The saddest and worst feeling you'll ever have is when you are in a situation where you and someone else both lost your future because that someone else just want to drag you down with him.
Kenneth and Ryan were "good friends" while they were in Manila. They were both training in the same company in preparation for a job here Canada as contract workers. Since Ryan had his papers ready ahead of Kenneth, he arrive in Canada a few months ahead and thus acquired some work experience, which with his ability to learn quickly, put him in a position a few notch above those contract workers who are working at the same company.
Immediately upon Kenneth's arrival at the work site, he opted to be with Ryan as working partners. But this did not last long. It actually became the ugly beginning that culminated in both of them losing their job and thus their future.
It started when Ryan was in his usual bravado. He slapped Kenneth's helmet twice like you would slap a younger person's head. Kenneth got upset as he was not used to this kind of treatment (He always believed every person is equal no matter what their standing in life is).
Kenneth took off his helmet and throw it to the ground but did not say anything. Ryan immediately started ranting , cursing him, and asking Kenneth if he wanted to have a fight which he declined.
From then on Ryan would taunt Kenneth to a fight, insulting him and calling him names like sissy and a fag. He would curse him in every opportunity he can whenever Kenneth happen to make a mistake of using "Ryan's tools", "Ryan's power outlet" or even when Kenneth just happen to glance Ryan's way. "What the fuck are you looking at you coward fag. Fight with me" Ryan would say this.
Kenneth tried to say nothing except for a few times when he just had to answer back.
This reached the Company Office and Kenneth was reprimanded (for talking back) but was assured that they both would be talked to so that whatever caused their animosity will be fixed.
There was a warning for Kenneth to stay away from Ryan and never to talk back as this could escalate into a fight. The "talk" never happened, and Ryan continued his bravado cursing Kenneth whenever they are at the hoist, or even when they are 3 floors apart calling Kenneth a fag "trying to hide at a floor where there is somebody to come between them". This continued for a month. Kenneth reported this incidents to Francis - the Lead hand.
Actually Kenneth didn't have to, as Francis can see this everyday but did nothing. Kenneth could not go to Greg- the Site Supervisor, because of his poor language skills and so relied on Francis to explain to Greg of what is happening. Francis never said anything to Greg or so that was what he said to me when I asked him. Francis said he thought this was only child's play between Ryan and Kenneth. And Greg told me he did not know anything when I asked him on that day that Police and firetruck and Ambulance were at the work site.
It happened this way:
Kenneth had to go up to the floor where Ryan was working as He had to cut some metal and again he had no option but to use "Ryan's saw". He had been avoiding Ryan for a month and so far, except for a few exchange of words when he could not take it anymore and he just had to say something back, it had been, it seems one of those "OK" days. He started looking around while holding the saw handle as he was sure if Ryan saw him using "Ryan's tools" he would hear a lot of things that he is trying to avoid. Unfortunately, Ryan was already watching him and was just waiting for their eyes to meet and once they did, immediately did his usual ritual - What the fuck are looking at you coward fag. Do you want to fight with me now? Kenneth kept saying no Ryan I do not want to fight with you. But Ryan kept saying a lot of things until Kenneth could not take it anymore and he said "ok Ryan, if you want to punch me, then punch me". This was the only signal Ryan was waiting as he pounced on Kenneth. He took a few punches to the cheek and got a bloody mouth until Cocoy, waiting for Francis - the lead hand, who was right in front of the fight but was not even moving, pulled Ryan off Kenneth.
In his anger, Kenneth threw a couple of punches at Ryan as soon as he was free. A big mistake because by doing so, the "attack" has now became a "fight" as what the investigating police said from the fact that Kenneth did threw the punches too! And so Kenneth had a bloody face, Ryan unscathed, the case was dismissed.
When I arrived at the work site, Kenneth was nursing a bruised face with an ice pack while Greg was interrogating him what he said after Ryan shouted at him with the usual insults of the day. I asked" Does it matter what Kenneth said after Ryan's remarks? ". "Well yes" Greg told me. "Because Kenneth was instigating Ryan to attack him with his counter remarks which is the reason why Ryan attacked him and so Kenneth is at fault". Mercy me with this Canadian justice system! Or is there even justice here?
Greg then called Kenneth so they can talk privately, and I do not think it made Kenneth's case any easier from the fact that there is a language barrier that Kenneth has to overcome and so how can he even explain to Greg's already made-up mind that he is at fault?
Finally, Yesterday, Tuesday, the Manager talked to both me and Kenneth saying a verdict has been arrived at: Ryan and Kenneth were both at fault. Ryan for punching Kenneth, and Kenneth for defending himself! Yes it is right, if you stand up and defend yourself against bully's, you are at fault - Canadian Justice System. Or is it?
So now both Ryan and Kenneth are out of work, their future melted and I am back at the kitchen doing my usual ritual with the fish, pork, beef and chicken. Adobo, anyone?
