5 Years Later

Is this the end or a new beginning?

Phum

I miss Peem. My disappearing act is not to punish him but to help him get to the bottom of all this. I call Tan and Fang everyday to check on Peem. They have been keeping an eye on him and told me he is depressed but they visit often and leave the kids with him so he doesn't feel too lonely.

"Phi, I found them. I need another favor."

After my heartfelt talk with Melanie, she agreed to come back with me to Bangkok. I called Khaooat to arrange our trip back including a space in the hospital to accommodate Hana and Melanie.

""Phum, I need to talk to you about something." Phi suddenly interrupted before I begin to tell him what I found out.

"I know Gemini, Peem and Q a long time ago." P'Khaooat added.

"I know Phi. Peem told me when I saw your photos. I won't judge you. Whatever happens in the past, that's your secret to tell. I hope that you make amends if you haven't done so. That's a lot of burden to keep." If he is not ready to tell me his side, I won't force him. Besides, it happened a long time ago and I was not part of it. Honestly, I don't think I'm ready for more secrets. I have enough to last me a lifetime.

"When I get back, we can talk about it but I am not pressuring you to explain yourself. That's another story to tell in another time. For now I want to focus on clearing things up between Peem and Melanie.

"Ok, I can accept that. You have grown up. I am proud of how mature and responsible you've become. Now tell me Nong, what is the next move?" He added.

I gave Phi a list of things to do. I know Peem comes every other afternoon to visit Chimi at the hospital. The day he is not due to visit, gives me enough time to execute my plans and settle Hana in the hospital and introduce Chimi.

Cat, I miss you and I'm coming home.

When we landed in Bangkok, we were transported straight to the hospital. We secured a private ward where Chimi is being placed and have added another bed for Hana. As they were both of the same age, they hit it off quickly and became close friends.

Once both Hana and Melanie got settled in, I called her brother and asked him to meet me. Melanie already agreed to go back to her family, to her brother for now at least.

It only took twenty minutes for Gemini to get to the hospital. As soon as he came in the room, he went straight to her.

"Did you call Peem and told him to meet us here?" I asked Gemini.

"You told me not to because you wanted to do it yourself." Gemini replied

Today is his regular visits with Chimi, he is due to arrive soon thats why I asked you to come so you both can hear what Melanie has to say.

Peem definitely wasn't expecting me in the room with Gemini.

"Phum!"

"Peem"

"Puppy"

"Cat"

"Puppy"

"Cat"

"I'm Gemini, that's Hana and Chimi. Ok now that we established who's who, where is Melanie?" The very solemn atmosphere just becomes lighter.  Gemini is great in breaking the ice. He is definitely a nice guy who means well and just love his family.

Peem run towards me and hugged me tightly. "I missed you so much. I am so sorry. I love you so much. Please don't leave me ever again." Peem was struggling not to cry.

I was hugging Peem back when Melanie appeared with a couple of doctors. While the doctors are busy checking on both Hana and Chimi, I closed their curtains and lead them to the sofa before I nod to Melanie to start explaining.

Melanie

"We all have our secrets and reasons why we kept them. But please remember everything I have done is to protect everyone. I am too scared to lose all the people that I loved that I had to disappear so Title can't find me.  Peem I am truly sorry."

"Why would you be sorry?" And who are you protecting me from?" Peem was confused so I held both his and my brother's hand so I can address them both.

"I didn't mean to lie to you Peem. But the night we were celebrating years ago, I was already pregnant. I was so depressed and wasn't thinking properly. I was only pretending to be drinking to make everyone drunk. I made you think you were the father because I knew you could help me. I knew your history with my brother and aware he paid you to be friends with me so you could keep an eye on me. I was angry at first but when I found out that Title only came back into my life to get more money from my family and you, I understand then why you both did what you did.  I felt more guilty when Peem left his job because of me  and Hana so I decided to come back to Thailand to get away. I am so so sorry." I was holding back my tears while telling them my truth. I needed to let these all out.

Phum

The door to the room opened and Title came in holding a gun. Gemini was quick pointing his gun to Title.

"Well well well. What a happy reunion. Why was I not invited huh? I'm family too. After all I am the real father. I mean I know  Uncle Phum here is loaded, probably as much or maybe more than Uncle Gemini."

"Now you see, I am not sure who I should shoot first. Let's see who's willing to pay more huh? Whose life is worth more? Melanie's or Peem's. The sinister look on his face makes me fear for everyone's life. Listening to him makes me sick to my stomach.

"No takers? Ok I will choose then."

Title aimed at Peem and without hesitation I went to cover him. I heard a gun shot and another two fired. I wasn't sure who was shot but I heard all the screaming. I can see the panicked look in Peems face as I was being placed in a gurney. I can also see Title next to me in another gurney. Did we both get shot? That was the last thing I thought before everything went black.

Gemini

Title is delusional if he thinks he can get away this time. On my way here at the hospital I already alerted the police and they were on standby. I noticed him following me so I was on high alert.

When he was talking and pointed a gun between Peem and Melanie, I had my hand ready with my gun. I was hoping for a peaceful reunion with my family and friends but it was not meant to be.

Title pulled the trigger towards Peem but Phum dived in front of him so he got shot at the back instead. I had no choice but to shot Title twice. Everything went too fast and amongst the chaos, I ran to Melanie hugging her making sure that she is fine.

I saw the doctors and nurses laying both Phum and Title in the gurneys and wheeled them out to the operating room.

Peem

I was a mess. This is all my fault. Phum has been in the surgery for a couple of hours now. I haven't left the outside door since they went in hoping to know his condition. Melanie gave me a towel to clean myself and Gemini gave me some food but I couldn't take it. I cleaned myself off the blood but I didn't change my clothes. I just don't want to leave not knowing if Phum is okay.

Two more hours later, one of the doctors came out with a grim look on his face.

It's like the time stood still.

"I'm sorry, he didn't make it. He passed."