Chapter 9 The Women's Society was Jiranan's mother's favorite club and worst place to attend. It was the envy of hi-society women, but there was always that little back-stabbing going on along with charitable deeds given to society as a whole. To be approved for hi-society, most women had to go through here. And Jiranan was dragged by her mother and sister to attend. She wished that they remained moping in the house so she could go about her own business. Since her father's business party, Jiranan had had several men stop by and court. With her father's approval, she went out on short dates with them. Even her mother seemed to approve of the newfound attraction. While at the Women's Society, women had flocked towards her to know her. Their sons and husbands had shared little tidbits about the youngest Manojem, who was said to be smart, clever, and charming---nearly matching the oldest sister. Her attention had caught Pakjira Wannasut, who also happened to be there and was not so happy to see this. That little geek was not going to be the center of anyone's attention. With a glass of red wine in her hand, she purposely walked up to Jiranan. Pretending to bump into the crowd, Pakjira forced herself through and halted just as the red wine slipped from the glass, sloshing onto Jiranan's pure white outfit. The room fell silent as all stared at the two women, who was once caught in this ordeal. Everyone was waiting for Jiranan's move. "Oh, poor girl, so sorry," Pakjira simpered. The smug look on her face could not easily deceive her intention. "Look at what I did to your dress. I'm sure it wasn't that expensive, but it's all ruined now. How pitiful." Jariya and her mother made their way through the crowd and gasped at the sight of Jiranan's front dress soaked in wine. "Sorry?" Jiranan's voice was calm and collective, almost to the point that it nearly cracked the ice between them. She merely took a step forward and stared up at Pakjira. "Forgiveness can only be given to those who are truly sorry. Miss Pakjira Wannasut. Your sorry has only painted me red and whether you like it or not..." The pause sent society on their toes waiting on her. Jiranan smiled. "I forgive you." Everyone's eyes were raised in surprise, but no one was as surprised as Pakjira. Her intention was to cause Jiranan to fight back or ball into the simpering child she was, but the girl did not and it infuriated Pakjira to the point that she screamed so loud that everyone had to put their hands over their ears. Unfortunately for Pakjira, the result of this confrontation was bad when the hi-class women suddenly turned on her and praised Jiranan for the classy way she excused Pakjira. Jiranan didn't enjoy watching the confrontation, but it was part of her revenge, wasn't it? Now that Jiranan was accepted into society and Pakjira was tossed out, shouldn't she be happy? ~ ( * ) ~ On the ride back home, Jiranan slowly wiped lemon onto the white dress that she was holding onto. Her mother couldn't help but comment on the success she made. "Well, it turns out that Mrs. Kropath, Padom's mother, has taken a turn and told me how much Padom would really want to continue his relationship with Jariya," she spoke to Jiranan though it was also to encourage Jariya's spirit. "I wouldn't be surprised if they come to ask for her hand. There will be a big celebration, mark my word." Everything was perfect, Jiranan thought. Her sister had her boyfriend back. Her mother was no longer embarrassed by her. Even though her father had a little inkling of hesitation, he, too, had approved of the new Jiranan. But did the old Jiranan approve of the new one? ~ ( * ) ~ Andy was watching her. From the corner of the table where he was working on a carving, he was watching Yui as she was playing with a few wooden dolls that were put on a shelf. As a spirit, she was able to touch and hold things that sometimes, he forgot that she was not real. Most of all, he didn't want to think he was going crazy either. Yui looked up from the marionette doll and saw his eyes smiling at her. No one had ever looked at her in that way. "Andy, what are you thinking?" "I'm thinking that you are one of the most beautiful women in my life." He laughed and moved towards her. "I fashioned you to be that way. But sometimes I wonder if there is a real you out there in the real world somewhere." "Sometimes, she's right under your nose and you don't even see it," Yui told him, sitting on a stool, letting the marionette doll sit on her lap. "She's probably dangling in front of you like this doll. See?" The marionette doll dangled on the string as she held it up and foolishly played with the strings. Andy reached out and caught her hands in his. "The only doll dangling in front of me is you." The marionette strings fell from her hand, softly landing on the ground. But her eyes were too busy looking at him and listening to the words he spoke silently. "So tempting." How she wished she was real so she could relish in the mood he gave her. The only man in her life who seemed to like her for the Yui she was. When his hands came to cup her face, her body already dangled in weakness at his touch. A few seconds passed and her eyes drowned in his, waiting and anticipating her first kiss. "You look so much like Jiranan when you are like this, Yui." Jiranan. Yui's spirit suddenly began to fade, sadness lingering. And Andy found himself standing alone in the room, half dazed, half intoxicated, wondering what had just happened to his Yui. Did mentioning another woman's name caused this sudden lost? He didn't mean to talk about Jiranan, but her image kept appearing in his mind. Was he in love with Jiranan or Yui? Why couldn't he make up his mind? Shadow Main       Home        << Back 8       Next 10 >>

Copyright 2003 Lina Em.
This story is fictional and any similarity to real life is coincidental.
Please don't take this story and pass it off as your own, all work belongs to Lina Em.
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