Destined You & I (Completed)

Chapter 36

2015
(K21, A20)

Looking out the window, Kongpob can no longer make out any of New York City's landmarks. Soaring further into the calm blue skies with scattered white clouds that match perfectly to his mood. Kongpob gently caresses the blue velvet box.

Grandma Jenny, say goodbye to New York. I'm finally taking you home, where you belong.

Kongpob carefully places the blue velvet box inside his duffle bag and tucks it safely under the seat in front of him. He really wanted to keep it in the empty seat next to him, but the flight attendant said that wasn't allowed.

From the side pocket of his duffle bag, Kongpob takes his diary out to write down his thoughts. It has only been a week since Kongpob completed his studies in New York. It may be a long time before he ever visits again. He had promised Jamie and Payel that they would stay in contact and try to visit each other. But in reality who knows what will happen in the future. Once all of them graduate and enter the so-called real world, priorities will change and responsibilities will fall upon them. Such long leisure travels will be a luxury sometimes even money can't afford because time is not for sale. But no matter what happens in the future, their friendship has carved a place in his heart that nothing can replace. Kongpob can still remember his very first encounter with Jamie and her friendly and warm smile. He can't imagine what it would have been like without Jamie and Payel for the past two years. Payel made him promise that no matter what happens to her and Jamie, they will stay friends forever.

Two years in a span of a lifetime is very little but the memories and experiences can be everlasting. If he didn't come all the way across the globe, then he would never have met Grandma Jenny. A soul so beautiful and kind that even through all the hardship in her life she was never disheartened. Through his grandpa and Grandma Jenny's love story, Kongpob knows no matter what life throws at him and Arthit, they will be able to make it as long as they love each other.

Kongpob stares at the envelope that's tucked inside his diary. It contains Grandma Jenny's will and a check for $1.68 million USD. It's the money Grandma Jenny left for him from selling all her properties in New York. Kongpob honestly doesn't even know what to do with the money. He hasn't told his parents about it yet, mainly because he hasn't told his mother about Grandma Jenny yet. Furthermore, his family is very humble and happy with simple things in life. They never ask for more than what they need. But maybe this money will stop his parents from having to work so hard. At least his father won't have to travel as much.

Upon his return, there will be only two weeks before his graduation. Kongpob can't believe he already has an interview that he needs to prepare for. His mentor, Nick from Johnson & Johnson had helped him arrange for an interview at Johnson & Johnson in Bangkok. Nick doesn't even know anyone personally from the Thailand division, but he went out on a limb to contact someone from Human Resources over there and put down his own name as a referral. Kongpob couldn't believe Nick would do something so incredible for him. He's so grateful and touched by so many people he's met during his studies in the US. Hopefully, he will one day really come back to visit.

And even though he will miss his friends in the US, he really can't wait to go home. Home to his parents and home to his boyfriend who has been counting down the days until he returns. Arthit had started counting down a month ago and today is down to one, by the time he lands, it will be zero. Kongpob can't help but find everything Arthit does cute. It also reminds him of how they started dating with only thirty-two days left before he left for his studies. He remembers all of Arthit's silly antics and how he snuck out to be with him. He can't believe that was already two years ago, and their relationship has survived. They've shared all their firsts together despite the distance, and there are many more firsts to come.