Our Ironic Serendipity (IM5)

Chapter 5

I look out the window, wondering just when this hurricane will finally end. It's been two days and it hasn't stopped raining once; it just gets more or less intense. It's almost like I've left the sunny state that is California and somehow teleported myself to England. As if reading my thoughts, Walter walks up behind me and stops by my side.

"It's not gonna stop raining any time soon, son. I think you'll be stuck with us about a week," he says, sighing. "At least that's what them weather men have said."

I sigh as well, continuing to stare out into the field of nothing. Walter speaks again.

"So, where are you from?"

"Los Angeles," I reply.

"No," he chuckles, "I mean where were you born?"

"I was born in Los Angeles," I reply.

"Oh, so you're from here then?"

I nod.

"Why, I'm sorry. I just assumed that with the way you look you were from somewhere else."

"It's fine, I get that all the time," I smile, turning to look at him. "My mom is from China."

"Have you ever been there?"

"A few times, yes."

"Which place do you like more? Los Angeles or China?"

I pause, thinking over his question. I wasn't exactly sure which place I liked more. I guess I used to love it here in California, but at this point I think I'm willing to move and like China more than California. Actually, I'd probably like any place more than California if I could just leave my life behind. But, I can't.

"LA," I reply. He smiles, pats me on the shoulder, then leaves to the living room. Bored with standing by the window, I decide to go to the living room as well.

"What are you boys up to," Maria asks, bringing out a small bowl of fruit. She places it on the coffee table and waits for one of us to answer.

"We were just discussing Will's mother here being from China," Walter says, taking out a cherry from the bowl. "Thanks for these, darlin'."

"Oh, so do you speak Chinese then?" she asks, her eyes sparking up in curiosity.

"Mandarin Chinese," I correct. "Yes, I do."

"Well that's just fantastic, isn't it Walter?" Walter nods, chewing on his second cherry. "Walter and I have been to China a few times."

"Great place to explore," Walter adds, the sound muffled because of his chewing.

I'm actually surprised to hear this. I never even imaged these two to be the type to travel.

"So what is your mom doing here, then?" she asks. "If you don't mind me asking, that is."

"I don't mind at all," I reply, returning my attention to her. "My mom never really specified why exactly she came here to the U.S. All I know is that she met my dad, had me and my brother, and now she's kind of stuck here because of how much we have going on in our lives here."

"What's that, then?" she asks.

"What's what?"

"What holds you back from going there?"

"Oh. Well, I'm in a band here in LA so it would be hard to keep going back and forth from China to the U.S. whenever I have to do things with the boys," I explain.

"A band? How exciting!" Maria almost hops on the cushion couch. "Does that mean you're famous amongst the youngsters then?"

"No, not exactly. Not yet, at least. We have a small fan base because we're basically just on YouTube now, but we're moving forward." I sigh, hoping we don't stay on this subject for too long.