Aiden was in a cheerful state of mind nonetheless and his parents talked of nothing but his forthcoming trip to Hua Hin.
White was not mentioned at all but surprisingly Han's name came up a couple of times in an oblique, vague fashion.
Aiden realized there was no way he could escape from Han. The days flew by and Aiden packed his things for the trip.
Before the date of his departure drew near, Aiden went on walks with his parents.
On one of those walks the subject of how one can boost their memory came up.
"There is a new study that suggests that eating walnuts for breakfast leads to a better memory performance," his mother said when they paused briefly to admire a field of wild flowers.
"What's so special about walnuts?" Her husband asked.
"Walnuts have Omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain function."
"I thought learning something new challenges your brain and helps with memory performance," Aiden added.
"I guess we need to challenge ourselves with jigsaw and crossword puzzles as well eat walnuts for breakfast."
White came on Sunday to get Aiden wearing linen suit.
"You look healthy and well," he said as he stood next to Aiden.
"Thank you."
"Are you ready?"
White asked in a friendly manner.
"I think so," was Aiden's cool answer.
"I would like to kiss you and kiss you some more," White declared passionately.
"Please no kisses," Aiden protested.
As his luggage was stowed into the Jaguar Aiden had unpleasant feeling that he was being hustled into a situation he was not prepared for.
"Thank you," Aiden said to White before he got into the front seat and waited as White took his place behind the wheel.
"I know you would find Hua Hin exciting."
Aiden only smiled.
"I am in a good mood, you know. Maybe it's because being around you makes everything worthwhile."
White started the engine.
He eased the Jaguar into the traffic and began to over take everything on the road ahead of him.
He drove fast and yet he his manner was relaxed and easy.
Aiden thought of Han but quickly dismissed him from his mind. Because he felt he was being disloyal to White.
And rather made cheerful conversation.
"I don't know why but I have never been to Hua Hin."
"That's not a problem and you will love it when you get there. It has incredible beaches, night markets, water parks and seaside restaurants," White assured.
"We will spend our first night with friends of mine, Pajo and prima. I have known them for a long time and they know I am coming with you."
"We will have supper with them and leave the following morning to the beach house."
"That's very nice of them," Aiden said. "But wouldn't it better if we straight to the beach house?"
"We can do that but not nearly as fun."
"Have you been there before?"
"Yes, I have. A couple of times actually."
White allowed the Jaguar to skim the past the traffic and Aiden realized he didn't intend to tell him anymore than that.
It seemed only a short time before White asked:
"Would you like something to eat?"
"Yes, please," Aiden said at once.
"We will make a stop at Thanon Khao San, it has many food vendors and the crowd is mostly foreign."
"Great. I would love to have a Pad Thai or maybe pizza."
They drove for a short while before turning the car in a short side road leading to a small restaurant.
He parks and they went inside."
And later after having pizza with Pepsi, White and Aiden got back into the car with assortments of Thai sweet snacks.
They both ate it as the Jaguar tore along once more unhindered by the traffic.
They made another brief stop in Phetchaburi which had an historical park perfect for Instagram worthy pictures.
The park had cobblestone streets, temples landscape spaces and a bone white palace with a spire touching the sky.
Aiden took pictures, sent them to his parents and his Aunt, and they continued on.
Pajo and Prima's house was large and stood in quite beautiful garden.
And as White carried their luggage to the solid front door, it opened with alacrity by Pajo.
"Hello and good evening," he said in a deep excited voice.
"I am Pajo," he volunteered to Aiden. "And you must be Aiden, White has told us so much about you."
"Nice to meet you," Aiden replied as they shook hands.
Pajo ushered them into the house.
The solid richness of everything took Aiden's breath away as he met White's interested gaze.
They heard footsteps of someone coming down the handsome staircase.
It was Prima.
"Good evening everyone. I am so glad you two are finally here and I wish you could stay longer," she said, smiling at Aiden.
"Would you like to freshen up before supper?" Pajo asked.
To which Aiden nodded.
"Yes, I would like that."
"Come with me," Prima gestures with her fingers.
Aiden smiled gratefully and followed her up the staircase.
The room was nice and comfortable. Aiden tidied himself before going down to supper.
Downstairs, Yim sauntered into the lounge and declared:
"Good evening Pajo. Why don't you ask me how I am? I like it when people ask me how I am."
"Yim," Pajo began, "would like a cocktail?"
"I do."
"Long time no see," White remarked without enthusiasm.
Yim turned and looked in his direction.
"I was not expecting to see you. Is May with you?"
"No, she is not. But I was expecting to see you."
"Really?"
Yim quired as Pajo gave him his cocktail and retired from the lounge.
"May told me you would be here."
"That's good because.....I want to talk to you."
"About what?"
"Nom."
"Nom?"
White's face glowed suspense.
"Yes, I have been thinking about him recently. He was with you when that terrible incident happened."
"Get to the point," White's tone was clipped and antsy.
"How exciting that you and Aiden are engaged, if I remembered correctly you and Nom were also engaged at some point."
Suddenly White was no longer tense nor was he fazed. Rather he became relaxed and gave Yim a carefree smile.
"I do not know what you are talking about."
Yim burst with laughter.
"I believe you know exactly what I am talking about."
"How much do you want?"
White asked with direct frankness.
"I want half?" Yim answered.
"Half? That's Ludacris!"
"Come down dear old friend. Or do you want an audience?"
"You cannot be serious?"
"Oh, I am quite serious. And if you give me what I ask, I will keep quiet about your future plans."
"I cannot give you half."
"Do not bargain with me. I want half and it's final."
White looked way frustrated.
"I will give you time to think about it because I know what the answer has to be."
"What if I refuse," White debated.
"Then I will sing like a canary and we shall see what becomes of your plans."
"All you have to do is deal diplomatically with your enemy. And for the moment I am your enemy, I admit it. And I am much stronger than you are."
"What you ask is impossible."
"You must make it possible or Aiden will know about what you did to Nom."
White acquiesced.
"Thank you. I knew we would come to an amicable agreement," Yim lifted his glass with a triumphant smile.
Aiden joined them soon after.
"Yim, good evening."
"Good evening Aiden."
"It has been a while since we last met, how are you?"
"I am very well thank you. White and I have been catching up and I have enjoyed our discussion immensely," Yim said as his eyes danced with glee.
While White's eyes were locked up with enmity.
"And congratulations to you both. May your life together be as beautiful as your love for each other."
"Thank you Yim."
"I will go now, but can I visit you?"
"Yes, of course you can," Aiden smiled with a boyish shyness.
"Good night Aiden," then turning to White, Yim finished his cocktail as their eyes battle secretively.
Finally he said: "You will be hearing from me soon."
Yim withdrew from the lounge.
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