Mark's POV
Tonight at the Life Café, I watch Moritz as I see him let go for the first time. He drinks the glass of wine Roger places before him. Again, he seems fascinated by the group of people who took him in.
A few times, I see him deep in conversation with Joanne, who seems to have established a friendship with. However, he seems wary of the warning I gave him earlier, for his eyes flash quickly over her face, but never stick, and he glances my way, looking slightly uncomfortable when Maureen pulls Joanne away with a kiss. I smile at him and he grimaces back, but he has a new light playing over his face as he grows accustomed to this family.
Several times, I catch Moritz staring at Mimi as she wiggles in her seat, laughing often as Roger leans into her, probably tickling her under the table. I watch Moritz watch Mimi and wonder what he could be thinking about her. For a small-town boy, Mimi must seem the ultimate perfection. She's the youngest of us here, only 5 years Moritz's senior and she still holds her girlish charm. Hey eyes sparkled, and when they catch his, she grins at him.
I consider taking out my camera and try to catch Moritz's feelings on film, try to decode what his look tells. But I've known him all of 24 hours and I don't want to scare the kid. So I create a film in my mind, record possible feelings from this sad, soulful runaway to my best friend's girl.
Suddenly, Joanne pushes back her chair and stands with her wine glass in hand.
"Guys, attention please?" she says in her rich voice, instantly claiming the group's attention.
"I'd like to propose a toast to Moritz Stiefel to welcome him into our family. He may have thought he was coming to New York to escape, but he was just trying to get home. So, welcome home, Moritz. I hope you'll like God-forsaken Alphabet City, because we're not going to let you go anytime soon. Cheers!"
We clink wine glasses and beer bottles, and drink to new friendships.
Hmm, I felt that this chapter was weaker than the others, and so it was shorter. However, Chapter 6 is already written and I think it's my favourite. Read on, chapter 6 will be posted very soon.