"Then I guess you have your answer." This time Ben does let me go so I can get ready for our day. As promised, I work quickly to get prepared, opting for a lighter look with my makeup. Thankfully, I brought along a beanie along with me so doing my hair, other than blow-drying, isn't needed.
In the main room, I find Ben relaxed, watching the news. I stand there for a second before he turns his gaze to me. "Ready?"
"I am," he says, turning off the television. "We're going to cram as much as we can into today," he tells me as he opens the door. "And eat so much food."
"Let me guess, New York has an app to locate food trucks?"
Ben chuckles. "Actually, I don't know. I'm not sure one is needed since every corner has a vendor on it."
The air is brisk, but the sun is shining. I'm going to have to get used to the colder temperatures and the snow, which doesn't make me happy, but I'll survive. Ben and I will have to take a lot of mini vacations south of the equator or at least fly home to see my parents.
Ben takes us to the subway and tells me to be careful as we descend the steep stairs. The tunnel reeks, and I try not to let it bother me. I don't know if public transportation will be my thing or not. It's not something I've ever had to use. Growing up, my parents, grandfather or any one of my aunts and uncles, would drive us everywhere until we were old enough to drive ourselves. My siblings and I are spoiled, and our needs are catered for.
"Is this how you get to work?"
"Yeah."
"What are you going to do with your car?"
Ben sighs. "Probably leave it with Brad for a bit, while I make sure this is where I want to be. If we decide to stay, I'll sell it."
I lean into Ben and hold onto his arm while we wait for the train. He tried showing me the map of the system and explaining things, but it looks so complicated. Too many trains to choose from, and different lines, not to mention if you take the wrong exit, you end up on the wrong side of where you want to be.
Once we’re on the train, I sit down while Ben stands next to me. It's crowded, and everyone is forced to violate the personal space issue. Ben doesn't take his eyes off of me though, and I have a feeling he's watching and waiting for a temper tantrum.
"I'm fine," I tell him, even though I don't believe my own words. This will take some adjustments, but it'll work out.
Ben grips my hand tightly when it's time for us to get off. I breathe a sigh of relief when we're back above ground. He leads me across streets, and by others, in a rush to get to our destination.
"A park?"
"Not just any park," he says, weaving in and out of trees until we come to a wall, keeping the bay away from us. "Look," he says, pointing out toward the harbor.
"Wow, she looks so small." Out in the middle of the water is the Statue of Liberty. "I've only seen her from the plane."
"You need a reservation to actually take the tour, which usually has to be booked three to six months in advance."
"So, no spur of the moment arrivals from your best friend."
Ben looks down at me. "Girlfriend."
I smile and nod. "I like that." After we take a selfie with just a small bit of the statue in the background, Ben takes me to every possible spot he can, including the neighborhoods he thinks we'll like to live. Of course, I fall in love with Brooklyn Heights, and he promises we'll come back after graduation to really look at places to live.
We stop and eat pizza in Little Italy, like tourists. The thought makes me giggle, but I love it. When we visit Times Square, we take another picture together, and I post this one. The caption is a heart, and my sister is the first one to respond with, "It's about time."
"Peyton agrees." I show Ben while we're sitting on the steps, people watching. He puts his arm around me and kisses my cheek.
"It's because she knows how I feel about you."
I look at him oddly. He doesn't shy away. "Explain."
"When she was in the hospital we bonded over being in love with people who didn't love us back. She encouraged me to tell you, but I couldn't. For the longest time, I thought you had a boyfriend."
"Why would you think that?"
The people in front of us leave, and Ben uses the space to stretch his long legs. "You kept disappearing from the hospital. You'd be gone for hours."
"Why didn't you just ask me where I was?"