jjinxx
Is your "nom" Fai-approved?
Chapter 1
"Urassaya Rakarun!"
Jolted out of a cloudy daze, Rassa twisted around. "What is it Mint? Why are you calling me so loudly?"
Mint crossed her arms, mimicking a motherly behavior. "I called to you softly but you didn't hear, so what else was I supposed to do?"
"Oh." She faced front again. "Why am I here?" she laughed, seeing that she was standing very close to the glass window at the front of the restaurant.
"That's what I kept asking you," Mint said. "All of a sudden you walked from the counter to here and, like, pressed up against the glass. I was wondering what you were looking for but you didn't respond. You kept looking intensely outside until a black car passed by. It was like you were possessed."
"Black car?" Rassa had a vision of a person's profile behind the shaded car window. A simple outline, yet, she was already trying to guess where she might have met that stranger from.
Mint nodded. "Yeah…Hm," she cocked her head, "It was an expensive looking car. Don't tell me you have a secret date with a secret boyfriend from out of town?" She gasped. "Who have you been meeting at the college?"
"Crazy," Rassa nudged the side of her friend's head. "Of course not."
"Yeah, I don't think you're that bold. Besides how can you betray P'Mark."
"Hey!" It was Rassa's turn to gasp. "What are you saying?"
"Oh please, it's so obvious."
"You know what, I need to go clear the tables." Rassa strolled back through the small restaurant with its earthy décor and cozy furnishings, hiding a smile. "Lower the shades, the sunlight is too strong."
Pope glared at the cheerful figure before him who was chatting happily, ignorant of the hate and resentment emitted towards her from her cousin. The words that Pope's parents had taught him all his life were stamped in his mind like an ugly tattoo. If it wasn't for this person, he would have inherited all the riches of their family. All the lands and the plantation, everything would have been his if not for her. Yet, the heavens had sent Pope's aunt and uncle a gift, a girl who was loved and cherished by everyone in town, even his fool of a sister. The only people who cared nothing for Rassa Rakarun's existence were Pope and his parents, who had taught their hate to their son with thoroughness. With their greedy natures, Pope's family was never satisfied with their plentiful and comfortable life.
Pope strode towards the two girls, finally finding the sight unbearable. "Mint, it's time to go home."
Though Mint clearly wished to stay longer, she feared Pope's wrath and bid her dear cousin good bye.
"Bye Mint, bye P'Pope," Rassa waved to them from behind the counter of the restaurant.
He turned away without answering. On their way out, the brother and sister passed a young man. Pope's gaze went straight through Mark, while Mark did not acknowledge the man who was supposed to be his superior. He was used to Pope ignoring the existence of every working class person. In fact, Mark found this treatment blessed him with a peaceful life. Anyone who got on the wrong side of an egomaniac like Pope didn't escape punishment.
Mark smiled at Mint while she waved to him behind her brother's back. She always had to be careful not to talk to workers when Pope was around, or she'd get a tongue lashing.
"Rassa, I'm back!" he called out, feeling like the atmosphere was lightened once 'his majesty' Pope was out the door. "Is mom around?" His mother owned and ran the restaurant Heaven's Spoon.
Rassa appeared with her hands on her hips. "You took forever! Now your lunch is getting cold."
He chuckled, "In this heat? I think I'll enjoy it."
She didn't give in to his humor but asked crossly, "This has been happening lately. What's keeping you? You know –"
"Yeah, I know, you're a very punctual person plus lunch is a very important meal helping to rejuvenate my body so I can survive the day," he recited for her.
She crossed her arms. "Sounds like you're not taking me seriously at all." She glared suspiciously at him. "Are you late because you already ate somewhere else?"
He leaned over and whispered behind his hand, "Maybe."
"Then I shouldn't waste my time here," she pushed past him and made for the kitchen door but he caught her and tugged her arm. "Let go."
"Aw come on, I was kidding. I would never eat anything that's not made by you." She stomped stubbornly. He pulled his plate over. "See?" he shoveled spoonfuls in his mouth. "I'm eatin'."
Rassa stared at him from the corner of her eyes then slapped his back, causing him to spew out half-chewed food. "Are you trying to kill me?" he cried.
"Who told you to eat cold food?" she said sternly and whisked away the plate – but she couldn't help beaming as she turn away to prepare him a new meal.
-------------
Nadech swiveled around and found himself surrounded by green vegetation, a place he'd never seen before…
No, he had seen this setting several times in his dreams. Various specks of light streamed through the branches. For some reason, he found that he couldn't move. All of a sudden, the time in this eerie world began whispering in his ears - his panic rose as that voice grew louder.
"No," he spoke out loud, but it did not cover the hollow ringing which echoed as though there was no escape from the walls of his mind. He began to run and that dizzying voice followed wherever he went.
When the whispering drifted apart and at the same time, seemed to rush up at him, Nadech tripped and fell forward.
All the trees echoed his name with a soft female voice.
"Nadech, wake up."
The echoes were replaced by a roaring engine. Nadech Theerada peeked through slits meeting a high noon sun. Trying to shake himself awake he sighed, glancing upon the endless miles of crop fields.
"We're nearly there," Boy reported from the passenger's seat. "If you're hungry, we can make a stop at the upcoming restaurant."
"No thanks." Nadech shifted himself to sit up straighter, fighting a yawn, when he noticed they were nearing a small building by the side of the road. As the car approached what he assumed was the restaurant, his eyes honed in on the glass front, as if expecting to see something, or someone. They drove by too quickly for him to catch details, but Nadech was sure there had been a person watching the car from inside, as if waiting for him. The glare of the glass distorted the image, but a sense of familiarity creeped up Nadech's neck.
Closing up the land contract proceeded smoothly, much to Nadech's relief. His family's Thasasit Farm would expand now that they had a share in Mr. Rakarun's estate.
"It was a pleasure meeting you. We look forward to the cooperation."
"Same here," Nadech replied and shook hands with Mr. Rakarun. He didn't want to be rude but he was glad the plans were over. Now he'd get a few free days before returning.
His attention was brought back to the present moment, drawn by Mr. Rakarun's strong gaze. "Please take care of the land. It's precious."
Nadech smiled. "I know."
Once the Thasasit Farm men were gone, Mr. Rakarun glanced at the empty seat to his right. He sighed, knowing his sister and brother-in-law had been against selling the land. However, it was Mr. Rakarun's personal inheritance and after a long deliberation, he concluded that he didn't need it; his goal had always been to work towards having enough so his family would be provided for, not soaking up as much profit as possible. Certainly, Mr. Rakarun could have passed the land over to his sister, but just because he didn't need the land, didn't mean he didn't care about it. His sister and her husband would either tear up the ground to build tourist attractions or sell it to some big shot company who would do the same. When Mr. Rakarun was contacted by Thasasit Farm, and did a meticulous background check of their values and history, he knew he had found people who valued the bounty and life of earth, and would be able to share it with the rest of his beloved country. Therefore, he had sold the land to Mr. Theerada.
-------------
Rassa placed her last tomato in the basket and smiled remembering Mark. Just before she had left to pick from her secret garden, he had yet again asked her where it was. But this was a precious secret she couldn't reveal to anyone, not even her parents. A few years ago, she had walked through the land and randomly chosen a spot to experiment on, which miraculously turned out to be extremely fertile.
She stroked the juicy red tomato. It reminded her of the time Mark had come back from school all bashed and bruised, but he didn't stop smiling once. And then he had asked her to make him tomato soup, to halt her from her streaming questions of what had happened. Later Rassa found about there had been a fight between him and Pope, but he didn't know she knew. She sighed at the fond memories, happy that Mark and his family were a part of her life. For as long as she was alive, Rassa just wanted to help her parents with their farm, and cook in Auntie Rani's restaurant. Home was her own little heaven.
Rassa wiped the sweat beading her forehead and fanned herself in vain. She set down the full basket which had felt feather-light before but was now weighing her down after several minutes' walking from the garden.
An idea popped up. She glanced around but found no souls in her presence so she headed towards a pool lying in the shade with crystal water bubbling into it. Giggling like a school girl she slipped her blouse over her head, welcoming the prickles in response to the thought of stepping in the water.
Nadech watched the last of the ashes float away, fluttering like the souls of dead butterflies. It still struck him as odd that he had slipped the letters in his pocket suddenly on his way out of the hotel. Upon reaching the middle of nowhere on this new land, he had been overwhelmed with the desire to be rid of them, before they burned through his skin.
"How are you doing, I wonder." He swallowed a knot in his throat and dusted his hand on the khakis he'd replaced the tailored trousers with and with a last sweep over the sky he turned back.
That was when it dawned on him that he didn't remember the way he'd come from.
Cursing softly to himself, Nadech bent forward on his knees, feeling like he'd run a marathon. What had possessed him to wander out in this unknown land, even if he had just purchased it? But carrying his best friend's letters around two years after her death had weighed a hole in his heart and he wanted to be rid of them, so since he had the opportunity, he'd taken it. Burning Araya's letters had been a completely impulsive idea, and he had wanted to do it in privacy, in a place where even the wind tasted different, and the trees weren't familiar with him. And he knew even if the letters were gone from his possession, Araya would never be gone from his heart. 'Well look where your sentimental act has led you,' he chided silently.
It was a blessing that the sun was unable to reach him except through the small cracks of the canopy of leaves above. Still, moisture clung to his skin, sticking his clothes on him. He crossly peeled off his t-shirt and mopped his face uselessly. Not until he was finished did he raise his eyes to his surroundings.
Were his eyes playing tricks on him? Was he still dreaming? No, but this WAS like his dream, the dream that recurred countlessly for the past month. Nadech felt he could recognize and count every leaf, every individual line on the bark around him. It was all the same. But where was the deep confusion he felt in his dream? Where was the panic that rose like a monster in his chest before eating him over? And where was the voice? Where was her voice? He could now see the path, the one he always ran through; even though there were no signs or markings, he knew it was in front of him. And he knew he had to follow it. The invisible trail so familiar to his subconscious led him on tantalizingly while he lost track of time. Most likely only minutes had passed.
He stopped. Nadech perked up at the sound of water, and then the reflecting light of liquid shined against greenery. The eerie familiarity passed as he hurried to push aside shrubs, cup the water and drink in large gulps. Then he splashed some down his skin. A shake of his head sent a spray of water from his hair.
Wait. Now all his senses seemed to play with him. He tilted his head and pounded on one side to see if water had somehow managed to get into his ear, because he heard humming—a very human sound. Curiosity drew him through the bushes until a pool of water came into view. Nadech's eyes widened. Either he had been out in the sun too long or the cold water had shocked him but the mirage of a girl lay before him, and judging by the bare shoulders above the water's surface, she was naked.
-------------
She turned. Their eyes met. He slipped into the water and stood before her.
"Where have you been all my life?"
Their lips met and a union was born right then and there. They returned to Rassa's home where they announced their intentions of marriage and lived happily ever after. The end.
:eyetwitch:
Or not. Lol, sadly, this story is not going to have such a speedy happily ever after. No no, not because I intend to put Yadech through he11 over and over again throughout the story, but I might as well admit that I'm busy and have no confidence in finishing this ff (seriously, I worked myself into a frenzy before pressing the 'Post New Topic' button) and it is also for these reasons that I have not posted this officially at Yadech forum. Like, we're looking at a monthly update. Pathetic, don'tcha think?
Why then, you might ask, am I even bothering to post this ff? Well, there are momentary...moments of free time and boredom that just beg for me to pick up the pen and notebook. And I honestly have been trying to put this story into motion for a while and am hoping that the power of Yadech and the fact that it's been posted SOMEwhere will give me a sense of commitment. That said, I'll also confess that this is the second time I've written this story (different cast) with an almost completely new storyline, and I am, once again, hoping the two previous reasons will motivate me.
It'll be okay, since writing is simply a way for me to fangirl over Yadech, but since we now have GRGR to spazz over anyway, a lack in updates will not hurt because I'm getting overdosed by Yadech already. ^^
In conclusion, if it matters at all, I'm simply saying...this will be a slow story. :no:
Sincerely yours,
jjinxx
"Urassaya Rakarun!"
Jolted out of a cloudy daze, Rassa twisted around. "What is it Mint? Why are you calling me so loudly?"
Mint crossed her arms, mimicking a motherly behavior. "I called to you softly but you didn't hear, so what else was I supposed to do?"
"Oh." She faced front again. "Why am I here?" she laughed, seeing that she was standing very close to the glass window at the front of the restaurant.
"That's what I kept asking you," Mint said. "All of a sudden you walked from the counter to here and, like, pressed up against the glass. I was wondering what you were looking for but you didn't respond. You kept looking intensely outside until a black car passed by. It was like you were possessed."
"Black car?" Rassa had a vision of a person's profile behind the shaded car window. A simple outline, yet, she was already trying to guess where she might have met that stranger from.
Mint nodded. "Yeah…Hm," she cocked her head, "It was an expensive looking car. Don't tell me you have a secret date with a secret boyfriend from out of town?" She gasped. "Who have you been meeting at the college?"
"Crazy," Rassa nudged the side of her friend's head. "Of course not."
"Yeah, I don't think you're that bold. Besides how can you betray P'Mark."
"Hey!" It was Rassa's turn to gasp. "What are you saying?"
"Oh please, it's so obvious."
"You know what, I need to go clear the tables." Rassa strolled back through the small restaurant with its earthy décor and cozy furnishings, hiding a smile. "Lower the shades, the sunlight is too strong."
Pope glared at the cheerful figure before him who was chatting happily, ignorant of the hate and resentment emitted towards her from her cousin. The words that Pope's parents had taught him all his life were stamped in his mind like an ugly tattoo. If it wasn't for this person, he would have inherited all the riches of their family. All the lands and the plantation, everything would have been his if not for her. Yet, the heavens had sent Pope's aunt and uncle a gift, a girl who was loved and cherished by everyone in town, even his fool of a sister. The only people who cared nothing for Rassa Rakarun's existence were Pope and his parents, who had taught their hate to their son with thoroughness. With their greedy natures, Pope's family was never satisfied with their plentiful and comfortable life.
Pope strode towards the two girls, finally finding the sight unbearable. "Mint, it's time to go home."
Though Mint clearly wished to stay longer, she feared Pope's wrath and bid her dear cousin good bye.
"Bye Mint, bye P'Pope," Rassa waved to them from behind the counter of the restaurant.
He turned away without answering. On their way out, the brother and sister passed a young man. Pope's gaze went straight through Mark, while Mark did not acknowledge the man who was supposed to be his superior. He was used to Pope ignoring the existence of every working class person. In fact, Mark found this treatment blessed him with a peaceful life. Anyone who got on the wrong side of an egomaniac like Pope didn't escape punishment.
Mark smiled at Mint while she waved to him behind her brother's back. She always had to be careful not to talk to workers when Pope was around, or she'd get a tongue lashing.
"Rassa, I'm back!" he called out, feeling like the atmosphere was lightened once 'his majesty' Pope was out the door. "Is mom around?" His mother owned and ran the restaurant Heaven's Spoon.
Rassa appeared with her hands on her hips. "You took forever! Now your lunch is getting cold."
He chuckled, "In this heat? I think I'll enjoy it."
She didn't give in to his humor but asked crossly, "This has been happening lately. What's keeping you? You know –"
"Yeah, I know, you're a very punctual person plus lunch is a very important meal helping to rejuvenate my body so I can survive the day," he recited for her.
She crossed her arms. "Sounds like you're not taking me seriously at all." She glared suspiciously at him. "Are you late because you already ate somewhere else?"
He leaned over and whispered behind his hand, "Maybe."
"Then I shouldn't waste my time here," she pushed past him and made for the kitchen door but he caught her and tugged her arm. "Let go."
"Aw come on, I was kidding. I would never eat anything that's not made by you." She stomped stubbornly. He pulled his plate over. "See?" he shoveled spoonfuls in his mouth. "I'm eatin'."
Rassa stared at him from the corner of her eyes then slapped his back, causing him to spew out half-chewed food. "Are you trying to kill me?" he cried.
"Who told you to eat cold food?" she said sternly and whisked away the plate – but she couldn't help beaming as she turn away to prepare him a new meal.
-------------
Nadech swiveled around and found himself surrounded by green vegetation, a place he'd never seen before…
No, he had seen this setting several times in his dreams. Various specks of light streamed through the branches. For some reason, he found that he couldn't move. All of a sudden, the time in this eerie world began whispering in his ears - his panic rose as that voice grew louder.
"No," he spoke out loud, but it did not cover the hollow ringing which echoed as though there was no escape from the walls of his mind. He began to run and that dizzying voice followed wherever he went.
When the whispering drifted apart and at the same time, seemed to rush up at him, Nadech tripped and fell forward.
All the trees echoed his name with a soft female voice.
"Nadech, wake up."
The echoes were replaced by a roaring engine. Nadech Theerada peeked through slits meeting a high noon sun. Trying to shake himself awake he sighed, glancing upon the endless miles of crop fields.
"We're nearly there," Boy reported from the passenger's seat. "If you're hungry, we can make a stop at the upcoming restaurant."
"No thanks." Nadech shifted himself to sit up straighter, fighting a yawn, when he noticed they were nearing a small building by the side of the road. As the car approached what he assumed was the restaurant, his eyes honed in on the glass front, as if expecting to see something, or someone. They drove by too quickly for him to catch details, but Nadech was sure there had been a person watching the car from inside, as if waiting for him. The glare of the glass distorted the image, but a sense of familiarity creeped up Nadech's neck.
Closing up the land contract proceeded smoothly, much to Nadech's relief. His family's Thasasit Farm would expand now that they had a share in Mr. Rakarun's estate.
"It was a pleasure meeting you. We look forward to the cooperation."
"Same here," Nadech replied and shook hands with Mr. Rakarun. He didn't want to be rude but he was glad the plans were over. Now he'd get a few free days before returning.
His attention was brought back to the present moment, drawn by Mr. Rakarun's strong gaze. "Please take care of the land. It's precious."
Nadech smiled. "I know."
Once the Thasasit Farm men were gone, Mr. Rakarun glanced at the empty seat to his right. He sighed, knowing his sister and brother-in-law had been against selling the land. However, it was Mr. Rakarun's personal inheritance and after a long deliberation, he concluded that he didn't need it; his goal had always been to work towards having enough so his family would be provided for, not soaking up as much profit as possible. Certainly, Mr. Rakarun could have passed the land over to his sister, but just because he didn't need the land, didn't mean he didn't care about it. His sister and her husband would either tear up the ground to build tourist attractions or sell it to some big shot company who would do the same. When Mr. Rakarun was contacted by Thasasit Farm, and did a meticulous background check of their values and history, he knew he had found people who valued the bounty and life of earth, and would be able to share it with the rest of his beloved country. Therefore, he had sold the land to Mr. Theerada.
-------------
Rassa placed her last tomato in the basket and smiled remembering Mark. Just before she had left to pick from her secret garden, he had yet again asked her where it was. But this was a precious secret she couldn't reveal to anyone, not even her parents. A few years ago, she had walked through the land and randomly chosen a spot to experiment on, which miraculously turned out to be extremely fertile.
She stroked the juicy red tomato. It reminded her of the time Mark had come back from school all bashed and bruised, but he didn't stop smiling once. And then he had asked her to make him tomato soup, to halt her from her streaming questions of what had happened. Later Rassa found about there had been a fight between him and Pope, but he didn't know she knew. She sighed at the fond memories, happy that Mark and his family were a part of her life. For as long as she was alive, Rassa just wanted to help her parents with their farm, and cook in Auntie Rani's restaurant. Home was her own little heaven.
Rassa wiped the sweat beading her forehead and fanned herself in vain. She set down the full basket which had felt feather-light before but was now weighing her down after several minutes' walking from the garden.
An idea popped up. She glanced around but found no souls in her presence so she headed towards a pool lying in the shade with crystal water bubbling into it. Giggling like a school girl she slipped her blouse over her head, welcoming the prickles in response to the thought of stepping in the water.
Nadech watched the last of the ashes float away, fluttering like the souls of dead butterflies. It still struck him as odd that he had slipped the letters in his pocket suddenly on his way out of the hotel. Upon reaching the middle of nowhere on this new land, he had been overwhelmed with the desire to be rid of them, before they burned through his skin.
"How are you doing, I wonder." He swallowed a knot in his throat and dusted his hand on the khakis he'd replaced the tailored trousers with and with a last sweep over the sky he turned back.
That was when it dawned on him that he didn't remember the way he'd come from.
Cursing softly to himself, Nadech bent forward on his knees, feeling like he'd run a marathon. What had possessed him to wander out in this unknown land, even if he had just purchased it? But carrying his best friend's letters around two years after her death had weighed a hole in his heart and he wanted to be rid of them, so since he had the opportunity, he'd taken it. Burning Araya's letters had been a completely impulsive idea, and he had wanted to do it in privacy, in a place where even the wind tasted different, and the trees weren't familiar with him. And he knew even if the letters were gone from his possession, Araya would never be gone from his heart. 'Well look where your sentimental act has led you,' he chided silently.
It was a blessing that the sun was unable to reach him except through the small cracks of the canopy of leaves above. Still, moisture clung to his skin, sticking his clothes on him. He crossly peeled off his t-shirt and mopped his face uselessly. Not until he was finished did he raise his eyes to his surroundings.
Were his eyes playing tricks on him? Was he still dreaming? No, but this WAS like his dream, the dream that recurred countlessly for the past month. Nadech felt he could recognize and count every leaf, every individual line on the bark around him. It was all the same. But where was the deep confusion he felt in his dream? Where was the panic that rose like a monster in his chest before eating him over? And where was the voice? Where was her voice? He could now see the path, the one he always ran through; even though there were no signs or markings, he knew it was in front of him. And he knew he had to follow it. The invisible trail so familiar to his subconscious led him on tantalizingly while he lost track of time. Most likely only minutes had passed.
He stopped. Nadech perked up at the sound of water, and then the reflecting light of liquid shined against greenery. The eerie familiarity passed as he hurried to push aside shrubs, cup the water and drink in large gulps. Then he splashed some down his skin. A shake of his head sent a spray of water from his hair.
Wait. Now all his senses seemed to play with him. He tilted his head and pounded on one side to see if water had somehow managed to get into his ear, because he heard humming—a very human sound. Curiosity drew him through the bushes until a pool of water came into view. Nadech's eyes widened. Either he had been out in the sun too long or the cold water had shocked him but the mirage of a girl lay before him, and judging by the bare shoulders above the water's surface, she was naked.
-------------
She turned. Their eyes met. He slipped into the water and stood before her.
"Where have you been all my life?"
Their lips met and a union was born right then and there. They returned to Rassa's home where they announced their intentions of marriage and lived happily ever after. The end.
:eyetwitch:
Or not. Lol, sadly, this story is not going to have such a speedy happily ever after. No no, not because I intend to put Yadech through he11 over and over again throughout the story, but I might as well admit that I'm busy and have no confidence in finishing this ff (seriously, I worked myself into a frenzy before pressing the 'Post New Topic' button) and it is also for these reasons that I have not posted this officially at Yadech forum. Like, we're looking at a monthly update. Pathetic, don'tcha think?
Why then, you might ask, am I even bothering to post this ff? Well, there are momentary...moments of free time and boredom that just beg for me to pick up the pen and notebook. And I honestly have been trying to put this story into motion for a while and am hoping that the power of Yadech and the fact that it's been posted SOMEwhere will give me a sense of commitment. That said, I'll also confess that this is the second time I've written this story (different cast) with an almost completely new storyline, and I am, once again, hoping the two previous reasons will motivate me.
It'll be okay, since writing is simply a way for me to fangirl over Yadech, but since we now have GRGR to spazz over anyway, a lack in updates will not hurt because I'm getting overdosed by Yadech already. ^^
In conclusion, if it matters at all, I'm simply saying...this will be a slow story. :no:
Sincerely yours,
jjinxx
He sounds like a mean, handsome man.
