Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

The streets were quiet today. A gentle, constant rain spattered the streets and me. Usually there were business crowds bustling about, their umbrellas jostling in a colorful patchwork of red and yellow and black circles between the sky and me. I sat on the bus stop bench, dry where the roof covered me but wet footed and cold.

It should’a been a normal Thursday, but Thanksgiving kept most folks home. Since this bench was my home, I guess I was like them, but I kind’a missed the hustle and bustle. Still, I liked being out of doors. I have so much to be thankful for. The lovely rain. The peace that settled over the city today. My health. I am glad for it all.

The number nine bus pulled up just then, and the driver stopped right by me. I was hopin’ maybe Jessie, that pretty lady that talked to me every day would get off so I’d have someone to talk to, but no.

He opened the door and called down to me. “Hi Hattie. How’s about takin’ a ride today? My treat.”

Now, normally I stay put, not wantin’ to waste my coins and likin’ my bench, but since it was free and all, I decided maybe a holiday would be just the ticket.

I grinned at the kind man. “Sure! Will you bring me back here?”

“Yeah, it’s part of the route.”

I hoisted myself up and struggled up the steps into the bus.

“Whew! That’s a climb, that is” I laughed and settled down on the first seat to enjoy the ride and we were off.
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That old bag lady was my first fare of the day. Well, sort of. I did have to comp her, but I was lonely. All my usuals were home with family, feasting on turkey today. And I was stuck on this lousy bus with a stinky fat old bag lady.

Yeah, my wife would save me a plate, and yeah, I did get paid time and a half, but it still sucked. I could hear her back there ooh’n and aah’n over God knows what.

“You okay back there?” I asked.

“I am terrific! I love the view from here! “Tis quite nice, isn’t it?” She fairly beamed at me. “What a beautiful day.”

I looked around at the rain soaked city, but it was just the same gray scene I saw every day.

“Yeah, sure.” I answered.

“Do we get to go over a bridge?” she asked. “Or close to the bay?”

This old broad was really enjoying herself. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Yeah, sure. We go over the Aurora Bridge first, then back by way of Salmon Bay and down Elliot. Why do you ask?”

“Oh! I love the water! I bet I can see for miles from up here!” She giggled like a schoolgirl with what looked to be glee. Her belly jiggled like, well, a bowl full of jelly. I outright laughed.

At our next stop we picked up a woman I saw nearly every day. Usually she was polished and business-like, but today she looked like a drowned rat. She hailed me, so I pulled over to let her board.
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This had to be the worst Thanksgiving ever, Jessie thought. Ben was in a foul mood, and his folks sniped at everyone. Begging off with a “headache” was hardly a fib. I should have remembered my umbrella, but I was so ready to be gone I left without it. At least the bus is on time.

Climbing on board, she was surprised by a smile from the usually surly bus driver.

“Where’s your umbrella?” he asked. “You’re soaked!”

Jessie suppressed her urge to respond sarcastically, “No duh,” and simple paid her fare and slumped into the closest seat. She was startled by a cry of excitement from across the aisle.

“Hannah! You’re here! Now we can take this tour together!” Hattie exclaimed with delight.

Jessie smiled in spite of herself. “No, Hattie, I’m Jessie, remember? Are you going to a friends for Thanksgiving?”

Hattie grimaced in momentary confusion, but shortly her mood swung to her usual upbeat. “No, I’m takin’ a tour! The bus driver gave it to me. We’re gonna’ see the water!” She beamed her sunbeam smile, and I couldn’t help but smile back at her.

“Yes we are, indeed.” I joined in the fun. “The Aurora Bridge is just ahead.”

Hattie bounced up and down in her excitement. “In’t glorious! Everything is so sparkly!” Hattie watched the used car lot with as much glee as the billboards.

Jessie looked though the grim coated bus window. Hattie was right, she thought. It does sparkle in the rain.
Glancing up front she saw that the bus driver was smiling too.

Soon they were over the bridge and Jessie pulled the cord to get off.

“This is my stop Hattie. I’m glad you’re having such a nice Thanksgiving, and I’m glad I got to share it with you.” Then she gave Hattie a five-dollar bill. “Why don’t you go to the shelter tonight Hattie? You can dry off and get a nice warm meal.”

“Aye, but ‘tis the outdoors that makes me happy, don’cha know.” Hattie grinned, and then returned to her careful watch of the sparkles outside the window.

As Jessie headed to the exit she smiled contentedly at the bus driver. “You’re a good man for making Hattie’s Thanksgiving such a treat."

“I think it was mutual,” He answered.