Catch You If You Fall (book one of the Rise Up Trilogy) Ep. 5

Alex puts his master plan in motion. 

Please go to henrikwilenius.com for more info. 

Transcript

Speaker 1 0:05

While the words ricocheted in the grand dome , hashim kept his head low and said a silent prayer asking for mercy , like he had done thousands of times since realizing he was gay .

Speaker 2 0:20

My name is Henrik Vilengis and I am the author of the Rise Up Trilogy , a young adult coming of age story about Hashim , Alex and Marion confronting real life issues like climate change , corrupt politics , animal cruelty and racial and gender equity . This weekly serialized audiobook podcast is narrated by Scott Summers 8 .

Speaker 1 0:45

Alex avoided looking at Nico as he perched on a rail in the far corner of the mall parking lot , nico groaned . Alex said you've lost a bloody plot . Look , I just need to get him to relax , think about other options and get him to open up a bit . Alex said , watching a long haired kid doing a nerd flip . He's got like this tunnel vision right now and I've got to yank him out of it one way or another .

Speaker 1 1:14

Alex didn't want to go into details about Hashim's situation . He believed in loyalty and keeping his mouth shut about private matters . For Hashim's mounting anxiety , alex blamed the pressure from his parents to comply with tradition . He didn't get why they didn't trust Hashim's judgment . His best friend was a very principled guy For whom straying from the path was not an option . Sometimes Alex yearned to have the same moral certainty , but he had stopped believing in God when he lost his mother . You really think that shit would help him ? Nico said , tilting his head away .

Speaker 1 1:53

Although Alex knew Nico was not the best option for feeling out his plan , he didn't have a choice . When he had seen Nico passing the hair salon , his body had acted on instinct and made Alex go after him . He's not going to get wasted on one tiny joint , for God's sake . And it's better than Booze . And it's closer to his culture . Ugh bollocks . Better than Booze closer to his culture . Not every cunt needs to poison their minds .

Speaker 1 2:23

Thrusting his chest out , alex said why are you pulling this hissy fit ? Don't go all straight on me . Leave it to those who want to know . The long haired kid fell on the ground , his legs flying to the air . Nico jumped off the rail ready to help , but the kid only brushed some dirt off his leg and got back on the horse . In a soft return , nico said and why do you need to do this ? I can't just stand there and do nothing . I don't want him to give his life away just to please his family . So you , as a white American , know better what he should do . This is not some friggin race issue , but a human issue . So don't go laying this white man's burdens shit on me . And yes , I don't know what he should do . I only know what he shouldn't do . He doesn't even know the girl god damn it . And I , as his best friend , should do something to stop him from making a big mistake . I don't know . Nico scratched his chin . It's still a part of their culture . Rubbing his face , alex groaned . Why can't we criticize them ? Muslims do it to us all the time . Why are we so damn afraid of being labeled intolerant if we speak from the heart , I'm sure prearranged marriage had its uses when women were kept behind locked doors , but that's not the case in America today . Nico thought for a moment and nodded Good point . And I've got to act today , because tomorrow the deal is done , the deal , the engagement , and that's something really hard to back out of , especially because the future bride is the niece of one of the head honchos in their community .

Speaker 1 4:09

Alex stopped before the entrance to the mall and drew a deep breath . He knew he was shooting in the dark with this idea of getting Hashim stoned . He had always avoided pressuring Hashim to do anything that could compromise his principles . Now he was crossing the line and that made him nervous . Perhaps this time the end would justify the means .

Speaker 1 4:32

A wall of cool air hit Alex as he entered the mall . He hadn't really paid any attention to how hot it was outside until now . He reached out to touch his back and felt moisture under his fingertips . He shrugged and continued walking . As he crossed the plaza he looked through the window for his friend in vain , until he realized that the young man praying at the counter was indeed Hashim . Alex broke into a wide grin and strode in . That's awesome , he said , reaching out to stroke Hashim's hair , but drew his hand back as he saw it was gelled to perfection . Hashim bounced on his toes . You think it's good ? I think it's spectacular .

Speaker 1 5:16

Alex grabbed Hashim's hand . Buddy , you've been reborn . Then he turned to Wan . And you're freaking genius . Wan followed them to the entrance and said good luck with everything , responding with a small nod Hashim , let Alex drag him out .

Speaker 1 5:37

All right , first I need to assess your current strengths and weaknesses . Let's play this out . What is this life-culting ? Alex's grin didn't waver . Buddy , you need more than that . We're going on a journey . Could we just forget about it ? Whatever it is , whatever , it is too late . My boy , there's no way I'm going to give up on you .

Speaker 1 6:02

Now we're back to the scientific method , but from the behavioral point of view , despite Hashim's groans , alex continued we need to run some tests . Hashim couldn't help but smile . Oh no , not one of these , please , god have mercy . Now picture me as a fine , voluptuous mistress in one of those Egyptian soaps your mom loves to watch . You know the big boobs and latitudinous lips . Latitudinous lips . Alex pursed his lips to make them fuller . Oh mother , hashim said , trying to cover his eyes with his fingers . Unperturbed , alex lifted his chest and saw shade closer . My God , please stop . Hashim cried . Have mercy on my poor soul . Alex loved every second of it . It was always fun to make Hashim squirm from embarrassment .

Speaker 1 6:59

Moreover , his friend had yet to realize the sizable crowd that had begun watching their little spectacle . Relaxing his shoulders , alex took a wider stance . Or do you prefer , butchin' sporty ? Whatever Hashim said ? Hashim said now close your eyes . Hashim , let his hands drop . He gasped as he saw all the people watching them . Are you totally nuts ? I'm not closing them . Be brave , I'm the one who's making a mess of himself and you love it . Do you trust me ? It was time to bring out the big guns . Hashim groaned , but did what he was told . Having unbuttoned his short sleeve shirt halfway , alex returned to the butch and sporty poles . Okay , now you can open them .

Speaker 1 7:52

Hashim's Adam's apple popped up . As he lowered his gaze , alex realized his friend was staring at his half-bearer upper chest . For God's sake , hey , hot stuff , alex said , but Hashim's attention stayed on the cleavage . Alex cleared his throat to get his friend's attention . Hashim lifted his chin . Um , you come here often . Alex rolled his eyes .

Speaker 1 8:20

I guess the weather's pretty good today , hashim said , rubbing his hands on his pants . Alex looked skyward , asking for celestial powers to help him get through this . Hashim crossed his arms over his chest . How do you do ? He blinked rapidly and bit his lower lip . When no answer was forthcoming , he continued I didn't sleep so well last night . A lot of tossing and turning . I guess it's indigestion . Alex dropped his head . Some onlookers laughed you wanna come over for a ? Hashim said , giving a hesitant nod with raised brows . Alex shook his head . My God , you truly suck More laughs from the audience .

Speaker 1 9:13

Hashim hunched his shoulders as if in shame , and that almost broke Alex's heart . During moments like these , he felt a great surge of affection toward his best friend , who didn't mask his vulnerability in public , something Alex hadn't been able to afford since his mother died . Alex slunk his hand over Hashim's shoulder and hugged him in front of all these people . Don't worry about it , he said . As he pressed himself against Hashim , he felt a slight trimmer going through his friend's body . He detected the familiar musky odor as his nose rested in the nape of Hashim's neck . However generously doused in fierce by Abercombie and Fitch , hashim's go-to scent concealed it so effectively that if you didn't poke your snout at his skin , you couldn't smell it , leading Hashim away from the crowd , alex felt a little guilty that he had made fun of his friend Hashim , but it was for his friend's benefit . He had to know how Hashim would manage in a socially awkward situation , even if Hashim looked the part . He wasn't ready yet to proceed to the next level without further instructions . Why didn't we have to do it , hashim ? Whispered . As they turned the corner , alex leaned closer and squeezed Hashim's cheek . God , that hair looks so good on you . A light turned on in Hashim's eyes and he melted into a smile . And when you talk to a girl , don't , ever , never , ever , without exception , stare at her boobs . Alex demonstrated it by ogling Hashim's chest with his tongue out , at least not on the first date . Hashim shuffled his feet as they sat on the bench . I didn't , and never , never , ever , without provoking the wrath of God or the girl , tell her about your sleeping problems , that the weather is pretty good or the latest update from your colon .

Speaker 1 11:12

Alex saw a cute girl in a head scarf with her blonde friend throwing them some side long glances from the other side of the aisle . An idea was forming in his head , as he said to Hashim I'm not asking you to be a fake , just be yourself , but the best you can be . And then this he said , and sprang up . He crossed his arms over his chest and frowned what does this tell you ? Hashim bit his lip . Well , maybe that I'm right . I've closed the shop , not interested , don't you ever bother me , no more .

Speaker 1 11:46

Alex dropped his hands , stuck out his chest and cracked a smile , whereas this tells a totally different story . Are you sure you've never considered a career in life coaching ? First Alex froze from the surprise and then he burst into laughter . He sat down and slapped Hashim's arm with a loose wrist , aiming for a maximum gay effect . The girl across the aisle whispered something to her friend and giggled . Alex grabbed Hashim's hand in plain view and held it tight . Hashim tried to yank his hand free , but Alex let it go only after making sure that the girls had witnessed the whole episode .

Speaker 1 12:24

Didn't you see it ? That Arab princess has the hots for you ? Hashim's blank face told Alex he did not . Now they'll start to think how to save you , how to turn you back to their team . Don't you get it , alex ? You're nuts . For some girls that's like the hottest thing imaginable . Turning a gay boy straight . Alex said , voice cracking . Hashim said You're not serious . I think that if the girl is hot enough and knows her moves , she can charm any snake she wants . Hashim thrust his chest out , really Turning his attention to Hashim who was gazing at the girl in the scarf . Alex could actually see the glint in his friend's eyes . But that's only plan B , not that you need it with that handsome face of yours . Hashim responded with a slow smile as Alex gave him another squeeze on the cheek .

Speaker 1 13:22

Alex stretched his neck to see over the grocery store's fruit island and smiled to himself . The Muslim girl and her blonde friend were still following them . Alex pushed the cart to the special food section and whispered Psst , eagle has landed . Be yourself , keep cool , and your do just fine . Now go and make your daddy proud . Straightening his posture , hashim took a deep breath as he was holding a can in his hand .

Speaker 1 13:48

The girls turned into their aisle Organic chickpeas , excellent , hashim , hollered . Hashim's high-pitched tone startled Alex , but he quickly regained his composure and asked what else do we need ? Reaching for a jar of tahini . Hashim said in a low , more manly tone this is made out of sesame seeds . Alex touched his earlobe . What he saw ? How the Muslim girl was throwing glances at them . That went unnoticed by Hashim , who was studying the label . It's made out of sesame seeds . Didn't we need some garlic , olive oil and coriander all in the blender and voila , you've got hummus . Hashim smacked his lips as if he could taste the rich paste in his mouth .

Speaker 1 14:38

The blonde one stepped up and took hold of the tahini jar . I've never tried it , but it sounds easy . But remember to rinse those peas properly , hashim said . With garlic in the mix , you end up . Don't say it . Alex cried out . The universe came to a standstill until the Muslim girl said Gassy , I know it . And burping Hashim added , making a face Real smelly burping . Alex's shoulders , slumped in a sorrowful sigh , escaped his mouth as he slapped his own cheek . You should try parsley . The Muslim girl continued , it really helps . Alex yanked his hand off his face and sighed again . The blonde girl shrugged and smiled , as if he could hear what Alex was thinking .

Speaker 1 15:29

These two seemed to be a match made in heaven . They had already found an interesting topic to converse on . Long live smelly burps . However , alex couldn't simply leave these two to their own devices at this early stage . My main man , hashim , here is actually a master chef . Alex said tonight he'll do a buffet of mid-eastern delicacies and maybe he'll do you too I mean for you too , if you ask . Nicely Interesting offer . The blonde one said Uh , I wanted to ask my girl here Don't Having her friend . The blonde continued Right , so I was saying on Sunday there's this concert In Lake Park , alex said . As he saw Hashim stealing glimpses at the girl with the scarf , he decided it was better to give these love birds some face time . He exchanged a knowing smile with the blonde girl and cocked his head toward another aisle . We'll be right back Out of earshot . He asked her Would you both like to come to a party tonight ? Thank you .

Speaker 2 17:02

Thank you for listening to the Rise Up Trilogy podcast . For more information , go to my website henrikvillenniuscom .