Spring in PHUKET

Chapter 7

The stretch limousine glided along the tree lined road through pools of light cast by street lamps, as falling leaves whirled giddily in the long car's wake....

Krist sat tensely in the rear passenger seat, his face turned out to the window, as Mike lounged casually in the seat across from him...

"How many will be there at the party today?"he asked casually..

"Around 200 to 300, probably. " Earth guessed..

" That many?" Krist groaned...

"I thought u liked parties.." Earth threw him an amused glance...

"Parties yes, these high class, uptight affairs where people come together to show off their wealth, no..I always feel the need to post guards around my mouth."

"Don't we all?" Mike murmured looking charming in his own black suit and bow tie...

"Yes, but unlike u Mike, I have never been able to acquire the knack of lying well.." Krist smiled at him..

"You will, soon. "He said with a conviction that troubled Krist..

He shrugged off the uneasy feeling with a "maybe.." and looked out the window again...

"Phuket was not always so racey and glamorous. There was a time when the beaches were empty of tourists and bikini clad bodies were rare..I wonder wat it looked like then.. "he sighed thinking how peaceful it would have been...

Earth just looked at him, at a loss for wat to answer, but admiring his pensive face...

The limousine glided into 'the Banyan tree' resort driveway, stopping infront of a decorated arch..it was to be an out door set up in the natural air..no canopies,no air conditioning just the sea breeze, pleasant music and lights..the spacious garden had been decorated with all sorts of LED's making it colorful and bright yet not gaudy...

Earth got down and extended his hand for Krist to follow..Krist took the offer and stepped out from the limo..the second he was out, there was a barrage of clicks and flashes turning him blind..he blinked his eyes to regain his vision..

The bodyguards blocked the paparazzi and guided them to the entrance of the arch. Once inside the garden area, they were safe from paparazzi. Only a few permitted reporters were allowed to take pictures here..Krist noticed the number of private bodyguards standing mingled in the crowd, a necessity for many in the current world..

"Are the guards posted?" Earth whispered in Krist's ears startling the man..

"Not yet, I am still seeing spots from the flashes earlier.."Krist said, trying to rub his eyes...

"This is strictly the A list isn't it?"Mike observed joining them..

"Not exactly, we're here remember.." Earth replied..

"Speak for yourself " Mike replied arching his brow.

Krist ignored their banter and scanned the crowd for the one person he knew will be here,mentally bracing himself for the sight of Singto..

When he couldn't find him,he relaxed visibly and let his gaze wander over the garden decorations and pleasant atmosphere...

"Shall we make the customary rounds then?"Earth whispered in Krist's ear..

"Let's go..tats why we're here right?" Krist agreed with a careless shrug...

Earth wrapped his arm around the younger's waist pulling him into the vortex of the crowd...

********

Papa Boon paused just inside the entrance arch, relaxing his black clad shoulders complete with cummerbund and black tie. His grizzled hair and age worn face made him more handsome in a retro way..he definitely didn't show his age..he stood assessing the crowd,the hosting ladies,the decor and the hors de houvres, doing the rounds in the hands of trim young waiters..