Imhosted
| I watched the scenery whiz by, the passing of each mile symbolizing all that was and no longer is. The realization that 'all things happen for a reason' was not enough to console me . . .was not enough to cease the weeping of my heart.I lay my head back against the headrest and closed my eyes.In an effort to clear thoughts of him from my mind, I attempted to focus on the sounds around me . . .steel grinding against steel as we sped across the countryside . . .the chatter of other passengers as they excitedly anticipated their arrival to their respective destinations.My ear caught a voice, similar to the one that I'd grown to love so passionately, and I was immediately thrown back in time . . .?"Sup, ma . . .mind if I join you?"I reluctantly turned my attention from my book as he made himself comfortable in the seat across the table from mine.I raised my eyebrow at his obvious assumption of my acquiescence and laughed outright as he helped himself to one of my french fries."Excuse me, sir!"My attempt to sound contrite was soundly defeated by the remnants of my laughter."What makes you think I welcome your presence and invasion of my meal?"He smiled, revealing even white teeth and the faintest hint of a dimple in his smooth caramel cheek."C'mon, ma . . .don't trip.Whatchu readin'?" I slowly flipped over the cover of my book for his perusal, all the while wondering what it was about me that made him deem me approachable.Looking at his attire . . .white t-shirt, jeans and Timberland boots . . .I realized that he was of a different breed; he must have recognized that in me, as well.So, what exactly was it that drew him to someone like me . . .an obvious nerd of no astonishing beauty, wearing a simple sundress, sandals and sweater?He was undoubtedly a man of great confidence and, with his thuggish good looks and superb build, could attain the company of any number of beautiful women.Of course, my passion for the written and spoken word caused me to cringe at his mutilation of the language, but it didn't diminish my interest in finding out whatever it was he'd come to say."Oh, yeah . . .my sister's readin' that.Is it any good?"He seemed genuine as his eyes locked with mine.I sat my book aside, realizing that I was done with it . . .for the moment, at least."Yes, it is. I actually just started it this morning . . .can't seem to put it down."I replied."Yeah, my sister prolly got her nose in hers right now."He laughed."I never seen you in here before.You new to da hood or sump'n?" I grabbed a fry and nibbled on it before responding, secretly amused that he didn't hesitate to help himself to another. |
| You new to da hood or sump'n?" I grabbed a fry and nibbled on it before responding, secretly amused that he didn't hesitate to help himself to another."Not quite.I've been coming here for a few months . . .once or twice a week.I live a couple of blocks from here.""So, why ain't I ever see you here?This is my favorite spot . . .I'm always here with my boys."I found this place by accident, actually.It was raining one day and I got a bit turned around trying to find the building where I was to interview for a job.After some frustration at not being able to find it, I eventually called to reschedule and ducked into this tiny caf to escape the downpour and winds that had completely demolished my umbrella.I'd been coming here ever since, enjoying the cozy atmosphere and pleasant service I received from Gus, the owner/cook, who'd welcomed me with the enthusiasm of a loving uncle."I don't know . . ."I said.I found it a little unbelievable that he even noticed me here today, so the thought of him not noticing me on previous occasions was not so farfetched.We continued chatting and sharing my fries for the next hour or so.I found that our differences paled in comparison to our similarities, and he had an insight that I didn't quite expect.I chided myself for my initial thoughts about him, realizing that I had momentarily fallen into the trap of judging the proverbial book by its cover.??Moments seemed like hours as we raced across the miles, each revolution of wheel against beam drawing me closer to that which I had no desire to encounter . . .further from that which I'd come to depend on so completely.I felt a hot tear forge a path down my cheek as I smiled at the memories that flooded my psyche . . .memories that soon eradicated the smile and increased the volume of my tears.In so short a time, we'd come to learn things about each other that seemed to create a comfort between us . . .a comfort that I'd never contemplated losing.But it was indeed, eventually lost.The security that I'd once felt in his presence was compromised . . .The joy of sharing my accomplishments with him nonexistent . . .just didn't seem like they were as important anymore.My pain . . .no longer was it something I could share . . .I thought about the letter I'd left him before I left the caf that last time . . .Turning toward the window again, I noticed that we were nearing my destination.I wiped my eyes and began gathering my belongings . . .wondering if he'd even be there today to find it . . .and how he'd handle this final good-bye . . . |
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 July 2008 )
|
