It was six o clock on Friday afternoon. Elizabeth got on the subway further into Queens where she would transfer for a bus out to the airport. She arrived at 7:30, right on time to meet her friend. She stood in the arrivals lounge, looking at all the passengers coming out, wishing that she could go on a trip herself. Finally she saw a reddish brown haired young woman, her eyes searching around in anticipation of seeing a familiar face.
Enid! She shouted as her friend got sight of her.
Liz! She yelled back, quickly moving towards to entrance doors. The two of them met and threw their hands around each other.
Oh Enid, it's been so long.
I know I know.
What did you do with your hair?
Do you like it? Enid said, self consciously patting her head.
I love it. It's so straight. But you know, I like the curls too.
Well, it's not permanent, I used a new flat iron that's supposed to murder frizz.
Elizabeth giggled, looking her over. Her face was flushed and her green eyes twinkled, and Elizabeth remembered why she had been her best friend in the first place. There was a warmth and kindness in her eyes, one that she hadn't forgotten.
Did you have a nice flight?
No! There was so much turbulence over the Rockies. Maybe I'll have to take Greyhound back.
Road trip! The two of them exclaimed together.
Enid, you haven't changed a bit. Well, except for your hair. She noticed that Enid had gained a bit of weight, but didn't want to say so.
And you Liz, you've changed for sure. Your hair's longer. And where's your tan Miss New Yorker?
I don't see the sun. I have no time. The life here is very different than from California, she explained as they walked towards the entrance.
Is that all you have? Elizabeth pointed to the small carry on bag.
Yep. I'll only be here till Tuesday. That's OK right?
Of course.
Have you been waiting long?
No. I took the bus here and I worried I'd be late.
Are we taking the bus back?
Elizabeth laughed. No, I won't subject you to the scariness of the MTA. Not yet anyway.
MTA? Enid looked perplexed.
That's the name of the transportation system, Elizabeth explained.
It's not exactly the Orient Express. We'll take a cab. The ride goes through some unsavory areas. Don't worry, it's only going to prepare you for my neighborhood.
Is it that bad?
You'll see. Come on let's go. We kind of have a long ride, she told her friend, as the taxi pulled up to them. The two of them got in and Elizabeth gave the driver the address.
Oh, before I forget, Enid said, opening her purse. Your Mom gave me these.
Hmmmm, Elizabeth looked at the manila envelope.
She told me about this one, she said to Enid. I wonder what's in here. I'll just have to look at it later.
And this too. Enid handed her a small envelope. Elizabeth could immediately tell it contained money.
A little help from Mom and Dad I guess, she said, nodding at her friend.
I guess so, Enid answered.
You know Liz, when I told your Mom my plans, she begged me to convince you to come home. I know she was joking, but she gave me the task of booking you on the return flight.
Elizabeth sighed. She calls me practically every week to say the same thing. She doesn't like my apartment.
Have they been here? Your parents I mean.
No. But Steven has. He came to visit me and then he went home and told them what a crappy place I live in. And you know what? He's right. It is a crappy place. Yes it's lousy, but I'm kind of proud of it. I mean, I'm proud of the fact that I was able to get a job and get a place to live in the first place. So many people in this city don't even have that, so I'm very lucky.
Yeah, I know. Enid yawned.
Tired?
Yeah, a bit, that six hour flight you know? So tell me about your roommates. They're OK with this right?
Sure, Elizabeth nodded. There's Adrienne, she's a ballerina. She gives preschoolers dance lessons at the studio between practices. She's so small and so pretty. She's amazing. You have to see her dance. And then there's the guys. Ted's a bartender. He's a really nice guy, really funny. I think he says he wants to go to med school, or dentistry. Although Chris teases him about failing Bio 101 twice. And then there's Chris. His girlfriend, who might as well be our fifth roommate is always over. Her name's Angie. She works as a receptionist in the city. Chris a musician. Or so he says. He's not bad at the guitar, but his singing. Well, ummmm. It's kind of screechy.
Enid laughed.
It's not that bad. I've actually been helping him write some songs. He plays in the subway for tips. His parents keep cutting him off and then he goes home to their apartment on Park Avenue for money. He's taken us over there a few times for dinner. I feel bad for him because his Dad likes to berate him for being a slacker. Whenever he visits his family, we can tell, because he comes home with so much food and groceries. Gourmet foods that I know none of us can afford. The guys are a little messy, but they're nice, they're fun. Chris is the only one of us who's actually from New York City. Adrienne grew up in Wisconsin and Ted's from Montana. And Angie. She's from Long Island.
This is it, Elizabeth said, pointing to the building as they approached the curb. She got out of the cab and handed the driver the money through the window.
Thank you, she said, picking up Enid's bag.
Goodnight, he returned.
The architecture here is totally different form California, Enid observed, looking at the buildings in front of her.
Oh I know. But there's a lot of beauty here, under all the grime and the fire escapes.
Thanks for letting me stay Liz.
Sure, she said, putting her hand on her friend's arm. She opened the door with her key. There's no elevator, so we have to walk up. It's not that bad, I'm used to it. It's only four flights.
Whew, Enid exclaimed, as they reached the second level. I guess I'm more tired than I thought, she said, gasping for air.
Are you alright? Elizabeth said, looking at her with concern.
I'm OK, I guess I must be really out of shape.
Elizabeth opened the door. Home sweet home, she announced. Looks like no one's here, she said, looking around.
Are you hungry?
A little.
What do you feel like eating?
I don't know, cereal actually, Enid laughed, looking around.
You don't want to go out for something? I know you're tired though. She looked in the cupboard, pulling out a bowl and a box of bran flakes.
Perfect! Enid said.
And here's some milk, Elizabeth put the carton on the counter. She watched as Enid poured out some flakes and poured milk on top.
Would you like to change first, get into something more comfy?
Yes please.
Let me give you a tour. Here's the bathroom, and here's my bedroom, she motioned, opening the door. This is Adrienne's room, Chris' room, and Ted's room is at the end. Fortunately, I don't sleep next to Chris' room. If you know what I mean. He and Angie…
Ohhhhh? Enid laughed, catching her meaning. They moved back into the kitchen where Enid started eating the crunchy flakes.
Adrienne and I share the bathroom. Sometimes we take pity on Angie and let her use ours. The guys' bathroom is gross. I've seen it once. Never again. Avoid it at all costs. Oh, and long showers are a no no here. The landlord will have a fit if we stay in for more than five minutes.
I understand, Enid said, took another glance at her friend. Her face was definitely fuller from the last time she saw her.
I'll pull out the trundle for you tonight.
Trundle? Enid said looking confused.
Elizabeth giggled. It's a bed that's under my bed. See,? Elizabeth said, pointing in the direction of her bed.
They're pretty popular for people who have limited space. I bought it at the thrift store in almost brand new condition. A twin bed is the only thing that makes sense in a room this size. You should be honored, because you're my first real guest from home. When Steven was here, she smirked, well my place wasn't good enough, and the bed wasn't long enough, so Mr Bigshot stayed at a hotel. I'll just have to move a few things over to pull it out. Or you can sleep in my bed and I'll take the trundle. My bed's closer to the window, if you'd prefer that. I know how cramped things seem, especially when you're not used to it.
No Liz, I can't take your bed. Enid laughed as she dipped into her bowl. This set up is pretty nice. Small, but nice. I'm already grateful that you're not putting me on the couch out here. It's a lot more private in there. Besides, you have to get up for work tomorrow don't you?
I'm going to be doing a lot of writing tonight, so I can have more of the weekend free. I purposely told them I wouldn't be able to go on any assignments this weekend, so I'm pretty much stuck editing. But we can find time to do whatever you want. Is that OK?
That's great Liz. Can I take a shower now,? Enid asked as she took the last spoon of cereal.
Sure. I'll give you some towels and a robe if you want.
She watched as her friend entered the bathroom. Enid seemed very distracted, troubled almost.
I hope she's alright, Elizabeth looked at the envelope her mother had sent to her. She opened it and counted the money.
Five hundred dollars. Thanks Mom. She looked at the note.
Liz, use it for whatever you want, although I hope you use it to book a flight home. Love you. Mom and Dad.
Elizabeth sighed. The two of them were not going to quit until she was back in her old room in their house. Well, this is going straight to my savings, she said, as she heard Enid finishing up in the bathroom.
She looked at the yellow envelope that Enid had given her. She turned it around in her hands.
Hmmmm, that's strange. Mr Regis? A lawyer? I don't recognize the name. I'll look at it later, she said to herself, and placed it in a bottom drawer of her wardrobe.
Five minutes later, Enid sat on the bed, blotting her hair. Do you have a dryer Liz?
I don't. Elizabeth said apologetically. I left mine at home and didn't bother to buy a new one here because there's no outlet in our bathroom. The landlord hasn't changed the wiring in forever. Most of the time, I just sit in front of the fan and air dry it.
You need something to wear,? Elizabeth asked. Something to sleep in?
Enid shook her head. No thanks, I have a nightgown.
I have to warn you Enid, the temperature is going to be rising soon and I don't have an outlet in here that can sustain enough power for an air conditioner.
Uh huh….., Enid said distractedly.
And you know, the roaches like the heat, so you and I are going to have to put on our ninja outfits and get our cans of raid. How about that?
OK Liz, sure….. Whatever you think is OK.
Now she knew something was wrong. Enid was terrified of cockroaches, as much as she herself was.
It won't be too hot tonight, and I do have the fan and…
Liz, I'm pregnant...
