Not If I Save You First

twenty-two | elicitation

Maybe go East. Take the Throgs Neck Bridge onto Long Island and live in a beach house in either The Hamptons or Montauk. Go Northeast over the Broadway Bridge and live a quiet life anywhere in New England. Keep traveling North and eventually make my way into Canada.

"You're insane!" Archer shouted, keeping his head pressed against my back.

Slowing down, I made sure Archer felt the slightest bit safer. We were nearing our destination. I stopped at a red light right before the start of the blocks.

"Keep your eyes open," I whispered.

"Why?" Archer asked.

"Because it'll be worth all the stress I've put you through," I said, starting to ride again.

Content bubbled in my stomach looking down 7th avenue.

Times Square.

Times Square is the embodiment of what New York City is like. Loud, crowded, colorful, and alive. However, in the middle of the night Times Square is a deserted wasteland. All the vibrant colored billboards and screens are constantly on a loop, but the people are gone.

I rode slowly letting the visualization of empty streets and sidewalks sink in. No commotions, horns honking, or people screaming.

Screens for Broadway plays shimmered with the coming attractions.

Riding in slow motion through Times Square is beautiful. You can imagine the sounds coming from the buildings and the cars, but at this moment it's not real. The only sound I can hear is my breathing. My loud huffs and puffs through my helmet. I could feel the pumping of Archer's heartbeat, as he rested his chest against my back.

"This is like an alternate reality," Archer muttered.

I slowly went up and down each block that is within the walls of Times Square. Each and every building lit up like our own private light show. Taking in everything that Times Square has to offer.

"Even the most beautiful places turn dark during the night," I said.

When Archer and I were playing pool for the first time we made a bet. If Archer won the game he would be allowed to take me anywhere for a night.

Archer said that he wanted to talk me up to the roof where the ball drops on New Year's Eve.

We were now going South on 7th avenue.

I went slowly down towards 42nd street. Going in the direction of where the ball drops, I hoped that Archer would recognize why I'm going this way.

I stopped my bike in the middle of the street. I looked behind me and Archer looked mesmerized by the sight in front of him.

"Why are we doing this?" Archer asked.

"I've completely hijacked your life. Usually if I were to be compromised I would've made myself disappear by now. No muss or fuss," I explained, taking off my helmet to breathe in the comforting spring air. "This mission is different. I've taken you from your apartment and you're basically a prisoner in mine until this is over."

"So, this is a reward for good behavior?" Archer questioned.

I laughed, hearing the bitterness of the sound in my ears. "You've been hearing me talk too much. That's definitely something I would say," I said.

"Can I take you somewhere next?" Archer asked.

I smirked and asked, "Do you want to try being in the front seat?"

"Not in the slightest," Archer shuddered. "I'll just tell you where you go," he said. I sat forward again and put my helmet back on. I anticipated the feeling of Archer's arms going around my back, but I didn't feel them. Instead, I felt his fingertips. His warm and gentle touch on my left shoulder. "I'll tap your left shoulder for a left turn and your right shoulder for a right turn."