Back to the original starting point.
I am careful to shake hands cordially with Manuel; I intuit that respect, and self-respect have been scarce commodities of late.
-“Where have you been Manuel? Did your wife tell you why I’m here?”
-“I was in jail for a week.” He said shyly.
-“Why where you in jail?” I inquire.
-“I was in Highland Park collecting aluminum cans, and I asked some guys for a beer.
I drank it openly in the park without covering it up, and I was stopped for that. I was arrested because they found false documents in my wallet, and they tore those up.”
I was livid because of a moment of weakness, he was disrupting my plans. Before my eyes, which were eloquent enough, I was seeing someone sinking into bottomless despair.
Just then his wife and little daughter come out. His three year old daughter embraces Manuel’s legs, and doesn’t want to let go.
I give him a thorough sermon about the evils of drinking problems away, which in turn create a whole new set of problems. I ask him if he can fix this problem since I can’t take him to the company to get hired empty handed.
-“Yes, I know some guys.” He said finally.
-“Is it too late to fix it now? Do you have money?” I inquire knowing time is running out.
-“I think I can, and I don’t have money.” He said expectantly.
I look around my surroundings, stalling for time. I purposely ignore the implications, since as a law-abiding citizen, I just don’t do any illegal activities.
-“Look, it’s getting late. Do you need a ride somewhere? You find a way to fix this mess, because it was due to your stupid drinking that you put yourself and your family in jeopardy. We need to be there tomorrow morning at eight; my cousin is too busy to keep changing appointments – fix this now!” I said very seriously.
We arrive near Mc Arthur Park. As if guided by instinct, I drive into the parking lot of a doughnut shop, where I decide to wait it out and get coffee.
I order something to eat for both of us, and before I finish preparing my coffee, Manuel is consulting someone just outside of this establishment.
I notice that several men are seated in individual tables facing the window with cell phones in hand, as if working from their office cubicles to serve the next client in line.
I sit inconspicuously in the back, consuming my bran muffin and coffee, as I strain to hear the contents of their conversations.
After twenty minutes, Manuel comes back to the table and eats. He said it would be about another forty minutes. That guy is a friend of a friend, who will do it on credit.
We make small talk about the people in the company, and his stint in jail. I asked him if he'd slept in the park, since I had been looking for him there.
-“There are a lot of people sleeping in the park. I met an older man who lost his job, and place to live. He’s trying to make money to return to Guatemala. By the way, thank you for your help.” He said with sincerity.
-“There’s no need to thank me Manuel. Simply promise me that you will stop this bull shit drinking. Do it for your little daughter. Did you see how scared she was that you would leave, that she did not want to let go of your legs? That beer money should be used for food and diapers.” I said with intent.
-“I know. I will stop.”
-“Look, I’m very tired. It’s 7:48 PM. Please be ready tomorrow at 6:30 AM, I will pick up and take you there. Can you make your way straight home alright?” I inquire ready to split. I don’t want to ride with him in case there are monkeys on the coast.
“Yes, it’s pretty close walking distance. I will be ready and waiting outside at 6:30.”
At 6:32 AM, I flash my headlights to Manuel to get in. The rain is pouring hard this Monday morning.
With hot coffee in hand, we resume our light bantering and joking to alleviate the pain.
.
