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Year Three, Day 54: Stayin' Alive! (Cute as a Button, Part II)

...I'm back! I have a few minutes in between students. Let's see if I can get my story out before I have to catch the bus!

So to recap, I was walking to my bus stop last night on SE 82nd. Right about the time the fireworks started. I suddenly noticed the streets were vacant. It was eerie being the only person out walking on this busy street. I remember thinking that perhaps I shouldn't be walking amidst all of the fireworks!  I quickened my steps. But it was a glorious sight!

Suddenly I heard footsteps behind me. And someone talking.

"Ma'am? Can I ask you something?"

I turned around. I expected a homeless person asking for money. Or perhaps a lost person, seeking the nearest bus stop.

But instead, I saw a young man holding a skate board. He was cute as a button.  In his early 20's.

I looked up at him, a little apprehensively. He had the most beautiful, soulful brown eyes. 

"Yes?" I asked.

"Well", he stammered looking embarrassed.

This is the part where he says he needs bus fare, I thought to myself.

"I noticed you walking. And you are so pretty", he said.

I actually looked around to see if he might be talking to someone else!

"Thank you", I said. "That is really sweet".

"No, I mean it", he said. "I was wondering if you are single".

I laughed. He looked stricken. So I smiled gently, "Yes I am. And I'm old enough to be your mom!"

"You can check my ID", he said quickly. "I just turned 21 recently!"

"My son just turned 25 yesterday!" I exclaimed.

Again, that stricken look.  I felt bad. I felt kind of motherly towards this young man.  But also, it was eerie, I felt transported back in time.  The fireworks exploding everywhere reminded me of the strobe lights and twirling disco ball of years gone by. I could almost hear "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees in the background. I could almost feel the thudding bass of the speakers... Wouldn't it be funny, if I suddenly broke out into a disco dance? I smiled.  He looked at me, perplexed.

"I would like to spend time with you tonight", he said very sincerely.

I wonder if this is how it is done these days? No more lines or games. Just right out in the open? Or was this young man just painfully authentic?

"I'm sorry", I said. "I am going home. I have to get up early for work."


"Can I call you sometime?", he asked.

My heart was breaking. He seemed like a lost puppy.  Against my better judgement, I smiled and gave him my card.

"What is your name?", I asked.

"A", he said. "I just got off work from that restaurant", he pointed across the street.

"I hear they're good", I smiled. "My name is Zita. Have a Happy 4th"

"Can I call you tonight?" he asked hopefully.

"No, I have roomates. I wouldn't want to wake them.", I said. "Texting is better. I rarely answer my phone. Especially when I'm with a student."

"Ok", he said sadly. "But I lost my cell phone, so I won't be able to text for about a week."

"Ok", I said. "It was nice to meet you. But I have to run and catch my bus", I waved.

He smiled, sadly.

I walked quickly to my bus. Fireworks exploding loudly in the warm air. It was such a nice summer night.  The streets so empty. The sky bursting with brilliant lights.

I wonder what it would have been like if I had met "A" when I was younger? 

I sat down at the bus stop. I watched the fireworks. The bus was not due for 20 minutes because it was on holiday schedule.

I breathed deep. I sighed.

Then suddenly I felt a presence. 

It was "A".

"Hi again", he said. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure", I said.

"Umm...is your heart ok?"

"What?", I looked at him in confusion.

"I mean. Can you still have sex?"

I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing.

He looked at me, expectantly.  Eyes wide.

"I am very healthy", I said. "But those days are long gone for me.  When I was younger, yes. But "one night stands" left me feeling empty emotionally. And spiritually.  I like friendship first.  Does that make sense?"

"Yeah", he said.  "But you are very sexy for your age".

"Thank you", I said smiling gently. "I exercise a lot!"

And thankfully, just at that moment my bus arrived!

But there's more!

The door opened, and the most handsome, Middle Eastern man, perhaps in his 30's greeted me.  He had deep, soulful eyes.  I know I blushed.  "What is going on?" I thought. 

Maybe it is the hooping!

But wait! There's more!

I got off the bus and started the long walk home.  There were still fireworks exploding everywhere. I approached an apartment complex with a crowd of people gathered around quite a display. Sparks were flying onto the sidewalk. I was a little apprehensive of walking by.

Just then a very well built man about my age walked up and offered to escort me. He walked me to the street where I needed to turn. He said he was retired military and the fireworks were nothing compared to the explosions he heard overseas.  I felt safe. 

At the stoplight we parted with a wave. I thanked him for walking me. And for his service.

And that, ladies and gentleman was my 4th of July!


I guess I'd better keep hoopin! And "Stayin' Alive!"


Talk to you tomorrow.


Happy Wednesday!

Peace and Love,


Zita



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