D&B5

Neil&Nick Extra 1

"Happy Birthday to You," the song ended. The young woman in a lovely dress immediately blew out the candles on the cake in front of her.

"Happy birthday, Nan. This is a gift from your brother and your brother-in-law," Nick handed a gift box to his younger sister. It was Nan's birthday, so Nick and Neil came to celebrate at the family's large house, where Nan's parents, Nick's mother, and his grandmother were also present. They celebrated in a small family gathering.

"Thank you," Nan bowed to her brother and brother-in-law.

"How's business, Neil?" Nick's father asked.

"Good, sir. I've expanded to a full-service operation, now handling insurance claims as well," Neil replied.

"Excellent. And you, Nick? Are you helping Neil with the business?" Nick's father asked his son.

"Yes, sir. I'm helping him all the time," Nick replied with a smile.

"Oh, has Non called Nick, dear? I heard he said he'd be back with Tony," Grandma said.

"Really? I haven't gotten a call from Non," Nick replied. He and Non had reconciled long ago, and Non had successfully managed his mental health issues. He had no ill feelings towards Nick anymore, and Non also had a significant other. Neil and Nick had let go of the past, recognizing that Non had suffered as well.

"Try giving him a call. I don't know when they'll be back," Grandma said with a smile. Nick agreed. After they ate for a while, as it got late, Neil and Nick excused themselves and went home. Nick checked the time and immediately called his brother who lived abroad.

("Hello?") Non's voice answered.

"It's Nan's birthday today," Nick announced.

("I called to wish her a happy birthday this morning from here,") Non replied, and Nick chuckled.

("I'll bring a gift later when I get back,") Non added.

"Actually, I was going to ask you about that. Grandma said you're coming back to Thailand with Tony," Nick asked.

("Yes, we're planning a holiday, but we're still deciding on the dates. I'll call you when we've confirmed," ) Non replied.

"Okay. Oh, could you pick up that perfume you bought me last time? I'd like you to get another one for me," Nick asked his brother to bring him a souvenir, and they chatted for a while longer before hanging up. As Nick put down his phone, Neil's phone rang.

"It's Mom," Nick said, referring to Neil's mother.

"Answer it," Neil replied. Nick answered and put the phone on speakerphone so Neil could hear, since Neil was driving.

"Hello, Mom," Neil greeted her.

("Are you asleep yet?") Neil's mother asked.

"No, I'm just leaving Nick's parents' house," Neil replied.

("Oh, is Nick there?") Neil's mother asked.

"Yes, Mom. I put the phone on speaker so P'Neil can talk; he's driving," Nick replied. When talking to Neil's mother, Nick always referred to Neil as 'P'Neil' as Neil's mother had requested.

("Okay, drive carefully, Neil. I'm calling to let you know I'll be back in Thailand next month,") Neil's mother said.

"Should I pick you up?" Neil asked.

("Okay, okay. I'm planning on staying with you for a night and then going back to my house. I just wanted to let you know beforehand,") Neil's mother replied cheerfully.