Emotional Outlets | ✓

24

"And that," she points to their left, "is Ellis Island. Our next stop."

"If only I could bring the kids here, show them the many people before them also being fostered by families."

Theresa knew her mother would be interested in this sightseeing trip, much more so than the multitude of tourists and their phone bearing stick waving in the air. Saturday morning that had greeted New York with fog has unveiled into clear skies.

Their return to mainland sees them glad they were up early and avoided the block-turning line for the ferry.

Financial District streets are empty, giving Rosemary abundant sight of spaces to go grab a bite with her daughter. Be it Theresa's luck, like mother like daughter, Petit Choses captivates her mother, two blocks away from the Metro station Theresa planned on escaping to. The charming little café seemingly worms itself into Theresa's life unexpectedly...

Reluctance fights her up to the point they've sat down, she knows it's too late now. And she knows it's selfish to deprive her mother of their delicious coffee.

It does not take long for the brown-haired boy to stop them, and gratefully relieve his colleague of having to take on another table of the crowded café. "Good afternoon, ladies. Theresa. How can I be of assistance today?"

"Hi."

"Nice to meet you! Aren't you polite? Theresa, how do you know him?"

Embarrassment surges in the girl. "He's a recent acquaintance..." she really has no idea what to say about him.

"Well, you are one handsome fellow," she peers closer to read the name-tag. "Jake."

"Nice to meet you too ma'am. Theresa's mum?"

"Oh, yes. Here for the rest of the week."

"Right, well mum I think we should order. Jake is surely busy with other things and we shouldn't stay here all afternoon."

"Don't you worry, take all the time needed."

"So Jake-my-daughter's-acquaintance, what do you recommend?"

The chatter they slip into is more comfortable than Theresa feels comfortable with. He must be weirded out, no way can her mother be getting along with a client's roommate. She's never let these parts of her life so close together.

And not planning to bring them more together, Theresa insists Rosemary eat quickly, convincing her if they are fast enough they might get good sights at the botanical garden in the Bronx.

By the time they leave the shop the sun has shied itself behind clouds that were not there before. Her mother depicts a curious expression.

"He's cute."

Theresa keeps walking. She hopes her metro line is open by now, it was closed this morning.

"And he definitely appreciates you."

"Mu-um. He's a friend's friend."

"Alright. Just know I approve."

"Mum, please drop it."

They make it to the subway in silence.

"Theresa, I also need to apologise for all the finan -"

"Mum no need to talk about it. I got it covered, am even doing some freelancing job."

"Oh my darling, you should never –"

Just like with Jake, the train arrives at the precise time for her convenience.