Chapter 2: Daniel.
My name is Daniel and i was born and raised in New York City. I lived with my parents and younger brother until my 22nd birthday. On July 1st, after finishing my senior year of NYU, i went on my pre-life trip. I decided to go to as many countries as i could in the little time i had. Six months to find myself before i need to return home for New Year's and find out who is my soulmate. Before going on this trip, i thought i knew everything about my future and what it holds. I thought it will be the easiest thing, maybe be a reason for another grand party. Today, December 24th, i'm finally returning to the house of my parents and i am not sure about anything anymore. It has been half a year since i've seen my girlfriend Sarah, the one i thought i will always marry. Everyone always said how we were meant to be, and we believed it as well. I always saw us living next door to her parents, married with children the way my parents would want us to. But now i'm back from traveling around the world, seeing all the culture there is to offer. And i'm doubting many things, including the love of my life. Sarah has been nothing but amazing, and i don't even know why i'm doubting our relationship. She always cared for me, listened when no one else would. She gets along so well with my family, even Josh my little brother is obsessed with her. She is so comfortable with the guys, it never got awkward. My best friend Ezra always tells me, "You actually got a good catch there." He himself never had a girlfriend, he is very picky with his woman. It seems like it is meant to be, it always did. I can't put my finger on it, but i know something inside me has changed.
Im standing outside JFK airport, looking for a taxi to take me home. I decided to surprise everyone, coming home for the holidays. The sky is grey, the air is cold. I can see my breath as i breathe out the New York air. I zip up my coat and raise my arm to hail a yellow cab. The car pulls up in front of me and i get in. i tell him the address and we start driving towards the city. I look outside the window, at the familiar view. The streets are covered in black snow, that use to be white. The cars are wet from melted ice and rain. Everyone seem to be in a hurry, to get into warm shelter. They are all covered in layers that don't seem to ever be enough. I can't stop thinking about Josh, how big he must be now. It is noon, so he must be in school. My parents are probably at work as well, they won't see me until later. Good, i'm going to need this time to settle. Mother won't be happy seeing they way i look, with my not washed shirt and worn out jeans. We finally make it to the destination, i swipe my card and thank the driver. As i enter the building with my duffle bag, i look around my old home. The spotless white marble, the smell of cleaning products and lavender cent hasn't changed. I smile at the new doorman, who seems to be around my age. He's about to leave his desk, probably to come take my bag.
"Don't worry about it." i say as i wave my hand at his direction. "Thank you." i say as i walk to the elevator that just opened. Out walks Mrs. Lender, who lives a few floors below my parents. I keep my head down and walk straight into the elevator, pushing the number 44. Thankfully she didn't recognize me, or take her eyes off her phone. I smile with relief as the doors close. Damn, I forgot how horrible the elevator music is. When the doors open again i walk out in a hurry. I exit the elevator and walk down the hallway to the white door with the blue sign. Frade Resistance. This sign brings me back to the time when i tried to run away from home, and the sign fell on my head on the way out. I cried and ran back home to let mother look at it. Even back then i couldn't do it, what makes me think i will be able to leave them now?
I open the door with the spare key hidden in the fake plant by the door. I walk into the silent house, taking in every detail. The big living room hasn't changed, the fancy leather couches looking like they were bought yesterday. Mother never let us sit on them, unless guests arrive. On the wall to my left is the big window screen, showing the beautiful view of manhattan. On my right is a wall filled with family portraits. I stop walking and face the biggest picture on the wall. I remember the day we had that photoshoot, mother insisted i wear a stupid bow tie. We are wearing white and blue. Mother is wearing a nice dress, father is in his white suit and pants. Even josh looks nice in his blue pants and white shirt. I look at the white pants and blue shirt i chose, and i have to turn away. What was i thinking? I need to get this picture removed.
I walk out of the big living room and into the big dining room, there is our long wooden table, which we hardly use. It seems like a museum, feels like one as well. I can't stand looking at this empty home, i turn to my favorite room in the condo. The kitchen. As i walk in i can smell the amazing scent of the best fish tacos in town. The ones i ate as a kid, that only Mara knows how to make. Mara is standing over the stove, frying some fish and doesn't notice i walked in.
"These smell ama-" suddenly there's a spatula above my head. Her face is white and she looks like she's seen a ghost.
"BOY! WHAT IN HELL YOU THINK YOU DOIN'!" she puts the spatula down and turns off the fire.
"Sorry Mara, i'm surprising everyone and-" suddenly i cant breath as she embraces me and squeezes more than i can handle.
"It's so nice to have you back Danny, i've missed you so much." she lets go and takes a look at me from head to toe. "But boy you scared the living day light out of me. People at my age can't take such sudden emotion. You know, blood pressure and everything. Wow, i swear you grew at least five inches!" she says all this as she takes my hands in hers and rubs to warm them up. This is something she did to me since i was a young boy. I realize i appreciate it now so much more.
"I've missed you too Mara. i'm sorry i scared you." she waves her hand, meaning it's forgotten and i should feel bad. She takes my jacket off my shoulder and sits me down so eat. "You better be hungry, because i'm making you a late breakfast. No, i don't want to hear it. I know what it's like after a flight, your stomach be talking. Sit down and eat your food like a good boy. " as i try to argue, i realize there's no point. I sigh and check my phone. It's almost two, meaning i have an hour before Josh comes home. Mother will probably bring him, so i finish eating quickly, thank Mara and go to my room.
My room hasn't changed, everything stayed exactly where i left it. I put my duffle bag on the bed, and get into the bathroom. I turn on the hot water and get in the shower. Even the soups smell of home. When i go out, i wrap a towel around my wait and clean the mirror of fog. My face changed since i've been here last, and mother will not light this small beard i let grow out. I take one of the blade sand start shaving. I leave a scruff, and shape it to suit my face. I then comb my hair, because it is way too long and mother might have a heart attack if she saw it all over the place.
I go back into my bedroom and look in my closet for something to wear. I only now realize how much clothing i own, yet i cannot wear any of it. Everything is expensive and doesn't fit a regular day like today. I find in the back of the room a plain black tshirt and some old jeans. I get dressed, put on socks and a pair of sneakers and look on the mirror one more time. I look pretty decent, at least it will have to do. Suddenly i hear the door open, and the sound of people entering the condo. I walk out of my room and into the hallway, where i hear my mother talking on the phone, and josh talking to Mara.
"I have a special surprise for you." Mara helps his remove his jacket and sit by the kitchen table. Josh opens his eyes wide and looks around the kitchen.
"What is-" josh sees me and jumps off the chair. "DANIEL!" he runs across the kitchen and i bend down to hug him. He holds me around the neck so tight i'm having trouble breathing. I stand up and lift him with me.
"Hey little man! How's it been!" i smile at him and he smiles back. I put him down and look him up and down. "Wow you grew, almost as tall as Mara." i rub the hair on his head.
"Daniel, is- is that you?" i turn around and see my mother looking struck. She approaches me with her arms out, i come and hug her.
"Yes, mother. Surprise." she grabs my face and observes every detail of it. "I'm fine, mother." i see the disapproving look on her face. I take a few steps back, hoping she doesn't mention it again.
"Come Josh, in my room is a special gift one can only get in China." Josh's face lights up as he runs ahead of me to my bedroom, and i gladly choice but to follow him.
I asked mother not tell to tell my father i have come, so i can surprise him as well. Mara is staying extra hours, preparing the house for the holiday party we're going to have.
"How about i make you a reservation in the restaurant downstairs?" she asks my mother as she mixes a batter for a cake.
"Hm, alright. I'll call them, say we'll be there at eight." she texts father, telling him where we'll be, and calls the restaurant to make the reservation.
"Josh, make sure to be ready at eight, we can't be late. And please go do your homework." she turns to walk into her office.
"Mother, i finished my homework in school. I would like to go out with Daniel." he says standing nicely in front of her, his back straight like he was taught. She fixes his shirt, and smiles at him. "Very well, take care of him though. He hasn't been in the city in a while." she looks up and winks at me.
"I will! Thank you!" and he takes his jacket from Mara and runs out the front door.
