[i]
☼ ○ ▬
I’ve hitched a ride at the oceanfront. In the back seat next
to Raven. Her boyfriend, Adam, is driving. Nobody seems to make obvious the
possible awkwardness of me being present. We converse like old friends. I’m
perusing through an old school flip phone of mine – the phone company gave me a
temporary one while they fix my smart phone. As we’re traveling on the main
road we come across the entrance to a bridge-tunnel that I’m not familiar with.
The colossal front walls are neatly decorated with neon graffiti.
I question our route, “Why are we going this way? It’s the
long way.”
Raven assures me we’ll get there in time. We finally arrive
at the intersection of Laskin and First Colonial in Hilltop. We’re halted by a
mass of traffic. I see smoke in the distance. We drive by a frightening scene
of a school bus up in flames – the firemen all around us grappling water hoses.
Me: “I have to get to China Wok on the other side.”
We slip through the Kmart shopping center and eventually I’m
dropped off at the restaurant. Inside, I find Margot is here. It’s understood
we haven’t seen each other in a long time. She’s talking on the phone with some
guy pretending to be charming with him as to make me jealous I suppose. I
disregard everything and keep myself busy.
▬ ○ ☼
Oatmeal Breakfast Bar. Orange Juice.
All day shift at China Wok.
I’ve been sitting here in my officette at the restaurant
table and haven’t even delivered one order yet. Kristin’s texting me and to my
surprise turns it into a dirty texting convo. I feel embarrassed but she’s
unstoppable and as she said before, needs sex to survive. Now I think I
understand.
Lunch stop at the house.
Darren brings to mind red flags that I should be recognizing
the more and more I talk to him about Kristin. He’s skilled at pointing out the
psychosis in all our friends, including myself.
Me: “Dude, everybody is crazy in some way. Everyone creates
their own realities in their heads. We all have psychosis.”
Grilled Cheese with Tomato. Five Guys French Fries. Honey
Green Tea.
According to the internet weather experts it’s 76 degrees. I
don’t agree. It feels like we’re in the 90’s.
Watermelon. Blueberries.
The day continues into the night. Dinner deliveries are
steady but not too overwhelming.
...
It’s a little after 10 o’clock. I should be cashing out and
going home but I shouldn’t build up hope so soon. The phone rings and I’m
obligated to deliver three more orders. I hate working overtime...and
especially when my route involves me driving from 13th street to 78th
street during Memorial Day Weekend beach traffic. I have no choice but to
indulge myself with my own dinner while I drive: Shrimp with Broccoli, Snow
Peas, Onions, and Rice in Garlic Sauce.
...
I talk on the phone with my mom to pass the time waiting in
traffic and sort out a semi-serious financial problem about a friend.
Finally home.
Hanging out with the roommates off and on.
Art stops by and we discuss the thing I was talking with my
mom about earlier. He’s got himself into a tricky situation. I try to offer the
best advice.
A bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with Almond Milk.
Sleep 4 a.m.
[i] Philippe
Caza.
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