ALEC & SUSAN

OneWrong Turn

SUSAN

The weekend flew by in a blur of nervous excitement, and before I knew it, I was sitting on the train headed toward my first official day of work, with the Goldberg family.

The city rushed past the windows in streaks of gray and gold while my reflection stared back at me with barely contained anticipation. My stomach fluttered the entire ride. Every stop felt too slow, every minute stretching endlessly as excitement bubbled inside my chest.

With this new job I could finally build a future I could call my own, one filled with hope, purpose, and the promise of a better life for my family and me.

By the time I arrived at the building, the crisp morning air had painted my cheeks pink from the cold. I smoothed my shirt nervously before stepping into the lobby and heading toward the elevator.

My heart raced with anticipation, each passing second stretching endlessly, until the elevator doors finally slid open on the third floor, bringing me one step closer to the future I had dreamed of.

When I came to the door, Mrs. Goldberg greeted me almost immediately, warm and welcoming despite the early hour. The apartment was awash in the soft glow of morning light spilling through the large windows, while far below, the city stirred awake, its distant hum creating a gentle backdrop to the quiet peace surrounding us.

She carefully walked me through the emergency contact list and Jessica's daily schedule. Her voice calm and reassuring while I listened attentively, trying to memorize every detail.

"Susan, do you have any questions before I leave?" she asked, her voice soft and reassuring as she paused by the door.

"No, I think you've covered everything," I replied with a smile. "Thank you for walking me through everything.

"No problem.

Jessica should be up soon. I'll check in with you later, but please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. By the way, Jessica has a friend named Sara who lives on the fifth floor apartment five twenty. Also, I told her nanny you would be starting today, so she may stop by. Her name is Katie."

"Okay! sounds good."

The apartment suddenly felt much quieter once Mrs. Goldberg left. For a brief second, nerves crept in again, settling heavily in my stomach. I headed to the sink to wash my hands, glancing toward the baby monitor while deciding what to make Jessica for breakfast.

The first thing that popped in my head, was creame of wheat.

The thought alone stirred memories of childhood mornings back home in Trinidad. Warm bowls shared before school while sunlight spilled through open windows and the smell of breakfast drifted through the house.

The familiar comfort of it made me smile softly to myself.

Sure enough, about fifteen minutes later, tiny sounds crackled through the monitor.

Jessica, was awake.

When I stepped into her room, she was standing in her crib with sleepy curls framing her face, her little hands gripping the rails while she stared at me curiously. Instead of smiling, she studied me carefully with wide, cautious eyes.

"Hi there, cutie, remember me?" I asked softly.

Her gaze never left my face.

I picked her up, changed her diaper, and carried her into the living room where the morning sunlight stretched warmly across the carpet. We played quietly for a while, her tiny giggles slowly replacing her uncertainty. Eventually, I placed her in her bouncy seat beside the kitchen so she could watch me prepare breakfast.

Every few seconds, I caught her staring at me.

I stirred the cream of wheat gently, letting it cool as steam curled softly from the bowl, before placing it in the fridge. Once it reached the perfect temperature, I carefully lifted Jessica into her high chair.

The second she took the first bite, her entire face lit up.

I laughed softly as she eagerly opened her mouth for more, tiny hands smacking excitedly against the tray. Watching her enjoy something so simple filled me with a strange warmth I couldn't quite explain.

Once breakfast was finished, we headed to her room to get ready for the day.

After getting her dressed, I snapped a picture of the schedule with my phone just in case I forgot anything. Monday meant "Mommy and Me," and after quickly mapping out the directions, I loaded Jessica into her stroller and headed toward the elevator.

The doors slid open to reveal another woman already inside, her hands gripping a stroller.

She shifted it slightly to one side to make room for us, her expression lighting up with a warm smile.

"Hi, Jessica!"

Jessica perked up instantly, her eyes bright at the familiar voice.

The woman turned her smile my way.

"Hi, I'm Katie, and this little munchkin is Sara. You must be Susan? It's so nice to meet you."

"Hi, Katie. Nice to meet both of you."

"Heading to Mommy and Me?" Katie asked as the elevator chimed.

"I am," I said.

The elevator continued its descent as the conversation flowed easily, making the unfamiliar morning feel a little more welcoming.

"We'll probably be seeing a lot of each other. Their parents are inseparable," Katie said, gesturing for us to step out first. "We can walk over together."

"Sure, I'd like that."

Relief washed over me instantly.

There was something comforting about her easy smile and warm accent that reminded me a little of home.

As we navigated the relentless energy of New York City, I discovered Katie was originally from Saint Lucia—a quick, breezy flight from Trinidad. The familiar Caribbean rhythms and expressions in her laughter drifted over the city noise, bringing me a sudden, soothing sense of home.

After "Mommy and Me," we headed to the park where I met the rest of the group.

Ava from Barbados carried herself with a quiet confidence that naturally drew others to her, making her the group's unspoken leader. Liv from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was effortlessly sociable, always in conversation and at ease with everyone she met. Rose from Jamaica lit up every space she entered with her infectious laugh and bubbly personality, while Mia from Dominica had a playful, mischievous spirit that kept the children laughing without pause.

For the first time since moving to America, I felt understood.

The sound of Caribbean accents mixing together beneath the soft rustling of trees and children's laughter made something inside me loosen. It felt like breathing fresh air after holding my breath for an entire year.

The kiddos played happily in the sandbox while we sat nearby talking and laughing like we had known each other forever.

I couldn't stop smiling.

I had made five friends in one single day-something I hadn't managed to do in the entire year I'd been in New York.

When we finally left the park, the girls walked Katie and me back toward our building.

"We'll see you ladies tomorrow," Ava called, waving as they walked away.

"See you tomorrow," I replied warmly.

Once we walked into the lobby, I was officially introduced to Tony, the doorman, a kind older man with gentle eyes and an easy smile.

Katie and I stepped into the elevator together.

"Thank you for today," I told her honestly. "I didn't have any friends here, but you introduced me to everyone. I'm truly grateful."

"You're very welcome," she smiled. "We'll be hanging out five days a week, so get used to it."

We both laughed softly.

For the first time in a long time, laughter felt effortless.

When the elevator stopped on our floor, I stepped out reluctantly.

"See you tomorrow."

"See ya." Katie shot back.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of happiness.

I couldn't stop thinking about how much my life had changed in such a short time. It felt like things were finally going in a positive direction.

By the time I left work at five, the excitement from the day still buzzed through me like electricity.

I caught the train to Brooklyn eager to tell Jacob everything.

When I burst through the doors of the corner store around seven-thirty, my smile must have said it all before I even opened my mouth.

Jacob looked at me with a warm smile. Your day went well I see.

It was great! I replied. Telling him all about the ladies I had met today and how wonderful Jessica was.

Jacob was genuinely relieved hearing I had finally connected with people my own age and background.

"I hated seeing you alone," he admitted quietly.

Something about those words touched me deeply.

After talking with Jacob for a while, I finally made my way home. The stairwell smelled faintly of cleaning supplies and someone's dinner cooking downstairs. As I reached the upper floor, I saw Angie standing in the hallway.

"Hey stranger. Haven't seen you around lately," Angie said, leaning against the doorframe. "What have you been up to?"

"Working hard," I said, forcing a bright smile.

"Don't you ever do anything else?"Angie said giving me curious look.

I let my shoulders drop, the exhaustion finally bleeding through. "I need the cash."

"Look. I get it. We’re all hustling," Angie said, her voice softening. "But you’ve got to come up and take breath, Susan. You need to have a little fun."

"Not yet. Work is the priority until my family back home is sorted out."

Angie let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Well, the girls in the building and I are hitting the town this weekend. If you change your mind we are leaving at ten on Saturday night."

"Thanks, I'll think about it," I said, already reaching for my keys. "It's been a killer day, and a hot shower is calling my name. See you around, Angie."

"Later, Susan."

That night passed quickly between a shower, dinner, and preparing for another busy day.

The following morning somehow turned out even better than the first.

We took the kiddos on the train to the Children's Museum of Manhattan on West eighty-third Street.

The second we approached the entrance at two hundred and twelve West eighty-third Street, the sound of children laughing spilled out onto the sidewalk. Bright colors, excited chatter, and endless energy filled the building before we even stepped through the doors.

Inside, everything felt alive.

The museum's design mirrored the energy of New York itself-concrete, steel, glass-but softened into something magical for children. Every detail sat perfectly at their eye level, making the entire place feel l,ike a world built just for them.

Jessica's eyes widened the second we entered.

The atmosphere practically begged children to explore. Interactive exhibits glowed with color while tiny feet ran excitedly across sensory floors and art spaces. The air buzzed with joy, curiosity, and imagination.

Unlike traditional museums, this place invited children to touch everything.

To climb.

To build.

To discover.

And somehow, being surrounded by all that wonder made me feel lighter too.

Honestly thinking to myself, I was probably having the most fun out of everyone.

After leaving the museum, we found a small spot for a picnic beneath the warm afternoon sun. We snapped photos of the children laughing and playing before sending them to the parents.

I received a text from Mrs. Goldberg informing me that she and her husband would be home a little later than usual today.

I texted her back letting her know that it would be fine and I had everything under control.

By the time we boarded the train home, the kiddos were exhausted. Jessica practically melted against me sleepily during the ride back.

Once we got home, the evening became calm and quiet again.

I gave Jessica a light dinner, bathed her, and changed her into soft pajamas while she rubbed tired little fists against her eyes. By the time I started reading her bedtime story, her breathing had already slowed.

She fell asleep halfway through the book.

I tucked her in carefully, brushing a curl away from her forehead before quietly turning off the light.

When Amanda arrived home later, surprise crossed her face, when she didn't see her daughter. Looking around she asked,

"Where's Jessica?"

"She's asleep. I just couldn't keep her up-she was exhausted from the day's activities." I said with a smile on my face.

Amanda laughed softly while looking through some other photos I had forgotten to send her.

"Looking at the pictures, it was clear they'd had fun." she said softly.

"They did."

"Well, you can take off. I will see you in the morning."

"Thank you. Yes you will."

I left the apartment smiling to myself, still glowing from the perfect day.

But somewhere between the train station and home, everything changed.

I decided to take a different route.

A fatal mistake.

I was walking down the sidewalk, passing between a restaurant and a boutique when I noticed an open alleyway beside me. The narrow passage was dark and eerily quiet. Before I could react, a pair of rough hands suddenly grabbed me, violently pulling me into the shadows.

My scream echoed sharply through the night.

Panic exploded inside me.

I struggled desperately, my heartbeat slamming painfully against my ribs while fear consumed every thought in my mind. The smell of damp concrete and garbage surrounded me as I fought against the crushing grip holding me in place.

I truly believed it was the end.

Then suddenly-

Another figure appeared out of nowhere.

The next few moments blurred together into chaos. Punches. Kicks. Shouts. Heavy breathing. Painful groans echoing off brick walls.

I curled into myself trembling violently while the stranger fought off my attacker.

Eventually, the man who grabbed me staggered away into the darkness.

Silence followed, except for my frantic breathing.

The stranger who fought off my attacker approached slowly before extending his hand toward me.

"You're alright now," he whispered. "He's gone."

His voice was calm, steady and safe.

I hesitantly placed my trembling hand into his.

The second he pulled me upright, I finally looked at him properly.

And for one stunned moment, I forgot how to breathe.

He was the most handsome man I had ever seen.

Dark hair slightly disheveled from the fight. Brightest blue eyes I had ever seen. Strong features sharpened beneath the dim alley light. Concern lingered in his eyes despite the blood smeared faintly across one bruised knuckle.

"Are you hurt?" he asked softly.

I stood there frozen, staring at him in stunned silence, my mind unable to process what had just happened.

Then the rush of adrenaline began to fade leaving behind a crushing wave of fear and nausea.

I barely managed to turn away before my body betrayed me, and I vomited against the wall behind me.

Heat rushed to my face as shame and humiliation burned through instantly.

Mortified beyond words, I fled refusing to look back.