[tEaRdRoP]

I Pray



Starring Dan D2B Danuwong and Aon Rukkana
Inspired by Jame’s Music VDO

This post has been edited by tEaRdRoP: 11 September 2008 - 10:20 AM

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 1:

‘Grandma, please be okay. Don’t leave me,’ Aon prayed inside as she held onto her grandmother’s hand firmly. Hot tears streamed down her cheek as she watched her grandmother lie motionless in the hospital bed. There was nothing she could do but wait for her grandmother to open her eyes. Each petrifying minute that ticked by stabbed her painfully in the heart.

“Grandma,” she said in almost a whisper.

But her grandmother didn’t move, not even a slight twitch. Aon let out a small cry. Her eyes burned from the unstoppable tears that poured from them.

“Grandma, please open your eyes,” she sobbed caressing her hand.

But her grandmother didn’t respond to her cries. Aon took her grandmother’s cold hand and held it against her chest. Then she slowly closed her eyes and prayed as a tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto her grandmother’s hand.

“Aon ja,” her grandmother gasped.

Aon let out a happy cry and leaned close to her grandmother’s side. “Grandma, you’re okay.”

Her grandmother squeezed her small hand gently, “Now, now honey, no more tears,” she said in short gasps.

Aon gave her a smile but the tears continued to stream down her face. She knew her grandmother was ready to go but was holding on for her. She knew she was selfish, but she couldn’t let go.

“You need to be strong for me, my time is . . .” her grandmother began to say.

“No, Grandma, you’re going to be just fine,” Aon interrupted.

She didn’t want to hear those words from her grandmother’s mouth. She had watched her boyfriend, Ryu, die before her eyes due to cancer a month earlier and now she’s faced with this.

“Listen, honey, my time has come,” her grandmother uttered softly.

“No! Don’t say that,” Aon interrupted again.

“Aon ja, listen to me. Death is a natural thing. Don’t be sad. I’ll still be with you,” her grandmother said, “right there,” she pointed to Aon’s heart.

Aon held onto her hand tightly as her cries became loud gasps.

“Promise me you’ll be strong like you’ve always been,” her grandmother said as she squeezed Aon’s hand.

Aon nodded her head, “I promise, grandma. I’ll be strong.”

Her grandmother smiled at her for the last time, “That’s my angel. Remember, I will always love you,” she whispered.

Then her hand slowly slipped out of Aon’s hand. Aon looked up to see her grandmother’s eyes slowly close. Mixed emotions soared inside her body.

“Grandma!!!” Aon shouted as loud as her heart could and fell into her grandmother chest embracing her tightly.

“Grandma, please don’t go. Please~” she pleaded.

Part 2:

The following day, Aon’s parents rushed home from their business trip in the States when they heard the news. When they got home, Aon’s mother embraced Aon tightly in her arms. She knew how much impact it had on Aon. She knew she was a bad parent for leaving Aon alone the majority of the time, but she knew Aon would soon understand why they worked so hard. It was for her. Aon cried uncontrollably in her mother’s arms. She blocked out everything that was happening around her. All she wanted was to be in her mother’s arms and cry her heart out.

A few days later:

At the funeral, Aon sat numbed in front of her grandmother’s grave. Her mother looked over to her with sadness in her eyes. She looked so paled in black, but there were no tears in her eyes. ‘My poor baby, she must have cried so much that she had no more tears to cry,’ her mother thought inside.

After the funeral, everyone was quiet in the car. Aon gazed out the window as tiny raindrops slid down her window.

“So, have you prepared yourself for graduation next week?” her father asked breaking the silence between them.

Aon turned her focus from the raindrops and face forward. “No, not yet,” she replied softly.

“Aw, that’s ok honey, we’ll help you,” her mother said with a smile.

“Ah yes, as a family,” her father added.

Aon gave them a slight smile and nodded her head. She was happy to hear that they were going to be a family again.

Graduation Day:

The music started as the Class of 2003 of RS High School walked onto the stage. Aon looked left to right looking for her parents. They had a short notice meeting in Chiang Mai, but they promised they would be there. She exhaled slowly and took a seat as the Valedictorian gave his speech. She held her hands in her lap and closed her eyes. ‘Please don’t break this promise to me,’ she whispered inside her heart.

Before she knew it the ceremony was over. Everyone stood up, cheered, and threw their caps into the air. Aon hugged her friends around her and congratulated everyone around. She watched everyone run off stage to hug their love ones who came. Her eyes became watery, as she stood alone on the stage. There was no one there with flowers or balloons to congratulate her. She slowly walked down from the stage, crunching the rollup paper in her hand. ‘How could they do this to me? How could they not be here on my graduation day?’ she cried inside. ‘I hate you guys!’

She exited the celebration, walked over to her locker, and grabbed her belongings. A photo slipped out and fell onto the floor. She knelt down and picked it up. It was a picture of her, her parents, and her grandmother. Tears ran down her cheeks. She was 10 years old in the picture. They looked like a perfect family, so happy, but she knew it was only a mirage. She wiped the tears from her eyes and put the picture in her purse. Then suddenly her cell phone rang. She frowned at the number; it was an unknown number.

“Hello,” she answered.

“Hello Miss Rukkana Huangmanee,” a male’s voice replied.

“Yes,” Aon said slowly.

“This is Sergeant Kamp, I hate to be the one telling you this but your parents, Mr. and Mrs. Huangmanee, have been involved in a fatal accident,” he reported.

Aon’s heart pounded heavily as her world began to spin around. This was not happening to her. God wouldn't be so cruel and take everyone she loved away from her.

“I’m sorry,” Sergeant Kamp concluded.

The phone dropped from her hand. “No, this can’t be true,” she sobbed tumbling to her knees.

“NO! DAMN YOU! You can’t do this to me!” she yelled to the dark, gloomy sky.

This post has been edited by tEaRdRoP: 12 September 2008 - 06:52 PM

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 3:

Rain began to sprinkle onto the green grass. Aon slowly pulled herself up from the floor. She fell back against her locker. She couldn’t believe the news she just received. She pounded her fists against the locker repeatedly. She could feel her knuckles crack with each forceful pouch.

After a long beating, she stopped and faced into the open field numb. Blood sipped through the small cracks of her knuckles. She knelt down and picked up her belongings. She clenched her purse tightly in her hand and stepped out into the rain. Her knees quiver as she tried to walk.

The rain continued to fall, but she didn’t seem to care. Her world as she knew it was over. There was nothing left for her. She continued to walk out of the school.

Everyone was gone; it was just her and the icy, cold rain. She slowly stepped out on the sidewalk on Main Street and continued walking. She had no clue to where she was walking, but it didn’t matter. Nothing matter anymore.

The rain began to pour and visibility was getting dimmed. Rain ran down her face and onto her paled lips. She could feel her fingers getting numb from the rain but she was like a dead person walking.

She had walked down three blocks and came up to Ravit University, the college she would be attending next fall. She didn’t stop to admire it like she normally did. Memories of her and Ryu flashed in her mind. She remembered how they use to talk about attending the college together, that he was going to be big movie star someday and he would give her the world. But now, the world didn’t matter to her, not one bit. All she wanted was for her loved ones to be with her.

She took another step forward and cross the small alley street in front of her, White Street. Suddenly, she heard a loud horn honking, waking her up from her daydream. She jumped onto the main road in reaction to the van coming out of White St.

Instantly, she heard another loud horn coming toward her. She spun around quickly only to see headlights coming straight at her. The next thing she heard were the car’s tires squeaking against the pavement. Suddenly, she felt an enormous pressure hitting her, knocking the air out from her lungs. The sky twirl before her eyes as felt herself falling backwards and landing heavily onto the pavement. She opened her eyes and tried to get them to focus on the shadowy figure topping over her. She could hear him calling out to her, but she couldn’t make out what he was saying. Then everything went black.

Part 4:

‘Mom, Dad, you’re ok!’ Aon cried rushing into their arms, ‘I knew you guys wouldn’t abandon me.’

Then she turns around and sees her grandmother in a white gown standing before her. ‘Grandma!’ she called and ran into her arms holding her tightly. ‘You’re here too! We are together again,’ she cheered.

‘Look who wants to see you,’ her grandmother pointed.

Aon follows her grandmother’s finger to a figure stepping from the fog. Ryu stood there with open arms. She cried tears of joy and ran into his arms. She closed her eyes and held him closely to her, afraid of losing him again.

‘It’s ok,’ he kissed the top of her head. ‘I’m ok,’ he wiped the tears from her eyes.

‘It’s really you,” she said as she cupped his face with her hand. ‘And you’re not in pain anymore.’

He shook his head and caressed her hands. ‘We’re at peace now,’ he said. She looked into his eyes and nodded.

Then she turned to look at her parents and grandmother. She noticed they were all dressed in white. She stepped backwards and took a good look at Ryu. He too was in white. She gave them a smirk. ‘Am I missing something here?’ she asked them. ‘You’re all dressed alike.’

Ryu smiled, shook his head, and walked back to the group. Aon stood watching unsure what was happening.

‘We’ll be here waiting for you,’ they said as the fog slowly covered them.

‘What’s happening?’ she watched in horror as they faded in the fog. She wanted to go after them but couldn’t move. ‘Wait, wait for me!’ she called reaching out her hands. ‘Please don’t leave me…please,’ she pleaded, grabbing only thin air.

“NO!!!!!” Aon screamed loudly waking Dan up with a jump.

He got up from his chair quickly and rushed to her side. He watched her cry in her sleep. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. He extended his hand up to her face and wiped the tears from her eyes. She quickly grabbed it and held on tightly. He let her hold his hand for awhile before gently moving it away.

“No, don’t leave me” she mumbled pulling it back and up closer to her chest.

Dan looked down at her and sat down on the side of the bed. He looked at the cuts on her knuckles and ran his other hand slightly over them. ‘She must have been thru a lot,’ he thought. He squeezed her hand gently and waited patiently for her to fall back to sleep.

When she fell asleep, he carefully eased his hand from her and returned to his chair. He leaned on his elbow, keeping an eye on her. Before he knew it, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

2 hours later:

“Ahhhhhhh!” Aon yelled jerking up from the bed.

Dan’s eye popped open and ran to the bed. Aon wrapped her arms around his waist and cried. He put his arms around her and rubbed her back, comforting her.

“Don’t leave me,” she cried in his arms.

Dan looked down at her. He didn’t know what to say to her.

“Promise me, you won’t leave me,” she uttered softly.

Dan embraced her tightly in his arms, “I Promise,” he said gently.

This post has been edited by tEaRdRoP: 11 September 2008 - 05:38 PM

[imaginarygur]

This story really interesting.. no matter i read how many times, i also won't be bored.. hahaha.. thanks for re-upload this story..

[tEaRdRoP]

Thanks for reading ja...I'm editing some parts as I'm posting so it might take me awhile. I didn't realized how sloppy it was ahhaha...But thanks again. This is one of my favorite story.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 5:

Aon slowly opened her eyes only to feel the throbbing pain in her head. Her eyes roamed around the room, trying to figure out where she was. She saw nothing but white corners. ‘Am I dead?’ she thought. She closed her eyes again and swallowed the nasty lump in her throat. She slowly opened her eyes again and waited for them to get adjusted to the light. ‘I’m in a room’ she said in her mind.

Then she felt a hand beside her. She tilted her head slightly to the right and saw an unfamiliar face fast asleep. She frowned at him. She had never seen him before. She slowly shifted her body upright, but stop because of the pain in her leg. He twitched and opened his eyes. She quickly shut her eyes and pretended she was asleep.

Dan rubbed his eyes and stood over her, stretching. He put his hand over her forehead to feel if she had a temperature. But he was glad to feel she was feeling normal. Then a nurse walked in.

“Ah, I see you’re awake. I came in earlier, but I didn’t want to wake you.” She said.

Dan simply smiled.

“You must love her a lot” she replied.

“Huh?” Dan asked confused.

“She’s your girlfriend right? You two look too young to be married.” She continued.

Dan let out a small laugh, “Uh, I’m going to wash up,” he said avoiding the question and walked to the bathroom.

‘What? I’m not his girlfriend! I don’t even know who he is!’ Aon wanted to yell out loud, but she kept a straight face and laid still.

A moment later, Dan emerged from the bathroom.

“Uh, nurse, how is she doing?” He asked.

“Your girlfriend’s fine,” she reassured him.

Aon frowned at her comment but she didn’t make a sudden movement.

Dan just smiled. He didn’t oppose to her remarks. “Well, I’m going to go get a change of cloth. I’ll be back around noon to check up on her.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your girlfriend,” the nurse flashed him a smile.

Dan nodded shyly and walked out of the room quickly. He grinned to himself. She is a cute girl. ‘What are you thinking?’ he said to himself, ‘You hit the poor girl with your car and now you’re thinking about picking her up?’

Part 6:

Dan threw off his clothes when he got to his condo. He jumped into the shower and washed his filthy body. He couldn’t believe so much has happened to him in just one day. He’d nearly killed someone; but fortunately, she’s okay, slightly bruised in the head, elbows, and a broken leg. He shook his head in disbelief. ‘How could a small girl like that manage to get only a broken leg from an accident?’ he thought, ‘She must be one lucky girl. But what the heck was she doing walking in the pouring rain like that?’

A moment later, he got walked out of the bathroom and put some fresh, clean clothes on. It felt so good to be clean. Then he walked into the kitchen and popped in a microwave lunch. He checked on his messages while he waited for his food to cook.

- Beep -
“P’Dan ka, where are you? You never showed up at my graduation party! Call me back at this instance!”

- Beep -
“P’Dan ka, I know you’re home so pick up the phone!”

- Beep -
“P’Dan, Nong Jib is losing patience here. Call me back or I’ll never speak to you again! Urgh!”

- Beep -
“I was just kidding about the not speaking to you again part, ok, bye. Call me!”

Dan shook his head. Jib was unbelievable. He couldn’t believe she had so much free time on her hand to call him minutes after minutes. He thought she should have gotten the hint that he wasn’t home after the first two calls, but some people these days just can’t handle the truth. He wished he knew a good way to get rid of her, but it was hopeless. He and Jib Kithapat knew each other since they were kids, but he recalled her always picking on him then. It was not until they were in high school when she started noticing him and being extra nice to him. Ever since then, she was like a leech clinging to his arms. But he couldn’t do anything about it. Her father, Mr. Uttimana, is a good friend and a business partner of his father, Mr. Danuwong.

Dan exhaled loudly and continued with the messages.

- Beep -
“Dan, where have you been? You still have a family, you know. Don’t let me find out you have girl living with you. Give you mother a call. Don’t make me have to go down there myself!”

Dan laughed at his mother’s remarks. She was always worried about him having a girl living with him. She was always paranoid about him ending up with someone she disapproved of. He erased the messages and opened his food. He took a couple of bites and looked at the food. Independent life was great, but the food was awful. He put his spoon down and tossed the food in the trash. He ran his fingers through his hair, grabbed his shades, and left his condo.

Twenty minutes later, he drove up his parents’ house. He decided he was going to have a nice lunch today. A servant came out to greet him at the entrance.

“Well, hello Mr. Dan. I’m surprise to see you here,” she said.

Dan chuckled, “Aw, P’Nu, you know you miss me. Anyways, where are my mom and dad?”

“They’re having lunch out on the patio,” P’Nu answered.

“Mmm, lunch, sounds good. Thanks,” he replied and walked back to the patio.

He snuck in quietly to where his parents were enjoying their meals. He walked up to his mother and wrapped his arms around her.

“Hi mom,” he said with a kiss on her cheek.

“Ah, Dan,” she cheered and returned his kiss.

“Mmm, those sandwiches look good,” he replied and stuffed a slice in his mouth.

“Goodness, son, have a seat and eat like a normal person,” his father implied.

Dan chuckled and sat down to enjoy lunch with his family.

This post has been edited by tEaRdRoP: 16 September 2008 - 07:57 AM

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 7:

Aon sat up straight in the hospital bed and gazed out the window. It was a beautiful day, but she saw no beauty in it. Tears sipped through her eyes. She was left alone in this world. She couldn’t even imagine what the next day would bring.

“Ah, I see you’re awake,” the nurse walked in.

Aon wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at her.

“We’ve contacted the people at your house, they’ll be here to see you soon,” she informed.

Aon smiled and nodded her head.

“Oh, and your boyfriend should be coming any moment,” she continued.

Aon frowned at her, “My boyfriend?”

“Yes, he’s so sweet. He must love you a lot. He wouldn’t leave your side last night. You’re a lucky girl,” she smiled.

He wasn’t her boyfriend, heck she didn’t even know his name. But she didn’t say a word; instead she just played along with it and smiled.

“There,” the nurse said, “The medicine should help soothe the pain in your leg. You should drift off to sleep soon. I’ll be back to check on you in a couple of hours.”

“Thank you,” Aon said and yawned afterwards.

The nurse smiled and left the room. Aon’s eyes began to feel heavy. She didn’t try to fight it. She wanted them to close and fall into a deep sleep and never wakeup.

A few minutes later, Dan walked in. He smiled when he saw Aon peacefully sleeping. She looked so much better than last night. He walked over to her bed and sat in the chair nearby. He slowly raised his hand to her face and brushed the strand of hair away from her cheek. Then he pulled the blanket up to her neck and tucked her in.

He sat quietly reading the newspapers when a group of people walked in.

“Miss Aon!” a girl with braids in her hair cried.

“Shhh!” an older woman said to her and walked to Aon’s bed.

Dan stood up and moved aside. She walked up to Aon and ran her hand through her hair.

“Oh Aon, so much has happened to you,” she sobbed.

The girl in the braids and the guy who looked like a chauffeur began to cry loudly.

“Would you two be quiet!” she scolded them. Then she turned to Dan and cleared her throat, “Are you a friend of Miss Aon?” she asked casually.

‘Ah, Aon is her name,’ Dan thought to himself.

“Wow, he’s cute,” the girl in the braids said.

Dan smiled at her comments and replied, “No, I’m the one who hit Miss Aon last night. My name is Dan Danuwong. Are you her guardian?”

“Yes, you can say I’m like her guardian. I’m all she has left. I’m her nanny, Mali,” she answered.

“I’m Jong and this is P’Kai,” the girl in the braids said.

“No one asked you, nang Jong,” P’Mali remarked. Then she turned her focus back to Dan. “So tell me what happened.”

Dan sat down and told P’Mali what happened last night.

“Miss Aon was probably not in her right state of mind. I believe she was shocked with the news of her parents’ death.” P’Mali explained after she listened to his story. “She probably didn’t know what she was doing.”

He looked over to Aon and swallowed slowly. Dan was suddenly overwhelmed with sorrow.

“Let me know if you need help with anything,” he replied suddenly feeling the need to do something for Aon. “Here’s my business card.”

“Thank you,” P’Mali said.

Part 8:

Aon slowly opened her eyes. She smiled to see her nanny standing before her.

“P’Mali,” she cried.

P’Mali took her in her arms and held her tightly. “Everything’s going to be ok.”

“What’s happening with my life?” she asked her nanny.

P’Mali didn’t answer her question. She didn’t know how to. But who could? Instead she caressed her back, giving her comfort.

“The doctor told me that you’ll be able to go home tomorrow,” she said changing the subject.

She released her and wiped the tears from Aon’s eyes.

“It’s not a home. It’s just an empty house,” Aon replied as tears filled her eyes again.

P’Mali was lost in her mourning eye and didn’t say anymore. She squeezed her hand gently and watched the tears run down Aon’s face.
* * *
Dan returned to his condo and walked straight to the balcony. He leaned over and let the cool breeze flow through his hair. He couldn’t believe the things that had happened to Aon. It was strange that he felt something deeply toward someone he never knew before. He couldn’t explain the feelings that were growing inside of him. All he knew was that he wanted to be there for her and help her through it all.

* Rrrring-ring-ring * the telephone echoed to where he was standing. He exhaled slowly and pulled himself from the balcony.

“Hello,” Dan said halfhearted.

“Hello P’Dan!” Jib replied cheerfully. “What are you doing?”

“I was about to go finish some work I have hanging,” he answered.

“Oh, do you need some help? I’ve got plenty of ideas to help you write your songs,” she suggested.

“No thanks, Jib, I’ve something already in mind,” he responded.

“But I really want to help, P’Dan!” she whined.

Dan sighed loudly, “I’ll manage. Do you have anything important to say? If not, I have to go.”

“But P’Dan,” she protested.

“I’ll talk to you later ok. I really have to get back to work, bye,” he implied.

“P’Dan, hello? P’Dan!” she called, but the line was dead.

Filled with anger, she slammed the phone down and crossed her arms. ‘I’m not letting you get off the hook so easily P’Dan,’ she vowed to herself.

Meanwhile Dan sat at his desk and began to compose his songs. He was an intern at RS Promotion and has been given the opportunity to show his talent.

For a while, he stared at the piece of paper before him. He looked around for some ideas, but nothing was coming to head. Then suddenly Aon’s paled face came to his mind. He thought of the way she held his hand and the sorrow in her voice. For that one moment he would have given her anything to cheer her up. Then a title to his song appeared in his head. He wrote down, “Kae Neung Natee (Just one minute).”

“Yeah this will be the name of my song,” He smiled and began composing the lyrics.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 9:

The next day, Aon waited for P’Mali to pick her up from the hospital. She didn’t want to stay there any longer. Beside she had other things on her mind; like her parents’ funeral.

“Wait long?” P’Mali said walking into the room with a wheel chair.

Aon shook her head.

“The crutches are already in the car for you,” P’Mali continued to say as she helped Aon onto the wheel chair.

“Let me collect all of your belongings and we’re all set to go,” P’Mali told her.

Then the nurse walked in.

“You’re all set to go?” she asked Aon.

“Yes,” Aon replied.

“Well, I just dropped by to see if I can assist you with anything,” the nurse said politely.

“We’re fine, thank you,” P’Mali said.

“Ok then. Have a safe trip home,” the nurse said and left the room.

“Ok, I’m done. Let’s go home,” P’Mali exhaled happily.

Aon nodded her head as P’Mali walked over to help push her wheel chair. Aon sat quietly as she was being pushed toward the door.

“Wait,” P’Mali stopped. “Shouldn’t we wait for Dan first?”

Aon frowned and turned around, “Who’s Dan?”

“He’s the one who brought you to the hospital,” P’Mali replied.

Aon took a moment to think about who she was talking about. Then it hit her. P’Mali must be referring to the guy who told the nurse she was his girlfriend.

“Why wait for him? He has nothing to do with me,” Aon answered.

“But,” P’Mali protested.

“I’m exhausted, P’Mali, I want to go home now,” Aon uttered softly.

“Ok,” P’Mali exhaled softly and pushed Aon out of the room closing the door behind her.

30 minutes later, Dan walked into the hospital with a bouquet of wild flowers in his hand. He hoped the bright flowers would brighten up Aon’s day. He hesitated in front of her room and adjusted his clothes making sure he looked good before he walked in. He put on a bright smile and turned the doorknob.

“Oh, what are you doing here?” the nurse asked him when he walked in.

He looked to the empty bed.

“Where’s Aon?” he asked.

“Didn’t you know? She left about 30 minutes ago,” she replied.

“She left?” he repeated.

The nurse nodded and returned to her cleaning. Dan’s smile slowly faded as he looked at the flowers in his hand. ‘How could she leave without saying good-bye?’ he thought, but then he remembered he was nothing to her in the first place. He sighed and placed the flowers on the table nearby and walked out of the room slowly.

Part 10:

The following week, at the funeral, Aon sat lifeless in the wheel chair. Not a single tear fell from her eyes. She’s been hurt too many times that she’d become immune to it. She bit down on her lips as she watched her parents’ bodies being cremated. She could taste the blood and feel the sting from her bite, but she felt worst pain deep in her heart.

After the ceremony, people started to leave. Aon stay at the same spot, in front of her parents’ graves. She ran her fingers on their tombstones.

“I love you,” she said softly with quivering lips.

P’Mali walked up behind her and placed her hand on her shoulder.

“Let’s go,” she said in almost a whisper. Aon swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded her head. She let a single tear slipped thru her eyes.

She sat quietly as P’Mali pushed her to their car. But Aon pulled the brakes when they came upon a group of older folks from the funeral talking.

“Yeah, she’s bad luck to the family,” one lady said.

“I heard her boyfriend was the first to die, then her grandmother, and now her parents,” another lady agreed.

“She’s definitely a jinx, we should stay as far as we can from her,” a man included.

P’Mali was furious and sad at the same time. She placed her hand on Aon’s shoulder. Aon didn’t say a thing. For all she knew those people could be right about her. Maybe she was a jinx to anyone who got involve with her. She squeezed P’Mali’s hand and released the brake. P’Mali pushed Aon right by the group. They stopped talking and lowered their heads, ashamed of their words. Aon didn’t look at them; instead she kept her head high and passed them by.
* * *
Dan’s been driving around town for days hoping to run into Aon. But he was always filled with disappointment. He drove to Ravit University and got out of the car. He stood by his car and stared into the street where he had hit her. He grieves slowly for he was running out of places to go. Then the thought of what P’Mali had told him came to mind. She had told him that Aon had recently lost her parents in a car accident, which means their names should be in the newspaper in the obituary. A light shined in his head. He knew how he could find her. He jumped into his car and drove to the nearest newsstand.

Dan sat in this car scanning the obituary section. Then he found it. He read their names out loud, “Huangmanee.” He picked up his phone and dialed 411.

“Hi, may I have the address to the Huangmanee’s resident,” he said excitedly.

“2459 Soonton Avenue,” the operator replied.

“Thank You,” Dan exclaimed and drove off to Soonton Avenue.

Dan pulled up Soonton Avenue and admired the beautiful neighborhood of huge houses, mansions like. In the center of the neighborhood was peaceful park. He slowed down his speed and rolled down the window. His eyes roamed around the area. Then something caught his eyes near the lake. Something about the way she was standing sent chills down his spines. He quickly stepped on the brakes and jumped out of the car. He ran up to the girl and realized it was Aon. She threw her crutches aside and stood swaying back and forth in front of the lake. Dan picked up his speed and ran faster, afraid she was going to dive in.

“Don’t do it!” he shouted.

Startled by the shout, Aon turned around quickly losing her balance. Dan dashed in the air and got a hold of her before she fell into the water. The two tumbled onto the ground. They locked eyes as she landed on top of him.

“What is your problem?” she said the moment she realized who it was and pushed herself off of him.

“Excuse me?” Dan questioned. “I just saved you from falling in!”

Aon looked at him up and down, “It’s none of your business.” She then grabbed her crutches and limped away from him.

“Hey wait a minute!” Dan called after her.

“Leave me alone!” she demanded.

Dan stood there speechless.

She cross the street to her house and staggered into the house heaving and hoofing. She walked passed P’Mali as she was coming out of the kitchen. P’Mali stopped to look at her as she made her way up the stairs to her bedroom.

Aon closed the door behind her and threw the crutches aside. She sat on the bed and gripped the comforter in her hand tightly. ‘Who the heck does he think he is?’ she thought angrily.

“Aon, are you all right in there?” P’Mali knocked on the door.

Aon closed her eyes and took in a deep breath trying to calm herself down.

“Aon?” P’Mail asked concerned.

“I’m fine,” Aon finally had the breath to answer her.

P’Mali slowly opened the door and walked inside. She looked into Aon’s troubled face and took a seat next to her on the bed. She didn’t say a word instead she just wrapped her arms around Aon’s shoulder. Hot tears slowly dripped from Aon’s eyes as she leaned forward into P’Mali’s chest.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 11:

Dan drove home feeling dumbfounded. He couldn’t figure out what was wrong with Aon. ‘Why was she trying to kill herself?’ he shook his head in disbelief. The more he thought about it the more it lured him to find the answer.

He threw his keys on the kitchen table when he got inside his condo. He walked over to his couch and sank into it. He couldn’t get Aon out of his head. Somehow he felt like he needed to be next to her, to help her through whatever she’s going through. What could be so bad that she would want to kill herself over? He didn’t know the answer, but he knew who does -- Aon. Only she holds the key to his questions.
* * *
Another week went by and Dan had just built up the nerves to approach Aon at her house. He rang the doorbell and waited for someone to open the door.

“Oh, Mr. Dan, what a surprise to see you here, sir” P’Kai greeted.

“Hi, is it possible for me to go inside?” Dan asked.

“Ah yes, yes. Let me open the gate for you,” P’Kai said and ran to open the gate.

Dan drove inside. To his surprise P’Mali was at the door waiting for him. She smiled at him when he stepped out of the car.

“How are you?” she greeted him

“I’m fine,” he smiled but his eyes roamed inside the open door.

P’Mali knew exactly who he was looking for and offered him to come inside.

“Miss Aon is in the garden in the back yard,” P’Mali told him as she escorted him through the house.

“I’m not so sure she wants to speak with me,” Dan admitted.

“Of course she does, you saved her life,” P’Mali reassured him.

Dan didn’t reply. He followed P’Mali out to the back yard to where Aon was sitting on a swing.

“Aon ja, there’s someone here to see you,” P’Mali said with a smile.

Aon stopped the swing and stood up. She turned around to see P’Mali with Dan standing next to her with a smile on his face. She stood there without saying a word to him.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” P’Mali said cheerfully and turned around.

Aon opened her mouth to protest to her suggestion, but P’Mali was already half way to the house. Then she looked at Dan who still had a smile on his face.

“Hi,” he said smiling to her.

Aon didn’t smile or say anything instead she turned away from him. But that didn’t stop Dan from trying. He walked in front of her and looked her straight in the eyes.

“I believe we haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Dan Danuwong.” He introduced himself. “You’re name is Aon, right?”

“Who wants to know?” Aon replied coldly turning her face away.

Dan ignored her childish reply and continued, “Well I do. Uh, I was the guy who hit you with my car that day in the rain and I took you to the hospital.”

Aon stared him deadly in the eyes, “Why didn’t you let me die?”

Dan’s mouth dropped open, surprised and confused by her remarks. He didn’t know how to react to such a question.

“I’m going to go rest now,” she said softly ignoring the surprise look on his face and grabbed her crutches. He tried to give her a hand with it but she pushed him aside. “You know the way out. Good day,” she said flatly and made her way toward the house.

Part 12:

Another week went by and Dan couldn’t stand it anymore. Jib was constantly bugging him. She would pop up in his condo and in his office when he went in to show his work. He didn’t know how to get rid of her. She was driving him insane.

“Oh, Dan, Jib is a sweet girl,” Mrs. Danuwong said on the phone.

“Sweet? Ha, she’s the devil!” Dan exclaimed, “She’s everywhere. I haven’t had any peace for days.”

“You’re being too harsh on her. She’s not that bad, son.” She replied. “Just give her a chance.”

“A chance? What are you referring to?” Dan asked.

“It’s obvious she likes you,” she implied.

“No way, mom, don’t even think about it,” Dan protested.

“Why? Do you have someone else in mind?” she asked.

Dan thought about the question awhile. He wasn’t sure if he did or not, all he knew his heart was somehow unavailable.

“Ah-hah, you do have someone. Tell me who is it at once!” she demanded.

“No,” he denied, “there’s no one. I’m too busy to be thinking of that stuff.”

“You better not be hiding something from me,” she continued.

“Tell you what, you’ll be the first to know when I find the right one,” he insisted. Talking about it made him think of Aon. He hasn’t seen her since their last conversation. Suddenly, he had an urged to see her although he knew she didn’t feel the same. “Well, mom love to chat some more, but I have to run.” He told her and quickly hung up the phone before his mother could say another word.

He jumped into his car and drove to Aon’s house. When he got there, he’d learned that Aon was not home. P’Mali told him that she went for a walk in the park. Suddenly he had a bad feeling about it and jogged to the park. He walked down the path to the lake, but was disappointed to find no one there. Then he ran up to the playground, but she wasn’t there either. He stood on the mound and looked around. Then something caught his eye on the other side of the street. He could see Aon walking with a cane into an abandon building. His eyes filled with fear. He didn’t even want to think about what she was going to do in the abandon building. Instead, he raced through the park as fast as he could.

Aon walked up the building slowly. Her heart pounded with fear, but she had decided it was for the best. She was nothing without her family. She had nothing to live for anymore. It was the only way she would be reunited with her love ones. She looked at the number on the door, third floor, and continued to walk up some more.

Dan stopped to catch his breath when he reached the abandon building. His heart was pounding like crazy, but he wiped his forehead and continued to run inside. He looked up the stairs and knew she couldn’t have gone far since she’s still walking with a cane. He took in a big breath of air and raced up the stairs, hoping he could catch up to her in time.

Aon was exhausted and stopped at the fifth floor. She opened the door and walked inside. Then she walked to the huge window and opened it up. She stuck her head out the window and looked down. She could see two kids playing nearby. Her head began to spin as the ground looks so far away from where she was standing. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She dropped her cane and took a step up on the windowpane. Just then Dan burst in the room and ran as fast as he could and pulled her back in.

“What the heck do you think you’re doing?” he exclaimed when he carried her down.

Aon shoved him away, “Let go of me!”

Then unexpectedly, a rock burst through the window shattering glass all over them. Dan and Aon turned their head around trying to avoid the broken glass. Aon came out clean but Dan was cut on the cheek by a piece of a broken glass. Aon looked terrified at his face.

“See that’s what you get when you get too close to me!” she yelled.

Dan wiped the blood from his cheek.

“Just let me be,” she cried and stumbled pass him.

[treesa]

pretty good=]]

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 13:

Another week went by and Aon’s cast was ready to be removed. She and P’Mali went to see her doctor, Dr. Vitt, that morning. Dr. Vitt cut open the cast and gave her an x-ray. Aon was glad the x-ray had showed her leg had healed, but the good news was replaced with grief when Dr. Vitt asked her to walk for him.

“Miss Aon, can you take a few steps for me without using your cane.” Dr. Vitt asked her.

Aon looked over to P’Mali who nodded to do as she was told. She slowly pushed herself up with the help of the armrest. Once she stood up, she put most of her weight to one side. Then she took a step forward and collapsed immediately. P’Mali got up quickly to catch her fall.

“Just as I expected,” Dr. Vitt said. Both Aon and P’Mali looked up him. “Although your leg’s healed, you still have a hard time walking,” Dr. Vitt stated.

“What do you mean? She’s going to be handicap?” P’Mali asked concerned.

“No,” Dr. Vitt objected, “I didn’t mean that. It’s just that Miss Aon was so used to using a cane while walking for awhile. She’s not use to walking without them. In other words she needs to practice walking without them.”

Aon stood up with the help of P’Mali. “How long until I can walk normally?”

“Don’t be alarmed. You’ll be walking normally in a week or so. We have a wonderful program with excellent certified staff to help.” Dr. Vitt told her. “Let me sign you up.”

“Thank you,” P’Mali said.

“Oh, I encourage you to be here with her, for moral support,” Dr. Vitt suggested.

“Will do,” P’Mali answered.

“These are her prescriptions for your leg, for some reason it starts to ache,” Dr. Vitt said handing her the paper.

“Thank you,” Aon said and took her prescriptions from him.
* * *
The next day at the hospital, Aon practiced walking one step at a time. She was making progress, but it wasn’t fast enough for her. She became frustrated.

“I don’t want to do it anymore,” she said.

“Don’t give up now,” P’Mali told her, “You’re doing just great.”

Aon sat on the mat exhausted.

“Let me go get you a nice cold drink,” P’Mali suggested.

“Thanks,” Aon said with a half smile.

Meanwhile in the other room, Dan was with Dr. Vitt. His mother had offered him to pick up her medication. On his way out, he saw P’Mali walking out of the cafeteria.

“P’Mali,” he called to her.

“Dan, what are you doing here?” she asked.

“Picking up some medication for my mother, what about you?” he asked.

“I’m here with Aon. She’s has her cast off and is practicing walking right now.” She said.

A smile appeared on his face when she mentioned her name. P’Mali noticed his smile and offered him to visit her. At first, he protested but she insisted he be there for her. She needed all the encouragement she can get.

When the two walked in, Aon had her back to them walking slowly the opposite direction. P’Mali smiled proudly as she watched her walked without falling.

“Good job!” P’Mali cheered.

Aon turned around with a big smile, but lost her balance when she saw Dan’s face. She fell hard to the mat. Dan rushed to her side and tried to help her up. She pushed him away and held onto P’Mali’s arm.

“That’s enough for today,” she said, “Let’s go home.”

P’Mali looked at Dan’s disappointed face as she helped Aon out of the room.

Part 14:

The following day, Dan showed up at the hospital waiting for Aon. He stood up with a smile when she appeared at the door. She turned around and tried to leave when she saw him, but P’Mali ushered her inside.

The nurse took the cane away from her and told her to walk on the mat using only the bars for support. Dan sat patiently without saying one word.

“Ok,” the nurse said, “walk to me without using anything for support.”

Aon took a deep breath and walked toward the nurse. She took two slow straight steps. A smile appeared on her face when she continued to walk with little pain in her leg. Dan’s eye admired the smile on her face. It was the first time he had ever seen her smile.

Half way to the nurse, her eyes glanced at Dan. She didn’t expect him to be staring at her in amazement that when their eyes met, she lost her balance. She collapsed to the mat. Dan ran to her and took a seat next to her. P’Mali got up too, but remained still when she saw Dan taking care of her.

“Are you hurt?” he asked worried, looking over her leg.

Aon sat there without saying a word watching him massage her leg. She didn’t understand him. Why was he being so nice and gentle to her when all she did was treat him horribly?

“Are you ok?” he looked up to see tears glistened in her eyes.

Aon turned her head slightly avoiding his eyes and nodded her head.

“Ok, how about we take a break,” the nurse offered.

“Yes, let’s take a break,” he repeated and helped Aon up. He was surprised that she actually let him help her up this time. She was getting soft and he knew it.

He helped her to her seat and handed her a cold drink. “Thank you,” Aon said softly.

“You’re welcome,” Dan said with a big smile on his face.
* * *
The next day, Dan decided to drive to Aon’s house to pick her up. Aon and P’Mali stood there confused when his car pulled up the driveway.

“What is he doing here?” Aon asked P’Mali.

But before she could answer her, Dan hopped out of the car.

“All set?” he asked.

“I’m sorry?” P’Mali asked confused.

“I’m here to pick you two up for the hospital,” he said.

Aon and P’Mali exchanged confused glances. They didn’t ask him to.

Then an idea popped in P’Mali’s head. She grinned. “Oh, that’s right. I forgot I called Dan and asked him to take you. I have to handle some personal business, today,” she lied to Aon.

Dan looked at P’Mali confused. But he got the hint when she winked at him. “Ah yes, that’s right.” He snapped his fingers.

“Well, hurry up Aon. Time’s wasting,” P’Mali said pushing Aon inside the car before she could say anything.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 15:

The drive to the hospital was in complete silence. Dan didn’t know how to talk to Aon. There were so many things he wanted to ask but he just didn’t have the guts to ask her. He didn’t want to upset her. The last thing he wanted was for her to jump out of his car.

When they reached the hospital, Dan opened the door for her. Aon stepped outside and walked into the hospital. Dan followed closely behind. Once she made it to the practice room, she handed the nurse her cane.

“Sir, will you walk Miss Aon to the bars so she can warm up?” the nurse said.

Dan looked at Aon and then at the nurse who nodded her head. He extended his arm in front of Aon and waited for her to hold it. To his surprise she held onto it and he walked her to the bars.

Then he sat down and watched her as she walked back and forth near the bars. She was doing better, walking swiftly without holding on to the bars.

“That’s good,” the nurse said, “You’ll be walking normal in no time.”

A smile appeared on Aon’s face, as she walked back and forth quickly. She no longer felt the awkwardness or the pain in her thighs.

“Ok now, Miss Aon, walk over to Mr. Dan,” the nurse ordered.

Aon looked at the nurse and did as she was told. She walked promptly to where Dan was sitting. He stood up, as she got closer to him. She smiled at him when a smile appeared on his face. She was only a few steps away from him when she tripped on a bump in the mat and fell forward. Dan could feel their cheeks rubbed against one another as she fell into his opened arms.

“Are you ok?” he asked her.

“I’m ok,” she answered turning red in the face.

Dan smiled at her sweetly.

“You can let go of me now,” she said shyly.

“Oh, sorry,” Dan replied embarrassed.

Dan knew from that moment on, the wall between them was broken.
* * *
Three months later:

It was strange how time flies when you’re happy. They have gotten closer by the days and his feelings for her grew stronger everyday without realizing it. Each time he would visit, he would take her out shopping or to the movies. But what he loved doing the most was walking with her in the park. That’s the only time he could be alone with her. Sometime they wouldn’t talk much while they’re walking, but he was never bored. He was happy just being beside her.

One day in the park, Dan showed Aon a magic trick he had saw on a game show.

“Look at my thumb,” he said.

Aon looked at it and then frowned. “And?”

“I’m going to disconnect it. Arghhhh,” he said in pain as he began to pull it apart.

Aon looked at him and burst out laughing.

“What?” he asked innocently.

“That’s the oldest trick in the book. You’re such a dork!” she laughed loudly.

Before he knew, he too began laughing with her. Dan kept his eyes on her as they laughed. Dan just loved the way her eyes squinted when she laughed.

“You know you brighten up the world when you laugh,” he said out of the blue.

Aon stopped laughing and looked at him. He slowly moved his hand toward hers and gently placed it on top of hers. Aon didn’t move her hand; instead she sat there blushing.

Part 16:

Aon walked down the hall at Ravit University. She couldn’t believe she was actually attending there. She never thought this day would come. ‘I guess the world is not as bad as I thought is it,’ she said to herself. Then two hands covered her eyes from behind.

“Guess who?” the voice said.

“Mmm, let me see. P’Mali?” Aon taunted.

“It’s me,” Dan said releasing her with a pout upon his face. “I don’t sound like P’Mali!”

Aon laughed. “I know.” Then she looked straight in the eye. “Aren’t you supposed to be at your school? What are you doing here?”

(He’s a senior at a different university.)

“I wanted to see how you were doing on your first day of college. It’s nothing like high school you know,” he said.

Aon smiled at him. “I’m fine. See,” she said and spun around for him.

Dan laughed. “Ok, ok. I get the picture.” He said.

The two joked with one another without realizing that Jib was watching them from the corner of the hall. She was steamed with hot air. She couldn’t believe that her P’Dan was joking and laughing with another girl. And what she couldn’t stand the most was that girl he was joking with was Aon. She knew the rumors about Aon and knew what she had to do with the situation. There was no way she was going to lose Dan to a jinx like Aon.

Dan was exhausted on his first day of school. He’d dropped Aon home and went straight to his condo. He let out a sigh of relief when he opened his door. But he was surprise to see his mother and Jib sitting in the living room waiting for him.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” he asked confused.

“Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” she asked ignoring his question.

Dan looked at his mother confused. He had no clue to what his mother was talking about. Then he looked at Jib and knew right away she had something to do with his mother being there.

“Jib!” he began to say but his mother interrupted.

“Don’t put the blame on Jib. She had nothing to do with it,” his mother said.

Dan looked at the serious look upon her face. He put his bag down and sat down in front of his mother.

“Then what are you talking about mom, I don’t understand.” He replied.

“This girl you’re seeing, Aon, I don’t want you to have anything to do with her anymore!” she demanded.

Dan was shocked. How could his mother possibly know about Aon? He didn’t tell anyone about her, not even his closest friends.

“Why? Aon’s done nothing wrong,” he objected.

“She’s a Jinx!!!” Jib blurted out. Dan glared at her angrily. “Well, she is,” Jib uttered softly, “Everyone at school knows it. Those who got close to her have had something bad happened to them.”

Dan opened his mouth to say something to Jib but his mother cut him off.

“I want you to end before you fall any deeper into the relationship. And that’s an order!” his mother threatened him.

“But mom,” he protested.

“Not a word! Let’s go Jib,” she implied and walked towards the door.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 17:

The next day, Jib stood patiently outside of Aon’s classroom waiting for Aon to get out of class. When Aon walked out of the classroom, Jib stepped in front of her.

“I want to talk to you,” Jib snared.

“I have nothing to talk to you about,” Aon replied and pushed pass her.

“It’s about P’Dan,” Jib called after her.

Aon stopped and turned around. She didn’t know they knew one another. “What does Dan have to do with this?”

Jib smirked and walked up to Aon, “More than you know it!” she answered.
* * *
Dan looked at his watch. He had a bad feeling down his stomach. He couldn’t explain it but he knew he had to get to Ravit University as soon as possible. He tapped on his steering wheel as he waited on the traffic.

“What is taking so long?” he said.

He stuck his head out the window and asked a guy on a bicycle. “Excuse, do you know what happened?”

“There was a car accident. The police are cleaning up the wreck right now.” He answered.

Dan thanked the guy and sat impatiently in his car. He looked at his watch again. It was 3:00. ‘Aon should be out of class by now,’ he thought. He couldn’t wait any longer and squeezed his car to the side and parked it. He jumped out of the car and decided to go on foot to the University.
* * *
Meanwhile back at Ravit University, Aon sat down to have a talk with Jib.

“I want you to stop seeing P’Dan,” Jib said shamelessly.

“And what if he doesn’t want to stop?” Aon asked.

“He will because his mother disapproves of you.” She grinned. Aon didn’t reply. “I’m telling you this to make things easier for you,” Jib continued.

Aon suddenly had a bad feeling about where the conversation was leading to. Jib grinned when she saw the worried look on Aon’s face.

“You know the reason. I shouldn’t have to say it,” Jib lingered with the reply.

Aon didn’t say anything, but she could feel her heart pounding hard.

“Everyone knows your story, Aon. If you care about P’Dan you should let him go before it’s too late.” Jib pointed.

Aon stood up and slowly walked away from Jib.

“You don’t want to see P’Dan get hurt do you?” Jib called after her.

Aon picked up her pace, but Jib’s words echoed inside her head. She did care for Dan and she didn’t want anything bad to happen to him. She knew she just couldn’t forgive herself if something did. Jib was right. She should stay as far away from him as she could.

She ran off campus when she heard someone calling her name. It was Dan. He was chasing after her. She didn’t look back; instead she continued to run faster down the sidewalk. She ran quickly across White St. blindly, as Dan was getting closer behind. Then suddenly there was loud honk.

* HONK! *

Dan jumped back just in time as the speeding van zoomed from the alley street. Aon turned around shocked thinking Dan had gotten hit. But when the van pass by, she could see him standing on the other side paled in the face.

“Aon!” he shouted when he saw her looking.

He tried to cross the street after her but Jib pulled him back. Aon's eyes widen with terror. She couldn’t bare to see him get hurt. She bit her lips, turned around, and continued running away. ‘I am a jinx!’ she cried.

Part 18:

“I’m sorry Dan, but Aon hasn’t been out of her room since she got home. I told her you called but she just ignored me. What happened?” P’Mali asked over the phone.

“It’s a long story,” Dan replied.

Then Mrs. Danuwong walked in his condo. “Dan, can I have a talk with you?”

“P’Mali whatever you do tomorrow, don’t let Aon leave until I get there.” Dan insisted.

“I’ll try,” P’Mali agreed.

“Thanks. Bye,” he said and turned to look at his mother’s serious face.

“Who were you talking to? I hope it’s not that Aon girl.” She asked him in a tense tone.

“Mom, please,” Dan protested but she cut him off.

“Jib told me about what happened earlier. You nearly gotten yourself ran over,” she scolded.

“But that had nothing to do with Aon. It’s was my own carelessness!” he replied in vain.

“I don’t care. All I know is if you didn’t chase after her, you wouldn’t have gone in that path.” She explained.

Dan sat down and took in a deep breath. He couldn’t understand why his mother was being so superstitious all of the sudden. She never used to believe in those things.

“I can’t,” he finally said after a long pause.

“You can’t what?” she asked confused.

“I can’t stop seeing Aon. It’s not a good of a reason. Because you believe she’s a jinx?” He reasoned with her.

“Your own safety is not a good reason to stop seeing her?” she said in disbelief.

“Mom, you don’t even know what she’s about. You haven’t even given her a chance to defend herself.” He pointed out.

Mrs. Danuwong opened her mouth to protest but no words came out. She knew her son was right. She couldn’t judge anyone without knowing them first.

“I know you’re worried about me, but trust me on this. I know what I’m doing,” he continued.

Mrs. Danuwong knew she couldn’t argue her way to her son. He was so stubborn, probably as stubborn as she is. She glared at him angrily and got up from the cough.

“Fine, do as you please since my words have no meaning to you,” she said and walked out of the condo.

Dan felt back into the couch and rubbed his face. Why was everyone making everything so complicated for him?
* * *
The next day, Dan sat in the living room as he waited for Aon to arrive home from school. He’d just finished his 2nd glass of water when she walked in. The two connected eyes. Then she tried to make a fast getaway by walking straight to the stairs. But Dan got up quickly and grabbed a hold of her arm.

“Aon, we have to talk,” he said.

“Let go of me. There’s nothing to talk about,” Aon replied in a harsh tone and swung her arm free.

“Are you just going to keep yourself locked away from the world?” he asked.

“I managed just fine before I met you so what difference does it make?” she retorted looking pass him.

“Aon, don’t I mean anything to you,” he asked pulling her attention back to him.

“No,” she lied, “You’re just another person venturing into my life.”

“I’m not letting you push me away like you did before,” Dan answered. “Just face it. I’ll never let you go!”

“You want to wait until something bad happen to you before you leave me alone?” Aon cried as she turned her head away from him.

Dan shook his head. He knew his words couldn’t explain how he felt. So he did the only thing he could. He pulled her into his arms and embraced her tightly.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 19:

“Jib, is there a way you can take me to go see Aon,” Mrs. Danuwong asked Jib over a cup of tea.

A bright smile spread across Jib’s face. “Sure,” she replied smoothly.

“I don’t understand why you like to get involve in Dan’s business,” Mr. Danuwong interrupted.

“I’m his mother. I have the right to know what’s happening in his life,” she replied.

“I’m not arguing with you on that, but you need to let him make his own decisions,” Mr. Danuwong explained.

Mrs. Danuwong rolled her eyes at her husband and returned her attention back to Jib. She knew he was right but he would never know how it feels to be a mother.

“Anyways Jib, as I was saying. When can you take me to see Aon?” Mrs. Danuwong asked.

“Umm, how about Saturday morning?” Jib suggested, “I’m available. But what about P’Dan? He’ll definitely stand in our way if he found out.”

Mrs. Danuwong knew she was right. Dan would have a fit if he knew they were going to see Aon. “Don’t worry about him. I’ll think of something. After all we do have 2 days to think of a plan.”

Jib grinned at Mrs. Danuwong and nodded her head. ‘Yes, 2 days,’ she thought.
* * *
Meanwhile back at Aon’s house, things calm down between her and Dan. The two sat in the living room in silence. Neither one knew what to say. Dan looked over to Aon who had her head down avoiding him.

Then suddenly she got up and walked out to the garden. Dan quickly followed her outside.

“Why are you so hard headed?” she asked as she sat in the bench.

Dan’s lips curled up into a grin, “It takes one to know one,” he replied.

“I’m not hard headed, its just that…” she began but stopped mid way.

“That you’re what?” he asked taking a seat next to her.

“I don’t want anything bad to happen to you,” she replied softly.

“I’m ok. See, nothing happened to me,” he reassured her by twirling himself around.

“But you don’t understand,” she said.

“What? Understand that you’re a jinx just because everyone says you are? Well, I for one don’t believe it for one minute.” He told her. “And nothing you say or do is going to change my mind.”

“But people die when they get close to me,” she explained.

“That’s life. People die. But it’s not because they got close to you,” he protested. Aon didn’t reply. “Your family knows their death has nothing to do with you and their spirits would not rest in peace if they knew you felt this way. So stop blaming yourself for the accidents,” he continued.

“Still, I don’t want you to get hurt,” she finally replied looking up at him.

A smile spread across his face. “Aon,” he said taking her hand, “the only way you’re going to hurt me is by pushing me away from you.”

Part 20:

The next morning, Jib stood watching Aon walk out of Dan’s car. She waved at him when he rolled by. After he turned the corner she walked up to Aon.

“You’ve got some nerves,” she said to her.

Aon kept a straight face and walked passed her. Jib bit her lips and walked in front of her.

“What does it takes for you to stop seeing P’Dan?” she asked.

Aon stopped and looked her straight in the eye. “Look, I’ve tried to stop him, but he wouldn’t have it! It’s not my fault if he’s into me.”

“You’re lying!” she shrieked.

“What do I have to gain in lying to you?” Aon smiled.

Jib bit her lips in anger for she didn’t have a come back.

“I suggest you keep your nose out of other people’s business if you know what’s good for you. Aren’t you afraid something’s bad will happen to you by getting into my business like this?” Aon grinned evilly.

Jib looked up at her with fear in her eyes. “What does P’Dan see in you?” she grunted.

“Obviously something better than what he sees in you!” Aon replied coldly and pushed pass her.

“Ahhhh!” Jib screamed in s sharp jealous tone but stopped shortly after everyone turned to stare at her. “What are you looking at?” she yelled and stormed to her classroom.
* * *
Dan didn’t have class today and he drove straight to work. When he got there, he was unable to focus. He was worried about Aon. He knew Jib was going to say something to her and he knew it wasn’t going to be pleasant.

“Hey, Dan! What’s wrong?” Beam asked looking at him confused.

“Oh, nothing P’Beam. Did you need something?” he asked.

“No, just dropped by. We haven’t talked for a while.” Beam said and took a seat. “So what’s going on man?”

“Nothing much,” Dan replied.

A grin spread across Beam’s face. “Come on. What do you take me for? I know something’s bothering you.”

Dan exhaled slowly, “It’s Aon.”

“I knew it!” Beam exclaimed. “So what happened?”

“Well you pretty much know the story about Aon.” Dan began. Beam nodded his head. “Well, now my mother’s gotten involve in it. And she disapproves of her.”

“Whoa that sucks,” Beam replied.

“But I know my mother will like her when she gets to know her,” Dan said. “I mean she’s harmless.”

“Why don’t you introduce Aon to her then? If you like her that much, I’m pretty sure your mother would like her too.” Beam suggested.

Dan smiled brightly at the suggestion. Of course! Why didn’t he think of this before? “Thanks P’Beam!” he said excitedly.

This post has been edited by tEaRdRoP: 19 September 2008 - 07:29 AM

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 21:

After school, Jib was eager to go see Mrs. Danuwong to tell her about Dan and Aon. She knew it would drive Mrs. Danuwong crazy knowing after she demanded him to stop seeing her, Dan still went against her words.

“Mom, I’m serious. They are back together. I saw P’Dan drop her off at school today. They were so sweet, I was about to puke!” Jib babbled.

“I can’t believe Dan would disobey me like this,” Mrs. Danuwong said angrily.

“Mom, you have to do something before it’s too late,” Jib implied.

“I will,” Mrs. Danuwong replied as Dan walked in the living room. “Speaking of the devil!”

Dan glared at Jib as he made his way to the couch. He knew she was there telling his mother stories of Aon again. Jib avoided his glares and lowered her head.

“Where have you been?” Mrs. Danuwong asked. But she answered the question herself without giving Dan a chance to say anything. “With Aon I suppose.”

Dan closed his mouth and nodded his head.

“I guess I have no meaning to you anymore. Can’t you see how much this girl is changing your life?” Mrs. Danuwong remarked.

Dan nodded his head, “Yes, I admit it. Aon has changed my life.”

Both Mrs. Danuwong and Jib looked at one another and then at Dan, confused by his answer. Dan smiled and continued talking.

“Since, I met Aon, I’ve realized how much I’ve taken life for granted. I have everything that she doesn’t. I have a loving family, especially a loving mother.” He said and put his arms around his mother. “That’s why I know you will feel the same way about Aon if you got the chance to know her.”

Mrs. Danuwong looked Dan in the eyes. “What are you suggesting?” she asked.

“I want you to get to know Aon and how she’s really like,” Dan smiled.

Mrs. Danuwong thought about his suggestion for a while. It would make things easier for her to talk to Aon. It is her opportunity to ask Aon to leave Dan alone once and for all.

“Fine,” Mrs. Danuwong replied, “You can bring her by this Saturday.”

Dan jumped up with excitement, “Thank you Mom,” he said and kissed her on the cheek. He darted out the living room.

“Dan, where are you going?” Mrs. Danuwong asked.

“Home,” he smiled and hopped out of the house. “I’ll see you Saturday with Aon.”

After he left, Jib finally spoke, “Mom, why did you agreed to see Aon. I thought you wanted them to break up,” she shrieked.

“Calm down, Jib. Don’t you see? This is perfect for me to tell her off. Dan made things easier for us having her come here then us having to go to her,” Mrs. Danuwong grinned.

Jib grinned evilly as she understood Mrs. Danuwong’s plan.
* * *
Dan called Aon the moment he made it to his condo.

“Aon, I have good news,” Dan cheered.

“Good news?” Aon hesitated.

“Yup, you never guess what happened today,” Dan said excitedly.

“What? You won the lotto?” Aon joked.

“No!” Dan replied with a laugh, “I told my mother about you and she wants to meet you!”

The smile on Aon’s face faded.

“Isn’t that good news?” Dan asked. She didn’t reply. “Aon?” Dan asked again.

“Yes,” Aon managed to say to him.

“I’ll pick you up Saturday, say about 4. It’ll be great,” Dan said happily.

“Ok,” Aon said softly and hung up the phone.

She knew she should be glad that Dan wanted to introduce her to his parents but something about the situation just didn’t seemed right. She had a bad feeling at the pit of her stomach.

Part 22:

The day that Aon dreaded came faster than she expected it. She stood in front of the mirror looking at her reflection making sure she looked appropriate for the evening.

“You look beautiful,” P’Mali reassured her.

Aon smiled at her and gave her a hug.

“What was that for?” she asked.

“For everything,” Aon replied.

P’Mali smiled, “Let’s go. Dan should be here any minute.”

Aon took P’Mali’s hand and made her way down stairs. Dan stood waiting in the hallway when Aon appeared. A big smile appeared on his face when he looked up at her. She looked more beautiful than he had ever seen her before. He extended out his arm for her to hold on to. Aon smiled and put her arm around his.

“You look gorgeous,” he whispered to her.

Aon’s cheeks turned red, “Thank you,” she managed to answer.

Aon sat quietly in the car, but Dan knew she was nervous. He took her hand and squeezed it slightly. The two locked eyes and smiled at one another.

“Don’t worry,” he said. Aon nodded her head. His gentle touch had calmed her nervousness down a little.

20 minutes later, Dan pulled up his parents’ house. Suddenly the warm feeling inside of her began to boil. She felt sick in the stomach. Dan opened the door for her and helped her out. She took a deep breath and walked inside with Dan.

Mr. and Mrs. Danuwong greeted her at the entrance.

“So, you’re the young lady that Dan’s been speaking of,” Mr. Danuwong said politely. “But he didn’t mention how adorable you are in person.”

“Thank you,” Aon said blushing.

“Please come in,” Mrs. Danuwong said in an soft voice.

Aon smiled and followed them inside the house to the dining room. Dinner went smoothly. Dan was please to see the evening going great. He was happy his mother didn’t mention one word of her being a jinx. I guess she finally go the hint that he was serious about this one.

After dinner, Mrs. Danuwong asked Aon to help her fix up dessert. Aon was delighted and followed her into the kitchen. Right when they reach the kitchen, Mrs. Danuwong’s face changed.

“Aon, I’m going to be straight with you,” she began. “I don’t approve of you seeing my son.”

Aon’s heart quickly dropped to the floor, as she stood there numb.

“I don’t want to sound mean or anything but I don’t want Dan to be involved with someone like you.” She continued. “I will do whatever it takes to keep the two of you apart.”

Then she pulled out a check and handed it to Aon. Aon looked at the check and then at her confused.

“Think of it as a parting gift?” Mrs. Danuwong remarked.

“I can’t believe a person of your status could think so low.” Aon replied. “I don’t want your money.”

“It’s not enough?” Mrs. Danuwong asked.

Aon bit her lips. “You’re money means nothing to me.”

“Then what will it take for you to stop seeing my son!” Mrs. Danuwong said losing patience.

“Nothing,” she replied and ripped the check in half.

Angry tears filled Aon’s eyes. She placed the check on the kitchen table and walked out the back door. She didn’t need this from Mrs. Danuwong or anyone.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Danuwong walked in the dining room. Dan stood up confused when he saw his mother alone.

“Mom, where’s Aon?” he asked.

“She left,” she replied flatly and placed the dessert on the table.

Dan looked at his mother’s face and knew she’d did something. He shook his head and ran out to of the house. He stood in the front lawn looking for Aon, but she was already long gone.