A person who longs for a dream, they will become the most like that.
(André Georges Malraux)
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I arrived at the meeting place about forty minutes late, but fortunately today's appointment is not very formal because it's not a business matter. No, it may be part of the business, but flexible...it not something that could bankrupt the company or disappear from the stock market. It's more of a family matter, something like "a boat sinking in a swamp, costing millions."
Right now, I am sitting among relatives on both sides, both my own and those from a distant branch of the family, to the point where they can hardly be considered close blood relatives. And when I mention bloodlines, it certainly has something to do with reproduction and the continuation of descendants.
‘Arranged Marriage’
The relatives are chatting and laughing happily, like people wearing masks talking to each other, just discussing stories about their grandfather, how a piece of carpet and a pillow turned into a third or fourth generation millionaire. And yes… the last generation is me,
sitting with an oily face after waiting for a ride under the sun.
Before I come to sit here, I've to rush to the bathroom to redo my makeup because my mascara has turn into a Niagara Falls all over my face. To make matters worse, I’m still sitting here smelling my own sweat because of that secretary my father hired. If only she had told Jenpob to pick me up from the beginning, I wouldn’t have to stand here looking like a mudfish.
"By the way, how are you, Win? Did you come to see the work? Can you do it?"
My father asks warmly to my fiancé, who is sitting not far away. Mawin, dressed in a casual suit and a relaxed, unbuttoned white shirt, replied with a smile that seems warm and impressive.
"Yes, I can. At first, I didn’t quite understand, but after a while, everything fell into place."
"Make sure you teach In too. I’ll teach In about work as well.”
My father take the opportunity to introduce me right away.
“I intent for her starting from scratch.”
"It seems good."
I look at my older cousin and smile slightly. Of course, Mawin see it, but he didn’t say anything and continued to chat with the adults, knowing just what to say to impress them. I hadn’t seen him since elementary school.
We used to play together as kids. Mawin is about two years older than me and tends to keep to himself, often drawing and sitting alone in the park watching birds and trees, like a crazy person in a drama staring off into space. As for me, I was the one who played with Barbie dolls. We had nothing in common and I hated him.
Because he’s my fiancé…
It seems like ever since I came back to Thailand, there have been so many people for me to hate. From the secretary, who seems to know everything and acts a little too smart for her own good, to the fiancé who I have nothing in common with. Who else am I going to hate from now on? Oh, and my mom just warned me not to follow the political news, or I might end up hating the Prime Minister too.
"Mawin, take In to visit our hotel so she can learn about the job.” My father said.
"Yes.”
Mawin readily agreed and stand up to walk over to me, politely pulling out a chair. I show no sign of displeasure and following him out, because I am completely uncomfortable with the atmosphere at the dinner table. Do my parents really think that just taking a tour of the hotel will help me learn about the job?
