LOVE WAS RED

CHAPTER 4

Bank and Yok finally arrived in Pattaya after being driven by a chauffeur, and when they walked in to the house with their suitcases, Saran was waiting to greet them with cocktails.

They drank a few glasses and chattered about their journey before going to their rooms to unpack and lay out the clothes they would be wearing for the premiere at the Hilton Pattaya.

Much later in the bathroom, Bank was on a video call with Pitch while fixing his hair.

"The moment is finally here to show your baby to the world. How are you feeling?" Pitch asked as he sat in his office.

"I'm nervous," Bank paused with a nervous laugh. I have imposter syndrome."

He pressed both palms against his cheeks.

"Why do you have imposter syndrome? My Love, you have put so much effort and work into making this documentary good," Pitch emphasized as he leaned back in his office chair.

"I guess I don't feel fully qualified to be a documentary film maker, and it’s because I didn’t go to film school." Bank looked down at the smartphone which was placed on a marble basin.

"You don't need to go to film school to be a great film maker. And besides, you are always learning and trying new things so that you can improve your craft." Pitch smiled proudly.

"You think so?" Bank gave him an unsure smile as he lifted up his smartphone.

"Yes, I have watched the documentary. You did a great job and I'm so proud of you. Just wait and see the positive response you will get after the premiere."

"Hearing that makes me feel so much better."

"You know that I am always here for you…. to let you know how amazing you are. I love you." Pitch said.

After their call ended, Bank was looking at his reflection in the mirror and smiling.

Bank, Saran and Yok arrived at the hotel in high spirits.

Saran made a mental note to take pictures for his ** as he looked around. There were so many people who had bought tickets to see the documentary and that made Bank exhale with a sign of relief.

Saran and Yok accompanied Bank onto the red carpet and posed with him as the cameras flashed at their happy beaming faces. Other Thai celebrities arrived and they took turns on the red carpet to be photographed as well.

When the premiere was over, they went home. And sat in the lounge eating dinner with red wine.

"I think this evening was a great success for you," Yok said to Bank after they returned home when the premiere was over. They sat in the living room, eating their dinner on trays balanced on their laps.

"And am so grateful for all you two. My best friends and my partners in crime." Bank smiled as he looked at both Yok and Saran.

"Pitch not at the premiere, why?" Saran asked as he refilled his wine glass.

"He had to work…." Bank paused, smiling, "he sent these flowers." Bank pointed to a huge flower arrangement that arrived earlier."

"They are beautiful," Yok remarked.

Bank smiled proudly.

At that moment, Saran felt it was time to let his friends know what was going on.

"Kit and I are no longer a couple."

Silence fell over the entire group while Saran kept on eating like nothing had happened.

Bank looked at Yok, then they both looked at Saran as he ate his food calmly.

"Are you okay?" Bank asked after a while.

Saran looked at him and answered: " I'm fine."

"When did this happen?" Yok asked.

"Last weekend," Saran said calmly.

"We are so sorry," Bank said while looking at Yok.

"What happened?” Yok asked.

“Do you want to talk about it?" Bank offered carefully.

"There is not much to talk about. Kit does not want to be with me anymore," Saran mutterd as simply as he could.

"Why?"

"Maybe he felt it was time for him to move on."

Saran looked down at his food and then up at Bank and Yok.

"How are you dealing with the break-up?"

Saran said nothing for a time. "Am still processing it. He finally said to his friends.

Then the tears came.

Bank and Yok watched their friend with sympathy in their eyes.

"Who knows, perhaps it's for the best,” Yok said softly.

"Yes, forget about Kit. Why want someone who does not want you in the first place?" Bank said.

"Maybe there is someone else in the picture and that could be the reason why he broke off with you." Yok said as he looked from Bank to Saran.

"Well, that person can have him, because I don't want him anymore," Saran said.

Both Bank and Yok were surprised by the sudden change in their friend.

The doorbell began ringing.

"Who could that be?"

Bank looked from Yok to Saran.

" I am not expecting anyone," Saran said.

The doorbell was ringing again.

"Am going to see who it is," Yok got up and left the room.

A moment later, he was back with a parcel that was wrapped in brown paper.

"Something for Saran," he announced.

Saran looked up with some surprise. "I did not order anything."

"Well, the delivery guy said it was for you," Yok insisted as he set the parcel down.

"Well, I am curious, open it," Bank demanded as he eyed the parcel.

Bank got up and removed the ribbon, then tore away the brown paper, to reveal a beautiful painting.

Saran’s eyes grew wide with surprise.

It was that very same painting he had admired at the gallery but thought it was too expensive to buy. But then how come it was sent here for him? Saran wondered silently.

"Wait, there is a note," Bank declared as he removed the little envelope that was pasted to the brown paper which had Saran’s name on it. He took out the little card from its little envelope, then read it.

"I hope this makes you smile. You have no idea how much I enjoyed talking to you. I hope we meet again…. Someday.

Both Bank and Yok turned to look at Saran.

"Do you know who it's from?"

Saran suddenly remembered the man he had met at the gallery and the short conversation that they had had together. He must have bought the painting after he had left.

Saran said nothing, he only smiled as he looked at the painting with fondness.