Broken Guitar Strings

Chapter 38

(LAY'S POV)

Of all the places that I've danced in, I've never been to New York. Not even once. Seeing all of these places in NYC with Allie was...amazing. My mother knows that I have the world's largest crush on her, and she thinks Allie is truly an outstanding girl, not just because of her wealth.

Again, Allie doesn't really care that she's rich. You could take most of her money away from her and she would still be a very happy person.

We went to Central Park in the morning. Strolling through the park with a light breeze on your face feels freshening, especially when you're not in a rush to get anywhere. Allie took my hand halfway through the walk, and I glanced over at my mother, but all she did was smile in approval. We took a lot of pictures of nature and scenery and...well, us.

We went to Coney Island for the second half of the day, and Allie dragged me on the Cyclone. Now, I was never a big fan of roller coasters, but after a couple of rides I started to smile and yell and enjoy the wind blasting through my hair as everyone else screamed their heads off. I thought about buying her something, but that would make her feel bad because she already knows that money doesn't come by easily in my family.

We planned the next day for the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. We reached the Statue of Liberty at about two in the afternoon. It was so amazing to see the Lady of Liberty with my own eyes, and not just on some postcard from friends or extended family or educational poster in the classroom. My mom made Allie and I take some pictures together, which I felt awkward doing at first, but then I realized that Allie is going to be with me for the next two weeks. This is my big chance to win her over completely, if her heart wasn't set on me already.

At night we went to the Empire State Building. All those city lights...they were so beautiful. Lights glimmered onto the sky and lit it up, which made the view even more beautiful. I asked my mom if she wanted to come outside onto the balcony with Allie and I, but she said that she was going to buy some food. "Take my money," Allie said. She pulls a bunch of cash out of her pocket and hands it over to my mom. My mother was going to reject it, but Allie said, "Please. It's my pleasure." Then my mother went to buy us some food.

I opened the door to the balcony, and it was a bit chilly outside. Allie was only wearing a thin jacket. "Are you cold?" I say. "No, it's okay." But she was shivering. I pull her in and hug her, hoping to give her some warmth. "Look at this view, Lay. Isn't it the most wonderful thing you've ever seen?"

"It's beautiful, but the most wonderful thing I've ever seen is you."

She tilts her head up. Her eyes are shining with the city lights. "Lay..." I put my head under her chin and our mouths meet. It was a beautiful kiss, almost as beautiful as Allie herself.