by Brad Manuel
“Bernie.” John started. “We are a group of 13 people camped at 59th and Fifth Avenue. We have plenty of food, and are cooking a hot dinner for anyone in your group that would like to join us. Kelly told us you were light on food, so if you would like to invite any and all of your group, please, follow us back up.” He paused to let the invitation sink in. “If that is too forward, we completely understand. We brought supplies to give to you as well. No pressure, no cost, just hospitality. Honestly, we are survivors just like you. We offer any assistance, and can leave some of our supplies with you when we leave New York.”
It was a blunt start to their relationship, but John did not want to tip toe around the facts. Come eat with them, or do not eat with them. Accept their supplies, or do not accept the supplies. It was all done with an open and honest heart. His cards were on the table.
“Have you and your group eaten?” Bernie asked. She looked at Craig for an answer.
“No, ma’am. We met Ms. Kelly and heard you were hungry, so we jumped into our truck and came down here to invite you back.”
“Let me get our people together and see what they want to do. I will gladly bring the children up to the Plaza for dinner. I’m sure a few of the other’s would love to come. One member of our group has disappeared for the day, but there are 10 of us here. I hope that’s not too many.”
Peter stepped forward. “We have plenty of food, please do not feel like you have to make choices on eating or staying. There is more than enough for all of us and for you.” Peter reached into a bag he was holding and pulled out a bottled water. “Kelly hinted that you might enjoy some fresh water. We have a case in the car that is all yours. I brought some to share immediately.”
Bernie looked at the water, at Kelly, and back to Peter. Tears formed in her eyes. “Thank you Peter, thank you for your generosity.” She gratefully took the water, then bowed her head and said a quick prayer. After saying “amen,” she opened the water and took a long taste. Her eyes remained closed for a second after taking the swig. “I’ll remember that taste of water for as long as I live.”
Bernie looked at John. “Please have a seat, meet our group, and we’ll get ready to follow you up to the park.” She waved them towards a hearth surrounding a central fireplace. “It’s the warmest place in Chelsea. We have some heat in the rooms, but nothing beats sitting next to the fireplace, when we have wood to keep the fire going that is.”
She gestured towards the hearth a second time. “Please warm yourselves by our fire. I’ll get the kids ready.” She turned to Kelly. “Kelly, could you wake Jamie? She went to her room for a nap. I think the other two are playing cards upstairs or listening to music with their headphones.”
John gave Craig a friendly shove towards the door, and he turned to Solange and Peter. “Not the most cohesive group of people, huh? Either of you need help with the waters?”
“I think we can get them.” Peter replied. He patted the bag of bottled waters. “This will make Solange and me the favorites. We’ll keep the water.” He nodded to Solange.
“Okay, I was just trying to help.” John said back.
“You were trying to take our thunder.” Solange told him. “Peter and I get to win their hearts through water.”
John shook his head in defeat and went towards the fireplace with Craig. A fire was ablaze. A pile of broken chairs and other furniture sat in a pile next to the hearth waiting to become fuel.
John looked down the hall and saw the three young children standing in their jackets while Bernie spoke to them. She waited for nods before she led them through the door.
“I apologize for not bringing the children in earlier. I wanted to make sure you were good people before I let you meet them. I hope you understand.”
John nodded. “Bernie, if you had brought the children out before sizing us up, I would have thought less of you.” The kids were young, below the age of 6. There were two little girls and a young boy.
Casey was going to be excited to have playmates.
Craig walked to them. “Hi. I’m Craig, I’m 10.” Children liked to establish ages in their greetings. “This is my dad, John.” Craig pointed to John, “and my friends Solange and Peter.”
The children looked at Bernie. She nodded and smiled. “It’s okay, they are good people, you can say hello.” The kids were scared despite the ‘okay’ from Bernie. They were gaunt, dirty, and their hair was tangled and messy.
Solange stepped forward. She was the least intimidating of the three new adults. She pulled juice boxes from her satchel. “Would any of you like some juice or water?”
The little girl with red hair raised her hand meekly.
“My name is Solange.” She handed a juice to the girl. The girl took a small sip and handed the box to one of the other children. “No.” Solange said gently. “You each get your own. You do not have to share.” The other two children suddenly put their hands in the air. “Good, here are the juices.” Solange pulled the straw off the side and poked it into the hole for the youngest boy.
“I know how to do it.” He said, smiling when he took a sip of the juice. “Thank you.”
She handed an extra juice to each child.
John could tell the kids were weak and malnourished. They had no energy. He turned to Bernie. “Do you have a car? Maybe Kelly could take the kids with Peter or Solange back to our camp and get them dinner right away. Craig and I can stay with you.”
Kelly shook her head. “I already ate. You go, Bernie. Take the children, get some food. I can wait for the rest of the group. Jamie should only be a second, she can go with you.”
Bernie nodded. “You’re right. Let’s get them some food.” She turned them. “Okay kids, let’s take a car ride. Who wants some hot food?”
The children nodded excitedly without removing the juice box straws from their lips.
An older woman with long white hair pulled into a tight ponytail walked into the room. She was shorter than Bernie and frighteningly thin. She had tired green eyes. She managed a weak smile. “Hello everyone, my name is Jamie, Jamie Norse.” She paused and held on to the back of a couch for support. “I am very glad to meet you. I’m just not feeling all that strong today. Please forgive me if I don’t seem more excited.”
Peter stepped forward and put his arm around the woman. She was as thin as a piece of paper when he gripped her. He noticed she wore at least four layers to keep warm. “Us old people have to stick together, let me help you. My name is Peter Reinhart. This is Solange, John, and young Craig.” He handed her the water he had in his hand, the cap already twisted off. “Have a swig of water, and let’s get you in the car we are taking to dinner.”
The older woman looked over at Bernie and Kelly. Bernie nodded, “We’ve been invited up to the Plaza for a nice dinner with their group. They have supplies and hot food.”
Jamie looked up at Peter. “Bless you sir. I will take your arm to get to the car, if you don’t mind, though I don’t know who you are calling old.” Jamie let out a small chuckle.
A man stepped into the hallway from the stairway door at the end of the hall. He walked with authority towards John. He was dressed well in khaki pants and a flannel shirt. He wore expensive walking shoes that were dark brown to match his belt. His hair was combed, and he did not have the dirty appearance of the rest of the group. He wiped his face before coming down to meet the new people. Despite his put together look, his cheeks were sunken, and his pants hung off his hips. The flannel shirt gave the appearance of weight, but the man was a bag of bones.
He strode up to John with his hand out. “Ahmed Cook.” He shook John’s hand firmly. “I was an M.D. at Morgan before all this started. Very nice to meet you.”
John did not drop his gaze from the man’s eyes. He shook Ahmed’s hand firmly and said one of the funniest things Peter Reinhart had ever heard. “John Dixon, I’m the guy with an RV, food, and supplies AFTER all this started. Very nice to meet you, Ahmed.”
Ahmed’s mouth ope
ned a bit in an “oh” gesture. He was stunned by John’s reply, but accepted the bluntness. John did not care about Ahmed’s former life.
John continued. “We invite everyone up to our camp at 59th and 5th. We open our kitchen to you. Bernie, Jamie, and the kids are headed up to eat. ”
Ahmed turned to Bernie, “Bernie, are you comfortable going up there? Maybe I should come with you.”
Bernie knew how hungry Ahmed was, how many meals he skipped so the children could eat. He used the offer of protection as an excuse to salvage his pride in front of John. Ahmed was not a man who typically accepted handouts. “I’d appreciate that Ahmed. It would be great if you could help with the children.”
“Don’t even ask twice, I’m always here to help.” He nodded to her and back at John. “Thank you for your generosity.”
No one noticed the two girls standing the other side of the room. “May we come to dinner too? We’re starved.” The girls looked like sisters with long hair combed neatly and flowing over their shoulders. They wore clean coordinated clothes. “We can share the dinner if we need to.”
Craig stood by the fire. He was overwhelmed by all of the new people. He watched as Solange moved from the young children to the two older girls. She introduced herself and said they would not need to share. The girls nodded, walking around to meet John and Peter before stopping in front of Craig. He was nervous, and the exchange was painful. The girls were attractive, and one was close to his age. Craig managed a weak, ‘hi,’ never picking his head up to look them in the eyes.
“Do you have a vehicle to get everyone up there?” John asked. Bernie nodded and mentioned a church van. “We’ll unload the supplies we brought for you. Craig can go with Peter and the rest of you to our camp. Solange and I will stay here with Kelly to meet the last people.”
“I don’t know when Sal will be back. He sometimes goes away for a few days, and he walked out at lunch.” Bernie turned to Kelly. “Did you see Antonio? He was upstairs the last time I checked.”
The older girl near Solange, Avery, responded. “He’s up there. He said he was busy.” She rolled her eyes.
Ahmed stood next to Bernie. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay? I don’t have to go up with the group.”
Bernie turned to him, pinching his waist. “Ahmed, you need food more than most of us. Come, I need your help with the kids.”
John stepped in. “Ahmed, Bernie is right, go with her. I can wait, as long as Kelly doesn’t need more food.” He turned to her.
“I’m good for a day after that chili and cornbread.” She gave Jamie a look and nodded. “Real food Jamie. I swear one of them is a chef.”
Jamie turned to Peter. “Well let’s get me up there. I haven’t eaten in two days.” Peter nodded and they made their way to the coat room exit. Peter was practically carrying the thin woman.
“My dear, if you had not told me your name was Jamie, I would have guessed it was Flat Stanley.” They went through the door, and he helped her put on a coat. The two continued outside and made their way to a green van.
John turned to the children and the two girls. “You can get in when you’re ready.” He motioned for everyone to get going.
Ahmed stepped forward and took the two little girls’ hands. “Come on kids, let’s get some food!” The little boy grabbed Ahmed’s shirttail, and they made an airplane noise. It was a formation he used before. John smiled and reformed his opinion of the ‘Managing Director.’
John turned to the older girl. “Avery is it?” He asked her.
“Yes.” She said.
“Can you help us unload some supplies from the back of the SUV? Solange and I will carry them in here, but your help to get them onto the curb would be appreciated.” He handed her a bottled water as he asked.
“Sure. I can stay to help if you need me, but please let Meredith get some dinner.” The girl took the water and began to drink it. After two gulps she offered it to the younger girl.
“Here, please take your own.” John handed the younger girl a bottle before responding to Avery. “You know what? Forget about helping, it was wrong of me to ask. You need to eat too. I just wanted some help with the supplies right now.” He turned to Solange. “I’m going to go see about this Antonio. Why don’t you get the truck unloaded on the sidewalk.”
“Okay.” Solange replied. She turned to the girls. “I love your hair.” She said to both of them. “I have tried to grow mine that long, but it never looks good.” The girls instantly started talking about hair techniques as they followed Solange towards the coat room.
John motioned to Kelly. “Maybe I can convince Antonio to have dinner with us. If not, I will leave him the supplies.”
“That’s not a great idea.” She said. “I’ll put the supplies in Bernie’s room before we go. Please do not mention them to Antonio.”
John gave her an odd look.
“You’ll understand when you meet him.” Kelly told him over her shoulder.
Kelly led John towards a door marked “stairs.” They went up one flight and opened a door into a hallway. Glow in the dark stickers of big stars, little stars, planets, moons, and alphabet letters covered the walls. The stickers gave off a faint green glow that illuminated the dark hall.
“I like the stickers.” John said looking around. “What a great idea. Did it keep the hall lit all night?”
“Can you believe it was Meredith’s idea? She is the young girl with Avery. She had these stickers when she was growing up, used them as night lights in her bottom bunk bed. We went up to FAO Schwartz and found these things. Yes, it worked pretty well.” Kelly walked down the hall and pointed towards the doors. “This is the bedroom area. The fireplace was set up to heat most of the room. Some sort of green heating option, using a central fireplace to heat the rest of the building. It is a radiator system. Water tanks sit on either side of the chimney, they heat up, the water flows through the pipes, heats up the rooms. It did an okay job, but the rooms were still pretty cold during the winter. Now that the coldest nights are behind us, the rooms are tolerable. Antonio stays in his room most of the time, comes down for meals when he runs out of food.”
“He has his own food?” John asked. “It seems like everyone shares.”
“Not Antonio, not with us anyway. He takes, but doesn’t give to the group, unless it benefits him.” She pointed to a room. “He’s a good kid, but he can’t get out of his old mindset. I’ve seen him care for the little ones. He sneaks them food, not the adults, but the three little kids and Meredith? They always end up with a cereal bar during the day. I saw the little boy, Cameron, fall on the ice. Antonio was the first one to him. Came out of nowhere. He was gentle and talked him through the tears. As soon as Bernie showed up? Tough guy came back. Anyway, I don’t know if he’ll come up to your camp.”
“Well, the only way to find out is to ask, right?” John knocked on the door.
“You the guy from the Suburban?” He heard someone yell from the other side.
“Yes.” John replied loudly.
“Where did you take everyone?”
“Up to dinner. We have hot food and supplies. We invited everyone, no strings, no questions, just come and eat.”
The door opened. A boy stood in the frame. He wore jeans, a white t-shirt, an unbuttoned flannel shirt, and black high-tops. He had a black bandana on his head. He was trying to grow facial hair. The hair was not cooperating. John stared at the perfect stereo-type of an inner-city gang member.
“How come you didn’t wait for me?” The boy said defiantly when there was no cause for defiance.
“You were told we were downstairs, you didn’t come, and you missed the first boat up to 59th and Fifth. I’m here now. If you would like to come up with us, we are taking a separate car.”
The boy laughed. “You people, New York is dead and you still want to stay at the Plaza. Unbelievable. Suckers then, suckers now.”
“Let me get off on the right foot. My name is John Dixon. I have my
family with me and 10 other people. I came up from South Carolina, met my brother and his family in North Carolina, met the woman downstairs in Richmond, and met five more people in D.C. We are here to meet more survivors. What is your name?” John stuck his hand out.
Antonio looked at his hand but did not take it. “My name is Antonio Pais. I grew up in the Bronx. I can take care of myself, but thank you for the dinner offer. If you leave me alone, I’ll leave you alone. I want my cut of whatever came out of that truck and is sitting on the curb.” He looked at Kelly. “You can give it to me now, or I’ll take it when you are gone. I might do both.” He kept his eyes on Kelly. “If you give me my share now, I won’t tell Sal about the food.”
Solange walked down the hallway. Antonio scanned her with his eyes, his head moving up and down. He let out a whistle. “Now that’s what I am talking about.” He said something in Spanish to Solange. She stopped, squinted her eyes at him, and smiled.
“I am only interested in men, not little boys. I would be more likely to change your diaper than kiss you.” She stood by John and Kelly. “I speak English. It is not polite to speak another language when they do not understand.”
Antonio spoke in Spanish, looking at John and Kelly as he said something. Solange did not acknowledge him.
“Okay then.” John said. “Antonio, if you would like to join us for dinner, we’re leaving. If you want to stay here, that works too. From your comments, I guess we’ll put the supplies back in my car. The group can bring them when they return from dinner.” He walked down the hall. He stopped and turned around. “It was nice to meet you Antonio. We’ll be loading the car. You have five minutes before we leave. I will tell you, my brother is a very good cook. You will regret your decision not to come. There really are no strings. Come up, eat the food, don’t talk to us, I don’t care. We are sharing food. No agenda.” John walked away.
Solange reached into her backpack and took out a bottle of water. She flipped it to Antonio before turning and following John.
Kelly looked at the young man. “I hope you come with us Tony. I know you have food, but a hot meal? None of us have had that in a while. I had two bowls of chili and a few corn muffins. Think about it. We’ll be outside.” She followed the other two down the hall.