The Bus Stop

The Bus Stop
By
Brown Drizzle
Rob and Sheila stumbled across each other while waiting for the number 5 bus. They were both heading to Mondawmin Mall to finish some last minute Christmas shopping.
Sheila is a 26 year old graduate student with an eight year old son, and a fiancé. Her fiancé, Stephan has been in her life since the birth of her son. He proposed to her on her son’s fourth birthday; however, he hasn’t been much help when it comes to planning the big day. He always finds an excuse of why it cannot happen on the day she has selected. This is way four years later, they were still unmarried. Sheila was getting tired of his antics. She was contemplating walking away even though he’s a role model and good influence to / for her son, Michael.
Rob is a 30 year old maintenance worker for Baltimore City. He is currently attending Law school part-time. He graduated from college with a degree in Political Science; however, when he was in high school he trade was plumbing so he kept his skills up over the years. He believed anything could happen, and it did when his mother got ill. She was no longer able to work to maintain his childhood home or take care of his two younger siblings. He had to put Law school on hold and man up for the family that was seven years ago. His mother died a year later. She left them all money, so he invested it wisely after speaking with his uncle. All of their educational needs are covered, and then some. He didn’t want his siblings slacking off so he hid it from them. His sister, Carla, is away at college on a partial scholarship for music. She loved playing the piano. His brother, Sam, is now a junior in high school. He is a major force on the football field and in the classroom. Now that his siblings were old enough to manage on their own he decided to go back to school picking up where he left. The LSAT kicked his ass, but be passed. Everyone was so proud of him. Rob is currently single. He broke up with his lover several months ago when he informed him he was no longer attracted to men. He needed a woman in his life and wanted to create a family of his very own. His lover didn’t take it very well, and started throwing shit, breaking shit, before making it outside. He fucked Rob’s truck up. He keyed every place manageable; He flattened all four of Rob’s custom tires. He even cracked the windshield straight through the middle. Rob was still curious about that. The damage totaled thousands of dollars, which Rob had but he took old boy to court for the repairs. He won so until his truck was back on the road he will be using public transportation. He didn’t want to chance a rental.
At the bus stop, Sheila noticed (Rob) this man glancing at her every few minutes. She wondered what he wanted. He is sexy as hell. He reminded her of Nasir Jones just a little darker in complexion. Sheila never being the type of person to play games walked up to him to strike up a conversation. She is very blunt person, some would say tactless. She walked up to him to inquiry about his glances in her direction in a few minutes ago. Rob isn't shy by any means, but amused that he got caught red handed said I find you very attractive. He continued I have been trying to get your attention.
Sheila said really now!!! You have it hoe do you plan on keeping it. She had on her gloves so he couldn’t see her engagement ring. She was glad for the moment. Rob knew how to seduce a man out of his drawers. He dated a few females in high school and college. He was actually bisexual. He had to admit though he was a bit rusty. All he could muster was you remind me of a queen that needs a strong and loyal king. I am here for you if you need me, and then he laughed at his corny line. Sheila smiled. She thought his lines were cute. She’s never heard it before. It was better than what Stephan used to get her attention. Ron inwardly sighed, and thanked the man above that he didn’t embarrass himself. He didn’t say much afterwards, because Sheila dominated the conversation until the bus arrived twenty minutes later.
Sheila asked him did he have any children…he answered no. She asked him, if he was a pedophile. He said hell no and was almost offended. Sheila then explained I have an eight year old son. He comes first in my life. Rob understood. He wanted kids of his own. She asked him about his HIV status. Rob wondered why she inquiring about his status when they just met. Rob didn’t hesitate to answer; he was definitely negative. Although he used condoms with his ex, he got tested every three months. She told him she was HIV negative as well and got tested regularly. She didn’t mention it was monthly due to her believing her man was cheating. On the bus, they say next to one another continuing their conversation, and getting to know one another. The ride from over East to the mall lasted about 50 minutes. They learned a lot about one another Sheila felt like she’s knew him for years. Even though, she felt like he was holding something back. She’ll it slide for now.
They arrived at the mall. Rob asked for her number. She programmed it into his cell phone. After she did that, she scrolled through to ensure it saved. She noticed he has a lot of males numbers instead of females listed in his contact list; however, she still said nothing. She enjoyed his company too much to insult him again.
Sheila said she had some errands to run. She told him to call her later. They parted by Burger King.
Meanwhile, Rob was on his way to the clinic in the mall located on the second floor. He needed to stock up on condoms. He got his condoms from here for several reasons: 1. they are free 2. they offered variety and 3. he knew they weren’t expired. After taking almost half the bowl, he walked around downstairs. He saw some timberlands that he wanted so her inside of Jazzy’s. He asked the sales associate that approached him to get him a size 13.5 in those cream and black Tims in the window. She said sure after winking at him. He smiles, but didn’t offer her much else. While he waited, he wondered into their clothing section. He liked a pair of Rocawear jeans with cream and brown stitching that would go with his boots. He decided he might as well purchase a top too. Before he could pick one out, the sales associate said excuse me, and then asked him to follow her. He tried them on to satisfy the associate. He knows his boot size. He didn’t do that bitchassness of purchasing the wrong size just to get a shoe. He told her he would take them. She took the box up to the cashier, while he returned to where he was. Finally, he decided on two black tops.
Sheila was busy in the wig store. She wanted to purchase her grandmother two new wigs for the holiday season. She was tired of the current one she wore everywhere. The dude working the section was fabulous. He did his thing after she showed him a picture of her grandmother. He said he remembered her. She was in her recently trying on several wigs. He pointed out about four or five that she had tried on during her visit. Sheila settled in a light brown wig mixed with some gray cut into a bob style and a Sunday fresh wig that was cut even shorter. She believed it would compliment her grandmother’s features. She looked at her watch, and didn’t realize how long she was in the wig shop. She still had three people left on her list; her best friend, her favorite cousin, and her fiancé. She got her sons Christmas gifts last month. She stopped in a few boutiques and the book store. About an hour later, she still hadn’t decided on what to get Stephan. She knew he loved Stacy Adams shoes and hats, but she didn’t see anything that he could wear to work most of the selections’ were casual. She felt he needed to loosen up so she brought him two pairs of casual shoes to wear with his jeans. She was done.
Walking back towards the Burger King to grab something before getting on the bus, she saw rob in the nail salon getting a manicure and pedicure. She just shook her head. She couldn’t believe it. Her fiancé went once or twice with her encouragement, he told her he wasn’t going anymore it didn’t feel masculine by any means to be surrounded by a bunch of women getting their nails done. She had said okay. She didn’t mind, it was a test anyway.
Sheila thought dam I should have taken his number so I could call him while he is in there to see if he would admit to being in there. She shook off her thoughts as she walked into burger King. She ordered a whopper without onions and mayo. She paid for her order. She has to wait a few minutes for them to make her a fresh sandwich. The cashier called her number. Sheila walked up to the counter to retrieve her meal. She then found a clean booth in the rear to sit in while she ate her food. She had a schedule in her purse. She checked it and the bus didn’t arrive for another 30 minutes. She paced herself. She didn’t want to end up having to pee on the bus especially with all of these bags weighing her down.
She finished eating and used the bathroom. Luck would have it; she bumped into Rob – again at the bus stop. He had a few bags on his own. She hadn’t put her gloves back on so Rob noticed the 3 carat platinum ring on her finger. Sheila fingered he saw it, because he was staring at her intensely. She didn’t bother to take it off, which she had planned on doing if they bumped into each again. Sheila said hello to him. He was acting a little shady. She didn’t respond immediately. He had to collect his thoughts. He knew everyone has a secret that is part of life; however, based on the questions she had asked him earlier he just assumed she was single. Then he thought, as the saying popped into his mind… when you assume, you make an ASS out of yourself.
Sheila said to him we should talk during the ride back East. AS the bus pulled up, Sheila noticed her fiancé parking his car and he had someone in the passenger seat. She was so distracted that Rob had no other choice but to look in that direction. He got the shock of his life. His ex-boyfriend was getting out of his car with his so called friend, Jason; the passionate glance that passed between them was too much for Sheila to handle. Sheila dropped her bags. She was pissed. Rob noticed how upset she was. He had to tread lightly. It seemed they were mad at the same man. Rob wasn’t mad, per se. He has ended the relationship. He didn’t want to get ousted in front of Sheila. He wanted to tell her that he was bisexual. He grabbed her bags off the ground. The bus driver asked if they were getting on. Sheila shook her head no, which worried Rob. He knew a woman scorned was a dangerous woman.
Sheila took several deep breaths to calm her nerves. She turned to look at Rob for answers; she felt that he had somehow. He had none for her at the moment. She began crying. He didn’t know what to do. He did what he felt was expected of him – he hugged her, while rubbing her back. He tried to assure that everything would be okay., Sheila looked up at him and said with venom in her tone, no it isn’t……I just saw mu fiancé cooing in public with another man. I have anything against homosexuals or bisexuals all I ask for is honesty. I told him about my same sex experiences in college.
Rob felt relieved that she was so open-minded, but this wasn’t the time to spill his beans. He had to get her on the next bus somehow. He didn’t want to get caught up in her drama, which will ultimately involve him anyway. He had to think quickly on his feet. He couldn’t remember which bus crossed paths with the 5 down town. He has to risk it. He walked her to the bus idling two rows over from where they were standing. Sheila didn’t want to get on the bus. She voiced that she wanted to go in the mall, in order, to confront her man and “his man”. Rob experienced enough “down low” drama listening to his friends talk about some man they met at the bar or the mall. The endings were never happily ever after for either party. It only wrecked lives, hurt feelings, and emotional scarred the people involved. To him, it wasn’t worth any of that just for a few pleasurable moments in the bed from week to week. Surprisingly enough, his down low man had it worked out somehow that he was able to spend the nights at his house regularly.
He finally convinced her to get on. He paid for both of their fares. She thanked him. He said don’t worry about it. He smiled, She tried to smile back but brought down crying instead repeatedly asking why me Lord, I’ve never cheated on him. I handled my business at home; cooked, cleaned, sexed him regularly, etc… why me? She soaked Rob’s fleece jacket. He felt bad for her. She had been playing house just like him but for so much longer. He felt bitter for the both of them.
A thought popped into Rob’s mind, he needed Sheila to calm down first. He might as well confess now. It was the only way his plan would work. He has questions, that he knew only she could answer. This was much more than a coincidence that they would meet randomly at the bus stop and speak to another. This was destined to happen. The finishing touch was seeing ole’ boy at the mall with Jason, it was time to get his revenge. It appears that not only was he attracted to men; he cheated with women too. It was Rob’s turn to shake it head. Sheila had stopped crying. She hated being embarrasses in public. She called out Rob’s name a couple of times. After not receiving a response, she tapped him on his leg. He looked down at her, she knew that look all too well. She said what’s on your mind as she wiped the last of her tears away. She asked him gently do you know those guys.
Rob coyly asked whom are you referring too. Sheila answered the two guys that got out of that off white Mercedes. Rob nonchalantly said they may be familiar to me – why do you ask. Sheila whispered she knew her fiancé has been cheating; however, she suspected it was with a female co-worker never did it occur to her that it could be a man. Rob said when you said earlier that you were open to bisexuality; I was impressed. I wasn’t going to put myself on blast until we got to know one another a bit more. This situation now calls for all the stops. Rob continued, I am bi and the driver of that car is my ex-lover. Sheila collapsed into his body, holding him tight. She couldn’t believe it. This was too much.
She didn’t know what to say, all she has is questions.
She remained silent for the rest of the bus ride. They had to get off near the jail to catch their connecting bus. Sheila was spellbound. She just stared at Rob. She knew she couldn’t compete with him. He is one sexy chocolate brother, not that she wasn’t attractive. She realized that she was lacking one major piece of equipment, just the thought made her giggle.
Rob asked her if she was alright. She said I will be fine. I am hurting right now. Rob said that is expected after what you have learned today. He looked at his watch. It was late, a little after 6 o’clock. He knew better than to be in this area with bags. He hoped the 5 hurried up. Sheila must have read his mind. She checked, double checked all her bags. She moved her purse from her side to in front of her. Rob thought smart woman. They fall back into a calming silence. They were holding hands and bags awkwardly – it worked for the moment.
Sheila’s cell phone started ringing. She excused her hand from his to answer her phone. She checked the caller id first, it was him. She didn’t know what to do. Rob motioned for her to answer the phone. She hesitated slightly before hitting the send key. She said hey with as much fake happiness she could muster. Stephan asked if she was okay… saying she didn’t sound like her normal self. She said I’m fine dryly. She was lying and he sensed it. He asked her where was she because he had stopped by the house to change earlier and no one was there. She could only say oh! He said that’s all that you have to say. Sheila got pissed that this dude was calling her questioning her, while he’s out in the street with his man. Sheila said, I decided to finish up some holiday shopping before I returned to school on Tuesday. You know finals are coming up. I can’t afford to fail any of those classes. She was paying out of pocket for most of them. He said okay. Before they hung up, he informed her that he would be late tonight. He planned on hanging with the boys until late drinking, etc. Sheila laughed. He didn’t like her response, but said nothing. He felt something was definitely off about her. Rob listened to the entire conversation. It felt like Déjà vu. The tales were the same just the players were different.
The bus pulled up just in the nick of time, a crowd of guys were walking up the block, being overly rowdy. The driver closed the door as soon as they stepped on, and pulled off. They both were thankful. Rob gave the driver their transfers, and then he motioned Sheila to the back of the bus. It wasn’t that crowded so they could whisper freely between each other.
Rob asked her if her fiancé went by the name of Paul. Sheila said no his name is Stephan. They both shook their heads. Apparently he had been lying about a lot of things. They exchanged information. The pieces finally fitted the gaps they has in each other’s puzzles. Mr. Stephan / Paul didn’t work were he told her. He does have a degree but wasn’t currently using it. Rob was able to verify his birthmark behind his left thigh shaped like a square. Sheila asked for Rob’s number. If nothing else developed, she definitely had a friend for life.
As they conversed, the bus arrived a block up and across from their original pick up location. They exited the bus, and he handed her all of her bags. Sheila asked Rob to call her later on this evening. She has an idea…he laughed because he already has one brewing and ready to be poured like tea.
Sheila walked in the opposite direction. He didn’t live that far from the bus stop. He walked up to his door, and he heard music playing loudly behind his front door. He prayed it was his brother and his company. He didn’t need any other problems this evening. He wanted to kick back, listen to some music until he decided to call Sheila later on. He walked further into his house, to his surprise; his sister was home from school with a friend. They were jamming. He waved to get their attention. His sister turned down the music; she ran to him and gave him the tightest hug. He broke their embrace. He looked at the female sitting at his table who still hasn’t said a word. His sister introduced them. He still wasn’t feeling her. He ignored Carla’s house guest. He spoke to his sister for a few more minutes before heading upstairs to relax. He had a few important items he had to get out of the way first.
He ironed his uniform, shined his boots, read over some of his school notes, and then he ran his bath water. He took the cell phone in the bathroom with him. He would call Sheila while he relaxed. He needed his mind cleared to successfully pull off his idea. He knows of a pre-op transsexual that Stephan used to fuck pre-him. He decided against calling / involving Dana. She could make the situation worse since her feelings were hurt by him. She stepped into the tub, laying his head back all the tense and strain started fading away. The water was the perfect temperature. He was getting sleepy do he knew he better call Sheila while he has her on his mind.
He dried his hand on the towel on the toilet. He then picked up his phone. Sheila programmed her number under Dove in his phone so he hit the letter D and scrolled to her alias. He hit send. Her phone rang several times with no answer. He hung up, thinking he will try again in a few minutes. Fifteen minutes had passed, he tried again and still no answer. He started to worry. He knew she was distort, but hoped she didn’t harm herself. He didn’t know where she lived so all he could so was ride it out and continue to call her every ten to fifteen minutes until she or someone answered. She mentioned that she has an 8 year old son/ he didn’t believe she would do anything to interrupt his life either. In the short time they spent together, he sensed she is a strong black woman. He really hoped that he was right.
He got out of the tub. The water was cold now. He let the water drain before stepping back into the shower to rinse off his body. After drying off, he threw on a pair of sweats and a tee shirt. He tried calling Sheila again still no answer. He didn’t know what to do or what could’ve happened to her. He thought about calling the police; however, where was he going to send them. He started reading over his notes once more, but he couldn’t concentrate with Sheila on his mind. He tried calling her once more before he dosed off into La-La land. He tossed and turned for most of the night. He that he was dreaming about his phone ringing until the sound got louder and louder. He immediately jumped out of his sleep. It was definitely his phone, he checked the screen and it was Sheila calling him. He answered. He said Hello Sheila I’ve been trying to reach you for most of the evening. Where have you been? Are you okay? What is wrong? The person on the other end wasn’t Sheila and his heart sank. It was a woman on the line, it sounded like she had been crying hysterically. Rob asked who is this… the person said this is Sheila cousin, Raquel. She left this number on her note. Rob kicked the covers off, asking her – what note? What happened? She started crying again. He couldn’t understand a word that she was saying through the tears.
He believed he knew what happened after they parted ways. He hoped he was wrong. He asked the caller for an address saying he would be over within the hour. He didn’t want to go, but he had too. He wondered why Sheila left his number on her note. Rob was moving in slow motion as he got dressed, it was 2 o’clock in the morning. He took his work clothes with him just in case he didn’t make it back home. He knocked on his sister’s door; she said annoyed when she answered him… WHAT? He laughed. She never liked being woke up early in the morning for school or anything. Rob asked of her could borrow her car. She said sure. She looked at her clock wondering where the hell he was going this time of the morning. She asked him if everything was okay. He said everything was cool. He just needed to check in on a friend in need. His sister said okay. He heard her friend say something, but he wasn’t in the mood to deal with that crap at the moment.
It was 3 AM before he left the house. He grabbed her keys off the kitchen table a few minutes later and jetted out the door without locking it. The address he was given was literally around the corner. It may have been a ten minute walk, if that. He started his sister’s car. It vibrated when it turned over, he thought – she needs an oil change. He sat there for five minutes before pulling off to allow the older car to warm up. He arrived at Sheila’s house within five minutes. He was able to find parking up the street a few doors down from Sheila house. There were police, detectives, EMT workers and more walking around her front yard and going in and out of her house. He walked confidentially up to her house; one of the officers stopped him. He informed the officer that he was invited over. The officer told him to wait right here. He would be right back. A man came to the front door, waving him inside. By the time, Rob made it to the top step the figure disappeared. He walked into the house unescorted, typical for Baltimore police. He heard a commotion coming from the back so he headed in that direction. What he saw depressed him. Sheila was on the ground covered in blood. They were just covering her up. It appeared that she shot herself in the head with a 22. There was another body on the floor, but he couldn’t tell who it was. He didn’t take long for someone to answer his unspoken question. The female that called him walked up to him, showing him the note that was written in Sheila hand writing assumedly so. It was bagged in a plastic evidence bag. He didn’t understand. He read to the note… it said, He loved you more than me……I was just a convenient cover….there was more but he couldn’t handle what was going on. He looked the Raquel. He asked if that was Stephan over there, she said yes. Sheila shot him in the groin, chest, and head. Sheila really wanted to hurt him.
One of the officers come came over, and asked Rob what was his involvement in what happened here. He said nothing. He turned and walked out of the house never looking back.
The end

TigerSagg © 2009