Elizabeth stared blankly at the smiling one year old on the box of diapers that sat in the baby aisle of her supermarket. Although, she thought, looking around, there isn't anything super about this place!
It was a typical New York City grocery store that was found in poorer sections of the city. They provided the neighborhood with sub standard goods for the most part, and most residents had no choice but to shop there.
She watched as a young woman picked up a box while she pushed a stroller that carried a toddler. Another child ran up to her, crying because he dropped his sippy cup on the grimy floor. A supermarket employee tried to be helpful by picking up the cup and handed it to the child, whose only response was to scream louder.
Mommmyyyyyyy,! he wailed.
Elizabeth looked at his already aggravated mother, and tried not to stare. The obviously pregnant woman couldn't be more than twenty five and she already had two children. Now she had another one coming.
Well, Elizabeth thought. You're no different than her. She probably lives in an apartment as horrible as yours. She probably doesn't have a husband. She had sex and so did you. And in eight months…... she might be able to give you a few pointers.
Elizabeth shook her head and made her way to the produce aisle.
How can I be pregnant?
Because Liz, she reprimanded herself, you are not a gynecologist and you're obviously too dumb to get the rhythm method right. So much for your being careful and abstaining while you're ovulating. You failed at charting your cycle and now you have a baby in you. And there's just no excuse for not using any other methods of birth control. Good job genius!
She knew that sex created babies, she had figured that out from reading biology books when she was six years old. She didn't quite understand the actual mechanics of sex back then, but she knew that babies didn't come from a stork. It was late March when the OB/Gyn told her she was one month along.
Nicholas had gone to London for three weeks to raise capital and meet potential clients.
Elizabeth was beginning to get frantic.
How was she going to tell him? How was she going to tell her parents? She looked around at her dreary little room and knew that there was no way she wanted her child to call it home. She pictured herself, carrying a stroller up the four flights of stairs, huffing and puffing in the heat of the laundromat, having to fend off vermin that wanted to attack her precious baby in the middle of the night.
The oven in her shared apartment had recently stopped working, and their cheapskate landlord informed his tenants that he wanted an extra hundred dollars a month from each of them before he would consider fixing it. The four room mates sat down and all agreed that they weren't going to pay, since none of them had time to bake anyway.
So in protest, they found a polite way to tell the landlord to screw his oven, and kept paying him the same amount. Elizabeth imagined herself, having to tell a sweet, dark haired, green eyed little boy that Mommy couldn't bake him a cake, since Mommy's apartment was a terrible place to live and they didn't have an oven. She inhaled deeply, fretting about her current situation. Living like this was tolerable enough for her, but there was no way she could bring up her child in this dump!
Elizabeth pictured Nicholas' studio apartment. It was certainly no place to bring up an infant. Where were they going to put the crib? Where would they store the baby's clothes? Her heart began fluttering. Their relationship was so fresh, so new. She still had a lot of insecurities, so many hopes and expectations,and now she was about to add a child into the equation! Elizabeth could already see the looks on the faces of Nicholas' family after they found out.
They're all going to think I got pregnant on purpose!
You made your bed Elizabeth, she said to herself. No,! she shook her head. You laid in Nicholas' bed. And now you're going to deal with it!
She put her head in her hand, deep in thought on her next step.
Her salary was significantly better than when she first arrived in the city, particularly since in addition to being a staff writer, she had become an assistant producer of the television show.
It was time to get her own place. She loved her roommates, had grown fond of them, counted them as her friends. But she needed more. She couldn't stay her closet sized room in someone else's house forever. She wasn't fabulously wealthy, but she was very happy with what she had accomplished. She had money in the bank, enough for what she hoped would be going towards a down payment.
The money her father told her about at Christmas was about to be put to good use. If this wasn't a rainy day, then she didn't know what was. Her child deserved this, deserved something much better than what she had now. Her hard work and patience would have to pay off. Buying property was always a good investment. Nicholas had hinted several times that he wanted them to move in together, but she had always held back, frightened about taking that step.
Shacking up with a man? Really Liz,? she giggled to herself. But he wasn't just any man. She was sure she loved him, more sure than anything. And that he loved her, still loved her, after all those years. Maybe that is what she was truly afraid of, the intensity of her feelings. She wanted to surprise him, show him that she had grown up, no longer the naive child she had been.
I need to find an agent, she thought. Memories of her flight a year ago came flooding back to her mind. The man she sat next to worked in real estate, she recalled, as she looked for the business card he handed to her. Peter Avery was the name written on it. She examined the card and dialed the number.
Mr Avery,? Elizabeth said, her tone nervous, as a male voice answered the phone.You might not remember me, but we sat next to each other on a flight from California? It was last year, in April. You spilled something on me. Remember?
Ah yes, the voice said in recognition.
I'll never forget such a lovely girl. I always wondered what happened to you...?
Elizabeth, she reminded him.
Yes, now I remember. Elizabeth.
So what can I help you with?
Well, I'm looking for a place, Elizabeth said her anxiety mounting.
Buy or rent,? he asked.
Buy, she swallowed.
Really? Are you ready to take the plunge and delve into buying real estate? There are lots of sharks out there, but me, I'm more like a dolphin, but only for nice young ladies like yourself. This makes me very excited.
I always love getting homes for new clients. I have listings on Park Ave, the Village, lots of places in Brooklyn. Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, you name it. You want a palace, I've got a palace.
You want a hole in the wall? I've got that too. Lots of properties in the Bronx, if that's what you want. And if it's Queens…. Well... What area are you looking for?
Elizabeth tensed. I don't know. I would love to live in Manhattan, but I know I can't afford it. One of the outer boroughs would be much better for me, except Staten Island. It's way too far. And, I have to commute to the city every morning.
I see, Mr Avery said. So are you a first time buyer?
Yes. Elizabeth said.
Hmmmm, well eventually you'll probably need to get a lawyer.
But first, most important is how much are you willing to spend?
Well, not too much. I mean, nothing more than two hundred thousand, that's about as much as I can afford.
Well, there are some nice studios in the city for around that price. You don't get a lot of space, but I have some in very good neighborhoods.
Do you want something new? Or prewar. Art Deco?
Elizabeth frowned in confusion. I'm not sure. I love the look of older buildings, but I am aware that they come with a mountain load of problems that I'm not prepared to handle. I live in an older building now, and I'm looking to try something a bit more modern.
Well, I'm glad you called me. I think I have something that you'll like. It's brand new. It's perfect for young people like yourself. The area isn't the best, but, I think you'll be able to afford it. Why don't you meet me there?
OK, Elizabeth agreed, her heart racing.
How about tomorrow? Maybe around six in the evening? Take the seven train, one stop from Grand Central and meet me outside of the station. It's Vernon Jackson Ave.
Alright. I'll call you tomorrow to confirm…
The next day, Elizabeth stood at the corner of fiftieth avenue and Jackson Avenue waiting for Mr Avery to show up. She knew it was way to early to feel her baby moving, but she convinced herself that the butterflies in her stomach was he or she kicking her to get out of the gross apartment she was living in and find somewhere better.
She looked around at her surroundings. A lone tower, stood among several shorter buildings.
There you are, Mr Avery emerged from the bottom of the subway stairs. His toupee was no longer on his head, giving him a completely different appearance. I'm sorry to be a little late. The train was stuck at Times Square. Some signal issue, he explained, as he shook her hand.
Nice to see you again Elizabeth, he winked at her. Now follow me, I'll take you to the listing. They walked in silence for a couple of minutes. Now I know what you're thinking. This area isn't exactly the Upper East Side. Am I right?
Yes, Elizabeth laughed, as she became more relaxed.
Although my neighborhood isn't much better, she said.
It looks bad now, but don't worry. Things are looking up, especially on the waterfront, Mr Avery said.
Wow, I didn't realize we were so close to the river, Elizabeth exclaimed, looking at the Chrysler building shining in the sunlight.
I know, it's pretty amazing isn't it? This area has been rezoned recently. Basically, whoever buys into this building will be a pioneer. There's nothing here, no shops, no supermarkets.
Just warehouses and garages.
There's a lack of facilities, but the city is just one stop away. There are many more established neighborhoods, once you move further into Queens. They entered the lobby of the tower and he motioned her over to the elevator. This building is so new, they don't even have a full time doorman yet, he said, as he pressed the forty two button.
Wow, we're going that high?
Yes, I thought I would show you the nicer apartments first, reel you in so you can't say no, Mr Avery grinned.
Elizabeth smiled, feeling more at ease. Where are you from originally?
I'm actually from South Jersey. I first came to the city, went to medical school, failed miserably, ended up as an EMT, and then made my way into real estate. I've also been a dealer in AC,
AC?
Atlantic City. I washed windows, was a bartender, anything to make it. Not everyone makes it. It doesn't matter how smart and tough you think you are, this city is a hard place to be in, he said opening the door to apartment three A.
We're not on the third floor, Elizabeth observed curiously. So why does it say three A?
That's because we're on the penthouse level, Mr Avery explained. There are thirty nine regular floors, and after that it's the penthouses. It's all real estate speak, designed to attract potential buyers like yourself.
I see, Elizabeth nodded.
I think you'll really like this, he said as she followed him in. The best thing about this building, is that, they can't build anything residential in front of it. There are plans for a library, which won't be anything above five stories. So the views will be safe forever.
Oh wow, Elizabeth said, looking out the window. I can see everything from here.
Told you. Nice huh? If the missus wasn't so keen on her fresh coffee from Eli's every morning, I would move right in. You know what? Two of the penthouses below have been sold. There are four penthouse floors, he said, motioning her over to the bedrooms.
Penthouse one A and one B are both sold. They both have large outdoor terraces, but only one bedroom. Two A is in contract. Also four A and four B, they're sold too. The upper three penthouse floors have smaller balconies, but all have two bedrooms. I know, the bedrooms are not very big.
It's bigger that the one I have now, Elizabeth laughed, thinking of her tiny bedroom.
Yes, I imagine. The living rooms here are pretty large, for New York standards, Mr Avery continued. The other penthouses that face Queens are a bit cheaper. We can take a look if you want. Every floor has twelve or thirteen apartments. The building is still only half full. The lower floors are moving pretty quickly, because of the discounted prices. He motioned over the expanse near the windows.
You can see the panoramic views of the city across the river. It doesn't get much better than this. The only place you see anything as good as this is over in New Jersey, across the Hudson. And I like this better because you see the Empire state right in front of you. I feel like I can reach out and touch it. No one in Manhattan can boast these views.
Is there a washer and a dryer,? Elizabeth asked, as her excitement rose.
Right here, Mr Avery said opening a door off the kitchen. The machines fit very neatly into the closet. Do you have that now? In your apartment?
I wish,! Elizabeth giggled. I have to go to the laundromat with my cart to wash my clothes, she explained. And walk down four flights of stairs. It's not that bad actually. I've gotten used to it. Even the rude attendant. And the gunk in the machines.
I know that gunk, I've seen it myself, he chuckled. Laundry in your apartment is a luxury here in the city as you probably already know. I can't tell you how many newcomers I have shown apartments to that have no idea that few landlords allow washing machines.
There's also a full laundry room in the building. And a gym is being worked on right now. The goal is to attract young people like yourself into this neighborhood, to revitalize the place. There are tennis courts in the back of the building. And the best thing? Plenty of parking under the structure.
Yes, I saw the signs when we were coming in. I haven't really needed a car though.
Mr Avery examined Elizabeth closely. Here's a plan that I think you'll like. You're a young lady, you might want a family someday.
Well I…Elizabeth started.
Don't be bashful, you must have a boyfriend. Babies come sooner than you sometimes think. Apartment three B is next door. It's identical to this one. We can take apartment B and combine it with this one. That way, you get double the room. That's what the person in four A did. They bought four B too.
We can knock down some walls, and make the bedrooms bigger, also, one of the living rooms can be your huge master suite. So what do you think? That leaves you with three large bedrooms instead of four smaller ones. You still have four bathrooms, and one of them can be converted to just a powder room. The extra kitchen can serve as a small den or closet space.
I don't know if I can afford two of them, Elizabeth said hesitatingly, not quite understanding what he was babbling about.
Well think about it. The asking price for one penthouse is $120 000. Ten years down the line, when this place is all built up, you're going to be thanking me. Or you know what? Keep one apartment for yourself and rent out the other. Let your tenant pay the mortgage. He rambled on and on about the benefits of buying in an undiscovered neighborhood, and Elizabeth tuned him out.
Could she really do this? Could she really buy a place in New York City? All by herself? Her doubts entered her mind again. Buying property out here just seemed so final. Like she was really leaving California for good. It was one thing to rent a place, living with roommates. It was quite another, to make this huge decision, to buy her own place without her parents, without Steven, without Jessica…..
I'll take it, she said, interrupting the realtor, who was adjusting his glasses while he pointed out various sky scrapers to her. Just let me call my father. He's a lawyer, and he'll be able to help me out with everything. Although his expertise is not real estate law, but still, I do want some input.
Well, there's still lots of other places to take you to, Mr Avery continued. I haven't even showed you what I have in Brooklyn.
You didn't let me take you to the lower apartments yet. They're the same set up, but on lower floors. Anything over the 30th floor means excellent views, and they're slightly cheaper than this one.
No, my mind is made up, Elizabeth insisted surprised at her own determination. Penthouses it is. I just need to get everything together.
My baby deserves this,! she thought. I'll make it work. It has to work, I can do this, all by myself!
Well, take the time you need, but not too much time. I have several clients who are looking as well, but to tell you the truth, some people are afraid of the neighborhood. I mean, no one really wants to live in this part of Queens. Not yet anyway.
But like I said, this place is one stop on the train from Manhattan, and in a few years, the development will be out of the park! Mark my words, this is going to be the next hot neighborhood, and you'll be very happy you took a risk and bought early...
The next day, on a balmy spring morning, Elizabeth dialed her old home on Calico Drive.
Neither of them have left for work yet, she thought, thinking of her parents. I can't tell them I'm pregnant, she fretted. I'll just tell them later, when I start showing,! she thought in panic.
After three rings, a friendly Ned Wakefield answered.
Good morning Daddy, she spoke on hearing his voice.
Liz? It's good to hear from you. It's Liz, she heard him saying to her mother.
Oh hi Liz, she heard her mother in the background.
Are you alright honey? It's kind of early.
Sure Dad. I'm fine. I just wanted to call early to make sure you'd still be home.
So what's up? How's work?
Work is good, I can't complain.
And how are your roommates?
Well…, Adrienne is trying out for the lead in Giselle. I think she'll get it. She's amazing. And the guys, well Dad, they're guys. Living with Steven for all those years gave me good practice, she laughed.
And speaking of which.
What is it Liz? Is something wrong?
No Dad, something is right.
Elizabeth held her breath. Well…I've decided to buy my own place. Here in the city. Queens actually.
Silence...
Daddy, are you there?
Yes, I'm here Liz.
I've decided to get a place, Elizabeth repeated.
I heard you, her father returned.
I need your help. I need your help with all the legal issues. I'm totally clueless Dad, about these things.
More silence...
Dad?
Yes Liz. I'm here. I'm just a little shocked that's all. Every time you call us, I'm hoping you'll tell me that you're coming home.
Dad, not now please, she begged. I've heard it from Mom, and I've heard it from Steve too. Sweet Valley is my past. California is my past.
I know, I know. I have to accept it, Ned sighed into the phone. My child is so far away and I never see her.
Dad, I'm almost twenty-three, not a child.
You'll always be my little girl, even when you're ninety and I'm old bones in a box.
Daddy, don't say things like that!
It's true though. I go to bed every night worrying. Steve's here with us, Jessica is fifteen minutes away, but you. I always thought you'd be the one to stay close to home, stay close to your mother and I.
Daddy, don't. Tears were beginning to form.
I'm sorry Liz, I didn't mean to upset you. If you're determined to do this….
Yes I am, she said decidedly.
Well I want to help you as much as I can, Ned promised. I can't practice in New York State, but I am going to do everything possible to make this smooth for you, whatever you decide. I have a few colleagues who I am sure that can help you. Old law school buddies of mine who are always asking your mother and me to visit. Well, now I have a good reason.
Why don't you fly over here Dad? Fly over and see what I'm up to, what I'm thinking of buying. Even if I don't buy it, I still want to see you. We can spend time together.
That's a good idea Liz. We all miss you so much. All of us. She knew he was hinting about Jessica.
I know it's short notice, but time is constrained. I really need to get the ball rolling. Why don't you and Mom both come over, I would love to see both of you. And I'll need her expertise in decorating. We'll talk about it.
How about I call you later, Ned promised, and we'll talk it over; make plans to fly over there.
Thanks Dad. I'll talk to you later, OK?
Sure honey, later.
The next day, the phone rang, and Elizabeth pounced on it, breathing a sigh of relief when she heard her father's voice.
Well, your Mom wants to come, but she's flying out to San Francisco in a couple of days with a client, Ned explained, after telling Elizabeth that Alice wasn't traveling with him.
She's been planning this for weeks.
So I'll be coming alone. I've contacted one of my friends that I was telling you about. He's more than happy to help you. We'll arrange a meeting when I get there.
I'm sorry you can't stay with me Dad, it's just that, well, I have no space.
It's OK Liz. Steve told me all about it. I booked the Marriott in Times Square. My friend, Miles Jackson will help us with all the legalities. He said he'd meet us somewhere on West forty ninth street. I figured that's close to Times Square, so that's why I booked a hotel there. It's close right?
It is, but Dad!
What?
That place is a huge tourist trap. Elizabeth giggled. It's noisy, crowded.
Well, your old Dad needs some excitement in his life. So Times Square it is, Ned laughed.
OK Dad, but don't say I didn't warn you when you can't fall asleep, she warned.
They spoke for a few more minutes and Elizabeth hung up the phone, happy at the thought of seeing her father again...