Forever and Always

Chapter 5

"You will let my brother marry Phantira now, won't you?" Max questioned quizzically. "I have fulfilled all of the obligations you have given me. I will be the one to marry Phantira's brother." Pema bowed her head and looked away. She didn't want Max to see the disapproval in her eyes. The grand monk sighed and said, "You have fulfilled all obligations. However, this is a little unexpected for us... we will have to discuss it further and.." "Discuss! Discuss what exactly?" Max injected firmly. "I have done what you have asked! There should be no further discussion! The temple had given me its guarantee!" Max shouted. He was growing angrier by the minute.

The monk and Pema shifted their gaze toward each other, unsure of what to do. There was a silence that fell between all parties present.  The tension hung thick like a heavy rain cloud, threatening to burst at any moment. Max kept his burning gaze on the monk, who broke the silence by clearing his throat. "We will have to consult Natasit first. We require his consent to determine whether he wishes to be wed to you.." The monk said slowly. "If Natasit agrees to the union, then the temple will allow both marriages." Max scowled and tightened his fists. He rose abruptly, "Let me know what he says, I will be back tomorrow at 5 in the afternoon." Max told them, the frustration evident in his voice. He promptly exited the temple, afraid he may engage in another screaming match with monk. "FUCK THIS BULLSHIT! I'M NOT LETTING TON SUFFER ANYMORE!" He thought. He got into the black Audi with a swift movement. "Aon, meeting at the Pentagon tonight.. we have to plan Ton and Sammy's elopement!"

Back at the temple, Pema was desperately trying to change the mind of the Grand monk. "Great one... you can't possibly allow Natasit to marry him.." Pema begged the grand monk. "We don't have a choice nong Pema. If Natasit agrees to marry him, we can not stop either union..." The monk trailed off. "But great one, that young man is just as unstable as Tanchanok's husband was...who knows how he will treat Natasit behind closed doors..he might.."You are wrong, nong Pema." The monk said, cutting her off. "Chalongrit only ever cared for himself. He had no sense of familial obligation. The young man, however, cares for his family deeply. Perhaps he can come to care for Natasit, too." Pema just nodded in defeat. She didn't want to overstep the monk. She was terrified of the fact that Natasit might be the one to end up in an abusive relationship like his mother had once suffered. "It all depends on Natasit's decision now." She whispered softly.

"Phi..." Nat called to his older sister, slowly pushing open the door to her sleeping quarters. "Phi..it's dinner time, so I brought you some food." Nat whispered. He stared at his sister, who had her head on her knees. "Thank you, nong. I will eat it later," she said, smiling weakly. She tried to hide the fact that she had once again been crying her eyes out. She missed Ton greatly, and she was filled with both anguish from losing Ton and resentment toward the temple for lying to her. Nat noticed his sister's red eyes and nose. She was suffering greatly, and Nat felt helpless. He went over to his sister and took a seat next to her on the bed. "Phi..I'm really sorry. It's not fair what the temple is doing to you." Nat said , putting an arm around his sister's shoulder. He was comforting his sister when there was a knock on the door, and Pema appeared in the doorway. She took in the sight before her, and it pained her heart to see both of them so depressed. "Natasit, I would like to speak with you, son." Pema called to Nat, who gave his sister one last hug and followed Pema to a small clearing outside.

"Natasit, I am sorry to tell you this, but the temple has arranged for you to get married soon." Pema told the boy. Nat's body grew limp. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I have to get married...?" he asked in disbelief. Pema could only nod slowly. "But why..? And Phi..? I can't leave her alone..but what about Phi..?" Nat fumbled through his questions before Pema grabbed his shoulders, shaking him firmly. "SAY NO!!" She whispered harshly at Nat. "WHEN THEY ASK YOU IF YOU WANT TO MARRY HIM SAY NO!!". Her grip tightened on Nat's shoulders. "Don't marry him, Natasit! He is not a good man!" She told Nat, before one of the grand monks appeared followed by his highly esteemed counterparts. Pema quickly let go of Nat and gave a shy smile before slinking away. "Natasit, come, son, we have something to discuss with you." One of the monks said to Nat, leading him to the meditation room. Once inside, the monks seated themselves on a raised dais, with Nat seated below. There were five grand monks in total who made up the grand council. The grand council made decisions and implemented rules on behalf of the temple.