The taxi weaved through the streets expertly but despite being use to the busy streets of New York we still hit traffic. I kept checking my watch and began to panic. What if Natalie called and I wasn't home? I had a mobile but like a moron I never bothered to memorise it. So I had given her my home number and now I was praying I got home in time before she rang.

Time ticked by very slowly and it was 30 minutes till the taxi slipped out of the heavy traffic. The roads after that were busy but not backed up so it was another 45 minutes till we got home and by then I felt like banging my head against the window. Paying the taxi driver I slipped quickly out of the cab, got my suitcase and then marched up the path to my house. It was the sent of freshly cooked bread that confused me when I entered the house. 

I closed the door behind me and left my suitcase by the stairs as I wandered through the house to the kitchen. "M-Mom?!?" I stutter shocked.

My mother turns to face me a bright smile slipping on to her lips. She moves over and tugs me into her arms. "I won the settlement" she says stepping back and staring into my eyes happily. "Your fathers gone back to L.A"

I know the thought of my father gone shouldn't make me happy but I instantly relax and wrap my arms back round my mums fragile body. She has a bit more meat on her bones then I last remember but its so good to see her again. "I'm glad... Wait, does this mean you'll be here with me?"

"Yes, darling" she says turning to walk to the oven where she pulls out a loaf. "Your Aunt will probably come and check on me now and then cause of our... situation"

I sigh. "Yeah.... Mum, there wasn't a phone call while I wasn't here?"

"Yes, actually" she says turning to me having laid down the tray. "Two in fact from that nice girl Natalie"

"She's not worried" I say panicked.

"Well, at first dear but her second one was to ask for your address. I believe she's coming here" my mother says. "She sounded quite lovely" I just stare shocked feeling the words slowly registor in my mind.

Natalie.... coming to New York? Coming here.....

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Author guidance for This exercise

Closed Collaboration between CrystalRose and Trish

Characters

Ash Richards
21 years old
Short cut sunny blond hair that's like silk to the touch. It's always ruffled and he has a fringe which hangs over his eyes which are a bluey grey. His skin has a natural olive tan and he's medium height with a muscular build. He has a strong jaw line and a scar running from his collar bone up his neck to the back of his jaw.
He lost his sister when leaving her in a food plaza at a shopping mall. She was kidnapped and later found dead. He eventually sunk into depression blaming himself entirely.
CrystalRose

Natalie Brooks
20 years old
Wavy dark brown hair till her waist, often let loose and messy accompanied by olive green eyes. She has a fragile and small figure, only about five foot three". She has a rosy complexion and likes to wear skirts and dresses,
Ran away a past relationship with her abusive boyfriend. Still has the scars on her body as a reminder of what had happened. Scared of men on the inside because of the experience but wants to start over a new fresh life, without her past intervening again.
Trish

Planning and Brianstorming link: http://www.protagonize.com/group/planning-brainstorming/topic/4704

The Sequel! : http://www.protagonize.com/exercise/new-york-dream

updated Apr 12 by Trish