Just as Much

Erica's POV


My flight lands and I'm extremely anxious. I've been playing mindless games on my phone and reading books on my kindle. I'm sad I had to leave a lot of my books behind but the kindle saves space in my suitcase. I've been reading Anna Karenina, I've read it before but never really paid it as much attention as it deserved. Lets just say, books are always better than the movies. I do enjoy Tolstoy. Its full of passion, jealousy, faith, fidelity, family, and hypocrisy. Reading Anna Karenina makes me feel better about my predicament of liking my “boss” and him not liking me back anymore.



I shake the thoughts out of my head as the people start to leave the plane. I can't wait to stand and walk around, sitting in coach for the last like six hours next to a random person in such close proximity gets old after an hour. Thankfully, the person next to me was sleeping after the first hour. I wish I could sleep on planes. My brain is exhausted with all my thoughts running through my head. Of course I always think of the worst scenarios.



I pull my bag from under the seat and follow the people in front of me as we exit the plane. I've never been to the JFK Airport so I quickly keep up with the other people from my flight as they make their way to baggage claim. I look around and have yet to spot Heath so I wait for my bags as the buzzer goes off and the bags begin to descend from the ramp. I spot my bags easily enough, the pink ribbon on the handle helps.



After I've gotten both of my bags I wait for Heath, and check my phone. Still no word from Niall. It assures me that I'm making the right decision by letting him go. I send a quick text to Allison and my mom letting them know of my arrival and I still wait. A tap on my shoulder brings sudden fear, I don't know anyone in this city other than Heath. I turn slowly to see a man who has gotten taller than I last remember, his hair longer, and face a little more rugged.



“Heath!” I practically yell as I drop my bags and wrap my arms around him as he lifts me up.



“How's my new roommate?” He asks, putting me down. “Sorry I was late, you'll learn soon that traffic is a bit of a nightmare in the city. These yours?” He points to my bags as I nod and he starts pulling them with him. “I got a car for the day. It's easier than owning one and cheaper than paying for a taxi. I'll show you around the subway and bus system soon. I'm assuming you just want to get to your new home and relax.”



I once again nod and follow along with him. “Where's Kristen?” I ask.



“She is at our apartment, waiting for you. She said my place was a mess and it needed cleaning. Caleb was better at cleaning so my house is a little messy since he's been gone.” He explains as we use the escalator and walk into the tunnel to the parking garage.



“How do you know where your going?” I ask, looking around and realizing I have to catch up constantly. Heath walks super fast.



“My job, I have to take flights at least once a week if not more. I know this airport like the back of my hand. And you'll get used to the pace, we don't walk slow in this city.” He explains, looking over his shoulder.

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We arrive at a three story brownstone, as I wait for Heath to take the lead. He parallel parks effortlessly, a skill I've never acquired. We've made small talk as were were in the car for about an hour and a half, he wasn't kidding when said traffic was a nightmare. I'm lucky that I can mainly just take the train to the society, and walk to campus.


“You always have to have a front door key, if you forget it, I'll introduce you to some others in the building that will let you in if you buzz them. Some people won't buzz you in at all. Mrs. Fitzgerald is our resident older lady, she will always let you in. She always makes too much food and drops it off. Her cookies are amazing, if she offers, always always take them. She usually always has people coming in and out of her place, she has something like 35 grand children. Real old school, she raised something like nine kids in her place. Kind of a legend. She's lived here since like the 40's, rent control.” He checks the mail and starts walking up the steps. “We live on the third floor, no elevator so get used to it.”



I follow him up all the steps and quickly realize I need to get into better shape, I'm feeling out of breath on the second stairwell. “Here we are, home sweet home.” Heath fiddles with his key and lets me go in first.



It's nothing impressive, but it will do. A small living room with a tan couch and blue chair, open kitchen with a small island in the middle. To my left is a long hallway as I follow Heath with my bags, he stops in front of small room. “And this is your room.” He ushers me in. “Its nothing big but Caleb did clear out his dresser and closet for you to put your stuff in. And at least a double bed.” He smiles at me. “We only have one bathroom, so we'll figure something out. And my room is just at the end of the hall.” He leaves my bags and walks out.

I sit and take in my surroundings, my bags carefully placed at the edge of the bed. He was right to tell me the room was small but it will work. I don't need much. I haul my larger bag up and place it one the bed, unzipping it and pulling my clothes out. At least Caleb left me hangers. One thing I forgot about.

“Knock knock.” I turn to see a petite blonde, smiling from ear to ear. “Hi!” She has a cheesy smile. “I'm Kristen!” She sure is peppy, walking in and sticking her hand out for me to shake. “I brought you a welcome to New York present!” She pulls a bag out from behind her back and hands it to me.

“Thank you, I'm Erica. It's nice to meet you.” I take the bag from her and start pulling things out. She's gifted me with new sheets, one less thing to have to buy, a new toothbrush, toothpaste, snacks, and a city transit card. I look up at her.

“The card has some money on it so you can start using it right away, I have tomorrow off from school so I can show you around and how to load it back up if you would like. Heath has a photo shoot in Brooklyn.” She explains. I can already tell we'll be good friends.

“That would be amazing.” A huge weight lifted from my shoulders. This city is so intimidating.

“And you won't ever have to leave Manhattan. I went to NYU for my undergrad so I can show you exactly where your class is and then we can go to opposite direction to the Historical Society. I'll show you all my secret spots.” She smiles, she reminds me of the peppy cheerleader in all those stereotypical American movies.

“Have you lived here your whole life?” I ask, refolding some shirts to fit in the drawer.

“I was born in Brooklyn, lived in Manhattan, and my parents live in the lower east side now. So you could say I've been around.” She laughs. “Heath is gone a lot but your welcome to hang out with me and meet my friends. You turn twenty-one soon?” She leans against the wall, crossing her arms.

I shake my head. “Not until October 21st.” I tell her, forgetting the fact that American's can't drink until their 21, stupid rule if you ask me.

“Well that's not terrible. Theirs plenty to do in the city without drinking, and when your of age, there's a perfect little Irish bar a few blocks down that's never really busy and always fun that I can take you to.” Her teeth are super white. That's about all I can focus on. “I'll let you unpack. When your finished we'll take you out for pizza!” She literally hops out of the room. I can see why Heath likes her, she's like a little bunny. Perky, fun, nice, and pretty, hopefully we'll get along.

Irish bar, of course I can't get away from Niall, even if I'm across an ocean. I haven't really let myself process what happened this morning, and this has been the longest day of my life, literally. I sit on the bed and look around. Overwhelmed with my current situation. I'm in a new country with people I haven’t seen in years or have never met and all I want right now is to go home. I pull my knees up and just start thinking, trying hard to not let my emotions get the best of me.

“Erica!” Niall comes rushing down the hall to my room.

“What's the matter Niall?” I ask, concerned by the tone of his voice.

“I found a recipe that I want to try, do you have dinner plans? If I make it will you eat it?” He asks, nervously running his fingers through his hair.

I can't help but laugh. “Of course.” I roll off the bed and mark the spot in my book. “Need any help?” I ask, following him out to the kitchen.

“I got it, you can just be my test subject.” He smiles as he talks over his shoulder. I love Niall's smile. And his laugh is so infectious. “Okay, so you sit here and supervise.” Niall tells me, patting on the counter as I hop up. He's only back for a week before he heads off to Dublin but I'm going to soak it in as much as possible. “Actually can you read me the instructions?” He asks, nodding to the open page in the book.

“Got it. You going out tonight?” He's always trying to hang out with as much people as possible when he's back for just a little bit.

“Um, no. I think I'm just going to stay in after dinner.” He looks up briefly and then turns back to dicing the peppers. I can see the heat rising to his cheeks, obviously embarrassed by something.

“Gotcha.” I pass him some salt and sauce to add to the chicken.

“So, you want to stay in with me?” He asks nervously, dragging out the “u” in you.

“Niall James Horan. Is that your way of asking me out on a date?” I tease and his cheeks are flaming red now, making me laugh. “I'm just kidding Niall!” I smile and laugh at myself. Niall likes a bit of banter but he's so easy to tease.

“Well you can consider it a date I guess. A staying in friend date.” He laughs nervously. Theirs that wonderful word, friend. “We can watch a film. I've got some new ones.” He smiles.

“Sounds great.” I try to force a smile so it's not awkward. But all I want is this to be a real date. I guess I'm just not his type.

“Erica!” I come out of my haze to hear Heath's deep voice calling out after me as I hop off the bed and come out to the hallway to see Kristen and Heath by the front door. “Were going for pizza, our treat.” He tells me, making motions for me to come to the front door.

“Just let me get my purse!” I rush back to my room and come out to join them. I take a deep breath, new place, new me I repeat over and over again, one day I'll believe it.

Notes

Ah! So she's in New York! And no sign of Niall, yet. :) Not a whole lot going on but I did add Heath and Kristen to the list of characters if you haven't seen yet. BIG THINGS coming!

Just a friendly reminder, don't steal anyone's work. Authors work VERY hard on their writing to make a creative, different experience for everyone and it's the ultimate hurt to see someone steal their plot and basically only change the names of the characters. :)

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Happy Thursday!!

xoxox