We are...คือเรารักกัน (We are... we are in love)

Chapter 40: On the day we have to be apart

Proofreader: SMV2454

It's been over two weeks since I returned to Chiang Mai, and it's been over two weeks since Phum went to Italy. We've never been apart like this before. It feels quite empty and strange.

Honestly, I wanted to go with Phum, but I didn't know what reason to give my parents. I just went last year when my dad took the whole family on a tour. We had a blast, the three of us.

The General speaks English so well, haha. I love Italy. There's something magical about it that makes me want to go back. For me, Italy is like the birthplace of artists, a city of art.

During the school break, I returned home to Chiang Mai as I do every year. Aunt Pui complained about why I didn't stay to help with the shop. The truth is, her staff went home, and she wanted to go shopping in Hong Kong. There was no one to water the plants, haha. This year, I figured it out, Auntie.

This summer, many of my friends went abroad. Tan and Fang went on a world tour, probably around Europe. When they return, Tan will take up jobs as an ad actor, MV actor, VJ, DJ. I heard Khao Fang video calls to keep an eye on him, haha. He's really something.

My younger brother Matthew went to Italy with his dad, on the same flight as Phum. Mick went to Australia for an English course his mom forced him to take.

The one who seems to have it the easiest is Toey. He just stays home living off his parents (like me, haha). But I heard he's been competing in B-boy dance contests and extreme sports, with someone always keeping a close watch. You know who, or maybe you don't, haha.

Pan went on volunteer camps with his political science friends, traveling north and south to help people in different regions. Beer also went on a camp, but it was to tutor kids who want to study law. That's quite meaningful.

Chan and Q were called by their fathers to help with their businesses. But Q is rebellious. Even when his dad tempted him with a Harley Davidson, he wouldn't go near the resort.

So what did he do? If he's not watching his kid dance, during the day, he carried his camera and sketchbook around to find places to draw and take photos. In the evening, he played music at a pub, with someone you-know-who watching every night.

As for me, since I returned home, I haven't really stayed home. Because I have to go to class reunions, treat my father's subordinates, and many other things. My dad always drags me and my mom along.

My dad's friends and staff always compliment me, saying I look handsome like their General. My dad smiles and accepts the compliments, but once we're in the car alone, he says, "Do I look as ugly as you, Mew?" It stings a lot.

Uncle Yot, my dad's close aide and driver, laughed and said, "Khun Peem isn't as handsome as you, General."

Yes, with others, my dad seems intimidating and unapproachable, but with his family, it's a different story.

[*Peem's father is a Police Colonel (the 4th rank out of 14 ranks in the Thai police force) and the Deputy Commander of Chiang Mai]

"Do you have a faen, Peem?"

"Guess."

"Answer properly or face my wrath."

Don't think my dad wouldn't dare, haha. Why do I always have to deal with tough people?

"I do, and (he's) very handsome." I wink at my dad.

"No wonder girls don't look at you. You have to rely on your own kind." My dad chuckled and lightly pushed my head.