It was Monday. Ben, Gwen, Kevin, and Julie were in New York, enjoying a week's vacation and being shown the sights of the City that Never Sleeps. Today, they were visiting Ellis Island, Liberty Island and the Statue of "Liberty Enlightening the World", and then there were going to take a late afternoon tour of Grand Central Station. The day began with Kevin's mother, or Mom, preparing breakfast for the group. As everyone ate, she said, "I'm going to prepare a wonderful dinner for you all. It's a surprise, so have your appetites ready!" Everyone chimed in agreement about the dinner, and began talking about where they were going to sightsee.

Kevin said, "We'll drive into the city. Then we can take a bus to the ferry for Ellis Island and Liberty Island. After that, we can have a picnic in the Liberty State Park. Then we can come back to the city and tour the Grand Central Station. Sound like a plan?"

Everyone cheered their assent, before returning to their rooms to change. About an hour later, they were heading out. They left the car at one of the paid parking garages, and then made their way to the bus stop. Soon, they were on their way to the ferries.

After an short trip on the ferry, the group found themselves at the Ellis Island Memorial. They walked inside the building, marveling at what they saw. There was the desk where immigrants from Europe would sign in and the dormitories where the immigrants slept while waiting for families and friends. Kevin saw something and pointed to Gwen. She giggled at the suggestion, and said to Ben, "Hey Ben, Julie, look. It's the 'Kissing Post'. It's where immigrants met family members and greeted them with hugs and kisses."

Ben said, "And what's your point?"

Kevin said, "You and Julie should kiss- as if Julie was an immigrant and you were her boyfriend come to see her arrive."

Julie said, "You do know that Japan is in the other direction, right?" Her cheeks were tinged red at the suggestion. I do want to kiss Ben…

"C'mon! It'll make for a great moment" Kevin said.

Ben relented, and said "OK. We'll do it." He and Julie walked to the post and embraced. Ben looked into Julie's eyes and saw that she was ready. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. They didn't hear the click of the camera, and they didn't care. They separated, and Ben said, "I hope you're taking notes. That's how you kiss a girl, Kevin…" Ben then put his arm around Julie's waist and led her to the next area.

Kevin shook his head, before Gwen led him away. They continued their tour, through the Great Hall and the museum. The quartet then headed for Liberty Island, a short trip away. They disembarked from the ferry, and stared in awe at the Statue of Liberty. Even Kevin was at a loss for words.

They headed into the Statue, looking at the exhibits in the ground floor. Eventually, they began their ascent into the upper levels of the statue, making their way to the head. They looked out of the windows and saw the city. They headed down and to the park, where they had a picnic. After buying hot dogs and sodas, they sat on the benches and enjoyed their lunch. They then returned on the ferries, where they took a bus to Grand Central Station. They toured the station, seeing where the trains came and left, and walked through the terminal. After their tour, they took the bus back to the parking garage, where they drove back to Kevin's mom's home.

As they opened the door, Gwen commented, "Something smells good." Everyone else smelled the air and agreed. They went into the kitchen, when Mom was finishing the meal. Mom said, "Oh, kids. You're back. How was your day?

Kevin said, "It was totally awesome. What's for dinner?" Mom said, " I made meatloaf with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, green peas, and a chocolate fudge cake for dessert. So sit down, everyone, because dinner's ready!"

Everyone got settled at the table and Kevin's mom served up the food. Unlike the first day, she had prepared herself a plate and sat down with everyone else and ate. And after everyone ate their fill, Kevin's mom said, "All right. Boys…you get to do the dishes. Girls, you can come with me into the living room."

Ben and Kevin groaned, but got up and washed the dishes as they were told. Gwen, Julie and Kevin's mom sat in the living room, talking about the guys. Kevin's mom turned to Julie, and said, "You, miss. You seem different from your friends. I'm guessing that they all seem special, and you're just 'plain'"

Julie nodded. Kevin's mom continued, "That hasn't stopped you from finding a place with them-or a place in Ben's heart. I see that he cares a lot for you. And you care a lot for him, don't you?"

Julie said, "I love Ben. I wouldn't give that up for anything." Kevin's mom said, "Despite what Ben does, and the dangers he faces, you're willing to stay by his side? You remind me of ...me at your age…when I met Kevin's father. I loved him so much…and I knew what dangerous work he did….but I loved him so much…when he died, I felt like I lost everything. And Kevin…"she stopped, breaking up and nearly crying at the memories.

Julie replied, "I'm sorry, Ms. Levin. I shouldn't have…" Kevin's mom said, "It's not your fault, dear." Julie said, "I'm going to see what Ben's up too. Leave him alone too long, and something's bound to happen." She got up and went to the kitchen.

Kevin's mom looked at Gwen. "So, Gwen. You're the girl that my Kevin has opened his heart to." She said.

Gwen said, "Yes. I knew that Kevin was a lost, lonely soul who needed someone to show him love. I knew of his past, but…"

Kevin's mom said, "I am to blame. I remarried when Kevin was young. I believed that he needed a 'father'- but the man I married was so cruel to Kevin. I see why he ran away…"

Gwen said, "That's so terrible! Did you try to look for Kevin?" Kevin's mom said, "I tried, but I didn't know where to look. And then I saw that…thing called "Kevin 11", and my heart broke. My son…was that thing…and it was all my fault! I should have been a better mother…."

Gwen said, "But that's in the past. Kevin forgives you…he's not the same person as that 'Kevin 11'. I know Kevin isn't perfect, but you can't blame yourself for how things turned out. He's a Plumber, now. He's working to help people and to atone for what he's done. You should be proud of him."

Kevin's mom said, "I am very proud of him. And I know his father-his real father-is proud of him, too. But I see something else, too. I am happy that Kevin has opened his heart to you. And you, have given Kevin your heart, as well. I see that you both make each other happy. And that's all I ever wanted for Kevin."

Gwen was silent, but she had learned a little more about the man she was in love with. That man, Kevin, came into the living room, along with Ben and Julie. "Alright, then. Here's what's on tap for tomorrow." Kevin announced. "We've got the Central Park Zoo, and the Empire State Building. We'll hit the zoo first, then go check out the Empire State Building. Hey, we might even get some shopping in…I know you ladies will love that" he finished.

Gwen and Julie both squealed excitedly at the prospect of shopping, and Kevin said in a low voice to Ben, "Don't forget to keep the ladies happy…"

As night fell, everyone retreated to their bedrooms, eager for another day of sightseeing in the Big Apple.