All the characters I haven't invented belong to D.E.K.

R & R please !

I want to add something. I didn't mention 9/11. I know. But I just couldn't use this tragedy. It didn't feel right. However, I don't deny it, and that's why I felt I had to explain myself on that part.

Larry went in the kitchen to fix up breakfast. Sam had agreed to take a shower and when he was done, he went in the kitchen.

- What did Grandma say ?
- Let's just eat.

Larry was pretty sure he was mad, but he didn't really know why. Was it because he had admitted talking to Ally was too hard for him or because of his mother's threat never to talk to him ? Or was it because when he hung up on his mother, the only thing he was thinking was that she was right again ?
Why was Ally single again ? She looked quite happy when he saw her in Boston with blond guy. Larry realized he never asked Coretta to confirm her message. He took his cellphone, quickly wrote : "Was your last message some kind of sick joke ? Larry."
It could have been more friendly, but Larry wasn't himself.
Few seconds later, he received the answer. Anxious, he first thought of waiting. But it was too hard.

"Took you long enough. Wasn't kiddin. Won't joke abt that. Do smtg!"
Do something.. so what ? It seems so simple for them all.

Larry remembered his mother's words.. "I didn't raise a coward !"
He sat down. He would drive Sam to Jamie's place that evening. And then, he would be alone again. He couldn't bear that thought anymore.
He stayed there, on the sofa, all afternoon. Sam was in his room, reading, playing with his new stuff.
The evening came fast.

- Dad ?

Larry looked up at Sam, and waited for him to continue.

- I think we should go. She won't be happy if we're late..

Larry stood up, nodded, and smiled at him.

- You're okay ? Sam asked, surprised his father hasn't said a wor yet.

Larry nodded. Smiled again. But those were forced smiles.

- Okay, Sam said. He went in his room, took his bag.

Larry was already waiting at the door, his car keys in the hand.
They drove to Jamie's place, Larry parked the car. Came out of it, so did Sam. He took his son's bag, they went upstairs, knocked at Jamie's door.
She opened, smiled.

- Hey you ! How was the trip ? Good ?
- It was great ! Sam answered. I wish we were still there !
- Oh, so you're glad to be back, I see.. Jamie said, irony in her voice. Bitterness too. And you ? she said looking at Larry, How are you ?

Larry nodded, smiled.

- Dad's not talking today, Sam explained.
- Why ? Jamie asked.
- Dunno.

Larry looked at his watch, acted like his was late to do something, hugged Sam, and nodded Jamie goodbye.

- Not talking at all. You're sick Larry, Jamie stated.

Larry waved goodbye and went away.

He went home. His apartment felt cold. He sat down on the sofa again.
He looked around. Nothing felt like home.
He took his laptop, type few things on the keyboard, turned the laptop off again. Went in his room and went to bed. The day had been extraordinarily exhausting.
The next morning, he took a shower, had a cup of coffee, took his wallet, laptop and cellphone and went out.
Four hours later, he was.. in Boston, stading in front of Cage and Fish's building.
He looked at it. He was shaky, anxious, even scared. But he wouldn't back down this time.
He took a deep breath, and walked in. Entered the elevator. Stepped out of it. Looked around. Ally's office was occupied by someone else.
He looked again, and realized all eyes were on him.

He was stared at like some weird creature. He looked at everyone, one by one. Stopped on Richard.
Richard looked angry, disgusted.
For the first time in two days, Larry spoke.

- Where is she ? he asked Richard.
- How dare you come back here ? After all you've done ? And you really think I'm gonna tell you ?! Richard was yelling. He was definitely yelling, but Larry didn't care. It was like until he found out what he wanted to know, he wouldn't hear anything.

Coretta came in the room.

- What going on her... ?! Larry ?! What're you doing here ?

She looked at Richard, then again at Larry.

Larry acknowledged her presence.

- Where is she ? he asked her.
- Ally ? Ally left Larry, Coretta answered.

Larry turned his head, looking at the walls, trying to figure out what to do with this information.

- Coretta, don't you tell him ! Richard said.
- Why ?
- He doesn't deserve her, she deserves to be left alone, and find her own happiness. I love her too much to let him break her again.
- Where is she ? Larry asked again.

Coretta looked at Richard, then Larry, and Richard again.

- Tell me where ! Larry said, getting upset.

Noone answered.

- You don't get to be angry at me, he added. Don't you think that, me being here means I understood what a huge lazy moron I've been ! WHERE IS SHE ? he said. He was yelling at first. But he soon dropped the angry face, he looked desperate now.

Some of the tension in the room had disappeared. But still, they all remained silent.

- Please.. he begged.

After few seconds, he nodded, smiled at them.

- I'm sorry. I'll go. He turned around, press the elevator button. The doors opened.
- She is New York Larry, Coretta let out.
- Coretta ! Richard yelled.
- But Larry, she.. Coretta ignored Richard's comment but was cut by Larry.
- New York ? he looked at her, stepped in the elevator. Thanks Coretta.
- Larry wait ! She's..

The doors closed.

He took a cab. Talking to them had taken a lot of energy and courage. He had to remain silent and focus again. The plane took off.
Larry closed his eyes during the whole flight. He wasn't sleeping, but he didn't want anyone to talk to him. The plane landed. Larry opened his eyes, and went out of the plane, and out of the airport. Took a cab.
Once in the sidewalk, out of the cab, he realized he didn't know where to look. A week before, she was everywhere he was. But he had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy this time. He should have trusted his instinct in the first place.
He entered a Starbucks, turned his laptop on. Google her name and found nothing.

Coretta.

He took his cell phone. "Answer this one question : what's her address ?"
The answer came fast :"Morning Side - 116 Street/8 Avenue, Manhattan Avenue."

Larry took another cab, and once in Manhattan avenue, he looked for the exact address. After half an hour, he finally found it. A beautiful red-bricked building.
He stared at it, standing up in the sidewalk. Just facing it. It might have been 10 minutes or 10 hours. He didn't really know.
He finally moved to look at his watch. 3.30 a.m.

She must be at work. Wait. Did she find a job ? Maybe she's inside. Now what ?

He made a step toward the door. And stopped. Another hour went by. People were coming and going before his eyes, some of them looking at him, some of them ignoring him. All living their lives.

- You're the man I've seen in Boston, said a girl.

Larry looked down. It was Maddie.

- What are you doing here ? she asked.
- I .. uh.. what are YOU doing here ?
- Uh, I live here ?
- You're here alone ?
- No. Wait. I'm sure I've seen you somewhere before. What you're name ?
- Who are you here with ?
- She's coming. She's paying for the cab.

Larry turned his head. There she was. She turned to look for Maddie, and saw him.

Okay, here we go. Hey look, Larry's standing on the sidewalk, talking to Maddie. How fun ! she thought. Wait.. talking to Maddie ?

- Maddie ?
- Hey Ally, this man's looking for you, Maddie said, coming next to Ally.
- So you're saying you can actually see him ?

Maddie looked at her, and then understood. Her eyes wide opened, just like her mouth.

- ohh, it's him ? It's Larry ? she asked.

No answer.

- Are you Larry ? she asked him.

Larry looked at her. Uh ? What the hell ? What's the girl doing here ?

- Hello ?! Earth to Ally, Earth to Ally ! Is it Larry ? Maddie asked again.

She looked at Larry, moved her hand before his eyes.

- Anyone's home ? Are you Larry ?

Larry finally nodded.

- Yeah..

With that, he started walking away.

- Wait ! Ally was yelling now.

Maddie looked at her, very surprised, even a little scared.

- You came all this way just to leave again ?!
- Ally, people are watching, stop yelling, Maddie said, lowering her head not to be recognized.
- I don't give a damn ! she replied.

Larry had stopped. But he was still not facing her.

- What are you doing here ?! Ally said, losing it. Did you come to break what's left of me ?

Larry turned his head a little.

- Do you really think SHE should witness this ? he asked.

Ally had to admit he was right.

- Maddie, go inside.
- But..
- But what ? I'm telling you to go inside. Do you want to fight me on this ? Really ? Ally said.

Maddie looked at her fiercely and entered the building.

- Now what ? Ally said to Larry. What are you doing here !
- I came to ask you to forgive me for leaving like I did. But what's the point ? I realize now you're not single after all, I don't want to mess with your life.
- You could have the decency to look at me when you're talking !

Larry turned around.

- You're right, he said.
- You came to ask for forgiveness ? Do you think I want to forgive you? Do you know how much you've hurt me ?
- I came to learn it.
- You came to LEARN it ? How ? Did you experience abandonment ? And betrayal ?
- No. I just dreamt you were the one who had left.
- And you were the one who had been cheated on ? and lied to ? Ally shouted. I can't believe it !
- I never cheated on you.
- Right. Just because it's your ex-wife, it doesn't mean you're not cheating on me.
- Forget it. I shouldn't have come. I'll go, Larry said.

He was about to leave, but he decided to take a good look at her before leaving.

She's so beautiful, even when she's angry..

- You're still here, Ally said.
- Right. I just wanted.. nothing, forget it. I'm sorry I've hurt you. Even if you don't forgive me, at least you'll know I'm sorry. Goodbye.

With that he left, took a plane back to Detroit and went in his apartment.

8.00 a.m. Larry was on his bed, looking at the alarm-clock. The room was dark. The whole place was dark.
9.00 a.m. He would spend the next day with Sam.
10.00 a.m. I knew I shouldn't have gone to her. They were all wrong. I certainly don't feel better, and I'm pretty sure Ally hates me more than ever.
11.00 a.m. She really thinks I cheated on her with Helena ?! So Coretta really didn't tell her anything..

00.15 p.m. Larry's cellphone lighted on. "So what happened ? Did you see her ?" It was Coretta.
"Seen her. Hates me. Back in Detroit. Was right. Shouldn't have." was all Larry could come up with.
"Can't be that bad. What did she say ?"
"I hurt her. Btw, she's not single. Still thinks I cheated on her."
"what do u mean not single ? I can call her if u want.."
"No, don't. Let it go."
"Larry, Ally is single. She told me. Don't give up."
"Gd Night Coretta."
"I'm callin her"
"NO. Go to bed. It's my pb, not yours."

Then Coretta tried to call him. But he didn't answer.

1.00 p.m. Larry was exhausted, and finally fell asleep.

He woke up at 8.00 p.m. Took a shower. Dressed up. Drove to Jamie's place.

- Hey, he said. He's ready ?
- Oh, you're talking today ? she said.
- Yeah. He's ready ?
- Sam ! You're father's here !

Sam came out of his bedroom, his backpack on.

- Let's go, Larry said.

Sam looked at him.

- What ? Larry asked.
- You're okay ?
- Let's go Sam.
- Fine, Sam agreed. He knew he wouldn't have the answer he was looking for.

They went back to Larry's place.

- Do you have some homeworks you need help with ?
- No. I've done everything I had to yesterday. Are you okay ?
- Why do you keep asking me this ? Yes I'm good.
- Dad you can't lie.
- Okay, I'm not good. What are you going to do about it ?
- Why aren't you okay ?
- Because my son is exhausting. He can't stop asking questions, Larry said.
- Liar.
- Deal with it.

Sam shrugged his shoulders.

- It's still Ally right ?

Larry didn't answer and went in the kitchen to see if he had to do some shopping. Sam looked around. One day his father was seeing Ally on sidewalks, the next he was just not talking anymore, and now he was pretending nothing happened.
He found a plane ticket for New York, and put it back thinking it was the one they used to go to New York together. Then he found the one for Boston and thought that it was weird. Larry had been back for a month at least. So he looked it more carefully.

- Dad ? He began, but then he saw a calendar.
- Yes ? Larry answered from the kitchen.
- Oh, nothing. I found what I was looking for.
- Okay.

Sam read on the calendar "October 6th, 2001" and the plane ticket for Boston read "10/05/01"
His father had been in Boston the day before.
He looked for other information, and found a piece of paper where Larry had written "Ally : Morning Side - 116 Street/8 Avenue, Manhattan Avenue".

Manhattan ? why would Ally be in Manhattan ?

He decided to do someting that would probably make his father mad at him, but he thought it was worth it. He took his father's cellphone, the apartment's phone and went in his bedroom. He looked up for a number in the cellphone's memory. He had done that kind of search a zillions times when he had called Susan or Jamie.
He found the number he was looking for and dialed it on the apartment's phone.

- Hello ? a woman answered.
- Hello. Are you Ally ?
- I am. Who are you ? Ally asked.
- I'm Sam. Sam Paul.
- Oh my god. You gotta be kidding me! Tell your father this is not going to work !
- Wait ! He doesn't know I'm calling. I'm not supposed to be calling you right now. I swear.
- Why are you calling then ?
- My dad's really weird. Did you see him yesterday ?
- He came here. Yes. Why don't you talk with him ?
- He won't talk about anything important.
- Well, he certainly will talk to you about me. I'm not important in his life. Trust me.

Sam laughed.

- That's a good joke. You make the same kind of jokes he does.
- There was no joke, Ally said.
- You think you're not important for him ?
- I don't think so. I know so.
- Wow, you're just as silly as he is.
- Look, was there something you had to tell me ? because I'm not about to stay on the phone with you if you're going to insult me.
- Sorry. I didn't want to upset you. Okay, yes. There's something. My dad is really sad. And he misses you a lot. And he thinks he did the worst thing ever made on earth to you.
- Okay. And ? Ally was a little upset now.
- And he loves you. More than he loves my mother, and more than he loves Helena.
- Funny you should talk about Helena. How is she ?
- I don't know, he never talks about her, and I haven't seen her since my dad and her divorced. Why ?
- Nevermind, Ally replied. She found that weird though.
- Okay. I would like to ask you something. I won't tell my dad about it, I swear.
- Okay.
- Do you love him ?
- Sam, you're very nice and sweet, but that's none of your business.
- When my dad doesn't answer a question, it always means yes.
- I've got to go Sam.
- Okay, Sam said, disappointed.
- Bye.
- Bye Ally.

Larry called him 10 minutes later.

- Sam ! We're going out, come on !

They went out shopping for some groceries, went back home and had lunch. They spent the afternoon watching movies since it was raining.

- Dad ?
- Yes ?
- What did you do yesterday ?
- Why ?
- Just to know.
- I stayed here, Larry lied.
- What did you do ?
- Worked a little, watch a little tv, read a book.
- Which book ?
- Why all those questions ? he looked at Sam suspisciously.

Sam shrugged his shoulders. Larry looked around, everything was normal.

- No really, why are you asking ?
- What movie did you watch ?
- Okay. What do you know ?
- Did you watch Boston Legal and CSI Manhattan ? Mom liked those ones.
- Did you go through my stuff ? Larry said, getting angry.
- You wouldn't talk.
- Okay, yes I went to Boston and New York. So what ?
- What did you do there ? Did you see Ally ?
- No I..
- Not even in, wait what was that ? Sam stood up, went to the desk, opened the drawer and reached out the piece of paper. Right, not even in Morning side ?
- Okay, I've seen her.
- And !?
- She hates me, end of the discussion !

Sam knew he'd better go in his room and stay there while his father calm down. Two hours later, Larry called him.

- Sam ! Get ready, we're going to your mother's place, Larry said. His voice was calm again.

Larry had been thinking a lot. The fact that Sam had to go back to Jamie's place added to Ally's hating him and living in New York, that was just too much.
Sam came out, carefully looked at him, not knowing what to do, how to behave.. where to go. Larry stood up, took his keys and drove him to Jamie's place.
They went to the door..
Jamie opened the door, looked at them.

- What happened ? You're early.
- Dad's angry.
- What did you do ? Jamie asked Sam.
- I discovered he went to Boston and New York to see Ally yesterday.
- I'm not angry. Not Anymore.
- New York ? Jamie cut.
- Yes, she lives there now. Sam answered.
- She lives in the city you spent your vacations in ? How convenient ! Jamie said.
- He didn't know Ally...
- SHUT UP Sam ! I'm talking to your father.
- Oh, that's nice. Sam, could you go in you bedroom, please ? Larry asked.
- Fine.

Before Sam had left the room, Jamie spoke again :
- What happened there ? Your little tramp didn't take you back ? Jamie asked.
- No she didn't take me back. Did I just hear you tell Sam to "shut up" ?
- Don't change the subject.
- No, you don't change the subject !
- I'm sorry ?
- What ? Do you think it's a way to talk to your son ?
- Don't tell me how to raise Sam. You're too late for that ! Had she taken you back, you wouldn't be standing here today.
- You're wrong. I would have come back. I won't let him behind again. Actually, I should probably take him with me.
- Excuse me ? What do you mean by "take him with you" ?
- Full custody. That's what I mean.

Sam, who hadn't closed the door, heard those two words he had longed to hear coming from his father's mouth.

- YOU'RE KIDDING RIGHT ! Jamie yelled.
- Maybe not. Seeing how you talk to our son, I'm really thinking about it.
- I think you should leave now ! Jamie said.
- Sam, I'm leaving. Goodbye buddy ! Larry shouted.

Sam came out of his room.

- Take me with you !
- You were listenning ! Jamie got angry. How many times did I tell you to stop acting like a little rat !
- Hey ! Larry stopped her.
- Oh, what ? He shouldn't listen to our conversations when he's sent to his bedroom.
- He wasn't sent to his bedroom, he was asked to go there. And he heard us talking about him.
- Sam, go back to your bedroom, Larry go away !
- Come here buddy.
- Sam, if you move you're grounded for the rest of the year.
- Jamie, I won't take him. Now, back off, Larry said.

He went to Sam, put a knee down, and told him :

- Look Sam. You have to stay here. I can't take you with me. I just wanted to show her that she shouldn't talk to you like that. But I can't take you with me. I've been thinking. I'm not giving up on Ally. I have to go to New York. And your life is here.
- But I don't want to stay with her.. Sam said, tears forming at the corner of his eyes.

Larry hugged him.

- I'll be back. I swear. I won't be away too long. And it won't be like Boston. I'll come back very often. Okay ?
- I knew you would leave me here again, Sam said. He ran in his bedroom.

Larry was fighting the tears that were forming in his eyes.

- There. Your son's staying with you. Bye Jamie.

Larry went away. Once out of Jamie's sight, he didn't have a reason to fight, and two tears dropped from his eyes. He called Milton.

- Milton ? It's Larry Paul. Remember that time when you told me Orthon, James and Parks has lawfirms allover the country ?
- Yes.
- What did you mean ?
- Well, we're in Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, New York, Philadelphia, Miami..
- Did you just say New York ?
- I did. Why ? Milton asked.
- Do you think you might be looking for a new associate in New York ?
- Why ?
- Because I'm moving there.
- To New York ?
- Yes. And as much as I would like to keep on working with you, I'm leaving Detroit.
- When are you leaving ?
- As soon as possible. I have to do it fast, before I change my mind. Probably tomorrow, maybe even tonight.
- Okay. Give me an hour, I'll call you back.
- Okay, thanks.

Back at the apartment, Larry packed everything he could. He took his laptop, looked for a flight to New York, and found one leaving 5 hours later. He booked it and booked a hotel room in New York. Then, he called a moving company, explained the situation. He didn't want to get rid of his furnitures. Not all of them at least.

Milton called.

- Are you sure you want to leave, son ?
- Yes, Milton. I know it's happening very fast, but I'm sure. I have to. I've booked the flight, the hotel room, called the moving company, and packed my things up.
- You're quick.
- I told you, it has to be fast. Otherwise, I might change my mind.
- Okay. Well, since you brought a lot of money to the firm, we can't let you go. You're tranferred to New York.
- Really ?
- Yes. We can't lose Sting.
- Yes, that's obviously why this is done. You're afraid of losing Sting. Right, Larry smiled. Thanks a lot Milton. I won't forget that.
- I know you won't. I'm quite often in New York. We often visit our different firms.

Milton hung up, and Larry went in the kitchen, took everything he had in the cupboards, and in the fridge and went out to give it away to charity.
He came back to the apartment, sat down, and his phone rang.

- Larry Paul.
- Hi Larry.
- Coretta ? Hello.
- I called Ally. I didn't say anything special. I just called her.
- Okay.
- And then I thought I ought to check up on you. How are you ?
- I'm okay. I'm quite busy actually. I'm not giving up. I'm going to New York. To live there.
- Really ? Coretta asked, surprised.
- Yes. I started something. I have to finish it now. I'm not asking her to love me again. I'll take whatever she's able to give me. And if she's not able to give me anything, then at least I'll have given it a shot.
- You're right.
- I'm sorry, Coretta, I gotta go or else I'm gonna miss my flight.
- You're going tonight ?
- Uh uh, yeah. The sooner the better.
- Okay. Bye then. Oh, Larry, she really is single.
- Coretta, I'm not an idiot, Larry said, good night.

Coretta didn't understand why he kept on believing that Ally wasn't single, but she was glad he finally decided to act on his feelings. Larry parked his car in the driveway, and left a set of keys in the kitchen. The moving company would take care of it.

The cab he had called to go to the airport arrived, he took all his bags and went away. He thought about Sam. It was very hard to leave him in Detroit. In a perfect world, he wouldn't have to chose between Ally and Sam. But then again, this was not a perfect world.

The plane took off, Larry still confident. He was right to leave. He arrived at 4.00 p.m. in his hotel, put his bags on the ground and fell asleep. He was in New York. Close to Ally. He woke up at 11.00 p.m. and had a quick brunch.

For what he had seen, Manhattan was a great and beautiful district, and the lawfirm had settled there too. He turned on his laptop, and looked for apartment to rent. It didn't last long. He took an appointment to visit 4 of them on the next morning. He went out, looking for the lawfirm. He thought about all he had to do on the next day. He decided to call Sam.

- Hello Jamie. Can I get Sam on the phone ?
- Sam ! Your father's on the phone !
- I don't want to talk to him !
- You heard.

Larry was prepared to Sam's reaction.

- Tell him I have something really important to say and that he will certainly be interested.
- Your father says it's important and interesting.
- How important ?
- Not life threatening important, but almost.
- Very important ! Jamie told Sam.
- That's not enough.
- Jamie, you have to repeat what I've said, please, I'm out of your life. Please ?
- Not life threatening important, but almost, she repeated finally.

Sam came over the phone.

- What !
- I don't know which color I should pick for you room here..
- What are you talking about dad ?
- I told you, it won't be another Boston. You made it clear that you would have wanted to visit me from time to time. New York will be different. I'm going to rent an apartment with two rooms. And you will come over here every chance you get.
- What's almost life threatening here ?
- Nothing. I knew you wouldn't come if you didn't think it was really important.
- Blue walls. Grey or black floor.
- Okay. And when you'll come, we'll go out and buy your bed and everything. Okay ?
- Uh uh.
- Are we okay ? Larry asked.
- Yes. We are.
- Okay. Good. I'll call you tomorrow okay ?
- Yeah.
- Bye Sam.
- Bye Dad.

Larry hung up. Gosh that was hard on him. He realized he hadn't tell Susan anything about what was going on and called her.

- Hello ?
- Hi mom.
- Hello. Are you going to hang up on me again ?
- I don't think I'll have to.
- Is that so ? How come ? Susan asked.
- I'm calling from New York.
- Good for you. What are you doing there ?
- Ally's living in New York now.

He told her about the past few days, and when he was done, Susan spoke again.

- Don't mess it up this time.
- I told you she's not single. But I'll talk to her. I have no right to be upset.
- That's right.

Larry looked at his watch. 6.30 a.m. He had spent all the afternoon wandering in the streets.

- Mom, I have to go back to the hotel.
- Okay. Take care. Good night.
- 'Night mom.

He went back to the hotel, ate dinner and went to bed early.

I spent the whole afternoon writting when I should have been studying for my exam tomorrow, lol. I guess we'll call that a real addiction.

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.

Let me know what you think ;-)

P.S. : Don't worry about me, or my exams ;-)