That girl from the bus: Episodes 1-3

I know, I know. Where are the stories? Well, not only do I have a story for you, I have what is looking like a saga that will have daily updates. I know, you must be salivating. I wish I could phone each and every one of you to tell you this story in person. Here goes. (Note, I've changed the names to protect the identities of the characters).

My neighbour, across the street/park catches the bus with me in the mornings. Through observation I have learned her name is Lauren and she works at the Inebriated Guild, a sister company to Good-Wooden Leg. I would guess she is in her 40s. We always greet each other with "good morning" and some comment about the weather. Once on the bus, Lauren sits and chats with this other middle aged guy, Gus. Our relationship ends the moment I step onto the bus. Until this week.

Tuesday

Lauren wasn't at the bus stop. I took a seat behind Gus, who was sitting with this other woman I've also seen him chatting with. Gus turned to me and said, "Where's your partner today?"

"Oh, I don't know, she didn't come out this morning," I said.

"Yeah, sometimes she goes in early so she might have taken an earlier bus."

Gus then proceeds to tell me, and the woman he was sitting with, a story about a poor girl who got ketchup all over her white coat, "like yours," he said, point to my white leather, double breasted jacket.

The conversation continues on and I drift in and out of participating. A few stops before I got off I some how mentioned that I work at Good-Wooden Leg.

"Oh yeah, everyone on this bus seems to work either at Inebriated or Good-Wooden," he laughed.

I got off at my stop and thought nothing more of the conversation until the next morning at the bus stop. Lauren was back.

Wednesday

"People were asking about you yesterday," I said to her.

"Oh, Gus from the bus?" She laughed, and then she said something, I can't remember it, but it suggested to me that she knew that Gus had talked to me the day before.

On the bus, I had to take a seat at the back on one of the long benches. Lauren sat beside Gus on the bench across from me. I pulled out my book and started to read.

Now, I can't remember all the details, or know for certain that I was hearing right, but I kind of think they were talking about me. I heard, "she works at Good-Wooden Leg", "I wonder which department" and something from Gus about him playing matchmaker. I felt a little self conscious when I stood up to get off. Do they have someone in mind? Will Lauren casually interview me tomorrow?

Thursday

I was having a good hair day. I admit, I kind of wanted to look impressive today, so I brought out the cute boots, which, normally I wouldn't wear on the bus because I'm afraid of losing my balance in them if forced to stand.

As always, Lauren arrives at the bus stop a minute or two after me. We nod, say good morning, and she comments on the chilliness. And then we stand and wait for the bus.

I chide myself for thinking something was up and that I was under the microscope. Silly Jilly. Oh well.

Then Lauren turns to me and said, "So Gus tells me you work for Good-Wooden Leg; what department?"

"Communications. I work in advertising," I reply, shocking even myself with how much I sounded like I had no idea this was coming.

As it turns out, Lauren works on projects similar to what I do, but in a different role.

"Oh! You know my pain then!" I say, and we laugh.

On the bus, Gus greets us with, "and here's the cast and the crew!" I smile politely, sit across from them again, pull out my book and "read". And sure enough, in a lowered voice, Lauren reports to Gus what she has learned.

As I leave, Gus pipes up, "Go get the world turning girl!" Lauren bid me a good day. End scene.

Thursday afternoon

Ordinarily, Lauren and Gus go home on an earlier bus than the one I take, so the story should be limited to morning encounters only. So, you can only imagine my uneasiness when the bus stops at Polo and I see Gus get on.

I have nowhere to hide. I am sitting on the long bench at the back again. It is completely empty but Gus sits down right beside me and says hello. I am painfully aware that I am rather uncomfortable and not really able to keep up the conversation he is trying to have with me. As I type this now though, I am kicking myself for feeling guilty. Why should I care? He's the old guy chatting up a girl who's probably only a few years older than his university-attending daughters. Regardless of his motives (and DEAR GOD please don't let him be thinking he wants me for himself, rather than a friend) he should know better than to corner me like that.

What will happen tomorrow? Will Lauren prod me for more information? Will they finally let me in on the grand scheme? I don't know! But stay tuned!