Part 15:
Sophie bounced the entire flight. Ethan read the same page of his book 17 times. Mara listened to music and pretended not to be nervous. Mason held Elena’s hand during takeoff. “You ready for this?” he asked. Elena looked at their chaotic little family. “No, but I’m doing it anyway. That’s all any of us can do.
” The plane lifted into the sky, and Elena realized she wasn’t scared anymore. She was ready for New York, for whatever came next, for this beautiful, complicated, messy life she’d never planned, but couldn’t imagine living without. New York hit them like a wall of noise and movement, and people who walk too fast and talk too loud.
The apartment Mason had rented was in Manhattan, smaller than the house back home, but with floor to ceiling windows that made the whole city feel within reach. Sophie pressed her face against the glass. We’re so high up. 23rd floor, Mason said, setting down suitcases. Don’t open the windows. I’m six, not stupid. Sophie, Elena warned.
What? I’m not. Ethan was already inspecting his room, making a list of things that were different from home. Mara disappeared into hers without a word, but Elena heard music start playing a few minutes later, which meant she was okay. The first week was chaos. Mason started work immediately, leaving before sunrise and coming home exhausted.
The kids struggled with online classes and the time difference from their friends back home. Elena tried to establish routines while simultaneously figuring out how to navigate a city she’d only seen in movies. “I got lost trying to find the grocery store,” she told Mason on day three. “Ended up in three different bodeas before I found actual milk.
” “Why didn’t you just order delivery?” “Because I’m not spending $40 on groceries we could get for 15 if I just figured out where things are.” Mason pulled her close. You don’t have to do everything yourself. I know, but I want to. Why? Elena thought about it. Because if I can’t navigate a grocery store, how am I supposed to navigate anything bigger? That’s not how it works. Yes, it is.
She pulled back to look at him. Every time I figure something out on my own, I proved to myself that I’m not the useless person David said I was. Mason’s jaw tightened. You were never that person. I know, but my brain doesn’t always believe it. By week two, things started settling. Elena found a rhythm with the kids’ schedules.
Sophie made a friend in the building, another 6-year-old whose family had just moved from Chicago. Ethan discovered a comic book store three blocks away, and spent every afternoon there. Mara found an art supply shop in Soho and came home with bags of expensive materials that Mason paid for without question.
You’re spoiling her,” Elena said, watching Mara disappear into her room with the latest haul. “She’s happy. That’s worth any price.” “She was happy with the cheap stuff, too.” “I know, but she deserves the good stuff.” Mason wrapped his arms around Elena from behind. “They all do after everything they’ve been through.
” Elena leaned back against him. “You’re a good dad. I’m trying. You’re succeeding.” The third week brought their first real fight. Mason came home at 11 at night, missing dinner for the fourth time that week. Elena was still awake, grading one of her online assignments at the kitchen table. “Sorry I’m late,” he said, loosening his tie.
“You said you’d be home by 8.” Meeting ran over. “They always run over.” Mason stopped. “What’s that supposed to mean? It means you’ve missed dinner four times this week.” Sophie asked if you even still lived here. That’s not fair. Uh, isn’t it? Elena stood. You brought us to New York so we could do this together, but you’re never here. I’m working.
That’s why we came. I know that, but the kids don’t understand why you’re suddenly gone all the time. I’m not gone all the time. Mason, you left before they woke up and came home after they went to bed for 4 days straight. He ran a hand through his hair. This project is important. I told you it would be intense.
And I told you the kids needed stability. That was the whole point of me coming to help maintain normaly. So maintain it. The words hung between them. Elena felt like she’d been slapped. Wow. Mason’s face immediately changed. I didn’t mean yes you did. Elena’s voice was quiet. You meant exact exactly that. I’m here to handle the kids so you don’t have to.
That’s not what I said. It’s what you implied, Elena. I’m going to bed. She left him standing in the kitchen. She didn’t sleep. Neither did he, apparently, because at 2:00 in the morning, he knocked on her door. “Can we talk?” Elena opened the door. Mason looked wrecked. “I’m sorry,” he said immediately. “What I said was awful.
You’re not just here to handle the kids. You’re here because you’re part of this family. Then act like it. I know. You’re right. I got so caught up in work that I forgot why I wanted you here in the first place. He stepped closer, not to make my life easier, to share my life with you. Elena felt her anger deflating.
