Trigger warning: really harmful language. My intention is to convey a point and irl, I don't support the certain themes I wrote.
Let me know if you guys are interested in more chapters like this, rather than the usual feel-good scenes.
Jazmine sits down on her chair and opens a small hardcover book. Beside her is a window, showcasing the city of DC below, while there's not much to look at on their street, she can see the outline of skyscrapers in the distance and the sun shining down on her face.
It's March 2020, and the book in her hands was Huey's gift for her birthday. She had spent her birthday with Huey sometime ago and it was absolutely magical; petting zoo, dinner date, and a romantic walk in the park. She couldn't have wished for more. But the best part was the night, where Huey gave his gift and they made love under lamplight.
For her birthday, Huey wrote a book that lists 1000 things that Huey Freeman likes about her. It wasn't a simple 5 page booklet either. Huey wrote an entire novel describing 1000 things in great detail about what he liked and loved about Jazmine.
She takes a sip of hot chocolate. Outside, the snow had already melted, the trees are growing back their leaves, and since she had bought too much cocao powder, she's still trying to chug down hot chocolate in spring. Best of all. the birds are flying back, squirrels and critters are waking up from hibernation, and she can finally stop wearing bulky coats.
She looks at the clock. 3:59pm. Huey should be back soon after his quick run to law school. While there were many obstacles within their daily lives they both managed through the school year without much complications. She's been having trouble with her motivation however. She's finding a lot of her business classes to be quite boring, it's only natural to feel sleepy when she's learning lessons that she already knows.
She turns to her Huey's gift, he always mentions how she should read more often. How she should turn off the TV and her phone and just read a story. But she doesn't really read a lot of books, the only real books she owns out of her own volition is the Bible and a bunch of old Dr. Seuss stories for keepsakes. And despite being around with a bookworm like Huey for most of her life she never really found the need to own books or start reading for fun.
She felt no need to read books, she never really found the appeal to sit down in one place and stay slient with her own thoughts. There were more enjoyable things to do, such as watch movies, or play jump rope, or tease Huey. There were countless moments in her childhood where they would sit under their tree and she would poke his arm or his leg to solicit a response from his nerdy reading.
Yet as years go by, Huey just learned more and more things. She wholeheartedly believes that Huey Freeman is gonna be smarter than everybody someday. And she learned to be more mature in life. Sitting down in a comfy chair with a hot drink and a book in her hands really showcases the 'peace' that Huey keeps talking about. She can feel Huey's maturity rubbing off on her, as not every 19 year old would learn to slow down and simply appreciate the little things in life.
She looks at the bookcase that she bought for Huey. He had pointed out to her that he'll share the space, putting his books at the top shelves while the bottom is reserved for her. It left an odd sight in their living room, as the top shelves are filled tightly with books while her bottom shelves only has a tiny stack of magazines and children's books.
Maybe I should buy some books... I'm sure he'd like to see me reading more.
Jazmine exhales, shaking her head, her thoughts keep drifting away from the book in her hands. His gift. She smiles to herself, it must have taken him weeks to write so many pages.
1000 Things I Like About Jazmine Dubois, By: Huey Freeman
Every entry she reads always leaves a butterfly in her stomach. She picks a random page and takes a sip of her drink.
#429 Jazmine is the only person who can make me smile and I have supporting evidence that there are no physical recordings of my smile other than the pictures she has in her possession.
In fact, Jazmine had already read the entire book once. She never thought the written word can make her feel so giddy, especially entry 29.
#29 Every morning I am convinced I have shared a bed with a Nubian princess. Jazmine Dubois, you look incredibly beautiful when you wake up and your hair glistens in the morning sun.
Jazmine hears a rattle of keys as she notices Huey approaching their front door. She leaps happily to the entrance and unlocks it.
"Hi!" Jazmine greets him.
"Close the door." Huey says in a rush, he heads for their bathroom.
"Is something... wrong?"
Huey points to their TV. "Watch the news."
As Huey runs for the bathroom cabinets while Jazmine turns the TV on and switches to the news channel.
"We now turn to the White House for a special presidential address... My fellow citizens, it has come to my attention that a new alarming disease is running through our nation at a tremendous speed. I assure you that it is completely and absolutely harmless, in fact even children are immune to the virus. While it may be a small inconvencience for the upcoming days let me tell you, as your president I promise that this whole outbreak will be gone. It will disappear before you know it. Your health and safet-
Huey returns with a toolbox. He gets to work installing extra locks on their front door.
Jazmine says. "Um... the president said..."
"The president?! Don't watch him! Go to the news!" Huey has an angry look on his face as he starts drilling holes with a power tool.
"-and this mystery virus, coming out of nowhere is projected to affect over a half of the country's population. Experts say that it is highly contagious, airborne, waterborne, foodborne, and can infect through touch and bodily fluids. It can even spread via birds, insects, and other small mammals. Honestly folks, I'm scared shitless, the best advice we can offer is to stay at home and lock your doors as I'm afraid that virtually nobody is safe."
"Oh... My... Gosh!" She gasps.
Huey is installing for his 8th lock. "Stay calm Jazmine. We've trained for this." He points to the supply closet.
She nods and opens the closet, inside are two copies of Huey's survival plan and stacks upon stacks of rations. Canned vegatables, cereals, and a huge water tank.
"Reports from social media are dubbing it the Chinese Food Virus as there have been rumors of the first case happening at a family-owned Chinese restaurant. Outbreak response teams are on the scene but so far no statements have been made. With that let's turn to the death projections on the screen, estimated 2.2 million in New York, estimated 4.1 million in California-
Jazmine shrieks. "Eeek! I'm changing the channel!"
"My fellow citizens, this is obviously an attack from China, our country is in danger, our families are in danger. My presidential sources say that this is a biological weapon that originated from China. But please do not be alarmed, I have very wonderful people who are making a vaccine as we speak, do not bother with washing hands or health 'protocols' by the end of this week we will already have a very safe, very affordable vaccin-
Huey mumbles curses under his breath. "No... change the damn channel Jazmine..."
"Pandemonium in the streets as residents rush to stock up on supplies! Supermarkets are reporting shortages on almost every item; toilet paper, canned foods, medical supplies, you name it! One woman has been kind to tell us that she is buying 42 cases of soda, folks some of these people are preparing for doomsday and frankly I don't blame them! With the virus looming over the horizon we are very uncertain if anyone will make it out alive. We will continue on-the-ground reporting for as long as possib- but hey hey! What are you doing!? Stop! AAAHH!"
...
"Good afternoon America! My name is Uncle Ruckus, no relation, and let me tell ya that as much as it pains me, whites and negros alike must work together to beat back this ching chong malarky! Chinese Food Virus? Kung-Flu? Jackie Chan Pox?! Listen to the white man president! Our country is at war! China and them yellow niggas want to kill all of us and steal our land! Them fellas already running out of land when there be 100 billion asian motherfuckas living in the white man's Earth! Now they here to kill us and take our homes! I say to hell with the coin-slot eye niggas! I declare war on them Asians! Start rounding them up an-
Huey turns the TV off.
"AAHHHH!" Jazmine squeals.
"Jazmine we are not at war with China! It's just a damn virus! Calm down!"
"What about mommy and daddy!?"
"They ain't gonna die Jazmine. They're smarter than most people! We just have to stay inside."
"But- But-"
Huey closes the curtains and points to all the emergency supplies that Huey had pre-prepared. He had always planned for a situation like this.
He lists out the stuff that's piled up in their living room. "We have gas masks, medical supplies, water purification tablets, and enough food and water to last for 4 months."
"Oh my gosh! It's the end of the world!"
"No it's not Jazmine. Calm down."
Unlike other people, Jazmine never made fun of Huey's doomsday-prepping. She always kept an open mind and she even shares the excessive paranoia with Huey towards a future crisis. It very much reminds her of the 'Fried Chicken Flu' when they were kids. It comforts her that he knows what to do during a troubling time like this.
Huey hands her a notebook. "Read the survival plan."
Jazmine whimpers her lip, still scared for her parents. "I-I already read it..."
"Read it again. And... do you want to call your parents?"
"I... umm.." She smiles. "Y-you should call them... it's nice, when you talk to my parents."
Day 2
Jazmine wakes up, the other side of their bed is empty.
Huey?
She stands up, already awake and in a panic. "Huey?! Where are you!?"
Jazmine spots him working with solar panels in their living room, he's crouched down to the floor as he's assembling different parts together.
She yawns. "Oh... umm.. how long have you been-
"Since 3 in the morning." Huey uses a wrench to tighten another bolt.
"Then... we'll have solar power?"
"So we don't run out of electricity like last time."
"Last time?" She asks.
"When we were kids." Referring to the Fried Chicken Flu.
"Oh..." Jazmine rubs her eyes and briefly stretches her arms. "Thanks Huey-poo."
He scowls at her. "No nicknames."
"Aww... what about Huey-bear?"
He shakes his head. "No."
"Sweetie?"
"Sweetie is already allowed."
She laughs. "I can say sweetie but not Huey-poo? That's messed up Huey."
He sighs. "Be quiet Jazmine... I'm doing work."
She smiles. "Okayyy... are you hungry? I'll open a can of peaches for us."
"Don't open cans... eat the stuff that's gonna spoil soon."
She leans down and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Right... thanks for uh... keeping us safe sweetie."
"These people are idiots! Complete morons! Look at them Jazmine?! Who the hell needs 100 rolls of toilet paper!? What does a goddamn lifetime supply of toilet paper gonna do during an outbreak!?"
Fools. The lot of them. Huey's veins pop out of his skin everytime he tunes into the news, he has never witnessed pure and utter lunacy in his entire life. Huey had already bought emergency supplies a few months ago but for most people it seems they lack enough food to last a week. All over the news, Huey sees people panic buying. Seeing people crumble from a single major crisis.
Then he saw the riots, Jazmine literally had to fan him and blow air on his face, he looked like he was about to explode. People in the streets are rioting, spreading the disease by sticking in large crowds. They're rioting against the health safety orders, protesting against the stay-at-home decrees. The audacity of people to even complain with such a thing.
To Huey they are all absolute fools and the idiocy of people is more harmful than the virus itself. He always believed that widespread panic will be their downfall during a crisis and unfortunately he gets to see it firsthand.
"The fuck!? The virus doesn't spread through wind currents! It's not fucking airborne! Jesus Christ! What the hell are those people thinking!? Stop telling people to eat garlic! It's not a damn cure!"
Jazmine shushes him. "Don't swear Huey..."
"Look at these people! Idiots! Who needs 20 boxes of chicken!? Absolutely selfish! He's gonna buy out the whole store before anyone else can buy food!"
"This just in, hospitals are overwhelmed, people are dropping like flies! We report that the Chinese Food Virus has a 70% mortality rate, please do not be alarmed and do not panic bu-
"AAAHHHH! 70 percent?!" Jazmine screams.
"It doesn't! What?! That's higher than the Black Death!"
Jazmine covers her ears and shuts her eyes. "Turn it off Huey! Turn it off!"
Huey grumbles but he turns off the TV. He's absolutely livid, people are either taking it as a joke or completely out of their minds.
"What! We're gonna die!"
"Jazmine we're not going to die."
"The ne- news said so! I- Oh my goshhH!"
"Stop listening to the news, pretty sure they're lying."
"Huey! How! T-the experts... the professionals..."
"Don't believe everything people say. Especially Uncle Ruckus who's doing a damn manhunt for Chinese people. He's hopeless."
"But w- what are we gonna do?!"
"We're gonna ration food and stay here. We got books, electricity, and maybe a month of running water. If a nuclear apocalypse is coming then maybe we can run for a bunker or something I don't know- but we're not gonna die."
Jazmine hugs Huey tightly. "I-I'm scared!"
"Don't make a repeat like last time... and don't invite anyone else in. Our apartment is not going to be a slumber party."
She feels his arms return the hug. "Y-yes... I read the survival plan. We can only support 2 people."
"Good... then-what do you want to do?"
"Maybe you can read me a story?"
Huey sighs. "Read a book outloud to you?"
She sheepishly smiles. "Yes." Jazmine hands him her favorite book. 1000 Things I Like About Jazmine Dubois, By: Huey Freeman
He grumbles, preferring she'd pick something more educational. "Alright then, #1..."
Day 4
Huey is convinced that Jazmine is a kitten. He's read up on Hindu scriptures before, about reincarnation and samsara, he's beginning to think more and more that Jazmine was a kitten in her past life or some annoying, pestering mammal.
Huey had gotten used to living with her, after all they've been together for quite some time now, but this time, she's paranoid, scared, restless, and absolutely frightened about the things happening outside. He caught her several times watching the news on her phone, and it's only helping to intensify her fears. He really can't believe he's stuck with Tom Dubois' daughter. Regarding Tom's prison phobia, Tom and his daughter truly share the same level of paranoia when it comes to anything mildly scary.
Jazmine sighs. "Maybe... we can decorate our gas masks? Like paint them?"
He shakes his head. "No Jazmine... different colored gas masks mean different things..."
"Oh... so black means?"
"Harmful organic compounds."
"White?"
"For acidic gases."
Jazmine taps her cheek in thought. "Pink?"
"No such thing as a pink gas mask."
"Aww... so I can't paint them?"
He shakes his head. "No."
She pouts as rests her back on their sofa. Beside her is Huey sitting as well, reading what seems to be a law book. It reminds her the countless moments she spent with him on the hill in Woodcrest. He would always read a book under the shade and she would try teasing him and getting his attention.
No wonder people weren't surprised when she finally started dating him. Even back then she was so touchy with him, with pokes, taps, and brushes, it was enough touching to be suspicious between a boy and a girl.
"Look Huey!"
Huey's eyes move away from his book and lifts an eyebrow. "What?"
Jazmine takes off her hoodie. She lifts her elbow to her face and tries to lick her elbow.
He sighs. "What ar-
"Look! I can lick my elbow!"
Huey gives his usual scowl and turns back to his law book. Some things never change between them.
Jazmine pokes his arm. "Heyyy..."
"What do you want Jazmine?"
"I'm bored."
"Go on your phone. Or watch TV."
"But I'll just end up reading the news and get scared again."
He sighs. "Yeah.. you're right. Then go read a book."
"But I already read your birthday gift! Like 9 times now!"
"You can read other books."
"What about a documentary?" She suggests.
"Do whatever you want. I'm reading my own book."
She pouts. "But I want to do something together!"
"Stop being so needy Jazmine." He turns around and faces his back towards her. He's careful not to raise his voice around her, but he can't help but feel a little too harsh with her.
She makes a loud whimpering sound and without a word she takes the TV remote and tunes on the news. "There's been an increase i-
"Jazmine." He turns around. "Sorry."
"You should keep reading your law stuff... it's probably important."
He closes the book and puts it off to the side. "It's not important."
Huey takes the remote and turns off the TV. He continues. "So what do you want to do?"
Jazmine gives him a sweet smile. "Well..." She lifts her arm again and licks her elbow, she stops and gives him a smile. "What do you think? I learned to do it yesterday!"
"I think it's disgusting." He shakes his head,
She giggles. "I know."
Huey ponders a little bit, looking around their apartment and the home they made together. "Is that it? You just wanted to me to see your elbow trick?" He asks.
She laughs teasingly. "Well... I mean... a normal boyfriend would say it was cute. But I'm dating Huey Freeman so... I'll take 'disgusting' as well."
He sighs, eventually his lungs are gonna collapse from all the sighing he's done lately. "Stand up."
Jazmine follows him as they walk to the center of their small apartment living room. Her cheeks starts to flush. "What are you planning?"
"Remember when you said you wanted a slow dance?"
"A long... time ago." She smiles, anticipating his next move.
"Then let's slow dance."
She teases. "A-are you sure you're still Huey Freeman? Are you a doppelganger? What did you do to my real boyfriend?"
"Come on Jazmine... I'm only gonna do this once."
She remarks. "But music..."
"Does it matter?"
"I- well... not really.."
"Then take my hand."
In the center of the room, the two lovers edge closer and closer together, his hand rests on her waist as she rests her head on his chest. They instantly find their rhythm as they sway slowly to the side. Jazmine and Huey never really got a normal prom together. For 4 years in high school, she always went without a date and hanged out with her friends. Huey would simply stay and give Riley a ride home whenever he called. That happened for 3 agonizing and lonely school years.
She wanted to ask him out to prom for their senior year. And if she had a magic genie lamp, one of her wishes would be for Huey to ask her out. But because of work and charities with Huey, she never actually got the chance and find time together. They never had a slow dance. Everyday they would kiss, every night they would have sex, and yet not once have they did a slow dance together.
It's definitely not her perfect dream. It's not her perfect prom, she's not in her perfect dress, and she doesn't even have music playing. But as she stands in the middle of their living room, surrounded by his two powerful arms, amidst a horrifying national endemic, she nonetheless feels safe in his arms.
She giggles. "Are you sniffing my hair?"
"Yeah..."
"Smells like strawberry right? I'm strawberry blonde with strawberry shampoo!"
He argues back. "No you're bright auburn."
"Wrong. Strawberry blonde."
"No."
"But does it smell like strawberries?"
"...Yes." He regrettably admits
She sighs happily. Despite taking dance lessons, she's a horrible slow dancer, they've never slow danced before and they've resorted to just hugging each other as they slowly sway side to side to an imaginary beat.
"Maybe... we should just... go to bed." She smiles.
"You want to? It's still midday."
"Yeah." She giggles as she gives a suggestive wink.
He slyly squeezes her asscheeks before she makes another giggle. "Huey! Carry me!"
Huey prepared for everything, absolutely everything. Food, water, gas masks, a security system, he even bought goddamn solar panels. And yet, he curses at himself, he forgot a variable in his equation, Jazmine Dubois. He's gonna have to ration, or think of a different solution. With all his planning and work, he may have prepared for 4 months worth of food and water but he forgot to get 4 months worth of condoms.
Huey nibbles on Jazmine's neck as they lay down on the bed together, she makes her signature sound that Huey has grown familiar with. A half-moan, half-giggle from Jazmine as Huey places hickies on her neck. While there have been many downsides to their situation, being stuck in an apartment and being wary of a disease, They assure each other that perhaps their situation may not be as bad as it seems.
Day 7
Jazmine sticks her tongue out. "Come on. Sit on the couch with me!" She pats on Huey's spot.
He relents and goes to sit with his girlfriend.
They've been cooped up in their house for a week now. With no school, he called off work, and spending entire hours just to figure out what to do. From what Huey can piece together, there's been no developments with the virus, just the usual panic and distress all over the news. People protesting, calling it a hoax, and just downright lunacy.
He calls Jazmine's parents from time to time, luckily Sarah didn't share the same lack of common sense. But Tom on the other hand... suffice to say that Huey felt like he was listening to a male version of Jazmine.
Jazmine sits down on one of his thigh and her body rests on him like a koala. Huey witnesses firsthand how she's inventing different methods of cuddling, giving it nicknames like martial arts techniques.
There's the 'Teddy Bear Hug', the 'Upside Down Kitty', the 'Huggie Wuggie', and the 'Silly Goose'.
"You act like a child." Huey grumbles.
"I call this one..." She snuggles closer, trying to use his jacket as a blanket. "The 'Sleepy Panda!'"
"Is this how you spend your time now? Torturing me for eternity?"
"Yes." She cutely remarks.
"Get off."
"Make me."
Huey stands up, carrying her in his arms, then in a quick motion he sets her down on the couch normally. "Awww..." She says.
Jazmine turns on the TV and tunes into the news again. He always scolds her as it either makes her stressed or scared. But from time to time, she just has an urge to take a peek at what's happening.
"Hello. Woodcrest local news! A new shopping mall will be built near the city outskirts, it was just announced today that construction will be begin this morning! Local residents are already welcoming the new addition. City council approved of the development and it will be built at one of the most gorgeous plots of land that Woodcrest has to offer. On top of this hill that overlooks the entire suburbs! Wow! What a sight! It's expected to be finished in 6 years courtesy of Long Dou Incorporated!"
"Huey... tha- that hill looks familiar..."
"Does it?" Huey scowls, they're gonna ruin the local environment with another mall.
"Wait... are they- are they..."
"What is it?"
"Huey... I think they're building the mall.. at our hill."
Huey and Jazmine exchange looks at each other, a doubt spreads to Huey's face but Jazmine sits completely stunned at the realizaton.
"Even if it was our hill then-
"AAAHHHHHH!"
"It's true."
After making a few calls and confirming it, Huey finds out that a Chinese company hired a contractor to start construction immediately after getting approval. Jazmine lays there in shambles, sobbing. He wants to tell her that a place being gone doesn't reduce the value of her memories but he understands how much sentimental value she's placed on that hill.
"Our hill Huey! Our hill! How- h- how dare they!?"
"I'm just mad that they're gonna ruin nature again to make another damn mall..."
"But it's OUR hill! Aren't you mad?! I don't care about the mall or about nature! It's OUR hill! How are they gon- They're gonna ruin our place!"
Jazmine stomps angrily as she opens the many locks on their front door. He asks. "What are you doing Jazmine?"
"I'm going to Woodcrest and tell those jerks to stop building!"
"We can't go outside!"
"I have to stop them! YOU are going to help me! We can't let them tear down our hill!"
"The virus Jazmine. Stay inside."
"I don't care! Let's go Huey!"
He sighs, he's in conflict with himself.
She continues, this time she's sobbing. "Come on Huey! Let's go..."
"We can't leave."
She raises her voice but she pleads desperately to him. "Our hill! Please... p-please... don't be heartless. You're Huey Freeman! You can tell them to stop! I know you can! W-we- we can think of something! L-let's go!"
He sighs. "Fine... but bring our food with us. All of it."
She wipes her tears, feeling geniuine joy at his answer. "W-why?"
"We're chaining ourselves to the tree."
Their plan isn't actually to chain themselves to a tree. Jazmine volunteers to do it, but not both of them. As much as she wants to be chained together with him, she needs someone to feed her food and let her out when her hands are locked up.
"Honestly Jazmine... I'd rather we stay here."
"And risk our tree getting cut down?"
"I know it's special to you but we need to be safe."
"It's special to us." She holds a box full of canned food as she waits for Huey to lock their front door.
"Fine.. fine... fine. I get it. But we're gonna be risking our health for this."
"Huey..."
He grumbles. "What?"
She sighs. "Sorry... I'm just really mad... we can still turn back."
Huey pauses from locking their door. "Then what do you really want? Save the tree or stay?"
"It's.. your call. We can go... if it's safe with you."
He scowls angrily at her. Why am I being pressured to make the decision? Now she's gonna blame me no matter what I choose...
He continues locking their door, he installed way too many locks on that thing. "Fine... we're going..."
She sets her box on the floor and hugs him. "Yay!"
"Put that stuff in the car... let's move."
She pinches his cheek. "You're different than everybody. You know that, Huey?"
Despite during a major outbreak, people aren't taking the slightest bit of caution and stay inside. Out in the streets, it is business as usual if you ignore the widespread anxiousness with people. Just as the reports say, people are clamoring to stock up their shelves or fill up with gas as prices rise from the shortages.
He never really stopped and look closer to get a better look firsthand but from what he can see from the car window's there's been fights and scuffles at every crowd as people deduce themselves over this mania. In a sense, Huey would've enjoyed the anarchy, if he was younger. He might have made a snickering laugh at how utterly useless the government is doing and how the flaws of their systems are laid bare. Considering how society is on a downward spiral from a natural occurance like a virus is baffling, especially at how everything is deteriorating at such a rapid pace.
But no laughs and no enjoyment can be found in an older Huey Freeman, all his attention is put towards the girl beside him, who's half-crying, half-scared at the thought of their favorite tree being cut down.
There's something sickening with how humans behave, for one, give them food, shelter, and fufill their basic needs and they'll be a sane law-abiding individual. But take something away and threaten to devoid them of their basic rights and they'll be aggressive and rebellious. It's happened before, countless times in history, from slaves to kings all over the world.
Reading so many accounts of slaves fighting for freedom or revolutionists challenging the status quo. Yet as he takes a good look at the people protesting in the streets. It absolutely sickens him to the core.
When the black man protests for rights, onlookers look away, his people has been fighting for so long that people have gone numb to it. But when the white man protests to stop the quarantine and wanting to get out of the house to get a haircut, then apparently it becomes a televised event for the nation. Huey and Jazmine had to redirect their routes just to get past a big hoopla protest, who are apparently 'revolting' against the public health orders. Mentioning 'martial law' and 'unjust curfews', the absolute ignorance of these people is detesting to Huey and he regrets ever stepping outside to see this big mess.
If he had half the mind to stop the car and shut the whole thing down then he would have. But he'll just have to suck it up and comfort the girl beside him. He admits that Jazmine has a gentle and sweet soul and he has a feeling that her heart will literally shatter if their tree gets cut down and their hill flattened to make way for a mall.
"Hurry Huey!" They're approaching the outer borders of Baltimore, just a few more minutes away from Woodcrest suburbs.
"You got the chains?" He asks.
"Yeah!"
"Are you sure you want to get chained to a tree? They usually end up in arrests."
"My parents are lawyers! I just want them to stop building the mall!"
Huey almost feels proud, impressed even. "Junior district attorneys you mean. But point taken."
She smirks. "Hey! I can be a revolutionary too!"
He smirks back at her. "That's... not what that means. You're just there to stop mall construction."
"And you'll help!"
"Yes."
They're approaching Woodcrest now, last time they visited was Christmas Eve, 3 months ago. Not much has changed in their hometown however. In truth, Woodcrest is a pretty mediocre suburbs and he can understand why most high school graduates get as far away as possible from this place. There's not much to do and it's surrounded by rich old white people enjoying their retirements.
As they drive down a two-way residential road, their surroundings switching to rows of trees and houses, they're apparently stopped by- a military checkpoint?
Huey drives their SUV to the military checkpoint, right at the border of Woodcrest. As he turns down his window, he makes a loud scoff.
Uncle Ruckus. In a military uniform.
"Ah! Long time no see nigga! Welcome to the militia-controlled quarantine zone of Woodcrest!"
Huey has seen enough bullshit for one day. "Just- don't even explain it Ruckus..."
He seems to ignore him. "Due to the humble guidance of the white man we have set up a perimeter around Woodcrest! No Asian goes in or out! We ain't letting them run loose and buck wild no more! Who knows what treachery the yellow nigga is up to these days!"
"Then let us through."
"Certainly nigga! Between you and me. We whites and blacks gotta team up against this menace! It's like them Yin and Yang that them China-fellars keep talking about!"
"Alright then..."
"Hey! Wait! Wait! Wait a minute!" Uncle Ruckus holds up a hand-held metal detector. "You ain't smuggling no Asia stuff in that car?"
"No."
"No Chinese? No Chinese food?"
"No."
"Hey little mulatto! This monkey telling the truth?"
"He's not a monkey Mr. Ruckus..." She answers.
Uncle Ruckus gives a signal to the other guards. "Fine then, you and your hybrid friend can come through. Don't stay for too long nigga!"
In the streets, there's either the usual panicking or the eerie quiet of a ghost town. Jazmine feels a little shocked at how different their home town can be. She's definitely an emotional person, there's no doubt about that and while she's well adjusted to violence and dark themes, she stil can't help but look away.
Uncle Ruckus' militia is apparently raiding people's houses and trying to impose martial law in Woodcrest. Going door by door and threatening residents for supplies. Screams can be heard as the militia raid for food, very much reminding her of the Fried Chicken Flu and the lengths they took to defend themselves.
She hadn't really considered what happened to other people on that day. They managed to defend with homemade tear gas, but some people suffered a worse fate back when she was 10. Now it looks again to be a repeat.
"Huey..."
"Just human behavior at work Jazmine..."
"They're- they're hurting people."
"It happens."
She looks down somberly, she feels so selfish at herself. She came to save her tree, that's pretty much her only worry compared to some who are afraid they're going to starve. It's only been a week since the virus and Jazmine is already horrified at what she's so far witnessed.
She can tell what's going on in Huey's mind, at how ridiculous and idiotic people have been these past few days, but unlike him, Jazmine feels only pity. She can see the good in everyone, that's what she's always done, but now she can see why he's always so angry all the time. Angry at how ignorant people can be. In a way she's angry too. Can people just stop fighting?
Huey speaks up. "They're targeting... Asians... Pretty sure they're blaming them for this whole thing."
"Oh." She frowns.
"Just wanna let you know... that the mall is getting built by a Chinese company."
Jazmine asks. "Are you.. angry? That they're tearing down our hill?"
"No. Only memories hold value, not the actual place."
"But w-we spent so much time at that hill."
"Yeah. But we can always find a new one."
"I- I guess..."
He sighs, still keeping his eyes on the road. "But I know it's special to you. So I'll do what I can to save it."
She smiles. "Okay... thank you."
Soon enough after navigating through chaotic streets, they park their car near a familiar dirt path. Sounds of machinery and bulldozers are already at work nearby. Jazmine feels a sense of urgency as she tries to find her things.
But right as she was about to open the door. Huey stops her. "Wait."
Huey and Jazmine look up the windshield to see Uncle Ruckus and a crowd of angry people marching up to the construction site, armed with pitchforks and garden tools.
"Don't go out." Huey warns her.
Uncle Ruckus speaks with a megaphone. "Hello. Who is in charge of this operation!?"
The construction workers, who look to be overseas workers exchange looks as the angry crowd stands in front of them.
"No english." One of them replies.
"We the people of America denounce this ching chong construction site! We demand you stop construction immediatetly! We aint' gonna tolerate no Asian mall in this fine white neighbourhood and we ain't gonna let you sell your cheap plastic Made In China bullshit! We ain't gonna tolerate your yellow nigga, one-chiild bullshit kind no more! Ya'll Chinese Food Virus and ya'll yellow coin-slot asses can get the fuck back to Beijing!"
The crowd cheers at Uncle Ruckus' declaration.
"No! No english. No english black man!" The scared workers reply.
"I am not black! I got revitiligo! You know MIchael fucking Jackson?! I got the opposite what he has! Did you not hear what I just damn say?! Maybe I can talk in your yellow nigga tongue! Ching zhou ping pong bing bong kung fu pow yellow nigga!"
Uncle Ruckus signals his supporters to charge. They're ready to tear down their site and shut the whole place down. Uncle Ruckus even managed to get off-duty cops to join in, hoping they can make a few citizens' arrest along the way.
"STOOOPPPPP!"
Jazmine runs between the angry crowd and the frightened workers. The oak tree at the top of the hill flutters in the background.
Jazmine holds her ground. "What are you all doing?! You can't hurt these people!"
"Move!" Uncle Ruckus shouts.
Huey catches up, inside his jacket is a loaded gun that he kept in his car. He stands by Jazmine's side as she stares down at the angry crowd.
She can't believe what she's doing, in fact she's absolutely nervous, like she has a serious case of stage fright. Behind her is the construction crew who are going to tear down their hill! She made so many memories in that place. They were 10 when he came back from Chicago. They were 14 when she started getting feelings for him. They were 18 when she confessed to him! It all happened at that hill!
But she can't let innocent people get hurt by some stupid fears, it's not their fault that a Chinese Food Virus is killing people by the millions. She's not going to let bad people like Uncle Ruckus hurt and shout demeaning words at these people and no matter how much it pains her to let them destroy their hill she's going to stand up to what she believes in and fight against injustice alongside Huey.
Uncle Ruckus is going to stop the construction, they're going to save their hill. But she's going to make her sacrifice, just as Huey has done, many times before.
"Uncle Ruckus. You are not going to hurt these people! Go away!"
"Final warning, little monkey hybrid mulato! If you have any white blood in you, you best have some sense in ya and move along now! Final warning little girl!"
"No. Buzz off Uncle Ruckus!"
Huey is prepared to save her, to move her out of the way or use force to defend her if necessary. His mind drifts to his concealed pistol, if worse comes to worse, he's prepared to do anything to make sure they get out safe. But before anybody can make a move, a gunshot can be heard.
Bang. The gunshot silences the entire site. However it did not come from Huey's gun.
A familiar face...
A young woman with personal security guards walk up to the scene. In her hands is a smoking gun, which she had fired into the air to gather everyone's attention.
"I am Ming Long Dou and my grandfather is responsible for this operation. You will not be hurting anyone today."
Uncle Ruckus scoffs at the sight of the girl and her armed guards. "And why is that so? Well-dressed Asian woman?"
"We are leaving! My grandfather is no longer interested doing business with Americans! You are disgraceful and a dishonorable people!"
Uncle Ruckus laughs. "Then by all means! Leave! Don't ever go back here yellow niggas!"
Soon, the crowd of people disperse as the construction workers leave out of their own accord, apparently Huey learns that they are overseas workers from Thailand having no context of what's been happening recently. Considering how Uncle Ruckus was there to target Chinese people and businesses, he'd say that Jazmine made a very mature and respectable choice to interrupt them before things had turned violent.
As people leave the scene, with workers and angry follower alike gone, Ming, Huey, and Jazmine remain at the base of their hill. Littered construction equipment and unfinished trenches are abandoned at the once beautiful landscape.
Ming walks up to Jazmine. "Thank you, what is your name?"
"Jazmine Dubois." Ming gives her a polite bow.
"You have saved my grandfather's employees and upheld peace. I am grateful."
"A-are you... still going to build on this hill?"
"No. We are disgusted at the treatment that these Americans are showing to us. The disease is not our fault but there have been many of my people who are being harmed. My grandfather has decided to never deal business in America ever again."
"Oh..." She gives a small sigh of relief, but she still feels bad about the pointless harm that's still happening.
"You are very brave Jazmine. And you are very kind. Thank you again, my family is very grateful."
Ming turns around to see Huey giving his usual scowl. "Huey Freeman." She smirks, remembering an old rival.
"Ming."
"Do you know him?" Ming turns to Jazmine.
"We're dating." She smiles at him.
"I see. The Long Dou family gives you our blessing."
He walks up to the two women. "May I have a word with you? Ming?"
They nod as they walk off to the side. They haven't met since the Harmonious Kickball Tournaments, their last interaction was when they were 14 and Huey finally retired his kickball career. Since Huey's first game, where he broke his wrists, they competed against each other for 4 more annual events, Jazmine fully understands their rivalry as she attended every single one of Huey's kickball matches. He was the lead star and team captain after all and she had to support her best friend.
But she's completely caught off guard at how things quickly got settled. She's obviously surprised that Ming's family were the ones going to build the mall on their hill but she's not shocked as she very well knew that her family was super rich. As she stands at the base of the hill, she watches Huey and Ming discuss things, probably to exchange greetings.
Unfortunately the two are conversing in a different language. "ZhinNouChouPiMaiGouyuGwo." Huey says in perfect mandarin.
"ShiChoHuinengSoNikiaseng78000dollarsChoZhongPiJian?"
"Shi De." He replies.
After a few more moments, they politely bow and then shake hands. Their rivalries seem to be put to the side after what looks to be a cordial conversation from Jazmine's perspective. Ming gives a final bow towards Jazmine before she leaves with her entourage of security guards. Jazmine can only imagine what sort of odd life Ming has been living, surrounded by a dozen guards, being whisked away in a limo, and her family owning billions. She apparently made a friend today and as she turns around, she sees the hill in front of her, with the beautiful tree and the soft green grass still intact.
Huey picks up one of the leftover tools on the ground, the base of the hill is a complete mess. There's litter everywhere. "Come on Jazmine. Let's clean up..."
She smiles. And joins him in fixing their hill.
Back in their apartment. At night.
"It appears that the Chinese Food Virus was just a small outbreak of Dengue Fever. It's not actually of Asian origin at all. But rather it was brought over by South American insects... Millions have not died, no one actually died at all. And while no one has been hurt, millions of damages are being reported all over the country due to the panic... The president has claimed to have found the 'cure' and is currently celebrating during the recent press conferen-
Jazmine asks. "So... the virus-"
"Is not real?!"
"Huey... I think they're telling the truth."
He facepalms. "All my preparation... all those stupid protests and their panic buying and the chaos in the streets... was all for nothing?! Those stupid idiots did all of that for nothing!"
She rubs his arm. "Yeah..."
"We left our home for 4 hours and someone stole our damn solar panels! I spent all night setting up solar panels just to get them stolen for nothing?!"
She smiles. "Hey... it's not that bad... it means it's not the end of the world!"
He sighs. "I guess." For a moment, Huey actually sounds disappointed, he would've loved to watch the world burn, seeing people like Uncle Ruckus made him completely lose hope for society.
She snuggles up to him and kisses his cheek. "We're safe! Yay."
"Yeah."
"Thanks to you."
He replies. "I did. You're welcome."
"So... what did you and Ming talk about?"
Huey smirks. "It's a surprise."
"A surprise? I thought you just said hi to her."
"No. I talked about something."
Jazmine is curious now. "You said you hate surprises and now you're keeping one from me?" She pouts.
Huey returns his own kiss, on her lips. Her soft lips parts for her man. She giggles. "So what is it?"
"I bought the land."
"Y-you bought the land?"
"Her family owned it but they're going to stop construction so..."
"So what?"
"I bought the hill."
"YOU WHAT?!"
"We're still finalizing the deal. But I bought the single acre. For 78 thousand."
"WHAT!?" Jazmine loudly gasps, her mouth is gaping wide in shock.
"Huh." Huey proudly smiles at her reaction. "You're welcome. Now you don't have to bother me abo-
"HUEY! THANK YOU SO MUCH!" Jazmine catapults herself into him, legitimately taking Huey in surprise.
"I love you! I love you! I love you! I love you!" She chants.
Finally after some time, no more whining, no more excessive kissing on his cheek. They'll never have to worry about their hill getting threatened or their favorite tree getting cut down. They can finally say it is their hill, both legally and in name. He stares down at the girl in his arms, still mumbling something about being the best boyfriend in thw world or about lovey dovey romance stuff but honestly he just wants to stop getting bothered by some stupid hill.
He spent countless hours getting annoyed with her at that hill. Under beautiful starry nights and peaceful summer breezes. He took many glances at her long frizzy hair flowing with the wind.
He'll probably get Ming to cover up all the dug trenches and to move the heavy machinery out of the way but now, they finally own the hill. And since Ming wanted to get rid of it, he got it at a good price too. He's damning himself to his grave as he's ensuring that he'll spend countless more hours getting annoyed at her again whenever they decide to visit. Buf for some reason, he's happy at the thought as he returns the hug and snuggle together on the couch.
Jazmine doesn't know what to do with it, she never actually pictured owning their hill, never in her wildest dreams. But who knows? Maybe they can bring their children to visit it one day. Maybe she, Huey, and her children can plant more oak trees at the bottom, so that they can have their own trees and have their own moments to enjoy the shade of their trees, but for now, she kisses Huey one more time as she does one of her new invented snuggling position. she has a lot of celebration to do with the best 78 thousand dollars that they'll ever spent.