#62 Bus Route Flattop by burrlypup

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Thought I would break out of my usual form and write a true story. Bit uneventful, but that's real life.

It was 2003 and I was living downtown. I worked at a deli and spent my free time at the library. It was like clockwork, 8pm the library closed and I would catch the bus at 8:12. Every day. Over the months since I'd moved downtown I had developed a rapport with Tom, the bus driver. He was in his late forties and was very tall and lean with a silvery flattop and Errol Flynn mustache. He exuded such a raw masculinity that left me speechless most of the time.

By May, Tom had his summer flattop - the sides were clipped bare and the top was reduced to a bump in front with a wide landing strip. I always thought he was handsome, but the summer flat knocked my socks off. I admired the cut the whole trip, missing my stop intentionally so I could continue talking with Tom. I absolutely ached to be around him, it was an intense puppy love. Though Tom seemed very nice, I chose to keep things simple and make a fool of myself by asking him out. Being rejected would certainly make transportation difficult.

By August, it seemed like Tom was aware of my adoration and I sensed he enjoyed teasing me. One evening I stepped on the bus and he had gone for the ultimate - a shaved horseshoe flattop. The light gleamed and bounced off his head as we rode. Once stopped at a red light, Tom reached up and rubbed the shaved areas of his head before rubbing his flat palm against the top of his head. He glanced over at me and smiled, so I smiled back. I had lost all track of time, until Tom announced it was the end of the line.

"Not often you come out this far," Tom said as he stepped off.

"Sorry, just distracted. I like talking to you." I said, biting my tongue. I had an honesty issue then.

"Don't be sorry. I like chatting, helps the day go by." Tom replied as we sat on the bench. I smiled at him and pulled my cap off, wiping the sweat from my brow.

"Nice haircut," Tom winked at me, then pulled my hat off giving my shaved head a long rub. Before I could reciprocate, Tom replaced my hat and glanced at his watch.

"I'm off now, going to take the bus in. Can I take you home?" Tom asked.

"Yes please and thank you." I replied, and Tom wrapped his arm over my shoulder directing me into the darkened bus.

Now that I'm older I realize we were both too shy to admit we liked each other. It was a brief bromance that taught me that not every head has to be shaved bald, and not every love has to be consummated. Enjoy the chase.

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