Upon my break up with Derek late last week I thought I was entitled to a little bit of solitude with my new partner in life: Netflix.

I thought I'd give myself a break from the world at least for a week, besides some time that I would make free for Jess and for comfort from my golden retriever Charlie. However, despite my new found freedom, I would find myself unfortunately restricted to plans other than a quiet night at home once Friday arrived. Instead, ever the diligent older sister, I was roped into being my little sister Alexis' ride home for the night.

Lexi tended to have a much more active social life than me, even when I was in a relationship, and, of course, had plans for tonight. She had plans to not only attend a lavish party one of her socialite friends was holding but clearly planned to enjoy the party with quite the amount of alcohol consumed. I was at least grateful that if she was going to drink she had the sense to ask me to give her a ride home. I guess she figured I had nothing better to do anyways.

So here I was, on my way to the Midtown Manhattan at twelve in the morning, now Saturday morning, to pick up my little sister. With the windows down, letting the cool air of the Autumn night rush in and the volume of the radio sufficiently high, I was managing to keep myself awake. It had been a miracle that I had stayed awake as it is after a tiring day at work. Jess finally getting around to grilling me a week later on the fine details of my break up after no longer being on call for work helped largely with that.

A half an hour ride later and my phone was saying that I was a few minutes away from my destination. Despite what was definitely a late time to me, the social scene of the city was still thriving. As I drive down streets the booming sounds of the night life could be heard, the beats of the music sending vibrations out in waves that would collide with those of the cars still honking this late. Blazing light shone out from the countless windows that adorned the buildings all around me, an array of colours decorating the night sky.

A few traffic lights and minutes later I finally reach my destination. At one in the morning the building that stands in front of me seemed to disappear into the sky, the light shining from the top few floors appearing like a halo. It was an exquisite beauty with the front facade of the lower levels featuring the modern warmth of natural timber. However, as you looked higher and higher the building would transform into an exquisite piece of art with the timber of the walls below turning to endless walls of glass, the windows being complimented by dashes of the wood featured below and greenery draped over them.

I was mesmerised to say the least. My surroundings were a complete contrast to the quaint brownstone apartment building in Brooklyn which I called my home. 

After an irritating struggle to find parking somewhere I finally make my way into the building through the revolving door. Only minutes before I had received an influx of messages from Lexi begging me over and over again to come upstairs to the party after I had told her that I was close by. With such a persistent attitude it was clear that she had more than a few drinks tonight so I decide that going upstairs would be the right thing to do.

I quickly pull out my phone to scan through Lexi's messages and check where I was supposed to be going. Walking over to the elevator, I finally find the message among many other nonsensical ones telling me to go to level 7 and to the apartment with the 'cute plant next to the door'. Clearly my sister was simply amazing at giving directions. 

A short elevator ride later I arrive on level 7 only to find a whole lot of doors with plants next to them. I barely had functioning lights in the hallways of my apartment building but these people just had to have a bunch of plants adorning each corner. I try to think from Lexi's perspective about which plant I would find 'cute' but come up with multiple options. I then try to check if the lights are on under any of the doors but, once again, there are multiple options available. Giving up, I begin messaging Lexi despite being aware of how bad she was at noticing messages, let alone when she was drunk. 

Mid- way through my typing I hear a sound come from behind me. I turn to check where it was coming from only to find someone leaving an apartment. I take a quick look into the apartment where the fashionably dressed and slightly tipsy looking woman walks out from, finding a gathering of people with drinks and music. Next to the door there is a plant in the corner, a fern from what I can see, which could be described as cute if you were a drunk party goer. Seeing no better option, standing here past midnight in a random apartment building, I go to the door that the woman had just left from and walk in slowly. 

I peek around the corner of the door as I walk in, confronted with a bright pendant light which hangs above the entrance. Once my eyes adjust to the brightness, I take in the stylish apartment which awaits me. Over the sound of the music playing I can barely hear the waiter who awaits me with a glass of champagne to greet me before I may my way into the room. I kindly decline the champagne, not in the mood for it and wanting to remain the designated driver. I also didn't want to be distracted in case it turned out that this was the wrong apartment. But with Lexi not responding and no further information this was my best chance. At least if this was the wrong place I would maybe remain unnoticeable with all the people here. 

I pass by multiple waiters and attempt to squeeze my way through the groups of people standing around, trying to find my way around in search for Lexi. When I finally reach the other side of the living space I'm met with a view of the setting which helps me to understand why people fork out all this money to live in this side of town. Modern timber beams are exposed across the relatively high ceilings , stretching around four metres up in the air over the crowd of people gathered. The large, open living space is adorned with ebony hardwood floors, with the light from the nightlife coming in from the wall of glass standing behind me.

I was told that this was an intimate gathering of only the closest associates and friends of this guy my sister had supposedly been seeing. Yet there were still more people here than I could even think of off the top of my head. Furniture seemed to have been moved out for tonights event to make way for a few bar tables and lounge seats where guests made themselves comfortable.

I make my way through the gatherings of people a few more times looking for my sister, finding myself back in the spot I was in before in front of the windows. Among all these people it's impossible to find her. I scan over all the people, a group of crazily beautiful guests who are clad in their finest cocktails dresses and suits with accessories worth more than all I own dangling off of them.

Here I was in my simple floral wrap dress, a coat, scarf, stockings and black flats, with my thick, wavy brown hair in a crazed mess around my face from the wind. Bags have most likely formed under my eyes from how sleep deprived I am and my mascara has probably been smudged from a combination of my nap earlier on and the events of my strenuous work day.

My search for my sister continues to be useless and the combination of the music and the guests socialising begins to engulf me. I find myself in desperate need of an escape. Everyone seems to be swarming together more, closer and closer as though something is supposed to happen in a moment, making me even more claustrophobic. 

I spy a door to the balcony behind all these windows, rushing towards it and to the emptiness which awaits me out there. Once I push my way past some more people and break free on to the balcony I let out a sigh of relief and take a deep breathe in of the cooler air.

Outside here on the balcony it's magical. The view is breathtaking with the lights of the city still twinkling at this time like they were stars of our very own. You could see so much of the city even from this level, an ability that left you feeling both amazed and frightened. It put everything in a different perspective. It made you realise just how little you were in the great big world but then it also reminded you of the endless opportunities that awaited you out there; the unpredictable twists and turns life had prepared for you.

The serenity and solitude of the balcony quickly calm me down. I know that I should probably continue my search for Lexi as soon as my claustrophobia has eased, and leave this stranger's balcony, but I feel so damn at peace right now. The light breeze is brushing against my skin and through the air, sending soft tingles across my body but in a good way. With life and this city often being so full of mayhem it was relieving to find a space away from it all for even a short moment. I can't help to let out another deep sigh, looking from side to side at the view.

"It's beautiful isn't it," a voice comments out of nowhere.

Startled, I jump slightly in the air on the spot, far too close to the edge of the balcony for my liking. I can't help but shout out "fuck!", my go-to response in cases of shock, excitement, and essentially most things in life. I place my hand over my heart, as if this is going to help my heart from beating at this chaotic pace, as though the precious organ was going to burst out of my chest. As I look behind me, my eyes struggle to adjust to the light from inside and I can't see the source of the voice. It takes a moment for me to see everything properly but I still can't find where the voice is coming from. It is only when they utter out a "sorry" that I realise the voice is coming from my right.

I turn towards the direction of the voice, finding a figure sitting on the floor leaning against the wall in the corner of the balcony where barely any light could reach. With the lack of light I can barely deduce that it appeared to be a tall male figure to match the raspy, deep tone who had spoken. That is until the figure slowly starts to rise from where they were seated on the tiled balcony floor, finally standing tall and stepping into the light as he walked over to me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." says the looming suited man before me, offering a small smile in peace. It's small but comforting, something that no matter its size seems genuine for some reason. I've only just met the guy but the way his eyes seem to soften provide this reassuring feeling when he looks at you. 

It certainly helped that he wasn't bad to the eyes, definitely the type to have taken the breathe out of a fair few in his time. I'm afraid I'm a bit of a victim of him too, but I questioned whether that was genuinely his attractiveness or whether I was still recovering from the scare. Under the night sky those eyes of his seems to be shine, the light providing his eyes with an iridescent quality. They appear to be a navy blue but as the shades of light leave and reappear they seem to turn to a grey, drawing you in and almost making you fall under a spell. 

The light breeze tousles his perfectly kept chocolate brown hair which compliments his fair complexion, making his appearance seem so complete for a lack of a better way to describe it. The slim fitted navy suit he wears displays his fit physique and highlights the shades of his eyes further. Once I look back to those eyes of his I realise that he too is watching me. He softly raises his eyebrows up in question making me realise that I've just been standing there frozen staring at him, not responding. He raises the hand which isn't holding a drink to the back of his head, lightly scratching at this neck as he waits for a response. 

"Oh... no ... sorry. I should have checked if there was anyone else out here." I finally respond. 

"There's no problem at all." he tells me with an English accent that draws my attention to him more than I thought it could. Though predominantly English, it seemed to have the smallest touch of an other influence slightly running through it, a touch of Scottish or Irish or even American? I had always been a sucker for an English accent, plus I just wasn't expecting it in the middle of New York City.

"No, I shouldn't have intruded."

"There's really no need to apologise. It's a free space." he tells me. 

"Sorry." I blurt out before I can think of what I'm saying, cringing instantly in response. Now was not the time for consistent need to apologise for all things under the sun.

He seems to find it amusing though, the right side of his mouth lifting slightly to create a glimpse of a little smirk. He adds in a soft laugh under his breath at my awkward response. Never the one to be able to deal with any attention, let alone that of an attractive stranger on a random person's balcony, I turn my gaze back to the city views.

"It is beautiful." I agree, finally answering his question. 

From the corner of my eye, I can see him turn to the city as well, as if to confirm the beauty of the view. He leans against the balcony railing with his arms, taking short sips of what appeared to be whisky as he watched. We stand for a bit, not saying a word and just revelling in the silence and with awe at the city. 

"I really needed to get out of there for a bit and get some air. It sure can all get a bit too much in there. A whole lot of drunk people on a Friday night is how you end up with a drink spilt on you and a desperate need to escape." he comments. I quickly scan his body to see where I had missed the stain from the spilt drink but don't spot it.

"I can understand that," I reply, making him turn his head to observe me as I spoke, "I've only had to put up with it for a few minutes and I don't even know anyone but I was overwhelmed too. And then everyone started gathering closer together and I just needed to be alone for a second without someone right next to me.

"Gee, I guess I ruined that didn't I?" he quips.

"Oh .. damn .. sorry. I didn't mean it like that," I stutter in defence. He raises his eyes with humour and chuckles softly at yet another apology. "Crap, I did it again, didn't I?"

"Yeah, you did," he teases, "but that's okay.

"Now's the point I should probably introduce myself. I'm Theo." he says, offering his free hand to shake.

"I'm Ella." I respond, placing my hand in his and shaking it in acceptance of his greeting. He acknowledges with a slight nod and smile.

We find ourselves in silence again as we awkwardly keep our hands in the handshake for a bit longer than we should have, too distracted by simply taking in the presence of one another. Realising this, we let go and both quickly turn back to the city view. 

"They're probably waiting for a speech or something," Theo randomly comments, confusing me so that I scrunch up my eyebrows slightly. Seeing this, he adds, "You mentioned that everyone was gathering together. They're probably waiting for a speech from him." I nod, finally understanding.

"Do you know the host?" he asks.

"No, I can't say that I've had the pleasure." I respond in a slightly sarcastic manner, having not caught a glimpse of this mysterious guy who my sister was interested and whose party was the reason why I'd been dragged out of my apartment tonight. .

"Not a fan I take?" he questions with an eyebrow raised with curiosity and slight smirk forming, clearly noticing my tone and humoured by it.

"Oh, nothing like that. I'm just kidding," I say, "It's just that all of this isn't really my scene if you hadn't noticed by my very different appearance to your fellow party goers. It's a bit loud and kind of extravagant. I'm more of a staying home on a Friday night with some popcorn and a good movie kind of girl, which I was supposed to be doing before I got forced into coming here." I elaborate.

"That sounds amazing right about now." he admitted, turning around to take a quick glance at the events occurring inside before turning back to the view. He seemed to have little interest in the events taking place inside right now.

"How about you?" I ask him, trying to keep the conversation alive, "I take it you know this Harrington guy."

"You could say that." he quips. And that's all I get from him on the matter. I don't question him further because a short response like that doesn't scream out that he wants me to question him further or that they have a great relationship.. If he wanted to elaborate, he would've. So I leave it at that.

Neither of us say anything after. We just relish in the serenity. Sure, you could hear the sounds from below. The cabs beeping their horns, music still playing. It was the city that never slept after all. Regardless, it was peaceful. I was grateful that those sounds meant nothing to me. They came with no pressure, no orders from a boss or expectations. I could stay out here forever after the events in my life recently, both personally and professionally.  Taking a quick look to my side and seeing the calm expression across his face, I am reassured by his similar state.

We stand there for a bit longer, not saying much but it refreshingly not being uncomfortable. That is until the sound of my stomach churning loudly decides to chime in. I decide to ignore it, hoping that he didn't notice it and that I can pretend it didn't happen. But, just as I think I'm getting away with it, Theo turns to me and quickly tells me "Wait right there."

He disappears through the doors back into the apartment and into the crowd for a short moment, leaving me wondering whether he had actually left for good and was just looking for an excuse to escape this random chick he got stuck in a conversation with. However, I'm relieved to be proven wrong when he reappears with two platters in hand- one with hors d'oeuvres and the other with a few drink selections. He takes his platters with him to the spot where I had first seen him, placing them down on the floor and seating himself against the wall once again. Noticing me observing him he pats the spot on the floor next to him, indicating for me to come join him.

Looking to my phone for a response to the numerous messages I have sent to Lexi, I see that Lexi has responded with a short 'just a bit longer please' back and decide to accept his offer. Siting next to him on the tiled balcony floor, I thank god there are gas heaters on right now on the balcony otherwise I think I would've frozen my ass off, the floor still being slightly cold for me under my layers. We nibble on the food between us, laughing at the drunk antics of those inside and talking about random things like what we thought people were doing in other apartments based on what we could see through their windows. We both seem to go for the non-alcoholic drink options before us; there being something refreshing about the fact that neither of us felt the need for alcohol to be around one another.

"Those guys are probably playing a game of poker," he guesses, pointing out a group of men