The Wait (PhaYo)

Chapter 7

Date: 7/9/2020

AN: An update! Enjoy!

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Bright sat back in the chair and sighed. He had reached the farmhouse just forty minutes back to find Phana and the rest surrounding the huge dining table. There were some snacks and drinks on the table, probably placed by ever-caring Kit, but the vibe was serious. He had sat down and gently prodded the subject. Everyone around them had stayed silent and just listened as Phana narrated everything that had happened in the temple the previous day. Phusikt Kongthanin looked like he wanted to say something several times, but didn't actually interrupt his son. Although Pansri had some idea of the situation, it all came as a shock to him.

Beam and Kit were sitting on either side of Phana, and had patted his shoulder or gripped his hand to show him support throughout. When Phana finished, it was Beam who spoke, "I did see a crying boy being held by a man but I was more concerned about why Pha just ran out like that. I tried to follow him but he had a long head start over me..."

"You are just slow.." Kit said smiling as Beam mock slapped him. The banter between the two boys did help lighten the thick tension in the room and Phana too smiled. Bright however was serious. There were several things running in his mind but he had to be sure first.

Phana continued, "I went there last night, by the time my mind was calm enough it was already way past midnight. I don't know why I went back to the temple. It was closed but I just sat down at the gate. I was stupid. I mean, why would a parent bring their seven-year old to the temple in the middle of the night? But I still sat and waited..I just.."

Bright looked at the young man, his eyes gentle, "It's okay. It happens Pha. You go to the place because that is where you met him, that is where you felt the connection. I used to go to the racing track all the time to just get a glimpse of Farm." He chuckled and everyone grinned as Farm ducked his head, still getting shy because of his husband's flirting. Beam covered his eyes and made a gagging gesture at his parents being all lovey-dovey.

"But back to the topic, can you tell me more about how the boy looked like?"

Phana's eyes glazed over as if he was watching something fascinating, "He has dark brown wavy hair, the deep honey-brown eyes. He's so cute and slightly chubby, baby-fat. His cheeks are fluffy and his milky white skin is just smooth and so flaw-less..."

Bright was becoming more and more sure now, but he realized that the way Phana was talking about the child was slightly scary. He looked around and realized that all the people were looking at Phana with alarm. It was Kit though who nudged the boy out of his reverie, "Phana...he's a child."

Phana swallowed and laid his head on the table with a thunk. He bumped his head on the table lightly a few times. Beam and Kit tried to soothe him by rubbing his back but it was Bright who stoked his hair and lifted his head up. He gave the young man an assuring smile. "Pha, it's okay. The whole soulmate concept is fascinating. Although, you are talking like you are in love right now, believe me you will never do anything that will hurt the child."

The teenagers nodded, understanding what the doctor was saying. "You are a kind soul for sure Pha, sometimes a little arrogant but ..." Phana turned to Beam and mock hit him, grinning.

Doctor Bright sat down once again, "Phana, I think I know how we can contact the boy..."

Phana met the doctor's eyes. His eyes showed a mix of longing, eagerness and fear. It was clear that the teenager too was feeling scared of his own overwhelming feelings.

It was Viraj who spoke, "Bright, are you sure? How?"

"It's just...The case that Yiwha called me for..it was a 7-year-old kid and his parents. He apparently met his soulmate at the temple and it is a boy in his late-teens..."

Phana caught Bright's hand, "Uncle! Can we..how..."

Bright smiled and patted the boy's hand, "Phana, it is very unlikely that I met two different people of different ages but the same problem, same meeting place. There is very little chance that these are two different cases. Your description of the boy is a rough match too.."

Pansri interrupted, "Bright, even if it is the boy you mention, don't you think it is best to first, you know calm down a little. Everything is still extremely raw for Phana.. He should first take the time to sort out his feelings. Maybe, we should wait.."

"Ma! Please don't say what I think you are going to say.."

Pansri hurried forward at the cold tone of her son, "No, no..I mean, just for a while. Just maybe a few days.."

Phana was looking at her with stormy eyes but it was Bright's calm voice that stopped her, "Pan, I don't think that is an option..."

Phusikt frowned, "What do you mean Bright?"

The doctor took a deep breath, "It's just if Phana's soulmate is the boy I met earlier today... The boy's parents sought Yiwha out coz, well...the boy is suffering from high fever..."

Phana didn't even realize he had stood up immediately, unable to bear the fact that his soulmate was suffering was distressing him, a clenching pain in his heart. Kit patted his friend's shoulder and the two friends exchanged a glance. Phana took a deep breath a sat back down.

"Uncle..."

Bright explained, "It is that problems with the establishment of the bond sometimes manifest themselves as physical issues. Usually, it is the younger of two mates that is worse affected. And, unfortunately, younger the mate, severe the problems..." He met Phana's mother's eyes, "Pan, the mark is already jet black. It is the same for the boy but with him the mark is really sore and raw. There is no healed skin around it at all. The child has high fever...I don't think it is appropriate to wait any longer than necessary..." Pansri let out a soft sniffle as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Mr. Kongthanin, rubbed her back softly, "Bright, so, how can we see if the child you met is Phana's soulmate?" The question just made Pansri choke, knowing that her son would have a difficult journey ahead of him.

"I will have to call Yiwha and get their contact. We can video call first to confirm and maybe decide on meeting later. We will have to discuss next course of action together. If it is not the same child though, we will have to look for Phana's soulmate soon. As I said, younger partner is more vulnerable and we can't risk waiting.."

Finally, Pansri nodded.She got up and took Phana in a hug, as her husband half-hugged both of them.This was it. They will have to tackle whatever lies ahead together. As afamily. 

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AN: Next Chapter: Finally, the meeting!

Excited?