The Secrets to New York

Twenty-One | Rumors

I heard a rumor that you were here to stay.

Actually, I heard it from Margie. Ironic, huh?

            I didn’t really know if I should believe it or if I should feel as much hope that you were staying as I did. All I could think of was seeing you and that smile around town. I wanted that.

            I found myself sitting on that lonely park bench, on the coldest day of the year so far. I was wrapped up in a warm sweater, my feet concealed by thick socks and a pair of boots. I was holding a cup of hot chocolate in my hand and savoring the sights that I was seeing. The lake was so peaceful; the wind blowing tiny ripples throughout the water. The trees had already lost all of their leaves and I remembered what you said about something new being brought from that.

                                    They didn’t give up and die, Emery, they’re falling because they are going to give way to something new, and that’s beautiful.

            Maybe that was what you needed to hear when the accident happened. It was so full of hope.

            I jumped a little when I saw movement out of the corner of my eyes.

            I looked over and there you were; a warm leather jacket wrapped around you snuggly, and a scarf covering your neck. You had a hot cup of coffee in your hands and you were staring straight ahead at the lake. I couldn’t help but continue to stare at you as you sat there so silently.

            See something you like? You smirked, not wavering your stare at the lake.

            Shut up, I replied back, laughing lightly.   

            It’s good to be back, Em. You smiled, finally looking away from the water and at me. There was something in the way your eyes were shining and the tone of your voice that told me that that statement had a double meaning. I turned away, looking back at the lake and sighing quite loudly.

            The rumors had been true.