ELIZA

34

Aisha became Alina's companion for the next few years. They made love, but it was nothing nearly as intense as Alina's previous experiences. Yet, she stayed because she figured that passion only brought her pain. Aisha's calm and steady nature was a respite from the years that preceded them.

One night in Aisha's bed, Alina asked "Tell me. What's it like to be gay in Kenya?"

"I could be killed." She stated.

"Then, let's get married, and you stay here. We could move in together and get your son." Alina said. She had nothing more to lose. She had already gone back to work and was managing her symptoms well.

"Really? You want to marry me?" Aisha said in disbelief.

"Yes, let's do it!" Alina said, trying to be excited.

They had a civil ceremony in the city, where Rachel was the witness. Afterwards, Alina went back and forth between Arthur Ave. and Stony Brook until they found a place in Queens.

After a year and half, Jacob, Aisha's son, joined them in their two bedroom apartment. They lived as a family for the next four years. Alina would take him to soccer practice, and Aisha would cook ugali and stewed beef for dinner. Aisha and Jacob would go to Kenya in the summers, leaving Alina behind.

When she was alone with her thoughts, Alina dared feel. In the back of her mind, Eliza remained frozen in time. A twenty-one year old woman, witty, and daring. No more Kayla. No more Justine. No more, Alina paused, Eliza.