"Things Aren't Always What They Seem"

Writer’s Cramp Contest 10/13/2010
Word Count 910

                                       

                                              “Things Aren’t Always What They Seem”


    I do my shopping on Wednesdays after work, to take advantage of the sales and to avoid the crowds.  This Wednesday I had gotten off work early. I could get the chores done and be home early to spend some good quality time with my son.

    As I was stepping out of the car, the cell blasted. I groaned. I had been meaning to change it.

    “Mom, where are you? When you go shopping tonight, can we have steaks on the barbie, tonight?”

    “Chris, you know it’s pizza on Wednesday’s.”

    His whining couldn’t convince me otherwise.  I was the one that raised him and I had to stick to my guns.

    “You know it saves on our food budget, so we can buy a few extras for us.”

    “And for the food bank, I know.  The whole world is hungry, mom, but your favorite son is too!”

    We were going back and forth as I headed toward the store entrance.  I was repeatedly telling him that we would have steak next week. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of this man, possibly middle aged, carrying a “homeless” sign.  Knowing that these people were not allowed to hang near the store, it pissed me off. 

    Why can’t these people get a job, like everybody else? Why are we expected to give handouts to them all the time? No one gave them to me!

    He was only a few feet away as I marched past him to grab a cart. I knew he was staring at me and I ignored him.

    I did my shopping; using my coupons to help with the sale items and whatever else that was left on my list.  I picked up a few ‘buy one and get one free items’ for the food bank.

    As I passed through the checkout, the smiling cashier asked if I could donate a dollar to cancer.  Remembering my own mother dying horribly, I reached into my purse and gave her a dollar, forcing a smile in return.

    “Sure, why not. It’s for a good cause.”

    “Between diseases and hunger, it seems the whole world needs our help these days, doesn’t it?” She replied gratefully.

    I was used to doing these small charities. I sighed and proceeded to wheel the cart out towards my car. This time, I felt his stare. Even though he hadn’t said a word I began to grow very uneasy and I couldn’t figure out why. I usually ignored these types, never giving them a second thought.

    He’s probably a con artist and just too damn lazy to work.
    My ex was just like him.  He was lazy and gave me no support for anything, including Chris... I hated him for that and when the divorce was final, I told him to disappear. Chris didn’t miss him even one time. He hardly ever acted like a father towards him.
      “It’s just you and me kid,” I would always tell him. He was a good boy and I knew I was blessed.

        I tried to shrug off the memories as I opened the trunk and began putting the groceries into the car.  His voice caused me to spin around, catching my breath. I clutched my heart in fear, his haunting eyes catching me off guard. What was it about him?

      “I didn’t mean to frighten you. Do you need help with those groceries?”

  No, no. I can do it,” I reassured him. In spite of myself, I was feeling too calm. I wasn’t angry, even though I wanted to be.
   
    “Let me help with that case of water there.  I always used to help her, before she got sick. My wife, I mean,” he replied softly.

    I watched him place the carton into the car, not taking my eyes off him. I noticed he was wearing a wedding band.  This time it was me who couldn’t stop staring.

    “I know what you’re thinking. I’m really not a homeless piece of shit who wants everything for nothing,” he chuckled. “I saw it on your face when you passed me earlier. Believe me, that’s not what I’m about. Yes, I live in the shelter over on Grand.  My wife’s in the hospital, dying of cancer. I know...I know. It sounds like a pathetic story, but it’s all true.  Because of the bills we lost our home and...well....”

    His voice was direct and honest and he continued on to tell me it was their twelfth wedding anniversary.

    “I just wanted to buy her something....You know...To help her forget. There’s nothing else I can do for her.”

    I turned away to blink back tears that I hadn’t felt for so long. Turning back to him, looking into his eyes, I knew now why they haunted me so. Yes, he was homeless, but he was sincere. His blue apologetic eyes were asking for something, but not for himself.

    I gave him twenty dollars and he couldn’t bless me enough. Involuntarily, I reached out and touched his shoulder. He was a good man and he had touched my heart.

    It was a peaceful ride home and my heart felt lighter. I inhaled deeply, letting out a long sigh of satisfaction.  I knew Chris would understand about waiting another week for his steak.  I realized that the two of us were truly blessed. 

                                                                    The End