She pulled out a stack of paperwork in a large binder clip, somewhat dirty and stained. Everything else spilled out when she did, no knives or guns to be seen. I seemed to be safe for a second, so I relaxed enough to take in this person. Short, thin, short blonde hair, the white kind. Natural. She was not unkempt, but she wasn’t clean either. Dazzling blue eyes, and a figure best described as lithe. She also appeared scared out of her wits, and barely holding it together.
I browsed through the paperwork she had. Her birth certificate, her state ID (she was from Boston), some miscellaneous stuff, and then the last page. It was a picture. She said, “That’s Mom, and who she said was my father. I think you might be the young boy.”
“Excuse me for a second…” I went to my living room and picked up a frame. Comparing the two pictures, it was clear they were taken at the same time. Was this actually real? It was an old snapshot, just like mine was. This was getting real, fast. I sent off a quick text, while she gave me a questioning look.
“We need to know if this is real…for both of us. I can find out fairly quickly, probably two or three days. May I take photos of these documents?”
“Of course. I didn’t expect you to sweep me off my feet as you long lost sister…I don’t really know you either.”
“OK, I can take you back to your hotel, or get you a cab, whichever you prefer. I will need you to stay here for about an hour first, so we can get proof.”
“I… don’t have a motel room.”
“I can recommend a good one, if you’d like.”
She put her head down. I had already seen that when she pulled the paperwork out, three dollars and change came out as well. It was then I realized she had nothing. She had managed to get here and had nothing left. “When was the last time you ate?” I asked gently.
“Yesterday” she whispered through the tears.
It was then that I did something I didn’t even understand…it was like I was watching myself in a dream. “You can stay in my spare bedroom. We will get you cleaned up and get some lunch as well.” I never even let my friends spend the night. I only had a few women spend the night. What was going on in my head?
“Really? I can’t pay you… I can’t even afford to…”
I cut her off. “You are staying here until we find out. No other options for you. Now, through that door is my spare bedroom, and there is a shower in there as well. Let’s get you cleaned up and ready for company. There is also a closet in there that my last girlfriend used. I think most of the clothes are too big, but you should be able to find something. I noticed you had no luggage…”
Another tear… “You don’t have to do this…”
“Get moving… You like a grilled ham and cheese? I can make lunch while you’re there.”
“Thank you, and yes…may I have two?”
Laughing, I told her I would make her three if she wanted. She went into the room, and I heard the door lock. Realizing that I would be scared too, I allowed it. I also sent another text, with pictures of each of the documents. As much as I wanted this to be true, proof was necessary.