20-1

Chapter Twenty - The Big Apple A few days later in New York. Me and Aria knock on the door of room 128 and I smile when I hear rushed footsteps. Jessica throws the door open and screams when she sees us. Jacob groans and tells her to be quiet before he and Poppy join in on the group hug. They pull us in and we take a seat on the bed and chairs. "I've missed you guys so much!" Poppy sighs happily as she pulls Aria against her in a hug. "Did you miss me Ari?" "Yeah!" She exclaims with a nod and I chuckle when Poppy becomes putty in her hands. "Oh, I just love you!" She pinches her cheeks before kissing them. Jessica and Jacob show equal love which Aria accepts eagerly. They've always spoilt her and she adores spending time with them. We bring each other up to speed about our lives, jobs, and Aria's school. Because we all had breakfast before meeting up we're ready to head out early to start our sightseeing plans of Manhattan. "I think today is definitely the day they take the huge Christmas tree down at Rockefeller Centre. We can head there and then pop over to the ice rink?" Jessica suggests and I nod in agreement. "Yes! I can't wait! Let's go!" Aria grins before running to the elevator. We laugh at her enthusiasm before stepping inside and going down to the lobby. Zoe will be joining us tomorrow as she wanted to give me and my friends some time to catch up. Thankfully, she's sent me tons of recommendations of the famous sights to check out as well as food places near them. We take a taxi to the center and marvel at the Christmas tree. After taking some pictures of it and ourselves we head over to the ice-skating rink next. I help Aria put her skates on before she gets on the rink with Jacob and Jessica. I step on next with Poppy following behind and we burst into giggles when I almost lose my balance. "A little rusty are we?" She winks and I roll my eyes playfully. "Let me hold your hand please." I beg and she takes it with a loud laugh. We skate up to the others before going around the rink a few times. The place is buzzing with people but I still manage to hear Aria's excited squeals and laughter which makes me smile. I'm happy she's having fun already and hope that she doesn't get bored of walking around after. Me and Poppy decide to take a break and lean against the rails. I watch the others for a while before turning to her. I always do this every time we meet but I constantly feel anxious before I ask her, perhaps because of the impending hurt. "How is...uh...how are –" "Harry and his wife had a baby girl last week." Poppy tells me about my brother with a gentle smile. Poppy's mother is best friends with mine. It's how we met and became friends too. Ever since my parents cut contact with me she's been my source of news of what my family is up to. I tried many times to reach out to my siblings but my parents really brainwashed them. Harry was graduating college that year and did nothing but berate me for "ruining my own life." At first I put it down to stress but my friends ripped that band aid off just as quick. "Oh, that's great." I nod and the familiar pain comes back. "And the twins?" "Final year of college last I heard. Dixie had accepted an internship in Tokyo." She replies and I smile sadly. "That's nice. Anything about Donna?" "She's been doing really well too. She has a job lined up as soon she graduates college and will be staying in London." Poppy smiles gently before taking my hand. "I'm sorry Charlie. I really hate to tell you these things knowing it hurts you." "Don't be, I'm the one who can't help but ask every time." I chuckle as I look back at the rink again. "There's something else." She murmurs and I frown at her in confusion. "The twins...they contacted me when they found out I was going to see you. They want to meet you and Aria." "Really?" I whisper after a long moment of shocked silence. She nods and I sigh heavily. "I'll need some time to think about it but I'll let you know soon." "Of course, take all the time you need. You know I'm here for you." She hugs me tightly and I smile at how supportive she is. "Love you Pop." I chuckle when we pull away before changing the subject. "Anyways...last one to the other side buys dinner?" "Oh, it's on!" She grins widely before we both take off. Unfortunately, she wins and I roll my eyes with a playful huff when she boasts about her glory to the others. We skate around for a while longer before leaving. We visit the Empire State building next before popping into the Morgan Library. As planned we next leave for the Statue of Liberty. I try to tell Aria as much as I can about the history and significance of each landmark. We're greeted by amazing views of New York at each site and take lots of pictures to look back on. Around lunch time we get back into the city and visit Central Park which has transformed into a winter wonderland. It looks magical and I smile at Aria, Jessica and Jacob throwing snowballs at each other. "I'm starving! Let's go get food!" Poppy eventually admits and we all laugh before picking a restaurant close by. I'm grateful for the rest as we take our time with our meals. Combing my fingers through Aria's unruly hair I pour her more of the apple juice. She smiles up at me before laughing at something Jessica said. Her nose and cheeks are a bright red and I put her hat back on. "You tired Ari or do you want to keep exploring?" Jacob asks with a cheeky smile. Aria shakes her head vehemently as she perks up. "No! I want to see more!" "Alright." I murmur as I caress her cheek hoping to warm her skin somehow. "Just let me know when you get tired. We have tomorrow too." "Okay!" She grins before digging back into her lunch. We soon set out to visit the High Line next which is an abandoned elevated railroad. The walk itself flies by with us goofing around and taking pictures. On our way to Times Square after we walk past the Flat Iron building where we stop for a bit before continuing. I get a bit distracted when Theo starts texting me and I send him some pictures I've taken. Even miles and miles away he still manages to make my heart flutter and race like a schoolgirl. "Loverboy is it?" Jessica asks from ahead and I blush fiercely as I put my phone away. "Just checking in." I murmur and groan when the three of them start teasing me. "I want details later." Jessica sends me a knowing look and the others nod in agreement. "I know." I sigh with a small smile as I catch up to them. Times Square is amazing yet intense. It's incredibly busy and packed with people going about their daily life. Like the pictures there's billboards, signs, and digital screens everywhere. By now the sun has set so the colors pop out even more. After shopping around, taking more pictures and having dinner we finally make it back to our hotel. Aria's feet are dragging by the time we reach our floor. I tell the others that I'll join them in a bit before guiding her into our room. Her eyelids are drooping as I change her into pajamas and brush her teeth. As soon as her head hits the pillow she's out like a light. Although she knows I'll be just a few doors down if she were to wake up I still leave a note by her side. Making sure the door is locked I walk down to Jessica's room where they've already ordered some drinks. I smile and shake my head before accepting the mocktail from Poppy. "I'm so tired but today was great." Jacob grunts and chuckles when he puts his feet up. "Same thing tomorrow, we'll be wrecked by the time we get on the plane." Poppy grins and it makes us all laugh. "I've missed you guys. Let's not let it go too long before our next meetup yeah?" I murmur with a content smile as they nod. "So, how are you and Theo?" Jessica wiggles her brows and I blush.