Four Hundred Sixty Eight

Four Hundred Sixty Eight
Alicia emerges from the shop all smiles.
"You seem happy"?
"I'm in a good mood", she says as she links her arm through mine.
Jeanette emerges form the store and grabs Jameson's arm. We stroll through SoHo laughing and enjoying ourselves.
.....
We arrive at the theatre and take our seats.
I lay my head on Alicia's shoulder and she seems so happy. She holds my hand and laughs at the ridiulousness. Several times I catch myself reciting dialogue. I explain the characters and her eyes remain glued to the stage. I feel as if I am definitely in my element here.
At the end of the play she nods her head and looks really amazed.
"So let me guess. You were Tony"?
'How'd you know"?
"Just a wild guess. He reminds me so much of you. I can totally see you as Tony".
"I don't think I was that good".
"I bet you were wonderful. I really enjoyed this, and his monologue about loving her despite her quirky family and their lack of money... and how status doesn't define a person.... and grandpa's speech at the end"...
I grab her hand and we make our way out of the theatre and onto the sidewalk.
"We are gonna go get the car", Jameson nods.
"I'm okay Jameson. I can walk".
"Nah... it's cold out and the car is several blocks away. I don't want to tire you out".
"Ok. We will be right here".
He grabs Jeanette's hand and they walk north.
I find a bench and we sit as we wait.
"Who was your Alice"? she asks.
"Well.... believe it or not, I don't remember. Heather was Essie".
"I'm glad we did this". sShe smiles as she gestures towards the theatre. "What other plays were you in"?
"Quite a few", I shrug.
"Do you have any pics or anything? I'd love to see".
"I would have to look I'm sure Heather might. She may even have a few taped shows".
I wrap an arm around her shoulder, and we
take selfies, and listen to music until Jameson pulls up in his car.

... ....

We stop for a slice of pizza and share some laughs. Jeanette and Alicia convince us to take them to the outdoor Christmas marketplace and then they drag us to Macy's.
We finish Christmas shopping for the kids and have arranged to have the presents delivered.
The girls check out and are quite giggly when we head out of the store.
"You really don't have to drop us at home", Alicia nods. "Less than a block away. We can really walk".
"Sissy it's cold out".
"And I am bundled up. It's fine really".
"Are you sure"?
"Yes"! she laughs.
"I won't argue with you. Thanks for coming out with us tonight. I had a blast. You two aren't as boring as I thought".
"Thanks alot"! I quip.
" I guess you are cool", Jameson laughs.
"We must do this again soon".
We part ways and Alicia and I hold hands and walk home.
"I really did have fun tonight. I hope you did too".
"It was fun sweetheart. I enjoyed myself.
Never thought I'd actually have fun hanging out with them. What's in the bag"?
"Your Christmas presents".
"So thats why you two were giggling at the antique shop and at Macys".
"Ahhhh... We were just goofing off. Girl stuff".
We enter our building and head for the mailbox.
"Goodevening folks"!
"Hey Lawrence. I thought you were heading to Cleaveland for the holidays"?
"Oh, Yes Alicia. Leaving the day after tomorrow. Are you two ready for Christmas"?
"Hell no", I laugh. "Just getting started".
"We've opted for a quiet Christmas at home with the kids", Alicia laughs.
"You two have a visitor. Young lady opted to wait for you on your doorstep".
"Really"?
"Yes, Mrs. Hutchinson... says it's a surprise", he winks.
"Well I guess we better go and see what's up".
"Merry Christmas"!
We head for the elevator and Alicia chews on her bottom lip.
"Wonder who it could be"? she asks.
"Well he didn't look too alarmed. Probably Gretchen or maybe Avery here to surprise us".
"Avery has a key and he said young woman".
"Well... we will soon find out", I shrug.
The elevator opens as we round the corner and notice a duffel bag and a suitcase. A young blonde haired girl is engrossed in a book.
"Mom and I got into a fight", she stammers. "I didn't know where else to go".
Cecily
"Lets get you inside", I nod. Alicia looks puzzled and then her eyes grow big. I unlock the door, grab the luggage, and usher Cecily inside. I lock the door behind us.
"Cecily"?
"Hey, Mrs. Hutchinson"!
"Oh my goodness. I didn't recognize you". Alicia gives her a hug and then holds her at arms length.
"Your hair she sighs... and your eyes".
"Where is Cheryl"? I ask.
"Well mom and I got into it and she took off and left me".
"That is the story now"?
"Yeah... I was told to tell you to call Anthony".
"Did something change"?
"Yeah I guess... I'm just as confused as you are".
I text Anthony and he immediately calls me back.
"Yeah are you home now? I need to come over to drop off the tax paperwork and the end of the year slips".
"Yes. I'm home. Anthony what the fuck"?
"I can be there in about an hour".
"What went wrong"?
"It's all good. I will see you shortly".
He hangs up and I'm more confused as ever.
"What did Anthony say?"
"He will be here in an hour".
"I'm sure everything is fine".
"I haven't had a chance to really fill you in on what's happening".
"No! "You didn't"!
"We were rather busy", I laugh.
"Not too busy for you to fill me in, Jonathan".
"It was handled. There was nothing to tell you until Christmas when they were supposed to visit".
"I guess that's changed", she shrugs. I can tell she's angry with me which is the last thing I want.
"The less you know the better off, honey".