OFF THE RECORD (First Person)

18. New York

October 2014
Emma

I had not spoken to James for a couple of days. He had tried to apologize several times, but I was not ready to face him. I thought I might have exaggerated. Maybe his mother had asked sincerely, without malice. Maybe he too, had been joking. He knew I liked to play around.

But I had felt Mrs. Smith's judging eyes, and James knew talking about my origins was a private issue. I had shared it with him because I had trusted him. Maybe I had made the mistake to do so.

Regardless, I needed a break to organize my thoughts and my friend up in New York had given me the perfect excuse.

I had arrived at the New York airport early in that Friday morning. I had asked for the day off at work and one of my classes had been cancelled, so I asked Liz to update me in our Torts class. I wanted to be able to reach the city without hurry. I planned to be able to enjoy the big apple for the weekend.

Waiting for me at reception was Tomas, wearing a grey hoodie, a black cap, and dark shades on top of it. He held a sign that read, 'Welcome back from sex rehab baby!'

As I got close to him, I dropped the sign, embarrassed. I hugged him, being received with the same enthusiasm.

"You are an idiot!" I exclaimed.

He held me tighter and kissed my cheek. "I've missed you, Em."

He helped me find my luggage, carrying it to our Uber.

"So, what do you want to do today?" He asked. "We have the day off."

"Right now, all I want to do is rest. I don't know how you work around every flight. I'm pooped! You can take me around the city later, what do you think?"

"I'm a beast, that's how. And of course, anything you want, babe. Let's go to my place." He walked with me, stretching his arm across my shoulders.

Tomas lived in the lower Manhattan, in a small apartment with one room on the fifth floor. It was nothing fancy, but the renovations were noticeable.

I felt nervous being there, realizing our closeness. Every time we were together by ourselves, some barriers came down, and here being away from everyone, there would be nothing to stop us.

"Eh, I'll sleep on the couch, don't worry." Let's out Tomas, reading my expression. He gives me some space so I can walk around.

I shook my head. "Oh no. I'm the guest and the couch is mine. Just let me borrow a couple of sheets and a pillow. Please and thank you!"

He rolled his eyes, and I smacked his forehead lightly.

Tomas does what I had asked, while I looked around the décor. The white walls are covered by some modern style paintings, but what had called my attention was the pictures that he had around his entertainment center.

He had a picture of his parents, one of Memo and Erica together, a picture of him and Memo with a baby Amanda on their arms, a picture holding his guitar, Honey, with his band in what seemed a concert, and a picture with all our friends.

I knew that picture, because I had a copy of it. I remembered it had been a couple of days before christmas on our junior year. We had all gotten together at Perla's house, to have a christmas gift exchange. There was an evident mess on the floor. But even as we were, we all seemed happy. My eyes stayed at Omar's face. He seemed content holding me.

Had he been planning on leaving me since then?

Tomas interrupted my thoughts as he clears his throat loudly. "Are you sure you want to rest here? You could nap in my bed and tonight you can do whatever you want." He offered.