Going Back To New York City!

Emma slammed the laptop shut in frustration. She had been jotting down rough sketches all day and night about a particular design that didn't even want to get better the more she looked at it. When she finally understood what was bothering her, she realized it wasn't the design but rather the thoughts she was having. Since moving to Mexico with Phoebe to stay with her aunt Tiffy, she hadn't received mail regarding the designs she had been sending in.

“I find it unbelievable that no business has contacted me about my designs. I am tired, Phoebe.” As Phoebe was savoring her sandwich, Emma turned around and looked in her direction. Sighing, she threw the laptop onto the couch. “Is my work not good enough?”

After carefully placing the sandwich on the plate and dusting the crumps in her hands, Phoebe raised her head. “Your work is good. Have some faith, will you?” she said.

Emma rose to her feet and walked over to Phoebe. “I don’t think I have any faith left in me anymore. Three years have passed since we arrived here, Phob, and no business has provided feedback on my design. The more I consider it, I believe it to be karma.”

“Hey, hey. That should not be said. I admire your creations. The wedding gown you recently created for my aunt Tiffy became the talk of the town. Even her future husband Bob loves it. Take a seat, eat breakfast, and stop worrying.”

Emma drew out the chair and sat down. She couldn't stop reflecting on it. Prior to leaving Hidden Towel, she applied to work as a designer for fashion companies. However, she never heard back. She turned to face Phoebe. “Do you think he still thinks about what I did?”

“Huh?” Phoebe gave her a quick glance. Despite not understanding what Emma was saying, she listened. “He?”

“I mean… Ezra? Do you think he still thinks about his car and the money that I took?”

“It's been three years. Nobody else remembers that besides you. You should stop thinking about this as Karma for what you did three years ago. He took your virginity, and you stole his car. That is a win win.”

“I didn’t steal his car and money because he took my virginity. I did it because I wanted to have sex with him. I just get so sick of staying home all day without having any work to go to.”

"You should be glad that at least this town knows you for your creation," she said.

As she pushed her food aside, Emma rolled her eyes. “You have no idea how much the dresses I make here would sell for in the city. By now, I would have a fortune.” She groaned. “Phoebe,” Her head was on Phoebe's shoulder as she clung to her. “I want to see the world, you know? Go to Paris and see fashion shows. I want people to know who I am. That is my dream. I don't want to be stranded in this tiny town and be forced to sell my dresses for pennies.”

“I know, hun.” Phoebe leaned her head against Emma's. “I know.” Emma heard a beep from her phone, which was on the couch. She didn't move at all. "Are you going to get that?"

“I shouldn’t.” She let out a sigh.

“Why not? It might be something important.”

“No. It’s probably Oscar. For a week now, he has been bugging me to go out to dinner. I don’t even like him, and he can’t seem to take my ignorance as an answer that I am not interested in going out with him.”

“He might be a country pumpkin, but he is handsome. He has a lot of single women interested in him, but he chose to go out with you. You should count yourself lucky.”

“I still don’t know what they see in him.” Emma said.

“He is handsome. Cute. He also has a fine house, and you will make a good wife. Imagine getting married to Oscar and having little Oscars run around the house, giggling, and…”

“Stop!” Immediately after taking her head off Phoebe's shoulder, Emma rose to her feet. “You should imagine that with him.” She took a step toward the couch and grabbed her phone. Emma turned it on, and the screen displayed a message from her mail. When she opened her mail, a heading about acceptance caught her eye. The moment Emma finished reading it, she screamed with joy.

“What is it?” Phoebe stood to her feet. “Why are you so happy?”

Emma turned to face Phoebe. “I just received an acceptance letter. Oh my God, Phoebe!” She roared with laughter. “Oh my God. This is…this is huge.”

"Friend, I'm happy for you. Which company is it from?” Phoebe came up to her.

Emma's laughter abruptly turned depressing as she turned to look at the mail again. “Oh no.”

“What is it? Is it a prank?”

Emma returned her gaze. “No. It is real.”

"So why did you suddenly become depressed? You were the happiest just moments ago.” Emma looked up at Phoebe as she sat down on the couch. As soon as she handed Phoebe her phone, Phoebe was interested in learning what her friend had seen to change her mood. “Queen’s Company? Wow. That is like one of the biggest fashion companies in New York City.” She gave Emma a glance. “You should be happy. Why are you sad? You have always wanted this.”

“It says New York.”

"So what? You will finally be able to sell your dresses for a large amount. My friend, God heard your prayer."

"You still don't understand. Ezra stays in that city. What if I run into him again?” She gave a headshake. "I'm going to decline it." Phoebe grabbed Emma's phone and yanked it away as she started to type.

"Are you mad? NYC is a big city.” She sighed as she took a seat next to Emma. "Calm down, you can't see Ezra there."

“You don’t know that. Phoebe, I'm so scared. What if we cross paths? What if he gets me arrested for what I did three years ago? I can’t go back there.”

“Look at me.” By placing her hands on Emma's shoulders, Phoebe forced her to look at her. "We're talking about the Queen's company. My friend, you've won the lottery. It’s been three years since you submitted this, but today, they saw your application and accepted you. Such blessings are not available to everyone. Stop worrying, pursue your goals, and send them a letter stating that you are willing to work for them.” She handed Emma’s phone back to her.

“Okay. I am doing this.”

“Yes, you are.”

Emma took a breath and started to type. While a part of her was terrified, another part of her clung to Phoebe's assurance. New York City is a big city. She won’t see Ezra. He probably won't remember her since it's been three years. She started to type her email, and as soon as she hit the send key, she smiled as she turned to face Phoebe.

Phoebe stood up and helped Emma to her feet. "Let's get you set for your trip back to NYC."