Escape Route

Four

Sébastien drove around the neighborhood. Some streets were packed while others a bit more quiet.

"So Sébastien," said Emerson, catching his attention in the rear view mirror. "Tell us about yourself."

"Oh young sir," laughed the man quietly. "What is there to say?"

"Is the taxi business your 9-5? Are you married, have any kids? You know." He said shifting in his seat.

Sébastien turned into a street and sat quietly.

"I'm not married and don't have children. Taxi business keeps me busy and it's nice to meet new people." I could catch a small smile in his mirror.

He sighed. "I have met someone on the internet. But she live in America."

"Do you know where in America?" I asked, quite interested in the matter.

"Ah, New... New Jork." he smiled with a nod. "Yes."

"Oh that's where we're from." smiled Emerson. "You planning on meeting up soon?" 

He wiped his forehead. "Oh. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Funny as well." I caught the man's face fall slightly.

"But what's the problem? You seem like you like her a lot." Emerson inched a bit closer to the man.

"I do. Very much" he stated. "I am scared that she would be disappointed. I am also scared of going to foreign country. I don't know anyone."

"You'll know us." Emerson said as he patted Sébastien on the shoulder. "That makes three. And that's quite something."

"Thank you, young man." he smiled slightly. "So when are you going to face your New York?"

I don't know if I imagined myself, but I caught Sébastien nod slightly towards me. I ignored it and continued dazing through the window.

"Thank you Sébastien." Emerson said as the car slowed down to a stop. "We'll let you know when you can pick us up again."

Emerson opened his door and I followed suite. We watched as the car drove away, leaving us to the busy streets.

"First we need to get you some clothes." Emerson said as he scanned the shops, lifting his backpack over his shoulders.

"How about that shop over there?" I pointed towards a corner shop with different coloured dresses and hats outside of the doors.

We agreed and walked over to the store. The little clothing store contained everything that one could ever need. We walked row by row through the clothing items, until Emerson complained too much and decided to sit on a chair near the fitting rooms.

I took my time to find the right items for me, but also with the right price. I walked over to the fitting rooms with a small bundle in my arms.

I tried on some outfits and even got some opinions from Emerson. He mentioned that he was excellent in fashion and that he was the right judge for it. I just rolled my eyes in response.
I don't want to admit it, but he had a really good eye for what didn't work for me.

"Here, make yourself handy and put these back." I handed the small bundle to Emerson.

"Yes ma'am." he stood to attention and took the clothes from me. "Wait, why are you putting the dress back?" he turned from the light blue dress and back to me.

"Ah, not on my budget." I stated and closed the curtain again to change back.

"Hey, Riles." he shouted from outside. "I'll be looking around in the meantime."