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A flush of excitement swooshes through me. I’m doing something risky and spontaneous. “This is crazy, but I’m excited to leave the city and do something unexpected.”
“Thank you, Immy. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”
I put my wool coat back on. “Just get better.”
Ellen hugs me again. “You’re a lifesaver. I know you’ll do a great job.”
I leave the apartment quietly and hope their gratitude isn’t misplaced. I’ll go to London, but I have no idea what to do. Kate is good at improvising. I’m not. I need a solid plan and plenty of time to make decisions. I doubt having strong analytical skills and a love of literature will help much. But Kate is right, I’ve wished for some adventure in my life.
Within two blocks, I head down concrete steps into the subway and wait for the L train. My head spins with everything that I need to do. Before I get too stressed out, I email work and let them know I need an unpaid leave for three weeks after the holiday. As I craft the email, I list “family emergency” as the reason. Kate is practically family. We’ve been best friends since we were eight years old.
Next, I text my two sisters and my mom in a group chat.Something has come up with Kate. She broke her elbow and needs me to fill in for her. I’m flying to London tomorrow night, and I’ll be back in four weeks. I’ll send updates.I’m sorry to miss the holidays.XO.
The L pulls into the station, and the doors automatically open. After people step off, I get on and look for a seat. It’s crowded, so I hold onto a metal pole to steady myself as the train leaves the station. I try to push away the worry I have about Kate making a full recovery. She’s athletic and needs the full use of her arm to lead adventures. I can’t imagine she’ll want to stick with event planning.
When I get off at Lorimer Street in Brooklyn, I follow a line of commuters and walk up the steps to street level. My phone dings repeatedly as texts come in, and I know my sisters will be calling any minute.
As I head to my apartment, I connect my headphones and answer my phone. “Hello, Iris.”
“You’re not coming for Christmas?”
I keep walking at a fast pace, avoiding a few pedestrians. “I’m sorry. Kate fell and shattered her elbow. I promised her I’d fly to London to organize a wedding.”
“On Christmas? That’s ridiculous.” She sounds rattled.
I stay aware of my surroundings as I walk to my apartment building. “I know. It’s strange to get married on Christmas. I don’t have any of the details. Kate is booking my ticket, and I’ll forward the specifics.”
“I can’t go to Mom and Dad’s without you. I’ll be the only one home. Please, Immy.”
I roll my eyes. Iris is the baby and is adored by my parents; she can go home alone. And as a midwife, she has missed countless holidays. I’ll miss seeing her, though. It will be strange to work during the holidays. “Maybe they can travel? Ivy and Foster will be in New York this year.”
“Getting Dad to travel last minute will be impossible.”
When I get to my apartment building, I glance over my shoulder and then unlock the main door. After grabbing a stack of mail, I head up to the second floor. “Maybe go down for New Year’s? Ivy plans to visit then.”
When I open the door to my apartment, my roommate’s dog greets me. The little Chihuahua mix shakes as he licks my hand. “Hello, Twig.”
“Imogen, don’t you care that you’re ruining Christmas?”
I put my hand over my heart and press. I do feel badly. “That’s a little dramatic. I’m not ruining anything. I’m working on the holiday, that’s all.”
“You’re a teacher. You’re supposed to be off for all holidays.”
I wrinkle my eyebrows. “I know, it’s upsetting. I’m sorry. But I have to go. I have a thousand things to handle.”
“I shouldn’t try to make you feel guilty. I know you’re doing a favor for Kate. But London is so far.”
“Ivy and Foster spend most of the year in London.”
“Yes, but she married him, and his daughter lives there. You live in Brooklyn.”
I nod, but I don’t say anything. I know this change of plans must come as an unwelcome surprise. I’ll miss seeing everyone at Christmas.
“Is this about your breakup with Josh?”
I slip off my coat and pick up Twig, snuggling him into my neck. “I haven’t seen or talked to Josh in six months.”
“Yes, but I know you miss him. Are you trying to escape the city and the possibility of running into him?”
