My car quickly came to a smooth stop as I pulled up in front of the college campus. Students of all ages and sizes were walking through the front courtyard, getting from one class to another. As soon as she could, the young woman opened the passenger side door and vaulted from her seat. Getting a tight grip on the strap of her backpack, she readied herself to sprint to class. But there was a few more things I wanted to know before I let her go.
Right before she rushed off, I learned over my seat and called out to hear, “No ‘thank you’ for saving your grades?”
Catching her off-guard, the young woman quickly turned around to face me and began bowing. Obvious to say, but she surprised me when she did that. Regardless, it was a gesture that was well received.
Her entire face blushed when she started talking, “Thank you so much for driving me to class, Miss… Uh…”
“Polakoff. Miss Polakoff. And yours?”
“I’m Arianna Graham.’
As Arianna spoke I went into the glove compartment and pulled out a small file holder. Within that I took out one of my business cards and handed it out the window, “Here’s my number. Don’t be afraid to call me if you’re late for class again.
Arianna grabbed the card with both of her hands and stared at it, her eyes shimmering with amazement. She smiled and bowed again before putting the card in her pocket, “I’ll make sure to contact you soon.”
For a moment, I could feel our eyes locking onto one another, just staring. I just met this young woman and helped her out of the kindness of my heart, but something just didn’t sit right with me. Part of felt that we were going to meet again under different circumstances, but I couldn’t tell what they were. Regardless of it, I had a feeling I was going to see her again.
No.
I wanted to see her again.
Before I let my brain drift off, I shooed Arianna away, “Stop gawking and get to class. Don’t make this car ride for nothing.”
After hearing my words, Arianna sprung and quickly turned around, sprinting into the building, shouting one last time, “Thank you!”
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Copyright © 2021 by Luka Tatsujo
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