More to Life ✔

Chapter 26 Attempted tranquillity

Rialoves2cook: As I anxiously await my contest results, let me share a few photos of the gorgeous Phuttha Monthon Park that Prae took me to visit this evening. Not only does she cook the best food, she knows just what my stressed-out soul needed today. I don't know what I'd do without her! Good luck to my fellow contestants as the judges prepare to break many hearts. Even though only ten will move on, I'm honoured to have shared this experience with all of you. 

#Thaibeauty #FeelslikeParadise #amazingfriends #pleasetellusalready #fingerscrossed

November 1st, 7:00 PM

***

The day after Proud Market, Maria's mood was similar to her miserable Monday. Last night's video chat made her miss Adrian and wish she could hold him for real. Tragic, romantic songs spilled out of him like lava. While not all were his best work, they'd narrowed down a couple he could release under an anonymous name. If they did well, he hinted at a plane ticket, but she had to be realistic about the odds. He hadn't broken up with Kelsey.

While tapping a pen on her desk, she sighed. She'd been staring at the same poorly constructed paragraph for ten minutes and was no closer to discovering why her assignment was so hard for the children. Only fifteen students of twenty-six had finished it, and those assignments were far from the quality of Emma's class' work. The honeymoon period was over, and Maria was terrible at this job.

A pair of heels clicked on the linoleum floors. "Are you staying much longer?" Prae asked.

Only she and Maria remained in the staff room on Friday evening. The rest had flown off like a flock of seagulls chased by a young child.

"It's best if I don't."

"You're working very hard. The students are lucky to have such a dedicated teacher."

Maria gathered up workbooks to mark on the weekend. "Thanks, my head is such a mess. It's a wonder I accomplish anything."

"The contest or your Canadian friend?" Prae asked.

"Both," Maria said with a pang in her heart. 'Friend' fit now that they were in this awkward limbo.

Prae smoothed down her skirt. "Do you know the results yet?" 

Maria shook her head. "Not until after at least 8:00 pm our time."

"I know a relaxing place where you can clear your mind," Prae said.

Rubber squeaked on the floor, causing Maria to jump. She and Prae exchanged a look as Tom's red head of hair poked around the corner.

"I don't mean to intrude, but I overheard something about a tranquil place."

Prae stood taller and smiled. "Phuttha Monthon Park. It's a beautiful area with lakes, many statues of Buddha, and places to meditate." Her face relaxed as she spoke, free of the anxiety she'd shown Maria when interacting with Mitch.

After meeting Maria's gaze, Tom's lips curled into a grin. "That sounds perfect."

The veins on her neck were throbbing too much to imagine perfect, but it beat Mitch and Shawn's suggestion to go clubbing.

Prae turned to Tom. "Would you like to join us?"

"I wouldn't want to intrude."

"We would be grateful for the company, right Maria?" Prae raised her thin eyebrow.

Maria massaged her neck. "Of course."

After running to his desk, Tom met them at the entranceway. As she, Prae and Tom walked toward the main road, he pressed a plastic container into her palm: Extra Strength Advil. Her earlier thought had been off. This was perfection, someone caring enough to notice and help, even in the simplest way.