Thursday 16 August 2007

Always an interesting journey...

I stumble onto the bus, wet and slightly annoyed at having to go into work early because of the previous nights events. The shelter of the bus seems like a small safe haven from the incessant drops of rain, dripping down my face and into my eyes. Blurring the world, allowing me to retreat to a place in my own thoughts.
As I get onto the bus the heat hits me and I feel faint. The heavy enclosed heat from the day's passengers makes it difficult to breathe, and as each new traveller seeks a place, we all fight for the small piece of new air. I settle at the back with my copy of 'Harry Potter' and a put up my feet.
The world seems calm as I focus on the troubles of the fictitious world on the page in front of me.

A woman in her mid-forties dressed in a pair of white slim jeans, heals, and a trench coat makes her way to the back of the bus. I stay immersed in my book as the problems get more and more entwined and danger is eminent. She looks at me, then at my feet in such disdain, I move them naturally and out of politeness. She brushes the seat with her manicured hand, tuts, then sits with a copy of the rental pages. Once more I'm back into my book. My feet ache and there is a spare seat opposite, so once more my foot graces the seat. As more people crowd onto the bus the woman is forced to move over, once again the same routine of tutting and glaring. I move my feet before she says anything, but that doesn't stop her. She smiles in a way I know is going to cause confrontation and moans about the law of 'feet on seat'. I shoot her a look then go straight to my book.
A few minutes later, her trench coat slips from her side to reveal the immaculate trousers that are stained in several areas, with grass and what looks like red wine. A.K.A. last nights outfit. I smile to myself and feel a great sense of satisfaction. Karma.

As I get off the bus, and uncomfortable catches of one anothers eyes have passed I decide to apologise. I ring the bell and pick up my bag. We catch one anothers eye once more and I realise this is it...

"I'm sorry about the foot thing" Says I. She looks up and smiles that same little grin she'd used earlier.
"I suppose you don't need any more stains on those trousers". And with that I walk off the bus.

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