secundum tempus

No, no, not at all! [Shay quickly corrected the other woman.] The more information the better for this, really. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything. You’re good. [Shay smiled at Selena’s humbled response to being complimented.] You’re welcome. I’m sure Riley feels the same.

[Shay made a mental note of the fact that if Selena had other family members, they weren’t worth mentioning.] In that case, I look forward to the day you walk into study group with a dog because it’s new and you couldn’t find anyone else to watch it for the day.

[As it became her turn to share, Shay sat up straighter.] Okay, well I was born here but I was adopted with I was three. I have two moms, one is named Indy and she’s a high school teacher. My other mom is Soledad, she’s a college professor. Having two teacher parents is truly, a joy. [She chuckled at her own sarcasm.] I also have a little sister named Reya, who’s 17. I guess her cat, Figero counts as family too even though all he really does is pee in my shoes and eat my food…

Sorry, now I’m the one rambling!

Could you imagine? I look forward to that day too. [As Shay spoke, Selena wrote some notes down, as well as keeping mental note of some follow up questions she had.] By here, you mean New Orleans, right? 

Oh! [Shay moved quickly to begin taking some notes on Selena’s words when the woman gave her so much information at once.] Oh wow, your daughter’s 18? That’s…so much. I’m sorry, I don’t have any kids, just a teenage sister so just imagining putting all the work into raising someone to adulthood? You’re basically the best. 

Okay, so You’re Chinese-American, you moved here with your parents and you have an 18 year old daughter named Riley! Is there anyone else in your immediate family? Like a dog or a parrot with a quirky name? [Shay asked, trying not to bring up anything tough in case her daughter was the only family Selena had.]

Sorry - am I talking too much? Please stop me if I am. I just want to make sure I’m doing my part right. [Selena nervously giggled.] Yup. She is. [She could feel her smile grow at the kind compliment Shay paid her.] Gosh, that is too sweet. I’m not the best - not by far - but I’ve certainly done my best. Thank you. Wow.

[Shay smiled at Selena’s energy.] There is a bunch of us, some with pretty big personalities so…makes sense that it’d be hard to keep track of everyone. That’s okay though. I know some people are probably just trying to get down what they can for the assignment and just move on but…I wouldn’t mind actually learning a few things while I’m here.

Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself? Or I could start if you preferred that? [She smiled warmly, not wanting Selena to get the wrong impression that she was so keen to get down to business.]

Absolutely! That’s if you don’t have anything else planned for the day. I would completely understand if we need to stick to schedule. 

✰ SELENA SHI // MOODBOARD ✰

BONUS:

That’s me. [She smiled, delighted that she remembered her name.] Yeah, I just saw Arnav in the lounge, actually. [She shook her head, a smirk forming.] You a big coffee addict too? If I don’t have at least three cups a day, I’m practically a walking zombie. 

Wow! It really is a small world. [Selena chuckled, agreeing with Scarlett’s statement.] Huge! It truly is my worst vice. I absolutely love the stuff. A popular symptom of motherhood, if you ask me.

My dad’s a… software engineer. And I’ve always been into tech… so, seemed kinda fitting. [Arnav lowered his gaze, not really wanting to talk about it more.] How about you? Did you always want… to be a chef?

[Arnav glanced around the student lounge with her.] There’s one in the marketplace over there, but… that coffee’s terrible. There’s a Starbucks around the corner if you prefer… that instead.

[Selena nodded her head.] Makes sense. [Selena thought deeply about how she should respond to his question, but thought it best to keep it simple for passing conversation.] No, actually. Back in high school, I always said I wanted to be a nurse. Working in the food industry has been sort of a new dream of mine from the last few years.

Romeo listened to Selena talk about her daughter, his face stuck in thought. He pursed and bit his lips interchangeably throughout the conversation. To be fair, it wasn’t like he was expecting some award winning advice from her, but hearing her say that she didn’t have to do much to get Riley motivated was the least helpful thing she could have said. “Mmm.” Romeo mumbled to signal he was comprehending what she was saying, “A’ight, cool.” was all he said. He smacked the table with his hand in an epiphany kind of way, “A’ight then. Thanks. I’mma leave you to it.“ He said, seeming suddenly off and disinterested and honestly blanking on everything else they’d been talking about, “Food’s good at No Manches, stop by if you can. I’ll see you in class, girl.” he said before he gave her a two finger wave and the cafe door flung behind him.

After a few moments of her response, Selena had registered that even though she was honest about her situation, that might not have been the answer Romeo was looking for. She looked down, feeling her cheeks flush. “That must have been so unhelpful.” Her hand tapping the side of her face. “Sometimes, I don’t think and just respond. I’m sorry.” Selena shifted in her seat to uncross her legs and sit a little more upright. “I think inspiration goes a long way. I’m sure growing up, seeing you being highly passionate and productive about what you wanna do will motivate her. Kinda like ‘live what you preach’ sort of sense.” Her eyes squinted as she smiled. “I’ll put it on my to do list!” Selena felt better now about checking out the new eatery after receiving the actual invitation. She wanted to tell him it was nice to get to know him a little better, but Romeo already seemed to be a few steps from the door. She squeezed in a final, “See you in class!” just before he was gone and out of sight.

[Bobbie’s mouth formed an O shape and quickly shifted to an approving expression, nodding her head.] That’s amazing, Selena, good for you and your family as well! Hope your daughter is also kicking ass with he college too!

Do you already work in the food business or is this like a passion that you never pursued before? I can always recommend you for a position at the hotel’s restaurant if you ever need. [She offered, betting Selena would turn out to be a great professional without even knowing her properly. She just seemed to be the type of personal who was somehow kind and also very good at what they do.]

Thank you, thank you. [Selena laughed at Bobbie’s expression, but mostly, with pride and gratitude.] I don’t. This is my first time being back at school after a long time, so I didn’t want to take on too much. [Selena smiled though, seeing as it was sweet of Bobbie to offer.] But that’s so kind of you to offer. Maybe next semester, when I get the hang of things!

“Oh, she grown now! That’s crazy!” Romeo said, genuinely curious about how old Selena was but not wanting to be rude. Besides, having a kid that around age didn’t mean anything about your own age, he of all people should know. Romeo didn’t want to share too much about his own home life, but hearing Selena had an eighteen year old left him with a lot of questions. He considered not prying but, well, it was Romeo after all. “Hey, can I ask you something?” he said before walking a little closer to her, “Your daughter doing something with her life? Like, she going to college or something? I just mean, how do you keep her motivated?” it was a little personal, but he had to ask. 

He smiled, “I work at No Manches, it’s a little Tex-Mex joint. Line cook but sometimes I handle the books.” Romeo smirked when she said she could see him owning his own place. Selena was sweet and super proper, so he took everything she said lightly, knowing she was probably just being friendly. “Thanks, we’ll see what happens.” he shrugged.

“She is, very.” Selena picked up her coffee and took another sip. “Take advantage of the time you have with Xio. It goes by quicker than you think.” Normally, Selena wasn’t one to give a random person advice unsolicited, but thinking about her daughter always brought out a sense of longing. “Sure.” Selena agreed. “Yes, she’s going to school at the Savannah College of Art and Design.” She shifted in her seat to comfortably face his direction. “To be honest with you, it was never difficult getting Riley motivated. She always wanted to be heavily involved. She’s got quite the fiery, competitive spirit - I don’t know where she gets it. Probably from her father.” Selena knew Riley and her father definitely shared the same work ethic. Comparing the two of them in anything else felt very complicated - and as she has expressed many times, Selena knew Riley would not want that. As for where Romeo worked, Selena didn’t immediately recognize the restaurant, but she took note of the name. “I never heard of it, but I always like checking out new places.”

Oh, maybe? I never watched Grey’s Anatomy. And it’s pretty… good. Kinda… crazy, honestly.

That’s cool. [He nodded to emphasize his point, then nodded again in response.] Yep. CIT. It’s… basically just programming type stuff. [There was a slight pause.] So… [Arnav aimlessly gestured toward her.] What brings you to the student lounge?

Could say the same about Grey’s Anatomy, so it must be by the same writer. [Selena laughed. As soon as he clarified his major, Selena nodded her head back. Saying ‘Got it’ to herself.] And how did you get into that? Did you always know you’d want to go into computer programming? [Selena scrunched her lips to one side, as she took another glance around the room.] I actually came here, wondering if there was a coffee machine or something. Kinda wanted a cup before driving back home.

Romeo’s eyebrow cocked when Selena mentioned having a child. He wasn’t surprised because she was a bit older and seemed so put together, like she could raise a kid and shit, but he didn’t like to assume. “Oh shit, I’m glad. I read the back and the cover looked good so I was like, this will do. So many options in bookstores, that shit be overwhelming.” He tilted his head at her, “You got a daughter? How old is she now? Mm…I feel like maybe I should start reading the curriculum and shit now, you must ‘a been a good mom.” he laughed. He wasn’t that engaged with what kids were learning in schools, he tried to be, but he was always busy and that wasn’t always the top thing on his mind. “Uh,” Romeo pondered just how much of his personal life he was willing to share with people, but I mean, wasn’t like any of it was a secret, “yeah it’s for my daughter, Xio. She’s eleven but she’s bright as hell so I never know what’s gonna be interesting for her or boring.” 

Romeo paused for a minute. “No way, for real?” he said almost lowly, genuine shock in his voice. “I’m…” he didn’t know what to say, as he’d otherwise been really quiet about his plans, but this was too ironic. “I’m trying to open up a place of my own too. I work at a Mexican joint right now as a line cook, I been cooking my whole life with my mama and shit, and I been thinking about taking the leap and opening my own joint but I needed a little background so I’m taking business classes at Delgado.” He didn’t even know what to say to her. Out of everyone in their Spanish group, aside from Boobie Baumann, he didn’t think she’d be the one he’d have so much in common with. “That’s fuckin’ wild.” he grinned. 

Selena’s eye squinted naturally as she smiled with cheerfulness. She noticed he said the word ‘shit’ often, and even though, most people were to meet her and assume she’d take judgement towards it, Selena actually found it rather amusing and rather harmless. “I get you. There’s always so much to choose from.” When thinking about her daughter, Selena was suddenly moved by a sense of joy and pride. “I do. Her name is Riley.” She was a little nervous speaking about her so soon to one of her study group partners, but still sported her soft grin. “She’s 18 now. I hope to think I did a pretty good job!” When learning he also had a daughter, Selena smiled even brighter. “Aw, so you’re a parent too. Good to see I’m not the only one in the group.” It was definitely a surprise to see Romeo as a father, but if anything, Selena found it even more endearing about him. It was nice having someone she could possibly relate to in some level. In sincerity, speaking from her own experience, Selena responded, “At least you’re trying. That’s what counts the most.” She assured him - “Even then, I’m sure she’ll love the book.”

Selena responded in midst of laughter, “Yeah, for real.” Again finding his responses amusing. It was starting to get freaky with the amount of things her and Romeo could have in common. “Oh, really? Where do you work?” Selena was curious to see if she had been to his work place before. If not, one of her favorite things was finding new restaurants to check out, if he wouldn’t mind her giving it a try, of course. “That’s a wonderful plan. I could definitely see you running your own place.” Selena nodded. She definitely wouldn’t have pegged the man in front of her to be the same guy based off his first impression. It was refreshing to see someone else just as passionate in her field. And who knows? Possibly they had other classes together in the future? 

[Scarlett wasn’t much of a reader, something she always regretted. the thought was appealing, but getting her to sit down and focus her attention on it for more than five minutes? Good luck. Mostly, she was there to get her brother a gift for his birthday. At least, one of the gifts. Spotting Selena, she hesitated but decided on heading over to her.] If it isn’t another one of my Spanish group-mates. Seems I just keep running into y’all now, huh? Got anything interesting there?

Oh, hello. [Selena tipped her head towards her.] Scarlett, right? I have to agree. I just saw Romeo not too long ago. Small world! [Selena looked down at her iPad and back up at her.] I’m just catching up on an assignment for a class. I think it’s interesting. Though, I think I’m starting to loose focus with my coffee fix wearing off.

[Arnav nodded, the irony of her sentence bringing up the smallest smirk on his face. He wishes he had sleep apnea.] Nah, just… being a regular irresponsible guy. [Shit. What was the last Netflix show he watched?] Um, it’s “How to Get Away with Murder”? I didn’t watch it when it first aired so… Six seasons to catch up on.

That’s cool. Are you a culinary major?

[She chuckled at his comment.] I haven’t watched that one, but I’ve heard a lot about it. I think the writer from Grey’s Anatomy worked on it? Either way, it must be good if it’s been going on for six seasons.

“What made you wanna study here? You seem so educated and intelligent, very proper and honestly, nothing like someone I would imagine being one of my classmates.” [She knew it could come off wrong, but she was genuinely curious. Selena could totally be one of those people in Crazy Rich Asians, too expensive to be there with them.]

[Selena blushed at the nice things she said about her.] “Oh, that’s so sweet of you to say.” [Selena didn’t know where to begin, so she shook her head, grimmaced, and just answered reactively.] “Well, it was kind of a spur of the moment decision really. Or well, I wasn’t really planning to go back to college. I only registered to go to school about a month or so ago.” [Selena put down her iPad and grabbed her coffee.] “Delgado has a good Culinary program and my daughter is also going to college herself, so this is definitely easier on the budget.”