March 11 2014 'the absent bus posee and ANC"

Today, there was a noticeable absence of the usual bus crew. At the bus stop most of  the regulars that took the SLC were absent. AC, Ms. Shewsbury, Ideal Restaurant, YCM2PC and the 'BFB's (Busfare Bully) newest victim' were missing today. Ms. QOTY was at the stop but got a ride before the bus came. Only the young married couple , marido y mujer (MyM) was present today.

Comp came dressed casually in her baby green outfit and on inquiry as to why the change in the dress code explained that today she was going to cricket. I was given my banana at the stop, (by the way, Thank You!), I believe in an attempt to end the food distribution on the public transport system.  And as the bus came, we saw that the absenteeism extended further than was expected. Row2 was displaced again and was once more in row 1 and the intruder had again taken up position in the second row in her usual spot. R2L was also absent and as I glanced to the back of the bus Penny was also missing.

At the Long Bay corner, the beacon of the east was seen shining brightly in her aquamarine from miles away. NC entered at her stop, and took a position in row 2, the usual place taken by R2L. The market hawker, again brought out the bag, first the banana for NC, then the black plastic bag with the mints. I was given my mint, NC was given her mint and Comp took hers. I believe I saw her counting to see how many was left as any good scrooge would do. I was determined to see if Row2 would accept, so I reached across the aisle and as politely and sincerely as I could muster said, "Excuse me, can I offer you a mint?". I was confident that after 4 days of mint distribution in her sight that she would accept. But I was sadly disappointed. Very politely and gracefully she said in royal tones , "No thank you!" And I cowered back to an upright position in my seat, very distraught. It was a repeat of the Great Disappointment of 1844!!

Another blow came when, NC announced that she had received 2 tickets to the cricket match at Kensington today. She was hoping to leave a little earlier to take in the match and wanted to know who would want the other ticket. As a matter of fact, the cricket talk came up when I asked if she was going with me to the Frank Collymore Hall to the Poetry and Spoken Word event this evening. But cricket took the spotlight and now, I was dropped for a game of cricket. I called the Chocolate darkie (CD) to see if she wanted to attend (as a fanatical cricket fan) and soon NC and CD were planning to attend the match. So the 3 musketeers would be off the the match, Comp, NC and CD. I would go the the FCH and listen to poetry.

The last blow (how much can one take!!) was when in discussion, I predicted the exit spot of one of the regulars, Julianna lookalike.  I firstly predicted that, the exit would be at the Flash N Bar, then remembering quickly the I made minor mistake, revised it to the Super Center stop in Oistins. This brought into question my success ratio for such predictions. I estimated that I am correct almost 65 - 70% of the time. Comp burst out in her trademark laugh and saying, I must be  crazy!, that the rate is much lower. This started a debate with NC saying it must be around 40% and Comp giving a score of 50%.  This was very distressing to me and just proves the point that 'a prophet is without honour in his own country'. To further give evidence to my claim, I have correctly identified the exact location of the workplace of the same person. This will be proven later and end the debate once and for all.

There was no BDD today. An interesting development is the promotion of NC to the status of Auntie by BDD. Apparently yesterday on leaving the bus, BDD said to NC "Thanks Auntie!", to which NC replied, "You have yourself a great day now hear!" This confirms the change in the relationship with BDD and in honour of this, NC will henceforth be known a ANC, Auntie NC. The highest honour than can be bestowed by the bus crew.

Today, one of the St. Lawrence sisters turned up. The oldest sister of Jamirah got of board. Immediately there was rapid questions by NC, (sorry ANC)  and Comp about "Where were the other sisters and was Jamirah sick?  (Who was acting like the Old lady Inquisitor today?). The sister explained that she was the only one out today and that Jamirah was fine and not sick. This started the gestapo machinery running and the speculation began as to the reason for the missing sisters.

NC got out at her stop, Comp a little later at her's and me, at the terminal.

I will make it to the office and begin to practise my poetry.

Bendiciones!!