Storymania - Miranda's Memories by Winson Thai

Miranda's Memories (1)
Winson Thai

On the stormy morning of November 6, 2008, hundreds of people gather outside the New York County Courthouse in Lower Manhattan to demand that Judge Theodore Jones legalize gay marriages in the state by passing Proposition 3. They hold signs with messages like “Equality for all,” “We want to get married,” “Legalize #3,” and “Love conquers all.” Their head, Kelsey, goes a few steps up the entry stairs and yells from a megaphone, “What do we want?!” “Equality!” the crowd yells. He shouts, “When do we want it?” “Now!” the crowd yells. They do this repeatedly. A lesbian couple, Lauren Baltauss and Miranda Kalinsky is in the crowd. As they hold hands and await the ruling Miranda recalls how she met Lauren four years ago and what led them to join in.

At that time, she was a junior at Brooklyn’s James Madison High School. On October 15, she walks down a 2nd floor hall struggling to hold five heavy textbooks, blocking her view. Other students seeing her just laugh. She bumps into a girl by her locker, knocking both to the floor and scattering her books around them. She asks, “I am so sorry, you okay?” and helps the girl up. She says, “I’m fine, thanks.” As Miranda gathers her books the girl asks, “Where you going?” “Room 204,” she says. “Oh that’s next to where I’m going,” the girl says. She sees Miranda struggling to carry her books, says, “Here let me help,” and takes two of them. Miranda thanks her and they go their destination and put the books in Miranda’s locker by Room 204. She says, “Thanks for your help.” The girl says, “No problem, I am Lauren by the way, what is your name?” “Miranda. Nice to meet you,” she says. They shake hands and Lauren says, “Same, what grade are you in?” “11th you?” Miranda asks. “12th, you want to hang out sometime?” Lauren asks. Miranda happily says, “Okay, after school today?” “Yes. Let’s meet at the Kings Highway station at 3:30,” Lauren says. Miranda nods and they kiss each other’s cheeks. Miranda enters Room 204 as Lauren enters 205.

They later meet at the stop, board a northbound Q train, and sit on a bench. Miranda asks, “Where are you and your parents from, Lauren?” “My parents are from Latvia and I’m their only child. They work at MetroTech Center in Downtown and I have a weekend job at a market by my Sunset Park home,” she says. Miranda says, “Nice, my family is observant Jewish who is faithful with their religious practice, but not too faithful. My mom’s a veterinarian at the Lower East Side and my dad teaches Sunday School at a Carroll Gardens synagogue we go to. I have a 5-year-old sister, Carle, who started kindergarten at PS 253 last month. My parents wanted more kids as our religion suggests they have a lot for some reason, but I pleaded them not to. It’d be tough to raise them. I have no job and their incomes are not great.” The girls giggle. Lauren says, “True, I don’t get why some think more kids is better. They don’t seem to understand the emotional or financial burdens it can cause.” Miranda says, “Me neither, how is Latvia?” Lauren says, “I came here at a young age, so I got no memory of it and never asked my family.” Miranda asks, “Why not?” She says, “It didn’t cross my mind. I got more important things to worry about, like work and school. My parents never seem to want to talk about Latvia.” Miranda says, “Mine are from Israel. Carle and I were born here, so we’ve never been there.” Lauren asks, “So where do you live?” Miranda says, “Bay Ridge near the 77th Street R train stop.” Lauren looks surprised, saying, “Oh, I live by the R too at 36th Street.” Miranda says, “Great is there any place you want to go to now or should we just talk here until we are at our home stops?” “Just talk here,” Lauren says, as Miranda nods.

The girls keep talking until the train gets to Atlantic Avenue, where they get off to switch to a 95th Street-bound R train. After sitting on a bench Miranda asks Lauren, “Where do you plan to go to next year?” She says, “I’m looking into a lot of colleges, but my top choice is Hunter, as I want to major in Psychology. Are you thinking about college yet?” Miranda says, “No.” Lauren says, “Oh you better start your research soon. You’ll graduate from high school before you know it.” Miranda chuckles and says, “I know.” The two keep talking until the train reaches 36th Street.

Lauren says, “Here’s my stop. It was so nice talking to you today.” Miranda says, “Same, hope we can hang out again soon.” Lauren hugs her, saying, “We will, see you Monday.” “Bye,” Miranda says as Lauren exits the train. Miranda arrives home to find Carle lying on the floor and their parents Sharon and Bridget sitting on the sofa watching TV at the living room. Sharon asks, “How was school today?” “It was great. I got big news,” she says. Carle grins asking, “You got a boyfriend?!” Miranda says, “No, I’m not dating until I’m 18.” Carle looks mad. Miranda says, “I made a new friend!” “What is her name?” Bridget asks. “Lauren, a senior living in Sunset Park. I have no classes with her, but we met in the halls after she helped me take my books to my locker. We had a lot of fun talking on the train,” Miranda says. Bridget says, “Sweet we are so happy for you.” Carle says, “Because you don’t have many friends!” “Well, neither do you,” Miranda says.

The sisters tongue-tease each other back and forth until Sharon tells them to stop. Bridget says “Carle, be happy for your sister.” Miranda says, “Yeah now I have homework to do if you’ll excuse me.” Her parents nod and she runs upstairs. Her family resumes watching TV and laughs.

As Miranda sits by a desk using a laptop in her room, Carle enters, asking, “Tell me more on Lauren.” Miranda says, “Not now.” Carle says, “I really want to know.” Miranda replies, “I’ll tell you later.” Carle whines as Miranda shouts, “Get out of my room now!” and she slowly does.

After school three days later Miranda and Lauren sit by a table at a pizzeria to eat, trading cell numbers via pieces of paper. Lauren thanks Miranda, who asks, “What do your parents work as?” Lauren says, “My mom is a banker for JP Morgan Chase while my dad is an investigator for the FDNY.” Miranda says, “I hope to meet them soon, so why are you into psychology?” Lauren says, “My aunt had major mental problems and spent much of her life at an institute. Doctors had trouble figuring out the reasons for her behavior. We still don’t know that, but it made me want to study the human mind. It’s fascinating.” Miranda says, “Wow I hope she is doing better.” “Same, I have not seen her in years. Do you have any favorite school subjects?” Lauren asks. “I am good in all my classes, but often have to study harder to pass science and math,” Miranda says. Lauren says, “That seems to apply to everyone.” The two laugh. Lauren says, “But it’s nice you’re doing well in school. You have a lot of time to choose what you want to do in the future. I hope to meet your family soon.” Miranda says, “I am glad to have met you.” “Same, I know we’ll have lots of fun together,” Lauren says. The girls eat and drink and for the next month, do things like seeing a Madison Square Garden basketball game, animated film at a theater and walking around the city.

On November 12, Miranda sees Lauren at a hallway arguing in Latvian with two students senior Diane and freshman Val. Confused, she goes to them, as Val says, “People like you are big whores!!” Miranda asks, “Lauren, what’s going on here?” Diane asks, “Oh is this your new lover Lauren?” She says, “No, we only met last month.” “Yes and you probably eat each other out each day since!” Val says. Lauren yells, “Watch what you say about her!!” “Or you’ll fuck my ass and pussy?” Diane asks. She and Val laugh and Lauren frowns. Val says, “Let’s go, we do not want to irritate them while they’re thinking of sex.” “Right, bye girls, have fun,” Diane says. She and Val leave, laughing. Miranda asks Lauren, “What was that about?” “Don’t worry about them. I got to go to work, see you later,” she says. Miranda nods and looks confusingly at Lauren, who departs.

Miranda visits Lauren at her job a week later and finds her eating lunch at a table during a break. After they greet, Miranda sits and says, “We have hung out a lot the past month. Think it’s our families meet. Carle especially wants to see you.” Lauren says, “Yes my family seems to like you when I told them about you, but they’ve been working overtime lately and won’t be off until Thanksgiving.” Miranda looks sad, then happily says, “Why don’t you take them to my place for Thanksgiving dinner?” Lauren asks, “Does your family even do that?” “So there’s a first time for everything. I’m sure they won’t mind doing it to see you,” Miranda says. Lauren says, “They can come to my house.” Miranda says, “They do not like taking Carle to places they haven’t been too yet” Lauren thinks and says, “I’ll ask my parents about your invite.” Miranda cheers as they talk.

Lauren later texts Miranda to say her parents accepted her invite. She goes to hers as they sit in the dining room table and says, “Hey I’ve invited Lauren and her parents here for dinner on Thanksgiving and I need your help setting things up.” “What? Inviting them here?!” Bridget asks in shock. “Lauren wants to meet you and I want to meet her parents,” Miranda says. Sharon says, “We’ve never had a dinner on Thanksgiving. It’s only a week away.” Miranda says, “I know, but if we work together it’ll go well.” Her parents think hesitantly until Carle, sitting on Bridget’s lap says, “I want to meet Lauren!” Bridget says, “We will do it.” Miranda hugs her parents excitedly.

On Thanksgiving evening, the family sets the dining room up and Sharon asks Miranda if she is okay. She says, “Yes, just excited about tonight.” Bridget says, “We are all to see Lauren’s family.” The doorbell rings and Miranda opens the door to find her guests. “Thanks for coming,” she tells Lauren, who says, “My pleasure. This is my mother Tammy and dad, Jody.” They shake hands with Miranda. Tammy says, “It’s very good to meet you.” Miranda says, “Same, come in.”

Lauren and her parents enter and take off their shoes and coats as Miranda shuts the door, hangs the latter on nearby hooks, takes them to the table and introduces them to her family. Carle sits on a chair. Sharon introduces himself and Bridget to Jody and Tammy. The four shake hands. Jody says, “It’s great to be here,” giving Bridget a bouquet of flowers. She thanks him as Tammy says, “I bought dessert,” giving Sharon a food container. He and Bridget look stunned. Jody asks, “Something wrong?” Sharon says, “Um, no, let’s save this for later.” He and Bridget put the food and flowers on a side table. Jody looks at the food on the main one saying, “This looks good.” “It is, I made the turkey myself,” Bridget says. “Your husband must be proud of you. My wife could never cook like this,” Jody says. Sharon says, “Hey that’s not nice.” “But it’s true,” Tammy says.

“I should cook from now on,” Jody says. Tammy says, “You’ll burn our house.” The four laugh and talk as Miranda brings a confused Lauren to a corner asking, “Who were the idiots you were arguing with at school two weeks ago.” Lauren says, “Oh they’re just...,” “Can we eat now? I am hungry,” Carle whines. “Oh yes,” Tammy says as everyone sits by the table to eat. They are full and happy when they finish. Lauren says, “This was the best Thanksgiving meal I ever had!”

Bridget thanks her as Jody says, “We are so glad our daughters met.” Sharon says, “Same here.” Tammy looks at her watch, then says, “Um we better get home. It was great meeting you.”

Bridget says, “No problem, take care!” The Baltausses go to the front door as Bridget and Sharon look at Miranda, wanting her to help escort them out. She does and the two look satisfied.

On December 23 Miranda sees Lauren at a school hall and says, “Hi.” “Hi,” Lauren says, looking mad. Miranda notices asking, “What’s wrong?” “My parents will spend Christmas at my uncle’s in Queens. I don’t want to go, we do not get along well,” Lauren says. Miranda asks, “Oh why don’t you just tell them that?” Lauren says, “I did, but they won’t let me be home alone on a whole weekend.” “Would they let me stay with you?” Miranda asks. Lauren says, “Sure, but you really want to do that?” Miranda says, “I do. You are my friend and I want you to be happy. I will ask my family about it after school.” Lauren says, “Thanks, see you later.” They kiss and go their separate ways. That afternoon Miranda asks her parents in the kitchen, “Can I be with Lauren for the weekend? Her parents will be in Queens and she doesn’t want to go, but they won’t let her be home alone.” Sharon says, “You’ve never slept away from here,” Bridget says, “It is time for that to change. You’re old enough to be trusted and Lauren’s a good girl, so you can stay with her. Be sure to you keep in touch with us once a day.” “I will, thanks,” Miranda says and leaves. She and Lauren have a pillow fight on Lauren’s bed the next evening. When she hits Miranda on the face, knocking her down, and laughs, Miranda says, “Oh you’re dead,” pushes her down, gets atop her tickles her. She laughs and begs Miranda to stop, but she does not, saying, “Not so tough now are you?” She accidentally tears off her nightgown seconds later, revealing her bra and panties. They freeze and look at each other in shock. “Oh god I’m sorry, you okay?” Miranda asks as she looks away and gets off of Lauren. She says, “I’m fine and you can look.” “I can’t,” Miranda says. She says, “Look please. You’re my best friend.” Miranda slowly looks at her and says, “Uh you got a nice body.” Lauren thanks her, takes her hand, runs it down her torso and legs and asks, “Do you like how it feels?” Miranda says, “It’s soft and smooth,” lets go off her hand and still holding her gown asks, “You want to put this back on?” “No, I hate that as it’s itchy or wearing clothes while with other girls,” Lauren says. Miranda in shock asks, “Uh you mean…,” as Lauren says, “That’s right, I’m gay!” Miranda looks in silence at Lauren, who asks if she is okay. She says, “Oh yes, I was just shocked to learn that. I got no issues being friends with a lesbian, but my family may, as it’s against the Jewish tradition. Please don’t tell them or anyone else you see me with about your sexuality.” Lauren nods, lying on the bed. Miranda takes off her nightgown revealing her bra and panties out of pity, says, “Now we match,” puts both gowns on the floor, and lies by Lauren, who says, “You did not have to do that.” “It is my way to show we can be friends at all costs. We have done a lot together in the last two months and nothing will rip us apart,” Miranda says. “I agree,” Lauren says. They blindly look up and down each other’s bodies and their faces slowly approach each other, but pull back just before their lips touch as Miranda says, “Hold on we can’t do that.”

Lauren says, “Oh, right, let’s forget this happened and get some sleep,” Miranda nods and they kiss each other goodnight, turn off the adjacent lamps, and put the blanket over their bodies.

At Herald Square on the 28th, the girls sign up to donate to the American Red Cross Asian Tsunami Relief Fund at a booth manned by two ladies, then buy clothes at Macy’s and Manhattan Mall’s Express. In the mall, Miranda goes to a KB Toys store to buy Carle a doll. Lauren sits on a lobby seat to eat cookies. Miranda after finishing goes to her, who asks, “Got what you wanted?”

She says, “Yes, the Nintendo DS is the season’s most popular toy. It is sold out everywhere and I saw lots of kids going nuts and crying.” “I’m glad we don’t play video games,” Lauren says. The girls laugh and Miranda says, “Same, want to eat now? I’m hungry.” Lauren nods and they leave.

Miranda on January 21, 2005 sits on a seat by a desk in Lauren’s room. She stands behind her combing her hair. Her parents check on them. Miranda thanks them for dinner and letting her and Carle sleep over for the weekend, as they wish each other goodnight. Lauren later lies in bed as Miranda goes to it, stops, and twitches, the girls in nightgowns. Lauren asks if she is fine. She says she is and lies next to Lauren. They sleep. A huge snowstorm the next day keeps everyone at home. The girls watch an anime on TV as Tammy and Jody shovel snow outside. On the 26th, the girls stand in a packed 4 train in Atlantic Avenue. Riders on the platform try to push their way in. Miranda asks, “Why is the train so packed?” Willow, a 15-year-old Asian boy next to them, says, “A fire destroyed Chambers Street’s control room on Sunday. The C train, therefore isn’t running and just 30% of A trains are, so people are using other trains to get to Lower Manhattan.” Lauren says, “That’s bad, what caused the fire?” Willow says, “Some think a homeless man began it, but we don’t know for sure.” “I feel sorry for A and C riders,” Miranda says, “Yes, the MTA said full service may not return for three to five years!” Willow says. “Whoa, we’ll be in college by then,” Lauren says. After a few attempts the train doors shut. It starts moving as the teens look annoyed.

On February 24, the girls take pictures of The Gates exhibit at Central Park. On March 27 they shop in Manhattan, but fail to buy a lot as many businesses are closed for Easter Sunday. On April 20 they and their classmates wait for a bus outside the Lower East Side Tenement Museum after a school trip. Lauren sees a poster for a film with a lesbian relationship that she wants to see on a nearby business’s front door and shows it to Miranda. She agrees to see it in the theater with her on the 23rd. She sees Lauren zoned in and put a hand in her skirt during a love scene between two women, but stays silent about it. Outside after that Lauren asks Miranda, “What you think of the film?” She imagines Lauren angrily slapping her and leaving after saying she hated it. Lauren snaps her into reality and asks again. “It was okay,” Miranda says. Lauren says, “Oh, same. I just wished the sex scene between the women was longer.” Miranda looks shocked. Lauren asks, “Do you want to eat?” Miranda nods as the two walk away. On the evening of May 20, Carle lies sick in her bed watching a Muppets movie on TV. As Miranda prepares cough medicine, Lauren calls.

She explains Carle’s sickness, wishes Lauren goodnight and feeds Carle the medicine. On May 27, she and Lauren get off a 9 train at 34th Street-Penn Station when three teenage boys start taking photos, scaring them. They are confused after seeing Willow and other boys taking photos of service notices and signs. He says 9 train service will end after that day as skip-stop service on Broadway has proven useless, so the 1 will go local 24/7. Also, the N will return to Coney Island on May 29th after 3 ½ years, as the rebuilding project is done. Understanding him, the girls leave.

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