Harvey
"I'll marry her."
"You're funny," Khai replies under his breath as we wander a hiking trail.
Every year Khai and I walk the same mountain spot. It's our personal sanctuary that resides just out of the city. No cars are heard, their presence drowned out by the sound of leaves rustling. This tradition of ours started during high school and is nothing we're willing to let go. Reaching the top is our underlying goal; a place we fill with the kind of vulnerability found in no place else. The peak holds many of our secrets, and we spend the night telling each other or just the stars what's been weighing on us. Hiking up is rewarding regardless. It's pretty, gorgeous even; vibrant greens, black berry bushes and lavender flowers scatter the trail.
"We're fated. I can feel it."
"She's already got a man; and even if she didn't, women like that don't usually go for people like us," grounding is the only way I could describe his tone. No malice, no bite. We both know he's right.
"I know." While gripping tighter on my backpack straps in frustration I continue, "I know, it's just maybe we could have worked out? Like before she got mixed up with that guy. I doubt they'll last anyway."
"You can find someone better for you, Harvey," he says in an uplifting charmer-boy way. He can be a consoling person when he tries, or blunt during other times.
"I wish." The sun's dangerously close to setting so I begin picking up the pace.
This tradition has its pay off. Since we're both busy with family and careers our time is consistently cut short, but we'll always make time for this. We aren't the same high-schoolers anymore; that's fine.
"We should be there soon," I say reassuringly to Khai and myself.
"You better have some interesting drama to share."
"You know me, drama central."
Few more minutes pass and we're finally at the top, we both sigh in relief since the sun isn't gone yet. We would have come earlier if it wasn't for Khai showing up "fashionably late". His usual. Setting up at the flattest side, we begin putting up our tent; my least favourite part, I was never in some shitty boy scouts camp so I never learned how to set it. I rather stay solely on cleaning, cooking and map duty; which is surprising because I was never the best at directions.
"Like the tent upgrade," Khai states approvingly.
"Right? Spent big bucks on it this time instead of second hand or cheap shit. Full price."
"Harvey Diaz not being such a cheap skate? Dreams do come true," he laughs.
"Fuck off man," I turn my head to hide my chuckle.
After laying a blanket at the front of the tent, we take our shoes off to set them aside, setting up our bags and portable air mattress inside. Unlike Khai, I don't have the big money to afford those expensive solar panel tools. Even if he didn't I wouldn't come anywhere near here with anybody else.
"Sun's almost down," Khai brushes the bangs in his midnight blue hair with his fingers; his hair clearly lacking a haircut since it's probably the longest now than it's ever been. He always has his half bun in, there's a handful of times I've seen him go without it in public.
"Did your sister bring us snacks again?"
"'Course," Khai takes out two containers from one of his bags.
We both sit down watching the sunset as I eat his sister's godly cooking (I'll keep a mental note to thank her later). Both of us aren't big talkers, which may not seem like a good mix but it works for us.
I lay down facing the stars when the sun officially sets, "I'm going to marry her one day, you'll see."
"Why're you even chasing her? First person you can't have and you're like a moth to light."
"But what I feel is real– really real. You can't just find this in some shitty romance novel. Last year I fell for her, really genuinely fell for her. She didn't have a man then, there weren't any Harvey shenanigans. I fell face first and she ran off with my heart before time gave me room to process."
Khai lays next to me, giving some sympathy for the situation, "You two could have maybe worked out if you didn't fuck things over with her friend. That whole incident definitely damaged your reputation in her eyes. Not that I blame you for it. Both of you fucked up."
"I know," I pause defeatedly, "I never liked a taken girl before, my feelings usually evaporate during this stage. Usually out of sight out of mind when I find out they're with some guy. You know me, I only wish the best for people. But god do I wish they broke up."
"She's Xue, things working out for her is in her blood," in the corner of my eye I see a slight hesitancy across his face in the dim sunlight, "You'll find a good girl that wants you. A girl that smiles just as bright. Your charm will win her over like it wins everyone else over.
Your missing piece."
"Fuck that missing piece, if it's not her I don't want it." The sun disappeared, my eyes scale over the Big Dipper, "I hope you're right."
"Always right," his tone turns lighthearted, "Enough about girls. It's a waste of time."
"You say that until you find the woman you marry."
"Maybe."
"Bet your girl will be tall, at least tall enough to be a model. Brunette maybe?"
"Maybe."
"Well what is your dream girl," I turn to Khai as he seems lost in thought, flicking his flashlight on and off towards the sky, "Only me and the stars can hear, spit it out man."
"Not too tall," he nods at his words as he continues flicking the flashlight button, "Tan."
"Good choices. Income preference? You make bank so have higher standards."
"Have none, just enough to get by."
"Are you crazy? Just the bare minimum?"
"Pay your way for dates and I'll be content."
"What man doesn't pay for the whole date? You sound like a wuss."
"Ones that don't give into social pressure," he shrugs.
"Want to go on a date?"
Khai's eyes widen, turning the flashlight completely off, "What?"
I scoff, "I'm not a queer. This isn't a confession dumbass," I continue, "I know this girl. Mina."
He repeated, "Mina?"
"Stunning, really stunning. Tall. Studying in County University, some science class," I study her image in my head, "Nice girl, a little pushy but dancing on the counters type of fun. She's been on these blind dates for the past month, saying it's just been a crime scene for her. The guys she's set up with are horrendous. No second dates. Well she's not just pushy, she's also stubborn. She's still been looking to find a half decent guy. She's down for a date if you're down."
"Dating in general is horrendous. I'm good," Khai glimpses at my face, sitting up slightly so his elbows keep him up partially off the blanket, "Spill it," he says as I make a hissing sound.
"I might have– kind of already told her you're down for a date," my eyes dart in the direction away from him.
"You did not," his tone riddled in disbelief, seemingly irritated, "You did?"
"Well you haven't dated since Madds, and she's so desperate, so," I let the last word trail a bit on my tongue, trying to avoid the blow.
"You didn't ask? You know I would have said no."
"Mina has puppy dog eyes, I can't say no to eyes like that. She saw you pick me up last tuesday and's been begging for a date all week. I caved in."
"You could have just said no," Khai lays dramatically back on the blanket. A reasonable reaction honestly.
"Maybe this will be good for you, and I'll be with my girl in the future. We could–"
"Taken girl, you mean," he interrupts.
I roll my eyes, "We could eventually be able to plan double dates. Dinner nights, movies occasionally. If you don't want a second date that's fine but could you try it out for one day? We're getting older and love is such a big part of life. I want you to be happy, I really do."
Khai and I pause, he's not always the easiest to read, but right now I'd sell my soul to become a mind reader.
"One date?"
"One date."
"Fine," Khai clicks the roof of his mouth, "I'll go. Can't say I'll like it. Tell her to pay her own way."
"I will. See? It ain't such a bad idea."
"We'll see about that," a breeze hits the air while Khai's expression shifts. I noticed before we drove here there was something specific he wanted to discuss. "Remember the friday at the bar, it was raining and I left early."
"Yeah?"
"Didn't tell you the sappy part on why I left."
"What happened," I say in general concern, my eyes fixated on the moon. It looks so lonely away from the earth.
"My sister called."
"What did she say?"
"She'll be out of town for the next couple months starting tomorrow."
"So you're taking care of Gramps alone now?"
"Yeah, something like that. A nurse was sent after our hospital trip."
Oh no is the only thing I can think; my best friend doesn't deserve a similar fate as me. Nothing would prepare me for whatever he says next, I know it's nothing good, "Yeah, and?"
"He's got Alziemer's, don't think he'll make it another six months; barely lasted last week," his face barely musters up the energy for a frown. This conversation must be emotionally taxing, "She left and I'm stuck taking care of him. I know I should be happy she's following her dreams, but I hate being left here alone; And my brother refuses to help, and Mom is still stuck in that facility. I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't like making plans for everything like you do, but I know I need a plan now. Don't know what I'll do. I just want to leave the city away from all this."
"Did you tell your sister all this?
"'Course not."
No words seem right in this situation. Usually I'd console Camila during moments like these, but I know him enough; that isn't what he needs. "If you– if you gave me some money I can get him handled. I can pick up the days that nurse isn't there," it'll be a lot to fit in my schedule, but he doesn't need to know that.
"But Camila," his tone filled with hesitance.
"Don't worry about her, she's a good kid. My sister would love to help."
"Wouldn't want her to spend time helping Gramps instead of studying. She deserved the best universities imaginable, not to spend her time helping out an old person."
"And she'll get in them. She can put elderly assistant on her resume," I say jokingly.
"Are you serious?"
"You know I don't joke about these things. Gramps is great. I'm practically part of the family anyway, let me help take care of him."
"Glad you said that, he views you as part of the family too."
"It's 'cause I am." I'm not joking there, Khai and I have been close since middle school. I've slept over at his house more times than I could count. Every laugh shared back then is still close to my heart. The whole family knows me, loves me as if I were their own.
"Yeah. I appreciate it, I mean that."
"It's no problem man."
We spend this time taking a break in silence, not just from our own family issues but just life. Looking up, I stare towards the star-full sky. At this height they look like orbs floating around in solitude.
"This is nice. Wish everyday was like this," he says, taking the words out of my mouth.
For some reason I'm the most honest on this mountain, maybe just around Khai in general; the joys of having a best friend I guess. These moments are those few precious times it feels like someone is finally on the same page in a long complicated book. In the back of my mind I wish to experience a moment like with Xue, but those thoughts take a pause. I'm with my favourite person right now, and as much as I'd like to find a little spot with her to spill our thoughts in, that can wait. I shifted my head realizing I've been absorbed in my own little bubble we formed together; Khai was asleep. Pulling my jacket off, I shield him from the gentle breeze as I picture this moment as one of my favourites.
What feels like an hour passes. I effortlessly pick him up; which would be surprising with my painfully average height and Khai is nothing less of a giant. Laying him down on the air mattress, his hooked nose twitching slightly as I undo his hair. I clean up a bit before heading to sleep. The night is spent a little less restless.
Soft light brushes against my face as I open my eyes, the first thing I see is Khai towering over me with an unreadable expression.
Quickly I grab my second pillow, effectively hitting him in the face with it, "Watching me sleep you creepy," I ask playfully.
We're always like this but I'll never understand why Khai always does that.
"Just rare seeing you sleep so peacefully. And I should be slapping you with the pillow, all night you were soundlessly holding onto me like a baby with their mother. Don't tell me you finally got that insomnia checked."
"I wish," I turn my face in the other direction; it's out of embarrassment. That bad sleeping habit of mine started in middle school, and I've never lost it.
"Want breakfast?"
He can't cook, he wants me to make us breakfast. I already know what he's implying, "Pancakes?"
"Pancakes," he repeated back with a nod. His tastes never change.
Opening Khai's bag I take out the portable stove, and I take the homemade pancake mix from mine. As usual he rushes off to his morning bathroom break, leaving me alone to prepare food which I don't mind. Cooking is definitely my thing, Viola always jokes about how I'd make the perfect househusband; I can't help that I'm good at chores.
"Smells great," Khai says as he returns, watching closely as I flip the pancakes over.
"Grab a plate."
Khai rushes to grab two paper plates (I hate buying disposable things, what a pain), I stack three pancakes on his and a big pile on mine.
"Did you bring syrup?"
I pass him the blueberry syrup, "You know I won't forget it."
"Just making sure," Khai says, dumping a cavity inducing amount of syrup, scarfing it down like a child. I used to scold him for it but I got used to it over time.
I follow suit, eating my stack of pancakes with clearly more manners, "I'll add more cinnamon next time."
When we finish eating, Khai turns to me, "Should we pack up now?"
"Sure," I began packing. I pack fast as usual to avoid Khai's horrendous cleaning as much as possible. I definitely can clean better.
When we finish packing everything including the tent we head back to the car.
"Still thinking of marrying her," Khai asks as if he already knows the answer.
"I'll always think of that."
"I'm free this weekend. You know, for that date with Mina or whatever her name is."
"You got the name right man, and yeah I'll just give her your number to set it up."
The path wasn't as bumpy as it used to be since last year they added more flat trails. Now thinking about it, we're lucky the maximum thing we have to worry about for wildlife is a few goats on the road; making the outskirts of our city a perfect place to explore.
As we arrived at the car we put everything in the backseat.
I quickly hop in the passenger seat, "When're you repainting the car again?"
"Next friday, thinking dark blue."
It doesn't take an expert to know this car is expensive, way more expensive than I could afford. Heated and air conditioned seats, large radio touch screen, impressive speakers; so much that just screams money.
"Dark blue would be nice, I'd go for burgundy."
"You always go for burgundy. Or beige."
Khai and I chat the whole time, catching up on each other's work drama. Mine is always more interesting, after all the dentist clinic he works at is kind of small. Working in an office job has only one perk and that is the drama. Nothing else.
When we arrive at my house Khai's expression shifts. I can't tell what he's thinking, but I know he wants to say something, "What's up?"
"Nothing, just are you sure you want to help out with Gramps? You're taking care of a high schooler and working full time, that's a lot. I don't want to burden you."
If I was anyone else I know he wouldn't have considered taking me up on the offer. I know it's not out of pride, he just likes doing things himself. "Don't worry about it. Send me the nurse's schedule. We'll work it out."
"I know. I'll pay you well for it, you know I don't go cheap."
Hopping out of the car I grab my bags, "Thanks for the ride."
"No need to thank me. Tell Camila I said hi, I haven't seen her in a while."
"Want to stay for a bit and say that?"
"Next time," his eyes dart to the steering wheel, "The rest of the day is booked for me."
"No worries man. I'll see you later, okay?"
"'Course."
After a small wave I walk towards the door, unlocking it with my keys. Khai just stays, I'm guessing to make sure I get in safely but it's really just a guess. Walking upstairs to my room I place my bags down, then I look out the window. He's still there. He's still there after a few minutes, I can't tell if he's calling someone because of his tinted windows or just sitting there.
My phone buzzes "Thank you for last night. I needed that," Khai messages me. I just send a thumbs up emoji, and after a few minutes more he drives off. How odd.
After unpacking I start making tostadas, one of Camila's favourite meals. Every time I leave for a night I go out of my way to cook one of her favourite dishes; I always feel bad leaving. She's mature enough that I don't have to worry about parties, and old enough I don't have to take care of her every night. During nights I'm out I do make food for preparation though, just to be on the safe side.
The door opens, "Mano you're back early. Is Khai here? I promised him next time he's over I'd make tamales."
"You don't have to cook him food, and no. He left a few hours ago."
"Too bad. Do you need help," she offers, hanging up my old varsity jacket that she's borrowed for years; it's hers now really.
"Nope," I make clear cuts to the vegetables, "He told me to tell you he said hi."
"When is he coming over next? You can't keep him all to yourself, he's practically like my brother too," her tone isn't disrespectful. It never is, I don't even remember a single time I had to teach her manners.
"I have no idea. I'll tell him you want to see him."
"Thanks but I rather message him myself," Camila walks closer to see the food's progress, "Smells good, really good."
"You should go do some of your homework, I'll call you when it's ready."
"Alright," she walks towards the stairs, "Can I go to Fetia's house for a few hours tomorrow?"
"That teammate of yours? Sure," I reach in my pants pocket and hand her twenty dollars.
"I don't need it, I appreciate it though," she walks upstairs to her room. Ever since she hit high school she's never accepted money.
After I finish making dinner I yell, "Food is ready!"
It takes less than a minute before Camila runs downstairs. Handing her a plate she smiles, "Tostadas? Thank you Mano," she puts some food on her plate and gives me a fist pump, then heads to the dining room.
During every dinner I wait till she dishes out her portions first, even if I eat the most. To be fair I've raised her since she started middle school; as not just her brother but her legal guardian, she always comes first and that includes with meals.
When my plate is packed with a decent pile of food I sit across from her at the table, "How was practice today?"
"Great. Feita, Antonia and I are improving very well; I think at least."
"You girls are talented. I'm proud of you, I swear you're going to win a trophy with the amount of skill and hard work you're putting in. There's no way you aren't improving," I say after swallowing my food, avoiding open-mouth eating. "When's the next game?"
Camila seems almost hesitant to answer, but she tells me everything so I chalk it up to competition nervousness, "In two weeks, it isn't a huge competition so not many people are going," she goes back to eating.
"They might not, but I'll definitely go to cheer you on. Text me the date, I'll book it off."
"No need to do that. It's a small game," her emphasis in the 'small'.
"Every game is important. Didn't Mama tell you to enjoy the small things in life? She's a wise woman when she wants to be."
"Wise? I've never heard you describe her as wise," she says under her breath and her mouth flips to a smile, "I appreciate you wanting to come. If you go I'll properly introduce you to my team."
"I'm looking forward to that," I say before my earlier conversation crosses my mind, "I'll be busier these next months."
"Why's that, Mano?"
"Gramps just got diagnosed with Alziemer's, and you know how his family is so quick to leave each other. Khai's watching him by himself, so I offered to help."
"Why don't you let me take care of him after school? I can put elderly assistant on my future resume," Camila offers.
"That's what I said too," I chuckle, then switch to a softer tone, "You don't have to do anything. It'll only be for a couple months, I'll still make time to go to your games."
"Please," her voice filled with determination, "Let me help."
We both know I won't let her, but I just give her a soft smile to match my tone, "Don't worry about it. Focus on your studies."
Camila just silently nods as she finishes the rest of her food, she doesn't usually stay too persistent about most things. Not that I would get mad at her if she was, but she's mature enough to understand where I'm coming from; she should enjoy her youth.
"Thank you for dinner," she says before she puts her dishes in the sink and walks to the stairs, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, have fun at school tomorrow," I tell her because I know I'll probably be gone tomorrow before she leaves for school. A bit of curiosity hits me as I wonder why she's heading to bed now, it's barely eight. It's probably because she's tired from practice earlier, she does work really hard.
It took over a half hour to organize the kitchen and dining room, wash dishes and do a quick clean; it took just over that same half hour to realize how tiring this past week has been. Walking upstairs I start doing my short night routine, which is just showering, switching into pajamas and brushing my teeth. When I slip into the covers to sleep I realize I forgot to give Mina Khai's number.
"Hey, Mins! Khai's free on the weekend if you're still up for that date," I message her.
A response didn't take too long, "Thought you weren't serious about setting up the date. Time?"
"No time. I don't play middle man. Message yourself," I say, sending her Khai's phone number. She ends the short burst of messages with a quick thanks, leaving me to just think hopefully it goes well.
