Manny & Wren

This was the last thing Manny expected. How could his closest friend Nico do this to him? Expect him to go to the airport and pick up this American girl.

Nico text him a picture of Wren. He could hardly pronounce her name and he was going to have live with her the next few weeks.

"It's either this, or you move out." Nico didn't sound to happy about this, but he was doing this because his ex, Ellie wanted him to look out for this New York friend of hers. "Sorry, it was last minute and since she's gonna be with you, I thought it best to let her know what she's in for." Of course, he reminded Manny he better behave himself.

Manny winced hard thinking this would be his worst summer ever. He hated the job at the convenience store. What he really wanted to be doing was making music, but that was something he had to put on hold now. He wasn't exactly a K-pop idol, now was he?

Soon enough, there she was like a frightened bird in the midst of the crowded airport.

"Hey, Nico sent me to fetch you." He did his best in broken English to tell her he was a friend of Nico's who was a friend of Ellie's.

She remained mute. He couldn't stop talking. Foolish, perhaps. Manny couldn't stand the silence.

"I feel bad, none of us have a car." He told her. Instead, he would have to welcome her to 101 in transportation. They'd catch the subway first and then the bus. "But I guess you are used to that kind of thing, being in New York City."

She shrugged.

Still, he wasn't sure if she were shy or maybe she just didn't like him. They rode in silence a good part of the way. It felt as if this trip would never end. Even after getting off the bus, it was quite a walk. He bought her an iced coffee.

She winced at the bitter taste.

"You, must like cream in your coffee." He smiled. She nodded and said she always order a latte.

"I'll have to remember that," Manny said, but he doubted he would. Seriously, this was all making him feel a bit lost, being put on the spot with an American stranger. Of course, he hadn't even flirted with anyone lately. Manny was down on his luck. He doubt it would change anything after meeting this bird from the states.

"How? How do I say.. your name?" He then asked.

"Wren," she said, asking him what was so hard about pronouncing her name?