New York Stories A novel

Prologue

Boston, 1971

'Mom. I am going to New York', Madeline said.

'New York! It's dangerous out there'.

'But, I am not sure you understand me'.'

'Madeline. New York is insane'.

'Really! I don't think so'.

'Fine, leave! Make sure that you're safe. Telephone me'.

'I will, Mom. Good bye!'.

'Good bye, Madeline'.

And she placed the telephone back on the cradle, then locked up her bags, then got into a taxi to the Airport, to take her to the city that never sleeps.

***

Madeline paid for the fare. 

She glanced at the woman who was at the Boston Airport. 

'New York'.

'Yes, via Los Angeles'.

'Times are different here. There's the 9:00 AM flight'.

'I know that', Madeline said.

She saw the luggage went through the barrier, as she gave her boarding pass to the stewardess of Flight 337.  She smiled. 'Enjoy yourself Madeline'. 

'I will. Thank you'.

And she went towards her comfortable seat, then relaxed for the four hour trip to LA.

***

The flight was short. 

Madeline ate her food, and drink. 

And she slept before she arrived in LA.

***

LA, 1971

Madeline has enough sleep.

She was anxious, as if the journey to the City of Angels was something like going to California. She glanced at the passengers. She took off the seatbelt. She then disembarked. Once she grabbed her luggage, she headed to the Ladies' Restroom. Once she washed her hands, she dried them, and headed to the Airport Lounge. She bought some coffee, and cheesecake. She then headed to Gate 15. She was glad to see the woman who said: 'New York'. She raised her right hand, and followed her to the plane, which took her to the city that never sleeps.

***

New York, 1971

The sign read: WELCOME MADELINE TO NEW YORK

She smiled at the African-American woman.

'Is my taxi ready?', she asked her. 

'Yes', the woman answered. 

'Good. Lower Manhattan please. The Markham Hotel'.

She waited, as she got into the passenger-side seat. 

In her purse was a $100 bill.

Once the door closed, she put her seatbelt on.

And, as the driver did the same, she reached the hotel in fifteen minutes. 

***

The taxi arrived by 10:00 AM.

'Have a good vacation'.

'Yes, two weeks in New York'.

She waved, and collected the fare, and tip.

Then she drove away.

***

The Markham Hotel was guarded by a young doorman. 

'May I take your luggage?', a porter asked her. 

'Yes, that will be great', Madeline answered. 

And she walked up the marble steps, and into the Hotel's huge foyer.

***

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