Make a Wish
Chapter 8
Jay hears the lock click and warily turns the freshly varnished doorknob attached to an intricately framed door. Despite the outward stately appearance of the Baroque-inspired mansion, the moment Jay steps in, he is greeted with a waft of his favorite homemade dishes and a tango of a high feminine giggle and a low rumble of chuckles. An extravagant chandelier twinkles above him as he steps out of his shoes to neatly stores them away in the shoe closet on the right. The place is as immaculate as ever with not a spot of dust, a stray ornament, or misplaced furniture in sight. As he walks farther down the hall, the fragrance grows stronger, arousing his mistreated taste buds and fond memories. His lips quirk when he rounds the corner to catch his petite mother gently smack her husband’s impatient hands from the still sizzling scallion pancakes. As far as he can tell, the dining table is set with matching plates and utensils with a small vase of baby’s breath as centerpiece. His mother has changed the tablecloth since the last time he visited to the one he gifted her ten years ago on Mother’s Day. She claimed it will be her most treasured piece of fabric next to her wedding dress. He remembers scoffing at her dramatic declaration of love for a tablecloth, but nonetheless, he felt a prickle behind his eyes. It was special because it was the first real gift he bought with his own money after moving out for college. Even from the doorway, he can tell the cloth is as white and pristine as new.
“Mom, dad, I’m home,” Jay calls, his voice coming out not as strong as he wishes.
“Oh, Jay!” Immediately, Jay’s mom pushes her husband aside and scurries to Jay with open arms, a wide smile adorning her face. She looks radiant, and he misses home even more.
“How have you been?” He grunts a little when she squeezes him against her and attempts to rock him as if he is not almost a foot taller. He lifts his head to look at his father, who has stayed in the same spot, and offers a smile. His father waves a hand, “Welcome back, son.”
“I’ve made all your favorite,” his mom pulls back and gestures to the kitchen counter filled with more food Jay knows they can finish. “I made extra for you to bring back. I know you barely use that upscale kitchen of yours.” As she shakes her head at his lifestyle, she goes back to finish scooping the last bit of stew into a serving bowl.
“The only reason I come home, mom,” Jay jokes, only halfheartedly because he did come back for another reason this time. He decides it’s best to bring it up after dinner. His parents, especially his mom, are excited to him and the last thing they want to discuss at the dinner table is his financial issues at the company. His response earns a light smack from his mom with the back of a spatula, but her smile tells him she’s not offended.
“Entitled child, now go lead your dad out of my kitchen before he sneaks any more food.” Jay’s dad fakes a look of hurt, eyes comically wide and a hand dramatically clutched at his chest, before he obediently shuffles into the dining room and situates himself at the head of the table. Jay follows with a silent chuckle. As childish as his dad is in front of his mom, he holds himself with utmost dignity, never one to take a stab to his ego (unless it’s his wife, and to this day, Jay is impressed by the way his mom can shut down his father with a narrowing of her eyes). When, almost 2 years ago, Jay announced that he had no interest in taking over the family company, his father took it personally assuming Jay’s disinterest was due to the lack of respect he had for the company. What started out as a vision between two friends grew and expanded to one of the top three consulting firms in the country with hard work and blood, sweat, and tears. So maybe a family company is not the most appropriate term; it’s a huge-ass corporation with headquarters established internationally, strewn across the oceans, with its home base right here in this city. His father had been so insulted by Jay that he refused to be in the same room, let alone speak, with him for nearly five days before Jay finally cornered him to beg for a chance to explain his reason. Jay knows he grew up privileged, with a silver spoon in his mouth, with butlers and maids, with every resource at his disposal to realize any project or goal, and he is grateful. His mother reminded him every night before bed how fortunate he is and despite the mantra money can’t buy happiness, she also reminded him that those without money understand the importance of money; and while it doesn’t guarantee happiness, it makes living a lot easier. She had drilled it into his head that he has an easy life, and from that, he decided, after training and working at his father’s firm for years, to step away from what has been paved for him and to give back to those struggling. He remembers his father’s stoic face as he explained how he thinks it’s unfair that he was born into wealth while people ten times more hard-working are fruitless whether because they are working on barren land or they lack the right tools. When he was younger, his closest friend at that time had to relocate because his father lost his job due to medical conditions and no matter how hard he tried to find footing, he couldn’t. His mother came home late every night, but even overtime wasn’t enough to support their family to stay in the city. At that age he didn’t understand why he was just as angry as he was sad. Now he knows, and he wants to do something about it. Right to the end, his father’s expression didn’t change. When his mother quietly entered the study with a gentle smile, he knew she would take care of the rest. By the time, his mother’s birthday rolled around, his father was no longer mad him, in fact, had took great interest and pride in Jay’s newly founded company. He had even offered sponsorship on several occasions to which Jay declined, mainly because he believed it conflicted with the foundation which his company was founded upon. Hard-work pays off. And, Jay wonders with a sunken heart, if that philosophy is to change after tonight.
“So,” his father coughs out the word.
Jay takes in a deep breath and holds it, preparing himself for the question. He will be honest. There is not use in lying if the truth will come out eventually.
“Any women in your life?”
Jay’s eyes widen as his father avoids his questioning gaze. His held breath tumbles out in a fit of cough as he regains composure. He is not prepared for this question. He is pathetically underprepared for the oncoming conversation. His father waits for an answer, eyes flitting across the room, never landing on Jay. He bets his mom set his father up for this. Between father and son, there lies a mutual agreement to never pry, and Jay can tell his father doesn’t want to force out his private life.
“No one,” Jay calls out to his mother who, within seconds, flies into the dining room with a giant bowl of sloshing soup.
“Nonsense!” The bowl of soup all but is slammed down, a few droplets splash onto the table. “When was the last time you brought home a girl? I’m not getting any younger and neither are you!” Her voice climbs in pitch as she throws him a threatening glare.
“You’re aging beautifully, mom. Dad, don’t you agree?” Jay dares to cast a pleading look at his father, who, still, is not meeting his eyes. This must mean his mom is serious in having this discussion.
“You can’t talk yourself out of this with flattery,” once his mom is seated, she starts to distribute food to them. It has become somewhat tradition in the household for her to initially pile food onto their plates before eating just so she knows how much they’re eating, two grown-ass men. She swears neither of them knows how to properly take care of themselves. Always in need of a woman, she once said.
“Anyways, even if not a serious relationship, at least you’re dating?” His father glances at his wife in between slowly shoveling food in his mouth. Jay groans inwardly. He is on his own this time.
“I’ve been really busy lately,” Jay chews around his words. “Besides, I haven’t met anyone interesting.” That is a blatant lie.
“Busy is not an excuse. You’re almost thirty, and to be frank, you’re not going to get less busy. Your father, to this day, is busy. But he’s wooed me along the way,” She pats her husband on the back as he starts to choke.
“I’m also not in a hurry to marry. Times are changing, mom.” He knows his answer will not placate her, but maybe she will understand now is not the-
“You don’t have to date to marry.” -or not.
“Mom,” Jay places a piece of braised sparerib, her favorite, onto her plate.
“I know it’s not my business to meddle, but I want you to have someone. I want to know you’re taken care of well. You’re fed, you’re loved, all your needs are met.”
“Mom!” Jay gapes at her. He is not going there with her, no matter how close they are.
“I’m just saying, Jay. You’re my son, but I acknowledge that you’re a man. And like all men, they have needs,” she speaks calmly, and once again, her hand is comfortingly patting her husband’s back as he makes a few sputtering sounds.
“Look, I go on dates,” this is not a complete lie if he counts meeting up with Nana earlier as a date. Was it a date? “I’m not going to bring home every girl I date here and there.”
“As long as you’re keeping an eye out for a potential wife. Oh, what about Alice’s daughter? You remember her, don’t you? You two went to middle school together and were lab partners in high school. Your father and I bumped into her the other day, and I think, she said her daughter is working as a graphic designer. She doesn’t live here at the moment, but is thinking of moving back. Ah, what is her name again? Sweetie, do you remember?” she turns to her husband who shrugs unhelpfully.
“Jena’s not my type,” he is not about to reveal that they may or may not have hooked up in high school and mutually agreed they are not compatible.
“Yes, Jena! Are you sure? People change once they become adults,” his mom proceeds to dump more food onto both his and his father’s plates. He truly belongs to a family of fast eaters.
“I know what kind of person I like, and I’m sure I’ll find someone,” Jay reassures with a smile.
“But don’t take too long! I want grandchildren,” his mom outright whines.
“Honey, all in due time. It would be irresponsible of him to have children now. He needs to be able to provide for them financially and emotionally,” his father finally speaks and casts a stern look in Jay’s direction.
“He’s running his own company, that’s stable enough if you ask me,” she emphasizes her point by jabbing her fork in the air.
Jay hums in response. Dinner is more than halfway finished, a few plates already empty, and the rest are his favorites so he knows those are not meant to be cleared. Stabbing at the last few bits of his dinner, Jay contemplates how he should approach the subject. His treasurer called to inform him that budget cut is absolutely necessary if they wish to make the uphill climb to the next season. He hates to admit it, but his own supply of funds is running low and if he doesn’t lay off some workers, his company really will go bankrupt. The intentions are good. But after serious struggles in the past few years, he begins to wonder if his ambition is too naïve. Jay’s head snap to attention to his father as his utensils clink on the empty plate. He watches him carefully as his father wipes his mouth with a napkin.
“He’s running a charity,” the words are spoken slowly but firmly.
“He’s making profit. Just because his workers aren’t…traditional doesn’t mean he’s not making a net profit,” his mom glances at him worriedly, “Right?”
“Dad’s not wrong,” Jay admits. His words have stunned both his parents if the uncomfortable silence that drags out is of any indication. “I…don’t know if I’m able to keep running the company.”
***
Nana wipes away the condensation on the mirror and is surprised to see her reflection. Her eyes haven’t been this bright for two weeks. There is a natural flush on her cheeks, from the shower, she tells herself, and a certain radiance about her that she cannot explain. Despite the lack of sleep, she looks alive again. Her roommate did look at her strangely when she returned, but made no comment and almost too nonchalantly turned her attention back to whatever television drama she is following. Running a comb through her wet hair absentmindedly, she let her mind wander to her-was it a date, no, of course not-hangout, afternoon coffee break, whatever that is not a date, with Jay. It had been nice. She enjoyed his company. She ignores the flutter of wings in her stomach and dismisses a wave of flush in her cheeks as dehydration after a long hot shower. This is ridiculous, she thinks, as she layers on her nightly skincare regime and brushes her teeth. Once she is finished, she twists her now semi-dried hair into a lose topknot and sighs in resignation looking at the scattered notes across her bed. With the end of midterms, she finds herself in a lull in most of her classes except for molecular biochemistry, which she is grateful because she can focus all her energy into this class. To the chagrin and annoyance of the students, her professor decided to forgo midterms and test them the week after midterm week. She really cannot afford to be distracted as it is her most challenging class, but she has plowed through a good amount of the material after dinner. And besides, she has two more days before her first two finals. She gathers up her notes and places them on the floor along with two encyclopedia-sized textbooks and an array of highlighters. Just as she settles into bed, with her laptop propped on her legs, her phone pings.
Jay: Solved!
Nana scrunches her eyebrows together at the bizarre message.
Nana: Good?
Nana watches as text bubbles pop up. She stares at them until a new message shows.
Jay: Remember the problem I was having with my company? It’s all solved now. You said ‘sometimes, you don’t have to do it alone’ and that really stuck with me. So…I guess, what I’m saying is…thank you
She said that?
Nana: I can’t take credit for that. I don’t even remember haha.
Nana: Anyway, I’m happy that it’s all taken care of! :)
She waits for a response, but tosses her phone aside after 5 minutes of silence. She opens up a few new Youtube tabs to catch up on her subscriptions. For some reason, none of the videos hold her attention long before her thoughts trail back to her silent cell phone. What is she hoping for exactly? And more importantly, why hasn’t Michael contacted her? Maybe it really is time for her to make the move. She groans in frustration and slams close her laptop. Not wanting to delve deeper, she turns off the light and nestles into her duvet. She falls asleep surprisingly fast even with her mind racing one thousand thoughts per second. And sometime in the middle of the night, her phone pings, and she vaguely recalls reading a message from Jay asking if she would like to dinner with him. The bright screen hurts her eyes as she skims over the words, eyes half-lidded. With a moment of confusion, she locks her phone and shoves it under her pillow. In a second or so, her mind is transported back to her rather stressful dream of witnessing Michael pushing her over a cliff.
Jay hears the lock click and warily turns the freshly varnished doorknob attached to an intricately framed door. Despite the outward stately appearance of the Baroque-inspired mansion, the moment Jay steps in, he is greeted with a waft of his favorite homemade dishes and a tango of a high feminine giggle and a low rumble of chuckles. An extravagant chandelier twinkles above him as he steps out of his shoes to neatly stores them away in the shoe closet on the right. The place is as immaculate as ever with not a spot of dust, a stray ornament, or misplaced furniture in sight. As he walks farther down the hall, the fragrance grows stronger, arousing his mistreated taste buds and fond memories. His lips quirk when he rounds the corner to catch his petite mother gently smack her husband’s impatient hands from the still sizzling scallion pancakes. As far as he can tell, the dining table is set with matching plates and utensils with a small vase of baby’s breath as centerpiece. His mother has changed the tablecloth since the last time he visited to the one he gifted her ten years ago on Mother’s Day. She claimed it will be her most treasured piece of fabric next to her wedding dress. He remembers scoffing at her dramatic declaration of love for a tablecloth, but nonetheless, he felt a prickle behind his eyes. It was special because it was the first real gift he bought with his own money after moving out for college. Even from the doorway, he can tell the cloth is as white and pristine as new.
“Mom, dad, I’m home,” Jay calls, his voice coming out not as strong as he wishes.
“Oh, Jay!” Immediately, Jay’s mom pushes her husband aside and scurries to Jay with open arms, a wide smile adorning her face. She looks radiant, and he misses home even more.
“How have you been?” He grunts a little when she squeezes him against her and attempts to rock him as if he is not almost a foot taller. He lifts his head to look at his father, who has stayed in the same spot, and offers a smile. His father waves a hand, “Welcome back, son.”
“I’ve made all your favorite,” his mom pulls back and gestures to the kitchen counter filled with more food Jay knows they can finish. “I made extra for you to bring back. I know you barely use that upscale kitchen of yours.” As she shakes her head at his lifestyle, she goes back to finish scooping the last bit of stew into a serving bowl.
“The only reason I come home, mom,” Jay jokes, only halfheartedly because he did come back for another reason this time. He decides it’s best to bring it up after dinner. His parents, especially his mom, are excited to him and the last thing they want to discuss at the dinner table is his financial issues at the company. His response earns a light smack from his mom with the back of a spatula, but her smile tells him she’s not offended.
“Entitled child, now go lead your dad out of my kitchen before he sneaks any more food.” Jay’s dad fakes a look of hurt, eyes comically wide and a hand dramatically clutched at his chest, before he obediently shuffles into the dining room and situates himself at the head of the table. Jay follows with a silent chuckle. As childish as his dad is in front of his mom, he holds himself with utmost dignity, never one to take a stab to his ego (unless it’s his wife, and to this day, Jay is impressed by the way his mom can shut down his father with a narrowing of her eyes). When, almost 2 years ago, Jay announced that he had no interest in taking over the family company, his father took it personally assuming Jay’s disinterest was due to the lack of respect he had for the company. What started out as a vision between two friends grew and expanded to one of the top three consulting firms in the country with hard work and blood, sweat, and tears. So maybe a family company is not the most appropriate term; it’s a huge-ass corporation with headquarters established internationally, strewn across the oceans, with its home base right here in this city. His father had been so insulted by Jay that he refused to be in the same room, let alone speak, with him for nearly five days before Jay finally cornered him to beg for a chance to explain his reason. Jay knows he grew up privileged, with a silver spoon in his mouth, with butlers and maids, with every resource at his disposal to realize any project or goal, and he is grateful. His mother reminded him every night before bed how fortunate he is and despite the mantra money can’t buy happiness, she also reminded him that those without money understand the importance of money; and while it doesn’t guarantee happiness, it makes living a lot easier. She had drilled it into his head that he has an easy life, and from that, he decided, after training and working at his father’s firm for years, to step away from what has been paved for him and to give back to those struggling. He remembers his father’s stoic face as he explained how he thinks it’s unfair that he was born into wealth while people ten times more hard-working are fruitless whether because they are working on barren land or they lack the right tools. When he was younger, his closest friend at that time had to relocate because his father lost his job due to medical conditions and no matter how hard he tried to find footing, he couldn’t. His mother came home late every night, but even overtime wasn’t enough to support their family to stay in the city. At that age he didn’t understand why he was just as angry as he was sad. Now he knows, and he wants to do something about it. Right to the end, his father’s expression didn’t change. When his mother quietly entered the study with a gentle smile, he knew she would take care of the rest. By the time, his mother’s birthday rolled around, his father was no longer mad him, in fact, had took great interest and pride in Jay’s newly founded company. He had even offered sponsorship on several occasions to which Jay declined, mainly because he believed it conflicted with the foundation which his company was founded upon. Hard-work pays off. And, Jay wonders with a sunken heart, if that philosophy is to change after tonight.
“So,” his father coughs out the word.
Jay takes in a deep breath and holds it, preparing himself for the question. He will be honest. There is not use in lying if the truth will come out eventually.
“Any women in your life?”
Jay’s eyes widen as his father avoids his questioning gaze. His held breath tumbles out in a fit of cough as he regains composure. He is not prepared for this question. He is pathetically underprepared for the oncoming conversation. His father waits for an answer, eyes flitting across the room, never landing on Jay. He bets his mom set his father up for this. Between father and son, there lies a mutual agreement to never pry, and Jay can tell his father doesn’t want to force out his private life.
“No one,” Jay calls out to his mother who, within seconds, flies into the dining room with a giant bowl of sloshing soup.
“Nonsense!” The bowl of soup all but is slammed down, a few droplets splash onto the table. “When was the last time you brought home a girl? I’m not getting any younger and neither are you!” Her voice climbs in pitch as she throws him a threatening glare.
“You’re aging beautifully, mom. Dad, don’t you agree?” Jay dares to cast a pleading look at his father, who, still, is not meeting his eyes. This must mean his mom is serious in having this discussion.
“You can’t talk yourself out of this with flattery,” once his mom is seated, she starts to distribute food to them. It has become somewhat tradition in the household for her to initially pile food onto their plates before eating just so she knows how much they’re eating, two grown-ass men. She swears neither of them knows how to properly take care of themselves. Always in need of a woman, she once said.
“Anyways, even if not a serious relationship, at least you’re dating?” His father glances at his wife in between slowly shoveling food in his mouth. Jay groans inwardly. He is on his own this time.
“I’ve been really busy lately,” Jay chews around his words. “Besides, I haven’t met anyone interesting.” That is a blatant lie.
“Busy is not an excuse. You’re almost thirty, and to be frank, you’re not going to get less busy. Your father, to this day, is busy. But he’s wooed me along the way,” She pats her husband on the back as he starts to choke.
“I’m also not in a hurry to marry. Times are changing, mom.” He knows his answer will not placate her, but maybe she will understand now is not the-
“You don’t have to date to marry.” -or not.
“Mom,” Jay places a piece of braised sparerib, her favorite, onto her plate.
“I know it’s not my business to meddle, but I want you to have someone. I want to know you’re taken care of well. You’re fed, you’re loved, all your needs are met.”
“Mom!” Jay gapes at her. He is not going there with her, no matter how close they are.
“I’m just saying, Jay. You’re my son, but I acknowledge that you’re a man. And like all men, they have needs,” she speaks calmly, and once again, her hand is comfortingly patting her husband’s back as he makes a few sputtering sounds.
“Look, I go on dates,” this is not a complete lie if he counts meeting up with Nana earlier as a date. Was it a date? “I’m not going to bring home every girl I date here and there.”
“As long as you’re keeping an eye out for a potential wife. Oh, what about Alice’s daughter? You remember her, don’t you? You two went to middle school together and were lab partners in high school. Your father and I bumped into her the other day, and I think, she said her daughter is working as a graphic designer. She doesn’t live here at the moment, but is thinking of moving back. Ah, what is her name again? Sweetie, do you remember?” she turns to her husband who shrugs unhelpfully.
“Jena’s not my type,” he is not about to reveal that they may or may not have hooked up in high school and mutually agreed they are not compatible.
“Yes, Jena! Are you sure? People change once they become adults,” his mom proceeds to dump more food onto both his and his father’s plates. He truly belongs to a family of fast eaters.
“I know what kind of person I like, and I’m sure I’ll find someone,” Jay reassures with a smile.
“But don’t take too long! I want grandchildren,” his mom outright whines.
“Honey, all in due time. It would be irresponsible of him to have children now. He needs to be able to provide for them financially and emotionally,” his father finally speaks and casts a stern look in Jay’s direction.
“He’s running his own company, that’s stable enough if you ask me,” she emphasizes her point by jabbing her fork in the air.
Jay hums in response. Dinner is more than halfway finished, a few plates already empty, and the rest are his favorites so he knows those are not meant to be cleared. Stabbing at the last few bits of his dinner, Jay contemplates how he should approach the subject. His treasurer called to inform him that budget cut is absolutely necessary if they wish to make the uphill climb to the next season. He hates to admit it, but his own supply of funds is running low and if he doesn’t lay off some workers, his company really will go bankrupt. The intentions are good. But after serious struggles in the past few years, he begins to wonder if his ambition is too naïve. Jay’s head snap to attention to his father as his utensils clink on the empty plate. He watches him carefully as his father wipes his mouth with a napkin.
“He’s running a charity,” the words are spoken slowly but firmly.
“He’s making profit. Just because his workers aren’t…traditional doesn’t mean he’s not making a net profit,” his mom glances at him worriedly, “Right?”
“Dad’s not wrong,” Jay admits. His words have stunned both his parents if the uncomfortable silence that drags out is of any indication. “I…don’t know if I’m able to keep running the company.”
***
Nana wipes away the condensation on the mirror and is surprised to see her reflection. Her eyes haven’t been this bright for two weeks. There is a natural flush on her cheeks, from the shower, she tells herself, and a certain radiance about her that she cannot explain. Despite the lack of sleep, she looks alive again. Her roommate did look at her strangely when she returned, but made no comment and almost too nonchalantly turned her attention back to whatever television drama she is following. Running a comb through her wet hair absentmindedly, she let her mind wander to her-was it a date, no, of course not-hangout, afternoon coffee break, whatever that is not a date, with Jay. It had been nice. She enjoyed his company. She ignores the flutter of wings in her stomach and dismisses a wave of flush in her cheeks as dehydration after a long hot shower. This is ridiculous, she thinks, as she layers on her nightly skincare regime and brushes her teeth. Once she is finished, she twists her now semi-dried hair into a lose topknot and sighs in resignation looking at the scattered notes across her bed. With the end of midterms, she finds herself in a lull in most of her classes except for molecular biochemistry, which she is grateful because she can focus all her energy into this class. To the chagrin and annoyance of the students, her professor decided to forgo midterms and test them the week after midterm week. She really cannot afford to be distracted as it is her most challenging class, but she has plowed through a good amount of the material after dinner. And besides, she has two more days before her first two finals. She gathers up her notes and places them on the floor along with two encyclopedia-sized textbooks and an array of highlighters. Just as she settles into bed, with her laptop propped on her legs, her phone pings.
Jay: Solved!
Nana scrunches her eyebrows together at the bizarre message.
Nana: Good?
Nana watches as text bubbles pop up. She stares at them until a new message shows.
Jay: Remember the problem I was having with my company? It’s all solved now. You said ‘sometimes, you don’t have to do it alone’ and that really stuck with me. So…I guess, what I’m saying is…thank you
She said that?
Nana: I can’t take credit for that. I don’t even remember haha.
Nana: Anyway, I’m happy that it’s all taken care of! :)
She waits for a response, but tosses her phone aside after 5 minutes of silence. She opens up a few new Youtube tabs to catch up on her subscriptions. For some reason, none of the videos hold her attention long before her thoughts trail back to her silent cell phone. What is she hoping for exactly? And more importantly, why hasn’t Michael contacted her? Maybe it really is time for her to make the move. She groans in frustration and slams close her laptop. Not wanting to delve deeper, she turns off the light and nestles into her duvet. She falls asleep surprisingly fast even with her mind racing one thousand thoughts per second. And sometime in the middle of the night, her phone pings, and she vaguely recalls reading a message from Jay asking if she would like to dinner with him. The bright screen hurts her eyes as she skims over the words, eyes half-lidded. With a moment of confusion, she locks her phone and shoves it under her pillow. In a second or so, her mind is transported back to her rather stressful dream of witnessing Michael pushing her over a cliff.