Emilia

Cracked and weathered, row after row of red-bricked apartments stood. Dust and grime covered every inch of the walls, the filth impossible to remove. Each apartment stood side by side, with only a narrow alley between them. Small, dusty balconies covered the walls, constantly in use by those who lived there. At first glance, people might’ve muttered about the “kinds of people” in those apartments. They might‘ve shook their heads in disgust or tightened their grip on a child’s hand. But with a little more investigation, those who chose to look would discover just how wrong they were. Because even in those dark, dirty places, there is beautiful color in the people that live there. 

       A warm breeze danced through the air one summer afternoon. A boy sat on his balcony, book in hand, soaking up the rays of sunlight that sneaked in between the apartments. He sat in a simple porch chair, the only other thing on the balcony. There was a quiet rustle as he turned the page. 

       Suddenly, there was a click as the door to the balcony across from him slid open. Startled, he jumped and dropped his book, embarrassment clear on his face. A Hispanic woman walked outside, kindly laughing. 

       “It was not my intent to startle you,” she smiled.

       The boy returned the smile good-naturedly, “It’s okay ma’am. I was so engrossed in my book that the tiniest sound would’ve made me jump out of my skin.”

       “I don’t believe we’ve met,” she said, her eyes twinkling, “No one has lived there for almost three years. You must have just moved in.”

       “Yes ma’am. My Mom and I moved here a few days ago. She works during the day, so she’s not here at the moment, but I’m sure she’ll want to meet you when she gets back.”

       “Yes, I’d love to meet her. Now, what’s your name?”

       “Josiah. Yours?”

       “You can call me Mrs. Hernandez. You seem to be about my daughter’s age. Are you in 11th grade?”

       “12th.”

       “So only a year older than Emilia.”

       “Yes ma’am.”

        “You are a very polite young man, not very many of those these days. It was wonderful talking to you, Josiah. I just need to grab these, and I’ll be on my way.”

       She picked up her flip-flops and slid the door open again. 

       “Have a nice day,” Josiah called. 

       “You too.”

       Josiah returned to his book, only to hear the door slide open a few minutes later. This time his face turned red for a different reason. A beautiful girl, with long, black hair that fell across her shoulders in waves, stepped out onto the balcony. Josiah sat up like a bullet and made a fruitless attempt to mat down his hair. Gracefully, she leaned onto the railing and looked at him, a slight smile on her lips. 

       “Hello there,” she said.

       “Hi,” he answered awkwardly. 

       “You must be Josiah. Mama says you jump like a cat,” she laughed, not a mean laugh, but a friendly tease. 

       “I think I jump more like a lion,” he replied contemptuously.

       She laughed again, creating a sweet melody that echoed throughout the apartments. 

       “You must be Emilia then,” he said. 

       “Yes,” she smiled. 

       “How long have you lived here?”

        “Almost five years now. My parents, my little sisters, Ana and Isabel, and I love this apartment as if it were our own. And you just moved here right? 

       “Yep, just me and my Mom.”

       “Oh, I see. What’s it like just the two of you? I can’t imagine not having a large family.” 

       “It’s a little lonely sometimes, but I like the quiet.”

       She cocked her head, “You’re crazy. Being quiet nearly drives me insane.”

       “Try it.”

       “Hm?”

       “Try it. Just for a couple seconds. I’ll do it with you.”

       “What do you mean?”

       “Close your eyes and be still, be quiet.”

       She raised her eyebrows skeptically, but then obliged, with Josiah doing the same. It was like that for a few moments. Him in his chair. Her leaning on the railing. The whole world silent. Only the two of them. Finally, she opened her eyes. 

       There sat Josiah staring at her. 

       “What happened to close your eyes and be quiet?” she asked, slightly confused. 

       “I didn’t want to be quiet,” he shrugged, “not when there’s so much life and joy right in front of me.”

       Now it was her turn to blush, “You know, I don’t really mind being quiet,” she paused, her lips curling upwards, “if I get to be quiet with you.”

       They stared at each other for barely a second, their eyes locked on one another’s faces. The whole world silent once again. 

       Bang! The moment was interrupted as the balcony door slid open with a crash. Mrs. Hernandez barged out, spitting rapid fire spanish at both Emilia and Josiah. She sputtered over her words, her face turning red with anger. All the sweet, motherly kindness she had showed Josiah earlier was gone. Josiah hung his head sheepishly, not knowing what she said but feeling that it was directed at him. Emilia was simply amused and trying her best to stifle a laugh. Halfway through, she switched to English. 

       “Josiah! How could you flirt with my daughter like that!? And I thought you were a nice, polite man. But no! You are not! How could I have ever believed that of you when you come out here with your charming words and nonsense and…”

       “Mama!” Emilia interrupted, “How could you eavesdrop on us like that!?”

       “No, no Emilia!” she continued, avoiding the question entirely, “I will not have you out here with this, what do you call it? Player. Yes player!” 

       Josiah looked up when she said this, genuine surprise on his face, “I promise you I’m not a player. I really think your daughter’s is… um… she’s um… lovely.”

       Emilia giggled, but her mother shot back stubbornly, “No, you lie. Get inside Emilia. Go, go.” 

       Unable to contain it, Emilia laughed as she followed her mother inside, who was still mumbling about Josiah in Spanish. 

       Right before she stepped through the door, Emilia turned around discreetly to a hopeful Josiah and mouthed the words, “Tonight. Meet me out here.”

       “Your mother?” he questioned.

       “Give it two days, and she’ll love you.”

       And with that she slid the door closed behind her, leaving Josiah grinning from ear to ear.