Love Upon a Time: Special Edition.

Chapter 4 - Unwavering Love.

Having decided to transcend their sibling-like friendship and confess his love to Kaew, Jom knew, deep down, that their future would be fraught with obstacles. Countless, and the most formidable obstacle was his own family.

 

"Jom! Where are you going?!"

 

A hoarse, stern voice rang out, causing the person whose name was called, who was carrying a medicine pouch and about to descend from the house, to stop in his tracks. He turned and bowed his head to the person who was addressed. The father, with a calm expression, said, "My son will go and examine the patient."

 

"Hurry! Don't rush off to the house of Phra Sinthranurak, you flower!"

 

"Sir, the patient is one of the servants in the nobleman's household," he replied to his father, and was immediately met with a harsh reprimand.

 

"Jom! I've probably spoiled you too much in the past. Now you're so stubborn and refuse to listen to me! Do you really want me to discipline you, father, or son?!"

 

"Father, you will disown me just because I went to treat a sick person like that," the son retorted, a mixture of defiance and disappointment clearly visible in his eyes.

 

"The father I've known my whole life isn't that heartless, is he? I refuse to accept that."

 

"Jom!!!"

 

"Let the child go first!" Lady Pikul, his mother, quickly rushed to restrain his father's arm, her face still beautiful even in middle age. Then, she looked as if she was about to cry when she turned her face to look at him. Jom took a deep breath to control his emotions as his father slammed his walking stick down hard on the floor and spoke harshly.

 

"Hurry up and come back, don't dawdle!"

 

Jom didn't respond, merely bowing his head and walking down from the house. He could hear his father's reprimands drifting after him, yet the young physician still walked with his head held high. He walked proudly to the dock, ordered his servants to take the boat out towards the house of Phra Sinthranurak, which was not far from his own.

 

After reconciling, Jom spent the whole day at the house with his younger sibling, waiting for Phra Sinthranurak to return home. To formally inform Kaew's parents of their relationship, as Jom wanted to respect his lover and not hide it. They were secretly having an affair. Both the nobleman and Lady Chuen knew how Kaew felt about him. When he took their son to ask for their formal permission to date, the two elders knew everything. Therefore, they weren't very surprised. They inquired if he was sure he could handle what Jom had done. When Jom insisted that he would love, care for, and protect Kaew to the best of his ability, they smiled and wished them a happy life together.

 

"Uncle and Aunt, why did you... Grant permission so easily?" It was Jom who was surprised. He had originally thought there might be some resistance. He didn't expect it to go this smoothly.

 

The answer he received was surprisingly simple: "Because I see that Father Kaew is happy to love Jom. Now that he is receiving love in return, the Lady and I wouldn’t be cruel. How can I dissuade them? For parents, there's nothing I want to see more than my children's smiles."

 

"Thank you, Father and Mother," Kaew said, smiling through his tears, bowing down to kiss the feet of his parents as they moved to embrace their youngest son. The love of a parent is vaster than any ocean. Originally, the nobleman was not someone who cared about fame or title. It was a natural tendency; otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed Kaew to express his affection for men openly all along. Jom was greatly relieved that at least the first hurdle had been overcome. Moreover, now that the family had accepted Ai Phop and Ai Klao and were happily in love, Jom had a small hope that his parents would understand him as well.

 

Originally, Kaew wanted to go pay respects to his parents and be by his side as he told them the story, but Jom wanted to tell his parents alone first. This was for Kaew's mental safety in case Jom’s father lost his temper and acted out. And that's exactly what happened; the reality wasn't as beautiful as he had imagined. 

 

Throughout his life, Jom was hardly ever scolded by his parents, as the youngest son of the first wife, who was the most spoiled. They didn't even force him to enter government service. However, this became a serious offence when Jom revealed that he was deeply in love with Kaew and wanted to marry him; his father yelled loudly throughout the house.

 

"Have you gone mad!!! Or have some evil spirit possessed you? Speaking such nonsense, do you want your father to be furious and die?!"

 

"I am not insane, nor possessed by a spirit. I love someone. Please, allow me to be with him."

 

Slap!

"Don't even dream of it! If you dare marry a man into this household, then you'll never be able to call me father again!!" 

 

The servants were stunned to see the nobleman slap his youngest son, whom he cherished like the apple of his eye. Lady Pikul cried until she fainted. After that, the house has been cold for weeks. Jom had to endure his father's constant scolding and reprimands every day. His mother was so upset she almost fainted, hoping he would apologise to his father and promise to stop. The thought is: even though in the past my parents were very fond of Kaew, practically treating him like another son despite his unmanly behaviour, why did they refuse to accept that their relationship had crossed the line beyond that of siblings?

 

Or whatever other children may be like, it doesn't matter to his own child, but his own child must not like a man. The fact that Jom said he wanted to marry a man angered his father, and his mother was disappointed. Jom didn't dare tell Kaew about his father's violent reaction because he didn't want him to be stressed and blame himself. 

 

When he visited him the next day, he brought a cloth to cover him up. Jom, having been assaulted, pretended to have tripped and injured his face, unaware that news had spread that he and his father had a physical altercation. Kaew then pressured Jom to confess that he had been assaulted. Several days later, Jom overheard the nobles who had visited the hospital saying that his father had been acting inexplicably, feeling dizzy and confused, with Phra Sinthranurak.

 

Jom was worried that Kaew might hear the news and be even more upset. Coincidentally, a servant from the nobleman's house came for help today because one of the elderly servants was ill. Jom therefore decided to use this opportunity to talk to and comfort his lover. Look at this! Just hearing that he was going to Kaew’s house made him furious, his face turning red. 

 

More than a week has passed, and there's no sign of his father softening his heart. The young physician sighed heavily, his sharp eyes filled with tension as he gazed at the residence of Phra Sinthranurak, which was not far away. He understood his friend Ai Phop’s feelings perfectly. It was no wonder Ai Phop didn't care about others’ opinions, because those obstacles seemed insignificant compared to the opposition from his family.

 

"Oh, Master Jom."

 

Upon approaching the pier at Khun Phra's house, Jom met Khunying Chuen there. The young physician quickly bowed respectfully to his future mother-in-law.

 

"I respectfully greet you, Auntie. I'm going to make merit at the temple."

 

"Yes," Lady Chuen, who was waiting for the servants to finish loading the offerings onto the boat, replied, then asked affectionately, 

 

"And this is the Crown Prince?"

Is this what Nang Am is like?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"Thank you very much, Dad. Please ask Master Jom to prepare the medicine for him. As for the money, I've entrusted it to my younger sibling. Tell master Kaew how much the medicine costs; this time, we have to charge the full price for the braces."

 

"It's true, don't treat it carelessly like every time. Do you understand?"

 

Khunying Chuen didn't fail to give another instruction as Jom stepped off the boat. The herbalist nodded but refused to give a verbal promise. Normally, unless it were expensive medicine, Jom would give. Treatment is usually free anyway; it's considered an act of helping fellow human beings.

 

Seeing Lady Chuenri looking at him knowingly and about to speak up to stop him, the tall man quickly interrupted, "I must excuse myself to attend to the patient, Your Highness."

 

"Wait! Master Jom!"

 

However, it would be impolite to walk away when an adult held him back. Jom turned back, preparing to listen to the instructions, but then stopped short when he heard something unexpected.

 

"Things might be a little difficult right now, if not. If you have any concerns, please let me know. Regarding Jom and Kaew, although Aunt and Lord Chak understand, as for others..." 

 

Although she didn't specify names, Jom knew his lover's mother was referring to his family. Lady Chuen stared at the red mark on his face, a result of the father still showing faint traces of clear concern and pity.

 

"Well, if you have anything troubling you and need advice, Uncle and the Venerable Monk are always ready to listen, Jom and Kaew." 

 

Jom bowed his head, noticing that his voice sounded hoarser than usual. "Thank you, sir."

Sometimes the young herbalist wondered why his parents wouldn't be more open-minded and listen to his reasons. But he didn't give up. He avoided running away from the truth long enough. This time, he'll be honest with his feelings. Someday, his sincerity towards Kaew might win over their parents' hearts, just as Ai Phop and Aik Klao did. However, if they insist on not accepting, Jom has already devised an escape plan. He will absolutely not let go of Kaew.

 

"Well then, I won't hold you back anymore. Go and check on the patient. And you must collect the money, okay? I'll come back and ask your sister. If you don't collect the money today, I will forbid you from doing so."

 

"I hope I can find my sibling."

 

"Uncle!" The young herbalist's eyes widened, and he spoke in a complaining tone. However, the elder paid no attention. Once on board, he ordered the servants to set sail. Jom, too, had no time to hesitate and hurried to the servants' quarters immediately.

 

"Brother Jom! Please check on Aunt Am's condition quickly!" Kaew, who today was wearing a long-sleeved blouse and a flour-stained skirt, looking less neat than usual, said, in an anxious voice. This old servant had raised his beloved since he was a child, so it's no wonder he cared for her especially.

 

"Let me take a look."

 

Jom went to examine the elderly servant who was suffering from fever, chills, and diarrhoea. He eventually concluded it was diarrhoea and prescribed herbal medicine for his daughter. The patient's medicine was boiled, and the patient was instructed to drink it at the prescribed time. The servant would return the following day to check the patient's condition again. Having finished, he walked out of the servant's quarters with Kaew following closely behind.

 

"How much does the medicine cost?"

 

"...You don't have to pay. Just tell Auntie that you've paid, and that's it. Otherwise, Auntie won't let me see you," Jom said curtly, wrapping his arm around his slender waist and pulling him closer.

 

"That outfit, with its white dust-covered sarong, must have just come out of the kitchen. So, what are you making for me to eat today?"

 

"Don't change the subject, P'!" Kaew tried to pull away, insisting on paying for the medical treatment. Jom then pulled the small boy to a secluded corner and silenced him with his lips, leaving Kaew weak and unable to argue further.

 

"That's right. Don't tell your mother that I didn't accept the money," Kaew mumbled, leaning against his strong chest, his face flushed.

 

"I'm speechless, brother. But..." The smaller figure looked up at the red mark on his lover's right cheek. When he first saw this slap mark, Kaew burst into tears.

 

"Come on, 'And your face...is it still hurting?'"

He gently stroked his lover's hair. "It doesn't hurt anymore. You don't have to worry."

 

The small figure stood silently, letting him stroke his hair and cheek. His round eyes seemed to be deep in thought. Soon, Kaew tugged at his shirt and spoke in a serious tone.

 

"Brother Jom, please let me go see your parents. If I beg for their mercy, they might take pity on me. I... I don't want you to fight alone."

 

"Like this, I feel truly useless."

 

"Not at all. You're not useless," the older one quickly reassured before the younger one could misunderstand, pulling him into a hug and burying his face in his narrow shoulder. But now is not the right time. Father is still angry with me. If he sees you, it might only add fuel to the fire. Let's wait until he calms down a bit. I don't want him to say unkind things to you.

 

"I don't want to see you cry."

 

The figure in his embrace trembled slightly. Deep down, Kaew was probably terrified of realising that the adults who had once doted on him had turned against him. It was his duty to protect the feelings of a lover, fulfilling a promise made to the nobleman and lady-in-waiting, Chuen.

 

"Alright then. Wait until he calms down, and then I will... I will go and apologise..."

 

"You did nothing wrong; you don't need to apologise. You're only going to see your parents because your brother is taking you to introduce yourself," Jom insisted firmly.

 

Nevertheless, deep down, he couldn't help but worry. His father valued his reputation above all else. How could he possibly find a way to present Kaew to his father like this? Whether they would be life partners or not, Jom could not guess.

 

"Don't worry, I have a plan. Just wait a little longer," the young herbalist reassured his lover. It wasn't that he didn't have a backup plan, in case his father refused to accept Kaew into the household. As his life partner, Jom would find other ways to win his heart.

 

"Okay," Kaew nodded, trusting his lover. Jom, being clever, would surely find a way to solve the problem.

 

"Brother Jom, the other day, my father said that if you're ever kicked out of the house, you can stay at our place. You can stay with me. If I can't marry into your family, you can come into my house," Kaew suggested after much deliberation.

 

"That's the colour," the older one chuckled softly, leaning in to kiss the other's cheek affectionately. "But give me a little more time. I want to try my own method."

 

Three weeks had passed, yet Phraya Sukhokosol's anger showed no sign of subsiding; in fact, it had intensified. The chief had given an ultimatum. He said that if Jom didn't break up with Kaew by the end of this month, he would be disowned, kicked out of the house, and wouldn't be given any of the property.

 

The young herbalist had already anticipated this worst-case scenario, knowing his father's stubbornness. It would be difficult to change his mind, so he had prepared beforehand. When he told Kaew that he had a plan, he wasn't lying. He planned that if his father didn't allow him to marry Kaew, he would separate from his father and build his own house, and that would be the end of it. In truth, marrying into the Kaew family wasn't a bad option at all. However, Jom wanted to prove he could be the head of the family, caring for Phra Sinthranurak's son without relying on either parent's influence. Therefore, he had been looking for a small house on the outskirts of Ayutthaya island beforehand. Jom had considerable personal wealth and also worked as a herbalist. Even if disowned, he could still support himself and Kaew, though perhaps not wealthily.

 

Seeing that his father was unlikely to relent, Jom began putting his plan into action, negotiating to buy the house from a nobleman who was about to be transferred to a political post. As soon as the preparations were complete, Jom hurried to inform Kaew of the news.

 

"What's wrong, Jom? You look so radiant," Kaew greeted his lover, who had visited him after work today, his face brighter than usual. Jom reached out and held Kaew's hand, then explained everything to Kaew, who was astonished.

 

"Brother...are you sure?"

 

"Yes, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable living in my house. It's not that I don't want to marry into your family, but I think it might be better if we lived together as a couple so that the family wouldn't be subjected to gossip." Jom sighed heavily. He couldn't change his father's mind anytime soon, and since his father valued his reputation more than anything, it was probably best if he and Kaew lived separately.

 

"I've already negotiated to buy a small house not far from Wat Phra Nang Choeng. If you agree, I will buy it and ask your parents for permission."

 

"I'm moving you in with me."

 

".."

 

"Kaew, would you like to move in with me? If you agree, I will ask your parents to help arrange the engagement ceremony."

 

"No...it doesn't have to be that formal!" Kaew said, his voice trembling with shock and disbelief. "I just want to be with you, that's all. It doesn't have to go as far as a traditional engagement. It's enough for us just to be together."

 

"But I want to honour you," Jom insisted, holding his hand tightly and gazing deeply into his trembling, large eyes with unwavering determination. "We may not be able to have a grand, extravagant ceremony, but at least we can have a ceremony where your parents can offer their blessings."

 

Kaew sat silently, speechless, yet his face and eyes clearly showed his gratitude. The small figure hugged him around the neck, uttering words of thanks mixed with soft sobs. I gently guided my lover, then led him upstairs to inform his parents of our intentions. The nobleman and Lady Chuen did not object; in fact, they volunteered to consult their respected monk to determine the auspicious date. Meanwhile, Jom gradually moved his personal belongings to the New house. On public holidays when families were together, the young herbalist approached his parents, who had just finished their lunch.

 

"Mom and Dad, please..."

 

"I don't want to hear your nonsensical words!" Phraya Sukkosol interrupted angrily. "Unless it's to announce that I'm severing ties with the son of Phraya Sinthranu."

 

"If you've already taken care of me, then don't talk to me anymore!!" 

 

Jom continued in a calm voice, "I have come to bid farewell to my parents."

 

"A farewell ?" Lady Pikul's eyes widened, her face turning pale. "Where is my child going?"

 

"I will be moving out to live elsewhere with Kaew. A nobleman had to be transferred to another city for duty, so he put his house up for sale, and I bought it," Jom said. He then knelt and bowed before his parents, saying, "Thank you for giving birth to me and raising me for over twenty years."

 

"You will disown your parents for doing this!!" Phraya Sukhokosol roared, leaping up to attack, causing his wives and children to restrain him.

 

He lifted his head high. "I never wanted to cut ties with you, Mom and Dad. However, if that is your wish, I will accept. May you both be healthy."

 

"Yes, I will."

 

"Master Jom!"

 

"Let him go, Lady! We've never had such an ungrateful son!!" Phraya Sukhokosol snarled after Jom, hearing his father's reprimands and his mother's sobs. His heart ached, but Jom didn't change his mind. At least he still had Karw’s family, who love, cherish, and support their love.

 

Jom moved to a new house while waiting for the wedding date in three months, without any servants, except for Ai Chan, his trusted servant. Those under his father's command regularly visited and served him, including Ai Phop, who came to offer encouragement. These days, Ai Phop is engrossed in investigating an opium trafficking case, so they don't have much time to see each other. But he still came to congratulate him and Kaew, and even said...

 

"When he refuses, it takes forever. When he does accept, he's so stubborn and defiant towards his parents. I really can't figure out his mood," Jom chuckled to himself. Perhaps this was because his greatest fear was losing Kaew, so he fought for him in every way he could.  His father never came to see Jom, as if Jom didn't exist. Even though his mother cared, she could only secretly send food, snacks, and a small amount of money through his servants. Jom accepted only the food and snacks but refused a single penny. 

 

Kaew visited this house occasionally, but mostly Jom went to his house to keep an eye on the elders. After all, they weren't married yet. Jom himself adhered to tradition to some extent, thinking that if Kaew lived with him alone, his parents might not be pleased. Therefore, he spent every weekend at Khun Phra Sinthranurak's house, then rowed back home at night.

 

Another month passed, and Jom received news that Ai Phop had been promoted to the rank of Khun for his role in closing a major drug-trafficking case. Furthermore, he is also planning a grand wedding with Klao, and the most surprising thing is that his father has given his approval! Both of Klao's parents had passed away. Although he had relatives, they didn't seem to get along well. Therefore, Phraya Phichai Phakdi took Klao to meet his parents and proposed that they serve as elders in the ceremony. When Jom learned from Ai Chan that a high-ranking official from the Department of the Metropolitan Police had requested a visit to their home, he guessed that his father wouldn't dare refuse.

 

However, it is impossible to know what they truly think in their hearts. Being angry at your own child for wanting to marry a man, only to have to attend a marriage between two men, must be an incredibly ironic joke for a father. When Jom heard the news, he didn't pay much attention to it for long. He didn't expect that, a few days later, he would welcome his parents, who came to visit him at his house. Worse still, it happened to be at the same time he was having breakfast with Kaew, who had brought food that day.

 

"You... I think you should stay in your room. Wait until my parents come back before you come out," Jom told Kaew anxiously when Ai Jom ran in with the news. It seems he's trying to hide him in a room because he's afraid his lover will get angry and lash out. But Kaew stopped his hand, shaking his head in refusal. 

 

"No, I will stay with you, whatever happens. I will fight alongside you!" That sentence warmed the young doctor's heart. How could he have forgotten how brave Kaew was? So courageous, he stood with his hand and waited for his parents to come together on the veranda.

 

As expected, when Phraya Sukkosol and Khunying Pikul saw Kaew, they froze. The atmosphere suddenly grew chilling, even though no cold wind was blowing. Yet, the Jom held Kaew’s with a neutral expression until his parents sat down.

 

"I...I respectfully greet you, Uncle and Aunt," Kaew said, raising his hands in a respectful gesture to the elders with nervousness. Phraya Sukkosol returned the greeting without looking at him, while Khunying Pikul returned the greeting and smiled. That alone greatly relieved Kaew.

 

"What is the matter, sir?" The young herbalist initiated the conversation, admitting he was quite surprised that his father had accepted Kaew's offering. He expected to be scolded or reprimanded. Phraya Sukhokosol let out a heavy sigh, not answering the question but instead sweeping his gaze around the area and commenting on the condition of the house, "So old and dilapidated, it's a runaway house."

 

"My dear son," Lady Pikul said with a weary expression. The house Jom bought is small because the original owner's family consisted of four people, plus servants, for a total of less than ten, so they didn't build a large house. It was clean and tidy then. What his father said was more about putting on airs than anything else. The man gritted his teeth and said in a stern voice, "So what exactly is the matter, sir?"

 

"Master Jom...please come home, my son," Lady Pikul said on his behalf, her voice pleading. Without hesitation, Jom refused, "I have made my decision, Mother. I will marry Kaew here, so that we will not bring shame to your reputation by marrying a man into the family."

 

When her son insisted, the mother's face fell slightly, and she glanced at her husband, who sat stiffly. She saw him clench his jaw and remain silent for a long time. Unable to decipher his emotions, he looked towards Kaew, who was holding, trembling slightly. If Mom and Dad shift their focus to pressuring Kaew instead, Jom will protect him to the very end.

 

"Jom," Phraya Sukhokosol called out to his youngest son, who was more spoiled than any of his older brothers, before saying in a seemingly resigned tone, "Go back home. I will not be forbidden."

 

"Sir?" Jom's eyes widened, as did those of Kaew, who sat frozen as if his soul had left his body. They had expected a heavy fine, but this was it. Jom was half-believing, half-doubting, wondering if something had happened while the people from the house were here. What exactly happened that made my father change his attitude?

 

"Phraya Phichai Bhakdi came to see my father at home not long ago," the father said, frowning. "That man is so talkative. You probably already know that I've been invited to be a senior figure at the wedding of Khun Phop and...Klao. Afterwards, the father spoke with Phraya about many things and realised he should not pressure his children too much. If the ultimate goal of parents is to see their children happy."

 

"Yes," Lady Pikul smiled faintly, glancing at her son and the person sitting beside her. However, Kaew was a child whom she and her husband had known since he was a baby, and they had also had a long-standing friendship with Phra Sinthranurak and Khunying Chuen. Since the other family accepted it for their child's happiness, she and her husband should accept it as well; it's better than cutting off all ties with their own flesh and blood.

 

"Kaew, Uncle and Aunt have never disliked you. You are a very good child. It's just...it's a little beyond our expectations," the lady concluded. She hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath. "But if you two truly want to be together, Uncle and Aunt won't stop you. Jom already has a house, so let Kaew move in with him. Besides, we've heard there's going to be an engagement ceremony soon, and Uncle and Aunt will attend as well."

 

"Thank you," Kaew said, bowing respectfully with tears welling up in his eyes. He was overjoyed that his lover's mother had finally accepted him. Jom, meanwhile, still couldn't quite believe his ears, but felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

 

"Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your kindness," Jom bowed to his parents before taking Kaew's hand again and saying in a clear voice, "But I will not move."

 

"I beg your permission to stay here, Mom and Dad. I want to build my own foundation as the head of the family, as a man. Please, Mom and Dad, understand."

 

Phraya Sukhokosol had a serious expression. Khunying Pikul sighed. The couple discussed the matter for a while until the father finally spoke.

 

"As you wish. There's nothing wrong with supporting yourself."

 

"Thank you," Jom smiled brightly, a truly joyful smile for the first time since his conflict with his parents. This caused Lady Pikul's eyes to well up with tears, and Jom continued chatting with his parents for a while longer before they left. Tomorrow, he would have to travel with his father to Phra Sinthranurak's residence. As his mother was about to have a formal discussion with the Kaew family, Jom's heart was now filled with happiness, replacing the discomfort of the past several months. Jom pulled Kaew, who had joined him in seeing his parents off at the pier, into a tight embrace. He bent down and inhaled the sweet scent from his cheek, making Kaew's eyes widen.

 

"Brother Jom! This is the pier!"

 

"Are you shy? Then let's go inside the house," the young man laughed heartily and led Kaew back up to the house together. Although embarrassed, the smaller boy followed along.

 

"Finally, we're accepted. We can be together openly now," Jom said, burying his face in the crook of his neck as he hugged his lover. Kaew hugged him back and stroked his back reassuringly. He knew how stressed Jom had been, even though he didn't often show it. But being angry with his parents...This is not something a child can ignore.

 

"You're amazing, I'm so proud of you. I love you the most."

 

"I love you too," he tightened his embrace and pulled his face away, his gaze sweeping over the beautiful face of the one who held his heart. When the storm had passed, it would be time to celebrate.

 

"I can't wait for our wedding day. Since it's just the two of us now, why don't we go to our bedroom?" the tall man teased, leaning closer. Snatch the sweetness from the full lips before him. Kaew's face flushed red. He quickly turned away, shaking his head vigorously. "No!"

 

"I've studied it, I can do it without causing pain."

 

"That's not the point at all! I'm not going to consummate the marriage before the wedding!"

 

"Once you try it, you'll be hooked. Trust me."

 

"P'Jom!" Kaew exclaimed, blushing with embarrassment, then burst into laughter when the other man leaned in and showered his cheeks with kisses, playfully teasing him. Soft laughter drifted on the breeze. The sorrow was over, and the path ahead held the happiness they longed for, which had finally arrived.