Back at One: Another LingOrm's Story

#4

After months of grueling discussions, debates over budgets, career decisions, and future plans, Ling and Orm finally reached a point where they felt settled. The anxiety and uncertainty that had clung to them like shadows were now replaced by a sense of calm. They had mapped out their finances, set their goals, and come to a mutual understanding about how they'd navigate life together.

Ling's sigh of relief one morning, as she leaned back in her chair with a cup of tea, was almost audible. They were making it work. Slowly but surely.

Orm, lying sprawled across the couch with her phone in hand, wasn't quite as relaxed. She was tapping absentmindedly through her notifications when the familiar name "Mae" appeared on the screen.

"Oh, no," she muttered, straightening up. Ling, who was sitting at the dining table, glanced up curiously from her book.

"What's up?"

"It's Mae," Orm said, frowning as she swiped to answer the call. "Probably about Nong Att."

On the other end, Orm's mother cheerful voice broke through. "Orm! How are things? You haven't called your mother in days!"

Orm rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Mae, I've been busy. What's up?"

"I need a favor," her mother's tone grew slightly more serious but still playful. "Nong Att has a university workshop in Bangkok. It ends on Thursday, and I don't want him taking a bus home alone so late at night. Can you and Ling look after him for the weekend?"

Orm immediately raised her eyebrows. "Babysit Nong Att? Mae, he's in university!"

"He may be in university, but he's still my son," Mrs. Sethratanapong countered, not missing a beat. "And besides, he's your brother. It'll be fun! You can take him out, show him around, and make sure he doesn't get lost in the big city."

Ling chuckled quietly from her spot, catching Orm's eye. "You'd better say yes."

Orm sighed in defeat, shaking her head. "Fine, Mae. But if he's a pain, I'll send him back early."

Her mother laughed, clearly unbothered by the empty threat. "Deal. Thank you, my love."

After hanging up, Orm flopped back down on the couch with a groan. "Mae wants us to babysit Nong Att this weekend."

Ling's face lit up, setting her book down. "That sounds fun! It's been a while since I've spent time with him."

"You say that now, but you don't have to deal with him 24/7 like I did growing up," Orm said with mock annoyance, though there was a clear warmth in her voice. "He's a menace."

Ling smiled softly, leaning forward. "Maybe he's matured since then. Besides, he'll be staying with us, not just you."

Orm smirked, but a knowing look passed between them. The weekend was bound to be chaotic.

Thursday evening came faster than expected. 

Orm and Ling found themselves waiting in the lobby of their apartment building, watching the elevators with expectant eyes. Orm paced back and forth, glancing at the clock every few seconds.

"He's late," she muttered under her breath. "Typical Nong Att."

Ling leaned against the wall, watching her wife with amusement. "He's coming from Chumphon. It probably took him longer to get through the city traffic. Give him a break."