SUNNY SIDE UP

CHAPTER 2 - THE LAND OF SMILES

DALA’S POV

Smiles are quite powerful, aren’t they? It’s amazing how a smile can change someone’s day, emotions, and actions. It’s also amazing how a smile can be so deceptive, like a mask: hiding cries of pain, suffering, and anger.

How often do you smile each day? How often do you fake it? How often does it become genuine?

People see me as this happy and optimistic person who always smiles, like it was expected to be already tattooed on my face. I know that I’m a happy person… well, I guess I am; I try to be. Humans are really amazing actors of hiding pain, and I consider myself as a great example.

For me, a smile doesn’t necessarily mean you are happy nor sad. It doesn’t mean it’s genuine nor a mere deception. It is a tool, an antidote. If you’re happy, it can preserve that. If you’re sad, it can uplift your mood. It helps you become better. Yes, a smile can do that.

************

“Cali, wake up! We’re here!”

I patted Cali’s shoulder trying to wake her up.

I glanced through the thick glass window and saw the bright shining sun smiling upon me. I took a deep breath and tried to internalize everything.

Then, looked at Cali and she’s still sound asleep.

“CALI, WAKE UP!”

This time, I knew patting her on the shoulders wouldn’t be enough, so I shook her body continuously until she’s awake.

“Dala… what are you saying?”

Her tone is as if she’s still half asleep. Seriously? Come on.

“WE’RE HERE!”

“Oh.. I thought it was important… WAIT, WHAT?! OMG! WE'RE HERE!”

Now, she’s awake. The excitement in her eyes and that loud scream say it all. The other passengers were starting to get irritated by the loud noise, so I tried to calm her, as much as I could. 

I wanted to scream too. The day I’ve been waiting for all my life has finally arrived. It feels like I’m in cloud nine. Why?

I’ve mentioned that I’m a fan of Thailand, right. I’ve been so obsessed with Thai actors like P’Good, P’Punn, P’Sun, P’Tai, and many more. It would definitely take a whole year if I had to recite all of their names. Now, I have the chance to get to see one of them, hopefully! I guess every fangirl would always have their hopes up while in a foreign country where their idols are living. If that wouldn’t happen, we’ll probably go to where they usually eat, visit, or something. At least, I get to be with them, in spirit.

Also, the business presentation I’ll be doing later will be life-changing, for it would be the key to finally prove myself to my co-workers that they are wrong, that I have what it takes to deserve this job and not just because of mere connections.

I feel so ecstatic. My heart is pounding louder and louder with excitement.

I’m here. I’m finally in Thailand, the ‘Land of Smiles’, and I definitely can’t stop smiling.

“Let’s go, Cali.”

We took off the plane and headed to the luggage area to get our stuff. 

“DALAAAA! I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE HERE!”

“I KNOOOW! I’M SO EXCITEEED!” 

“I’M STEPPING ON THE SAME LAND AS MY HUBBIES!”

“AGREE!”

We screamed at the top of our lungs. I feel so overwhelmed.

I looked around and saw all those signs and directions in the airport. You know, the green boards with Thai characters and its English translation telling where you should head to. I crunched my eyes, and mustered all the knowledge I gained from reading Thai to understand those directions without looking at the English translations. It was fun and challenging. 

“What are you doing?”

Cali stared at me with confusion. Well, I look stupid peeping one eye open and using my hand to cover the English translations just to test my Thai-reading skills.

I realized how weird I looked inside an airport full of strangers, and hurriedly got back to my senses.

“Don’t mind me. Have you found our luggage yet?”

I tried diverting the situation. Hope it worked.

“Okay, fine. I’ll pretend I never saw you. You sure you’re a professional who’s gonna meet a big client?”

Cali raised one eyebrow while striking me with a sarcastic glare.

“C’mon, Cali. I’m professional at work but I have a life, okay. I wouldn’t want to change my weird self.”

“That’s what I like about you.”

“Of course you do.”

We both laughed.

After a while, we found our luggage and headed to the hotel via taxi. There’s not a lot of people, so we managed to leave the airport immediately.

We had an accommodation at The Landmark Bangkok Hotel, a 5-star hotel located at Watthana. You might ask, why are we at a luxurious hotel when we went there only via taxi? What about an escort service? The answer is, well… the owner of the hotel is a business partner of the company I’m working with. One of the perks is it’s free accommodation. My aunt is… how do I put it? Stingy. Well, I don’t really mind. As long as I’m here in Thailand, I can sleep even on the streets.

Once we got those beautiful shiny keys to our room, we unpacked our stuff and I started preparing the documents for the presentation. I also tried practicing in front of the mirror, and even asked Cali to pretend to be Mr. Wongsawat, the big client.

I find it hard concentrating because I can’t help but burst into laughter while she hilariously tries to imitate him. Well, we don’t know him personally but we saw a few interviews with him from the media. But we made it through, and I think I’m ready. Yeah, I am. Let’s do this.

“Cali, I gotta go.”

I looked at Cali and pointed towards the door.

“Wanna come for moral support?”

I think being with someone would help calm my nerves.

“I’d love too but I’ve been feeling quite dizzy since we got here, but yeah. Let me grab my stuff,” he said, with her hand massaging her head. 

“Oh, it’s okay. Don’t come. Just rest here for a bit. I’ll tell you everything when I get back.”

I grabbed my bag and went outside. My nerves are killing me.

I peeked at the door, sticking my head out. 

“Can you at least pray for me. I’m really nervous!”

“Of course! Dala, you are gonna do great! Susu na (Fighting)!"

I headed to one of Mr. Wongsawat’s companies and I’ll be meeting him there. When I got to the location, I was astonished! It was a freakin’ 22-storey building! The elegantly-designed exteriors definitely screams perfection. The earth-toned interiors were very luxurious and classy.

Can I do this? What should I do? Oh, please give me a sign, universe! I hurriedly got in the elevator and pressed the eight-floor key.

All the while, my heart was racing so bad, as if I’m about to explode. My palm is sweating and my knees are trembling but I have to do this. I know I can do this. 

Right after that moment, I saw a lady enter that same elevator with a quote printed on her shirt, ‘Smile. Everything will be great.’

Is this the sign I’ve been waiting for? My lips shaped into a smile. Thank you, universe! Susu na, Dala (Fighting, Dala)!

A few minutes before the presentation, I went to the restroom to freshen up. I looked at the mirror and smiled. 

I look good. I look professional with this red knee-hugging dress and white blazer. My white stilettos are gorgeous and my makeup is pretty natural. I got this, okay. Just smile.

I headed to the meeting room. I stood in front of the door, trying to shake my nerves off and took a deep, deep, deep, deep breath. The client’s already waiting inside, and now is my time to shine. It’s showtime. I pushed the steel bars at the door and went in.

“Sawasdee ka, Khun Wongsawat! Chan chue Dala dtuaa thaen jaak Mananita. (Good day, Mr. Wongsawat! I am Dala, the representative from Mananita)”

Mananita is the name of my aunt’s company. It sells top-grade Abaca fibers, which are extensively used to produce ropes, woven fabrics, tea bags and many more. It is the strongest natural fiber, which is both biodegradable and sustainable. In short, it’s an eco-friendly product with unlimited capabilities.

This presentation is done to convince Mr. Wongsawat to invest in our company and its unlimited potential for growth and development.

I know this is too technical, but yeah.

So, after I presented, I stood high to prepare in answering his questions and to further expound some of his concerns. I talked with him with all my might and hopefully my convincing powers worked for him. Until…

“It’s settled then. It’s a done deal. At first I was hesitant to invest in your company because of some production constraints, but I was amazed by your skills. You explained the data very well, and I was persuaded immediately. I am looking forward to working with you.”

He shook my hand and my smile widened.

I did it! I sealed the deal! OMG! My hands are shaking as I try to comprehend the situation. But for now, I will try to be professional as much as I can.

For a moment I got distracted realizing how I tried so hard explaining everything in Thai, then he answered me in English. But, then I realized that it doesn’t matter, as long as it turned out well.

After the presentation, I immediately went back to the hotel to surprise Cali. I figured that I should pretend that I didn’t get it and see how she reacts to it.

I tried smudging the makeup on the way back to my room, as if I cried on the way back. I made a soft knock and opened the door, seeing Cali anxiously waiting at the sofa.

When she saw the smudged makeup and my fake droopy eyes, she really thought I failed. She gave me a tight hug.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry. He’s a difficult client anyways. Care to tell me what happened?”

Her eyes full of concern and worry started to create guilt inside me, but I must pull this off.

“I… uhm…”

I started sobbing. I’m telling you, my acting skills are like a pro. I then burst into tears.

“I did the presentation… and he… well… he said…”

“Oh, my poor Dala.”

She started caressing my back as I continuously cried. Now’s the time, Dala.

“He said… it’s a done deal.”

She still hasn’t realized it yet. The prank would fail.

“Wait, what?! Screw you, Dala! Seriously.”

I started laughing at her reaction. That started look of defeat is definitely worth the effort of running into strangers on the hallways with smudged makeup.

“Sorry! HAHAHAHA!”

Her face was really priceless. Then, she shrugged.

“Fine. Whatever. We should celebrate then! Your treat.”

I can see where this is going. I never went to parties nor drink, like… EVER! 

“You know I don’t drink and do parties!”

“Your life would change from now on. Don’t you want to feel free?”

She tried convincing me with that brave spirit of hers. But I’m afraid.

“I’m okay with my life. Let’s just eat shabu or something.”

I started to get fidgety. I’ve never done something like this, and everytime someone asks me to, I keep on making dumb excuses.

Cali placed her hand on my shoulder and looked straight into my eyes. That hypnotizing glare, seriously.

“Dala, look at me. Let’s go. Just try it and if you don’t like it, then don’t do it again. If you want to go home, then we’ll go home. Besides, you’re not getting younger. You need to experience this because someday you will realize how thankful you are to me that I forced you to try it, even once.”

Should I go for it? 

Fine. I’m in a beautiful country right now, no one knows me and I just had something worth celebrating, so let’s give it a shot! Wish me luck, then. Hope I don’t end up regretting it.

“Alright! But don’t you ever leave me there!”

“Of course.”

She gave me a wink and a wicked smile. I don’t know but I’m starting to worry.

“Let’s look up for nearby clubs on the web!”

Cali hurriedly searched through her phone and BINGO!

“Found it! Levels Club, a 6-minute drive from here. Looks really good and professional.”

“I don’t even know what I should wear!”

“Leave that to me.”

She started wiggling her eyebrows. Seriously, she’s starting to creep me out. Cali!

She searched through her luggage and brought out a few pieces of clothing. 

“I’ve been planning to do this anyway… if ever I managed to finally convince you.”

She took a crimson red backless dress with a bodycon fit, daring plunge neckline, and curved hem. It was too… revealing.

“Is that what you’ll be wearing?”

I know she’ll make me wear it, but I don’t know if I could pull it off.

“It’s what YOU will be wearing!”

She looked at me with a huge grin.

“ Isn’t this too...i don’t know… showy?”

“JUST TRY IT ON!”

“Fine.”

I grabbed the dress and tried it on in the restroom. I, then, looked at the mirror. It is beautiful. But I feel a bit too exposed.

“What’s taking so long?!”

I heard Cali's irritated voice. 

"You sure about this?" 

"Yes! So, get out and show me the dress on you." 

I slowly opened the door and got out from the restroom. 

I looked at Cali, with her jaw dropped and eyes that weren't even blinking. She's shocked. Do I look awful? 

"Does it look too bad on me?" 

"NO! YOU LOOK GORGEOUS! WHY HAVEN'T I SEEN YOU LIKE THIS BEFORE?!" 

I felt more confident after hearing those words. Okay, let's do this and embrace change! 

Then, we did our make up. I asked her to help me with a smokey eyeshadow which I normally see in social media. We did our hair and got ready for the club. 

We booked a taxi and went to the club. It looked like a normal building on the outside but when we went in, it’s like I’m transported in another dimension.

Striking lights, laser beams, and the irreplaceable glow of black lights shining on everybody as they smile and have such a good time, dancing and drinking all their worries away. The DJ's been playing sick electric beats as the crowd goes wild on the dance floor. 

Did I make the right decision? This is such a big shift for me.

I was about to step back when Cali pulled my arm and led me to an empty table. 

“Wait here,” Cali said.

Should I sneak out? No, she’ll probably get mad at me.

Ugh! This is so frustrating!

I saw guys trying to check me out. Their eyes scanning every inch of my body. It felt weird, knowing that I haven't had experience with those things. Is this really how it is? Is this how it feels like? 

“Here we go. Cheers!”

She gave me the drink, smelled its weird scent and chugged it quickly.

"Hey, drink it slowly. You don't chug it like water, dummy!" 

Why does this taste so bitter! Why do people like this?!

Cali noticed my disgust with the drink.

“Hey, try it the second time around. You’ll find it rather addicting. I promise.”

“Okay, then. Cheers to change!”

Surprisingly, it did have an addictive aspect to it. 

We found ourselves ordering more drinks. 

One shot after another, I didn’t realize I was already drinking too much that my body could handle. I guess I had three… four shots, or maybe more than that. I don't really know. 

I hopped into the dance floor, showing people some sick moves I've been wanting to do for so long, but never got a chance to. I moved to the beat as I went deeper in the crowd full of people and their smiling faces. I started getting dizzier and dizzier until… 

“Cali?”

She’s gone. Where is she? Don’t tell me she bailed on me… or did I leave her? We lost each other?! I was about to call her on the phone, but the battery’s already dead.

Fine. I’ll go back myself. 

Then, in the crowd, I saw a familiar face. Could it be? I looked closer, despite the flashing lights and the crazy crowd. Is that P’Sun? Is that really him; that hottie actor I’ve been obsessed with for quite some time?

He is! And he’s… smiling back at me?!