Leaving New York

Chapter 27

I got up several times to make sure the boys had enough cover. The sun began to seep through the drapes. I took a quick shower and dressed. As I put on my shoes, Ari looked at me.

"Jack."

"Ari, how did you sleep?"

"Okay. They haven't slept on a regular bed since we left Kabul."

"How long ago was that?"

"Three years. We have been in France for seven months. We come here because we hear of housing, money assistance, good schools, and free medical care, but nothing works."

"Maybe I can help."

"We hear Britain is easier but dangerous. Some people climb under the Eurostar, but some get killed. May we take a bath?"

"Of course." I ran downstairs then brought up granola bars and milk. I found Ari kneeling by the bathtub scrubbing his boys. He stood up, wearing a towel around his waist, looking so gaunt.

"Everyone, there's something to munch on in the bedroom. Once you dry off, come downstairs—I make a big breakfast on the weekends. Just go out the door, turn right, then go down the big stairs, then right again."

Ari said, as he dried Khalil's black hair, "We get there okay. Thank you."

I found the Connally's sleepily drinking coffee.

"Good morning."

"Jack."

Chloe said, "Gar told me what you did, Jack—I think it's wonderful!"

"You do?"

"Mama always helped people."

"I couldn't let them stay over there another day."

Gar said, "Next time, you need to ask; we aren't running a halfway house."

Chloe said, "Gar. The kids can have the purple bedroom, their father, Morrell's old room."

"They can't stay forever—we're selling this place. We agreed, Chloe."

Chloe said, "It won't sell. All the other houses on the street have been turned into apartments—nobody wants an eight thousand square foot single-family house anymore."

"But we can try; someone will want to convert it. Honey, we were fine with a little two-bedroom apartment in the Village. You can visit Ethel's house anytime."

"I guess."

Just then, we heard children running down the front staircase, squealing with delight. Their father hollered, "Boys. Boys. Slow down."

Meerab and Khalil peeked at us sitting at the kitchen table. Ari stood behind them in a tattered shirt. Chloe got up, walking to them.

"I'm Chloe Connally. This my husband, Gardner."

"I'm Meerab—this is my brother, Khalil."

"Welcome."

I said, "This is Ari Abadi."

"Welcome to our house--you must be hungry."

"Oh, yes, Mrs. Chloe."

"Well, Jack's finishing up pancakes and omelets." The Abadi's inhaled as much food as anyone I'd ever seen. Gar watched them, finally saying, "You guys need some new clothes."

Ari said, "Oh, we are fine, Monsieur Gardner."

"Nonsense, we'll go shop for you and the boys. And it's just Gar."