Neighborhood of Miracles

Summer Begins

The skies were clear, no clouds in sight for the kids to imagine cotton candy floating above. Streets were filled with either men wearing suits or women balancing on those thin high heels. The summer stench of Queens, smelled nothing of that healthy environment I was looking forward to. Soon later, we had made it into a small neighborhood which consist of apartment buildings lined side to side. I was the first to ram the car door open.

"Finally!" I said, as I stretched my arms and bended like a noodle from the long car ride here. Before I knew it, the heat of the sun had hit me. Luckily, my clothes are light colors that wouldn't absorb the sun's rays. I went into the trunk and grabbed my belongings that consist of clothes and some junk food here and there. 

"Mira, take care of him, okay?" My mother said as she rolled down the window. She seemed to be enjoying the ac in the car, as she didn't even bother to step out and say our farewells for the time being. Though, I would of done the same. "Yeah yeah." I replied back to her. She made a worried expression and pouted, "Remember to-" before she could continue I interrupted her. "I know, Ill text you everyday." I smiled at her and she laughed at me. My dad actually got out of the car and kissed my left cheek and hugged me before he went back into the car. "Have fun Mirelle!" her voice weakened in the distance as they drove off. 

"Huh..." I sighed and glance over at my watch. 103 more days to go I thought. Carrying my black and white Puma bag along with a suitcase from my aunt, I strolled over to my grandfather's apartment. At first, there was no reply as I rung the door bell. Then I knocked, followed with another bell. Was he asleep? Is he out? Looking up, as he lived on the second floor, the windows were opened and the T.V was on. Could he not hear me? 

"Excuse me." A man with a navy blue blazer and a pink tie stood behind me as I blocked the door. "My apologies!" I frantically moved to the side and saw him opening the door with a key. "My grandfather lives here, but it seems that he didn't hear my calls." I had told the man, "would you let me in?" The tall man stared at me and saw the bags that I carried along. He nodded his head and opened the door for me and let me in first. As I was about to head up stairs, I turned back. "Thanks again." I said, though he didn't reply but shared a faint smile and headed downstairs. 

There I stood, the front door to the apartment room. Jesus propped on the cross that hung on the brick red, metal door. I knocked and the door slightly opened by itself. A surge confusion occupied my mind. "Grandpa?" I called for him. "Are you here?" I swung the room doors open and peeked through, no one. Checking the bathrooms, he wasn't in them either. Where would he go? The T.V is on as well and he was not even here. Than had an epiphany, I realized that he's one of those adventures types of guys. Even when I was little, he did't want to stay bound to at home. So he would take us out with no specific destinations in mind. 

Heading over to the small living room, I placed my bags on the black old leather couch and headed toward the kitchen, where I had found a note on the long maroon table. Reading it, it said "'At the park"' with a smiley face drawn, replacing the period at the end. "That old fool." I couldn't help but to giggle, he hasn't change, has he? 

I decided to unpack my stuff in the room on the left down the hall. This room belonged to my dad when he lived here as a child growing up. The room was naked white and the bed was covered with a blue printed covering. Posters of these singers on the wall and photographs on the T.V table of his siblings. I uncovered the blue covering to see a new bed sheet that seemed to be recently bought. You could smell that, store lingering aroma. Did he buy it because I was going to be in this room? Spontaneously, a loud roar startled me as I had forgot that the subway rails were behind our apartment. I watched the fuzziness of the white subway bolt by as the lights flickered. Then the vibrating stopped. 

I decided to make myself lunch, hopping that he had some food in the fridge. I was lucky to see peanut butter and jam, sitting on the counter. I didn't know why my mood suddenly increased for the better, due to the fact that I was able to fine bread as well, an inane reason to get all happy. I even poured myself a cup of milk, which was a rectangular boxed container which was blue and had a cookie on it. I sat at the table and started eating and gazed around the apartment as I chewed. Nothing has change, other than the different light bulbs that hung over the dinner table. I felt so nostalgic to be here, at the same time I didn't want to be here. There good and bad memories of visiting my grandfather in the past and more the negative ones stuck to me. 

My phone buzzed as I felt it vibration in my back pocket. I looked over and it was Katie, one of my friends from bio, texting me about the beach party she is at. Pictures, one after another popped up on my phone of here taking selfies and guys shirtless, playing volley ball. To be honest, I was jealous. Really, who would want to spend the entire summer, watching over someone else? Sure I'm concerned about my grandfathers health, but why me out of all people? There is my older sister Mikaela, who was constantly complaining about not being able to go places during the summer. 

Before I realized it, I was drenched in sweat all over. My grandfather is that type of guy, who wants to save money. I won't complain, but I am now. Its too goddman hot! I can't imagine how he lives through these heat waves! Plus, there was no washing machine! I really don't think that Ill be able to survive this summer, when clearly my grandpa is a 100 years behind.