Memories under the Cherry Blossom Tree

Ch 15 Family calls...

Arthit was enjoying his time with Kong..It had become their routine since the past 3 days,Arthit would pick him up,then they went to his apartment and practiced waltz moves and to tell the truth Kong was becoming better than when he learnt with P'Baifern..Kong was surprised at how fast he learnt, but then he enjoyed dancing with his P', the closeness, the discreet touches ,the way his breath fanned his cheeks while he gave instructions, and they both moved with a knowledge of each other, making it easy...

Arthit though, still was brooding over why he left in the first place. He needed to make him confess..and he didn't know how to do it without scaring the kid into disappearing again..he knew he wasn't guilty of tat fake drug accusation pushed on him...Today was going to be their fourth day of practicing together..Arthit was thinking about how he could broach the subject with Kong..

Just then he got a call..it was his Dad.."Wat is it?" said Arthit..

"Kit are you free to come home tonight? For dinner?"he asked..

"Why? Is there something urgent? I am busy." he said not wanting to compromise on his time with Kong..

"We are having guests over and it would be proper if u were to be present." his dad replied..

He had a bad feeling about this.."Who is coming?"

"Namtarn is back after completing her Studies and Uncle Philip's family is coming to dinner Kit.So please come" his dad pleaded.

Arthit groaned..Namtarn had been pursuing a degree abroad and had been away after the engagement..making it easier for him to avoid her all the while..Seems like he couldn't do it any longer...Why did things have to happen just when he was genuinely happy for a few days??but he knew he couldn't avoid them and he had to be there or his grandparents would hear about it.. "I ll be there. What time are they coming over?"

"Be home by 7 Kit...Come safe na."

"Hmmm".he said and cut the call abruptly

Arthit let out a loud sigh.He still wasn't talking to his dad properly..Now he has to tell Kong they can't practice together today...He looked around at his friends and asked, "Guys I have to go home for dinner today.. can anyone accompany Kong to his practice for me ?"

Tew looked up and said "I ll do it..my part of the project is almost over anyway..."

"Why are you going home in the middle of the week?" Prem asked frowning..

"Namtarn s back."Arthit just broke it to them..

The entire gang stopped their work and looked up..their looks said it all...

"Shiaa Arthit!! what are you gonna do now? I hate that bitch". Bright was the first to speak..

Arthit sighed pressing his palms to his eyes..he could already feel the start of a migraine.. "I don't know..I guess I just have to figure it out along the way.."

"Do you really have to marry her?"it was Tay who spoke now..he was really worried for his friend.

"Not if I can help it Tay...not if I can help it" Arthit said with determination..

"We are here for you Arthit..anything you need just yell, ok?" Knot squeezed his hand assuring him..while the others nodded vigorously..

Arthit gave them a watery smile..."thank you guys, for everything.." and he hugged them all...

                           ❤

Arthit was sitting in the couch in the living room awaiting the guests with his parents..his jaw clenched and his whole body tensed..he could feel nothing but anger at the people who had driven him and his Tuan apart..If it hadn't been for his grandparent's he wouldn't even be in this engagement...His father had pleaded with him not to break the family and let Singto's sacrifice go waste..His father had used the word 'Sacrifice' , then Arthit had not taken it seriously in his anger with his parents, but now he thought about it, maybe his parents knew Singto had faked his death...did he do it for the family?? The family tat just abandoned him on a mere false accusation..

A car drove upto the entrace announcing the arrival of their guests..he schooled his features to be expressionless while his parents put on enthusiastic smiles to welcome them...

He was greatful for the squeeze from Kat, showing him tat she was with him...giving her a weak smile he stood up to greet his to be in-laws..

He bowed way too low..and greeted them with a fake smile plastered on his face...

Uncle Philip patted him on his shoulder and shook his hand, asking him about his studies and when he was going to take over the hospital..To which he just gave an incomprehensible reply and dodged the question of succession..

But it went unnoticed as the next second his fiancé was all over him..
"Papa u can talk to P'Kit someother time pls..I have missed him sooo much...so pls excuse us, uncle... aunty..may I steal him away for a bit naaa?" She asked sweetness dripping from her words, making Arthit gag, but he didn't show it at all..and allowed himself to be steered away from his parents to the privacy of their porch..

There leaning on the rails, Namtarn pulled him closer and started straightening his hair while smiling and rambling on about her studies and how much she missed him...

"And you never even replied to my mails and messages P'."she pouted pretending to be angry...

"Namtarn U know how I feel about u..and u also know I can't fall in love with anyone else...I won't either..my heart s taken and belongs to tat one person even if he's no more.So don't build your hopes over wat will never happen. I told u this on the night of our engagement, yet u didnt stop the engagement. So don't u dare expect anything from me." He glared and pulling away from her walked back in...

Namtarn stood gaping in shock at the retreating back..Her eyes then turned to a devilish gleam as she crossed her arms looking at her fiancé walk away in anger...Don't you worry P' I will possess you..every man has needs and no one can resist basic temptation...now that I am back, I will not rest till I make you mine..her lips curled back as she gave a decisive nod and followed him inside...