Chapter 3
The Day of the Engagement
The sun was setting and the night sky was crawling into its place...
Nadech put on his nice suit; he looked at himself in the mirror
N:I look this handsome and she left me?
(He started combing his hair)
He looked at his watch;
N:I think it’s time to pick up my date?
he repeated
*date* and smiled..
N:haven’t had a date after Yaya
Nadech grabbed his keys and walked out the house.
*door bell rings*
C
HAW MAE! I am going out now
M: You’re dressed so nicely today, where are you going?
P:What is it? a date?
C:No, an engagement ceremony
P: tae lue, today is your birthday na.
She quickly opens the door dodging anymore questions from her parents! Chalida didn’t want her parents to know that she was going to attend Mak’s engagement ceremony.
C: It's okay phaw, mae, we don't have to celebrate it this year. Byeeeee.
Nadech didn’t get a chance to greet her parents but all he got was a shove!
All Nadech heard was "Today is your birthday"
N:OW! Watch it!! I want to say hi to your parents or even carry a conversation with them
C:Not now, hurry up before they ask any more questions
He finally had the chance to look at her
She wore a nice pinkish white dress and her hair was twisted to the side
N:WHOAAA!
C:You can whoa later, come on, it's getting darker.
N: okay okay i'll save it for later.
In the car
N: did you know that you are sitting in a stranger’s car?
c:
(looks at Nadech) and did you know that I can kick you out of the house?
N: OI! You’re soo whats the word!!! HARSH! No wonder whats his name left you!!
Chalida turned around and smacks him on the arm
C:I see why Yaya left you too!
N:Why? She left such a handsome face didn’t she?
C:She left you because you’re soo soo childish!
It got quiet!!
N:You right? That is correct. I was too childish! She couldn’t take it anymore and left!
How about you huh?
C: im not going to spill my beans and here are the directions!!
N
on’t worry I know the way there!
C:YOU DO?
N:It’s the place Yaya and I visited when we were still in France.
Chalida felt sorry for him at that moment!
C:Im sorry to hear that!
N:Its okay! I’ll take it like a MAN and deal with it!
Nadech then asked: what is your intention to go there?
C: I thought about it, it’s not a bad intention. I did want him to feel the pain he put me through,
but if he didn’t do this, I would of never learn how to grow up!..lae tur?
Nadech thought quietly to himself!
N:I was thinking about winning Yaya over!!
C: OH!
her eyes blinking continuously
N: that’s my intention !
N: wait here, let me go grab something first.
C: at the grocery store?
N:I'll be back, you stay here.
(Nadech ran quickly to the store, 10 minutes later, he put something in his back trunk)
Chalida didn't bother asking him what he bought, Nadech just drove.
Destination
Nadech and Chalida were walking beside each other. Nadech grabbed a hold of her hand, BE STRONG NA, we can do this.
They were walking along side and from afar, they spot the two people in their lives that
walked away.
Chalida squeezed Nadech's hand: GOOD LUCK
N:YOU TOO
YAYA AND MAK were greeting the guests but when they both saw Nadech and Chalida,
they both stepped back
Mak hasn’t seen Chalida in years and Yaya didn’ expect to even see Nadech
Mak didn’t like the sight of seeing Chalida holding another man’s hand!
Mak walks over and huggs Chalida breaking the bond between both hands
Y:How did you know about this? And why is that girl here? I meant your faen. She seems to be out of your league.
N:Oh, my faen Chalida knows Mak so I came with here. I'm surprised your the bride.
Besides you haven’t seen me in years, how sure are you that I am not interested in someone like her?
Y:I know you too well Barry.
N:not well enough
Yaya looked hurt when Nadech replied so coldly.
M: Why are you with that guy?
C: Why would you care? Besides today is your wedding na! I am here to support you okay!
M: and today is your birthday
*sigh I want to tell you how much I miss you!! And that I did you wrong so many ways. I even left you without telling you anything
Chalida didn’t want to hear It.
C:Today, maybe my birthday but it’s not as important as your wedding.
I’m not here to stay long tae, before you get married,
she got closer to Mak, BE HAPPY NA. I am happy you found the girl of your dreams!
M: Tae..Tae..he took Chalida’s hand, what if I said I am making a mistake? I have been thinking about you and..
Chalida placed her hands on his lips…something she always did when he talked too much
C: tae today is your wedding, NO regrets na. You made me who I am now.
A stronger person. With you I can breathe..without you I am able to still breathe…
Chalida felt so strong to face the one guy in her life that made her stop loving anyone. This day is the day where she is able to walk away happy. Happier than before.
Y: Hey birthday boy! I almost forgot that it was your birthday. By the way, I like your new look!! You look very pleasing!
N: You remember my birthday? And what do you mean? I didn’t look like this when we were together?
Y: Of course i do. How am I going to forget? You were sorta uh too nerdy! She giggles* I guess it’s been too long!
N: and too late!
Yaya stared at Nadech confused
Y:what do you mean too late?
N: Yaya! I still love you!! Please don’t do this!
Y: Are you kidding me? You have that girl over there. And you're going to tell me this?
N: what if I don’t want you to marry to what’s his name
Y:you still love me? Stop it! I'm going to go tell your faen that you want me back
N:
he swallow deeply I just wanted to test your feelings to see if anything is still left for me. You thought i was forreal?
Y:Your always playing around! Be serious for once Barry.
Nadech stared at Yaya blankly
Chalida felt like she said what she had to say to Mak, she turned around to look at Nadech, he was still talking to Yaya so she walked away
M:where are you going?
Mak's phaw:Mak, hurry, the ceremony is about to start, go get Yaya.
Mak: Tae.
MP: mai tae
Mak: Yaya, come over here
Nadech turned his head to face Mak, but he didn't see Chalida
N:where did Chalida go?
Mak became even more hesitant because Mak was the only one who use to hold that name “CHALIDA” the ones who are close to Chalida calls her that but the ones who aren't calls her MINT!
M:go find her yourself
Nadech ran pass Mak and glared at him
Both Mak and Yaya just stared at Nadech as he ran to go find her.
Y: lets go!
she tugs on Mak's shirt
N:Chalida, CHalida!! Tee Nai? Khun!
Nadech then saw Chalida walking. He quietly followed her. Nadech didn't know what to say to her since she seemed so sad. He finally broke the silence
N:Ben ngai baang?
Chalida turned around and smiled; Nadech expected her to be sao but saw that she was cheerful
C:i feel better now! I can finally move on
Chalida reassure Nadech by nodding her head, Nadech shot back a smile
N: Then, shall we? Let's go, it’s getting cold
(he put out his hand for Chalida)
Chalida smiles and walks away
N: Oiii!!
On the way back home
C: so what did Yaya say to you?
N:She denied me so i played it off. I'm a pro ain't I?
C: Wow. I pity you.
N: Don't feel pity towards me. Mai ow khrap.
C: i guess so..
she turns her head to look out the dark sky
N
:Sook San Wan gert na
C: what? how did you know?
N: i heard your parents.
*he winks at her
N: on top of that, its also my birthday.
C: your birthday?
N: chai si! what a coincidence huh? We have the same birthday when our kae peun gao are getting engaged.
C
chalida stares down)I have a plan.
N: HUH a plan?
C: why don't we just go to your place. I'll cook for your birthday.
N: Jing jing ler
C: Let's put Gijee's grocery into use. Its still edible *she smiles
Nadech's house
Nadech went upstairs to take a shower while Chalida made some food.
She was making almost done cooking Tom Kha Gai. Chalida started on Bua Loi Phuak.
Chalida opens the coconut can, right when she was about to pour it in, Nadech pokes her side
C: AHHH! Nadech!! Now the coconut juice is alll over me.
N: Oi, i didn't know the can was opened. I'll help you clean
C:Okay, clean the mess. Let me run back home to change.
Chalida head to the door but Nadech grabbed her arm.
N: Just wear one of my shirts na! Go wash up first
C: tae, Nadech pushes her upstairs.
N: i think you know my house better than i do, so you're more than welcome.
C: geez. all right.
Nadech took out a shirt and a cardigan. He pulled out a new fresh pair of boxers too
N: i'll set it right here.
C: okay, hurry up before the food burns
N: right on it
Chalida went to wash up while Nadech went to go check on the food
When she came out, she can smell the delicious aroma!
Chalida head downstairs.
Nadech was stirring the broth. He scooped a spoon of broth to taste
C: how does it taste?
Caught off guard, Nadech swallows the hot broth without blowing it.
N: HOT HOT!
C: My bad I thought you heard me?
N: you purposely did that didn't you? btw. Nice legs. It makes up for my burnt tongue.
C: she shoved nadech. you perve!
Chalida turns around to set the table
all of a sudden the lights went out!
C: Nadechhhhhh? what happened?
she quickly turns around
C:
her eyes were glistening as she saw the tall candles! how did you get the cake so fast?
N: when?
**flashback to the stop at the grocery store**
C:OW!
N: I am like superman! Seeeee
He quickly puts his shirt and coat on with his glasses
N: seeee! I feel soo handsome now
C: Get over yourself..
the wax is meltingggggg!
N: ofcourse my hotness is melting the candle wax
C:stop your nonsense..let's hurry and sing before the candle wax get on the cake..
N: our cake you meant...
C: Chai chai I meant our cake!
Together: neung song sahm...
*sings Happy Birthday, Nadech said Chalida's name first and Chalida said Nadech's name first..
they both started laughing...
Together: blew the candles
*they both finally set the table and ate...
It was about morning time and Nadech already fell asleep. Chalida finished washing the dishes and saw that he was already sleeping...
C: you're already sleeping?
She sat next to him..Thanks for today..i'll make sure i wash and send you your clothes..i wouldn't want my parents to see these..
she giggles..sleep tight..I'm going now!
Chalida made sure the door was locked..she left...
Nadech opened his eyes...and smiles......
