2 New York

[MARCH 23, 2015]

It was a sunny and windy morning at New York City. It felt nice to feel the sunshine against my skin and to breath in the cool wind. Peter and I were walking hand in hand as we stroll down the streets of the beautiful city.

We were on our way to the Statue of Liberty. It was Peter's first time travelling in New York and I can feel him trembling as we go all the way to the top.

"Are you alright?" I asked him.

He looked at me and said, "Yes, of course, why wouldn't I be okay?"

"I can feel you trembling. What's happening to you? We can still go back if you want to." I asked with a worried tone.

"I'm just so nervous. This is my first time travelling here and seeing great places and I am so happy that I can't stop being nervous."

I playfully laughed at him and held his hand tighter. When he saw the view when we were above, he suddenly became a little child and happily stared in awe. He wanted to see New York at every angle from above. He spent almost 10 minutes admiring the stunning view from every angle if the building. It took a lot of convincing so we can leave and go to another place.

Ever since he arrived here in New York, he has been talking about Brooklyn Bridge non-stop. He wanted to take a photo at the bridge and wanted to pose something that he dreamt doing for a long time.

As we arrived at the bridge, as expected, it was filled with tourists also wanting to capture their moment at one of New York's best tourists spot.

He took my photo first and when I was about to take his, Peter suddenly whispered to me.

"Let's wait 'till people leave."

I nodded at him and we waited. But the more we wait, the people at the bridge never really lessen. As people go, more people only came.

"Pete, we've been waiting for about 20 minutes. If you want to take your photo without others, we have to come back at midnight." I whispered at him.

He thought for a moment then sighed deeply. He muttered a small 'okay' and went in the middle to pose.

"Use the shutter okay?" He yelled at me.

I nodded my head and counted to three. What happened next was not what people were expecting.

He jumped.

A lot of people were startled at his actions and kept their stares at him as they passed by. Some people looked bothered, but most of them were laughing at his actions. I guess what he did was not new and a lot of people have actually done that pose and it didn't suprise them anymore. He quickly wore his hoodie as he ran to me.

"Did you got it?" He asked, kindly short of breath.

"Of course! You know, I'm actually also quite a photographer myself" I replied to him with a laugh.

People were still throwing glances at him and he was just smiling.

"I am SO glad I didn't have to do it again." Peter said with a laugh as he placed an arm around me.

We left the bridge and decided to relax at Central Park. When we arrived, a band was playing at Summer Stage. Their songs sounded so chill and we found ourselves joining the crowd. I was enjoying myself when I felt Peter's hand slowly pulling me away from the crowd.

"Why? Aren't you enjoying yourself?" I asked him.

"It's not that. Just wanted to see more of this place."

We stopped by the Great Lawn to sit down, feel the sunshine and just enjoy the breezy wind. I placed my head on his shoulder and he leaned on me. I heard him softly singing so that it was only the two of us who could hear it.

"There's a rythm in rush these days

Where the lights don't and the colors don't fade

Leaves you empty with nothing but dreams

In a world gone shallow, in a world gone lean

There is a truth and it's on our side

Dawn is coming, open your eyes

Look into the sun as the new days rise"

When I heard that he sang that song, I can't help but smile. I always loved that song and he knew me too well. I've always played that song whenever I'm resting, driving or even reading. That song has always been my go-to-song and is included at all the playlists I made. He knew how much that song can make me calm. He knew how much I loved that song. He knew my playlists too well.

After resting for a while, we continued our walk in the park. We were passing by Bethesda Fountain and saw a lot of people.

"What is that? Why are there many people around it?" Peter asked me.

"That's the Bethesda Fountain. I guess all that people are making wishes. It was believed that The Angel of the Waters might grant your wish if you're lucky enough." I pointed at the winged female sculpture at the center of the huge fountain.

"Really? How does it work though?"

"I'm actually not really sure. I think you can throw a coin or just pray."

"Let's try it!" Peter then held my hand and pulled me towards the fountain.

When we got closer to the fountain, he let go of my hand, clasped his hands together and closed his eyes. He looked so serious and I can't help but wonder what was he wishing for. I laughed softly because I thought that he looked so cute.

I threw a last glance at him before doing the same thing. I clasped my hands together and closed my eyes.

Dear Angel of the Water, if the myths about you are real. Please hear this wish. I wish for happiness. Happiness for me, my friends, my family, and most importantly, the happiness of the man here beside me. No matter what happens, keep him healthy, happy and safe. He deserves everything.