A BEAUTIFUL DAY
I wandered out onto the balcony. The brisk winter air wrapped around me. The city of Manhattan glittered with lights and echoed with excitement. I stood out there leaning on the railing aching to venture out into it.
"Candice, it's time to come in now." Papa hollered from inside the apartment. I was spell bound by Manhattan, and I was reluctant to leave it, but I knew I had to go in. I crawled back through the window, and saw Papa sitting feebly in his chair. I watched him for a moment, his rough hands gripping his walking cane, his face wrinkled and tired, and his mustache gray and a true testament to his age. I slowly walked toward him, and took a seat on the floor by his feet. I looked up towards him and smiled, and he wearily smiled back, and my heart broke. I knew my father was dying, even though he wouldn't admit it. Reality began to settle in my head, and a question lingered in my mind, could I survive without my father?
"Candice, why don't you read more of that book to me." He suggested in his French accent and raspy voice. We had begun to read a book called "Starry Evening" about a month ago, and I'd always read a portion every night.
I got up and retrieved the book from the shelf, and returned to my seat on the floor. I then rested my head on his knee and shut my eyes praying this perfect and fickle moment would never end. I then reopened my eyes and began to read. A content look settled on Papa's face as I read, as if it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever heard. About half an hour into the story there was a knock on the door. I immediately walked over to open the door.
"Hello beautiful." Dean greeted me with a bouquet of flowers. Dean was my boyfriend of eleven months, and a wealthy lawyer who worked in his father's firm. He had wide sunken brown eyes, slicked back black hair, and the cutest pair of pouting lips. He belonged to a wealthy family and I on the other hand barely qualified as middle class, yet every time I was with him he made me feel special.
"Dean what are you doing here?" I asked exuberantly as I wrapped my arms around him.
"Well I can't stay for very long, but I had to say good bye."
"Good-bye!" I repeated a little worried.
"I have to leave town for a month on business. I just found out." He replied holding my hands in his.
"When do you have to leave?"
"Tomorrow morning, but I had to see you before I left." He declared starring longingly into my eyes. We soon finished our good byes and I kissed him good bye. My heart sank a little, but I knew I could survive a month.
"So Dean's leaving, good." Papa panted from his chair.
"Papa!" I shouted. My father never did like Dean.
That night I laid in bed awake and thought about my life. The past had been so insufferable, but I already knew what my future would be. I would eventually marry Dean and become a refined lady, and I'd most likely spend my days sitting about and going out to parties. It was a nice life, but I couldn't help but think there was more out there.
The next morning I awoke from my bed bright and early, the sun was beginning to rise and I knew Papa was still asleep. I immediately walked over to my closet and changed into a white lacy outfit, I had bought the day before. I then walked over to my vanity and pulled half of my brown mousy hair up in a bun. I looked at myself for a minute, finding fifty imperfections with myself. I somewhat wished I looked prettier. Dean always said I was pretty, but I never saw it. I started by looking at my green eyes, and wished they were a different color. Perhaps blue like Papa's. Then at the shape of my face, It seemed oval and clashed with my whole face. I soon dismissed all my thoughts and started off to the butcher shop. I loved Manhattan in the morning. The brisk air felt new and untouched, and everyone seemed in a cheery mood. I walked down the street and into the butcher shop where I bought a pound of pork. I then took my time getting home. I usually didn't get the chance to walk around by myself a lot, and I was enjoying it. I gazed around at all the people, who had somewhere to go, somewhere important.
"Bye a pape miss?" a newsboy asked as he tipped his hat.
"Sure." I replied as I gave him a nickel. As I got a closer look at him, he seemed kind of cute. He had light brown hair, and sky blue eyes. What I also noticed was his slingshot, and a black cane with a golden tip. He also had the cutest, most Charismatic smile I had ever seen. He soon handed me my paper, winked at me, and left.