Chapter 2: Boston with Love and Trouble
Adam was in an Uber. Taking in the captivating scenery of Boston. The historical buildings of the eighteenth century. The red brick buildings and pathways. The classic clock-towers. All he knew was of the TD Garden and Quincy Market. Of course famous schools like Harvard and Boston University. He felt accepted in what seemed like a sports town with an academic twist. The city was full of history from Benjamin Franklin to John F Kennedy. He enjoyed the popular Sam Adams beer. He found pride in literary figures like Phyllis Wheatley and leaders such as Crispus Attucks.
During the Uber drive he noticed an ambulance vehicle passing by. Soon after he sees Stephanie sitting in a parked car. He demands that the Uber driver stop. He tends to Stephanie. Adam reminds her of their meeting earlier at the train station. She is confused but accepts Adam. Stephanie describes how she has to follow the ambulance with her mother but she could not focus. He suggested to drive her car and follow the ambulance with her. During conversation, Adam discovers that Stephanie is a pianist. That makes him more interested in her. She is flattered. Stephanie mentions that she has played piano for many years. That her mother has helped develop her skills. Without much notice, Adam gets involved in a car accident traveling close behind the ambulance truck. The ambulance vehicle loses control through all the traffic and Stephanie's mother dies in the fatal accident. They both witness her corpse on the street. The two were horrified. Angela's body was bruised, bloody, and tangled. It was a horrible sight to see. They ran out of the car. Stephanie was frantic to see her mother in this state. Adam tried to console her but she was rightfully upset. She was crying and angry. When things settled down, Stephanie went in a new ambulance vehicle with her deceased mother. They drove away from the scene.
Adam in a new city and troubled just went about his way. He entered Stephanie's car and was alarmed to see a silver gun in her purse. He placed the purse and her belongings in the backseat and drove away. Adam contemplating of what to do thought it would be best to go to The New England Conservatory of Music as Stephanie mentioned she worked there. He wanted to take in the sights of the city while at the same time observing her place of worship. When arriving he viewed the classical art of the building. By accident he listened to the practice of the musicians. He was met by the instructor who was frustrated by the annoyance of Adam. It was obvious that he was out of place. He was carrying Stephanie's phone and it ranged. That drew further attention to Adam at the musical rehearsal. He was becoming a pest. It was Stephanie and she asked of Adam's whereabouts. He told her, "I am at the conservatory. I wanted to see where you play." She admired Adam but believed he was bothersome. She told him, "Please give my phone to the instructor. I want to advise him on my situation." Adam followed her orders. He was directed by the instructor to wait in the stands. After waiting for quite some time the rehearsal continued. He noticed Stephanie playing the piano. She was exquisite and magnificent. Playing all chords on time with such ease and beauty. It was captivating. Adam was mesmerized. He did not make a sound. He respected the musicians performance and listened to every sound. He lost track of time as Stephanie finished and left the stage. She talked to what seemed to be her boyfriend. Stephanie stated, "What do you want Ulysses?" He says "I heard of Angela's passing. I wanted to make sure you were okay." Ulysses was tall, dark, and handsome. You could tell there was something ferocious about him. He spoke in short sentences and had a deep threatening voice. Adam was waiting by the corridor. Ulysses stated, "Who is this prick?" Adam testing the waters, said, "Stephanie great performance." Stephanie forcibly confident yet nervous said, "Ulysses do not worry, Adam is just a friend from New York. We just met." Ulysses stated, "I miss your mother. She was beautiful at our wedding. She had unfinished business with my boss, Vincent." Adam worried said, "You're married Stephanie?" The musical instructor arrived and said, "Ulysses, I need you to leave, immediately!" Ulysses replied, "No trouble. I need to see you soon Stephanie. It was nice meeting you Adam." Ulysses left the premises. Stephanie said, "You should go Adam. He replied, "Where should I go?" She said, "Go to The Boston Harbor Hotel."
Adam arrived at the hotel. It was swanky. He met an adventurous fellow there. He said, "Hey, I am Jack." He pointed to another guy and stated, "That is Benjamin". They made jokes and quirky remarks. They suggested that they should smoke pot. "But, first lets go out for a drink", said Benjamin. They go to the hotel bar and drink jagerbombs alongside red bull and vodka. They smoke cigarettes outside after several drinks to get fresh air. Drunk now, Adam tells his new friends of what happened to Angela. "I can not believe she is dead", exclaimed Adam. As he is telling Jack about Stephanie, Benjamin presents a joint and starts smoking. The weed is shared amongst the crew in a puff, puff, pass fashion. After several rotations, Adam feels high and weary. Stumbling with his words he proclaims his love for Stephanie. "She is the girl of my dreams!" Adam experiences mixed emotions of bliss and trauma. He feels amazingly high but he imagines flashbacks of memories of his father passing and the recent death of Stephanie's mother. He attempts to change the negative thoughts for good ones. It is rare for him to be this high. Adam escapes to his room. He is met by an image of Ulysses. He threatens Adam, "Stay away from Stephanie for your own good!" Adam blinks his eyes and in a more sober position realizes he is at the lobby of the hotel. He sees what looks like Stephanie and follows her.
It was her. Looking as stunning as ever. She said, "I left your belongings at the hotel front desk for you to retrieve." Jokingly he mentioned, "So where are we going tonight for our first date?" She persisted, "You should not be around me." They flirted back and forth as the two walked together, following the direction of Stephanie. Still a bit "lofty", Adam saw in passing alley what looked like Ulysses. At first he was afraid but then he became confident. He wanted to be there for Stephanie. Adam wanted to protect her. It was nighttime, so Stephanie called a Lyft. Adam rushed in with her. She laughed and was amused by Adam. She thought he was silly and not competition for Ulysses. She was catching feelings for Adam but did not want to give him false hope.
They arrive at Stephanie's favorite shop. She describes how her and her mother always spent time at this boutique store. It sold books, coffee, tea, snacks, merchandise, cute outfits, and the such. He bought Stephanie a trinket to make her smile and showed her the picture of him and his father on his phone. They shared delightful memories of their parents. Hoping for a better tomorrow. Perhaps their own love stood a chance. Their conversation was emotional but lighthearted. Adam stated, "In this cruel world, there is no reason to be alone." Stephanie smiled and reacted, "Maybe." They wanted to be removed from the sorrow, especially Adam. It seemed that Stephanie wanted to sulk in it a bit longer. She described, "My life is complicated." Adam responded, "I do not care." The shop was closing. So, they left. It was a full moon night. It was the perfect romantic setting. Adam knew he had to make his move soon. Stephanie said, "I have to go. We'll meet again." Adam kissed her. She enjoyed every moment of it but attempted to hide her true emotions. It was a tender kiss filled with passion. She said, "Now I go and you stay." Adam smiled and happily said, "See you tomorrow!" They went their separate ways. Soon after, as Adam was walking he was quickly approached by a dark and tall figure. He was attacked and punched. On the floor, half-conscious, he saw Ulysses and he said, "All good things come to an end." Adam's eyes closed. As he awakened, he was approached by Jack. He rushed and checked on Adam. "Are you okay?", said Jack. Adam responded, "I am alright." Adam described how amazing his night was with Stephanie. "Truly a night to remember", said Adam. Jack was glad for Adam. He described, "Me and Benji were looking for you everywhere! You disappeared from all the fun." They were close by to the hotel. Benjamin was waiting for them. Benjamin shouted, "The night is still young!" Jack agreed. Adam wanted to sleep but the two persisted to go to a night club.