A Manhattan Welcoming

Chapter I, Ceciline and Velona reminisce about their mother. Sanjesh prepares for New York

Velona woke up, and came downstairs. She is as silent as an assassin when she walks, but my senses are way too strong for her to sneak up on me now, compared to when we were younger. Of course she thought she would try like she did when we were kids. “So how about strawberry waffles, and cheese eggs?” She couldn’t believe I felt her coming. “How’d you know I was coming down the steps?” She asked as stunned as I ever seen her. “You may be a sneaky little sister, but I have a stronger sense for someone nearby now." I answered. “What are you Supergirl?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “I suppose so. Here, try the waffles, I used mom’s recipe.”

Velona didn’t know much of mom, she was five when she passed, Steve and Pete were just turning three and two, I was nine and Mike was eleven. We were all too young, but they’ve gone the longest without her. “These are so good. Mom did make these when I was younger right?” How could she forget? She was younger, but at four, you remember a lot. “Yeah, she had a bunch of different recipes.” I said. “What was her favorite?” I felt like we’ve had this conversation before. Dad told her, mom loved to cook, but l don’t know if he ever told her about the recipes, or that the Mozz-garlic stuffed roast sautéed with pepper and onion was her favorite, but I answered, “She’d made a roast, and she would stuff it with mozzarella and garlic, then she would sauté it with pepper and onion. She made a beautiful side of stuffing and cranberry sauce from scratch, with cornbread and sometimes she would sauté carrots or broccoli. Anytime she made it, she made sure there was two roast. One time, she did a stew, but you were too young to remember itt. She never tried it again, but sometimes...I wonder if she…” I couldn’t hold back tears, and for once, my sister could. I was proud that she was strong enough to not cry, and I could feel my mom telling the story through me, like she was there.

“I miss mom. I was so young, I hardly remember all the dishes she made. It didn’t help that dad wasn’t the best cook.” Lon said. Thank goodness for Mike catching on, when he would help mom in the kitchen. “I miss her too, Lon.” I reached out and hugged her. This is why we were always stronger together, we weren’t afraid to feel weak around each other, our brothers too, but they wouldn’t cry for long, given they hardly ever cried. “I’m gonna be late for work, try not to burn down my house.” Lon laughed. “Unless an arson randomly shows up, your house will stand tall.” She replied, and out the door I went.

Eight thirty-two, the time. I hopped in the car, and thought about what my mom would tell me right now, remembering how she would give me rides to school, telling me about her teen years, the troubles she’d get into. She never made it to our teen years, and that hurt the most about her passing. It kills me that dad hasn’t even been dating, he focused on his job, and though he moved up, so did his drinking habits.

I pulled up to the gallery, and to a surprise, we were busy for a Saturday. I was waiting for a regular to find me as soon as I walked in. Instead, Cecily did. “Ceciline, hey. Listen, if you couldn’t tell, we’re on fire today, and people are asking about your photo gallery. I have 14 offers on the Manhattan Bridge with your friend, Lisa. There’s seven other photos with her, you have. They all are hitting 7 plus offers. I’ll let you get ready, before you take on the war zone.” “Okay.” I replied. Cecily wasn’t a witch today, and Lisa isn’t here to discuss her compensation, even though she told me, don’t put a price on her for my work. Nevertheless, I couldn’t just leave her out and I was anxiously ready to start this workday. My first customer immediately approached me, “Are you Ceciline? Ceciline Delavonta?”
“Yes.” “I find your work very eye grabbing. I would like to buy a few, the Manhattan Bridge being the main.”

I had a feeling this would start quick. It’s rare getting an offer on multiple works, by one person. At the most two per person, but rarely ever more than that. “Okay.” I replied, “how about we take a walk through of the my section and see which ones you want, and we’ll discuss a price after. I am willing to work a bundle deal.” “A photographer like you, deserves full price.” Is this man out of his mind? “Why thank you, Mr…” “Freddrick, James Freddrick.” Little did James know, I started when this store started, so he’s paying more than what standard price would be, buying from someone who just started here. However, we looked around, he picked out 5 of my works, 3 being personal favorites. He was more generous than I thought. I gathered his receipts and frames all together. "Okay James, I appreciate your business. I should have some more work hung up soon, so come back.” “Most definitely.” He said, and after he closed his back door, we shook hands, and off he went. I had almost made my weekly pay on my most expensive portraits already before noon. By the end of the day, I was nearly half way  to triple that amount, but I had to leave and get a outfit for Lon. I phoned Lisa because she worked at Express and she knew Velona would want to feel relaxed in her clothes. Cecily  seen I was booming so she let me off early. By the time I got to Express, Lisa had picked out 3 outfits, and I couldn’t leave the other two.

When I got home, Velona was in the shower. She must’ve took a nap while waiting for me to get back. She was always tired from school, she could hardly sleep with all the homework she had. This weekend, she was lucky. “Lon, I’m back. I got some outfits, hurry up.” “Okay.” She shouted from the bathroom. She came downstairs with a worried look on her face.

“You know I’m not too big on this.” She said. “Well, it’s a good thing, Lisa knows you well.” “You went to Express?” “Yeah, check these out.”

The worried looked, turned to a face of someone ready to get frisky. Now, look at what I’ve done. “What do you think? Gonna be ready to mingle tonight?” I asked. “I love it, I think I’ll be mighty fine tonight.” “I even got a jacket and hoodie so I hope you made room in your bag.” I said. “Oh my gosh, this jacket. I’m wearing this tonight.” I knew she would love that, but I’m surprised she picked it over the hoodie. It didn’t matter, six o'clock came, and sure enough, Rich was knocking on the door. “Hang on a sec.” I shouted, then whispered to Lon, “Go freshen up, I’ll stall him.”

I was expecting this not be feel like I was meeting a daughters boyfriend for the first time, which my mom didn’t get the chance to do. Dad told me, I look so much like her. I felt old for the first time in my life. “Hey Richie, Velona’s coming now.” “I’m here. Alight Cec, I’ll see you later on.” That was quick. “I’ll have her home by 10, Cec. See ya later.” “Have fun guys, bye.”

I pressed my back against the door as it closed and my mind began to rush with thoughts. Is that what I’ll be hearing later on? My dad heard it twice, but what if it’s me hearing the same thing 20 years from now, if I have a daughter. What if I have a son?

While I was deep in my lonely thoughts, Velona was having the time of her life. “Have you been to the Manhattan festival before?” Richie asked. “I wish, I’m in school and usually this time of year, we were always in New Jersey, at the beach.” Richie wasn’t surprised because he was either working or visiting family of his own. “I hear ya.” He replied. “This is actually the first time in a while since I’ve been here. It’s a lot different from last time.” “What’s new?” “More shops, and vendors, and it’s expanded further down.” He answered. “Hey, check this out” he said, looking toward a Antique Jewelry Vendor. For someone, that wasn’t big on jewelry, Velona was glued to the Jewelry that had a story behind it. “These are beautiful, what’s the story on this one?” Velona asked. The jeweler answered, “This is a ruby stone Necklace, for 1890. It was said to be worn by Queen Elizabeth before her passing. It is an astonishing 72 Carat Gold, 4 24 Carat diamond shaped rubies draped down, and the clip is heart shaped as well. The queen never took it off her neck until she died and her granddaughter took possession, but she sold it for the money she used to take her place on the throne.” Lon’s eyes were widespread, Richie had to know she would cry if it wasn’t hers by night’s end. “You like it?” He asked. “I love it, it’s something my mom would wear, most of her jewelry was given to Cec, or my aunt. I got mostly her costume jewelry.” There was a quick silence, then Richie pulled out his wallet. “I’ll take it.” Velona couldn’t believe he was buying this. It had to be ridiculously expensive. The jeweler was reaching for a box, but Lon stopped her. “I’ll put it on now.” She said. Rich handed her the money, she handed him the necklace and he put the necklace around her neck, clipping the heart together. The jeweler looked at them, noticing there were no rings, she figured they were on a date as friends or relationship wise. “You two look very cute together. Here.” She gave her a empty box for when she wanted to take it off. “Thank you.” They said together, paying no mind to the fact. They instantly clicked from the moment they left Ceciline’s house. He put his arm around her and the breeze came. It felt like love came calling at that exact moment. “Thank you.” She said, trying extremely hard not to blush. “The pleasure is mine, Lon.” They continued to explore until nine fifty came around, Velona and Richie, were still too entertained to want to leave, but no matter how much fun, they were having, Rich was a man of his word, and he told Ceciline he’d have her home by 10. Rich wasn’t happy that this night had to end, but he was happy that he took out his crush for the first time. “Hey Lon, it’s almost 10. Let’s get you home.” “Is it really? Time flew.” Lon said, it was possible that she was just as happy and upset as he was, but she was starting to getiredso so they went to the car, they got in, and drove off.

“So were you born in New York?” Rich chuckled. “I was born in Italy. When I was 3, my mom and dad got divorced, and my mom took one brother and sister and my dad took me and my other sister. We came to New York, and I’ve been here ever since. We went back a few times later on, but with the economy the way it is today, it’s been rough.” Velona was an emotional person, but she was learning to channel them to strength. She didn’t know how to handle that. “I’m sorry to hear that.” “It’s alright, I write to her and call her from time to time, but I fear she’s not doing so well with her cancer." She was hesitant for a few seconds. “My mom died from cancer when I was five." "Cec never told me that.” He replied. “She doesn’t tell a lot of people, she doesn’t show her scars as much as she use to. She misses her so much, it even hurt to talk about her this morning. As strong as she is, there was only so much she could hold in before she has a breakdown.” “I’m sorry for your loss.” “It’s okay, we’ve been without her for years now. It still hurts, but it made us stronger, and she’s watching over us too.”

They came back at ten fifteen, I was already asleep on the couch. Velona came in and looked at me. She giggled silently and grabbed a blanket, then put it over me, and kissed me on the forehead. It was ironic how before she left, I looked as if I was mom, and now it's if she was mom. She went upstairs and took off her necklace, looked at it with love in her eyes. She could feel the faith in love taking her over. She put it in the box, and stretched out in bed, eyes painted over the ceiling. She had found a flame, and couldn’t wait to ignite it.


The morning air was cold and breezy in Philadelphia, but I heard it was even colder in New York; My next flight destination. I needed to get away for a little while. This apartment felt so incomplete without her, completely different without her in it. I called my brother and let him know, I’d be out of town. He wasn’t too happy about it, but he understood why I was doing it. For some reason, he never liked when I left town. It was a good thing I had off street parking, my car would be towed by the time I’d get back. My neighbor had came by to check on me since they haven’t seen me in a few days, I wasn't too excited to leave my house, I even called out from work. A rarity for me.

“Sanjesh, you there?” I opened the door. “What’s going on guys, come in.” Trevor and Kaliah have been here way before I moved here. I came from Florida, and before that, Montreal. I don’t know why my parents decided to move the U.S. but I’m content with it now. It’s a beautiful country, and I’ve grown accustomed to the American lifestyle.

“Dude, why you got bags packed? You moving?” Trevor asked, worried he’d have new neighbors that would disturb the quiet neighborhood. The feeling was mutual. “I’m taking a little vacation, man. I'm going to New York, I’ll be back in a month.” I answered. “I need to get out the house for awhile.” “Why New York? Don’t you wanna see your family in Florida?” Kaliah rebutted. “I mean they’re definitely gonna want to see you.” “My mom knows, she’s okay with it, and my dad never cared what I did. Well, never showed that he cared at least. He raised me right, but he never really understood me.” “You never seem to come to grips with him, It makes me feel bad. It should never have to be that way between father and son.” Trevor added. Trevor never had his real dad in his childhood, but he did have a stepfather, who did the things fathers and sons do. I wasn't so lucky, in the sense of having the father-son bond. “Tell my dad that, I’m not even sure if my dad knows I’m about to become the youngest manager to ever gross a billion dollars in a company, and youngest CEO. Even if he did, he'd only want money, not the bond.” I ranted. “No matter what, it’s your dad, SJ. He wants to know you’re alive and well.” Kaliah said. She always looked on the bright side, then she asked what I knew was coming next. “Why New York anyway?” “I have a friend that runs a pizza shop there. We were pen pals in elementary school, and there’s a meeting at Express that I’ve been invited to. I may be landing new sponsorships for the company, and some of my designs might get chosen for the new clothing line.” I answered readily. “Aww dude, can a get a outfit?” Trev asked, knowing I wouldn’t deny his request. “Yes, Trevor and don't worry, Kaliah, there's a women’s line, I'll get you one too.” She laughed cause she wasn’t that much into clothes and fashion. Neither was I. “Well, thank you.” She said. “You want a ride?” Trev asked. “Sure man. I’d appreciate it.” I wasn’t prepared for that, but Trevor was sincere in doing favors, and he knew I’d return the favor. I’ve done a lot for them since I’ve moved here, and him and Kaliah made it hard for me to move anywhere. It’s hard to find good friends like them.

I’m not sure how New York will be, I’ve never been there before. I don’t know what awaits me, but this car ride had them worried with how much I gazed out the window. I didn’t tell them the other reason why I was taking this trip, they didn't know she was in my life, nor that she left it but I swear I could feel them eager to find out if there was something I’m hiding. “You alight, man? You’ve been quiet.” Trev questioned. “I’m just thinking about how New York is.” “Oh, why didn’t you ask? It’s packed with people, great pizza, which you’ll find out from your old buddy. Steaks aren’t like Philly, but if you find the right spot, you might enjoy it. Dude, the girls are smoking too.” “Hey, hey, that’s enough.” Kaliah interrupted Trev. He was always a flirt, but when he met Kaliah, he didn’t want to lose her. He knew I wasn’t the player he was, so he came to me looking to end his player ways. I honestly couldn't do that. However, I showed him how to charm the ladies while remaining faithful to her. I believe that every man must know, and the only ones that don’t, either don’t want to or haven’t met the one woman, not girl, they can’t or wouldn't want to live without. I couldn’t help but laugh though, she doesn’t play. “Ahh, that was good, but yeah. I’m just hoping to have a good time.” “We hope you do too, man.” “Yeah, New York is awesome, you’ll have plenty to do. I know you’ll have fun, SJ.” They added.

We made it to the airport, and It felt like I was leaving for good, this was the first time, I said goodbye to Trev and Kaliah at the airport, it felt like we were never gonna see each other again at first. “Dude, do me a favor, if you happen to run into P. Diddy, tell him to drop a new album.” Trev worshipped Diddy. I definitely was hoping he’d drop one as well. “Most definitely, bro. Here, you’ll need this.” It was a little more than gas money, but what was there also, was a pennant. He’d need it sooner or later. “Thanks man, appreciate it.” He said. “Let me know when you’re coming back, I be here waiting for ya dude.” “See ya Sanjesh!” “Take it easy guys!” …And they drove off. This was a first for me, traveling to The Big Apple. I found myself in my thoughts again, but I wasn’t thinking about her. I was thinking of how to have fun. Next stop, JFK airport, New York, New York.

Here I am…New York. My friend, Rich insisted, I crash at his place but I wanted space. I wanted time alone to myself. I could of had it back in Philadelphia, but the memories of a broken hearted lover gave bad company. I got in the cab, “The Four Seasons Hotel, please.” “No problem, my man.” The cab driver said. Given I haven’t been here, getting around this city will be difficult. I can already tell by how many people are walking about, during the cab ride. The driver broke the silence, I was trying to somewhat avoid. “The four seasons, eh? Not a lot of people arrive there in a cab.” I couldn’t tell if that was an attempted insult or not, but I could tell he was hoping to get a payoff other than the fare. “I guess I’m a rare arrival.” I said gathering his tip. I was always a generous person, who believed in good and bad karma; and for good reason. “Almost there buddy.” The driver said, as I looked to see that the fare meter is broke. Now have knowing that, the you should give him a little extra feeling came to mind. It’s a good thing I bought my card with me so I can withdraw more cash. I always felt it was better to have some type of cash on you. The card is for emergencies, and must haves. It didn’t hurt that I had debit and credit. Finally arriving, I reached my hand out to the cab driver. “That’s for you man.” I told him. He looked down, then he’s eyes lit up. “You sure, man?” “As I’ll ever be, my dude. Enjoy yourself.” I replied. With bags and all, I walked into hotel.

Only 3 steps in, and the lady at the front desk locked her eyes on me. “Welcome to The Four Seasons, my name is Sarah. Are you checking in?” She said. I was a little shaken up, this wasn’t like me at all. My confidence to talk to a woman had been weakened. “Ah yes, Sanjesh Henrique.” “Okay, let’s see…yup. Henrique, Luxury suite, nice. Ah, we have a upgrade available for the same price, as a End of Summer special. Are you interested?” I didn’t think I’d get lucky enough for that. “That’s sounds nice, I’ll take it.” I answered. She seemed more pleased than I was. For someone who had his confidence shot down without even realizing it, I seem to have made an impression, but that wasn’t my intention on this personal endeavor. “Alight, your room is ready. 52nd floor, room 524. Here’s your key, and Mr. Bryder will help you with your bags. Enjoy your stay, Mr. Henrique.” She said, in her sweetest voice. I was almost never wrong on my readings of people, but all that did was remind me of the sweet voice of her in the morning. “Thank you, Sarah.” I must be doing something right still, but nevertheless, off I went to a room without thoughts and memories. A room I can peacefully relax.

The thought of being on the 52nd floor was very appealing. Though, I'm not use to being this high up before, this felt different. We had finally reached the door. The bag clerk, was very enthusiastic about showing me the room. “Here’s your room, sir. One of the best suites, a remarkable view, plenty of wall-to-wall luxury. We surely hope you enjoy your stay.” He said. I couldn’t believe how beautiful this suite was. “Thank you, here you go.” I usually don’t leave the bag clerks much cause they make pretty decent pay, but his enthusiasm spoke to me. Certainly, it wasn’t as much, as the tip I gave the cab driver, but it made both their days, I’m sure. Unsure of why I gave him that much, he didn’t question it. “Thank you, sir.” He thoughtfully regarded, and went back downstairs. I closed the door, pulled out my bluetooth speaker and put music on. I took my shoes off. I looked out the window, down at the busy streets off Manhattan, then up at the buildings and city lights. This is what it was like to be in The Big Apple, and for the first time in a while, this was what it was like to be free of an everything troubling my mind.

Author's Note

Cleaned up of any grammar and sentence errors.