Conversations With Ana

8

8

"Oh my god, Ana. Your eyes are like coming out of your head."

I ignored my friends' laughter, looking around.

Shane raised his eyebrows at me, amused.

"Haven't you ever been into the city...?"

I shook my head.

"No. I live in a small town that's like three hours from here. I've never really been anywhere besides Pennsylvania to visit my Uncle."

Rose laughed and said: "Give me your phone."

I frowned.

"Why?"

"Just do it."

I sighed and handed her my phone, tapping my fingers on my thighs and looking around while I waited for her to finish.

After a couple minutes, she handed my phone back to me.

I looked at it, curiously.

I had three new contacts.

Ro Ro with a rose emoji next to it.

Shaney Boo.

And lastly, Gordon.

I smiled.

"Why did you add you guys' numbers to my phone?"

"Incase you get lost or get into any trouble. You can call us or text us if you need to."

I blinked a few times.

I wasn't really used to people caring that much.

For years, the only friend I had was Mel.

This was totally new territory to me.

Rose didn't seem to mind that I didn't have anything to say to her in return.

Instead she hooked arms with me and smiled.

"Come on, Let's go get some coffee then start exploring."

After a quick stop at Starbucks, Rose dragged me into some girly boutique.

While she looked through the clothing, I stood by the window and looked outside, sipping my coffee.

Hours later, Rose was still dragging me into stores and boutiques.

I groaned and moaned the whole time, but she ignored me.

She was making our trip to Manhattan tiring.

Finally, I sighed and told her: "I'm going to go look around the corner to see if there's any good restaurants for lunch. I'll be right back."

I was pretty sure that she didn't hear me, too engrossed by the clothes she was looking at.

I didn't bother trying to get her attention.

Instead I walked outside and began to explore.

There was lot's of taxi's and cars and peoples.

The amount of people was what was making me borderline having a panic attack.

But I pushed the feeling down, looking around, taking in everything.

I was so lost in thought and so amazed, that I barely registered walking into an alleyway.

I only realized it when someone shouted out at me.

"Hey! You! What're you doing back here?"

I snapped out of my daze and locked eyes with a rough looking boy who looked slightly younger than me.