Part 4

As Leah and I approached the glass doors that led down the hallway to the canteen, I could not help be recall all the nights I sat alone on my bed watching the city lights twinkle in the near distance and if I only had a penny for every time I wished that I had someone to give my love to, then I would be rich beyond measure. Even though I never got that penny for every wish, I felt richer now than ever before. It is just so hard to put into words the thoughts and emotions that filled my soul. I can’t explain it other than it was meant to be. When we arrived at the plate glass doors I could see her reflection and the look she had on her face was one that took my breath away. I know that I was already smitten, but I could have sworn it was the face of an angel. She actually glowed with an inner radiance that stole even more of my heart that day. I reached up and grabbed the handle of the door and with my best voice of chivalry I said…”Allow me, me lady”.

She laughed a little and we walked side by side down the freshly waxed floor to the canteen. I asked her how she liked her coffee and then went over to the machine and dropped in a quarter. While the machine whirred and bumped I watched her in the reflection of the glass as she brushed through that long blonde hair. Finally with coffee in hand I walked over to the table where she sat and just listened with amazement as she spoke on the beauty of everything around her. She exhibited the most positive outlook of anybody I ever met and then without warning she said…”Oh my, look at the time; I am supposed to be taking a test in five minutes. Allen, I enjoyed the coffee and I do wish we had more time, do you think we can get together later? What time do you get off work?”

I told her that I was normally done by six and that I would be glad to meet her again at the same spot I found her earlier by the weeping willow. She then reached out touching my hand softly and then she was off in a fast walk out the door of the canteen and into the hallway. I watched her until she was out of sight and then got up and went back to the maintenance shed.

Donnie and the guys were just sitting down for their morning break when I came in (and I must have been strutting) because they all whooped and hollered that Allen must have met him a gal. Was I that transparent I thought? After the break was over I joined the guys in finishing up the weeding and trimming of hedges on the back side of the office complex. Though my heart was light and gay, I felt as if the day would never end. At last our time was up and I rushed everyone out of the shed at 5:55 sharp and locked the doors. I was standing by that willow tree at 5:58 and I saw no one. 6:00 came, no Leah and then 6:30…the sun was beginning to sink fast and it would be dark soon. The last bus ran at 6:15 and I now face a walk home with sadness in my heart. Why was she not there like she said she would be? is she alright? I wonder if I should just wait here just incase? All of these questions ran over and over in my mind when that familiar nagging voice popped back into my head.

“See, I told you that she was too good for you…see you can’t ever trust the pretty ones….she was just leading you on from the start…after all look at you and look at her…ain’t no wonder she split….she was just being nice to you that’s all.”

Shut up…just shut up I screamed in my head. I don’t want to hear that, not now, not ever…there has to be a reasonable explanation…there has to be.

J. Allen Wilson 9/20/08

The Bus Stop Part 1