If I Have To

Who You Deserves

New York, New York
April 18th

Kasey L.

"So lemme get this straight, Hamilton is some famous influential dude that wrote some papers and worked alongside George Washington. They won the war and afterwards he suggested some system for America. He had some haters and the biggest one was some dude named Aaron Burr. Burr didn't like Hamilton cause he was about the shit and decided to kill him because Hamilton wouldn't give him an endorsement?"

I held Xena's hand tightly as we crossed the street. We had just left our showing of Hamilton and I was still singing the songs in my head. Though it wasn't the original cast, it was still an amazing show that I could watch over and over again without getting tired. That's how much I loved it.

"If that's your way of understanding then yes." I replied, moving her to the other side so she was away from the street.

"I mean that's what I got from it. But what I don't understand is why kill someone just because they didn't give you an endorsement? Y'all weren't friends." She confusedly went on. I had a feeling she was going to think too much into it. That was just Xena.

"Burr thought they were friends-"

"He kept calling him a bastard in almost every song. That's not a friend."

I laughed, "Hamilton was born out of wedlock and that's what they used to call children of such. Maybe even now I think." I explained to her.

"Well that changes things." I shook my head at her. "Anyway, they still weren't friends though so Burr was crazy to think Hamilton was going to help. He also shot him. That's crazy!"

"Do you want to sit?" I put a pause on our Hamilton conversation and pointed at the red step seats. She nodded and I led her over to them. We went up a few stairs then sat down.

"These steps are low as hell." She said while extending her legs out. I watched as she made sure her skirt was down and nothing was showing. Her thighs were the main attraction and had me staring at them for a second.

"This is Times Square right?" She asked while pointing around.

"Yes, ma'am."

"You guys are very loud all throughout the twenty-four hour day." She said while she continued looking around the scenery. I couldn't make out what she was thinking but I saw her eyes moving around quickly. Going from one thing to another. Times Square was always packed and chaotic. It seemed too much for her.

"You wanna hear something funny?" She finally turned to face me.

"What?"

"You live in a state where all of that Hamilton stuff took place at and still watch it happen in a broadway version. You must really love the hell out of N-Y-C." She exaggerated the lettering.

"I do." I nodded, leaning against the railing. "New York is my home. Always has and always will be."

"Yeah, but do you ever see yourself leaving..." she paused, waving her hand around. "all of this someday? I mean you've been here for years, experienced and seen everything and more. What else could New York offer you?" She continued.

I looked around. The street performers. The overly enthusiastic tourist. The cartoon characters. Teens dancing. It was lively. That's what made Times Square, well Times Square. The bright lights, the happiness, and comfort of being in a city where you got a mixture of everything. Yes, New York had their issues. A few bad people around. Crimes. Crooked politicians. And a few other bad things. However, a few laughs and the sight of people being themselves overpowered the negativity. At least it did in my eyes.