Stars on the Bridge

8 pm on a Saturday in New York City. The wind and ocean become one as the weather is calm for those who enjoy the nightlife. Trains pass by each other taking passengers with haste to their destination, however never without delays. As passing lights cover the outside, we find Shahi sitting in a cart that is barely filled with passengers as he sends a text stating, “On the way, be there in a few minutes”. With his graffiti mask, John Lennon shades, black, blue, and white beads on the wrist, with a gold and silver ring, on one hand, many might see him as a drifter. Shahi checks the time tapping his finger on his knee impulsively, he’s late and she’s waiting for him.

Alina sits down at a park across the train station as she waits for Shahi. 8:08 pm hits the clock, as Shahi sprints up the stairs and across the street to the park. As he makes his way, he sees her from the distance and had to stop for a moment to grasp what he was seeing. Alina’s afro, style with grace, and aura shined brighter than the sun that was hiding from many. Shahi saw it clear as day even with the shades on, he felt it. With no time to waste he approached her as she stood from her seat. The two revealed their smiles and embraced each other with a hug for old times’ sake and their very first date. A moment after they hugged the two collected themselves and began making their way to their destination, to walk the Brooklyn Bridge.

A gentleness has embraced them as it was shown in their brown eyes and smiles. Maybe something they both haven’t had in a while as they walked the streets of Chinatown. Excitement mixed with unsureness is the perfect recipe for any date, and that’s exactly how the two felt, however, the two didn’t dwell too much on that. They both just had an understanding that allowed them to enjoy each other’s presence. As they continued to their destination, Shahi couldn’t help but think to himself maybe there’s more they could do on their time together. The two ate at a nearby restaurant and discussed the opportunities that surrounded them, why settle for the Brooklyn Bridge when the night was endless?

With Shahi’s knowledge of the neighborhood and Alina’s warmth for adventure, they found a nearby arcade. A world of gamers embracing what they love with others, where the reach of perfection is tested by every player. Buttons pressed aggressively, joysticks moved swiftly, tickets pouring from machines rapidly. Players dancing to keep score, the ongoing shout to “RELOAD” for the zombie hunters, with the shift in gear as racers speed for the final lap. The two joined with ease as they both were gamers while seeing how the other play the games. The joy was clear as day as they teamed together to hunt zombies, drift past the fastest cars, and aimed for the tickets.

Shahi and Alina made sure the others knew that if they needed guidance, they could ask for it. Alina showed Shahi how to play Guitar Hero for the first time while he showed her how to fight in Marvel vs Capcom. Leaving the arcade with a wave of energy the two made their way to a bar to continue their night. After seeing the first bar was closed, they found another one that felt risky at first cause the presence felt they shouldn’t enter but the two ventured on ready for the world. Which benefited the two at the bar because not only were they able to get the whiskey and vodka that made them smile bigger, but the music that was played was classic rock, the rock that felt right.

Jumbled with the liquor and rock music, the two felt at home as they sing the songs that played at the bar. Sometimes depending on where you are from, two black people in a bar mostly crowded by white people can be a tough outcome. Plus being very comfortable with the music that played, not the norm for most black people. However, the two felt just right with the music and drink combo going on. The conversation was flowing and they kept drinking as the songs played. Each question and answer reveals layers to each other’s soul and passion, allowing the drinks to build the confidence that wasn’t there before, the two finally make their way towards the bridge.

El Luna was shining bright, surpassing the lights on the bridge that seemed like stars to the two. Walked holding hands as their romance continued through flirting, jokes, small touches as their stories are revealed to each other. With the chill in the night, Shahi's arm around her waist, her hands on his arm, they turned and face each other. With Alina's hands on his face, feeling his scruffy beard. Shahi's hands wrapped around her waist, he pulled her in closer to him. Their eyes meet as they took a breath as if this was a leap towards something bigger and finally embraced each other.

A gentle kiss placed on both lips made time stop. The wind flowed among the current waves, the bridge shake with every wind that’s passed, the kiss however never stopped for the two. Hands-on each other as if they knew the history of the body it touched. Never rough but just enough to match the wind's gentle touch. Stopped by a nearby bench to enjoy the view over the city, the two left a mark only the world can see there. With a sharpie pen that replaced the history of locks the Brooklyn Bridge held. Almost as if the two knew the bridge would become a spot for just them. Time continued passing by them as well as many others but the two just stayed immersed with one another.

Fingers caressing over each other like birds flocking. Eyes stayed close as each kiss paved way for another dream that felt unreal but kept the two grounded. Through each smile under El Luna, it was shown that Alina and Shahi grew closer in every minute spent together. When eyes were open, they took a moment to take everything in, the chilly presence that surrounded them, the almost subtle waves beneath them, the light reflecting off each other’s eyes, the passing by regulars walking with haste to cross, and the immense warmth felt in their arms as they held each other. Even in their moment of passion the two would sometimes just hold each other in silence and let time go from there.

Two artists yet their eyes were only on the other one, noticing every flaw turn into perfection under the moonlight. Despite the joy, the two enjoyed they both hoped it was just a moment. As they both grew fond of each other under short time spent. However, as they both stood up from the bench, stretched themselves ,and laughed as they realized it was 4 am. They walked slowly towards the end of the Brooklyn Bridge and held each other. At the moment they came to an understanding themselves that they wanted to see each other more. Of course, it was the first date and may be too soon to tell for any plans to set in motion. Yet the date revealed themselves to each other that made past moments before them seem irrelevant, even if those moments are what made them who they are, I think they both understood this new direction was needed.

Shahi and Alina parted ways by a nearby bus stop where Alina hoped on while Shahi made his way for the trains. The two reluctantly let go of the warmth felt that night with hopes there’s more for them. A whole night of great vibes and energy forming together, endless smiles, it almost seemed as if the two never left the bridge that night. As they headed home, they both couldn’t stop themselves from giggling from the happiness felt. As Shahi and Alina arrived home, texted each other to make sure the other was safe on their journey, a question was asked between them. “When will I see you again?” With the only answer to be said between the two, “very soon”.