Where Do We Go from Here?

xvi.

"So what's this project about again? Something about diversity?" Miguel sitting in front of me on the dining table, asks. 

"Diversity Drive," I answer and he nods, "It's actually hosted by one of Rocky's teammates, Brooke Williams. He's very active in these kinds of awareness campaigns." I see a sudden twitch of discomfort in Miguel's face when I mention Rocky but it's too subtle that it might be just my mind hyper functioning because of this unfamiliar scene.

Beside him is Mayumi and on the left end is Asahi, swaying his legs, too short for them to touch the floor. He seems to be so naive and innocent but a few moments ago, Rocky had done all the possible strategies to stop him from telling on us. Turns out, 20 pieces of chicken nuggets does the job. 

"But mom said I can only have 6 pieces and on very special occasions," he reasoned, his nose twitching and his eyes, confused. 

No wonder he wants to rat us out. The kid's deprived, he will do anything to have some fun. The nugget strategy works though, he's being a very good boy.

The chair beside me and the one on the right end of the table are currently vacated.

"Well, back in Mexico we didn't really have that because I grew up in a small town and everybody's basically, well, Mexican," he shares. 

"It's pleasing to hear your University has these initiatives to make our people be seen." Mayumi places a bowl full of rice in the middle of the table and takes a sit.

In front me are different assortments of Japanese cuisine; rice balls wrapped in onigiri, tempura, udon, miso and my favorite, gyudon. 

 "I studied in a big University and even though there are significant numbers of people of color, I don't think the institution really cared about us. Or maybe that's just me," Mayumi says.

"Here comes the queen," Rocky announces and we turn to face the doorway connecting the hallway and the dining room. He's assisting a grey-haired lady, standing at about 5 feet, walking at a wobbly manner and a slow pace. Her eyes are like Mayumi's- black, small and slants slightly downwards. 

I stand up and slightly bow my head to acknowledge her. 

"Oh no need, take your seat, young lady," she says as she sits down on the right end chair which Rocky pulled out for her. 

"Thank you. My name's Naomi Tan." 

With the declaration of my name, she lifts her head up and gives me a generous stare. "Well, welcome. Chinese?"

"Mom," Mayumi interrupts with her voice, firm.

I chuckle. "As far as I know, Filipino," I answer as I take a sit mirroring Rocky as he does the same. 

The old lady nods and greets, "You can call me Denka." 

I hear Rocky sneer. "Don't listen to her. That means Your Highness." 

"You're no fun." She pouts. "Just call me O bāchan, that's grandma in Japanese."

"Will do." I smile.

"Well, how 'bout we start eating so we can go on with the talk?" Miguel suggests, clasping his hands together.

"Eat first, pwease," Asahi whispers which brings smiles across the table. 

We say our grace and proceed to eat. The food is delicious but I don't know how my stomach will take all the varieties I'm gorging. I guess indulge now, suffer later is my mantra for today as I don't shy away from eating everything. 

I chew faster when I remember why I'm here in the first place. I clear my throat and start, "So, may I ask questions, or-" my voice falters finding the awkwardness in my system.