Just a Newsboy

Chapter 18

1 Year Later
New York City

"For someone who hates people, you sure enjoy living in some of the most densely populated cities in the country." Natalie signed, raising her eyebrows at me. "This is about as crowded as it gets."

"I find it easier to be lonely in large crowds of people." I answered.

She offered a small laugh and opened the passenger's side door, climbing out of the car.

Glad to finally stand up, I followed her lead and pulled the keys out of the ignition, shutting the engine off and getting out as well.

We'd driven my car all the way up to New York City—spending over a day on the road to get the remainder of my possessions to my new residence.
Even though we'd left at 5 a.m. the previous day, the sun was long gone by the time we actually arrived.

There were only five cardboard boxes and one suitcase in the back of my car, and between the two of us, it didn't take too many trips to get it all up to my apartment.

The complex did have an elevator, but it only went up to the fourth floor. I was in number 509 on the fifth floor, so we had to ride up to four and climb one additional flight of stairs.

It was an incredibly small apartment, with one bathroom, one bedroom, and a very tiny kitchen/living room.

Natalie thought it was too cramped, and I agreed with her, but we both knew it was all I was able to afford.

"At least the lights and water work." She offered a sympathetic smile, trying to find a bright side.

I rolled my eyes at her. "You sound like Josh."

A smug grin crept across her freckled face. "Speaking of your significant other, is he going to come by after his show?"

"No, I don't think so. It'll be pretty late." I responded, prompting her grin to fall into a frown.

"Well," she shrugged, "say 'hi' to him for me when you see him tomorrow."

"I will."

She bit her lip and checked the time on her phone.

I watched her. "Do you have to leave?" I asked when she looked back up at me.

"Yes." She nodded, smiling sadly. "My flight starts boarding pretty soon."

"Okay."

She paused for a moment, then sighed, shaking her head. "I can't believe you're officially moved out."

I shrugged, spreading my hands. "You can finally have your own space, now, at least."

"Well, yes, but it still makes me sad." Her light brown eyes grew wet. "I'll miss you."

I winced when the first tear slid down her freckled cheek; I had absolutely no idea how to deal with crying people.

Clearing my throat, I reached out and awkwardly patted her shoulder.

But at my touch, she surged forward and threw her arms around me.

I stiffened in surprise, but a pang of sadness went through my chest, and I allowed myself to hug her back.

We stood there for a minute or two before she let me go and stepped back, drying her eyes with her sleeve. "Alright, do you need anything else?"

"Not that I know of." I shook my head. "You should probably go to the airport."

She nodded and turned to go, but on impulse, I stretched my hand out and tapped her shoulder.