Fourth Grade Pen-Pals

Chapter Twelve /Sean/

I stepped outside of the airport, taking in everything that was around me. The only time I had ever been to a big city was Nashville, and it didn't even begin to describe New York City. Bright yellow taxis flashed by, people walked around me, and the lights on the buildings were changing constantly. I had one of Vanessa's old letters, where it had her address, and I looked down at it.

Due to the fact that I didn't know how any of these streets worked, I just found myself wandering around, praying I would just run into her. But who am I kidding? I've never met Vanessa in person- just photos. I looked up at a McDonald's, and it made my stomach growl, since I only had some peanuts on the flight up here.

Right as I crossed the street, I saw the giant green statue that made me smile. The Statue of Liberty was right there, a line of people waiting to go inside and see the beautiful city.

"Isn't it just something?" A voice asks from behind me, and I turn around to see a girl with blond hair standing there.

"It's awesome," I admit, watching as the girl stood next to me.

"You talk funny."

"So do you."

"I'm Caprice by the way. You sound like you have a funny accent, and you were staring all googley eyed at the statue," the girl says, adjusting her purse on her shoulder.

"I'm Sean, nice to meet you," I brush some dark hair out of my face as I look over at her.

"Do I know you?"

"How would you know me?"

"I don't know, your name just sounds familiar," Caprice answers, kicking a rock with her shoe.

"Well, I don't remember you, so I think it's safe to say we haven't met," I shrug, sitting on a bench while Caprice sits beside me.

"No, I could have sworn I know someone named Sean. But I just can't place my finger on it."

"Trust me, Caprice- we haven't met."

"Okay then. Well... what are you doing here in New York?" She stares at the ground.

"Visiting my family. Look, it was great talking to you, but I need to catch up to my aunt. Maybe I'll see you around," I stand up, holding onto my suitcase.

"Yeah, maybe."

And with that, she gets up and walks away.

----------

I stood in front of what was supposed to be Vanessa's door. I had her letter in one hand, and a giant chocolate bar in the other. Even though I had all day to think about what I could say, the words never sounded right.

Hey Vanessa, I know we stopped talking, but surprise! I flew all the way out to New York to see you!

Hey Vanessa, sorry I was such a jerk and stopped talking to you.

The words were almost foreign, but I needed to be the one to apologise, I hurt her, and I needed to fix this. I reached up and knocked on the door.

"Just a second!" A girl voice shouted, and my heart was pounding in my chest. Suddenly the door pulled open, and I thought I was about to faint.

"Caprice?"

"Season?"

"It's Sean," I mutter.

"What are you doing here? At my apartment?" She asks, folding her arms over her chest.

"I was I-I...."

"Who's there?" Another asks, and a head shows up from behind Caprice.

Her eyes were dark green and her hair was uncontrollably curly, but she had a beautiful smile, and she looked at me like I was a murderer.

"Sean?"

"Vanessa?"