Un-Beam My Heart!

4. Hey, baby!!

           Tee rolled on the bed and turned to his right. He looked at Copter's sleeping face to ensure if he was in deep sleep. He pushed the duvet aside and got off from the bed without making any noise. He walked towards the window and peeked out of the hotel carefully. He could see the car, which had been following them from the orphanage, parked across the street.

            Tee paced to and fro beside the bed. He had a fair idea of what was going on and who was involved. To his own surprise, instead of getting scared, all he could feel was excitement bubbling inside him. He contemplated on what to do next. He could take Copter and flee the country again. It was the easiest and safest way out. But he was curious and wanted to know what was cooking. Also, he couldn't deny the fact that a part of him longed for this to happen... to be found.

          Tee sat at the edge of the bed and observed Copter again. The boy was sleeping with a light frown on his face. Tee placed his thumb on the wrinkles on Copter's forehead and massaged it slowly until he frown disappeared from Copter's face. He knew that Copter was trying his best to act strong in front of him. Although Copter seemed cheerful after landing in Phuket, Tee understood that Copter was faking it so he would be at peace. He could see a lingering lone tear at the corner of Copter's eyes ever since they left New Zealand. Tee heaved a sigh and leaned against the headboard with his fingers running through Copter's hair locks.

        It happened more than seven years ago, the first time he met Copter in their orphanage.

         Tee had been in the orphanage for as long as he could remember. He never knew about his parents and he never bothered to ask anyone about them. To him, uncle Prasert, the warden and owner of their orphanage was his parent, mentor and everything, while he considered the other kids at the orphanage as his family.

          The orphanage he grew up was worse than a rundown ghost house. Prasert tried to develop it with all his might but he could only provide the basic amenities for the kids. There were many days when Tee didn't have proper meals, proper clothes and not even proper shelter, more over a good education. But he wasn't worried at all. The rough mattress on which he slept on didn't hurt him. The minuscule food he got didn't starve him. The worn out clothes didn't freeze him.

         Tee was content. He was happy with the meagre things he received in his life. He was grateful and thanked God every night without fail before going to bed. He shared everything he received with the other kids and took care of them as much as he could. He was cheerful and full of positivity that Prasert often called him the light of the orphanage and Tee would blush before running away.

*****
          It was like yet another usual morning when Prasert called Tee to his office room. There were a few officials and a police officer inside the office room. Tee looked around in confusion when he saw a pair of doe eyes peek at him from Prasert's behind.

        "Tee, this is Copter", Prasert said pulling Copter to the front.

        Copter looked up in alarm and ran back to hide behind Prasert again.

        "Son, don't panic. Tee is like an elder brother to you and I assure you that he won't hurt you", Prasert said kindly and pushed Copter towards Tee.

           Copter blinked in fear and Tee's heart went out at the sight of the lean boy who had nothing but just bones in his body. His body was covered with bruises and wounds. His left hand was held with an arm sling and there was a big bandage plastered under his chin. Those puppy eyes and quivering lips captivated Tee the moment he saw Copter that morning.

          "Hi... My name is Tee", Tee waved with a huge grin.

          "I... my... my name is Copter", the boy stuttered nervously.