Narrative: The Long and Winding Road WHO: Alex Jiang WHEN: Late June WHERE: Somewhere in China
Alex left St. Margaret's around the same time as everyone else. He made sure to say goodbye to Mr. Cavanaugh before he left, thanking him for all the times he tried to help him. He also made sure to bid the remaining Kitsune behind. He gave Tanek a parting gift of a set of high quality colored pencils, encourging him to keep with art. He had a talent for it. To the Louisiana twins he gave them some words of advice: Don't fuck with the bear during winter. It would save them a lot of trouble.
Aktamun received a bro-hug and some firecrackers that Alex had kept stored away. He wasn't sure what Aktamun might use them for, if he would at all, but hopefully it would be plenty of trouble. Keep the name of Kitsune alive. To Dom he gave a bucket of condoms that people had given him over the years in hopes that he would one day get laid.
A lot of his other friends were eager to get on with their summer vacation. Some goodbyes were harder than others. So hard that Alex found himself rescheduling his flight to China in order to hang out more with Davian. That was the hardest goodbye of them all. The two had started off mocking each other and then became good friends. Davian was Alex's best friend. Everyone knew that and Alex was hesitant to part ways just yet.
They hung out and tried to fill the time in with philosophical pot sessions and joking around. Alex's departure was imminent and he intended to try to stop by Washington to see Hayden too. He made sure to hug the other before before he left, in case he didn't get to see him. They mutually agreed that Hayden would have to carry on the banner of Kistune being the best house. It was a load to bear, but Hayden had it in him.
Fred had gone off to take care of some business, as she called it. Alex wished her luck and gave her a hug. Fred wasn't really a hugger but she understood that this was a goodbye that was going to have a long separation.
The day finally came and Alex boarded the flight at LAX. The trip would be long. His work could only afford him an economy ticket. He refused to let his parents pay for him. His father was still convinced that Alex would be back within a year. Staying for a summer was one thing, but actuallyliving at the monastery was something entirely different. Alex's mother was equally dismissive, but also insulted that he wasn't accepting money from them to make his flight easier. Saying goodbye was bittersweet in that way. His parents still not fully understanding who he was, and yet he would miss them in a way.
As Alex hiked up the path toward the monastery, accompanied by one of the monks, he felt the cool mountain air fill his lungs. Everything here was so different. So quiet. Even where he lived in Anaheim, there was often traffic and everyday busyness to deal with. It was one of the first thigns he'd noticed when he first came here. It drove him crazy but now he craved it. The quiet of nature just . . . existing.
He grew to appreciate that at St. Margaret's too. The school was tucked away in a small area of Maine, away from the madness of an urban jungle. Instead the thick forests provided a sound barrier. But at St. Margaret's there were lots of loud students running around (he being among them), especially in Kitsune house. Out here the people valued the silence. Sometimes they'd go for days without talking and so when someone whispered it felt like they were shouting.
"You'll be in the same room as last time," the monk walking next to Alex said, not at all bothered by the steep ascent toward the monstery. Alex nodded, "Good. I already marked my territory, so it would be annoying to do it again." The monk was used to Alex's stupid humor by now and simply chuckled with a shake of his head.
"I am glad you have returned, Guowei," said the monk, "But will you not miss the people you left behind?"
Alex took a few steps to think about how he would answer. This wasn't a test, per say, but certainly a question to feel Alex out and see if he was truly ready to make the commitment.
"I will but we will find each other again one day," Alex said. The monk stopped and scrutinized Alex for a moment.
"You brought your mobile phone, didn't you?" he asked. Alex feigned offense but he couldn't maintain it.
"I did, but I don't have any games on it or anything. It's just every once in a while, I swear," Alex returned. The monk shook his head and then pointed at Alex, "The first picture you send will be after we have shaved your head."
Alex balked and his mouth gaped open. He wasn't serious, was he? Alex's hand immediately went to his hair, touching it for what might be the last time because he looked pretty damn serious. The monk walked past Alex and patted his arm as he did saying, "Just messing with you."
Alex breathed out a sigh of relief. Damn monks. He went to catch up as they reached the top of the hill. Before him stood the monstery and he smiled at the sight of it. He left one home and soon would make this his home. And after this? Who knew? Alex knew in his gut he wasn't going to stay here forever, but that didn't meant he couldn't make a home of the place while he was there. That was probably the best lesson that St. Margaret's taught him.