I won't be blinded by the light

Chapter 7

Rain tries his best not to fidget too much, but he is just so nervous. He wishes they would announce the results already, but all the sponsors make long drawn out speeches. He hopes the fact that he and his family and friends had been invited to the awards dinner along with twenty other finalists is at least a good sign. That means he at least placed right? He is the youngest of the finalists here as well, the others are all fourth and fifth years.

Finally the speeches are done and the host comes to the stage to announce the winners. Rain’s mother reaches over and gives his hand a squeeze. His parents have both expressed their pride that he has made it this far. On the other side of him his friends and teammates look as nervous as Rain feels.

Rain looks at the empty seat on the other side of Por and frowns. P’Phayu had planned on being here, but a last minute emergency on a site he was in charge of had pulled him away. He had sent Rain a text apologizing and wishing him luck right before the ceremony had begun. Rain wishes he was here, but he knows it can’t be helped.

The host announces the top ten winners and each goes up to receive a certificate and a trophy. Rain’s mouth drops open when he is announced in sixth place. For a minute he thinks the host made a mistake, but Sky nudges him and Ple, Sig and Por are on their feet clapping. Rain walks to the stage feeling like this is all unreal. As the host hands him the trophy and certificate, he asks Rain to wait one second. He hadn’t done this with the ones before Rain and he can’t help but wonder if something is wrong.

A woman in a cocktail dress brings over a second envelope and the host says into the microphone, “In addition to winning sixth place overall, young Varain is our first place winner of creativity and innovation, you have a bright career ahead of you, son.”

Rain stands there, stunned for a minute, then realizes the host is waiting for him to take his awards and move off the stage so he can continue. “Thank you,” Rain says, giving the man a polite wai then takes the two envelopes and the trophy. Back at his seat, his friends and parents are clapping loudly. They all whisper their congratulations before settling back to watch the rest of the ceremony.

Phayu glances at the bouquet of white tulips and tries to calm his nerves. He had intended to give them to Rain before the ceremony, but the call from his boss had disrupted his plans. Now to his dismay they look a little wilted after being in the hot car for hours. He sighs, it can’t be helped.

The ceremony is just wrapping up as he arrives and he decides to wait outside for Rain. He hears someone calling his name and just manages to shift the flowers to one side before Rain throws himself into his arms. Rain’s friends giggle at this and even his parents look amused.

“Rain, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there today.” P’Phayu says, after Rain shows him the awards. He hands Rain the flowers and says, “These are for you, they got a little wilted.”

“They are beautiful.” Rain says, eyes shining. “It’s fine about today, I understand, at least you were able to come now.

Phayu greets Rain’s friends and parents.

“Mama, dad, if you don’t have plans for tonight do you mind if I take Rain to dinner. I promised him a reward, plus I want to make up for not being here today.” Phayu says to Rain’s parents.

Rain’s mama gives him a smile and his father says, “We thought you two might like to celebrate today.”

“Congratulations Rain,” his friends all say and take their leave. Rain’s parents take the flowers and trophies.

Rain smiles at Phayu, “so my reward is dinner?”

Phayu winks at him and says, “part of it. You will get the second part when we get to the restaurant.”