I'm gunna preface this by saying I've never been to NYC so I have no idea if this is how it works or whatever. Sorry if I lose your immersion
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The drive home was filled with the sound of city traffic and far off street performances, however, inside the cab was silent. Andrew sat on the right side of the vehicle, because it had more leg room, and I sat on the left, behind the driver, looking out the window, people watching through New York, Not a thought going through my head. I guess I was in shock about leaving and it going kind of well. But at least I don't have to see any of those people again.
"Are you hungry?" Andrew asked finally breaking the silence.
"I don't know," it wasn't my best answer but it was that I didn't want to be a bother like I had been at the home. Things felt so comfortable during our interview but this was different. People can really love and care about you on paper or say they do but, until there's been a strong relationship, there's no way to tell.
"That's not a real answer," Andrew cut into my thought. "If you'd like, we can go get food and you don't have to eat any? We could get grocery store snacks or a fast food restaurant or even a sit down restaurant...? What are you thinking?"
I realized that there won't be that strong relationship between us if I don't contribute and keep my guard up. "Um well, at the home we just ate what ever was served by Ms. Hanson, no questions asked. So I don't really know what I like."
"Ah, I see," Andrew shifted in his seat to face me a bit better. "Would you like me to choose?" His face sincere but stern.
I felt bad saying but, "sure," a meek, rather emotionless grin spread across my face for a split second as a sign of recognition.
Andrew sat I thought for a minute and I went back to people watching as to let him think.
"Alright," finally he spoke again after a few minutes of traffic silence. "How about we stay going to my house and then we can try the food there? I figured that a restaurant or a store might be an over stimulation with everything being new so I think this will be less to process."
"That sounds good," I answered slightly unsure of what it all meant but knew that I didn't have a good reason or combative thought that could change the outcome, so I decided to let him call the shots.
Andrew just smiled at me in response and sat back forward in his seat so, likewise, I went back to people watching.
A good few moments later we arrived at Andrew's homestead. He paid and tipped the driver and than started out of the car, offering to grab my bag. I handed it to him and crawled out of the cab without a word.
"Are you ready to meet your new home?" Andrew drew anticipation.
"I guess so."
"Hey, what's wrong?" Andrew dropped to a knee, halting his excitement to comfort me.
I sighed heavily. "It's just a lot of change I guess. I've never been out of the home except to school and the museum that was local. The only reason I have any real clue what's going on in the world is because of the tablet I wasn't supposed to have. I just feel like the world is so much bigger than I could have imagined and I don't know where to start," the whole time I talked Andrew was looking up at me from his lunge, eyes sincere and so understanding.
"Why don't we head in and I can show you around a bit?" Andrew started calm. "We'll have a snack, chill on the couch. Obviously we can't ignore the things that need to get done, but what if we just take it easy for a bit? We can plan after some downtime or just talk when your ready," There was a pause of strong, patient eye contact, both of us waiting for the other to speak. "I can't make decisions for you and I won't run your life. I understand how emotionally stressed you must be so please take your time."
"Thank you, Andrew," I said tears welling behind my eyes, just enough to feel but to know won't come out. I reached out and hugged him. I wrapped my arms over his, hugging his shoulders as he squeezed back. "That sounds nice!"
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Im really nervous about this chapter so please comment and let me know how it felt to read and how it runs. Please vote if you can!
