Aiden could not sleep that night after opening up all the gifts and presents that Han had sent him.
He tossed and turned, got out of bed and went to the bathroom to take melatonin before going back to bed.
The night had been long and White kept sending texts to his phone but Aiden barely had the desire nor the energy to send a reply.
As his texts went unanswered, White called Aiden.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I am fine."
"I thought something was wrong because you were not answering my texts."
"I am trying to sleep," Aiden simply said.
"How are your parents? Are they fine?"
"Yes, they are fine. It's a pity you couldn't be here to meet them."
"I can always see them another time."
Turning onto his left side Aiden asked: "When are you coming back?"
"Very soon," White answered. "I am sure you are happy your parents came to visit."
"Yes, I am over the moon and I can't wait for the fun things we will be doing together."
"Hope you all have a jolly time."
After the call ended Aiden lay thinking while looking up at the ceiling.
It seems he was going to have a wakeful night.
And maybe that was a good thing because it afforded him the chance to really think about his future.
One always thought clearly in the dead of night.
When morning came Aiden was on his phone making arrangements for fun things he could do with his parents.
And when he placed his phone down, he reread the note from Han again before hiding it behind a painting hanging on the wall.
As Aiden turned away from the portrait that was hiding his secret, he suddenly felt guilty.
Then he quickly reminded himself to let go and stop all this fussing over Han.
Aiden pushed aside the desire to see Han and rather dwelt on spending time with his parents while awaiting White's arrival.
He went to the kitchen to make himself tea.
Aiden was sipping his tea amidst a whirlpool of day dreams when his mother called.
"I just thought we should visit the Monsoon valley vineyard today," his mother suggested.
"We can do that as well. It's one of the largest vineyards in the country."
"We could explore the vineyards and then have lunch at a great restaurant afterwards," his mother added.
Aiden and his parents left for the vineyard at 10 O'clock.
And as Aiden drove them there, they talked about anything and everything including what Aiden intended to do with himself in the months to come.
Arriving at the venue was like opening up to new experiences and emotions. The entire landscape before them seemed to be covered with vineyards.
Together with other visitors they were welcomed with heartwarming pleasure.
First on the agenda was the wine tasting.
"Three varieties of grapes are grown in different regions of the vineyard," the tour guide told them.
"The white wines can be made from dark skinned grapes only if they are pressed gently."
"This is followed by blending the wine bases into a well balanced cuvee which bottled and allowed to re-ferment."
"This takes place after the harvest and the testers have the important job of all by choosing the non vintage blends."
Tiny measures of different wines were poured into glasses for them to taste as they were told about the unique features of each wine.
They all took sips to see how each wine fared on the taste buds.
Aiden found the wines noble, creamy and deep flavored essence of sophistication.
After the tasting was over they all set out to the vineyards for exploration. With the guide informing that rainwater was used to keep the grapevine growing.
Was late afternoon when they left the vineyards behind and had an early supper instead at Antantasila instead.
Antantasila was a contemporary restaurant that served both Thai and international dishes and also had beautiful views of the Tabiab mountains.
In the evenings the restaurant transforms into a romantic candlelit setting whereby it's patrons can experience a relaxed yet elegant seaside dining.
The food served combined both European and Asian flavours to create unique masterpieces.
Their table was on the beach overlooking the sea.
"The food is really good," Aiden's father remarks.
"Yes, dear. Perhaps we should dine here again before we go back to the capital."
Looking at his mother Aiden asked.
"How is Mrs Nanno?"
"Oh.... Don't speak of her! She has been absolutely vile."
His mother's expression became ill feeling and vicious.
"In what way?"
"I never trusted her, thank God. I have good instincts about people. She said the most disgusting things to Sari about me."
"I knew she was jealous of me, but for her to outright assassinate my character was just too much for me. She is a silly fool."
Aiden decided to change the subject.
Cutting into his steak he announced.
"Mother, father.... I have something rather important to tell you. White wants us to get married."
"What?"
Was their Incredulous response.
"Nothing is finalized but I am thinking about it," Aiden hoped this explanation would soften his parents.
"But ... I never visualized you marrying anyone except Han," his mother murmured.
"But why can't I marry White?"
"You are not old enough and especially not to White."
"But I am twenty four."
"So what if you are twenty four, it's just wrong," his mother said as she threw her napkin at him.
Aiden turned to his father for support.
"Well father, what do you think?"
"I don't know what to think since you just dumped this news onto us."
Aiden's mother slammed her palm on the table.
"Enough! Let's talk about something else or let's enjoy our meal in silence."
They ate their in silence.
Following the directions that his parents gave Aiden drove down a leafy lane before turning the car to a well kept drive nicely screened by shrubs and trees to a fair-sized villa.
The paint work was pristine as the windows sparkled in the evening lights.
As they got out of the car the front door opened and Han came out. Wearing a long-sleeved rugby shirt tucked into black velvet trousers with black velvet loafers.
Aiden was astonished to see him because he did not think his parents would be actually living with him.
Han marched up to them and asked how their day went.
"It was marvelous," Aiden's mother twinkled.
"I am glad you all had a wonderful time," Han said as he moved closer to Aiden as they all went into the house together.
Once inside Aiden's parents went up to their room to relax while Aiden found the sitting room comfortable furnished with armchairs, sofas and nice artworks.
Han invited Aiden to take a seat and made him a drink.
Aiden settled into one of the armchairs.
"I didn't know my parents were living with you," Aiden began.
"It must have been a big revelation," there was amusement in Han's voice.
"I did not also know you owned a house in Hua Hin," Aiden went on.
Han sat back comfortably.
"You never asked and I never said I did," he answered Aiden's query with interest.
"There was no need to ask."
"You must know I would have told you eventually."
Aiden was momentarily surprised the pleasure in his remark.
"Are you planning on staying for a while?" Aiden inquired boldly.
"That entire depends on you."
This statement from Han sent shooting sparks of flames through his veins.
Aiden forced his eyes away from Han and focused them on the lovely artworks.
"Did you read the note?"
"No, I did not," Aiden lied as he struggled not to tremble.
"You know I am awfully in love with you," Han declared carelessly.
"I do not want to hear that from you," Aiden lied again.
"I want to kiss you right now," Han carried on undeterred.
"I will take my leave now," Aiden stood up from his seat.
"I have made up my mind to leave the country," Han announced imperiously.
Aiden paused but did not turned around.
Rather he asked: "Why are you leaving?"
"Because there is nothing for me here."
"Do not make decisions in haste," Aiden advised as a tidal wave of sensation eclipsed his chest.
Han moved closer until he just inches behind Aiden.
"Your world would be easier if I wasn't in it."
Aiden finally turned around and looked into Han's eyes.
"That's true...but it wouldn't be my world without you in it "
"Do not go back to him," Han whispered passionately.
Aiden felt his knee weakening.
"It isn't that simple Han," Aiden's voice cracked with emotion.
Yes, it's that simple. All you have to do is tell me you love."
"I know you won't understand but White loves me and I ....think you should find someone else who will love you."
"I already have and that person is looking into my eyes right now......"
Few days after his parents had left, Aiden was surprised when he opened the front door and found Yim on the doorstep.
"Hello there. I was in the neighborhood and I thought I would drop in and say hello."
"That's very thoughtful of you. Come in."
"Is White in?" Yim asked.
"No, he is not back from the capital.'"
"He is not here?" Yim sounded surprised.
"No, he is not."
"I thought I saw someone that looked like him only yesterday at the Cape Nidhra hotel?"
"Really?"
"Maybe it's just my presumption. It's been nice seeing you though."
As Yim turned to leave Aiden stopped him with an invitation.
"I am about to have lunch, please join me if you can."
Yim smiled.
"It would be my pleasure."
Yim followed Aiden to the dining room.
Lunch commenced with spring rolls stuffed with vegetables, chicken and beef that was served with a special plum sauce.
Followed by a green pawpaw salad with Thai spices, in addition was stir fried rice with prawns and noodles
"It's been a while since we last saw you," Aiden said.
"It has," Yim said with a nod as he enjoyed his food.
"At the present I am fixed here. My current address is the Antantasila Beach resort."
"My parents and I had dinner there only a few days ago," Aiden quickly added.
"How is White when he is with you?" Yim inquired.
"He has been very good to me and he adores me. I am lucky to have him."
"Well I hope your relationship remains as you have described it."
"Is there a reason why it wouldn't be?" Aiden spoke with a curious wonder.
"White will let you down..... eventually."
"What are you trying to say, I don't quite understand you," Aiden put down his spoon and reached for his water glass.
"Oh would you look at the time. I must fly out here."
"Really," Aiden set his glass down and stood up as well.
"Yes, I must leave."
As Aiden accompanied Yim to the front door, he reassured him.
"I will let White know you came looking for him."
"I would be most grateful."
"I am planning a party when White returns and I will send you an invitation once the date is fixed."
"I will look forward to it then," Yim replied with interest.
Aiden smiled.
"Did White tell you about Nom?"
"Nom? No he hasn't."
"Very interesting."
"Who is that?"
"Nom was in a relationship with White just months prior to your relationship with him."
Aiden's bewilderment was evident as he looked away for a moment to compose himself.
"I have really put my foot in it. I am very sorry," Yim quickly apologized.
"It's a perfectly logical mistake to make," Aiden managed a little smile.
"I am really sorry. I will take my leave now. Goodbye."
"Yim," Aiden called to him.
Yim turned.
"What happened between White and Nom?"
"Nom drowned on a boating trip with White and soon after he got into a relationship with you."
Aiden digested this harrowing revelation carefully before saying: "I will let White know that you passed by."
Yim opened the door.
"Thanks for the lunch, hopefully we will all meet again."
Aiden smiled in response before watching Yim close the door behind him.
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