In A Time And Place

Chapter 20

               I finished with my morning shower, ordered a cup of coffee and some toast from the phone in my room, and started to fix my hair. The brush was doing wonders for me. Once finished, I put hair in a bow and put my bangs forward.

               After I chose a slip and other undergarments, I pulled on the peach dress and found some white heels to go with them. I grabbed my wallet and put it in a white purse Vivian insisted I get. I almost forgot the stockings but remembered them before I walked out the door, so I slid on and fastened the see through, light brown, delicate, material.

               I looked at myself one good time in the mirror. Not bad. I’d slept a little more than usual last night. I was basically, just upset about the whole incident last night. What I couldn’t understand is, how did Richard come to like her? They’re so, different. This was all, too complex.

               I walked down the hall then stopped, then leaned on the wall behind me.

               I was going to go see Vivian. Since she’s the only person I can talk to here, I have to. I have to tell her what happened. But what if she agrees with Sarah? It’d be like her right? I don’t even know if she believed my comment about him and me in the diner. I guess I’d just have to risk it.

               “Oh! Hello. Would you like a taxi?” The man who minded the desk saw me and smiled. I looked outside after walking down a few steps. Today seemed just as sunny as yesterday.

               “Sure.” I started to walk towards the doors when the man came right beside me. The fresh air was heavy with warmth. It weighed down on me and caressed the skin I left exposed.

               Good thing I wasn’t wearing anything too heavy. This sturdy fabric was perfect for this weather.

               “Oh miss?” I turned and saw a taxi waiting for me. I pulled out my wallet and found the address of Vivian’s again. I walked down, gave the employee a tip, and then plopped my body inside the car. I closed the door, then adjusted myself to comfort.

               “Where to?” A fat jolly man said to me.

               I gave him the paper. “Here please.”

               “Oh. Sure thing. I’ll have you there in no time. Nice day isn’t it?”

               I put the paper back then looked out the window. Oh, everyone was in great spirits. I saw some little children with some parents and then let my mind drift back to the children Richard had shown me that one time.

               I hope Richard will get the part. He seems perfect for it. And he deserves it.

                This place. Times Square was great in 1952, but, everything just seemed so dull and colorless without Richard.

               I spotted the Hilton as the man turned a corner towards the familiar route I’d been down once before. I would soon see the fancy neighborhood Vivian’s family belonged to. I hope she’s home.

               I’d soon find out either way.

               I remembered another worry I had. What if my grandmother told her parents about me? Vivian would probably take care of it, but what if she forgot? Did she even really believe I was real? I also have to help her out with the dance she’s going to. I wonder if anyone’s asked her.

The man turned the car swiftly into the neighborhood entrance and slid up a small hill then down again making my stomach dance. I started to look around then became anxious when I spotted her home. I patted the shoulder of the man. “Do you think you could wait here for a bit? Please? I won’t take too long.”