March 10 2014 'the mint wrappers'

I barely got the bus today, I was late getting out the door and as I stepped out of the garage, I saw the bus already at the stop and Comp sitting at the window. I rushed running to the stop and it appears that she told the driver someone was coming.  I just managed to get on board, fidgeting to find the 2 coins to pay the fare.

First thing I noticed, the seating arrangement was all mixed up. Row2 was in the 1st row, next to Comp, and the 'intruder' was in row 2 by the window. On the other side, Row2 left (R2L) was in her regular place and the seat next to her empty. So, I took that seat, asking politely, "Can I sit here?. I was so rushed, I didn't have time to look to see if AC, Ms. Shewsbury or Penny was on the bus today. R2L asked "if I had slept late" or something similar and I explained that I was caught up in some preparations and the time just got away. 

By the time we got to The Long Bay corner, Comp looks over the back of the seat and mouths " I can see!". This was a strange statement, because everyone knows that she can see, albeit with  limited vision. So I assumed she meant something else and asked "Do you mean blue?" To which she replied , "Yes". This was understood to mean that from her position , she could see the blue (aquamarine) uniform of NC, two stops away. NC when on board, sitting in row 1 left ahead of me, held out her hand in the usual position. This was understood by Comp, who opened her bag and brought out two bananas which were passed across the aisle.  I waited to see if the mint ritual would follow, but the bag was shut.

At the Cutter's Stop, BDD got in. Today, there was with  a bright beeming smile with a twinkle in the eyes as she saw the crew and greeted everyone. She 'folded her skirt' and took her seat in the reserved section ahead of Comp. It was also comforting to see that as a old man got in along the way, BDD stood for the old man and gave up her seat. She stood beside NC who held her bag for her. Indeed it was an example "the lion and the lamb lying down together."

Now that everyone was in place, I felt that the mints, should come out. I remarked to NC that I hadn't yet seen the bag plastic bag for the day, and everyone agreed included BDD and R2L.   I therefore reached across the aisle and said "Excuse me please, the black plastic bag!" Comp seemed to be grudgingly wiling to bring out the mints, so I had to repeat. She gave a mint to BDD, and NC two, (one for me). I offered mine to R2L who accepted it and then had to do the "excuse me please!"  routine again to get another mint. To my surprise like Ebenezer Scrooge, Comp looks over the back of the seat and wants to know why, I wanted another mint. Imagine I had to explain that I gave mine away, before she slowly opens the bag and offers another.

(By the way, I was appalled that all this mint passing was done, in front of, behind and around Row2 and none was offered her. I am giving notice now, to  Ms.Ebenezer Scrooge, that Row2 is to be included in the  future!)

Next the wrapper reading ceremony began, I checked mine and read my message, it said  " Say you'll be mine", R2L checked her's it said "I want you", BDD had to go into her pocket to find her wrapper, which said " You inspire me!". I asked NC about her's and she reported what it said but I've forgotten the message. Now that the mint ritual and wrapper ritual was completed, BDD and R2L are officially part of the bus crew, they have passed the initiation ceremony.  To confirm their membership, they actively participated in the discussion that followed. The bus ahead had a billboard at the back with a picture of Admiral Nelson and Telia Hinds advertising CBC. I reached forward and told NC, "Admiral is on the bus in front". Looking into the bus and not seeing Admiral she said "I don't see him". So I explained, on the back of the bus. At this everybody joined in , R2L saying I should have said 'on the back' and not 'on the bus'. BDD saying 'on the billboard'  and everyone correcting the best way to make the statement. It was indeed good to see all participating. Poor Comp was on the other side, away from all the action.

 At the Foul Bay stop, Perfume got on, (Juliana was absent).  I realised that she took her usual position and was standing today next to Row2. Comp took up her girl guide duties and offered to hold the bag. She continued in this posture  until Row2 exited and Perfume took her seat next to Comp. I remarked to NC, that she was still reading the same book, and doing so I happened to accidentally notice that the reading had progressed to chapter 29.

When we reached Oistin's, BDD got out, she told everyone in turn she was leaving. As she was about to get out I said to her "Be an inspiration today", mimicking the wrapper. She smiled sweetly and left, I took that as a yes, she would try to be.

At the  Luigi's sign, R2L left and wished everyone an 'good day',  as did Penny. As R2L left she called a primary school girl to take her seat. Not recognizing the uniform, I asked the girl which school she went to, she answered Charles F Broomes. I inquired if it was an all-girls school and a conversation ensued. As I was asking questions, NC leaned over to Comp and whispered that the 'Inquisitor' was on board the bus, refering to me. (For that story, follow the link here). I had an interesting conversation with the young girl until I got to town. By the time Comp was getting out, the little girl was teaching me sign language.  Comp wanted to know if  was teaching colours, but I reassured her that I was a student today and not a teacher.

My little friend, gave me an education, I learned the signs for Class 2 (her class at  school), a tree, the number 3 and a few letters, c and d. I found out about songs sung by Justin Beiber, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus and I discovered that she wanted to grow up and become an entertainer making lots of money. But what surprised me the most, was when she asked me, if the people sitting around me were my friends. I told her that R2L, NC and Comp on the other side of the aisle were my friends. Obviously, she was observing what was happening in the bus, and noticed that we were all interacting together. As we continued until the bus stand, she finally asked me, if she was one of my friends too. I assured her yes, as she left.  

I was indeed an interesting trip!! I looks like we will need a bigger bag of mints as we let the warmth spread and embark on another chronicle.

Que Dios los bendiga hoy!