Forever and Always

Chapter 4

Max's POV.

"What do you mean she won't marry you?" My head was swimming, a little from the situation but mostly from the copious amounts of alcohol I had consumed prior. "She loves you, right.." I asked Ton, who was now laying with his head in my lap. "SHE DOES! SHE DOES PHI!" He sobbed. "Then why did she say no?" I questioned. "The temple...the temple.. won't let us get married.." he stumbled out. "What's the temple got to do with this, Ton?" I didn't see how the temple had anything to do with my brother's marriage. I knew Sammy lived at the temple, but did they really have the power to decide who she could marry. I pondered the thought while comforting my crying younger brother. Then it hit me..she must already be betrothed!

"I'm so sorry, bud..." I comforted Ton. My heart was breaking seeing him in this state. I had hoped he would never cry during his relationship. I wished he would never have to go through the pain I endured, that he would never have his heart broken.. but I never expected this. I knew all too well the pain of not being able to be with the one you love. In my case, it was infidelity. For Ton, however, external forces prevented his happiness.

Neither of us said much, I just sat in silence while I let Ton cry out his pain. We must have sat on the bedroom floor for hours because the sun was shining brightly by the time I woke. I checked my watch; 8:30 am. I glanced down at Ton, who had fallen asleep next to me. I took my time and stood shakily. The remants of alcohol still in my system, I managed to hoist my brother up and deposit him on his bed. He immediately curled up into a fetal position, and I dragged a blanket onto his body. His face was red, and his nose and eyes were puffy and swollen from crying.

It broke my heart to see my brother in this state. Ton was truly the glue that held the family together. His smile and happy go lucky nature were truly a blessing. Ton was able to brighten a room the moment he walked in. He is the type of person that you would never dream of hurting because causing a frown to cross his face or tears to enter his eyes would make you feel so guilty you could die. Ton had always been my biggest supporter. He hero worshipped me. After my breakup, Ton had been the one to comfort and guide me. Ton took care of me when I was at my lowest, and this time, I would do the same for him. "I'm really sorry I couldn't protect you from this pain, Ton, but Phi will try his best to fix it... I promise.." I whispered to my sleeping brother while stroking his hair. I knew what I had to do.. I needed to talk to Sammy.

Third person POV:
It was around 11:00 am. when Max had arrived at the temple. It took him a little longer than usual due to the traffic that Sunday morning. Max knew he had to speak to Sammy. He had to investigate why the temple would place a restriction on her and Ton.

Max walked across the courtyard and up the steps to the main temple. He shielded his eyes from the sun's glare, glad that he opted to wear a thin white shirt and slacks. Max toed of his shoes before entering the temple where he found two young monks weaving shallow baskets. He went to them asking to speak to Sammy. One of the monks told him to wait while he called someone. Moments later, he was introduced to a woman who was dressed in saffron robes similar to the monks, except her's was tied differently. Her sleek salt and pepper hair expertly tied in a tight knot at the top of her head. She greeted Max with a wai; the traditional Thai greeting of joining the palms together and bowing the head slightly. Max returned the wai . "My name is Pema. Are you looking for Phantira?" She questioned. Max nodded in agreement. "Yes, I would like to speak with her." Max replied. Pema gave a heavy sigh before stating, "I'm sorry, Phantira is currently indisposed, she cannot see anyone at the moment." "Please!!" Max pleaded. "It's very important that I speak with her. The matter is very urgent." Pema raised an eyebrow and questioned, "And what might this urgent matter be?" Max closed his eyes and sighed. He didn't want to have to discuss his family's personal matters with a stranger, but it seemed he had no choice. "I am Phantira's soon to be brother in law." Max declared proudly. He wanted to make it clear that he would not let anything stop his brother from marrying Sammy. "I wish to discuss the current issue of the hiatus in the impending marriage between my brother and her." Max stated, his face stoic. Pema's face remained unchanged. She nodded slowly in understanding before directing Max into the inner court of the temple.