At last the long awaited bus appeared at the end of the road. As usual it was running late. Impatiently the future embarkees waited looking for the bus to arrive.
Although it’s 7.10am, the impending pressures of the day were already taking their toll. Fidgeting with tickets, checking watches, pacing - whilst gazing with intent at the advancing bus. As it was late, the approach seemed to take an extended period of time.
Mutters of discontent punched through the noise of the passing traffic.
I watched as my new found compatriots expressed their innermost feelings. However, I found myself wondering what their unique stories were and what adventures lay ahead for them for today.
The bus pulled into the kerb. The doors opened with some looking daringly at the others not to jump the queue.
The human snake proceeded to enter into the enormous cavity almost silently except for the occasional “Good Morning” to the bus driver. One by one they became integrated into one being bound together for a few moments in time with a common bond of arriving at their destination.
Seating often is a problem with those who joined the group of desperate travellers earlier taking up many of the available seats. On seats designed for two, some individuals had allowed their hand luggage to inhabit the vacant people-less spot.
An “Excuse me, do you mind?”pierced the tense atmosphere as the agitated mid-thirty blonde female broke the silence. With a grudgingly acceptance, the back pack vacated the seat. Down sat the woman trying to appear nonchalant about the whole confrontation.
She was quite well attired suitably dressed for either office or retail. Her long tressed blond hair fell around a defined face. Makeup was minimal yet expertly applied. Settling into her newly acquired seat, her first action was to fossick in the neutral coloured handbag. An iphone appeared first as she appeared to email her emails or perhaps even catching up with the breaking news. Her hands, every now and again brushed the long tresses away from her eyes. She eyed those in front of her placing the iphone into its travelling home and fossicked again.
Out came a well worn novel. About half way through, her eyes concentrated on the developing story.
Around her other passengers gazed relentlessly forward, occasionally glancing at other passengers trying not to be spotted looking at them.
The bus perambulated along the road stopping at dedicated stops to discharge some and engorge other passengers.
A retail assistant? A chef? An accountant? An office worker? A student? The personal mysteries of each melded together for a short period of time. All shared a common experience in non-communication whilst travelling together on public transport.
I wondered what a complicated movie plot could be developed from the cast known as passengers. Mostly anonymous the passengers were likely to never again to be in such a fine balance of humanity.
My stop looms quickly. Then off to work I go hoping that all with whom I shared those few minutes have a productive and enjoyable day.
Graham
c.2011
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