ME being ME

An Englishman, a Girl, and a Kitchen

The sound of the rain bid Alden farewell as he left Bristol. As he settled into his seat on the plane, he thought about how the Americas would be. Would he be teased for his accent? He had heard the tourists in Bristol talking about the accents that the "Brits" had. Like many immigrants, Alden hoped for a new beginning in America. He hadn't accomplished much in his 22 years and hoped to make a change.

As the 10-hour flight neared to its end, Alden could feel his anticipation for a new start. When it was finally his turn at customs, he nearly ran over to the counter, eager to enter America. The officer glanced at Alden when he handed the officer his passport. "A Brit? Don't cause any trouble," the officer said, chuckling to himself. "Why do you want to come to America?" the officer asked.

Alden cleared his throat and answered, "I work with the nature conservatory."

The officer nodded and finished stamping his passport. As he handed it back to him, he said, "Welcome to America." Alden could feel a grin spreading on his face as he thanked the officer and sprinted out of the airport. 

***

Alden let out a sigh of content as he threw himself onto his hotel bed. He didn't notice as he drifted asleep and woke up later in the night. Groaning, he got up. Feeling hungry, he grabbed his room card off the dresser and headed out. As he opened the door, he brushed his fingers through his brown hair and then stopped mid-motion. A girl was standing in front of his door. 

She let out a breath as she studied him. Finally, she spoke, "What's a guy like you doing at 3 in the morning?" 

"Not expecting pretty girls like you," Alden muttered under his breath.  The girl smiled, polite enough to pretend that she hadn't heard his remark, "My name is Evalyn." 

Alden smiled, the girl seemed nice enough, "Alden. I was going to snatch some food then come back up." Evalyn's smile became genuine at this. "Hmm, British? How nice. Want to go get something together?" Alden nodded, and together, they headed out to the streets of New York. 

***

Alden and Evalyn continued their conversation as they scrounged the streets for food. "So, how are you liking the city?" Evalyn asked. "It's much busier than Bristol," Alden replied. Evalyn perked up at the mention of the city, "Bristol? My mom studied abroad there a while back," she commented nonchalantly, but her eyes told a different story. Alden nodded and decided not to question her about her mother. "Where are you from?" Alden settled on instead. Evalyn smiled sheepishly, "I live here, but I had to move out of my apartment because my landlord found out I have a dog. I couldn't leave Flutter behind, so I'm in a hotel until I can find a place to stay." She shrugged then turned abruptly to open a door to a restaurant and waved Alden in. 

***

"Evalyn! So good to see you again darling!" and "How are you, honey!" came scattered across the space aimed towards Evalyn as she entered. "Hi!" she replied in a cheery tone as she guided Alden towards the back table. "Who did you bring with you?" the waiter asked, not succeeding in hiding his judgment. "A Brit," she said, nudging Alden with a chuckle. The waiter's eyebrow immediately shot up then he replied snidely, "We don't have fish and chips." 

"Tanner!" Evalyn exclaimed as she shoved his elbow playfully. "You'll have to excuse my brother," she said turning to Alden. "Brother?" Alden said glancing at Tanner then back to Evalyn.

Taking it as a cue to speak, Tanner said "As 'brother' it is my duty to protect Evy at all costs," and proceeded to puff out his chest. "Noted," Alden said, his voice unsure. Evalyn laughed and stood up. "Come on, the kitchen awaits."

***

To be continued if anyone's interested in reading.