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“Uh, yeah, that’s me. Mr. Logistics,” he says.
If I wasn’t so mortified, I’d probably laugh at how off guard Ella has made the usually very cool Elijah.
“I already ordered our tickets online, so we don’t have to wait in this line. Let’s go board the boat,” I say, eager to escape this torture.
“I didn’t bring cash, so can I Venmo you?” Soobin asks.
“Oh, don’t worry. Today’s ride is on me,” I say.
Everyone tries to decline the offer, but I don’t let them.
Ella raises an eyebrow at me in question. I pretend not to see it. I understand her confusion. I’m normally incredibly frugal. But I haven’t had to use any of my savings since coming to New York, everything’s provided for me. It’s the least I can do. It’s just not something I want to talk about right here.
As my mom always says, we never discuss religion, politics, or finances in public.
“Well, thanks for the ticket, Jessica. I’m excited,” Roy says. “I wonder what it’ll be like up close since the statue seems so small from here.”
“I know, right? Honestly, it’s the coolest thing. It looks tiny up until the very last minute when you get really close, and then you’reright thereand you look up and the majesty of it all just hits you.” Jason’s eyes light up, matching the wonder in his voice. “When we came last year, I don’t think I was ready for it. No matter how fucked-up it is sometimes living in the States these days, seeing the Statue of Liberty and all it represents, and the hardships our families went through to secure the right to live here, it’s awe-inspiring.”
We nod in silence, lost in thought.
I turn to Ella but her eyes are narrowed, focused on something. I follow her gaze and see her cock her head at Jason, trying to figure him out. He’s not Ella’s type—she usually likes a bad boy. The kind of boy who ends up cheating on her, I guess. This could get very interesting.
We all find a spot along the boat’s railing. I go to stand next to Elijah.
“Are you excited?” I ask.
He shrugs a shoulder. “I never really thought about it, ya know? In Korea, this statue isn’t significant to us. We’re not taught about it in school. It’s not a symbol of anything. So seeing you so pumped about it is a trip,” he says.
“Huh. I guess I never considered how foreign it must be for you here in America,” I say.
“It’s not that different to be honest. You grew up with some influence from Korean culture, I’m sure. But there are some things that catch me off guard. Like whenever anyone talks about ‘being Korean’ specifically, I don’t know exactly what they mean. That’s just something weareback in Korea. I don’t know if that makes any sense.” He shakes his head as if apologizing for what he’s said.
“No, no, I totally understand. ‘Being Korean’ as you put it, here in the States, is something we have to think about constantly because it’s what makes us different, I guess. But I can imagine it’s nothing like that when you’re like actuallyinKorea,” I say. “I haven’t been to Korea since I was a kid. But I remember the culture shock, even in just the little things. It surprised me at first. I just figured we were all the same.”
“Oh, the motherland is way more traditional,” Soobin says, joining us.
“Totally. And stuff like respecting your elders and formal speech are a must,” Jason adds. “I’m into that, though. I wish we applied that more broadly here in the US.”
“Is it true that arranged marriages are still a thing in Korea?” Roy asks.
“It’s Korea, not the Joseon Dynasty,” Ella teases.
“Actually, as shocking as it may seem, they do still happen,” Elijah says. “I know a lot of people who have been formally set up by their parents.” He puts both hands into his pockets, clearly uncomfortable with this topic. “And you’re right, Jason. Defying or disobeying someone older than you is not allowed. Complete strangers will berate you for your behavior on the street if you’re not showing respect. And that’s still nothing compared to what’s expected of young people from their own family.” He turns his head away from us, looking out over the water.
I think of how Elijah’s described his father, how the plan for his life and future seem non-negotiable. I guess I’ve been surprised that he won’t just tell his dad how he feels. But it makes sense now, why he doesn’t. Why he feels like he can’t.
It doesn’t seem fair. I mean, my dad isn’t always the easiest to talk to about things. But I know that if I need to say something important, he’ll listen and at leasttryto understand where I’m coming from.
I rest my elbows on the railing and nudge Elijah a little with my hip. “Well, if nothing else, it’s a great day for a boat ride,” I say.
“Welcome home, Yoo-Jin-ssi.” Mrs. Choi greets us at the door taking our coats.
We’re back at the brownstone, ready for pajamas, food, and a girls’ night in.
Turns out that it really was a great day for a boat ride. Everyone had an amazing time and Ella hit it off with my friends. Friends. I’m not sure when I stopped seeing them as coworkers and started seeing them as more. But here we are.
“Ella-ssi, I took the liberty of unpacking your bag in the first guest room. The towel warmers have also been turned on should you want a shower.” Mrs. Choi turns back to face me. I try to ignore a surprised Ella, eyes wide, mouthing, “Are you kidding me?” behind her.
