Tuesday 

Aloha! I just wanted to let the bar know our team will no longer be playing in the league. I’ve decided to only play with the pros from now on. It’s Nineball only from here on out, so I’d appreciate you taking us off the list. I know you’re the day shift bartender, but did you happen to see Janey? 

No. That’s okay. Oh, excuse me, I think I see Abe over there in the corner shooting a game. 

Abe! Abe! How are you? 

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Monday 

Aloha, Janey. Yes, I am a little drunk. Honestly, I got to the bar early and have been working up the courage all afternoon to tell you something. Janey, I want you to know that I love you, and what I am about to say is my deepest regret. As you know, last night, Wendy got too drunk to drive after I let Mano win and paid him, so I drove her home in her car. When we arrived, I helped her upstairs to her apartment and into the bedroom, where she fell on her bed. The whole time she laughed, saying terrible things in her drunken state, and being a little tipsy myself, I became upset. She kept laughing over and over, “You’re the biggest chump I ever met.” I know now she was just drunk and making things up, but she kept enraging me, saying things like, “Janey said your old dick felt like fucking a wet napkin.” 

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Sunday 

Abe, I’m sorry to pull you into the bathroom again, but my heart is broken over Janey, and we need to find a way to help her. Last night on the ride home, I said, “Janey, I haven’t felt this way about anyone since my wife died. I am falling in love with you.” She turned to me and said, “Do you want to be more than family? Do you want me to be more than just a second daughter?” I said, “Yes.” 

Wait, Abe, I’m not finished. We went back to her place and entered the apartment, where a large man sat on the sofa. Janey told me to wait in the bedroom, where I sat on the bed and swallowed my Viagra. Her voice carried through the door, saying to the man, “It’ll only be a few minutes, baby.” He said, “Make sure you wash that thing before I hit it later.” She agreed and entered the bedroom and said, “Uncle, before we get started, I need to ask you something.” She pointed to the door with her thumb and whispered, “My roommate wants me to pay my half of the electric bill. Do you think you could spot me fifty?” 

Yes, Abe, I did think something was strange. I’m not stupid, Abe. I’m getting to that. I said to her, “I didn’t bring any money with me.” I lied to test the situation, but it wasn’t anything like I suspected. Suddenly, the door burst open, and the large man stood before me, sticking his finger in my face, saying, “Bitch, Eightball don’t play that way. If you don’t have the bills, you don’t get the ass.” 

I know, Abe. I had the same shocked look on my face, but I thought fast and figured, if I kill this man, I would be sinning and go to hell. Worse yet, there’s no telling what he might do to Janey if I didn’t pay him for her share of the electric bill. 

Yes, Abe, I realize his name is Eightball, and she just got her ass tattooed with an eight ball. If you stop interrupting me, you will learn why. 

Thank you. So, being suspicious and worried, I decided to pay the man as the best course of action, which I did, and he left the room. I was mad, Abe, thinking I’d been swindled, so I let my dark, sinful side emerge, which I soon regretted. When Janey began groping my crotch, I grabbed right back onto her firm tits, not respectful at all. After a minute or so of touching, Janey took off her clothes and said, “How do you want it?” I stood and dropped my pants, and she got on all-fours on the bed — like she knew! I went inside her and only stroked a few times before coming, but the Viagra kept me hard, so I just kept going and pretended I hadn’t come yet. She couldn’t tell as I grunted and worked, dripping sweat on the eight ball tattoo. She was pretty, soft, and warm with such passion I hadn’t felt in so long. When I finished the second time, I asked if she was okay. I was willing to take care of her with my tongue, you know, but she said, “Thanks, Uncle; it’s all about you tonight.” 

For Christ's sake, Abe! Of course I knew what was going on; I was there. Let me finish, and you’ll learn the truth. 

Thanks. We left shortly afterward, and I felt dirty and sinful until Janey suddenly stopped walking as we approached her car and said, “Uncle, I know you’re upset, but you don’t understand.” 

“I’m not stupid. Eightball?” I told her. 

She cried, “I know. I got the tattoo because he made me. He forces me to fuck men for money then takes the money. I got the tattoo because he demanded it, but secretly I thought of you and our ohana.” She wiped the tears from her eyes and begged, “Don’t hate me, Uncle.” 

Yes, Abe, I was just as shaken as you look now. I walked over to the sidewalk tree growing near the curb and grasped the bark, letting the energy fill me as I told Janey, “I could never hate you. We’re ohana, and we don’t abandon one another- what, what’s that, Abe? 

Abe, I don’t know what game you’re playing with me, but I am on to you. I know you love Janey, but more than that, you can’t be believed for being a criminal.” 

Don’t act surprised. Your criminality shines like a neon sign above the bar, with your nice car, abundant spending, and lack of a job. I may not know your business, but I know it’s nothing good. 

Well, your business is my business when it involves my ohana, Abe. 

Fine, I’m listening. 

Really. 

You don’t say. 

Come on now. 

Do you really expect me to believe you inherited land leases from your father, and you collect money from properties you never visited? That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. 

Okay, so not only do you want me to believe people pay you so they can build homes on properties they don’t own, and you don’t upkeep, but now you’re telling me Janey is a prostitute you fucked many times for forty dollars a ride. What kind of fool do you think I am, Abe? Next, you’ll be saying Wendy is a hooker. 

Abe! Wendy is sober as a judge. She did not suck your dick for a shot of whiskey. What a terrible thing to say about our ohana! 

I don’t know why you would lie, Abe. Maybe living in deceit and criminality has clouded your view of what is truly important in life.  

No more! I don’t want to hear anymore. That’s it. You’re out. You’re out of the ohana, Abe. You can remain on the team and play, but no favors. 

One day, you’ll realize shrugging and walking out that bathroom door was a terrible mistake. 

Excuse me. Excuse me. Wow, it got crowded. 

Oh, Wendy! Hey Wendy! Aloha. I’m fine, Wendy. How are you? 

Yes, I checked my emails this morning, and the deposit will be made by tomorrow. Don’t worry. Uncle won’t let you down. By the way, Abe is out of the ohana.  

I don’t know if he will remain on the team, but for sure, he is out of the family. Are you having a drink? 

You’re right. One martini never hurt anyone. Have you seen Janey? 

Oh, while she’s in the bathroom, I should take this moment to let you know that Janey and I took our relationship to the next level. Don’t be surprised by any displays of affection. 

Yes, really. We have gone beyond just a close father-daughter or uncle-niece relation, but I don’t want you to worry. You’ll always be in the ohana. Here comes Janey now. I’m going to find Abe and see if he will still play with the team despite not being in the ohana. I’ll be right back. 

Excuse me, excuse me. Abe! Abe! Are you leaving? 

You just got a call from a company about a job. Well, congratulations on getting a new job, but you can still play with the team if you want. I am a man of my word, and I would not kick you off the team just because you can’t be in the ohana. 

I understand you need to get up early tomorrow for the new job. Maybe this new writing job will do you some good, Abe. Hopefully, you’ll leave your life of crime. You should think about this incident while you’re writing so you can find some inner peace and stop driving people out of your life. Maybe someday you can return to the ohana. 

That’s not a good attitude, Abe. Saying “whatever” won’t fix the wrongs you’ve caused. I hope the best for you, Abe. 

Excuse me. Excuse me. 

There you girls are. What’s so funny? Let Uncle in on the joke. 

Ah, I can see why you were giggling about Abe. You’re right, he is a sad story, but you shouldn’t make fun of him. Not everyone has my will and character fortitude to resist the evil of the world. 

You’re right, he is clueless, but we must pray for him and wish him the best. Not everyone is lucky enough to have an ohana like us. 

What’s that? 

Oh, I figured we would forfeit the match tonight because we are missing a team member. 

Mano? No, he’s a bad man. I’ve encountered men like him before. Sharks circling in the waters of life, just waiting to take a bite of unsuspecting girls like yourself. 

What? No, I am not like that. I don’t put people like Mano in their place because that is God’s job. Karma will visit upon him the evils he has inflicted upon others. 

For you, Janey. 

Oh, Wendy, you also want to see me hunt the shark? 

Well, okay, go ahead, Janey, wave him over.  

Hi, Mano, the girls were telling me you are a good pool player. Would you like to play a game? 

Oh, that’s great. Hmm, well, I’m not the best shooter, but how bout we play for money? 

You don’t play for money. Not even a little? 

Well, I appreciate you not wanting to take my money, but I’m okay gambling a small amount. I could afford to lose like ten dollars a ball. How about you? 

Well, thanks, Mano. Let me grab my cue, and we’ll get started.  

Did you see the way I tricked Mano, girls? He thinks he’s playing an amateur, and that’s how you play the game within the game. Now, I’ll lead him on for a game or two and let him get a taste of winning before I run the table. Oh, he’s breaking. 

Nice break, Mano. Nine-ball is not my game, but I can see it is yours. 

Well, I play Eightball for the strategy. Nineball is fast and about accuracy, but Eightball requires offensive and defensive strategies. 

Oh, well, I guess Nineball is a little more for pros, but maybe that’s the Hawaiian in me that rejects competition in that way. 

Why yes, I am from Hawaii, Mano. 

Oh, you’re from Waipio. I grew up on Oahu. 

No, I’ve never been to the big island.  

No, I don’t think it lost its charm a long time ago because of all the haoles. Hawaii is perfect weather, people, and life. It is home. 

Well, I guess it has been a long time since I went home. When was the last time you were there, Mano? 

Oh, last year in Waikiki. I love Waikiki. I used to go to that big park across from the beach where all the little shops sit; what was that name? Oh, Wailana park, I think. 

What’s that, Mano? 

That park hasn’t been there since nineteen-seventy. There are condos there now. 

Yes, Mano. I realize it’s not Hawaii Five-O, the new one, or the old one. Excuse me a moment, Mano. 

Girls, you shouldn’t giggle and laugh so hard while we’re playing. I realize Mano doesn’t understand the strategic differences between Nineball and Eightball and certainly knows nothing about Hawaii, but this is no laughing matter. This is why I didn’t want to play because his vulnerability is exposed, and now, he must keep a strong front as we play. I can’t bear to watch him lose this way. I think I’m going to let him win. 

Sorry, Mano, I’m back. Maybe you’re right, Mano, about Nineball being a pro’s game. In Hawaii, we always played Eightball. 

Oh, you grew up playing Nineball in Hawaii. Hmm, that is interesting, something to think about. 

Part 7

Part 5

Saturday 

I’m sorry to pull you into the bathroom and cry like a baby, Abe, but it’s Janey. I love her, and we need to help her. Last night after pool, she received a text message that upset her. She said, “I have to be honest. I owe a lot of money in child support because the state took away my son. The father’s high-priced attorney claimed I was unfit.” 

I told her I could help her in a few weeks when I get paid my social security, but she said, “Uncle, that’s not soon enough. I need the money by tomorrow. I don’t want you to think of me as a terrible person, but I need to go see this man who just texted me so I can get paid. He’s going to want me to do things.” 

“Like what?” I asked. 

She looked solemnly at the ground, and I asked, “What can I do?” 

She cried, “Just be there for me.” 

I told her I would because I am an honorable man, and I accompanied her to this rowhouse in the city. We entered, and three guys sat in the living room getting high on pot. She told them it would be fifty-a-piece but settled on forty dollars, and they each took turns with my poor Janey in the bedroom as I waited in the smoke-filled room, watching the blaring TV. When finished, she got paid and smoked some weed before we left.  

Wait, Abe, that’s not the worst part. She looked over at me with her sad, tear-glazed eyes as she drove and said, “It means a lot that you came with me.” She rested her hand on my leg and said, “Uncle, I hope I never have to be with another man that way again.” 

I know. It’s fucked up, Abe. I feel terrible because I failed my ohana. I was going to unleash the warrior and destroy those men, but as a devout Catholic, I could not, and for knowing my imprisonment would only make things worse. I am lost, Abe. What can we do to help our Janey? 

Abe, that’s a terrible thing to say about a member of our ohana. Can’t you see she’s in crisis? 

I appreciate your frankness, Abe, but I can’t just walk away from someone I love, even if it is for her own good. I hear what you’re saying about people sometimes needing to save themselves, but what if she can’t? What if she is not just some whore trying to take advantage of me? I think I owe her the benefit of the doubt after all we shared and because she is ohana. 

I’ll keep what you said in mind, Abe, but I must try. Thanks for listening. Wendy should be here now; please don’t say anything. Excuse me. 

Aloha, Wendy. Wow! Today must be a bad day for everyone. What has you so sad? 

I’m sorry the restaurant is closing, and you’re losing your job. I didn’t realize you were already struggling so much financially. Don’t worry; you won’t have your car repo-ed. I just got hired today for that sales rep position with that German company. I negotiated a twenty-thousand-dollar sign-on bonus. 

Yes, really. Between you and me, I think that company desperately needs a good sales negotiator, judging from how easily I got them to pay me twenty thousand. Anyhow, I finished filling out the direct deposit information on their website, and they said the sign-on bonus would hit the account on the next business day. When the money hits, I got you covered. 

Yes, really! I might need to wear some less expensive suits for a while, but that’s the sacrifices Uncle makes for his ohana. 

That’s no problem. As I said, the money is just mere days away. In the meantime, perhaps we should meet and strategize to get you a new career. Notice I didn’t say “job.” We need to get you into a new career, and after pool tonight, we should sit down and talk story.  

Sure, sure, when you get time. Now, I don’t want you to think I am abandoning you in your time of need, but Janey just came in, and she has some issues requiring Uncle’s help. I’ll be back. 

Aloha, Janey. Are you okay? 

Oh.  

Well, it’s good you took some of the money you made last night and got a tattoo to make yourself feel better. That’s exactly why people in Hawaii get tattoos. I’m glad you’re happy. What did you get? 

An eight-ball! That’s beautifully placed right above your ass. 

No, I don’t think it looks slutty at all. You need to feel good about yourself, and if that tattoo makes you feel good, you should wear it with pride. 

That makes me very happy, but you didn’t have to get that tattoo to think of me. I’m not going anywhere. We’re ohana, and I will always be here for you. 

Mahalo, Janey. 

Yes, I took care of the problem with Abe. I don’t think he will be staring at you anymore. 

No, I didn’t say you said anything. Uncle knows how to deal with family issues. 

Hmm, Abe is a writer, and I never really thought about his lifestyle.  

Well, now that you mention it, there is something odd about him.  

I never really thought about his nice car, and you’re right. He doesn’t seem worried about money at all. I just thought he was a successful writer, or maybe his family has money.  

Oh, I never thought of that. Do you really think he’s a criminal? 

I’ll have to think about that and watch him close. Don’t worry; Uncle watches over you, Janey.

Part 6

Part 4

Friday 

Aloha, Abe. I am glad to see you arrived early. I have something I wanted to discuss with you. Look, there’s no easy way to say this, but I noticed the way you’ve been staring at Janey, which is understandable because she’s pretty, and her clothes accentuate her curves, but you’re beginning to make her feel uncomfortable. 

Now, Abe, don’t get hostile, and no, Janey didn’t say anything. I am a very intuitive person from many years of international business and being an intelligence operative. I could feel her energy draining as you absorbed her with your eyes. I am from Hawaii, Abe, and nature's energy I feel in trees, I also feel in people.  

Don’t be that way, Abe. You’re in the ohana, and we take care of each other. Try to think of Janey as your younger sister. Maybe you didn’t even realize you were staring; not everyone has my discipline and character to control desires. It takes a strong mind and will to resist those urges, and you shouldn’t feel bad because she’s soft and beautiful, like a flower on a beach dune. Abe, try to draw strength from me. 

I know it’s confusing at first, but whenever you look at Janey, think of Uncle, feel my willpower, and draw my energy into yourself. I have enough for both of us. Center yourself on our ohana. 

Sure, sure, we’re done. I just saw Wendy enter, and I’ll be helping her. Don’t worry; our conversation is private. 

Aloha, Wendy!  

Oh, well, that is very mean. What did I do? 

I didn’t chase Dave off. What are you talking about? 

I can’t help that Dave thinks I’m a creep and doesn’t want to play with me. That’s his problem. I’ve run hundreds of pool teams and won many league championships. Maybe he just can’t handle the pressure. 

Fine. You want to believe I’m a creepy, old man, then go ahead, but maybe the problem is with you. You’re the one with the alcohol and drug problem. You know how you always talk about serenity? 

Well maybe, the problem lies with you and your thinking. Have you been to a meeting today?  

Well, there you go.  

No need to apologize. You liked Dave, but maybe he wasn’t healthy for you and unbalanced your energy. I can feel it, Wendy. What’s that you always say, “Don’t let people rent space in your head for free.” That’s what Dave is doing right now by instilling distrust in your heart. Let me tell you a story. 

No, it won’t take long, and you need to hear this. 

About six months after my wife got cancer, she confronted me with some serious accusations, demanding to know the truth about our finances, which I began handling due to her condition. 

I know, Wendy, really. I came in the front door one day, and she flapped a bunch of bills in my face, wanting to know why I hadn't paid any bills and why foreclosure threatened the house. I was surprised by the accusations but felt even more shocked as I read the bills and discovered the mistake or mischief scaring her. Having paid all the bills timely, I sat down and called the companies and then traced it all back to the bank. Wendy, do you know what the bank said when I called? 

They said the bills were never paid. I turned to my wife and said, “It’s just like when they forced me into an early retirement at the phone company on those trumped-up charges. Now, someone or some corporation feels threatened by my telecommunications company and wants to eliminate me as competition.” 

Wendy, do you know what my wife said? 

Let me tell you. She said, “I’m too sick to deal with bills. I can't even go to work right now, so we don't have my income. The chemo and the pain are exhausting me. Promise me you will take care of these problems.” 

Wendy, I stared her deep in the eyes and said, “Ua ola loko i ke aloha,” which means “love gives life within.” She cried hearing those words, and even in her depleted condition, she knew ohana's love would weather the storm. Even when we lost the house and the business folded, she stood beside me, counting on me, and I took care of her until she died in that section-eight apartment for being all we could afford on my pension from the phone company and her disability. You see, Wendy, you can’t let someone like Dave come between you and your serenity, and definitely not your ohana. The love of family is all you have. 

Good. I’m glad you feel better. Janey just arrived, and I need to help her with her game. I’ll be around if you need to talk. Excuse me. 

Aloha, Janey! 

Mahalo, for driving me to the VA, that was so kind of you to wait for me to finish treatment. If you were just a little older, I might make you my girl. 

You don’t need to give me a ride home after the match tonight, but I appreciate the gesture. I’ll give you more gas money when we leave. I would invite you back to my place to watch a movie, but my niece doesn’t like strangers in the apartment. That was the condition for me renting the room — no visitors. My niece made that very clear when I moved in, and I could tell right away she was not a trusting person. She constantly hides money and jewelry around the house in places most people would never think to look. 

Right, Janey, I did know where to look. Little did she realize my sleuthing abilities derived from years of covert operations.  

You’re right, it’s kind of shitty her not allowing me to have guests, but once I get my sign-on bonus from my new job, I’m going to get a nice, new apartment and a car. 

Yeah, I know I said I was going back to Hawaii, but I feel my mission isn’t complete yet. 

No, you’re not just a mission, Janey. You’re much more than that, but sometimes the universe calls me to duty like the government did to fight in Vietnam. When I was in Oregon, I couldn’t wait to leave because the weather was cold and people harsh, like here in Baltimore. Yet, I felt compelled to stay because I met a girl who needed my help.  

No, she wasn’t pretty like you. She was a good woman who I found working a dark corner of the streets. Sandy was homeless and selling her body to afford food, so I took her in. I don’t know how she made it without me. She could barely do anything, but I taught her to clean the house and laundry. That’s all I asked of her since she couldn’t pay rent. 

Thanks, Janey. I try to be kind but my Oregon ohana was not so kind. They didn’t like it when I brought her to pool practice at the bar, but Sandy needed to be out living life the same as everyone else.  

That’s right, Janey, everyone needs to have a little fun. Sadly, my teammates didn’t see it that way. One night this guy Chip pulled me off to the side and said, “Man, you need to stop bringing that woman in here.” 

I met Chip’s hostility with defiance, saying, “Chip, I don’t know what you have against Sandy, but I cannot entertain your prejudices.” 

He pointed at Sandy and whispered, “She is severely mentally challenged. She doesn’t belong in a bar.” Koko, a pretty Japanese girl who drank too much, but I accepted anyway into the ohana, joined the conversation, saying, “Sandy is eating food off the tables waiting to be cleaned. Please, take her home. She doesn’t belong here.” 

You know what I realized right then and there, Janey?” 

I had a mission. I couldn’t just leave Chip and Koko because they needed to be taught the aloha spirit to end their prejudices. It took a few days of bringing Sandy to the bar, but people finally accepted her before the team broke up for various reasons. 

No, the team members stopped talking to me after life’s responsibilities pulled them away, but failure to honor ohana was their fault for lacking commitment. I like to think they left that pool hall just a little less hateful than when they entered. 

Oh, Sandy?  

Well, her sister came to take her to live in Montana, and the sister and I had a huge fight because she said I was taking advantage of a disabled person. As though Sandy wasn't entitled to a man’s love for being retarded.  

I know, Janey. It is fucked up. What kind of a person, much less your sister, would deny you happiness? At any rate, my mission was complete in Oregon, but when God closes one door, he always opens another. You and the rest of the team need Uncle, and ohana comes first. When I get my bonus, I’m getting a two-bedroom place, in case you need to get out of that apartment with the mean landlord. No one should have to live under that kind of stress. You’re a beautiful girl and should never put up with that kind of treatment, Janey.  

You’re welcome, Janey. If you were my daughter or girlfriend, I would treat you like a queen. When my daughter was in high school, her friends would come over for sleepovers, and they always loved staying at my house because they were safe. They could walk around the house in their bras and underwear, never worrying because I never focus my eyes on a woman’s breasts or other parts in a disrespectful way. I’m from Hawaii, and in Hawaii, the girls can dress in skimpy bathing suits on the beach because we’re just respectful that way. 

You’re so funny, Janey! Yes, I look at you a little sometimes. You are very pretty.  

You’re welcome. Oh, by the way, I just saw that guy Mano enter the bar. Watch out for Mano, Janey. He is a shark and will try to take all your money.  

Sure, I could beat him, but gambling is not my way.  

Yeah, I could make a ton of money shooting pool, but you have to be willing to lower yourself to that seedy lifestyle, and as a devout Catholic, I feel it would go against my nature. Playing for money doesn’t keep with the aloha spirit either. 

Yes, the money could help a lot, but I don’t want to hurt people by taking their money. I earn my money through business, you know, the Christian way. 

Well, we’ll see. For now, let’s practice putting some English on the ball. You pick up every lesson so fast. You’re amazing. Today, we’re going to learn to direct the cue out of a tight spot using English, which by the way, Abe hasn’t figured out yet. You’ll be better than him in no time after learning to apply English to different spots on the ball to curve it just the way you need for any situation. Like I always say, the spin wins the game… 

Part 5

Part 3

Thursday

Abe, Janey is so pretty. Last night after we left, she kissed my cheek, and said, “Uncle, your so kind.” I think I’m falling in love. It has been so long since I’ve been with a woman, almost eight years since my wife died. My wife was sick for the last five years she was alive, but I stood by her side, right to the end. I thought my dating days were over after her passing, but I can see now they’re not. I haven’t felt this emotion in so long, I went to the doctor this morning and got the Viagra. Not that I think of Janey that way, but I wanted to be prepared if she decides to take the relationship to the next level.

What’s that?

No, Abe, I am sure that Janey is not using me. Janey isn’t like that; she is ohana. I know her well. We talk story about her life. In Hawaiian, that means we discuss things. She confided in me about losing her job, and I could see the honesty in her tears as she discussed being close to eviction. I got paid my social security on Wednesday and gave her the rent money; do you know why?

Because that’s what ohana does.

On a different note, Abe, I sat down last night and felt so inspired after discussing writing with you and helping Janey that I decided to start writing. I found myself writing about Janey and how beautiful she is, not like other women I’ve known, even my wife. Janey is slender and has such pretty features, whereas most of the women I’ve known were heavier. Not that they weren’t pretty, but they just didn’t make me feel the way Janey does. When I think about it, maybe my whole life I’ve been waiting to meet someone like Janey, like maybe my wife died so that I could have a beautiful girl. Not Janey per se because she is like a daughter, but someone like her: beautiful and kind. So, I wrote and wrote about Janey. I never wrote about anyone that way, not even my wife. I couldn’t believe how easy the words came, like I’d been writing my whole life. Is writing easy like that for you, Abe?

That’s interesting. I mean, it seems pretty simple to me. You just write how you speak and check if the commas are in the right places. 

You sound like my wife when I told her I decided to open a business after the phone company made me retire. “There’s a lot more to a business than that.” She would say just like you do about writing. 

I’ll have to think about what you’re saying, Abe, because I don’t see that depth. Maybe it’s like pool, with the game within the game; you know what I mean? 

Sure, sure, get some practice in while I help Wendy with the new player Dave.  

Oh, I didn’t know he served in Nam. Well, he should make a fine addition to the team.  

Aloha, Wendy! And you must be Dave. 

Abe said you were in Vietnam during your navy hitch, Dave. I guess we have a lot in common. I served on a Navy ship as an airplane mechanic during the war. 

Yeah, I was there in seventy-two and- what’s that? 

Oh, well Dave, I never served on the land being a plane mechanic. 

Well, Wendy, they train mechanics to be killers too. 

I really can’t discuss what I did because of the sensitive nature of my position. 

That’s right, Dave. You do need a clearance just to work near the fighter jets. 

Oh, look, Janey just arrived. Excuse me; I need to help her warm up. Good meeting you, Dave. 

Aloha, Janey.  

Oh, I’m fine, Janey, just a little worried. Between you and me, Wendy doesn’t seem to be getting better. On top of that, this new guy Dave isn’t the right fit for the team. I can tell with all my pool playing experience. There’s just something about him that’s off, like he says he was in the military, but something tells me he’s full of shit. Excuse my language. My years in the intelligence field may have made me wary, but I think my keen observation skills have spotted a phony. At any rate, thanks for asking about me. How are you? Did you get your rent paid? 

Good. I’m glad I could help you and provide for my ohana. What would you do without me? 

You’re too kind. Be careful; I am old but not dead. I might sweep you off your feet and make you my girl. 

That’s right, I do care, and you can tell me anything. 

Yes, anything. 

Really? 

Oh, wow.  

I didn’t realize Abe bothered you so much, and I never noticed him giving you the eye. Are you okay playing with him? 

You should feel safe with me. I would never let anyone take advantage of you. Look, I’m Uncle, the team captain, and head of the ohana. I’ll work this out with Abe. Don’t worry.  

You’re welcome, Janey. We’ll talk more after we play. 

Okay, everyone! Let’s get started practicing for tomorrow night. I think we should go over strategy. A team has the advantage of working together to win. Bad teams are not actually teams but instead a group of people flying solo. Now, Janey, you are good at banking, so you take the bank shots even when that means sacrificing an easy shot because that shot will still be there. Abe, you're our “English man” so concentrate on shots needing spin. Wendy, you haven’t found your strength yet, so you take the easy shots. Dave, we’ll figure you out tonight… 

Part 4

Part 2

Wednesday 

“Oh, didn't I tell you, Abe? A German company recruited me to be their international sales representative. I posted a profile on Facebook, and within an hour, the company contacted me. I guess they saw all my experience and thought they should snag me up. Once approved, which I’m sure I will be, having run several multimillion-dollar companies, I will negotiate their purchases from US manufacturers. Made in America! It feels good to support my country and make money, but nothing happens without a ten-thousand-dollar sign-on bonus. I think that’s fair, don’t you? 

Right. You get it. I’ll need a whole new wardrobe and not cheap suits, but Armani custom-fitted because Uncle don’t come to surf without his board. This ain’t home where everyone wears Hawaiian shirts and talks shop on the beach at BBQs. I’m all business. I guess I got that from my dad, who served as an Admiral’s personal chef. What’s that, Abe? 

Right. Like the Steven Segal movie, what’s that called? 

Yeah, that’s it. Under Siege. Just like that but not on a ship. When he got transferred from Georgia to Hawaii to cook for the Admiral when I was fifteen, I learned a lot about business, like being dedicated. When the Admiral wakes up in the middle of the night and wants a turkey sandwich, you don’t tell him you’re too tired. You got to be available and dedicated. That’s what the Marine Corps saw in me when I enlisted at eighteen, and they shipped me off to boot camp. The recruiter told me, “Son, you got what it takes to be a Marine. I can see the dedication in your eyes.” He was right. I don’t know why, but I was born dedicated, and while all those kids in high school ran to the beach at the end of the school day to go surf or barbequed on the weekends, I knew they wasted their time. Even then, I knew success was just a deal away as I planned my life while watching them from the park bench. You need to think ahead like that, Abe. How many successful, wealthy, eighty-year-old surfers do you know? 

That’s right, none. You got to be serious about success. That company knows this about me. They saw it in my Facebook profile. They’ll pay the bonus because they know only real players ask for the sign-on bonus. 

Oh look, Janey is shooting. She’s pretty. She came up to me the other day and told me, “You're cute.” I laughed because I am like her old uncle, and I don't even look at her breasts, which are large, but I don't look at women that way. Women notice guys who look. Once, a girl said to me, “You never stare at my breasts like other men.” I shrugged and said, “That’s just the respectful way I am.” So, when Janey said I was cute, I just shook my finger at her. “You know if I weren't a nice guy.” She laughed, and I laughed, but I tell you, Abe, when I start my new position, I'm buying her a new car. It’s not right she’s so pretty and drives that beater. She reminds me of when I met my wife back in seventy-five when she worked as a bartender where I shot pool after work each day. She saw all the potential I had just coming out of the Marines. 

That’s right, Abe. Nineteen-Seventy-five. She died in twenty-thirteen, but we had thirty-eight years of perfect marriage. When I say perfect, I don’t mean life was perfect, just our love. We weathered many a storm together, like losing my job at the phone company in Oregon. I’d been working there since the day I came home from Vietnam and had to leave after being falsely accused of sexual harassment. My wife stood by me, and you know what, Abe? 

Well, I’ll tell you. Her dedication found reward in my determination that built an enterprise out of that defeat. I started a telecommunication company that installed networks in buildings. That was in the nineties when the internet was hopping, and computers were selling like hotcakes. Yeah, those were good days, Abe. That’s the success you get from a strong ohana, and that’s why I take care of Janey. She’s ohana, like a daughter: a pretty daughter with big tits that needs me looking out for her, but that’s how ohana works. I watch out for her, and she watches out for me, like yesterday when she gave me a ride home, so I didn’t need to take the bus. She even told me she could give me a ride to the VA on Friday to help me finish my hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The doctor says I’m looking good now! 

You’re right; it is good the cancer’s gone, Abe. I was tired for a while during the chemo, but I’m feeling better now. Time to get back to the business of life. You know what I mean? 

Sure, sure, get yourself a beer. Wendy’s here, and I’ll be over at the other table chatting with her. She needs my help with her aim. 

Hey, Wendy, who’s that guy talking to you? 

Oh, no, sorry, didn’t mean to be nosy; I was just concerned for you. You know there’s a lot of bad people here in Baltimore.  

Sure, I know you can take care of yourself; you’re a strong independent woman, but you’re ohana, so I worry about you. I can’t help it, especially after you told me all about your recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. I thought it took a lot of honesty to admit your struggle with alcohol. In Hawaii, we don’t have problems like addiction because we’re naturally spiritual people like those AAs sound. I think our power comes from nature because we’re connected with the island from birth. When I need emotional or physical strength, I find a tree, lay my hand on it, and allow the energy to enter my body. I can feel the tingling in the back of my head, just like when I return home to Hawaii. Maybe the power comes from the islands up through the earth and tree to find me. I don’t know. 

Sure, sure, let’s work on your aim. Take a few shots after I line up the balls. See if you can hit the balls into the closest pockets. Try now. 

Hmm, I see the problem. You’re aiming from above the stick. You have to lower yourself and aim like the cue is a rifle. Here, see how I squat down and take aim with the stick. By the way, I’m showing you how a Marine holds his weapon. I was trained to be a killer by the Marines for Vietnam, and believe it or not, applying this knowledge made me a great pool player. When I returned from Vietnam and lived in Oregon, people noted the fierceness of my pool playing. I didn’t even notice; I guess being a fighter just felt natural. 

That’s better. You’re getting it now, Wendy. 

Sure, sure, go talk to your friend. I’ll be helping Janey. 

Aloha, Janey! So good to see you.  

Thanks for asking. I am doing well; how are things going for you? Did you get your problem with your landlord fixed? Do you need Uncle’s help? 

Sure, we can talk later in private. I understand. You know you shouldn’t worry because you’re in the ohana, and we care for our own. 

Sure, sure, I can show you how to break better. Hand me the jump cue. 

Mahalo. Now, there are different ways to break based on aim and power. Some breaks, like in nine-ball you want to strike the configuration here to sink the wing ball but the aim changes depending on the game. The break is about power but equally important is the spin... 

Part 3

Part 1

For the guy who said my character wasn’t likeable. 

That's not what I said, kid. I said you are a natural character. You're an incredible flake. But that's a gift. Guys spend half their lives inventing that. 

Eddie Felson ~ The Color of Money 

Tuesday 

It’s cold outside, Abraham, or do you prefer to be called Abe? 

Right, Abe, that’s a good name and reminds me of being an altar boy when I was a kid in Hawaii. I was the best altar boy, the priests at my family’s church all said so, and they were amazed how I could speak Latin fluently. I forgot how, but back then, I spoke it like a champ. Like I was saying, I’m not used to Baltimore weather; in Hawaii, the weather is perfect all the time. Remember I told you how there’s no humidity? Well, there are hardly any mosquitoes and no snow in Hawaii either. I guess arriving here at the end of summer was lucky since I didn’t get bit by the bugs too much before the winter hit. January really is cold and makes me want to go home to Honolulu. I tell you, Abe, Hawaii calls to me. 

That’s right. I don’t know if you’ll understand, but whenever I fly home, I know when the plane enters Honolulu’s air space because a tingling sensation starts right in the back of my head. It’s like that tingling sensation I told you about when I touch trees to get my power. I place my hand on a tree, and I can feel the energy run up my arm. I don’t know why. I guess it’s because I’m from Hawaii, and we’re more in tune with nature than haoles. That’s someone not from Hawaii, usually white, no offense. I’m kamaaina, which means “local”- Oh, here comes Wendy; she’s so pretty! I need to help her. She has talent, but without proper training, her pool playing will never get better. Good thing I’m captain of this team because everyone will get my sixty years of billiards experience. I’ve led dozens of teams to victory over the years. Excuse me; I need to work with Wendy. I’ll be back, Abe. 

Hey, hey, Wendy, aloha.  

I was just telling Abe how good you’re getting under my guidance. You ready to learn some new banking strategies? Have you been practicing the shots I taught you? That’s good; pick a cue just like I showed you and watch how I bank the three-ball to the corner. 

Did you see how I put some English on the upper corner to spin just enough to push the three off the rail? That’s how you shoot with finesse and avoid overpowering the shot. A lot of amateurs muscle the shot, thinking power sinks the ball, but really, it’s the spin that wins the game. 

I know. I know. I told you already, but it’s important. Are you okay? You seem tired or upset. I texted you yesterday during the day but never heard back. If you need someone to talk to, you can always call me. I am retired, you know.  

Sure, sure. I know you’re busy. Waitressing is tough work. I’ve had many waitress friends over the years, and that’s why I always leave forty percent tips or more. That lets the waitresses know I care and gives me good connections, and that's always good for business. 

Sure, sure, I’ll be talking to Abe while you get a drink. Now don’t get too tipsy. We need you playing your best tonight. 

Just kidding! I know you don’t drink like that, being in recovery. 

Oh, that’s right. You don’t drink at all. I’m sorry. I’m seventy-six, and I forget a lot, but I won’t forget again. 

See you in a bit. 

Excuse me. Hey, Abe. Abe.  

Wow, this bar gets crowded. I tell you, Abe, that Wendy is coming along with her pool playing nicely. She is so grateful for my teaching, she said, “I appreciate your time with pool, but work keeps me busy during the day.” That’s her way of telling me she wishes she had more time to play pool.  

Thanks, Abe. I am good at reading people, and I can tell she needs me. I’m going to use my connections to try to get her a better job. She deserves to be happy. I think of her like ohana, just like the rest of the team. “Ohana” is Hawaiian for “family,” which means a lot because if you’re part of my ohana, it’s like being part of the Gambino’s. I’m originally from the Philippines. I am the oldest son, and in Filipino families, the oldest runs the family because that is how Asian families work. I’m famous in my family’s hometown in the Philippines because my grandfather was the mayor, and when I go there, they assign me, bodyguards. I haven’t been there in some time, but when I visit, the family gathers around me in the living room of the house, which is mine by birthright, but I don’t charge my ohana rent or anything. They each take turns approaching me, placing their forehead on my hand as a sign of respect, then they ask favors. They might need two hundred thousand pesos for their business or need their marriage blessed. I grant their requests but laugh, “You owe me a favor!” Everyone laughed when my cousin translated. 

Funny, I know, but seriously, Filipinos are like Asians, and our family network extends across the globe. Filipinos are the Mexicans of the world, working in all different countries, but the families stick together. If I pick up the phone and call any family member, anywhere in the world, and say, “I need a favor.” They say, “Yes, Uncle, whatever you need.” That’s what they call me out of respect. When I got sick a few months ago and needed a place to stay in Baltimore while getting treatment at the VA, I called my brother, who gave me our cousin’s number, and as it turned out, his daughter was renting a room. I caught a flight from Oregon, where I was living, and moved in with my niece in a week. That’s how ohana works, Abe, and you know what?  

You and Wendy are on the team, and I think of the team like family. 

That’s right, Abe. You now have the option to ask Uncle for favors because you’re in the ohana. By the way, what do you do for a living, Abe? 

Oh, a writer. That sounds exciting. Maybe I should try writing. I have many adventures: Vietnam, telecommunications expert, intelligence operative, jet fighter mechanic, and entrepreneur. What’s one more thing to add to the list? 

Sure, while you grab a drink, I’ll be talking to Janey. Here she comes now. She’s pretty.  

Well, I suppose she is a “hot little number,” as you say, Abe, but I don’t look at women that way. I’m just glad she joined the team the other day; we needed another talented player. I'm offering her mentoring, no charge, because that girl is going places if she applies herself to the game. 

Aloha, Janey! If you don’t mind me saying, you remind me of an Island girl. They’re so pretty! 

You’re kind to Uncle, but I’m way too old for a twenty-nine-year-old. You’re younger than my daughter. Let me get you a drink. You like those, what are they called? 

Manhattan! That’s right. I don’t remember bars serving those drinks in Hawaii. In Hawaii, people drink Mai Tais, except the Japanese because they drink sake and don’t like to drink a lot.  

Excuse me, dear! One Manhattan for the lady and a draft for me. Mahalo.  

That’s how we say “thanks” in Hawaiian, Janey. 

You don’t need to thank me. You’re ohana. I was just telling Abe how the team is part of my ohana- Oh! The other team is here. I’ll finish telling you about ohana later. It’s time to play. 

Part 2