Elizabeth, the voice said. She knew that voice. She turned around, expecting to see the same handsome blue eyed young man that she formed a bond with while in high school. Instead the man she encountered was emaciated, forlorn and a fraction of his former self.
Devon? she said, unable to hide the surprise in her eyes.
In the flesh, he smiled wearily at her.
I…. How are you? I mean, what are you doing here in New York?
You can say it Liz. I look terrible.
No. Just a little tired that's all. Well, you've lost a lot of weight.
Why don't we grab a table?
Sure, she got up and went to sit over in the corner.
He looked much worse than a little tired, but she couldn't bear to tell him so. His hair looked thin and there were lines on his face that indicated his gauntness.
Are you ill? I mean, I don't mean to pry, she cocked her head.
Something like that. But I'm getting better. So what are you doing so far from home?
Hmmmm, I thought I asked you first what you were doing here, she teased.
OK, he grinned, be mysterious. I moved back to Connecticut a year ago. I come here to the city often. And I've been here for a while. Before that I was kind of drifting around. I spent a lot of time in Europe, some in Asia. Tonight, I actually came here to listen to the music. Someone recommended it to me. When I saw you at the bar, I couldn't believe my eyes. I thought I was hallucinating.
He stared at her with the same beautiful slate blue eyes, eyes with even more sorrow that she remembered.
Well, it is me, not a hallucination. I came here for the music as well. This place is a lot more quiet than a lot of the bars and clubs around here. Some nights you just want a little peace, you know?
I know exactly what you mean, Devon agreed.
He looked so wretched that she wanted to help him, to ask him what was really wrong and try to make it better. But she couldn't. Even when she was most close to him, he had always been a young man who was full of secrets, full of grievances that he didn't want to share, and she had to respect that.
So it's your turn. Time to tell me what you're doing here.
Elizabeth smiled. Well, I moved here about two months ago. Before that I was in London for a while.
Why so far?
From California you mean? I… I just had to get away, try something new I guess.
I didn't think you'd ever leave your sister. And what about that guy you were all hung up on.
Ted?
You mean Todd.
I thought you'd be married to him by now.
No, actually….Jessica and Todd are married.
What? You're joking.
Elizabeth shook her head, It's no joke. They're married and I guess doing their happily ever after.
I can't believe that…..
Believe it.
How could she? How could he? I mean.
Well you dated both of us didn't you? Although you and I, we only ever really went out on one date. In the high school parking lot. If you could even call it a date. It was wonderful though. Her face lit up in remembrance. I don't think any other boy made me see fireworks like you did.
I didn't really date Jessica, well, I mean, I thought she was you. You're the one who set me up with her.
And then you found out she wasn't me and still went out with her. I mean you did enjoy being with her didn't you? Even when you knew I wasn't her? You know what? Maybe we shouldn't talk about this.
Her eyes were filled with pain.
I made some mistakes and led you on all the while I was with Todd. I was wrong to do that. The last place in my life that I ever want to be is one of the corners of a triangle made up of my sister and some guy.
Her anguish was clear on her face. After a few moments of silence, she composed herself.
Can I buy you something to drink?
Shouldn't I be the one asking that?
She smiled.
It's OK. Water's fine, Devon replied.
She ordered two bottles of water and watched as the bartender poured them out in glasses. You know, they probably got that from the tap in the bathroom, she whispered to him. Or worse, she giggled.
The toilet tank!, they said in unison, both laughing at the thought.
Maybe you can come up with a brilliant experiment to check it before we drink it.
He laughed along with her. It's nice to see you smile Liz. I missed seeing that.
I guess I'm too serious sometimes.
Still the same Liz, he reached over and smoothed over a strand of her hair.
Somewhat. I've changed though. I guess I'm not as trusting as I used to be.
They really did a number on you didn't they? Jessica and Todd?
I think I'm more upset about allowing it to happen more than anything else.
What do you mean? Their marriage?
No, not that. It's other things. Other things she did, they did. I have to admit, I was a horrible girlfriend to Todd.
You?
Yes me. I got tempted too many times. You were definitely one of the biggest ones.
Is that all I was? A temptation?
No. I really liked you. It wasn't just the chemistry.
He laughed, thinking about the first time he interacted with her in Mr Russo's class.
I can blame it on youth, but I knew better and I was too spineless to make up my mind. Then I ran off to the woods on some survival project. At least that experience was better than when I was in the desert.
Wait what?
She laughed again. It's a long story. That was a horrible time. And I was so excited about it too. Who came up with that idea? Sending a bunch of kids off into Death Valley? And the funniest thing. Bruce Patman was my buddy. Remember him?
Devon nodded.
That meant he was supposed to look out for me and see to my safety. The first thing he did was push me in the prickles, she said between giggles.
It's good to hear you laugh. It's good to hear you can laugh at something like that.
Well I wasn't laughing then, especially with the welts I got on my arm.
Devon's eyes grew stormy. If I was there, I'd make that jerk eat the cactus.
He's not that bad. He had some nicer moments.
Devon snorted in response.
Elizabeth smiled, her mood lighting up her face. I haven't thought about that trip for a while. It's nice to be able to share stories with someone who actually knows the people I'm talking about, you know? I miss that. I miss being home with the people I love.
So what exactly did Jessica do?
Elizabeth looked at him seriously, a somber expression on her face. She searched his eyes, wondering if she should tell him everything.
It's hard to talk about. Remember when you and I worked on that project for the science fair?
Yeah, the one you convinced me to enter. That was a pretty neat project.
It was. We both worked hard on it. You especially.
What about it then?
Well, remember how when it was judging time, the whole thing had been sabotaged? Someone cut the wires?
I remember too well. After all that work.
Well who do you think did that?
Your sister?
Bingo!
Devon lifted his brow and shook his head. That's a pretty rotten thing to do. Pretty vindictive.
I guess…. I guess what I'm trying to say is her ruining our project is representative of what I have had to deal with my entire life. Jessica wanted you for herself, she didn't want us to win that trip to San Francisco so she did whatever she had to do to get her way. She has schemed against, manipulated and destroyed any and everything that she thinks will prevent her from getting what she wants. She knew her own project would never win, and she didn't want mine to have a chance either.
I just couldn't deal with that any more. So I left Sweet Valley. Left it all to her. She could never accept me having anything that she didn't have. Whether it was Todd, or anyone or anything else for that matter. She always has to come first, to be the best. She's always been content with letting me do all of the work while she takes the credit.
And the worst thing is that I usually let her. For all our lives, I've seen her pull some pretty mean tricks and I always forgave her or made excuses for her. But I'm done with that. I don't really want anything to do with her to be honest. It hurts, but it is what it is. She's done some things that are very unforgivable. To me and even to some of her so called friends. If it were up to her, I'd be in a jail cell somewhere or dead with a broken neck.
You don't mean that, he said running a finger along her neck.
Trust me, I do. The thing with Todd is just the tip of the iceberg. She claims to love me more than anyone else, but she does things to hurt me over and over again. A tear rolled down her cheek.
Hey…..I didn't mean to make you cry.
No, she shuddered. It's OK. I just get emotional sometimes. She took a drink of her water.
You know, I saw your sister.
When?
Last month.
You were in Sweet Valley?
Yeah. I was there tying up some loose ends, hoping I would run into you.
Did you talk to her?
I called her name. She looked up and didn't seem too happy to see me. Then she completely ignored me.
Maybe she didn't recognize you?
Yes she did. I know she did. I guess she doesn't like the way I look now. Now that I'm thin, tired and look twenty years older.
Well, my sister has always been about appearances. She's determined to be an actress. Or a model. Although, she and Todd are having a baby soon, so maybe she'll model maternity clothes, who knows?
Really? Wow.
They sat for a while listening to the music, sipping on their waters, both deep in thought.
So what about you Liz, Devon broke the silence. Are you dating anyone?
Besides my computer and my desk at work? No. I don't really want to date anyone now. It's hard enough to find someone to trust. I have a lot of fun, hanging out with my room mates, but I feel like I'm just not interested in romance. Who knows,? maybe some day. It has to be someone totally new though, a person who Jessica won't try to get her hands on.
So where are you working?
Well, she smiled bashfully. It's a silly gossip magazine. I mostly edit, and do some articles. I do enjoy the fact that the job allows me to travel. I get to go to all over the city and sometimes Long Island and see how the other half live.
The rich and famous?
Well, they're famous after I write about them, she giggled. They're the very rich for sure. They love the scandals, love the notoriety. It's not a world I ever really wanted to have anything to do with, but I'm finding out it's not all bad. I've met the nicest people. They're not all snobs. And I get to travel. And we're going to start airing on TV soon. We'll be airing short segments on one of the local channels.
Devon held her hand from across the table. Should I look out for you? Miss reporter?
Well, I don't know if I want to be in front of the camera, but it's definitely something I want to be involved in. It isn't exactly what I had in mind when I majored in journalism. But it's a paycheck. And I'm learning a lot. I actually want to go back to school.
For what?
Well, I've been researching things. I have been thinking about getting an MBA. I've actually signed up for two summer courses. I'll see how that goes, and then continue with it if I do well enough. I'm looking to broaden my versatility as a journalist, increase my knowledge of media management.
Sounds like you have a lot of your plate.
I do. But I like keeping busy. It helps to keep me distracted, from thinking about things. I want to make the most of it while I'm here. Sometimes I wish I had a car. I'm amazed at how the rest of this state, outside of the city is truly beautiful. You miss a lot if you just keep to the five boroughs.
So you live around here?
No, I actually live in Brooklyn. I have three room mates. Well, call it four, since my one room mate's girlfriend is always over. Our apartment isn't very big, nor is it very nice. But I've gotten used to it. There's no way I'd be able to afford anything around here.
Do you like New York? I mean, do you think you'll stay here? Or go back home?
I'll probably go home to visit. To see my family and my old friends. I really miss my parents.
Will you stay with them? When you go back?
Most likely. Jessica has moved out of the house. But wherever she is, I can't be. I'm better off without her in my life.
So what about you? She winked and smiled at him. Are you dating anyone?
He looked at her, his expression grave. He grabbed her hand towards him. Well, it's time for me to confess. I haven't given much thought to dating, or anything else, not for a long time. He pulled her hand from across the table.
I'll tell you the truth. I had a brain tumor.
Elizabeth held her breath in shock. Ohhhhhh? Cancer? I….But…. I mean, you said you had. Does this mean it's still there?
No, after chemo and radiation, the doctors have given me a clean bill of health.
So you're better now,? she asked holding his hand.
Yes.
She sighed in relief. I'm so sorry. This is the last thing I expected to hear. I mean, I could tell something was wrong…..
When you saw me look like a zombie, I know.
Tears poured down her cheeks. I just can't even imagine. You're so young.
Hey don't cry. Then you'll make me cry. I've gotten better and that's what's most important.
OK, OK. I'm too sentimental tonight. She pulled some napkins from a dispenser and wiped her face. And you let me go on and on about my silly problems when all this time you've had something so much more significant plaguing you.
It's not something I like to talk about.
I understand. Sometimes it's just easier to pretend things are normal, that bad things aren't happening, to forget things for a while. But I'm glad you told me.
She looked at her watch and saw it was already four in the morning.
You know, it's getting late, she said apologetically. I'd really like to see you again Devon. Maybe we can do something, go somewhere? Elizabeth stood, pushing back her chair. There are so many places in this city that I haven't explored yet.
Is that a date? Devon said as he got up.
It's a date then, she smiled warmly. Here's my number, she scribbled her digits on a napkin and handed it to him.
Shall we meet somewhere,?
Maybe you can give me your address,? Devon said, his eyes locked on hers.
OK, Elizabeth took back the napkin from him and wrote down where she lived. She smiled at him. But I have to warn you, my building isn't the greatest, I don't want to scare you off.
I'm sure I've seen worse, he laughed, as he planted a soft kiss at the apple of her cheek. She threw her arms around him and gave him a hug, noticing how thin he felt under his clothes He was like a wounded bird and all she wanted to do was to make him well again, to make things right again, like he never got sick in the first place. She knew it was all out of her reach.
She saw his lips come closer to hers and she closed her eyes. The kiss was sweet and tender, not with the intense passion she felt like before, but as one friend comforting another. She pulled away and smiled girlishly, biting her lower lip. The look in his eyes told her he wanted more. She felt guilty, like she didn't want to let him down in his weakened state. He ran his finger along her lips and down her chin, cupping it in his hand while he stared at her, like he didn't want to leave her there.
That was nice.
Elizabeth blushed. Yes it was. I'm glad you found me.
Me too.
So see you tomorrow,? she asked.
Yes, he hugged her again and kissed her on her forehead.
Goodbye, he said to her, running his hand along her neck.
No, don't say goodbye. She smiled. Say, see you later.
OK, he grinned at her. See you later then, he said, kissing her hand. She watched him walk away, his black leather jacket obviously meant for a man larger than he was. She'd see him tomorrow, she'd try to have fun with him, to make him feel good, to cheer him up. She knew she she didn't want a romantic relationship with him, too much had went wrong between them, and the ghost of her sister would always be there. But she wanted to be there for him, wanted to support him, maybe bring back some of the light she used to see in his beautiful blue eyes.
