This is life.

88 ➤ 'Ohana' means family

4 weeks time:

"I'll miss you, Keith. Call me whenever you want." Nick wipes his eyes as he hugs Keith one last time. He stands up and Keith waves goodbye. I give Nick a brief hug myself because I feel as if he needs it. He kisses my cheek and whispers, 'Look after him. A kid like him deserves the best." "I promise I'll do my best." Nick doesn't bother speaking anymore and leaves, I assume it's because he doesn't want to appear any more fragile than he already has. I can completely understand why it is he's acting so emotionally. After spending four months looking after and being responsible for Keith, he must feel attached. I know I would.

"So," I yell. Keith looks up at me with a smile. "I know that your birthday is soon." "You know when my birthday is?" He's surprised by my comment. During the unexpectedly quick process of signing the required documents in order to foster Keith, I've had access to his medical records and birth certificate. It states that Kieth was born in Detroit, the mother is listed as unknown, which to this day continues to have me curious. I suppose at this point in time it's not really worth my concern. Although it's very strange that despite being isolated for majority of his life that all of this information was processed when he was born. "Of course I do, silly. It's the 6th of October." "I'm turning six." "Yes I know you're going to be a big boy. You've started school now, yes?" "Yeah I go to Leman now." "That's great." "They made me go into third grade."

"Oh really?" I raise my eyebrows. "Yeah they did a test on me and said that I should be in a higher class. If I do really good then after summer next year I might even go into fifth grade instead of fourth." "That's really cool. You know that you're really smart, yeah?" "Yeah I do." He says it as if it were the most obvious thing on earth. "I've been told that a lot of times." "Well it's true. Anyway, six is a big number. Do you want to do anything for your birthday?" "Hm...I want cake." Is all he says. "Is that all? What kind of cake do you want? Chocolate?" I suggest. "Taro." "What?" "I want a taro cake. Nick brought some home one time and let me have some. Have you ever tried a taro cake? It's really good." "No I haven't." "Well can I have a taro cake for my birthday?" I laugh. "Yes, you may."

"Where's Jason?" He scans my apartment and I pout. "He's not here today. But maybe after school tomorrow he'll come over." "He doesn't live with you?" "No." "But isn't he your... boyfriend?" I grin at the way he cringes. "Yes he is. We don't live together because that's...more of a thing that married people do." "Does he have his own house?" "Yes he does. Sometimes he stays here but it's nice to spend some time alone or with my friends." I avoid using the word 'busy' or 'work' because I understand that Keith doesn't like neither one. I believe he has issues with attention, I remember him being anxious whenever we discussed work the last time I saw him. "I guess so." "Do you want to finish setting up your new room?" He nods eagerly and runs off into the guest room that I've made into his new bedroom. I follow him and watch as he begins to open the boxes upon boxes of whatever items Nick had dropped off.

There were only six boxes, but as I find out majority of the boxes are filled with clothes and a few toys. "You painted the walls blue for me?" "Yeah I thought you'd like it." "Well I mean my favourite colour's green but this is okay I guess." A moment passes before he bursts out in laughter. "I'm kidding. I like it, thank you so much." He hugs me and I smile as I look down. I pry his arms off of my hips and chuckle. "Come on, let's finish unpacking." Less than two hours pass and all of his clothes along with surprisingly small amount of toys are put away and it's close to noon. "What do you want for lunch?" "I like your cooking. Anything is fine."

"You've only ever stayed here twice. It's not like I can cook everything." "Still I like your cooking!" He insists. "Alright, I'll make you some lasagne?" He approves of my suggestion and when it's lunchtime he's happily eating. Jason calls me and I excuse myself before stepping into my bedroom and closing the door. "Hi baby." I smile at his greeting. "Hi babe, what are you up to?" "I have an hour for lunch and thought I'd call to ask how your day has been. Today is the day Keith is officially in your care, isn't it?" I find it sweet of Jason that he remembered such a thing. "Yes it is. We just finished unpacking his things not too long ago. Nick sure knows how to spoil him. He has his own iPad." "Why would a five year old need an iPad?" Jason laughs. I shrug, even though he can't see me.