ELIZA

32

Alina packed a bag and her medications. While her grandparents were sleeping and the rest of her family went to work, Alina rushed to her car. Aisha was already on the LIRR. Alina would meet her in Jamaica, Queens, and then they would go to Williamsburg together. The adrenaline rush of sneaking out made Alina feel something again as she drove away.

Alina was afraid that Aisha would not like what she saw. She was a skinny, bald headed, saggy eyed butch, engulfed by her puffer jacket.

I'm here. Alina's phone buzzed with Aisha's message. Alina, a gentleman, waited for her at the entrance of the train station. She immediately recognized Aisha from her short hair, except it was black and shaved down, like Alina's. Aisha was about 5'3'', with a skinny torso and wide hips. She wore black Sam Edelman boots, skinny jeans, a light green coat, and a pink scarf.

"Hi, I'm Alina, but you can call me Al" Alina said.

"Hi. It's so nice to meet you." Aisha said. Her voice was quiet and soft. She had a pointed Kenyan-British accent. Alina thought it was beautiful. She was used to Justine's mellow musicality, Eliza's Bostonian brusqueness, and Kayla's New York slang. This is new, Alina thought.

On the drive, Aisha commented on how she loved Snoh Aalegra as she listened to Alina's music. They did not say much after that. Aisha had a demure about her that Alina was unaccustomed to.

"Wanna eat?" Alina suggested when they got to Williamsburg and led them to a poke bowl spot on Bedford Avenue.

"Can I get a poke bowl with tuna and salmon?" Alina started.

"And chicken." Aisha asserted, observing Alina's gaunt face.

When Alina took off her coat, Aisha noticed Alina's built frame, though her muscles were not as present as before. Alina looked at Aisha high cheekbones and full lips as they shared the poke.

"I lost most of my money during my manic episode, so I can't take you shopping or anything." Alina confessed. Alina was used to treating her lovers with grand gestures.

"It's ok. Show me your favorite places other than shopping. I'll pay." Aisha said, soothing Alina.

"Well, I would love to get a coffee at Qahwah House. It's a Yemeni spot." Alina said shyly. She was not used to being treated.

They got spiced coffee and made their way to the North 5th Street Pier. They talked about how Aisha was turning 31 in the next month, and how she had planned for her son at 26. She was thinking about mastering out of her PhD program now that her adviser was gone. She would probably go back to Kenya and raise her son.

Alina, not sure what to do with that information, decided to make the most of the situation, as they got to the boardwalk.

"I really want to kiss you." Alina said, leaning on the rail.

"I would like that." Aisha said back. It was a soft and gentle kiss. Their lips moved slowly and quietly. Alina felt at peace, knowing that Aisha felt the same.

"Would you like to come to Long Island?" Aisha asked.