she thought she saw pain in his eyes. She very much wanted to say something but didn’t since at the time, she wasn’t sure of her feeling for him. Not until a week or so later that she confessed, in a parking lot, that she wished to see him.
 
“Earth calling Taew.” Sunny waved her hand at her sister. “I didn’t need the twins connection to know what you were thinking. Love is so overrated.” She looked at Taew then both looked over to see that their uncle Grate was staring at their Aunt Vicki while she was looking anywhere but him. The twins smiled at each other forgetting their bickering at the moment.
 
The smiles didn’t go unnoticed. Vicki cleared her throat and spoke up. “I guess there will not be any blood shed in this house after all. Mind telling me what was going on?”
 
Taew exchanged looks with her sister then proceeded telling Vicki and Grate about the switch. “You did what!” Both Vicki and Grate stood up from their chairs.
 
“Ohhh…they have better connection than us twins.” Sunny joked then grinned when she received glares from both. To distract the elders, Sunny turned the attention back to her older twin. “Aunt Vicki, didn’t you read the tarot cards and said Taew would see the love of her life again? But you didn’t tell us whether they would be together again or not. Will you tell us now?”
 
Vicki shook her head, “No, I have revealed more than I should.” She ran her hand over Taew’s hair. “Let nature takes it course.” She then turned toward Sunny. “And you, you have to switch back. You are no longer a child and this is not a harmless game.”
 
“But Taew already promised to stay for a few more days. Can I just have a few more days then? Please?” Sunny begged. 
 
No one said anything for a while then Grate finally made the final call. “It doesn’t matter who goes back. I mean it does matter but more importantly, one of you needs to go back before the Maurer sends out a search for missing fiance.”
 
Sunny looked at Taew but her sister turned her head away avoiding her look. Sunny sighed accepting her fate.
 
 
***
I have ideas, all the main ideas for each chapter are set. But I change my mind back and forth causing the delays. I need to focus and stick to the original ideas. :)
 
Upcoming
Chapter 6: People change
Who is coming home as Sunny?
Will Mario confront his brother's fiance?
 
Stay tuned.
 
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