"This is the place." Brian pushed open the door that lead into one large room. "Eddies' Menswear. They have everything you'll need. Clothes, shoes, and personal products." Jack smiled. "Thanks. This shouldn't take long. I know all my sizes."

Brian put his hands up. "Please, take your time." Jack walked along the stakes of clothes and started pull out what he needed. "So Brian, are you from New York?"

"Oh no, Ireland. So is Maggie actually. We moved over here together."

"Really? When was this?"

"14 years ago. Back home we lived next door to each other." He paused and smiled. "Well, actually we lived on neighboring farms. There was a lot of land between our houses. But our families were really close. So we grew up together and when I was 13 and she was 9 the Fagins and the Hatches sailed
across the Atlantic."

"So you've known each other your whole lives and now you're married. That's really wonderful."

Brian laughed. "I was lucky that she did marry me. I was a terror to her when we were younger. As kids I tortured her. I used to make fun of her and chase her around. On the trip over to America I softened to her a bit. For a nine year old I found her very charming and sweet. Well, once we got here, our
parents rented apartments next to each other. Over the years we grew to have a friendship. Maggie was the best friend I ever had. I could just tell her anything. I still would tease her though but it was in a more friendly joking way. Of course as she grew I realized what a beautiful women she was becoming. I remember when she started having gentleman callers something inside me was very apprehensive towards them," he smiled.

Jack smiled at Brian expression it was the same smile he would get when he thought about Rose.

"On her 16th birthday we were sitting out on the steps of the apartment alone. Just talking, and I leaned in and kissed her. I was as surprised as she was. And we probably sat there for about 30 seconds. To me it felt like an eternity. This horrible silence hung in the air and I thought I had ruined our friendship. Then she kissed me. And that was the start of it all. Shortly
after I proposed. And then we got married." Brian looked over at Jack. "How old are you and Rose?"

"17 and 20."

"Maggie was 17 when we got married. I was 21. That's why we like you two so much. You are so much like us when we were your age." He laughed. "Oh, let me help you with that."

While Brian was talking Jack had gathered up a large amount of clothing. He took some of it and walked over to the counter. They placed the items in front of clerk. "Would you mind holding these for me, while I go get some other essentials?" Jack kindly asked the stout old man. "Certainly son. I'll ring it all up when your ready."

Brain lead Jack to the back of the store. "This is where everything else you need should be."

Eager to know more about his new friend. Jack continued asking questions. "So Brian, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm a carpenter. Freelance. I made a lot of the furniture around the house."

"That's interesting. I can't build anything."

"Well, I can't draw so we're even."

Both men laughed. Jack now had everything he needed. They walked back to the counter and were rung up. "You sure are doing a lot of shopping. You're gonna buy me out." The man laughed. Jack smiled. "Well, I'm starting a new life today." The man nodded. "I'm happy you picked here. More money in my
pocket. If you ever come in here again ask for Eddie. I'll take care of you."

"I will. How much will that be."

"46 dollars and 87 cents."

Jack handed Eddie the money. He and Brian picked up the brown packages. Both were dreading having to walk back home with all this baggage. Once outside they stared back to the apartment. "Would you mind helping me with something else?" Jack asked. "Sure, but lets bring all this home first." Brian replied. "Sound good to me."

The two men walked in silence all the way back. When they reached home they climbed up the stairs and placed the packages on Jack and Roses bed. Then Jack showed Brian what he wanted to help him with. He pulled the diamond
engagement ring out of his pocket. "My God Jack where did you get that?"

"It was in the pocket with the rest of the items. Rose doesn't know about it. I was wondering if you knew of any pawn shops. Good ones. I would like to sell it."

Brian shook his head. "I know a place. But do you really think you should sell it without Roses permission."

"I know what I'm doing. This ring is nothing to her but a chain from her old life. The man who gave it to her kept her a prisoner. She doesn't need to be reminded of that."

"All right. I'll show you the place. I just hope your right about all this."

"Trust me."

Brian lead Jack back outside and towards their desired destination. "Stacy's Pawn Shop."