Whispered Wishes: The Magic of Childhood Dreams

15

"Hello."

"Hey. Happy Birthday, baby Kana."

"Who you calling baby Kana? I am not a baby", Gulf pouted as he smiled inside, "Thank you... You will be coming tonight for my birthday party right?", his voice trying to contain his excitement.

"I won't miss it to the world", Mew smiled. They spoke for a few minutes until they hung up.

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Mew entered the Traipipattanapong residence. There were many people gathered around for Gulf's birthday. After all, Gulf's family was not an ordinary one. They were filthy rich but thankfully Gulf never showed that side. He was always a simple and down-to-earth man. His eyes scanned for his baby when it fell on him. There he was sitting in light blue shirt with his friends. They were laughing and hugging making faces, clicking selfies on their phone.

Mew felt possessive and a tad jealous but his face showed no emotion. Stop it Mew, they are Gulf's friends. He took a deep breath and turned when Gulf called him. With a heavy heart, he walked towards them.

"Happy birthday ba....Gulf." Mew almost said baby but he controlled himself and cleared his throat before wishing Gulf. He gave Gulf a bouquet .

From a distance, Mrs. Traipipattanapong was watching Mew's every move. This is the perfect chance to get that man out of her son's life.

As it was time to cut the cake, Gulf blew the candles, happily cutting the cake and feeding it to his mother. He offered Mew a piece who took a tiny portion and fed to Gulf.

Mew moved away from the crowd and watched Gulf from a distance, just like he used to.

"Mew, right?"

He turned around to see a woman in her 50's. He smiled and nodded.

"I am Mrs. Traipipattanapong, Gulf's mother."

"Hello Mrs. Traipipattanapong. Nice to meet you."

"Yes, very nice to meet you. I have seen you drop Gulf every day. So, what do you do?"

"Umm, I am a bike racer."

"Oh, that's good...for you", Mrs. Traipipattanapong said her words intoning sarcasm.

"So where are your parents? What do they do? I am sure they would be proud to know their son is a bike racer", the woman was asking questions much to Mew's discomfort.

"Just like I am proud of my son. Did you know he is a gold medalist? I am proud of my son, he is so respected and loved by everyone and so well-educated as well. I am glad he got accepted in Australian university. I know he made a wrong choice once but I am sure he will never another one again."

Mew looked at Mrs. Traipipattanapong with confusion.

"Australian University?"

"Oh, didn't he tell you? He will be leaving to Australia in a month to follow his dreams. He will be getting a Masters in Mass Communication?", Mrs. Traipipattanapong looked at Mew's face that looked emotionless.

It felt as if someone ripped his heart open. Why didn't Gulf tell him? This can't be happening. He took a deep breath and was beginning to walk away when Gulf called. He was waving at him to come near him. Mew controlled his emotions and walked towards Gulf. Gulf pulled Mew near him and entwined his hand. He was interacting to the guests. Mew tried to wrench free as he felt Mrs. Traipipattanapong's eyes on their hands but Gulf pulled him back towards him. Mew had no choice but to stay near Gulf till everyone left.