Unexpected encounter (#3)
He didn’t realize she was 2 people in front of him in the checkout
it wasn’t until he heard the commotion
of increased prices and not enough work
to make ends meet, the mother of two
was caught in a bind at the register
he quiently pulled out his wallet
and made his way to the register
and was ready to swipe when
her hand caught his wrist
”what are you doing??!!”
she didn’t even realize it was him
and when she did, “Oh great!!”
”Hi”, he said and smiled
”let me help you, this once”
She looked at him and said
”no I got this…” then turning to the
cashier, “what do I owe?”
”53.80 is the total”
She looked awkward and turned to
him and said “would you please go back to your ca…”
“I’m just trying to help…we’ve all been there…”
and she looked at him and said, “why are you always where I am when things get rough!!”
he turned to her and said, “I’m not here to save you, I’m not a hero…I’m just friend that is just here at the moment when you need a hand…”
She looked at him and said, “ you are also the husband of my cousin and does she know you are helping like this?”
he looked right back, “ of course she does? You are right I just happen to show up when you have an issue going on but I’m not stalking you I’m not waiting to hope out from behind the corner and sweep you off your feet”
”well it feels like it! And I don’t need to be saved by my cousins husband all the time…”
He looked at her and said, “I really am just here shopping and was doing the same thing when you had issues with the kids last time…really, just let me help“
”I don’t want your help…I’m not going to go out with you or whatever you think…”
He felt his face go red, “Have I asked you out? Texted you to meet me in some clandestine location or asked for a rendezvous? have I tried to touch you or grab you for a kiss?…all I did was offer to help, with no stings attached. ”
It was her turn to go red and she was about to speak..but he held up his hand
”I have no idea why the universe or god put me in the places you have been when you have needed help, I just am and I have not said anything in terms of payback or asked for money or acts (sexual or otherwise)…
He sighed, “I have just always thought you are a strong woman, much like my own mom who was single and managed to turn out four of us…if I have harbored any feelings romantic or not, until I reveal them to you those are between me and the universe and not you…”
he turned to the cashier, “Just ring her out and add it on my bill and let her out of here”
The cashier nodded and bagged everything up and handed it to the mother of two…and as she was going to go she had that look on her face…but some things were better left unsaid.
and as he got to his turn to be rung out
the cashier turned to him and said…
“you may not be trying to get together with her, but something or someone has a plan for you two…“