[tEaRdRoP]

Part 23:

The next day, Dan tried calling Aon all day but she wouldn’t take any of his calls. He was frustrated and drove to her house. But that didn’t cut it either. Aon had told everyone not to let him in. He was hopeless, there was no way he could see her.

After many attempt, Dan gave up and drove to his mother’s house. He had some unfinished business to talk with her.

“I know why you’re here,” Mrs. Danuwong said when she saw her son’s face.

“Why did you do it mother?” Dan said angrily.

“Don’t you use that tone with me!” she informed.

“What did you say to her?” Dan asked ignoring his mother.

“I just told her to leave you alone, that’s it,” she replied.

“I know that’s not it,” Dan implied. “What did you do?”

“Well,” she sighed, “I offered her money, but she was stubborn and didn’t take it.”

“You did what?” Dan shrieked, “I can’t believe you did that!”

“I did it for you!” she grunted.

Dan shook his head. He couldn’t believe it was his mother who was saying these things. “Aon is not the problem. I am! And there’s nothing you can do to stop me from seeing her. The more you try to push us apart the more I want to be close to Aon.”

“How dare you!” she cried.

Dan looked at his mother one last time and walked out of the room. He didn’t want to stay there any longer because he was afraid he was going to say something he’ll regret later out of anger.
* * *
For days, Aon went to school early trying to avoid Dan. She knew she had to be strong and try to get thru the situation. She knew she could avoid him, but how was she going to avoid her own feelings? Each day, Aon took a different route off campus. She knew he would be outside waiting.

One day, instead of going home she decided to go to the mall to kill time.

“P’Mali, don’t worry. I’m at the mall.” Aon said over the phone.

P’Mali exhaled slowly, “What time will you be home?”

“I don’t know. Maybe in 2 hours or so. Don’t worry, I’ll take a cab,” she replied and hung up the phone.

Aon browsed thru the mall not paying any attention to anything around her. She stopped when she came up in front of a CD store. She hesitated a while before she walked inside. She browsed thru the store and stopped in front of James’s Cds. She put on one of the headset nearby and clicked on one of his songs “Thong Garn Khon Plob Jai (You need someone for comfort).” She held onto the headphone tightly as she closed her eyes. Tears slowly ran down her cheeks as she listened to the song.

When the song was over, she slowly opened her eyes only to see a handkerchief in front of her. She looked at it and then followed the arm to the face that held it.

“James’s song has this effect on people,” he smiled at her.

Aon smiled and took the handkerchief and wiped her tears. “Thank you,” she said, grab the CD and walked toward the counter. She quickly paid for the CD and walked out the store.

“Wait,” a voice called after her. She turned around to see the same guy who gave her the handkerchief calling after her.

“You dropped your phone,” he replied and handed her the phone.

“Thank you,” she said.

“I’m Beam,” he said with a smile.

“Thank you Beam,” she replied. “I’m Aon.”

Just around the corner, Jib stood smiling at the scene. She had an idea to break Dan and Aon up now.

Part 24:

* ring – ring *

“Jib, what do you want?” Dan finally answered.

“P’Dan, where are you at?” Jib whined.

“Look, I don’t have time for this,” Dan said abruptly.

“But what I have to tell you is important,” Jib interrupted.

“What is it?” Dan said irritated.

“I want to tell you this in person,” Jib said.

“Then forget it,” Dan replied.

“It’s about Aon,” Jib said quickly.

That grabbed Dan’s attention, “What about Aon?”

“I’ll tell you if you meet me at the Cuisine,” Jib grinned.

“Fine,” Dan answered, “I’ll be there in 15 minutes.”

Jib smiled proudly as she hung up the phone. She just couldn’t wait to tell him about Aon.
* * *
After the two got to know one another a little bit, Beam walked Aon out of the mall.

“How are you getting home?” he asked.

“Taxi,” she replied.

“I can take you home,” he offered.

“It’s ok, I’ll be fine,” she opposed.

“You sure?” he asked again.

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine,” she answered.

“Ok, I’ll just wait right here with you until you get cab,” he smiled. Aon nodded her head and smiled at him. He was a sweet guy.

A moment later a taxi pulled up. Aon walked up to it and Beam opened the door for her.

“May I have your number,” Aon asked suddenly.

“Huh?” Beam said unsure if he heard her correctly.

Aon smiled, “So I can get a hold of you to return your handkerchief.”

“Oh,” Beam said blushing and wrote down his number quickly on a piece of paper.

“Thank you,” Aon said taking the paper from him. “Bye.” She said and got into the cab.

Beam smiled and waved good-bye as the taxi merged onto the main street.
* * *
Dan arrived at the Cuisine and searched the place for Jib with his eyes. He spotted her in the corner of the restaurant. He took a deep breath and walked to the table. ‘This better not be one of her dumb tricks’ he thought as he got to the table.

“P’Dan, right on time, please sit down,” Jib smiled.

Dan exhaled slowly and sat down. “Ok, tell me.”

“Why don’t we talk over some food?” Jib suggested.

Dan shook his head and got up from the table.

“Ok,” Jib protested and pulled him back down in his chair. “I was at the mall earlier and I saw Aon there, too. But she wasn’t there alone. She was with someone.”

Dan frowned. “With who?” he asked.

“I don’t know, I’ve never seen him before,” Jib said.

“Him?” Dan mumbled.

“Yup,” Jib replied, “They looked close too.”

Dan clenched his jaw and got up abruptly.

“Where are you going P’Dan?” she asked grabbing his arms.

But Dan didn’t answer and pulled his arm from her. He didn’t have to. She knew where he was going to, to Aon’s house. She grinned happily as she watched him walk out of the restaurant.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 25:

“P’Kai, is Aon home?” Dan asked impatiently.

P’Kai smirked. He didn’t know what to say to Dan. He knew Aon was home but he couldn’t tell Dan. A few moments later Jong walked out to the gate.

“Mr. Dan, I’m sorry but Miss Aon is not home,” Jong lied.

Dan stared at Jong as if he could read her mind that she was lying.

“Jong, where did she go?” Dan asked.

“The Miss didn’t say.” Jong answered.

“It’s ok then. I can wait,” Dan replied signaling P’Kai to open the gate.

“Don’t waste your time, sir.” Jong replied sadly.

“Why?” Dan asked with sadness written all over his face. But he didn’t need to hear the answer because he knew it already.

“I’m sorry,” Jong said softly.

Dan exhaled and ran his hand thru his hair in frustration. Then he looked up to the house and saw the curtain quickly closed. He stared at the window for a while. He knew Aon was there. He sighed loudly and turned around to his car.

Aon stood with tears in her eyes watching Dan leave thru the window. “I’m sorry Dan. I have to do this. I care about you too much to have something happen to you,” she whispered.
* * *
The next day at work, Dan couldn’t focus on his work. He hasn’t talked or seen Aon for a week. He was worried about her, afraid she might decide to hurt herself like before. He walked back and forth around his desk thinking about what he was going to do about the situation. He couldn’t afford to let it continue like this.

“Hey Dan, what’s wrong man?” Beam asked taking a seat. “I’ve watched you walk back and forth around your desk for a while.”

Dan looked at Beam and sat down, “It’s about Aon again.” Dan exhaled. “P’Beam I don’t know what to do. She’s been ignoring me for days.”

Beam leaned forward shaking his head. “Do you know that every breath you breathe is Aon and Aon?” Dan looked up at Beam. “So what happened this time?” Beam added.

Dan slouched back in his chair and began telling Beam the story. After he finished, Beam shook his head in disbelief. He couldn’t believe people in the 21st century still believe in such things.

“So what are you going to now?” Beam asked.

But before Dan could say anything, Beam’s phone rang. Beam got up and answered his phone. Dan waited patiently until he finished his phone call.

“Who was that?” Dan asked.

“A friend,” Beam replied with a grin. “Well, I have to run. I’ll talk to you later ok.”

Dan leaned back in his chair and decided to call it a day. He couldn’t focus on his work anyway. He needed to get away from the stress around him.
* * *
Beam sat in the coffee shop waiting for Aon. He looked at his watch and exhaled slowly. She was 5 minutes late. He took a sip of his coffee. Then suddenly someone dangled a white cloth in front of his face. He looked at the cloth and recognized it. It was his handkerchief. He turned around and looked into Aon’s smiling face.

“Sorry, P’Beam I’m late. I had to do a little shopping first.” Aon said handing him the handkerchief. “Did you wait long?”

Beam smiled and shook his head. The two sat and enjoyed each other’s company, getting to know one another better. A few moments later, Dan walked near the coffee shop and spotted Beam. ‘What a small world,’ Dan thought and walked into the shop.

“Hey, P’Beam,” Dan called when he walked up to the table.

Aon froze when she heard his voice. It sounded so familiar.

“Hey, Dan!” Beam waved at him as Aon turned around.

“Aon,” Dan said slowly as their eyes met.

Aon stood up from the chair quickly and walked toward the exit. Dan grabbed a hold of her hand quickly. “Aon, wait.” He said.

Aon looked at him and then she slowly removed his hand off of hers. “Just let it go,” she replied softly and walked toward the door.

“AON!” Dan shouted after her, but Beam pulled him back. He was confused by the situation. He didn’t know Dan’s Aon was the same Aon he knew.

Part 26:

“So she’s the one you’ve been talking about all this time?” Beam asked still stun.

Dan stared at his coffee cup and nodded his head. Then he looked up at Beam. “How did you two know each other?”

Beam smiled slightly and told him the story of how they met. “I can understand why you care about Aon so much. I barely knew her and I feel a connection to her.”

Dan’s eyes widen up at his remarks, “Don’t tell me you’re trying to hit on my girl?” Dan asked suddenly.

“No, it’s not like what you think. I think of her more of a little sister,” Beam reassured him.

“P’Beam you have to help me. Talk to Aon for me,” Dan remarked.

“I don’t know, Dan. Like I said, we barely know each other.” Beam said.

“But I know you can.” Dan stated.

“How?” Beam asked not knowing what he was referring to.

“Cause other than me, you’re the only person I’ve seen her talk to,” Dan replied.
* * *
Later that night, Aon sat quietly in her room. She couldn’t believe how small the world is. Who would have known that Beam and Dan knew one another and by the way they chatted, she knew they were very close, also.

* Knock-knock *
“Aon, can I have a word with you?” P’Mali asked.

Aon got up from the bed slowly and opened the door. P’Mali stood with a warm smile on her face. Aon smiled slightly and walked back to her bed.

“Is everything all right?” P’Mali asked as she sat next to Aon.

Aon looked down avoiding her eyes. But she knew P’Mali knew.

“Aon,” P’Mali said softly and placed her warm hand on top of Aon’s.

Aon looked straight at the wall and said slowly, “Remember the story about P’Beam.” She began. P’Mali nodded her head. “Well, P’Beam and Dan know each other and today,” Aon exhaled, “I ran into Dan.”

“Did you two talk?” P’Mali asked.

“No,” Aon replied slowly.

“Why, Aon?” P’Mali questioned.

“Cause I want to forget him,” Aon said sadly, “And how am I going to do that if I keep running into him?”

P’Mali squeezed Aon’s hand, “You know running away from your problems isn’t going to solve anything. How long do you think you can avoid him?”

“I don’t know. But what I’m doing is for his own good,” Aon explained.

“You can’t decide what’s good for someone else, Aon,” P’Mali replied, “Have you ever thought that you two are meant for one another? That’s why you keep running into each other.”

Aon didn’t answer her question. P’Mali did have point, but what could she do when his mother is in the way of their relationship. But Dan’s mother did have a point to her side too. After all she is only looking after her son’s well being.

“But P’Mali, I’m a,” Aon began to say but P’Mali interrupted her.

“Don’t even say it,” P’Mali spoke up. “You’re not a jinx. Why do you keep doing this to yourself? Stop blaming yourself!”

“But it’s true,” Aon said in a shaky voice as tears formed in the corner of her eyes.

“No is not,” P’Mali said softly wiping the tears from Aon’s eyes. “If it were true then why hasn’t anything happened to me? I’m close to you.”

Aon took a deep breath and looked into P’Mali’s eyes. She smiled slightly and leaned into P’Mali’s arms.

“Don’t push Dan away. He cares about you so much,” P’Mali stated. “You two deserve to be happy.”

Aon nodded her head and swallowed her tears, “I’ll try.”

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 27:

The next morning:

* ring – ring *
Aon looked at her cell phone. It was Beam. She smiled and picked up the phone.

“Hi P’Beam,” she answered cheerfully. “I’m sorry about yesterday. I didn’t mean to walk out on you like that.”

Beam smiled, “It’s ok, I understand.”

“So you have anything on your mind for calling me this morning?” Aon asked with a grin.

“Well, since you walked out on me yesterday I thought that you should make it up to me,” Beam said.

“But I thought you didn’t take it to the heart,” Aon joked. Beam laughed. “Umm, ok then what do you have in mind?”

“How about you meet me at the mall, say at 12,” Beam replied.

“Where at?” Aon remarked.

“At Thai’s Best,” Beam answered, “that way you can buy me lunch to make things up to me.”

Aon laughed, “Ok then. I’ll buy you lunch.”

“All right, I’ll see you at 12 then. Bye.” Beam replied.

“Bye,” Aon smiled as she hung up the phone.
* * *
Aon sat patiently at Thai’s Best Restaurant waiting for Beam to show up. She glanced at the time. It was already 12:15. ‘What is taking P’Beam so long?’ she wondered. Then out of the blue Beam walked up to the table.

“It’s about time,” Aon joked in an angry voice. “I thought I was going to have to eat alone.”

“Well,” Beam began. “I was on time but.” He stopped.

Aon frowned. “But what?” she asked.

“But he was lagging on me,” Beam said.

“He? Who?” Aon questioned looking up at Beam.

Beam let out a big smile and stepped aside. Behind Beam stood Dan holding a long stem red rose in his hand. Aon looked into his big brown eyes.

“Let’s start over,” Dan said in almost a whine handing her the rose. She didn’t reply instead she just looked at him. Then he got down on one knee.

“Please,” he said in a sad tone.

Aon let out a smile and took the rose. She didn’t answer him instead she nodded her head. Dan gave her a big smile showing off his dimples and sat down across the table from her.

“P’Beam where are you going?” she asked when she saw him turned around.

“Well, I’m going to leave you two alone,” Beam replied.

“But we all came together,” Dan said.

“Yeah and I still owe you lunch, remember,” Aon implied.

Beam smiled, “Are you sure?” Aon and Dan nodded their heads. “Ok then,” Beam replied and took a seat next to Dan.

After lunch, Beam suggested they see a movie. They all agreed to it and walked to the theater inside the mall. In front of the theater, they stood in line deciding on which movie to see.

“How about Finding Nemo,” Dan suggested.

Aon and Beam looked at one another and laughed.

“What?” Dan asked innocently. “I’ve always wanted to see that movie.”

“Nothing,” Beam replied. “We’ll watch that then.” Aon nodded her head.

Then suddenly everyone started to laugh. They were having a good time when Jib walked up to them out of nowhere.

Part 28:

“P’Dan, a surprise to see you here,” Jib said happily hanging onto Dan’s arm.

“Jib,” Dan gasped.

“I guess we think a like huh,” Jib smiled glaring at Aon.

Aon grinned at her and walked over to the other side of Dan, “Dan, let’s go get some snacks.”

Dan smiled at Aon and nodded his head. Aon grabbed a hold of Dan’s hand and pulled him to the snack bar. She turned around and winked at Jib as they walked away. Jib bit her lips and breathe heavily.

“Hi,” Beam said with a smile after being ignored by everyone. “I’m Beam.”

Jib looked up at him and huffed in his face, “Who asked you?”

Beam’s smiled faded quickly and looked away.

After a while, Aon and Dan returned with some snacks and drinks. They handed Beam some and walked inside the theater. Jib followed them inside. Inside, Aon and Dan sat next to each other as Beam rushed to Dan’s side and sat on the seat next to him. Jib huffed and gave him a nasty glare and seat next to Beam.

Through the movie, Jib couldn’t focus on the movie. Her eyes constantly looked over to Dan and Aon. She felt sick in the stomach as she watched the two being sweet to one another.

“Want some popcorn?” Beam asked holding up the popcorn in front of Jib’s face.

“No!” she replied and pushed his hand away.

“Shhh!” the people in the front row turned around to say to her.

Jib bowed her head and slid down her seat. She looked at Beam and pinched him in the arm.

“Oy!” Beam cried.

“Shhh!” the people turned around again.

“Sorry,” Beam whispered and leaned back in his chair.

Dan and Aon looked over to Beam and frowned at him. He gave them a shy smile, shrugged his shoulders, and stuffed popcorn in his mouth.

After the movie Dan and Aon couldn’t stop laughing, especially Dan. He looked over to Aon and took her hand.

“I’m glad I got to see this move with you,” Dan replied.

“Me too,” Aon replied.

“Ah-hem,” Jib cleared her throat as she watched them hold hands.

“Drink?” Beam asked handing her his soda.

“Leave me alone,” she declared and walked over to Dan. “P’Dan I’m hungry. I haven’t had a bite since I got out of the house.”

“I’m getting hungry, too,” Beam said. Dan nodded his head and looked over to Aon.

“Mind having dinner with me?” Dan asked her.

Aon smiled, “Ok, but let me call P’Mali first and let her know.”

Dan, Beam, and Jib discuss among themselves to where they were going to eat while Aon called P’Mali. After a few minute, Aon returned to the group.

“We’ve decided to go to the Lounge.” Dan told her.

“We thought it’ll be a good idea to eat and listen to some music, too” Beam replied.

“Sounds good,” Aon said.

Dan smiled and took Aon’s hand. Beam looked over to Jib who had a frowned on her face. He chuckled and walked after Dan and Aon. Jib groaned softly and followed them out to the parking lot.

“Dan, you and Aon go in your car and I’ll take Jib,” Beam suggested. Dan nodded.

“Wha” Jib started to say but Beam cut her short and grabbed her hand and pulled her to his car.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 29:

After the night was over, Dan dropped Aon off and they sat in front of her house near the fountain.

“Aon, you know tonight is the best night I’ve ever had,” Dan said softly.

Aon smiled and walked over to the bench. She sat down and looked up at the stars. Dan followed her and sat next to her.

“I hope it will be this way from now on,” he continued.

“But your mother,” Aon began to say but Dan interrupted her.

“Don’t worry about my mother. I’ll talk to her. I know she’ll understand,” Dan said.

Aon exhaled slowly and nodded her head. He placed his hand on her chin and turned her face toward him.

“Promise me you won’t push me away anymore. We’re going to see this thru together,” Dan replied. Aon didn’t answer. “Say you’ll let me be by your side thru your good times and bad times,” Dan implied.

“You sure you can handle my bad times?” Aon joked.

Dan looked at her sparkling eyes and smiled, “I will sure try.”

“Ok,” Aon teased, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Dan laughed and then Aon started laughing. P’Mali stood from the balcony watching the two. She placed her had on her chest as she watched. She was happy to see that cheerful smile on their faces again.
* * *
The next day after school, Jib went straight to see Dan’s mother. She had to tell her the bad news that the plan that she thought had worked was crushed. Dan and Aon were back to seeing each other again and it looks like this time they are stronger than before.

“What!?” Mrs. Danuwong shrieked. “But it’s been weeks since he’d seen her.”

“I know, but yesterday they must have made up or something,” Jib exhaled with grief.

“I can’t believe this! I thought I cleared things up with Aon,” Mrs. Danuwong declared, “What is wrong with Dan?”

“It’s not P’Dan’s fault. It’s Aon,” Jib explained. “Any guy would give in to a girl who’s all over them. You should have seen them together yesterday. I can’t even describe it to you.”

“I can’t stand to watch this go on any longer. I have to put my foot down!” Mrs. Danuwong stated. “Tomorrow, I will have a talk with Dan!”

“Have a talk with Dan for what?” Mr. Danuwong asked walking into the room.

“Hello,” Jib got up and greeted Mr. Danuwong with both hands.

“So, Mitra, what do you have to talk to Dan about? I hope it’s not about Aon,” he asked.

Mrs. Danuwong looked up at him and gave him a deadly glare.

“Mitra, let it go.” He replied. “You’re only making matters worst.”

“But Aon, she’s not good enough for our son,” she implied.

“I don’t see anything wrong with her. She’s from a wealthy family and has good manners.” He stated, “And most important of all Dan cares about her a lot.”

“I don’t care,” she remarked.

“You don’t care, but you should care about Dan’s feelings. Can’t you see how much you’ve hurt him by getting in his love life?” He pointed out. “Try being in his shoes, having to choose between his mother and his lover. I’m surprise he’s not going insane just thinking about it right now.”

“I’m doing this for his own good. She’s bad luck!” she exclaimed. “And I’ll be damned if I just stand by and let something bad happen to my son.”

Mr. Danuwong shook his head in disbelief. He couldn’t believe how stubborn his wife was at the moment. He felt sorry for his son. He took one last look at her and walked out of the room.

Part 30:

Dan and Aon sat in the living room together helping one another with schoolwork. A few minutes later, P’Mali walked in room and placed some fruits on the table.

“Take a break and have some fruits,” P’Mali said with a smile.

Dan and Aon looked up from their books and smiled back at her. Aon picked up a sliced mango and fed it to Dan. He bit it and chewed it quickly. Then he opened his mouth for her to feed him again. Aon frowned at him and picked up a whole apple and stuff it in his mouth.

“Argh!” Dan groaned and pulled the apple out of his mouth.

Aon and P’Mali laughed their head off. Dan pouted and turned his head away from Aon pretending he was upset about the situation. Aon grinned at P’Mali and then turned to look at Dan. He turned his head around quickly when he saw her looking. Aon chuckled and tapped his shoulder.

“Sorry,” Aon said trying not to laugh.

“No,” Dan replied and turned his head away from her again.

“Come on. I said I was sorry,” she continued apologizing.

Dan shook his head and crossed his arms like a little child. Aon laughed at his gestures and shook her head at P’Mali.

“Forgive me?” she asked extending out her pinky to him. “You know you want to.” She teased wiggling her pinky in front of his face. Dan continued to pout. “Pretty please,” Aon begged.

Dan closed his eyes and turned his head away from her pinky.

“Fine,” Aon huffed, “be mad then.”

Dan opened up his eyes just in time to see Aon pulled her pinky away and grabbed it quickly. “Ok,” he said hooking his pinky onto hers.

Aon glanced at him shyly and smiled. P’Mali shook her head at their puppy love games and got up to let them have some privacy. But she did have to admit they were cute to one another.

After P’Mali left, Aon cleared her throat and looked at Dan. “Dan,” Aon said. “Tomorrow will be our 6 months anniversary. You have done so much for me and I want to do something for you in return.”

“What do you have in mind?” Dan asked with a grin.

Aon frowned at him, “Nothing like what you’re thinking of. Pervert.” Dan licked his lips and laughed. “Anyways, I was thinking about making you a special dinner.” Aon replied.

Dan smiled and took her hand, “I don’t expect anything in return from you. Everything that I’ve said and done is straight from the heart.”

“I know and I want to do this for you straight from my heart,” Aon uttered softly.

Dan happily nodded his head and asked, “Can I get one more thing in returned?”

Aon glared at him. “Depends on what it is.”

Dan blew up his left cheek and tapped it with his index finger. Aon frowned at it and then laughed.

“You’re kidding right?” she asked.

“Nope,” Dan replied flatly and blew up his cheek again.

“Ok,” Aon replied trying to hold in her laughed. “Close your eyes.”

Dan closed his eyes waiting for his kiss. Aon picked up another slice of mango and raised it up to his cheek. She held her breath trying not to burst out laughing before she could smear the mango on him. But suddenly, Dan opened his eyes, grabbed the mango away, and laid a quick kiss on her cheek.

“Dan!” Aon gasped in shock as she jerked back away from him.

Dan crocked up his eyebrow, shrugged, and ate the mango he snatched from her. Aon held her cheek, trying to hold the smile to herself. She knew her face was probably red because she could feel her body temperature rising from the kiss.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 31:

The next day after school, Aon rushed Dan to go home so she could get dinner started. She wanted it to be a surprise to him. But he wanted to stay and help. He wanted it to be their first meal they made together.

“Go home,” Aon insisted. “I told you I want to do this for you.”

“But I want to stay and watch,” Dan whined.

“No,” Aon shook her head.

“But,” Dan began.

“No buts,” Aon interrupted. “It’s not everyday that I want to cook for someone so you should go now before I change my mind.”

“Well,” Dan exhaled, “Since you put it that way. I’ll see you at 6 then.” Aon smiled and waved good-bye and rushed inside the house.

On the way home, Dan dropped by the jewelry shop and picked up the bracelet he had specially ordered for Aon. She was not the only one who kept up with the time they’ve known each other. The time they spent with each other meant more to him than she could imagine. He looked at the bracelet and smiled. He had order a gold bracelet with her name inscribe on it especially for her.

He jumped into the shower when he got home. 30 minutes later he was out and stood in front of the mirror for nearly another hour deciding on what to wear. He wanted to look good for this special night. After he chose his outfit, he ran his hand thru his hair, making sure every strand is where he wants it. Then he slipped the jewelry box in his pant and head out. But before he could leave, he noticed his answering machine blinking. He walked over to it and pressed the button.

- Beep -
“Dan, I want to have a word with you. I expect to see you today not tomorrow.”

He stood there frowning. ‘What does mom want to talk to me about?’ he wondered and erased the message. He looked at his watch and noticed it was only 5 PM. He had enough time to drop by his mother’s and see what she wanted.

20 minutes later, he pulled up to his mother’s house. He walked inside casually. His parents waited for him in the living room. He smiled at them and walked over to them.

“You wanted to see me?” he asked sitting down.

“Dan, why do you like to disobey me?” she asked suddenly.

“What do you mean?” he questioned looking at his mother and then his father. His father shook his head. He wanted nothing to do with it.

“I forbid you to see Aon and still you go against my words,” she announced.

“Mom, I thought we’ve already gone thru this,” he pointed out.

“That’s what I thought. I thought I made it clear to you that I want it to end!” she declared.

Dan stood up furiously. He couldn’t believe his mother was being so unfair. She too stood up.

“I want you to choose between me and that girl!” she exclaimed. Dan looked into his mother’s eyes stunned.

“Mitra, that’s enough,” his father intervened.

“You stay out of this. This is between me and my son,” she shrieked. “So what’ll it be?”

“I can’t believe what you’re saying mom!” Dan exclaimed and turned his back to her.

“Don’t you dare walk out this room!” she called after him.

Dan clenched his jaw and walked out of the room. He could hear his mother yelling behind him, but he continued to walk. He knew she was upset and there was no use to talking to her. He got into his car and sped off.

“Koon Vichitt, look at your son. He’s so stubborn!” she shouted at her husband.

“Oh now he’s my son? A minute ago you just said it was between you and your son,” he replied and walked out of the room.

Meanwhile Dan drove furiously down the road. He couldn’t believe his mother was making him choose between her and Aon. That was so childish. His mother’s words echoed thru his ears. He clenched the steering wheel tightly and pressed heavily down on the gas pedal. Suddenly out of nowhere, a huge truck cut in front of him. He stepped on his brakes quickly, but it was too late. He could hear his tires squeaking down the road straight toward the truck. His heart pounded quickly as he lost control.

“Aon,” he whispered before his car collided into the truck.

Part 32:

Aon walked back and forth waiting for Dan. She glanced at the time it was 7 PM. She frowned. Dan has never been late before. Then a worried feeling crawled up her neck. Her heart began to pound faster. Suddenly the phone rang.

“Where you at?” Aon asked quickly thinking it was Dan.

“Aon, come to KP hospital right now!” Beam said on the line.

“P’Beam, what happened?” Aon asked in shock.

“It’s Dan. He got into a car accident. Hurry, I’ll explain it all later,” Beam replied anxiously.

“Ok, I’ll be right there,” Aon said and pulled P’Mali out the door.

Aon walked in KP Hospital holding tightly onto P’Mali’s hand. P’Mali rubbed her hand softly because they were icy cold. Down the hall, she could see Beam and ran up to him.

“P’Beam, is Dan ok?” she asked quickly.

But before he could answer, Mrs. Danuwong charged at her. “You! It’s all your fault!” Mr. Danuwong pulled her back just in time.

Aon stood there watching Mrs. Danuwong sobbed into her husband’s arms. Tears ran down her face. P’Mali wrapped her arms around her and walked over to the chairs. Beam followed and told her what happened.

“I called him on his phone to ask him about work when a paramedic answered his phone. They told me that he’d gotten into a car accident and that they were bringing him here. So I rushed over here as soon as possible. Then I called his parents and then you.” Beam told them.

“How is he?” Aon managed to ask.

“We don’t know. He’s been in there for about an hour or so.” Beam explained.

Then the doctor walked out from the ICU. Mr. and Mrs. Danuwong rushed to him quickly.

“Doctor, how is our son?” they asked at the same time.

“He’s in critical condition. He lost a lot of blood and needs some immediately. Anyone here is AB Positive?” The Doctor asked.

“I am,” Aon replied. All heads turned her way.

“Good, follow me,” the Doctor instructed and Aon followed him into the room.

Aon laid in bed as the nurse pumped out her blood. She closed her eyes and prayed that her blood would help Dan. She just couldn’t imagine what she’d do if she lost him. After a few minutes, the nurse handed the assistant the blood to take to the ICU room. Then the nurse bandaged Aon’s arm and helped her to her feet. P’Mali went to help Aon when she walked from the room.

“Aon, are you ok?” Beam asked concerned as he saw her paled face.

Aon nodded her head and sat down on the chair nearby. Then Jib and her parents walked in the waiting room.

“Aon, you jinx!” Jib charged at her.

“Jib!” Beam called and grabbed a hold of her before she could attack Aon.

“P’Beam, let go of me,” she shouted.

“Shhh! This is a hospital,” he pointed out but Jib kept on yelling at Aon. Beam didn’t know what to do and pulled her out of the area.

Another dreadful hour went by. Everyone waited impatiently for the doctor to appear. Finally he stepped out of the ICU room.

“Doctor, how is he?” Mrs. Danuwong asked.

“The blood transfusion went fine, but I can’t say anything yet. We’ll have to wait and see,” the Doctor replied.

“What do you mean?” Mr. Danuwong asked confused by the Doctor’s response.

“Dan’s lost a lot of blood. Although Aon’s blood was successfully transfused into him, his condition is still critical. If he make it through tonight then he should be fine,” the Doctor explained.

“Can I stay with him tonight?” Mrs. Danuwong asked with tears in her eyes.

The Doctor shook his head, “I think it’s best if everyone went home and get some rest. We’ll call you if his condition changes. Don’t worry we’ll have a nurse watching him every second.”

Mrs. Danuwong looked at her husband with teary eyes. He nodded his head to do as what the doctor has suggested. Jib’s parent nodded their head, too. Mrs. Danuwong finally gave in and decided to leave.

“Aon, let’s go home.” P’Mali said after they were left alone.

Aon shook her head. She refused to leave the hospital.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 33:

Beam kept a close eye on Jib as she walked back and forth in the lobby. He refused to let her go inside. He knew if she did, her and Aon would get at one another again.

“Stop walking would you? You’re making me dizzy.” Beam mumbled.

“Let me go in then,” Jib stated.

Beam stood up, “No way. You’ll cause more chaos!”

Jib rolled her eyes at him and continued pacing. Beam exhaled loudly and sat back down. Then Dan’s parents and Jib’s parents walked in the lobby.

“Mom, how’s P’Dan?” Jib asked her mother.

Her mother shook her head signaling her to be quiet. “We’ll drop by to see P’Dan tomorrow ok, honey,” she said. Jib looked over to Dan’s mother and said no more. She nodded her head and took her mother’s hand.

“Thank you for calling us, Beam,” Mr. Danuwong said. “Don’t worry about Dan. He’s strong. He’ll be ok. Go home and get some rest.”

Beam nodded his head. Everyone said goodbye and walk out to the parking lot. Beam walked back to the waiting room and found Aon and P’Mali still sitting there.

“Aon,” he said, “What are you still doing here?”

Aon turned to look at him but she didn’t answer him.

“She refuses to leave, Beam. I don’t know what to do,” P’Mali said.

“Aon, you’re exhausted. Go home and get some rest. You can come back and see Dan tomorrow morning,” Beam suggested.

Aon shook her head. “I’m not leaving this hospital until I know for sure he is fine.”

“But Aon,” Beam began to say.

“P’Beam, I’ll be fine.” She interrupted. “You look tired yourself. You need to get some rest. Don’t you have to work tomorrow?”

Beam nodded his head. He knew he couldn’t change her mind. She was as stubborn as Dan is. “Ok, but promise me you’ll get some sleep tonight.”

Aon pushed a smile and nodded her head. “P’Mali, you go home too.” P’Mali opened her mouth to protest but Aon stopped her first, “That way you can pack my things for me and bring it to me tomorrow morning. P’Beam can you drop off P’Mali?”

Beam looked at Aon and then to P’Mali. P’Mali sighed and nodded her head. “You’re not going to sit here all night are you?” she asked worried.

Aon shook her head, “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

P’Mali nodded her head and stood up. She squeezed Aon’s hand before she left with Beam.

After everyone left, Aon got up from the chair and walked into Dan’s room quietly. The nurse stood up and walked over to her.

“Miss, you can’t be in here,” she said softly.

Aon looked at her with tears in her eyes and got down on her knees. “Please, I won’t be in your way. I promise. I just want to be here for him.”

“But I can’t,” she replied sadly.

“Please,” Aon prayed and bowed down.

The nurse dropped on her knees and held her hand. She looked into Aon swollen eyes and gave in to them. She sighed softly and nodded her head. Aon smiled quickly and got up from the floor. She walked over to Dan and reached for his hand. She picked up his hand and held it against her cheek. She closed her eyes and prayed. ‘God, please don’t do this to me again. Don’t take him away from me. He’s all I have left. Please God answer my prayers for once.’

Part 34:

Early the next morning, the Doctor called to inform his parents that Dan was going to be fine. They jumped up with excitement and rushed to the hospital. When they walked into the room, the nurse went to greet them.

“Shhh,” she said as they walked into the room and pointed to the bed.

Mr. and Mrs. Danuwong followed her finger and founded Aon fast asleep beside Dan’s side.

“She wouldn’t leave his side for one second last night,” the nurse replied.

“But I thought the Doctor said no one could stay with him,” Mr. Danuwong remarked.

“Yes, but she wouldn’t give up. She knelt down and begged until I gave in to her,” the nurse smiled. “Your son is lucky to have a girlfriend who loves him that much.”

Mr. and Mrs. Danuwong looked at one another but didn’t say a word. The nurse smiled and walked over to the bed and gently tapped Aon on her shoulder. Aon twitched a little and opened her eyes slowly. She sat up quickly and looked up at the nurse dazed. Then she remembered Dan in the hospital bed.

“Dan,” she uttered quickly and turned back to him.

“He’s going to be fine,” the nurse reassured her. She placed his hand down and looked up at the nurse again.

Then Mr. and Mrs. Danuwong walked up to her. She placed her hands together and bowed her head to greet them. They did the same. She then moved aside so Mrs. Danuwong could see her son. She stood there awhile watching Mrs. Danuwong caressed her son’s face and sobbed softly. Tears filled Aon’s eyes as she back away from the scene. She quietly eased her way out of the door and leaned against it. She quickly wiped her tears and walked toward the exit.

On the way out, she ran into P’Mali getting out of the taxi.

“Aon,” P’Mali called to her.

“P’Mali, lets go home,” she replied softly to her.

P’Mali didn’t say anything instead she took Aon’s hand. They walked to Aon’s car and drove home.

Meanwhile back inside, Dan began to move his fingers. His mother noticed it and squeezed his hand for support. He opened his mouth slightly and whispered something. His mother looked up at her husband for help. He shook his head. She then leaned forward closer to his mouth.

“Aon,” he said in a weak whisper.

She eased back to the chair after she heard him call out Aon’s name. She held his hand up to her chest and sobbed quietly.

From that moment on, she knew how much Aon meant to him. Even at this state, all he could think about was her. She knew what she had to do. She had to face the truth. There was no use in trying to stop them from seeing each other. She turned around to look for Aon but she was gone.
* * *
Later that day, Aon, Beam, and Jib walked in the hospital at the same time. Jib glared at the two and rolled her eyes at them and then walked inside. Aon and Beam just shrugged and walked inside the hospital. When they walked into Dan’s room, Dan was wide awake. He smiled at them when he saw their cheerful faces.

“P’Dan, you’re ok,” Jib cheered and rushed to his side. Aon and Beam stood behind and just smiled.

Then Mrs. Danuwong walked up to Aon and took her hand. “Thank you for coming.” She said and walked her over to Dan.

Dan looked up and smiled cheerfully at the sight of Aon. Mrs. Danuwong took his hand and held it together with Aon’s hand. Dan held onto her hand tightly and pulled her forward closer to him. Jib looked at Mrs. Danuwong confused and was about to say something when she tugged on Jib’s arm. Jib stood up from the chair and followed Mrs. Danuwong out of the room. Mr. Danuwong and Beam soon followed. Aon sat down smiling with tears in her eyes and held Dan’s hand up to her face. ‘Thank you God,’ she cried inside. Dan slowly caressed her cheek and wiped the tears from her eyes.

Outside the room:

“Mom, what just happened back there?” Jib asked confused.

Mrs. Danuwong smiled, “I can’t stand between them anymore.”

“But Mom, Dan’s like that because of Aon,” Jib explained.

“And he’s alive because of her, too,” Mrs. Danuwong reasoned. “I can’t separate them.”

“But Mom,” Jib stated but Beam quickly grabbed her by the hand and pulled her down the hall.

“Let go of me P’Beam,” Jib demanded when he pulled her out to the lobby. “What’s the deal with you and grabbing my hand?”

Beam looked down at his hand and released her hand quickly. She frowned at him and crossed her arms. Beam smiled at Jib as she turned her head away. He hates to admit it, but Jib looked adorable when she’s mad.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 35:

Meanwhile back inside the room. Aon ran her hand over the bandage on Dan’s head gently. He slowly raised his hand and held her hand to his face. Then he kissed it softly. Aon smiled and pulled it back quickly.

Dan grinned and said softly, “Can you get that little box on the table for me?”

Aon looked over to the table and saw the box. She reached for it and placed it in his hand. Dan looked at the small box and then back at her.

“No, this is for you,” he said, “I bought it for you yesterday.” Aon looked down at the box and then back at him confused. “Go head and open it,” he smiled at her.

Aon slowly pick up the box and opened it. Inside was the bracelet he had bought for her. “It’s beautiful,” she gasped.

“I’m glad you like it,” he uttered.

Aon held his hand firmly, “I love it,” she said with tears of joy in her eyes.

“Can I get a kiss for it then?” he teased.

Aon turned red and pitched his arm. Dan screamed.

“I’m so sorry,” she said caressing his hand. “But that’s what you get.”

Then the two looked at one another and smiled sweetly.
* * *

2 weeks later:

Everyone came to pick Dan up from the hospital. To his surprise, he couldn’t believe how much his mother and Aon were getting along. And another thing that he was surprised about was that Beam and Jib came together.

“Ready to go home son?” his mother asked.

“Yup,” he exhaled, “I’m tired of being in this room.”

“Well, let’s go home then,” his father said and help up to sit in the wheel chair.

“Let me take this moment and invite every over to have dinner at our house tonight.” His mother said. “Especially you, Aon.”

Dan smiled at his mother and then nodded his head to Aon. She smiled and nodded her head back at him. “I’d be delighted,” Aon replied.
* * *
Later that evening:

Dan waited impatiently for Aon to arrive. ‘Where is she?’ he thought as he took a bite into a carrot stick. Beam walked up to him and put his hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry man, she’ll be here,” Beam said. Dan nodded at him.

“P’Dan, when are we going to eat? I’m hungry,” Jib said walking up to them.

“There are plenty of snacks Jib, munch on those first,” Beam said irritated.

“No one was talking to you P’Beam,” Jib snorted and walked off.

Dan grinned at Beam.

“What?” Beam asked.

“Nothing,” Dan said innocently.

“Don’t give me that look. I don’t have thing for her,” Beam denied.

“I didn’t say anything,” Dan remarked.

“Well, you were thinking it,” Beam stated.

Dan chuckled and walked to the front porch. Beam frowned at him and then walked over to where Jib was standing. Just then Aon’s car pulled up the driveway. Dan waved and walked over to help her out of the car.

“What took you so long?” he asked.

“Sorry, I was stuck in traffic.” Aon replied.

“Let’s go inside then. Everyone’s waiting,” Dan smiled and escorted her inside the house.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 36:

The next day during lunch break, Aon sat in the patio eating when Jib walked up and sat in front of her. Aon ignored her and continued eating.

“So,” Jib began, “How are things with you and P’Dan?”

Aon put down her spoon, “Ok.”

“That’s good,” Jib replied. “Look Aon, I’m sorry about...”

“It’s ok,” Aon interrupted, “I understand.”

Jib smiled and extended her hand, “Friends?”

Aon studied her for a while and then decided to shake her hand, “Friends,” she said.

Just then Dan and Beam walked up to the table with a smile on their faces.

“What are you ladies talking about?” Beam asked with a grin.

“It’s girls business. What is it to you P’Beam?” Jib replied.

That response quickly wiped the grin off of Beam’s face. Dan looked at Beam’s face and cracked up laughing. Then he walked over and sat next to Aon.

“I bought you some sweets,” Dan said placing the bag of chocolate on the table.

“Thank you,” Aon replied.

“What about me P’Dan? I don’t get anything?” Jib asked with a pout.

“Why should he? You’re not his girlfriend,” Beam stated. Jib glared at him. “You should be asking me that question instead,” he said.

“And why should I? I’m not your girlfriend either,” Jib snorted.

“Well, that’s what I’m working on right now,” Beam replied and sat next to her. Then he handed her a box of chocolate.

Jib looked at him and took the chocolate, “You’ll have to do better than just a box of chocolate.” She replied.

Beam grinned at her and said, “Well, I see it’s a pretty good start.”

Jib stuck out her tongue at him and turned her head away. Dan and Aon looked at the two and laughed.
* * *
After school, Dan and Aon strolled thru the park together. He watched Aon from the corner of his eyes as they chatted. ‘Our story is going to have a happy ending after all,’ he thought.

“Dan? What do you think?” Aon asked looking at him weirdly.

“Huh?” Dan replied waking up from this thoughts.

“Earth to Dan…you know the Winter Formal, the theme of the Christmas dance?” Aon asked.

“Oh,” Dan said blushing, “What was it again?”

“Once in a Life Time,” Aon replied. “What do you think?”

Dan nodded his head, “Sounds good. It’ll be our first formal together.”

“Who said I was going with you?” Aon teased.

“Who else would you take? P’Beam’s taken already,” Dan declared.

“I’m sure I can find somebody at school,” she grinned and walked off without him.

Dan bit his lips and walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. “Over my dead body,” he replied.

Aon stopped and looked at him, “Don’t say that!” she exclaimed.

Dan took her hand and pulled her close to him. “I won’t let anyone pull us apart,” he said.

Aon smiled and wrapped her arms around him. She closed her eyes and breathed him in. ‘And I pray the curse on me is once and for all gone, too.’ She said to herself snuggling in his arms.

Part 37:

* Ring- Ring *
“Hello,” Aon answered the phone.

“Hi Aon, Dan told me about the formal and I was wondering if you bought your dress yet?” Mrs. Danuwong asked.

“No, not yet,” Aon replied.

“Great! How about we go shopping for one together?” she asked cheerfully.

Aon was confused but at the same time please to hear that from Mrs. Danuwong. “Sure,” Aon uttered softly.

“Good! I’ll pick you up in 2 hours,” she stated.

“Uh ok,” Aon replied still confused. “Bye.”

Aon stood by the phone still confused after she had hung up. P’Mali saw her face and walked up to her.

“Is everything all right Aon,” P’Mali asked.

Aon nodded her head, “Yes, it’s just that Mrs. Danuwong offered to take me shopping for my formal dress,” she said slowly.

P’Mali smiled quickly, “That’s great!” she yipped. “What are you waiting for? Go get ready!” Aon looked at P’Mali strangely. She looked more excited about it more than she was. P’Mali quickly ushered Aon up the stairs to change her clothes.
* * *
After a while, Mrs. Danuwong walked inside Aon’s house. Aon greeted her in the living room.

“Are you ready?” Mrs. Danuwong asked. Aon nodded her head. “Let’s go then, shall we?” Mrs. Danuwong continued.

Aon waved good-bye to P’Mali and walked inside the backseat with Mrs. Danuwong. 30 minutes later they pulled up to LaMai Avenue. Aon eye’s widened and looked at Mrs. Danuwong. LaMai was an expensive store. Only those in the high society shop there.

“I thought you should stand out and have your dress designed just for you,” Mrs. Danuwong replied with a smile.

“But,” Aon protested.

“No, don’t object just yet. I want to do this for you.” Mrs. Danuwong said, “Let’s go inside,” she told her and took Aon’s hand. Aon gave in to her and walked inside the hop.

Inside, the designer measured Aon’s body from head to toe. After she got the measures, she showed them some designs she had at the shop. Aon and Mrs. Danuwong looked thru them and came to an agreement on a style. The dress was very classic looking but in style, a tub-top with a puffy end—like a princess’s dress. The designer chose the color ivory for Aon since she was petite and light skin. Aon and Mrs. Danuwong both agreed.

“The dress should be ready in a week. You should come in and try it on so we can make adjustments if needed,” the designer said.

“Ok, thank you,” Aon replied. Aon and Mrs. Danuwong left the shop satisfied.

A moment later they pulled up the driveway to Aon’s house. Mrs. Danuwong grinned when she saw Dan’s car parked in the driveway.

“I bet he’s probably wondering where I took you,” Mrs. Danuwong pointed as Dan walked out to meet them.

“Mom, where did you take Aon?” he asked.

“What? No hello Mom or how is your day mom?” she teased him. Dan smiled and hugged his mother.

“Your mom took me shopping,” Aon replied.

“Really?” Dan exclaimed, “She never offer to take me shopping anymore.”

“Because shopping is a girl thing,” Mrs. Danuwong remarked pinching his cheeks. “Well I’m going to head home. Your dad is probably waiting for me right now.”

“Mrs. Dauwong, you don’t want to go inside and have a cup of tea first?” Aon offered.

Mrs. Danuwong released her son and walked over to Aon. “Don’t call me Mrs. Danuwong. It sounds so distant. Call me mom,” she replied holding her hand.

Aon was flattered by her remarks. It meant a lot to her. “Mom, are you sure you don’t want to a cup of tea?” she rephrased.

“No thanks, I don’t want to get Dan’s ugly stares all night.” Mrs. Danuwong said and kiss Dan goodbye.

This post has been edited by tEaRdRoP: 09 January 2009 - 07:32 PM

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 38:

A week later, Mrs. Danuwong picked up Aon to go try on her dress. Aon was so excited. She hasn’t been this happy for such a long time. When they walked into LaMai, the designer greeted them and took them to go see the dress. Aon stood there amazed, lost in its beauty. She ran her fingers thru the silk and rubbed the sparkling diamonds in the silk.

“It’s beautiful,” Aon said in awed.

“Well, what are you waiting for honey? Go try it on,” Mrs. Danuwong told her.

The designer removed the dress from the display and handed it to Aon. Aon held the dress in her hands and pulled it close to her. Then she walked in the dressing room and put the dress on. A moment later, Aon stepped out from the dressing room with a bright smile across her face. Mrs. Danuwong couldn’t believe how the dress brought out the natural beauty in her.

“Aon,” Mrs. Danuwong gasped, “You look gorgeous, like a princess.”

“I don’t say this to a lot of my customers, but you look amazing it that dress!” the designer said.

“Thank you,” Aon replied standing before the long mirror looking at herself from head to toe.

The designer came behind her and looked at the dress. Aon spun around for her. She was satisfied with the outcome.

“You should wear you hair up, like this,” the designer said twisting Aon’s hair up for her to see in the mirror.

“And diamond earrings,” Mrs. Danuwong agreed. “Do you have some?”

Aon nodded her head. Her mother has left her plenty of jewelries.

“All right then, I think we’re all set,” Mrs. Danuwong replied.

“I’ll have the dress ready for you in 2 days,” the designer told them.

Aon nodded her head and returned to the dressing room to remove the dress. But before she took it off, she stood in front of the mirror a while. ‘I hope Dan likes it,’ she smiled and unzipped the dress.
* * *
At Dan’s condo, Dan and Beam chatted among themselves.

“Hey did Jib find a dress yet?” Dan asked.

Beam shrugged, “I don’t know. She didn’t tell me and she wouldn’t let me go with her to look at it either.”

Dan laughed, “Aon wouldn’t let me go with her today either. Instead, she went with my mother. I hope my mother didn’t pick an old looking dress for her. I know Aon wouldn’t refuse it if she did. Gosh this is kind of driving me crazy.”

Beam agreed. “I know. What’s the big deal? We’re not even stressed out about the way we look.”

“Come to think about it, what are you wearing?” Dan asked.

Beam thought about it for a while, he hadn’t put much thought into it. “You know what? I really don’t know. A black tux?” he shrugged. “You?”

“I don’t know. All I know is Aon’s dress is ivory so maybe something of that color.” Dan replied.

- Beep Beep Beep -

Beam looked down at his cell. “It’s Jib,” he said and walked out to the kitchen to answer her call. A few minutes later he walked back. “Well, I guess she found a dress because she just called me to pick her up at the shop. I’ll catch you later man.”

Dan smiled and waved at him. ‘Aon should be back from trying on her dress too,’ he thought. Just thinking about it made him miss her. He smiled and grabbed his keys.
* * *
Aon stood smiling at him when he drove up her driveway. She walked down the porch to him. “Don’t you have anything else to do?” she joked.

“Nope,” Dan replied. “I just want to be with you.”

“Eww,” Aon said pretending to puke at his comment.

Dan jumped up and held her hand, “Can I stay for dinner tonight?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” Aon teased, “can you?”

Dan grinned and pinched her cheeks, “you think you’re so cute don’t you?”

“Uh-huh,” she replied squishing his face between her small hands.

Dan squint his eyes, “OK, you are cute,” he declared.

Aon smiled, released his face, and walked inside the house. Dan rubbed his face gently, shaking his head and followed her inside.

Part 39:

December 25th, Winter Formal Night:

Aon stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom. She was stunned. She couldn’t recognize the reflection that was staring back at her. Her makeup was nicely down, alluring eye makeup with rosy cheeks and shimmering lips. Her hair twisted up with little sparkling diamond declarations in them. She looked like a fairytale princess come to life. She smiled and ran her fingers thru her beloved bracelet that Dan had given to her.

Then P’Mali walked in to put in the finishing touch on her, the diamond necklace and earrings.

“You look amazing,” P’Mali said happily, “I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen you so beautiful like this.”

Aon smiled with tears forming in her eyes and hugged P’Mali.

“Don’t start crying. You’ll ruin your makeup.” P’Mali replied.

Aon sniffed and patted her eyes with a cloth.

“That must be Dan,” P’Mali remarked when she heard a car pulled up the driveway. “Let’s go downstairs. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he sees you.”

Aon took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She took P’Mali’s hand and nodded her head. P’Mali held her hand and they walked out of the room.

A few seconds later, Aon appeared at the top of the stairs. Dan looked up and stood motionless. He watched her with amazement as she swiftly moved down the stairs. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was like an angel walking up to him. He didn’t dare to blink for he was afraid he would wake up from the best dream in his life. Aon smiled before him and waited for him to extend his arm out to her. Dan finally snapped out of his daze and extended his arm and bowed his head. Aon curtsy and placed her hand on his arm.

“Wait,” P’Mali said as they turned to walk out of the room. “Let me take a picture before you two leave, after all this is a once in a life time moment.”

Aon and Dan smiled to one another and moved closer to take a picture. P’Mali snapped a quick picture and smiled at them with tears of joy in her eyes. She walked with them to the car and watched them drive off to the dance.

Dan held on to Aon’s hand as they drove to the dance. “You’re so beautiful tonight.”

“You’re not so bad looking yourself,” Aon replied. Then she smiled and squeezed his hand firmly.
* * *
Jib paced back and forth as she and Beam waited for Dan and Aon in the parking lot of the school. They’ve decided to walk in the dance together. Beam smiled as he leaned on his car and stare at her going in circles.

“When are they coming?” Jib mumbled.

“Jib, you know you look like a lost angel?” Beam teased.

Jib stopped walking and gave him a dirty stare. Beam stood up straight and walked to where she was standing.

“A beautiful one though,” he replied.

A smile curved up on her lips. “That’s what I thought,” she replied with a grin.

Then two bright headlights beamed their direction. “That must be Dan and Aon,” Beam announced.

“It’s about time,” Jib said on the way as Dan and Aon got out of the car. “Wow, Aon don’t you look gorgeous! I didn’t even recognize you.” Beam nodded his head in agreement.

“Thanks, you look beautiful yourself,” Aon remarked.

Jib flicked her hair and said, “Naturally.” Then she grabbed Aon’s hand and pulled her to the entrance. “Let’s go! We’re missing out on all of the fun.”

Beam and Dan looked at one another and shook their head. Sometimes Jib is just full of herself.

“Come on fellas,” Jib called to them. They smiled and followed them quickly.

[tEaRdRoP]

Part 40:

‘ONCE IN A LIFE TIME,’ the banner read across the hall. Everyone was surprise by how nice the hall looked with all the beautiful decorations. Dan took Aon’s hand and escorted her to their table. Beam extended out his hand for Jib to hold onto. Jib stared at it for a while and then she looked up at Beam who had pout by then on his face. Jib laughed and placed her hand in his hand. Beam smiled brightly and escorted her to their table.

Dan and Aon danced almost every song even though he couldn’t really dance. But he tried just for her. They were having a great time together. They could see that Beam and Jib were, too, although it looked like they were arguing most of the time. Then the DJ stopped the music to make a little announcement.

“I have a special request from Aon to her boyfriend Dan.” The DJ announced, “Would you two please step out to the middle of the dance floor.”

Aon smiled and pulled Dan out to the floor.

“She writes to him, ‘Dan, you brighten up my world each time you’re next to me. You put a smile on my face with your jokes. And most in important of all, you were there when I didn’t have anyone. Thank you for being my angel.” The DJ said. “This song is for you Dan,” he finished.

Then he turned on the song~ ‘Mai mee tur won nun mai mee chun wun nee.’ (If I didn’t have you that day, there won’t be a me today)

Everyone clapped their hands and cheered as they began to dance. One by one, people started to join them on the dance floor. Beam and Jib slow dance right next to them. Dan wrapped his arms around Aon’s waist as they sway to the music staring into each other’s eyes. Then he pulled her closer to him. Aon closed her eyes and rest her head on his shoulder. They held one another tightly thru the whole song.
* * *
Toward the end of the formal, Aon pulled Dan out of the hall.

“It’s not over yet. Where are you taking me?” Dan asked.

“Just come on,” Aon said pulling him out to the sidewalk.

Then she stopped and pulled a small box out of her purse. She handed it to Dan. He took the box and looked at it confused.

“Open it,” Aon smiled.

Dan opened the box and smiled as he pulled out a watch. He rubbed his thumb thru the face. It had his name and Aon’s name etched on it.

“You like it?” Aon asked cheerfully.

Dan put it on his wrist. “I like it a lot,” he answered.

Aon smiled and continued to walk ahead. Dan quickly put the box in his pocket and raced to catch up with her. The two walked down the sidewalk without saying anything for awhile.

“Beautiful night isn’t it?” Aon said taking in a deep breath as she looked up at the stars.

Dan nodded his head but didn’t look at the stars instead he looked at her lovely face. They continued walking.

“Aon,” Dan said suddenly. “I want to tell you something. I uh I...” He stuttered on his words.

Aon stopped and looked at him a little confused. “You what…?”

“Uh, I-I…I lo-,” he stopped midway.

Aon’s heart beat heavily for she had an idea what he was going to tell her. She could feel her cheeks turning burning up.

“Are you going to tell me or what?” she asked and started to walk away slowly. “This might be your only chance. You might not have another chance like this.”

Dan took in a deep breath and exhaled loudly, “Aon!” he called after her.

Aon stopped and turned around with a cheesy smile.

“I love,” Dan began to say but couldn’t complete what his heart wanted to tell her. A loud horn roared into his words.

* HONK-HONK!!!* Then suddenly a white van zoomed out of White Street.

“AON!!!!!!!” he shouted as he saw headlights heading her way.

Aon spun around quickly but didn’t have a chance to react. She was struck by the van instantly. Dan watched in horror as her body was thrown to the middle of the street. Dan ran quickly to her side. In shock he didn’t know what to do. He collapsed next to her a gently cupped her head in his arms.

“D-D-Dan,” Aon gasps as blood sipped thru her mouth and lips. “I’m going to die. I don’t want to die.” She chanted in panic.

“No…no…no, you’re going to be ok.” Dan sobbed as she brushed the hair away from her face. “Someone please call an ambulance!” he shouted into the dark open spaces.

“Dan, I-I don’t want to die now…” Aon said in short gasps as she cried, “tha…that I’ve found someone I love.”

“No, no don’t say that. You’re not going to die,” Dan cried unable to hold his emotions in. “Shhh…you’re going to be fine, just fine.” He sobbed.

Her eyes roamed his whole face. “I want to tell you that I love you Dan….I love you” she whispered softly as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Dan placed his hand on cheeks and wiped her tears, “I love you too. I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you.”

Aon smiled when she heard those 3 little words from his mouth. She reached her hand up for him and he held it against his face. “I will always love you,” she replied in a faint whisper and slowly closed her eyes.

Dan watched helplessly as the last tears slid from her eyes. “NO!!! AON!!!!” Dan yelled. Then he felt her hand slip away from his fingers. “AON!!! Someone Help ME PLEASE!!! Call the Ambulance!”
* * *
Two weeks later:

“Isn’t it a beautiful day, Aon?” Dan said looking up at the bright sun. “I brought you your favorite flowers, wild flowers of course. I know how much you love them. I remember you once said the colors in them are so full of life.”

Then he sat down and ran his hand thru his watch. Tears slowly ran down his face as he looked at it. He wiped them away quickly and placed his hand on her tombstone.

“I miss you so much, AON!” he cried letting his emotions run wild.

After a long cry, he regained control of himself and wiped the tears from his eyes. He took a deep breath and looked at her lovely picture. Then slowly closed his eyes and prayed, ‘If there’s such a thing as a next life, I pray we’ll meet again and this time we’ll love each other until we grow old.’

@}~~~ The End ~~~{@