by Angela Smith
“Yeah, I know. It’ll be crazy. I can’t even believe that my work trip has turned into this.”
“Well, everything happens for a reason, Autumn. Maybe you and Marisol were meant to be on TV for some reason or another.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so. Don’t worry. You’re too cute to worry,” he said with a smile in his voice. Oh how I loved him. “Maybe I’ll come down. I’m not too far away at my brothers. I could be in the city by 7 o’clock tomorrow. Would that be OK?”
“That would be more than OK. That would be amazing,” I said. Tomorrow was going to be the start of the rest of our lives. I could feel it in my bones.
The next morning came in a wave of excitement and pure glee. Both Marisol and I were up early, trying to figure out what exactly we should wear to the Today Show set. Would they do our makeup? Would they let us borrow a stylist? It was all so new to us. As I dug through my rather limited wardrobe, Marisol spoke up.
“Darling, your grandfather said to wear your teal dress and a strand of pearls,” she said nonchalantly, as if getting style advice from the dead was the norm. Maybe for her it was but for me it was still massively weird. Either way, I picked up my teal dress, admiring its intricate details as I put it on. It reminded me of the 1920s in some ways yet it was also very modern and not too revealing. The last thing I needed was my boobs popping out on national TV. I’d leave all the flashing to Marisol. I was not one to show my goodies to the world.
We were dressed and ready by 7:00 and in the town car that the Today Show provided by 7:30, on our way over to Rockefeller Center. Watching the sights of the city flash by through the tinted windows of a luxury town car was a new experience but definitely one I could get used to.
We arrived on set and were greeted by a flurry of people; Stylists, makeup artists, assistants, and people prepping us for the interview. It was happening so fast that I had trouble taking it all in. I hadn’t yet seen Bayani but I wished he would show up soon so that I could at least have some sense of normalcy this morning. I really needed something or someone to keep me in check.
One Direction was performing on the stage inside the studio, since it was a rainy and drizzly day. Marisol and I watched in awe (me more so as I was secretly trying to figure out which member was the cutest) when suddenly Marisol asked me a question that made me laugh so hard I thought I had peed my pants. Yes, I was already at the age where a bought of laughter left me crying in the ladies room as I tried to cover up my wet spots. I’ll admit it.
“Why in the world are these young things called One Direction? Do they not know where they are going? What a silly and ridiculous name.”
“I think it means that they are going in One Direction. Like up or something.”
“With a name like that, they’ll be going in One Direction alright and it will be down.”
I looked out onto Rockefeller Plaza and saw thousands of screaming girls. These boys were definitely not going anywhere soon. Their music was like NutraSweet to the brain. Destructive, but oh so good.
As soon as the boys were gone and I got to wave to Harry Styles (!!) it was our turn to be interviewed. I swallowed any pride I had (which admittedly, isn’t much most of the time) and walked out onto the stage with Marisol’s hand tucked into the crook of my elbow.
Here we go, I thought.
Just before I took the final step on to the stage, I felt a firm hand pull me back and then consume me in a hug. At first I was a little startled, but soon I realized it was Bayani. I couldn’t see his face in the dark hallway but I could smell his signature scent of aftershave mixed with toothpaste and soap. He smelled like a real, strong clean man. Minty fresh. I inhaled it and hugged him back.
“Thanks for coming,” I said into his soft cable knit sweater.
“You know I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Two of my favorite women being interviewed on national TV! It’s an honor to be here with you both.” I smiled and kissed him quickly before running off (in heels, mind you) to catch up with Marisol. The segment was due to start any minute now and I didn’t want to make a scene trying to get on stage in the middle of the interview.
Arriving just in time, I took my seat next to Marisol, who gave me a naughty wink. God, I hope she doesn’t say something insane. No doubt the crazy remarks of last night were going to come up. I just hoped I could keep my composure when they did. I wasn’t very good in social situations. I was even worse when put on the spot.
The interviewer, who happened to be female and kind of friendly in a New York way, had us sit on stools facing her. The camera was started and before we knew it, we were on live TV. Oh. My. God.
“This morning we have the pleasure of having viral sensations, Marisol Silva and Autumn Hayes in the studio with us. As you may have heard, Marisol and Autumn went on a little bender last night over at legendary jazz club The Birdland. It ended up on film and voila! Here we are,” The interviewer said.
“Now, tell me, Marisol, how old are you again?”
“I’m 99 but I feel like I’m in my 50’s!” Marisol quipped.
“Well, you certainly look amazing for your age and it seems as though you have a lot of spirit as well.”
“Yes, I do love to live dangerously. You know, a little drink, a little drug…I dabble in many things to keep myself limber and in-the-know.”
The interviewer had the right idea when she blinked furiously, a bit confused, before laughing unnaturally, like a Hyena. “Oh dear, you are a funny one,” she said.
“I am. I like to make people laugh. I like to see others happy,” Marisol said. I felt close to tears. She was just so cute. She reminded me of a teddy bear that I just wanted to keep forever. Alas, that wasn’t possible but I chose to ignore that fact for now.
“So, tell me about your night at The Birdland, girls. Was it as much fun as it seemed?”
“Oh yes! It was lovely. You see, Autumn here is head over heels in love with the 1920s – and a certain young man who won’t be named – so I thought there was no better place to take her than to a jazz club. As you probably, know the twenties were known for their jazz music just as much as the Flappers and prohibition.”
Oooh. That was sure to go right up Sophie’s behind like a bee. Marisol admitting on TV that Bayani and I were in love. Even though she didn’t say his name, there was no doubt to those who knew us both as to who she was referring.
“Anyway, I danced some dances I hadn’t danced in ages, listened to some music and genuinely enjoyed myself. I think Autumn did too,” Marisol said, squeezing my hand.
“Yes, I had a great time. I still can’t believe our video went viral. I’m not sure what’s so interesting about us, really. We’re just two women enjoying a night out.”
“But you must agree that the circumstances were different, Autumn. Not every woman your age is out partying with a 99-year-old,” the interviewer pointed out. She was right, of course. How many geriatrics did you see in the night clubs? Unless you were in Florida, the answer would be almost none.
“Are you married, Marisol? Do you have any children?”
“No, dear, I’m widowed. My soul mate, John, died about ten years ago. We never had any children. Weren’t able to unfortunately. I had that damned hysterectomy.” What? Marisol had no children? So then how was Sophie her great-grand daughter? What wasn’t she telling me?
The interview went on a little while longer, interspersed with clips from our night at the jazz club and photos of Marisol as a younger woman in Flapper attire (where had those come from?) It seemed to go by quickly and by the time we were done and the cameras were switched off, everyone in the studio was applauding us. It was a surreal experience.
“And that, my dear, is how it’s done,” Marisol said to me before sauntering off to the dressing room leaving me staring wide-eyed in her wake.
I was glad that was over. Hopefully now the press would let us be and stop pestering us outside the hotel. We were only in town for a few more days and then I cou
ld go home and see Clara. I missed her so much. Even the daily picture messages sent to me by Jeanette weren’t enough to keep my heart from aching. I felt that way about Bayani, too, sometimes, but at least I got to see him this past week. In fact, he should be here soon to take me out for a celebratory dinner and show. My first New York theater experience! I was excited beyond words.
Marisol hadn’t talked to me much since the interview commenced. It seemed like something was weighing heavy on her mind. I assumed it had to do with the subject of her husband. She had never brought him up before or since and I wasn’t about to ask. I figured she’d talk to me when she was ready.
I spent a few hours lounging in the bubble bath surrounded by the soothing tones of Buddhist monks chanting. I picked up this tape after visiting a Buddhist Temple with Bayani. Since he was from Thailand he had a custom of attending local Temples for certain occasions to do with his country. He invited me along one day and although I was slightly apprehensive, I found it to be a very eye-opening experience. The monks were so kind and generous as were the Thai people as a whole. These tapes were perfect for laying in the bath and relaxing.
By the time Bayani arrived I was cleansed to within an ounce of my life. Being a woman was exhausting. Thank God Bayani appreciated all the effort I put in, because between you and me, if I weren’t seeing him I wouldn’t bother. I’d look like a crazed gorilla with hairy legs and arms and smell like a muskrat that just came out of the filthiest river possible. Not a pretty sight at all.
Seriously, if there were no men in the world, would women want to constantly one-up each other? Would they go through all the pain of waxing, pinching, nipping and tucking? I doubt it. We all did it for the men. Without them, women would be a completely different species.
Thankfully, I looked stupendous tonight. I took Marisol’s advice and let my hair go back to its curly self and wore minimal makeup. I think I should keep myself looking as close to normal as I could. Though I loved the 1920s, I felt like Marisol was right. I shouldn’t let the era dictate me or change who I really was.
Bayani arrived soon after I finished getting ready and we were off for a night on the town. It always hit me, every time I left the hotel, how amazing this city was. There were so many dreams coming true and dreams being broken; new relationships springing to life as others crumbled under the stress of living in such a high-paced city. There was so much going on every minute of every day that even if you lived here for your entire life, you’d never be able to experience it all.
We were on our way to somewhere special. I had no idea where this special place was but I was sure I would love it.
“Here we are,” Bayani said, taking me by the hand and leading me up to a set of massive doors.
“Where are we?” I asked. I knew this place looked familiar but I couldn’t seem to place it. Then it hit me. This was where the Rockette’s were. We were going to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! Ahhh!
“Oh my God! I freaking love you!” I yelled before jumping up and down on the spot and then hanging with my arms around Bayani’s neck and my legs dangling. Since when was he so tall? He laughed and spun me around before depositing me back on the floor.
“I knew you’d like it. Now let’s get inside before the show starts.”
For the past few years, the holidays had been the most depressing, unfestive days of the year. It’s weird when you don’t have a big family how much the holidays suck. It’s the time of year when you realize how alone you really are. Even though my mother and I had relatives, they never came around. They’d send a card, but that was the extent of it. Whatever had transpired in the past, when my grandparents were younger and my mother was just a child herself, had stuck. I never once had a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas surrounded by family and friends, laughing and roasting chestnuts. No, for me it was always a sad time of year because I desperately wanted that. I wanted to feel the warmth and love of a big family. I wanted to cook and make dinner for many people. I wanted to feel like I belonged.
I’ve never felt that…until now. Even though there weren’t many of us, Bayani and Marisol had made my holidays feel joyful. And I appreciated it more than they ever knew.
It’s been hard for me the past few years. The stress of my situation at home made me feel like a burden, like I wasn’t wanted and wasn’t good enough. I understood where the mean-spirited remarks came from. My mother was just as stressed and worn down by life as I was. Maybe even more so, since she had been dealing with all the little things life threw at her much longer than I had. So I couldn’t really blame her for taking it out on me but at the same time I was disappointed that she thought so little of me. Obviously, our family dynamics weren’t the best at the moment. I couldn’t help but hope that a new year would bring about new attitudes for both of us.
The next few days were like a snow-filled buzz. The city was covered with the white stuff, which looked rather unpleasant after people had trudged on it and dogs had peed on it. The first day was always the best, when the light flurries of snow landed on sidewalks and cars, covering them in sparkling flakes. If you went outside during a snowstorm, you might be lucky enough to hear silence. It was a very rare feeling. However, after a few days, the snow started to make people mean and aggravated, it got dirty and heavy and people threw their backs out trying to shovel it. It was not a Winter Wonderland any longer.
Luckily there wasn’t a blizzard on New Year’s Eve so all the festivities went forward without a glitch. People came out in droves, decked out in their finest party attire despite the ice-cold chill in the air. Times Square was bustling with tourists and locals alike, all waiting for the ball to drop and the New Year to begin. I had never been to New York at all, so being here in December was an extra special treat. Bayani and I left Marisol in her hotel room after she exclaimed that she was “too old” to go gallivanting around the city with a million other people. She said she’d much rather watch the shenanigans from the warmth of her bed with her electric blanket warming her tush and a glass of champagne on the nightstand.
I have to say, I didn’t blame her. If it weren’t for Bayani, I’d probably be inside too. It was far too cold for me out here and so jam-packed that I could barely move my arms without whacking someone in the face (sorry man-with-a-Santa-hat-and-furry-sweater. I didn’t mean to knock your glasses off and then step on them. Really, I didn’t!)
Bayani and I were huddled together in the crowd as the New Year’s Eve show started. As everyone knows there are some amazing performances on NYE in NYC. Tonight was no exception. We had already danced (or tried to dance) to legends like Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and Justin Bieber (was he a legend? Probably not. A Bit too young, I’d reckon). Next up was a special guest that no one seemed to know about. The host of the night, Ronald Seawall, said that this person was a “media phenomenon” with millions of followers worldwide. He also said she’d be here to ring in the New Year with another legendary guest. Neither Bayani nor I could picture who these two famous people were, but that’s probably because our brains were suffering from some sort of internal frostbite, where your thought process is delayed by the ice forming in your head. Brrr. It was cold. So cold that I felt like I was in Antarctica not Times Square. Thank God I wore my long johns. Not exactly the sexiest piece of clothing but definitely the warmest!
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, to count us down to the New Year, please welcome the dancing Granny, Marisol Silva and legendary diva Mariah Carey!” Ronald Seawall clapped and then helped a decked out Marisol up onto the stage. She looked positively radiant, with her long (faux) fur coat and cute little winter hat. I should have known that Marisol is not one to miss a party. What made me think she was actually staying in is beyond me.
As her image was projected up on the screens in Times Square, Bayani and I cheered. This was probably the most exciting moment of the entire trip! Imagine our little Marisol ringing in the New Year with a bunch of celebrities!
“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3,
2, 1…HAPPY NEW YEAR Darlings!” she bellowed with Mariah Carey beside her. The ball dropped and everyone kissed and hugged and emitted sounds of jubilation.
“Happy new Year, babe!” Bayani said, holding me tightly and kissing me like he never kissed me before. I was so happy at that very moment that I could have burst. Every sad thought from my past was washed away and all I could think of was the here and now. I also couldn’t help wondering if my grandfather and grandmother were celebrating a New Year in heaven too. If they were, I hope they were happy.
Chapter Ten
The following day I landed back in San Francisco. As much as I loved my stay in New York, I couldn’t wait to be in the comfort of my own home with Clara curled up by the TV. A cup of hot chocolate and a good book were all I needed to complete my fantasy scenario.
Oh, and Bayani, too of course. He would be sitting on the couch with me, possibly reading a book of his own and looking super-sexy with glasses and a whiskey. I wondered if he wore glasses. If not, I’d buy him a cheap pair just so he could look nerdy and sexy and intellectual.
Despite wanting to jump right into my fantasy scenario, my first order of business when I returned was to pick up Clara from Jeanette’s. Bayani, Marisol and I all took the same flight back and upon returning were ambushed by paparazzi. It was a very surreal moment and one that I don’t wish to repeat. I honestly thought that all the fanfare would dissipate once we left NYC, but apparently once something goes viral, it never really goes away. There’s a lesson there somewhere, kids. Be careful what you do or say because with the internet you just might be regretting it, like, forever.
Anyway, I didn’t regret our little escapade but I did have a few questions for Marisol that needed answering. I’d catch up with her later after we were all settled in from the trip, right now, I had more pressing things to do – like see my dog.