Model to Holywood

In February, New York was still very cold. Today, a north wind was blowing, and the evening temperature was below 41°F.

Miranda exhaled a puff of warm breath as she got into the car, and the air inside was filled with a sweet fragrance.

"Luca, thank you!"

"You're welcome!"

Luca smiled and started the car again.

"Miranda, why didn't you just take a cab?"

"I... I ran out of money!" 

Miranda lowered her head and replied.

"You ran out?" 

Luca asked, confused.

"Yes!" 

Miranda sniffled, pouting, and said, "This afternoon, I went out to buy some desserts. Just as I pulled out my wallet, two guys came up from behind and grabbed all my money. Those damn rats!" 

Miranda cursed angrily and pulled out a white wallet, completely empty.

Luca shook his head. The area around Woof Street was pretty remote, with a mix of Black, Asian, and Mexican communities. The city was also planning to build a prison on nearby Central Street, making the area even more chaotic. A girl walking alone on the street could easily run into trouble.

"How much did they take?" 

Luca asked gently.

"Over 300 dollars, plus two fifty-cent coins. And they also took my kangaroo crystal pendant. Those two idiots! That pendant was a birthday gift from my mom, worth hundreds of dollars."

As Miranda spoke, her voice choked up. She lowered her head, and two teardrops fell onto her lap, leaving dark stains on her blue-and-white jeans.

Luca sighed softly, then said thoughtfully, "Miranda, don't cry. Actually, you were really lucky!"

"What?" 

Miranda wiped her face and looked up, her round, tear-filled eyes staring at him in surprise.

"Luca, I got robbed, my birthday gift was stolen, and you're saying I'm lucky?"

She pouted, her cheeks puffing up slightly in frustration.

"Yes, you're lucky. Have you read the *New York Times* recently?"

Miranda shook her head. Why bother with newspapers when there were magazines, TV shows, and good food to enjoy?

"You should read the news." 

Luca continued, "A few days ago, the *Times* reported a murder case. Some Black guys robbed a British college student here on Woof Street. She was attractive, and after they took her money, they didn't stop there…"

"What else did they do?" 

Miranda's eyes widened in curiosity.

Luca furrowed his brow and then said in a deep voice, "They raped her and then killed her."

"Ah!!" 

Miranda gasped, covering her mouth in shock, her eyes even wider than before.

"Did they catch the killers?"

"The paper said the police caught three of them, but two are still on the run. They warned everyone to be extra careful."

Miranda was silent for a moment, then nervously asked, "Could the two guys I ran into today be the fugitives?"

"It's possible."

"Phew~" 

Miranda patted her chest, letting out a long breath. "Thank God! Luca, you're right. Compared to that poor girl, I only lost a bit of money. I really am lucky."

"Exactly. As long as you're safe, that's the biggest blessing," Luca said softly.

Miranda furrowed her brow and suddenly said, "I think I should thank the dessert shop owner."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"When those two jerks grabbed my wallet, they started getting handsy. It wasn't until the shop owner pulled out a gun that they ran away."

Miranda exhaled, still shaken. "I was so scared, I forgot to thank him. I want to go back tomorrow and say thanks."

Luca nodded.

"But…" 

Miranda looked down, nervously twisting her fingers, "That street is so scary. I don't want to go there alone."

Luca chuckled, "I can go with you."

"Really? Thanks, Luca!"

"I told you, we're friends."

"Yes, we are," Miranda said, smiling happily. "Luca, tomorrow I'll treat you to dessert. That shop has all kinds of stuff—fruit pies, black-and-white cookies, strawberry cake…"

*Gurgle~* 

Suddenly, a strange noise interrupted her.

Miranda blushed, clutching her stomach.

"I was so focused on dessert that I skipped lunch," she said, embarrassed.

Luca chuckled softly. Still such a foodie, no wonder she's a little chubby.

He glanced outside and spotted an "Allen's Diner" nearby, its window displaying beautiful pictures of desserts that looked delicious.

He slowly pulled over. "I'm hungry too. Let's get something to eat."

Miranda looked at him and smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Luca!"

"Don't mention it!"

After a quick snack, it was already 6:30.

The evening sky had darkened, and tiny snowflakes, like grains of rice, were falling from the sky.

Worried that the snow might get heavier and make the drive home difficult, Luca sped up. After about 20 minutes, they reached the northern part of the Bronx.

Miranda's rented apartment was on 183rd Street in the northern district.

"That's Thomas!" 

As they approached the apartment, Miranda pointed to a figure on the sidewalk.

The handsome Australian, Thomas, was pacing under a streetlamp. His large down jacket was covered with snow, and his hair was turning white too.

Luca slowed the car and stopped at the apartment.

"Thanks for the ride, Luca!" 

Thomas walked up to the car door, his nose red, and smiled shyly.

Luca shook his head. "Thomas, no need to thank me."

"Thomas, I called earlier and said I'd be back soon. You didn't have to wait outside!" 

Miranda got out of the car and shivered from the cold.

"Haha, I was just taking a walk," 

Thomas replied with a smile.

"Here, this is for you—fruit pie!"

Miranda handed him a paper bag.

"Thank you, Miranda!" 

Thomas eagerly accepted it; the pie was still warm.

"Don't thank me, thank Luca!"

"Haha, no need for thanks. It's cold out—go inside!" 

Luca waved and drove off.

The snow grew heavier, and within a hundred yards, Luca's black car disappeared into the snowy night.

"Miranda, let's go inside," 

Thomas said, stomping his feet.

Miranda gazed into the distance for a moment before quietly saying, 

"Luca is so cool."

Carrying the pie, Thomas walked ahead. Hearing her footsteps crunch in the snow behind him, he hesitated for a moment and then said,

"Luca has a girlfriend."

"I know." 

Miranda kicked at the snow, silently walking for a bit.

"One day, I'll be a supermodel too." 

Miranda stopped and gazed confidently into the snowy night.

Thomas looked at her standing in the snow, beautiful like a fairy, her smile pure and vibrant like a tulip blooming in winter.

"Miranda, you will definitely become a supermodel."

"Thank you!"

Miranda smiled sweetly and walked up the stairs and into the apartment.

"Goodnight!"

"Goodnight."

Thomas watched the door close and sighed softly to himself.

How can I be as cool as Luca?

(End of Chapter)