“Mmmm,”Serena moaned pulling away.

Evan’s eyes were humbled and her breathing panted, albeit normal.

“Mission accomplished,” Serena smiled.

She grabbed Evan’s hand and began walking down the crowded New York streets.

*****

“Where are we?” Evan finally spoke.

“With family,” Serena answered.

Evan raised her eyebrow in confusion. Looking around the small caf, she noticed the people were mostly Palestinian. They sat at the counter while Serena kissed an older gentleman bearing a coffee pot.

“Hi Anwar.”

“Where have you been my child?”

“Long story,” she began then looking at Evan, “that is getting longer,” she smiled.

“Ah. And who is this?”

“Anwar, this is my special friend Evan,” she introduced.

“Nice to meet you, Evan.”

“You, too, Anwar,” she smiled back.

His gentle and friendly nature instantly put Evan at ease.

“Radha will be glad to see you,” he said to Serena, ” and Cliffy, Abu and…”

“Anwar, please… there’s no need to alert everyone.”

“Nonsense, child. And who knows the next time you’ll show your face in my establishment,” he laughed.

Serena hung her head in defeat.

“The ususal?” he asked.

She nodded her head.

The older man left them at the counter.

“That’s the second time someone has said that to you tonight,” Evan pointed out.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t exactly say good bye when I flew to California,” Serena laughed.

*****

“We have to be quiet,” Serena whispered.

The two of them stood outside of Veronica’s apartment. It was after twelve and to late for Evan to return to the dorms without getting caught. Both lost track of time as they laughed and ate the delicious treats prepared by Radha. And with Evan’s stomach was full with sweets and a little wine brought out by Cliffy after the caf had closed, the dorms were not te place for her right now. Not with a hiccuping and continuous laughing Evan.

“QUIET!,” Evan whispered loudly with her finger in front of her lips.

“God, help us,” Serena prayed as Evan began to giggle.

She had unlocked the door gently pushing it open. The room was dark.

‘Good, Ronnie was sleep,’ Serena thought.

She pulled Evan inside and closed the door. Evan immediately walked into the coatrack juggling with it. The books stacked on the hall table were thrown on the floor creating a thunderous sound in the quiet apartment which produced Veronica standing in the foyer flicking on the light.