EPISODE 3: The Smile I didn't Expect
892 Words
EPISODE 3
“The Smile I Didn’t Expect”
INT. SMALL BOARDING ROOM – MORNING
Soft sunlight slips through thin curtains.
Jenny slowly opens her eyes.
For a moment, she just lies there.
Waiting for the usual heaviness.
But…
It’s not there.
She touches her chest lightly.
JENNY
Why do I feel… lighter?
She stares at the ceiling.
Then—
A memory flashes.
Warm lights. Soft jazz.
A woman with a classic bob haircut saying—
“Premium vintage water.”
Jenny suddenly smiles into her pillow.
She quickly hides her face.
JENNY
(whispering to herself)
Why am I smiling this early…
Her phone vibrates.
She grabs it.
Message from Herlie:
“I’m sorry about last night 😭 I had something important to finish because it was the end of the month, and I forgot to tell you. Please let me make it up to you. Tomorrow is my day off. Where do you want to go? My treat!”
Jenny reads it twice.
She types back while sitting up on her bed.
Jenny’s Reply:
“No, it’s fine. I understand. I enjoyed last night talking with your colleague or manager? She made me smile. She’s nice ha! You didn’t tell me about her.”
She stares at her message before sending it.
Then presses send.
She places her phone beside her and stands up to prepare for work.
—
HERLIE’S ROOM – SAME MORNING
Herlie, half-asleep, grabs her phone.
She reads Jenny’s message.
Her eyebrows slowly rise.
HERLIE
(confused)
Colleague? Manager?
She reads it again.
HERLIE (CONT’D)
…She made me smile?
Her brain starts connecting dots.
She sits upright.
HERLIE
Wait.
Realization hits.
HERLIE
Oh no.
SMALL BAR – AFTERNOON
The bar is quiet before opening hours.
Staff are preparing.
HERLIE clocks in and ties her apron nervously.
Behind the counter, CAROL PARK — composed, efficient, confident — checks inventory sheets while giving instructions to two staff members.
CAROL
Make sure table three gets fixed before tonight. And restock the premium shelf — not the cheap ones, the good ones.
The staff nod quickly.
Carol moves with authority. Calm. Focused.
Herlie watches her from a distance.
She bites her lip.
HERLIE
Ms. C doesn’t usually entertain guests personally…
Especially someone who only orders water.
Herlie hesitates.
Carol is busy signing documents now.
Herlie inhales deeply and approaches.
HERLIE
Um… Ms. C?
Carol doesn’t look up immediately.
CAROL
Yes?
HERLIE
About last night… my friend…
Now Carol looks up slowly.
Her expression is unreadable.
CAROL
The quiet one?
Herlie nods carefully.
HERLIE
I just wanted to say sorry. I know you’re very busy and she wasn’t really… ordering anything. I didn’t think you’d personally entertain her.
Carol leans back slightly.
There’s a small amused curve on her lips.
CAROL
You sound worried.
HERLIE
I just know you don’t give your time that easily, Ms. C.
Carol studies her for a second.
Then she smiles.
Not teasing.
Not mocking.
Soft.
CAROL
Your friend is cute.
Herlie blinks.
CAROL (CONT’D)
And nice.
(beat)
I like her.
Herlie’s eyes widen slightly.
HERLIE
You… like her?
Carol casually closes the folder.
CAROL
Relax. I didn’t propose marriage.
Herlie laughs nervously.
Carol stands up and walks past her toward the bar area.
As she passes, she adds—
CAROL
If she comes again, tell me.
Herlie freezes.
Watching her boss walk away confidently.
HERLIE
Oh… it's exciting! (╹▽╹)
—
BUS – EVENING
Jenny sits by the window again.
Still no reply from Herlie.
She frowns slightly.
JENNY
Did I say something weird?
Her mind drifts back.
Carol’s smile.
Carol’s voice.
The way she leaned closer.
Jenny shakes her head lightly.
JENNY
Why am I thinking about her again…
But she is.
- Writer
