Love in New York [Under Construction].

VIII.

"You two have fun, okay?" my mom said. James hooked his arm in mine. "I'll have her back around ten" James told my parents. They smiled at us before we left. James was all decked out in his suit. Dressy but not too dressy. I gagged as a I thought how fine he was. We were walking down the apartment hallway when I saw Priscilla walk past me with her dad. "Wow, Aaliyah you look maravilloso (gorgeous)!" "Gracias, Priscilla" I replied. "Are you and Adam going out again? He said he had fun last time!" I smiled.

"No, I'm actually going out tonight with a friend" I told her putting emphasis on the word, 'friend' so James could get a hint. "Are you gonna be back early so you can help me with my math?" I shook my head and she pouted. I bent down to her level. "Sorry kiddo, but I promise to help you tomorrow."

Adam walked around the corner. "You look nice" he complimented, I stood back up. "Thanks." James put his hand on my lower back. "We better get going" James interrupted. Adam frowned. "I'll see you later" I told them.We continued walking down the hallway. "Who is that guy?" James asked. "What do you care?" "I don't want you messing around with some Mexican guy. Especially living alone in this big city."

"Adam wouldn't hurt a fly. He's really sweet, and caring and handsome-" "I get it" he snapped. We got into his sleek, black car. He turned the radio on and it was 'Climax' by Usher. He stopped at a red light and smirked at me. "What are you laughing about?" I smirked back. "I'm just happy to actually be able to spend some time with you." "You haven't missed me that much." "It's been kinda lonely around Midtown without you" "I don't believe that" I laughed. "After graduation everyone left Atlanta to go off to college out of state." "There must be someone you know at GeorgiaTech." "A few people. But I just wished you would've stayed." I stared out the window, to the bright city lights contrasting on the sky's dark atmosphere.

"You knew I always wanted to make it big in New York. Going to GeorgiaTech, like my mother wanted me to, wasn't going to make me happy." He kept his eyes on the road glancing over at me every now and then. "I know. You always talked about it. Even though everyone doubted you, you believed in yourself." We pulled into the parking lot of a fancy restaurant. Before I could get out he opened the door for me. I stepped out of the car. "Thanks" I said quietly. "You're welcome."

We went into the restaurant and walked up to a guy standing on the platform. "Reservation for Johnson" James informed. The man looked on the list and then to us. "Right this way." We followed him to a nice candlelit table. I could see he planned this in advance. "Wine?" the waiter asked us. Just the thought of any alcohol made me sick. "No thank you" I answered. James, on the other hand, accepted some.

He swirled the liquid around in his glass "It's really good." "I don't like alcohol" I lied. We ordered our food and most of the dinner went on silently with an occasional comment about how good the food was or about Atlanta. He placed the glass down on the table. "You know I really miss you Aaliyah." I didn't look at him. "Don't start this again." He laughed. "Why are you so stubborn?" "Because, whatever we were in high school is over now. I really don't want to be reminded of the past." "We were meant to be together, Aaliyah. Our parents love us together. Would you want to let your mom and dad down?" I threw my fork down. "I'm tired of you using my parents expectations as my reason to love you!" I yelled, gaining a few looks. "Forget this dinner" I said as I got up and walked out to the car. James followed. "Take me home" I commanded. "No, you're acting like a child."

"I'm so sick and tired of you and my mom saying that!" "You're sitting here having a tantrum like one." "James you better take me how, or I swear." "You better bring your crazy ass back inside this restaurant" he snapped. I want to go home, I'm not spending anymore time with you!" "I want this relationship to work but you always put your wall up so fast!" He walked back into the restaurant leaving me in the coldness of the night. He was the one who made me like this, yet I'm to be blamed for this relationship not being able to work. I crossed my arms to preserve body heat. A taxi was no where in sight. I opened my clutch to get my phone, and it wasn't there. Shit, I must've left it at home. I went over to the payphone and put fifty cents in. It was pretty late but hopefully he would still be awake.

Adam POV

I laid my mom in bed hoping she would stay put. "Buenas noches madre (Goodnight, mother)." I wrinkled my nose smelling the liquor on her breath. I pulled the cover over her. "Gracias Alex." I froze after hearing her call my deceased brother's name. I walked out and closed the door behind me. I went into my room and sat on my bed letting out a big sigh. Just then the phone rang and I could hear the pitter-patter of my Priscilla's feet on the wooden floor. I got up and went into the livingroom where she was. "He's right here." She handed me the phone. "Usted tiene la escuela mañana. Te quiero en la cama (You have school tomorrow. I want you in bed now)."

She rolled her eyes . "Bien, bien (Alright, alright)." I put the phone up to my ear. "Hello?" I answered. "Adam?" "Aaliyah? What's wrong?" "Can you come pick me up?" "What's wrong? Where is James?" She became silent. "Just come get me." I went into my room and started putting on my sneakers. "Alright. Where are you at?." "155 West 51st Street." "Okay, I'm on my way." "Just hurry up." She hung up and I ended the call on the phone. I grabbed my jacket and went into my Priscilla's room where she was still laying awake in bed. "I have to run out for a few minutes, I'll be back in a little bit. I want you to be sleep by time I get back." "Okay." I closed her door and and checked on my mom once again. She was still sleep. Good. I went outside and caught a taxi.

I told the male driver the address and he pulled away from the curb and headed towards our destination. As fast as he drove it didn't seem like he wasn't driving fast enough. After 15 minutes of driving a really fancy restaurant started to come into view. When we pulled up I could see the silhouette of someone sitting on a bench. I got out of the taxi and saw Aaliyah sitting on a bench, shivering. I took off my jacket and handed it to her. "Thanks." "James just left you?" She stood up. "No, he's inside." "Why did he just leave you out here?"

Her mascara was running from her tears. She just shook her head. "Let's go" I said. I let her get in the taxi first then I got in. She didn't talk the whole time. When we got back to the apartment building I paid the driver and we went inside. "Would you mind if I stayed with you tonight?" she asked. "No, not at all." "I just don't feel like having to deal with my parents." "I know that feeling." When we got inside I showed Aaliyah to my room, gave her a shirt and some shorts and then went to check on my mom and sister. Both knocked out. I stood outside while Aaliyah got changed. When she opened the door she was standing in a black Batman shirt with matching bottoms. They were so long and baggy on her I couldn't help but crack a smile.

"Don't laugh at me, you picked out the biggest clothes to give me." I could see a grin form on her face though. I walked into the room and started to get a pillow and a blanket. "You can sleep in here" I told her. "And where are you going to sleep?" "On the couch." "Oh." "Is something wrong?" She looked away. "I wanted to sleep with you...Not like that though!" Blood rose to my cheeks and I looked away. "Well, if you want to." She traced the pattern on the blanket. I laid the pillow back down and out the extra blanket on a chair. She climbed into bed and pulled the blanket over her. I climbed in bed and turned the light off. She moved close to me and put her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her and watched as she snuggled closer to me. She didn't make me feel like any other girl.

Aaliyah she's special...