12
Rebecca POV
I slipped out of the house to meet up with Toh and Khaojao.
The wind whips past me as I speed down desolate roads. It feels like the whole city is asleep. The ride into the parking structure is eerily quiet. I skidded to a stop beside the lone car in the lot.
“Wow Phi!” Toh exclaims, eyeing my sleek bike. "I like this black all leather fit you've got going on."
Khaojao nods repeatedly, giving me two thumbs up. "You look cool, Phi!"
I smile underneath my helmet, flipping my visor up. I beckon them with my forefinger and middle finger, waving my hand back and forth.
speak in code
"With the pawn as bait a rook stepped out." Gon led us to bigger fish.
"Unfortunately his knights came into play." This bigger fish is heavily guarded.
“Isn’t it supposed to be their ‘pawns’?”
“No, no it’s definitely knights. Pawns are useless.”
I rev my engine to get them back on track. Richie and his chess metaphors…🙄
“The Queen is missing in action.” Highly unlikely that the Matriarch is behind this.
Good. We’d be in trouble if they were involved.
“The King is a big question mark on the chessboard. No one can really predict his movements.” Saturdays aren’t bothered by the incident.
Sounds like the Satur Gang is as mysterious as ever.
“The bishop has been quiet since they’ve captured our Queen.” The Pike Cult has been laying low since Auntie’s hospitalization.
“But they didn’t capture the Queen?”
“No, our Queen.”
“Wait, who's our Queen, again?”
Khaojao sighed. “Look! Point is, all we know now is there’s some big-shot player controlling all these chess pieces.”
“We don’t know how or why or who...”
“Sorry Phi.”
“Yeah sorry.”
I wave off their apologies, flipping my visor back down. I send a quick three finger salute before peeling away.
keep me updated
I glance back to see their hazards flash rapidly.
message received
This investigation we’re conducting…I feel uneasy about the whole ordeal.
I can’t shake the feeling that the call is coming from inside the house. There’s a traitor in our ranks. I just haven’t found out who yet.
…
RING RING
“-what is it?” I answered the call groggily. I take a quick glance at the caller ID. “Richie, what? It’s like 4 am-”
“Someone took our pawn.” Gon is gone.
“But-”
“There isn’t any trace of it, Bec. Everything on the web scrubbed clean like it never existed.”
“And his family?”
“Insists that he moved overseas and is too busy to send word at the moment.”
“And what about the rice? Table?” What do Khaojao and Toh have to say about this?
“Nothing.” Richie sighs. “No digital footprint popping up anywhere else in the world. It vanished.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah. Shit.”
…
After this morning’s terrible news, I messaged Billy to come over for some light sparring. I need to hit something.
THUD
“Ow, Nong!” Billy complains.
WHACK
“Wait—Break!”
THUMP
“Nong, pause!”
WHAM
“Sorry, sorry.” I tense my shoulders and droop them in an attempt to calm the rage coursing through me.
“Do I even want to know?” Billy prods. My silence speaks volumes and he shakes his head. “Let’s warm up then we can glove up.”
I hum, stretching my arms languidly.
“Ready?”
I grin in response. It’s been awhile since the last time Billy and I sparred.
“Ready.”
…
Freen POV
“Nat! You win!” Babe hollers as we pace the empty corridor.
“I told you, he isn’t here.”
“How do you know? You’re terrible at hiding.”
“I’m a better seeker!”
“You can’t be good at just seeking, Freen. The game is called Hide-and-Seek.”
“Says you, Babe. Nat found you right away last round.”
“You pushed me out of my hiding spot!”
“I got there first!”
“Ok, ok. Look. This is the only room we haven’t checked.”
We both stop in front of the home gym with its frosted glass walls.
“Did he tell you what they’re doing in there,” I ask, placing my hand on the handle.
“Probably sparring,” Babe shrugs. “Billy tried to get me to join his kickboxing lessons but it’s too intense for me.”
I crack the door open and spot Nat glued to the wall, entranced.
I push the door open further and see Becky and P’Billy trading blows.
Oh.
Becky red-faced sporting a sheen of sweat in a sports bra is not what I expected to see today.
Babe whistles quietly, whispering, “That’s my husband.”
“Not married yet, remember.” I mumble, unable to tear my eyes away from the sight in front of me.
“At least we’ve done it.”
I gape at him. “Babe Tanatat!”
Becky walks over, bending down to reach for her water bottle.
“Everything ok?” Becky asks, taking big gulps of water. My eyes trace the movement.
“Y-yes. Fine. We’re fine.”
Babe snickers beside me and I nudge him in the stomach. Gently.
“EUGH-”
Becky POV
I smile at their antics, turning around to see Billy teaching Nat how to guard and hold a proper stance.
“Mae! Mae!” Nat runs over, flailing his arms.
“Yes Nat,” Freen pats down his wayward hair.
“I want to learn it!” Nat bounces excitedly. “Can I learn kickboxing too?”
“Well..”
“Uncle Billy said he’d teach me!”
“Only with your mae’s permission!” Billy shouts back.
“Please Mae, please!”
Freen looks conflicted. “Nat…”
“Let’s give her some time to think,” I lay a gloved hand on his shoulder. “In the meantime, let’s see your guard!”
I throw the lightest of jabs at him. Nat weaves effortlessly like a dragonfly tapping water and all with a smile on his face. I catch Billy’s eyes and beckon him forward.
“Oh no!” I pause abruptly. “There’s an enemy behind you!”
Billy roars, binding his arms around Nat then flipping him upside down.
“AHHAHA UNCLE BILLY!”
"Uncle Babe coming to the rescue!"
While those three were play-fighting, I slid up beside Freen.
“Y'know P’Gun’s nephew goes to a nearby kickboxing gym. He’s around the same age as Nat.”
“His nephew?”
“Yeah, they live just down the street from us.”
“Then…I’ll ask P’Gun what he thinks of the gym.”
“He’ll be here this afternoon to take you on your errands.”
“Thanks BB.”
“Anytime beb.”
She gives me that dazzling smile of hers before refocusing on Nat calling out for her.
“Mae- MAE! Look!” He demonstrates the roundhouse kick that Billy showed him.
Freen chuckles when Babe tries to mirror the move only to topple over Billy, sending the two of them to the floor.
If I could I’d take her on her errands myself but I’ve got business to take care of.
It’s time to talk to dad.
…
Freen POV
P’Gun arrives promptly, holding open the car door for Nat and I.
“Who are you?” Nat asks curiously, taking in the man towering over him.
“Gun,” he replies stiffly, glancing down at Nat.
“Mister Gun,” Nat holds his chin, thoughtfully. “You were at the party for Uncle Billy and Uncle Babe.”
“Yes.”
“You're so serious,” Nat says gleefully. “I like it.”
“Thank you.” P’Gun says in his usual gruff voice.
Nat grunts, clearly trying to imitate P’Gun. “You're welcome.”
I watch with excitement as P’Gun briefly cracks a smile. It starts to form before dropping altogether.
Ha, I knew Nat would get him.
“Let's go,” Nat tries to make himself look more serious but ends up looking like he's pouting.
…
At the grocery store, Nat happily explains why his favorite fruits and veggies taste better than the ones he doesn’t like.
“Dragon fruit is cool and yummy.”
“Mhm.” P’Gun clears his throat, grabbing some dragon fruit to place in the cart.
“I like the sesame in them too!”
I stifle my laugh. “Nat, that isn’t-”
P’Gun snorts.
“Ah! You..” I whip around to face him but he’s got that same composed look on his face.
Hmph.
“Nat, what’s in dragon fruit?” I ask, keeping my eyes on P’Gun.
“Sesame!”
P’Gun covers his mouth but I can see the slight shaking in his shoulders. I knew it. Nobody’s immune.
It’s the Nat effect.
We continue filling the shopping cart with essentials and not-so-essentials. Anytime Nat points out snacks he’s had before and favors, P’Gun is quick to scoop it into the cart.
“BecBec would like this!” Nat points to cartoon sharks surfing on a bag of chips. “Because it has sharks.”
I glance down to the spicy crab shaped crackers in my hand. These look tasty but we’ve got plenty of snacks already. As I move to place them back on the shelf, P’Gun takes it from me and tosses them into the cart along with Nat’s chips.
“P’Gun!”
“Nong.”
“We can’t get all these snacks.” I say stubbornly, crossing my arms.
“Who said?” He shrugs, unperturbed.
“I say.” I level my gaze at him.
“These are snacks to share, Nong.” He says, matter of fact, before sweeping his gaze over to Nat. “We’re going to share these, isn’t that right?”
“Right!” He cheers, browsing through more snacks after getting the green light from P’Gun.
Despite his stony face, P’Gun looks smug pulling Nat over to his side.
Hmph. I won’t forget this, P’Gun.
…
Later, P’Gun calls one of his subordinates to take our groceries back to the house.
“He is Nop.” P’Gun grunts, jabbing his thumb toward the biker pulling up.
“Hello madam!” The young man bows to me, holding his helmet.
…Madam?
Then he turns to Nat and bows once again. “Young master!”
Confused, Nat looks behind him and then up at me.
“Who?” Nat asks, walking up to the young man. He holds his hand out for him to take. “I’m Nat.”
“Yes! Young Master Nat!”
“Oh that really isn’t necessary-”
“Enough, Nop. They’re uncomfortable.” P’Gun interrupts me, waving him off. He hands him the bags of fruits, vegetables and snacks. “Take these back.”
“Apologies, madam. Young master.” He bows again, taking the groceries from P’Gun. “Thank you, Sir Gun.”
“Bye P’Nop!” Nat waves him off as he rides away.
…
At the shopping mall, we visited a few stores to pick out new clothes for Nat.
I’ve been meaning to get him new clothes since we moved. All he’s had to wear since our youth is hand me downs. Most of his wardrobe is frayed and worn.
Around the fifth outfit change at the third store, Nat throws his hands down.
“Let’s get clothes for Mae too!” He looks at P’Gun, arms akimbo.
“Mm.” He raises an eyebrow but nods along.
“I don’t get a say?” I joke, snapping another picture of Nat in his outfit. “You need to change first then.”
He hops excitedly into the dressing room, changing quickly back into his clothes.
“C’mon Mae!” Nat pulls on my arm, leading me down an aisle with P’Gun following closely behind.
A nearby attendant suggests a few pieces but Nat shakes his head at all of them. It feels like I’m shopping with Ms. Nita.
“That one!” Nat points at a floral print maxi dress with ruffles. It’s a stunning white dress with an assortment of blue flowers.
I pick up the hanger and run my fingers along the side of the dress. It’s beautiful.
“Good.” P’Gun gives a short curt nod.
I glance at the price tag and inhale sharply. This isn’t really in my price range with the budget I set…
“It’s beautiful but-”
“We’ll get it. And everything he tried on.” P’Gun tells the hovering associate.
“P’Gun-”
“Send the dress here.” He ignores me, handing over a business card. “Ask for Miss Yae.”
“Wait-”
“Let’s settle the payment now.” He walks toward the cash register without looking to see if the employee is following.
I watch him go, shellshocked.
“Mae.” Nat tugs on my arm. “Are you getting the dress?”
“Yeah.” I nod slowly. “I guess I am.”
Hmph. Well two can play that game, P’Gun.
“Nat, let’s pick something out for P’Gun.”
“For Mister Gun?” Nat tilts his head, tapping his finger against his chin. “Ok!”
…
On the way back to the house, P’Gun receives a call. “Sorry. I need to take this.”
“Go ahead.” I assure him, motioning for Nat to be silent. He zips his mouth closed.
“Gun speaking.” His clipped tone is the same even on the phone.
“Oh.” That’s the first time I’ve heard a hint of surprise in his voice.
“Understood.” He hangs up. P’Gun glances at us in the backseat through the rear view mirror. “Is it ok to make a stop, Nong?”
“Of course, P’Gun! Right, Nat?”
“That’s right!” Nat chirps, bouncing in his seat. “Where are we going?”
“Pick up my nephew.”
…
“This is my nephew.” P’Gun reveals the little boy once hidden behind his imposing figure.
“Hello Madam! Hello Young Master! I am Sua!” He bows after his hearty introduction. “Thank you for picking me, Ah Gun.”
“Your Phaw called.” P’Gun offers as an explanation. If you could call it that.
“I’m Nat!” He greets Sua, grabbing onto both of his hands to shake exaggeratedly. “Let’s be friends, Sua!”
The boy looks perplexed. “Ok, Young Mast-”
“It’s Nat!” He frowns, tugging on Sua’s hand pulling him toward the playground. “Call me Nat!”
“Nat.” Sua sputters out, “where are we going?”
“To play!” Nat turns back to me and waves. “C’mon Sua!”
“But-” He glances back at P’Gun who nods, waving him off.
“C’mon!”
“O-ok.”
The two of them link up with other kids at the playground and play some variation of tag on the play structure.
“I heard your nephew takes kickboxing lessons.”
“He does.” P’Gun keeps a watchful on the boys.
I recognize the same seriousness on little Sua’s face as he chases the other kids.
“Does he like it?”
“He does.”
“…do you think Nat would?”
His eyes dart to mine briefly.
“Ask Nat.”
“He wants to try kickboxing.”
“Mm.”
“I can’t help but be worried.” My voice sounds strained. “What if he gets hurt? Or hurts someone else? What if- what if he’s disappointed with it?”
Gon’s message abruptly pops into my mind.
how does little Natthawut feel about losing his mae
Did he know that Nat’s my brother? Did he know we lost Mae?
I try to shake away these unwanted thoughts.
More importantly, how will Nat feel when he finds out I’m not his Mae...
But actually his Phi.
Will he cry out for his real Mae?
And if he doesn’t believe me? Mae told him herself she was his grandma.
“-and what if he doesn’t like it anymore?”
What if…he hates me?
The silence grows between P’Gun and I.
“Never-”
“If he gets hurt, hug him.”
There’s this inexplicable softness to his voice I’ve never heard before.
“If he hurts someone, scold him.”
Still, he sounds like the same Gun from this morning.
“If he’s disappointed, reassure him.”
He clears his throat.
“If he liked it once, he will again.”
I quickly wipe my eyes, blinking back watery beads of tears.
“Mhm!”
“Mm.”
I reach into my bag, pulling out a small gift bag.
“Thank you for taking us out on our errands, P’Gun. Nat and I picked out something small for you.”
“That isn’t necessary-”
“Please accept it.” I press the bag into his hands. “Nat wanted you to have it to remember today by.”
“Mhm.”
He isn’t smiling but there’s a light in his eyes that his deadpan look can’t hide.
ping ping
P’Gun glances down at his phone. “Time to go.”
“Ok. I’ll get the boys-”
“SUA! HENSHIN!”
His gruff voice carrying far and wide.
Sua immediately takes off toward us with Nat hot on his heels. When he comes to a stop before P’Gun, he strikes a pose that looks awfully familiar.
Nat loses his mind. “Mae! Mae! Look!”
“Oh..Nat is a fan of Kamen Rider too?”
I turned to P’Gun, mouth agape. “Are you…a fan of Kamen Rider?”
“My phi is. Sua’s father,” P’Gun corrects himself in a hurry. He looks…flustered. It’s slightly jarring from his usual stoic self.
My smile widens. “Ok.”
“Hm.” He crosses his arms, looking standoff-ish.
“Can Sua come over, Mae? Can he? Can he?” Nat bounces excitedly, waving his arms around.
“I’ll need to ask his Phaw first.” I turn to the little boy in question. “And of course, we’ll need to ask Sua if he’d like to come over.”
“I would like that.” Sua wais. “Thank you, Madam.”
“None of that.” I tsked at the formalities. This boy and his uncle. Hmph.
“Naang Freen?”
I raise an eyebrow.
“Um..Khun Freen?”
“Mae is Mae.” Nat says offhandedly, pulling on Sua’s arm. “C’mon, let’s go ask your Phaw so you can come to my house!”
“Uh Nat? W-wait. My Phaw isn’t home yet.” Sua looks at me, wide eyed. “Khun Mae?”
I grin and nod, grabbing Nat’s other hand. “Let’s ask him when he gets back. It’s too sudden for Sua to visit today, ok?”
“Ok..” Nat deflates, a forlorn expression on his face.
“I’ll ask as soon as he gets home.” Sua says hurriedly. “Promise.”
Nat brightens in a flash. “Ok! Promise!”
…
Later that night as I’m tucking Nat into bed, he buzzes about the new friend he made.
“He likes Kamen Rider like me!”
“Sua lives next to us!”
“His Phaw works for BecBec like Mister Gun!”
“He’s really good at tag! And running!”
“Sua does kickboxing, Mae!”
“He does, huh?” He’s been gushing about his best friend Sua since we got back to the house. It’s nice that Nat made a new friend and our families already know each other.
“Mmhmm mmhmm.” Nat nods rapidly. “So…can I do kickboxing with Sua?”
“Why not?” I ruffle his hair, watching the twinkle in his bright eyes.
“Really?” Nat gasps, binding his arms around my waist. “Thank you, Mae. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you-”
“You’re welcome.” I pat his head lovingly. “Now let’s get some sleep. Then we can talk more about Sua and kickboxing in the morning.”
“Ok..” Nat yawns. “G’night Mae.”
“Good night, Nat.”