Christmas In New York

Lets Have A Day

Just like that, I'm all alone.

I sit myself down in a chair, wondering what the hell I'm going to do next.

Why did I decide to come to New York? I don't know my way around. I don't know anyone. Heck, I don't even have a place to stay!

Plus, the airport is full of happy families. Some reuniting, some bright-faced, ready for Christmas in the city.

And here I am, completely alone in one of the busiest places in the world.

I put my head in my hands and just sit there. Don't know for how long I stay unmoved, maybe ten minutes, maybe an hour, before somebody comes and occupies the seat beside me.

The smell of Christmas cookies surrounds me. Josh.

He doesn't say anything, but I can feel his eyes on me.

When I finally work up the courage to meet his eyes, I find them softer than ever before. He grabs my hand and asks, "What are you afraid of Amy?"

I don't want to answer.

I just want to run.

After all, I've been running from everything else.

But I feel pinned down by the weight of his stare. " I can't be alone."

He nods once and then gets up. My hand is still in his, so the movement forces me up too.

"Alright then, you are coming with me." Wait, what?

"Coming with you where? I don't even know you!" I say, causing him to roll his eyes.

"You know enough about me. Come on Amy, It's Christmas Eve morning and we're in New York! Let's have a day," he said, cracking that wide smile again, "You know, one of those wild, wonderful days. Where the whole world is at your fingertips!"

I bite my lip, unsure. But honestly, what else do I have to do with myself?

And plus, he looks so excited.

My Christmas tradition consists of watching holiday movies with my father, baking treats with my mother.

And now this is guy smelling like cookies is telling me that I still deserve a holiday, even though all the other signs are saying that I don't. The thought sends a pang through my chest.

"Alright, let's have a day."

He shocks me by fist-pumping the air. His enthusiasm is a bit jarring. Is he this way naturally, or is it due to all the sugar he consumed on the plane?

During the taxi to Manhattan, he is like a child in a candy store, "Isn't this the most amazing skyline you have ever seen? And look how tall the buildings are, wow. The only thing that would make today more perfect is snow."

I crinkle my nose, "Snow?"

"Yup. Snow means a new start."

My throat scratches with new tears and I just nod in response.

At Josh's insistence, we get off in one of the busiest places of the city, the Times Square.

We had already left our luggage in the locker rooms of a hotel near the airport and had nothing with us except some cash.

"Are you crazy?" I ask, bewildered.

Josh shakes his head, "Of course not. This is Phase 2. Sink or swim."

From the moment we are let out of the taxi, it is pandemonium. There are people everywhere, going in all directions.

Josh grabs my hand. When I look over at him, he looks shell-shocked.