04

“I've seen almost everyone who lives in this town,” he said after I'd told him my name. His name was Noah, one of my favorite names for males. “I guess you're new here. Are you African?”

I nodded, feeling the rhythmic vibration on my phone. I fished it out and checked the caller ID. Aunt Caro. Jeff had probably told her what happened so I decided to ignore it. I was not in the mood for any kind of scolding or reproach, particularly in front of Noah. If I received the call, I’d have to move away from him to explain myself. What if he walked away while I was doing that? He was the first person of my age to talk to me in south bend. I needed some peer to peer interaction.

“Nice to know that you're African,” he looked at me as if he was studying my facial features. i wished I could know what was going on in his mind at the time. After some seconds, he spoke again. “Can I show you around?”

My face was suddenly warm. I could not believe that the most attractive man I'd seen since I stepped in the United States was offering to show me around his town. This was an offer I did not wish to let go but then I needed to be sure it was safe to take up.

“Why would you do that?” I asked, though my mind was screaming 'yes please'. Even if America was safer for me compared to my home country, I couldn't just trust anyone here. This country has had more convicted serial killers than my own. “You don't even know me.”

“You're Lena.” He said, taking a few steps back from the railings and putting his hands in his pockets. I looked at his upper arms. They looked lean and strong. How I wished I could run my fingers along them. 

“That's not-”

“I believe that's enough for us to hang out together,” he cut me off. He stepped forward and leaned against the railings, the river behind him. Staring at me, his lips curved into a smirk. “Or what. Do you want to get to know me better?”

There was no doubt I wanted to know more about this wonderful creature. He seemed to be a nice man and for a moment, a part of me wished he was the one I'd have to marry instead. Another part was sending me warning signals. What a ridiculous thought! A man like this would never marry me for a few dollars, not even in my wildest dreams. 

“I'll take a few photos of this place,” I said, unlocking my phone. I started taking photographs of the beautiful river view and surrounding areas avoiding spots with people. I've never liked taking photos of strangers without their consent. 

I loved taking photographs. It was a hobby I had recently developed after I realized pottery didn’t suit me. Some people always know what they like to do but I kept hopping from one hobby to another, trying to find something I could love, that would make me feel whole. 

“Noticed you aren't taking selfies,” Noah observed. “Why is that?”

“I'm not in a mood to take pictures of myself.” I took one last picture and scanned my gallery before locking the phone and throwing it into my bag. “Besides, I’m trying to ramp up my photography skills.”

“You have photography skills?” he raised an eyebrow. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Ha ha, I just started doing it recently.”

“Was kidding, so do you have a job or are you here to study?”

“It's complicated.” I said, hoping he'd drop the subject. I wasn't thrilled about confessing that I was about to commit fraud by getting into a fake marriage.

“Let me guess, you're going to marry the man who was with you?”

“What?” I said, louder than was necessary. “No. Why would you think that? I just met him and haven't thought of marriage yet. Why are you asking so many questions?”

“Because I'd like to help you.”

I laughed. “Why would you think I need your help? And if I did, why would you help me? We don't even know each other. Not all of us Africans are in interested in your help.”

“I think you're a great person, Lena. I've spent very little time with you but I can tell that you're amazing.”

There's nothing I dislike more than people making conclusions about me when they don't know me yet. “I'm going to get married to him. What do you think of me now? Ha, not so great after all.”

“I still think you're a great person. I don't know your story, or why you've chosen to do that so can't judge you.”

A warning thought crossed my mind. What if he was one of those people who hated immigrants? He could use this information to make sure I was deported. I had messed up. My heart was drumming faster each passing minute. My aunt was definitely going to kill me for what I had done.

“I don't even know why I told you all this,” I said, turning away. “Forget it.”

I took a step but he gently grabbed my wrist, making me stop. He let it go almost immediately. “Sorry, I shouldn't have done that.”

“It's okay. I have to go.”

“Why don't you marry me instead of him?” He asked with a serious expression. I stayed silent, expecting him to laugh and say he was kidding. He couldn't be serious.

“I mean it,” he said. “Will you let me be your husband or should I go down on my knees for you?”

“Are you crazy or is this a prank?” I looked around. “Where are the cameras?”

“There are no cameras,” he said.

“Stop playing around,” I warned him.

“Lena-”

“My phone,” I said, getting it from the bag. It was my aunt, again. “Noah, forget whatever you think you heard. It’s none of your business.”

This time I had to talk to her.