Beauty from Ashes

Avenging Angel

Dressed in black, Kongpob stood solemnly at the marker in this part of the mausoleum. His vision was blurred by the tears slowly falling from his eyes. He was amazed he still had tears to cry after all he'd been through. Kongpob's hand trembled as he placed a lily next to it.

"Rest in peace Steve. You never knew peace in this life. I pray that you do in the next." Kongpob placed his hand on the marker and walked away. As he exited, he saw that rain had started to fall and lamented that he had not brought an umbrella with him. He pulled his coat around him to protect himself from the blistering cold rain when he realized the rain was no longer falling where he was standing. He looked up and smiled as he was met with a familiar face. "How did you know I was here?"

"Your kind heart wouldn't let you be anywhere else." Arthit extended his arm and wrapped it around Kongpob's waist, bringing him closer so they could make their way to Arthit's car. "Hurry. If we're late, that jerk will kill us."

"If you were talking about anyone other than Nam Soon, that would be an idle threat." The two chuckled as they entered Arthit's car and headed out.

"Are you ready?"

"More than I'll ever be."

"I still can't believe this is happening. Of all people to be getting married." Kongpob shook his head from side to side and smiled at his best friend who, for the first time ever, looked nervous. "Holy shit! Are you nervous?"

"Shut up Kong."

"You are, aren't you? Hold on. I need to take a picture of this." Kong reached into his coat pocket to get his phone but stopped when he heard a click. He looked up to see a 9mm gun pointed at his face. "Really Nam Soon? You'd shoot me instead of allowing me to take a picture of you sweating? On your wedding day? Why do you even have a gun on you? Are you wearing a fucking holster to walk down the aisle?"

"Yes. Do you know how many enemies I have?"

"Fine! Fine!" Kongpob laughed and put his phone back in his coat. He patted Nam Soon on the back as he holstered his gun. "Come on. It's time."

Both men walked into the living room of Nam Soon's family estate for the small ceremony. Apinya was a lovely vision in her calf-length white dress and Nam Soon was handsome in his simple blue suit. The ceremony was as unconventional as their relationship. They exchanged vows and waved at everyone as they left headed to parts unknown since neither would share where they were going on their honeymoon.

Arthit grabbed Kongpob's hand and lead him out the door. "So, are you okay?"

"Thanks for understanding Arthit. I know it's been a year since Steve died, but I just didn't want his death anniversary to go unobserved."

"You don't have to thank me. If you felt anything other than sympathy for Steve, you wouldn't be the man I love. Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes. By the way, where are you taking me?"

"It's a secret. Let's go."

After a couple of hours, they arrived at the gate where a guard stepped forward to greet them and motioned for Arthit to lower his car window.

"Good evening Mr. Rojnapat. You're expected. Please pull forward."

"Thank you." Following the instructions from the guard, Arthit pulled through the gates and followed the narrow driveway that lead to a charming set of cottages with a main building amongst them. Arthit parked in front of the main building and opened Kong's door.