{One Month Later, September 1977}

I met up with Michael after his morning shift at the coffee shop around 12pm. I didn't tell Mom where I was exactly going, I just said I'd be back and she never questioned it. She doesn't seem to care much where I go, as long as I come back alive at some point.

I waited outside as he finished up his shift, eventually making his way out to meet me. We had originally just planned to walk around and spend some time together, although we didn't plan where we would actually go or do.

He came through the door, weaving his way through the line of people with a strong aroma of fresh coffee lurking on him still. He handed me a cup of, I guess, coffee.

"Nice to see you again, I made this for you. You don't have to like it."

I took the cup from him, it was still fairly warm and smelled sweet. I hesitantly took a sip, and was pleasantly surprised. "Oh, wow, that's actually not bad," I giggled, "what is it?"

"It's a special latte I made just for you, if you get a job at the shop I'll show you how to make it."

I pushed my hair behind my ears, taking a few more sips with a smile spread across my face. I was definitely blushing, I could feel it on my cheeks.

"So, where did you want to go?" He asked.

"What about Central Park?"

I hadn't been there since I was a kid, and honestly, I just wanted to see it again. I always loved going there and it was so mesmerizing. But, to my surprise, Michael shot the idea down immediately, giving me a confused look.

"Oh, I mean, we could. But, are you sure you want to go there?"

"Is it a problem? We don't have to, I was just offering-"

"No, it's no problem," he reassured, "but it's kind of a mess. It's a bit gloomy and it's covered in graffiti, not exactly what I had in mind."

I was fairly shocked to hear that. I guess the crime has really gotten so bad it's ruined my favorite park. Graffiti? Yikes. Maybe not, although I was still curious as to how bad it actually was. I couldn't make it obvious I had been locked up for almost a decade, and I was not doing a good job at hiding it so far.

"Oh, yeah, you're right, erm- do you have any places in mind?"

"I was thinking about Washington Square, if you're okay with that of course."

I nodded, and realized I had already almost finished half of the drink. I was surprised how good it was, and that he made it just for me. Good gracious, he's such a gem.

He checked the time on his watch. "If you're hungry, we can stop and get some food on the way."

"Yeah, sure, you can pick."

I wasn't hungry, Lucy made pancakes before I had left, but I was willing to do anything to get closer to him. I not only needed friends, but I couldn't lose someone like him. I was a little too into him, and I'm not sure if he feels the same way. But, he's been negotiating the plans and he's been awfully friendly. He's even been copying my body language and the way I act, which Lucy said was a good sign. I'm crossing my fingers.

He took me to Joe's Pizza as we were headed there. We both got pepperoni, although, in all honesty, I really only got it so we could have the same thing- I'm not a fan of pepperoni. Now, any New Yorker knows the traditional way of eating a pizza slice; folded. Well, that's what I grew up knowing, living in Manhattan all of my life. So, it didn't take long for me to notice how he was eating it. Something so basic caught my attention. So, of course, I questioned it.

"How long have you been living here?" I ask.

He looked back at me, almost embarrassed for some reason. "I actually just moved here a few months ago. Why do you ask?"

"It's pretty obvious." I say, glancing at the slice.

"I'm still getting used to the city and their ways. I'm just trying to blend in, which I guess I'm not doing so well at."

He's new to the city, that means I can show him around; like Lucy did for me! Well, if I had money, but I can still make it work. Oh, this will be fun. Although, for only being here for a few months, he seems to be fairly comfortable so far. I mean, he knew the way to Washington Square Park and Joe's by foot, which is impressive.

"Oh, hah, don't worry about it, I was just teasing you."

"Well, since you seem to be quite the city girl, you can be my tour guide." He jokes, tossing pieces of the crust to the crowds of pigeons.

"I'd be more than happy to, country boy."

"Hey, I'm from San Francisco, don't get too ahead of yourself."

He playfully nudged my shoulder, and he seemed to be loosening up. We have only known each other for about a month, yet it feels like it's been way longer.

We continued to make our way there, passing by both very interesting and very questionable sights we pointed out along the way. When we finally made it there, I felt a weird sense of nostalgia. People riding their bikes and skateboarding around, couples sitting by the fountain, and even more god damn pigeons that I'm pretty sure followed us there.

I glimpsed at a young girl with her mom and dad cheerfully playing by the fountains. Why do I feel jealous? Not that I'm not happy for them, but I can't help but have an ache in my heart. I was still longing for that, a family, even after all of these years. I know I should get over it, but how can you blame the girl who never had a childhood for wanting that? I can't really tell if my mom even actually loves me, or is just grateful to have someone rather than herself. Why am I pitying myself?

"Are you okay?" Michael put a hand on my shoulder, startling me out of my delusion.

"Oh, erm, yeah- I was just staring into space."

He observed me for a minute before giving a slightly concerned face. "You can talk to me if you need to."

"No, I'm fine, I'm okay."

He gave me a nod, and we went to sit on a bench surrounding the fountain. I tried to steer him away from being concerned, keeping the conversation positive.

"So, how did you know the way here so easily if you're new?" I questioned, forming a grin on my face.

"I just started university, New York University, so I come here often with friends, you know?"

New York University? Damn, so he's smart too? Ugh, I can't.

"Actually, speaking of friends, I've got a volunteer event at a local animal shelter in about two hours. Would you like to come? It's open for anyone."

So, he's cute, kind, smart, AND loves animals? How much better could this get? The more I get to know him, the further I fall for him. Duh, I want to come with you.

"Yeah, I'd love to."

He seemed eager about the fact I said yes, and he started to tell me about his time in New York so far. He had met a lot of new people at university, and they all volunteered at this shelter as well. He said he thinks I would get along with them well, but we'll see about that.

We strolled around Washington Square, and as we talked and got to know each other more and more, the closer and more comfortable I felt around him. It feels like we could talk to him for hours and I wouldn't get tired of listening to him. He truly was such a gem.

↞↠ ↞↠

We took a taxi over to the shelter he mentioned earlier, being instantly greeted with the sounds of dogs barking and whining. He signed us in and then we were met with two older ladies, one carrying a small puppy in a blanket and the other holding a leash attached to a much bigger dog. Don't get me wrong, I love pets, but I've never actually been so close to such a big dog before. A cute one, but a little frightening.

One of the women who was cradling the puppy approached us, a cheerful smile across her face.

"Glad to see you again, Michael, and who's this lassie?" she exclaimed, turning her attention towards me, " A girlfriend?"

I could sense he was looking at me, but my eyes were focused towards the floor with embarrassment. He made an awkward laugh and playfully nudged my arm. I wish I could proudly respond to that with a yes.

"Aha, uhm, no- just my friend, Cynthia" He replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well then, friend, my name's Donna, and she's Linda. You can head over to the room down the hall and start helping the others feed the animals."

She directed us to the room, where a group of other seemingly teens were working. They must've been friends of Michael, because they all recognized him instantly. There were only a few people, the majority being girls and only two other guys. They greeted him with hugs like they haven't seen him in ages, and I started to feel a little out of place before one of the girls of the group came up to me.

"What's your name? I haven't seen you around before."

"Cynthia.. I've never been here before, so, I just, uhm-"

I don't know why I started stuttering, but I've honestly never been this social. You don't get much experience meeting new people being behind bars, and Michael is the only person I've actually made friends with since then. Luckily, she seemed to sense I felt out of place. She even looked... familiar?

"No worries, I'm Diane- Are you here with Michael?"

Diane. Even more familiar. Michael was chatting with another guy, petting one of the puppies. I wanted to lie and say we were together just to say it, but that would only be more awkward.

"Yeah, haha, I just met him about a month ago and he offered to take me here with him."

"Interesting, you know he's told me about you and all. I thought the name Cynthia rang a bell."

She examined me a little closer. "Actually, I knew a Cynthia a while back. You look like her."

"And I knew a Diane... are you?"

"Quinn?"

There was a short pause, Michael glanced over at us. Her ecstatic smile dropped slightly to a more serious expression.

"Oh, you're THAT Cynthia. You know, I won't even bring it up, I'm sure it's already lingering on your consciousness quite often."

Her tone immediately started to become snarky, and this entire situation just got ten times more uncomfortable. She puts a hand on my shoulder as I twiddled my thumbs, avoiding eye contact once again.

"I'm sure he likes you, though." She walks away, turning towards Michael and pulling on his arm. She drags him towards me, "Michael, why don't you show Cynthia around? Introduce her."

"Right, sorry." he responded, "these are some of my friends I met at university. Don't worry, you'll warm up to them."

I nodded with a grin, trying to shrug off what Diane said, but it bothered me and I think Michael caught on to it. "Are you sure you're alright? Did she say something?"

My shoulders slumped forward as I exhaled. "Yeah, I'm alright, I promise."

⧫ ⧫

"Lucy?"

I whipped my head around, Rosemary opening the door to the balcony. She walked up to me, leaning up against the railing with a concerned look. I dropped the cigarette, trying to kick it over the edge.

"You know I saw that, right? I thought you quit."

"I know, and I was doing fine, I just- I don't know. I couldn't help myself. I'm tired."

I was honestly disappointed in myself. I had promised myself and to Rose that I wouldn't start smoking or getting involved with drugs again. After my dad died from it a few years back, it scared me out of never doing it again. Well, I was doing good for a while. I've relapsed from time to time, but this is the longest I've gone- and I ruined it. She seemed worried for me, and quite frankly, I was worried too.

"Then talk to me. You know you don't have to hide that kind of stuff from me; what's wrong?"

I let out a deep sigh. "I'm just so exhausted from dealing with Michelle, picking up after her messes. And to make matters worse, my mom called me last night."

"What did she want? I thought you haven't talked to her in years."

"I haven't. She wanted money from me- pathetic bitch. God, she reminds me of Michelle: only nice or respectful to me when she wants something. I hung up but she still keeps trying to contact me."

Rosemary inched closer to me, putting her hand over mine. She was the best person to talk to about serious matters, not just because I love her and trust her, but because she's just as imperfect as I am, birds of a feather.

"I get it. Speaking of which, around this time is the same time my parents gave me up to my aunt. 16 years ago but still a painful reminder. It's just a shitty time for us both, isn't it?" She jokes, "At least your mom still remembers you."

She gave a half grin, but I could tell she was just smiling through the hurt to make me feel better.

"I know you always tell me too, but you also don't have to hide stuff from me. I know you're no better than I am." I say, gazing into the night sky and twinkling lights.

"I know. It's not like I have anybody else. Just promise me that if I'm trying, you'll try too?"

"I promise."

"I love you." She simpered, giving me a kiss on the cheek before making her way back inside.

The door shuts behind her, leaving me alone with the bustling city in the background. I took a deep breath, and tried to soak in the peacefulness while I could. It's not that I don't enjoy life or the people in it, it just gets hard sometimes, you know? But, hey, I'm here, and I'm trying.

⧫ ⧫

Michael introduced me to his group of friends: Jessie, Laura, Jill, Scott, Peter, and of course, Diane. They all seemed pretty friendly, with the exception of Diane. They showed me where everything was and what to do, and eventually me and Michael had decided to go handle the kittens while they tackled the other pets and tasks.

I learned quickly that Michael was a huge cat lover, which was adorable to me. The longer we cared for them, I realized how much I, too, loved cats. One in particular stuck out to me, it was the only hairless cat in the shelter, but it was awfully playful. I guess that just makes one more thing we have in common.

I checked the time, and it was already almost 8pm. I didn't even notice how much time had passed, I was genuinely having a great time with everyone, including Michael. Finally, I was really becoming just a normal teen- making friends, crushes, volunteering, and even hopefully getting a job soon. I was even learning things about myself. I think I'm finally putting my past behind me and living in the present... if it weren't for Diane, though.

He waited with me for a cab to pick me up, as I told him that I didn't really want to be alone at night. As a car finally approached, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, hugging him.

"Thank you for tagging me along, I loved spending time with you."

Okay, kind of flirtatious, but nothing wrong with some hint dropping.

He hugged me a little longer and tighter than I had expected. "Of course, I'm glad you came with me- I'll see you later."

I let go and made my way to the cab, waving him goodbye.

A/N:
-So I'm kind of tired, and there's more I want to add to this chapter, but it's midnight and my writing juices are empty. So sorry for the abrupt ending, it won't stay that way

-I gotta apologize for the past few chapters being kinda mediocre. I'm in the part of the book where I'm struggling to stay motivated and keep writing. Once we get more towards the climax, I PROMISE it gets good! I have plans, and you definitely will not see it coming (no, seriously, you won't).

-If the whole thing with "Diane" doesn't make sense, refer to chapter three.

-No, this is not and will not turn into a romance
book.

Thanks for reading, whoever is left. I think I lost all of my previous readers lol :( whoops