Twenty One

•DEMI•

(POV)

We're here at Suvarnabhumi Airport to dropped my mom off for her flight back to the Philippines. Her quick visit has came to an end. I'm relieved but sad at the same time. Even if she overbearing, i'll still miss her the most.

"Honey, take care of yourself here" my mom said softly as she holds both of my hands

I nodded at her with my sad eyes. "Yes ma"

"And please as you promise. Visit us this Christmas you can bring Bright if you want too."

I chuckled to her silliness.

"Can't promise to bring Bright with me Ma, you know that."

She laughed "Nevermind. I'll convince him to visit so he can meet your brothers and your dad... honey Your dad misses you the most". As she tap my hand.

"You know he didn't mean to hurt your feelings, Demi. After all... he's still your father"

I force a smile at her but I can't control my sad eyes.

She force a smile with her voice too chirpy and said

"Caio! Honey" she kiss my cheeks then drag her carry on as she proceeds to the boarding area.

—

The condo feels empty again as my mom gone home. Thinking about her loudly high pitched voice in the morning and rattan fan she brings everywhere. I smiled wistfully.

Look at the bright side though, no more matchmaking dates and her intrusions to everything.

I took a deep breathe.

As i remember my mantra

This is the life i chose. I can do it!

I tied my hair up and went to my room to prepare for my next project and my gift to Kai new venture.

•BRIGHT•

(POV)

Flashback

(3 years ago)

I went to Koh Lanta for a quick getaway. To Unwind for few hours to ease my mind from the stress and the struggle i face everyday to be recognized as an actor. Working at the young age up until now is tough for a person like me.

I'm the type of person who is honest, aloof and private. As the time passes people from the industry can't seem stand that. Often times the misunderstanding and drama occurs. When that happens I packed my bag, take my camera with me and drive faraway.

The elder actor from previous drama who becomes my mentor introduced me to photography. He said to channel my stress and frustration to creativity. Thanks to him i found my outlet. It fascinates me truthfully. Playing with light and shadow, Capturing place that intriguing, turn moments into film and the beauty of mundane life to offer.

If I didn't found photography i might be partying and drinking like my age group is doing.

Sitting on rock as i smell the sea breeze while taking photos around me. Wearing my bucket hat and lightest jacket i can find.

From a distance, saw a little girl who looks like she's out of the place. Sitting on a blanket wearing a huge white cardigan, plain black shirt and denim pants on a hot afternoon when everyone around her is wearing as little as possible. I zoom in my camera see her face.

oh she's a lady? She looks like a little lost child from a far.

I cracked a smile from my foolish assumption.

She's pretty though.

I move a little closer. Just enough to see what she was doing. I notice she was painting something on her a sketchbook. She smiling happily as she was listening to her earphone. She doesn't notice me too. Lost in her own thoughts and her awful singing. I can't help but chuckled.

I didn't notice i was watching her for so long that the sun is setting down. As the golden light passes her face, it was like i'm hypnotized.

I don't understand why i'm drawn to her. I took my chance. I focus my camera lens on her. As i was capturing it she turned around at me suddenly and that was a beautiful sight.

From the distance, She was startle after as if she was embarrassed a then she half smile. She wai at me like she's apologizing.

Maybe she thought i was taking picture behind her.

She check the time from her watch, immediately she rose from her seat and fold the blanket. putting it all to her backpack and walk towards the resort.

She's leaving already? I didn't got to chance to know her name.

I sighed.

I wanted to introduce myself but she is in a hurry. I walk towards where she is earlier. I notice something shiny like in the sand. I picked it up and found i was a silver mechanical pencil. I turned it around and i found her name.

"Meimei. O."

End of flashback

"Phi, you're spacing out again" Nani interrupted me as i was looking at phone with the screen cover of my girl, Demi from the photo I took 3 years ago.

I half smile and said "I was just thinking"

"Are you down because your team loss again?" Nani asked with a side eye teasing.

I push him hard for reminding me as he laugh mockingly. The football team i've been following have been losing everytime and they keep on teasing me about it. Good thing i didn't bet with my crazy friends. I'll be losing my hard earn money for nothing.

We are sitting in the bleachers as we are taking a break from our football match. Lately, Nani or P'Oaf been accompanying me to play since Win the workaholic is busy this pass few days. It's because he is starting a new business. He said it will be a dessert online take out. I know it will be macaroons for sure.

"How was the visit Nong?" P'Oaf asked teasingly and Nani listen curiously.

It's been a week after the dinner with Demi and her mom. I didn't expected her mom will accept me immediately. It was a nice dinner. I'm happy i made Demi blushed a couple of times that night. I think she's embarrassed most of the time. I'm lucky she didn't change her mind though. We've been communicating everyday up until now.

"It went well. Her mom loves me already" I said shortly with a smirk as i wipe my sweat.

"Ohhhhh nong Bright! i'm so proud of you!" He shakes me vigorously and Nani throw his towel at me as if he's annoyed.

As I laughed loudly at my crackhead friends reaction. People around us was curious of what we are talking as they are taking pictures and videos of us.

I'm used to it but it bothers me from time to time.

The constant intrusion of my private life are sometimes alarming. It makes me worried for the people who are close to me and my mental health. I can understand them sentiments, they just want to express their love and happiness to me but there are few who don't know their boundaries.

I hope they won't hurt the people i love.

—

"5, 6 , 7 , 8 now turn!" Toptap shout to the top of his lungs with a scowling face. "Nong, not like that!"

The loud music from the speaker with Toptap voice is nerve racking. He's frustrated to our frequent mistakes.

It's not my fault my body is stiff and no sense of body coordination but I'm trying my hardest. We are still practicing for our 2 day concert with the cast of our previous drama. I just hate the sight. Seeing Win and Mike body rolling without difficulty.

Toptap given up and sighed

"Okay. Take a break"

Exhausted. I went to where i put my bag and sit in the ground. Wiping my neck down with a towel from my constant sweating and still frowning.

Win sit beside me and nudge my arm.

"P'Bai, cheer up. don't worry. We still have enough time to practice."

As he gave me a bottle of water.

I chuckled and raise both eyebrows

"Easy for you to say. You always dance like a maniac but without rhythm" i said with a grim

He snicker

"Whatever. At least i can dance"

I throw my towel to his face as he laughed shamelessly

"Don't be a pessimist Phi. We can do this! Just think about it. Our parents, my siblings, uncle Kik, Demi, my girl Namtan and the others will watch us dance on the stage. I don't want to disappoint them, but do you?"

I rolled my eyes defeated

"Fine.

Watch out Nong. I'll shocked you with my progress" i said with confidence.

"That's the spirit!" Win loudly clap mockingly with the grin.

Okay we still have 5 days to go.

I can do this!