Behind the Script

Chapter 36: Orm's Everything

Orm stirred awake to the softest touch on her cheek, the kind of touch that felt both comforting and disarming. A thumb traced gently over her skin.

"Nong Orm," a familiar voice murmured, pulling her from sleep.

Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light. The sight before her made her heart stutter. "P'Ling?" Is this... a dream?

Ling Ling knelt beside her bed, her thumb still caressing Orm's cheek. Her voice wavered as she spoke. "I... I didn't know what else to do. I needed to see you."

Orm sat up, her mind still muddled with sleep. "But... weren't you supposed to be back in a few days? What are you doing here?"

Ling Ling's gaze dropped to her hands, her fingers fidgeting nervously. "I changed my flight. I couldn't wait anymore." Her voice cracked slightly. "It hurt, thinking you were upset with me. I... I couldn't stand it, Orm."

Orm blinked, trying to process what she was hearing. "P'Ling, you—" She reached out instinctively, her thumb brushing away the tear slipping down Ling Ling's cheek. "You didn't have to come all the way back because of me."

"But I wanted to," Ling Ling admitted, her voice trembling. "When I heard your voice last night... when you wouldn't talk to me... I—I didn't know what to do. I didn't understand this feeling. But it was suffocating."

Orm's throat tightened as Ling Ling took her hand and placed it over her chest, where her heart beat wildly beneath her soft touch. "It feels like a weight I can't carry alone," Ling Ling confessed, her tears spilling freely now.

Is this real? Orm thought as she stared at Ling Ling, who had never looked more vulnerable, more open. "P'Ling..." Orm began, her own tears threatening to fall, "You don't have to explain anything. I just—"

"I do," Ling Ling interrupted, her grip on Orm's hand tightening. "Because you're everything to me, Nong Orm. I couldn't bear the thought of you being sad because of me."

The rawness in Ling Ling's voice sent a wave of emotions crashing through Orm. She wanted to say so much, but words escaped her. Instead, she leaned forward and pulled Ling Ling into a tight hug, holding her like she'd slip away if she didn't.

Ling Ling melted into the embrace, her head resting against Orm's chest. "Are we okay now?" she whispered, her breath warm against Orm's skin.

Orm pressed her cheek against Ling Ling's hair, letting her tears fall. "We're okay," she murmured. She inhaled deeply, the comforting scent of Ling Ling's shampoo calming her racing heart. She's really here, Orm thought. She came back for me.

---

When Orm woke up again, the warm weight of Ling Ling's head was still on her chest, her arms snugly wrapped around Orm's waist. She watched Ling Ling's peaceful face, marveling at the fact that just last night, this woman had been in another country—and now, here she was, asleep in her bed.

Orm slipped out carefully, not wanting to wake her. As she left the room, she noticed a suitcase tucked in the corner. She paused, her chest tightening. She came straight from the airport.

In the kitchen, Mae was busy stirring something in a pot.

"Mae," Orm called softly, still in a daze. "Ling Ling... she really came back for me?"

Mae turned with a knowing smile. "Yes, she did. She didn't even stop to rest. She said she needed to see you."

Orm nodded slowly, her emotions swirling. "She's... incredible."

Mae chuckled and ruffled Orm's hair. "Feeling better now, Nong Orm?"

Orm nodded again, wrapping her arms around her mother. "Thank you, Mae."

Mae kissed her forehead before nudging her gently. "Dinner will be ready soon. When it's done, wake Ling Ling up. But for now..." Mae winked. "Go back to her."

---

Orm returned to find Ling Ling sitting up, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Her hair was slightly messy, her expression softer than usual.

"P'Ling," Orm said quietly, "Did you sleep well?"

Ling Ling held out her hand with a tired smile. "Come here."

Orm climbed onto the bed, and Ling Ling immediately pulled her into a warm embrace. Orm let herself sink into it, resting her face in the crook of Ling Ling's neck.

"Nong Orm..." Ling Ling murmured.

"Yes, P'Ling?"

Ling Ling's hold tightened. "Don't shut me out again. My heart can't take it."

Orm pulled back slightly, frowning. "Why can't your heart take it?"

Ling Ling hesitated, her gaze dropping to Orm's lips before meeting her eyes again. "Because you're my safe zone," she whispered. Her expression faltered like she wanted to say more but couldn't bring herself to. "And I can't lose you."

Orm felt her heart flip. "P'Ling... I'm not going anywhere."

Ling Ling smiled, brushing a gentle kiss against Orm's forehead. "Good. Because moving forward, you'll know everything—where I go, who I meet, everything. No more surprises."

Orm chuckled softly. "You don't have to do all that."

"I want to," Ling Ling insisted, her voice soft but firm. "Because you matter to me." Her stomach growled suddenly, breaking the tender moment.

Orm laughed, sitting up. "You're definitely hungry. Mae made dinner. Come join us?" She hesitated before adding shyly, "Maybe... stay the night?"

Ling Ling's eyes brightened. "I'd love to."

---

At dinner, Ling Ling fit seamlessly into Orm's family. She answered their lighthearted questions about her trip, her gaze occasionally flicking to Orm for reassurance.

When Orm's mom teased, "Maybe you can take Orm to Korea next time," Ling Ling's hand found Orm's, her thumb caressing it gently. "I'd like that," Ling Ling replied, smiling warmly. "Maybe Japan, too. If you allow me to steal her."

Orm's mother laughed. "Take her. Please! Keep her! She's all yours."

"Mae!" Orm groaned, her face burning. But she couldn't deny the warmth in her chest as Ling Ling's touch lingered.

---

Later that night, as Orm stepped out of the bathroom, she found Ling Ling already in bed, wearing Orm's oversized shirt. Ling Ling held up the blanket, motioning for Orm to join her.

When Orm climbed in, Ling Ling wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close. Orm rested her head against Ling Ling's chest, feeling utterly content.

"I love you, P'Ling," Orm whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

For a moment, there was silence. Then Ling Ling's voice, soft and sure, came through the darkness.

"I love you more."