New York Is Calling

Chapter 1

"ISN'T THIS EXCITING CECE?"

Mom's excitement was adorable. She didn't get out much. Rarely did she have time to go out with dad, her co workers, or spend time with me. But this trip was for her more than anyone else.

"Yes," I replied. "I can't wait to see the skyscrapers."

We lived in Baltimore City, the largest independent city in the United States. It sounds fancy but all it means we have the big skyscrapers, just like NYC, but we also had poverty around every corner.

Luckily for us we were well off. My father was the Parish Administrator at our church, Holy Rosary, and my mother worked full time at a staffing agency. Between my father's base salary and my mother's quarterly commission checks, we were doing just fine.

"We're almost there," my father said as we drove through the Lincoln Tunnel. "At the end of this tunnel is Manhattan."

Dad taught weekend bible study along with The Pernaks, who had been part of our church since moving back from Poland last year. Our family back home helped them get on their feet while there. They were nice people, always willing to lend a helping hand, even traveling up to New York every weekend to help other Polish families with their studies.

That's why we were here. The Pernaks daughter, Monika, fell ill on Wednesday and the entire church decided it was best for both Mr. and Mrs. Pernak to stay home until she got better. Dad, of course, volunteered to take over bible study in New York.

"Oh my God!" my mother shouted as the big skyscrapers appeared overtop of us, reflecting sunlight off their countless windows, blinding us as we stared at their old historic beauty.

Dad smiled as mom spoke with enthusiasm. I was excited, too. I was turning 18 in 2 weeks and dad promised me a special night out as a birthday gift the moment we learned we'd be in New York City.

The plan was for mom and me to spend time together exploring the city while dad did his bible study. He said he'd meet us in Time Square after 6 for dinner and a Broadway play. Mom was obviously overjoyed with this plan. She had wanted to see a Broadway play since she was a kid.

We drove through heavy traffic for the next 30 minutes until we reached Central Park where dad dropped us off.

"I'll meet you girls around 6 tonight," he said, giving mom a kiss through the driver side window. "Be safe, OK?"

"We will Hun," she replied, pure excitement pouring out her lungs. "Thanks again."

Dad smiled at her before winking at me. He rolled up his window to keep the cool air in before driving off.

Mom turns to me. "So where do you wanna go first?"

I looked around and wondered what there really was to do in New York? The movies and TV shows made it look like it was an endless party filled with alcohol, drugs, and sex...lots and lots of sex.

I really needed to stop watching Sex and the City.

"Let's walk through the city towards Time Square." I said.

Her voice dropped. "Are you sure?"

Mom was transparent. I knew she didn't come here to look at trees or a pond or whatever it is that Central Park was famous for. She wanted to see the city, and when I say see the city, I mean buy overpriced shoes.

Mom had a bit of a shoe problem.

"Let's go shoe shopping." I said.

The city was as big and glorious as advertised. Everywhere you looked there was a beautiful skyscraper with an expensive boutique or restaurant on the street level. Sparkling dresses, shoes and hand bags lined the windows. Restaurants here were much prettier in design, inside and out.