South; Beside the Sky. 

Chapter 34. At the edge of the limit.

 

After our trip to Japan ended, I felt very sad. I loved the trip: the places, the people, the atmosphere, and especially the company. This trip not only allowed us to spend more time together, but also created so many wonderful memories. Although sad, Phi Fah promised to take me to many more places.

 

When we returned, it looked like it was snowing. We celebrated New Year's Eve with my aunt and uncle. I was happy to be with them; the celebration was warm and simple. This New Year's Eve, I didn't start it alone, as I had in previous years. Two days after the New Year's celebrations, classes began. I decided to drop out of university to change my major. I had been planning it for a long time, but I hadn't found the right time. Now, with the start of the new semester, the time had come. The person most disappointed by this news was Ter, but he understood, even if he complained a little.

 

Studying for the entrance exam for a new degree reminds me of when I was preparing for medical school. I was never good at it, and learning and memorising everything was incredibly difficult, especially since it wasn't my dream. It was torture. However, studying photography now motivates me immensely. The thought of being surrounded by friends who love photography excites me. We'll definitely talk about cameras and go out to take photos together. Even thinking about it is fun.

 

My exam is in two months. I've reviewed all the material, and now all I have to do is practice questions from previous exams. Every time I practice, I get good results. If I have any problems, Phi Fah always helps me.

 

After I returned from Japan, Phi Fah asked me to move into his apartment. Without waiting for my response, he moved my things there. Now his room is full of mine, too. I left the plants I planted on the dorm roof with the dorm caretaker, though I did take some out onto the apartment building's balcony. In the corner of the room, Phi Fah installed a new shelf for my camera, which made me very happy. Another thing that made me happy was that people started contacting me to take photos of me. I posted some of my photos on a page I created and asked everyone, including Phi Hill, Phi Jo, and Phi Fah, to share them. The page started to gain a lot of followers. I talked to Phi Fah about taking a job as a photographer after my exams. A clothing store has now contacted me to take promotional photos. It's a good start.

 

"Why are you smiling so much?" Phi Fah asked in a familiar voice from behind me. He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. When I turned around, I saw him wearing a student uniform.

 

"I only think about photography."

"Has anyone else contacted you?"

 

"No," I shook my head. "I was just thinking about the clothing store that contacted me yesterday. I was so excited to take those photos."

 

"Good," Phi Fah said with a warm smile. "I have to get to class."

 

"Yes, study hard. Be careful when driving," I said with a smile. But he looked uncomfortable, which confused me. "What's wrong?"

 

"I don't want you to be alone."

 

"Oh, don't worry," I replied. "I don't have any classes, so I won't stay in my room. I'll go out and study."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"I'll study at the bar. That way, later, when we go out to eat, you won't have to come back to get me."

 

"Okay," he replied. I quickly got up, packed my things in my backpack, put on a T-shirt and jeans, and left with Phi Fah. I'd originally planned to go to Phi Gip's bar, but it was packed. I didn't understand why, so I went to a nearby bar.

 

"It looks like North and Ter finished class before you. We can meet here."

 

"Okay," I nodded before opening the car door, but Phi Fah pulled me toward him. I was surprised, and he turned me around to give me a gentle kiss on the lips. I opened my eyes in surprise and felt the softness of his lips before he pulled away.

 

"Oh, hey," I was confused and embarrassed. I bit my lip, still feeling the marks of his kiss. My heart started pounding, and I had to blush. Phi Fah seemed to be enjoying seeing me shocked and nervous.

 

"Study well. If you need anything, call me."

 

"Okay," I nodded quickly and got out of the car. I watched the white car drive away before entering the bar, which wasn't too crowded. I ordered a drink and found a seat. Then, I pulled out my books and study materials. As I prepared to study, I thought about North and Ter. I took out my phone and opened their chat.

 

Typhoon: I'm here.

Typhoon: send photos

Typhoon: The Blue Cafe behind the university. Come right away. I'm lonely.

Pasqua: Okay, but I don't know what time the professor will finish.

Easter: Are you alone? Mmm!

Typhoon: Are you still angry?

Typhoon: I'm sorry.

Pasqua: Enough, I don't want to talk anymore.

Easter: I go to class first.

Easter: If you want to study, study well; otherwise, you'll drop out.

Typhoon: Ready!

Typhoon: Good lesson.

Easter: Sending Stickers

 

I closed the chat with Ter and opened the one with North.

 

Typhoon: I'm here.

Typhoon: send photos

Typhoon: Blue Café near the university. Come quickly, I'm alone.

North: No, I'm not coming.

Typhoon: Please come. Here..?

Nord: Okay.

North: I finished in an hour.

North: If I come, I want a green tea smoothie.

Typhoon: Okay.

 

After that, I put the phone away and focused on studying. Suddenly, I received a call from Aunt Prae. I smiled slightly because we hadn't spoken in a long time.

 

“Hi,” I replied quickly.

 

Hi, are you busy?

 

"No, what's wrong, Aunt?"

 

Are you close to the university?

 

"YES?"

 

I came to see you. I'm already here. Can we meet? Where are you?

 

"I'm at the Blue Cafe behind the university."

 

Ok, I'll be there.

 

"Okay." I hung up. I didn't know what was wrong, but from the tone of her voice, I could tell something was bothering her. Shortly afterwards, a small figure dressed in white entered the bar and sat down across from me. Her face revealed she was going through a difficult time.

 

"What's wrong, Aunt Prae?" I wanted to ask, but I didn't know how. Aunt Prae's face looked very sick, pale, and her eyes were puffy as if she'd been crying for a long time. "Tell me, how's Aunt Prae? Are you okay?" Aunt Prae shook her head, smiled faintly, then waved the waiter off, indicating she wouldn't be ordering anything. "Sorry to come so suddenly."

 

"Everything's fine. What's wrong?"

 

"It's just." She pursed her lips and began to sob. She was trying to hold back the tears, so I quickly handed her a tissue, concerned. "It's just.

 

I'm really stressed about New Year's Eve."

 

"What's wrong? Tell me."

 

"Rit..."

 

"Yes, he wouldn't stop bothering our son and me. On New Year's Eve, he kept calling, asking where we were. He said he was coming to pick up the child. When I didn't answer, he threatened to come get us."

 

I frowned when I saw her trying to hold back tears. She looked so tired that it made me sad, too. "Don't you want a divorce?"

 

"I asked for a divorce, but he won't accept it. We have to go to court," she said in a trembling voice, wiping away tears. "Maybe he'll get custody."

 

"Why?"

 

"I guess because of my financial ability to care for the children."

 

"I understand," I nodded, understanding. My father had a very stable job; he held a high position and would soon start his own company. I gently held her hand to comfort her. I couldn't do anything to help her.

 

"I don't want Fai to live with him," she said through tears. "It's scary, very scary."

 

"Who said this?"

 

"He said he'd always find us, that he wouldn't lose our son forever. He said he'd bring us back to him, that it wouldn't be hard at all. Why? Why can't he stop chasing us? Why is he still chasing us?"

 

Why is my father so cruel to Aunt Prae? The question kept running through my head as I tried to comfort her. When they were together, my father never seemed to care about Aunt Prae's feelings. He secretly had another woman. When Aunt Prae wanted to separate and start a new life with her daughter, my father refused to let her.

What does this man really want? How long will he continue to ruin other people's lives?

 

"Are you feeling better, Aunt?" I asked, concerned when I saw she'd stopped crying. Aunt Prae forced a smile.

 

"Thanks. I think I'm just exhausted," she said with a long sigh. "Sorry to bother you."

 

“Okay,” I shook my head slightly.

 

"I just wanted someone to listen to me, but no one understood. My family just told me to go back to Rit, without realising how much it had hurt me."

 

“I will always listen to you,” I said.

 

"Thank you. How can you be so kind?" Aunt Prae smiled and gently stroked my head.

 

"Are you OK?"

 

"Yes, I'm fine. And Fai?"

 

"She's so mean," Aunt Prae said with a tired smile. "Being a single mother is more tiring than I thought."

 

"You can do this, Aunt Prae. Fai will be powerful too when she grows up."

"I wish Fai were as good as you. I wish she were like you."

 

"Thank you," I replied shyly. Then we talked about our lives, since we hadn't seen each other in a long time. Although we chatted occasionally, it was rare. She told me she had moved back here. Originally from Chiang Mai, she now lives with her mother, who cares for Fai while Aunt Prae works. She invited me to visit them if I had time. She also asked me about my studies, and I told her the truth, including my photography work.

 

"So, Rit? How is she?" Aunt Prae asked uneasily.

 

"I haven't spoken to Dad in a long time, but I still communicate with Uncle Kong. He's the one who sent me the money."

 

"Oh, do you think you could talk to Rit about me? I just want to try everything to see if anything can help. But if it doesn't work, that's okay."

 

"I don't think I can do that," I replied honestly. Sure, I wanted to help, but I knew it would only make Dad even angrier. "If I talk about it, Dad will be even angrier, especially if he finds out I talked to you. I don't have the strength to make him listen."

 

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you that,” he apologised.

 

"Fine," I replied. "But we have to do something. My father means business; he'll do what he says." I frowned, knowing how dangerous my father could be when he was angry. With the situation now under control, his threat seemed real. My words made Aunt Prae pale even more.

 

"What do we do? Should he go with him?"

 

"I don't want this to happen, but I don't know what to do," I replied, biting my lip. I couldn't think of a solution, and then I remembered Phi Fah. Should I consult Phi Fah? But if I tell Phi Fah this, I have to tell him the truth: I'm only an illegitimate child. I promised not to tell him to protect my father. But if I don't do anything, my sister, an innocent child, will have to stay with that man and might experience what I felt. Should a child have to go through this?

 

"I'll try to help you."

"Come?"

 

"I'll try, but I don't know if it will work."

“Thank you so much,” said Aunt Prae, wiping away tears and smiling faintly.

 

"Actually, just listening means a lot. You don't have to worry."

 

"Don't worry," I replied. "Fai is my sister."

 

Aunt Prae thanked me over and over again, even though I wasn't sure I could help her. In the midst of the darkness, knowing there could be a glimmer of hope was the best thing. I always thought Aunt Prae was a strong woman, and I still do. No matter how difficult things got, she always came home to hug her daughter.

 

We talked a little longer and said our goodbyes. I walked her to her car and returned to my seat. My mind was filled with images of Aunt Prae and my father. I couldn't concentrate on my studies. I didn't want to make excuses for my father's actions, because it was always like this. Aunt Prae had to work and take care of her daughter alone, with no one to support her. She was exhausted and desperate, and now this was happening. I rubbed my face, feeling stressed. As I thought, someone grabbed my wrist tightly, startling me. I stared at the newcomer, unsure what was happening. Why is he there?

 

"Ouch!" I screamed as he pulled me hard, almost falling. The people in the cafeteria stared at us as Dad dragged me out. I tried to fight back, but I couldn't. "Dad! It hurts!"

 

Dad took me to an alley near the bar, where there was no one. He let go of me, and my wrists were covered in red wounds. Seeing his angry face, my heart sank. As usual, when Dad was angry, I was always afraid, ever since I was little. Until now. My body trembled with fear before his hand slapped me hard in the face, knocking me down. No!

 

"Ouch!" I cried out in pain, my cheek feeling numb. Tears welled up in my eyes from the pain, and I smelled blood. I wiped my bleeding nose and stood up.

 

"What are you doing, Dad?" I shouted angrily.

 

"How do you know Prae? What did you say to her that made her never want to come back to me? You're the bane of my life! Ever since you were born, you've only caused trouble. I should never have let you be born!" His angry words made me feel a mixture of anger and sadness. My heart sank. I shouldn't have been born. Finally, I cried when I heard his words.

 

"Then why did you let me be born! If you never loved me or cared for me, why did you let me be born?" I screamed, sobbing, feeling numb all over, like I was about to faint.

 

"Yes, I never wanted you to be born! You ruined everything in my life! I shouldn't have had anything to do with your mother." Her voice shocked me. I held back sobs, pressing my lips together. The pain in my cheek and the blood still flowing made me even more scared. "I never thought you'd ruin my life until the last moment. Prae and Fai, my children, you ruined them too! If only I hadn't followed Prae, I would never have known."

 

"Prae doesn't want to put up with someone like you. She wants to grow up. Do it yourself because you're a failure. Do you understand? You're such a useless man that he doesn't want you touching his daughter." I raised my hands to protect myself when I saw him raise his fist again. I gritted my teeth, preparing to take the blow.

 

"Bugh!" A hard blow hit my face, but it wasn't me who received it. I slowly lowered my hand and opened my eyes.

 

North!

Why was North the one who got hit and not me?

 

I saw North's head spin from the blow. He staggered back and landed on one leg. My father looked at him, confused, but before he could react, North struck back.

 

"North!" I called, surprised to see my father stagger back from North's punch. North ignored my call. He lunged at my father again and punched him again. The sound of the punch was shocking. North was so angry. I'd never seen him so angry.

 

"North, stop, stop," I tried to grab his arm, but he easily pushed me away. Why did he have so much strength?

 

"Did you tell me to stop? That bastard will beat you!"

 

Asshole?

"Enough!" I shouted when I saw my father wipe the blood from his mouth and charge North again. I immediately stepped forward, arms wide open. "Aren't you ashamed of hitting a defenceless person?"

 

"A defenceless person?" North asked behind me, clearly annoyed by my remark.

 

"You've sunk so low, you still dare attack me?" my father snarled before lowering his fist.

 

"Go away, or I'll scream for help. I'll show everyone a grown man hitting a child," I said, panting with adrenaline. My father, visibly annoyed, turned and walked away.

 

“It’s not over yet, you son of a bitch,” he said, pointing at me before walking away.

 

"Did you call my friend, you son of a bitch?" North started screaming, trying to chase my dad again. I held him back with all my strength.

 

"Come back here, you bastard! Are you running away because you can't win?"

 

“North, calm down,” I tried to stop him, but his strength was overwhelming.

 

"You said I was calm? Who is that bastard? What did he do to you? Why are you crying? What happened?" North spoke so fast I could barely follow him. But I was glad he cared so much about me.

 

"That's my father."

 

"Oh?"

 

"The man you hit was my father."

 

"What?!" North was shocked, incredulous. "Your father? That bastard is your father?"

 

"Yes," I nodded. North fell silent, the anger on his face beginning to fade.

 

"Oh no, Miao, I'm sorry, I didn't know that."

 

"It's too late, he's already gone."

 

"I thought someone had hurt you. I went to the bar and didn't find you, just your things. I thought something bad had happened." North rubbed his face hard, sighing. "Why didn't you tell me before?"

 

"Did you hear me? You just wanted to hit him."

 

"Damn, I insulted him and hit him. I couldn't help myself," North groaned. "I hit him with all my strength."

"I saw it, you made his lips bleed."

 

"I'm sorry, Phoon. Don't get mad at me. What should I do? I never hit my friend's father. Should I get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness?" North was clearly panicking. "Calm down, North. You're protecting me."

 

"Yes, if you had been the one to take the hit, it would have been worse."

 

“Was that a very hard blow?” I asked, referring to the blow my father had received.

 

"Yes, why couldn't he control himself? You're his son; he should be able to control himself," North said seriously. I sighed, knowing my father never controlled himself when he was angry.

 

"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly.

 

"It's not that serious, but my lip is cut," North said, touching his bleeding mouth. "And you, too, your nose won't stop bleeding."

 

"Really?" I wiped away the blood again.

 

"What should I tell Phi Jo? Should I tell him I fell?"

 

"I don't think it'll work," I replied, shaking my head. Then I heard a familiar voice calling us from afar.

 

"Nord! Phoon!"

 

"Ter?" I turned toward the voice and saw Ter running toward us, his expression panicked. He immediately hugged us.

 

"Why are you bleeding? What happened? North, why is your nose bleeding? Phoon, why did your lip tear? What happened?" North and I could only calm Ter, who was still overly worried. Shortly afterwards, I saw Phi Fah, Phi Hill, and Phi Jo approaching. Phi Fah was surprised to see my condition.

 

"Husband!"

 

"Phi Fah," Ter let go of me when he heard Phi Fah call my name. I ran to Phi Fah and hugged him, letting the tears flow unashamedly.

 

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Phi Fah," I cried, hiding in his arms. Phi Fah hugged me tightly. The moment he hugged me, I felt a sense of security I'd never felt before. I cried because I couldn't hold it in any longer. I was afraid when my father was angry. It was a fear I'd had since I was little, so deep that I couldn't stop shaking.

 

"Relax, it's all over," he whispered in a deep voice, stroking my head to calm me. Those words alone were enough to quickly calm me down. After a moment, I managed to catch my breath and looked up to see his gentle smile. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left you alone."

 

"It's not your fault," I replied. Who would have thought something like this could happen? I slowly released his embrace and looked at his shirt, which was stained with my blood. Phi Fah gently touched my wound. Seeing the blood stop flowing, he pulled his hand away and looked at me worriedly. Then I looked around.

 

“Are you okay?” Phi Hill asked in a calm voice, but he wasn’t asking me; he was asking Phi Fah.

 

"Yes." Phi Fah stared at Phi Jo, whose expression was terrifying. I'd never seen him like this before. It gave me goosebumps. North was pale, too. I didn't know what had happened when he'd cried, but he didn't look good at all. His temperature seemed to have dropped a few degrees, and the tension was palpable. Why did I feel so uncomfortable? It was so scary.

 

“Let’s talk,” Phi Jo said softly. Phi Fah nodded slightly.

 

"I'll be right back," Phi Fah said softly, stroking my head. "Hill, take them to the tent."

 

"YES."

 

Phi Fah and Phi Jo went to talk, and Phi Hill took us back to the tent.

 

"North," I called to North, who was sitting next to me, looking scared. "What happened?"

 

"Phi Jo is angry, furious. And that scares me," North said softly, showing his shaking hands. "Phi Hill, is he okay?"

 

"What do you mean?" asked Phi Hill.

 

"What happened? Nobody asked what happened," North said. Why didn't anyone ask what really happened?

 

“We already know that,” Phi Hill replied.

 

"You already know that." I paused, feeling my heartbeat quicken.

 

"He's your father, right?" said Phi Hill. My heart sank when I heard that. Did Phi Fah know? "Jo's very angry because he hurt North, but he'll wait until he talks to Fah first."

 

"It's not going to happen, is it?" I asked worriedly, fearing that Phi Jo might hurt my father. But what Phi Hill had said about waiting to talk to Phi Fah, did that mean Phi Fah would stop Phi Jo?

 

"It'll be worse. I've never seen Fah so angry."

 

"Fah, you know what? I can order him killed right now."

 

"Jo, calm down a bit."

 

"Why should I stay calm?"

 

"Calm down for me," I said, trying to keep my voice calm, despite my fury inside. Seeing Phoon's injuries, I'd never been so angry. My patience was wearing thin. Jo, seeing my expression, knew I was on the verge of losing control as well.

 

"I wanted to let you handle this, but I can't now," Jo said, trying to calm herself. She was starting to calm down a little, because otherwise the man wouldn't have been able to get out of this so easily.

 

“I understand,” I replied.

 

"When are you planning to do it?"

 

"Tomorrow."

 

I picked up the phone and called someone. A moment later, someone answered. Hi, how can I help you?

 

"I know Rit is in Chiang Mai. Can you make an appointment with him at the office tomorrow at 1:00 PM?"

 

Sure, what do I have to tell him?

 

"Just say it's urgent."

 

A man drives a luxury car at top speed, accelerating to vent his anger. "Things aren't going the way I want them to! And that damn boy is back!" He was furious when he followed Prae into the cafeteria and saw her talking to Typhoon. He didn't need to be told; he knew it was that boy who had convinced Prae not to return to him. Why? Because he was always getting in the way of her life. And his friends, how dare they attack him? He, who had almost become president of the company! These kids needed a lesson.

 

"No, they both need a lesson. They need to learn what to do and what not to do. They need to know who not to disturb." Suddenly, his cell phone rang. He didn't want to answer, but seeing that it was the president's secretary, he forced himself to calm down and answer politely.

 

"Hi, Kwanwan, how are you?"

 

Rit, are you available tomorrow?

 

"No, I'm in Chiang Mai for work."

 

Someone wants to meet you at the Chiang Mai office tomorrow at 1:00 PM. Don't be late, it's urgent.

 

"I don't think I can do this. I'm sorry."

 

You have to go. It's an order. You can't refuse.

 

"Is this a customer?"

NO.

 

"Who is it then?"

 

The new president of the company.