Joy

I knew she would be different the minute I saw her coming towards me down the aisle. Swinging her small backpack side to side in front of her, not seeming to care who she might hit. Oblivious to the looks that others were giving her, eyeing her like she was an alien, not from around here. People don't take well to outsiders on this side of town.

A white woman on this bus is not a common sight; we are mostly men going to work. Black men with a few white. No children. Bus just makes a few stops around Groveville and then heads right to the city; we are all working at the mill one form or another.

Terry is my usual bus mate, but he is out sick today or most likely hungover. She comes right up and asks if anyone is sitting next to me. I say no, and nod towards the seat. She whips her pack around, hitting me square in the jaw and plops on the seat, snapping her gum like she had dynamite in her mouth. Pulling up her feet onto the seat, knees bent and slouching. Is she hiding from someone? My mind is scattered as I cut my eyes over to look at her.

I am a simple man, don't want any trouble. Don't need anything from anybody. No wife, no children, and I keep to myself. I work, I go home. I play baseball on the work team on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I go out with Terry to Doc's for a beer on Fridays. I don't want drama. I have my books and my music, that's all I need. I pay my rent on time and cook my own meals, usually heating them up from cans. At 38, I like my life just fine.

My eyes were not the only ones looking. She was getting side glances and outright stares from the seats front to back. More than one of the men had grins. She didn't seem to see them or care. Her eyes were closed and her mouth was open a bit. I felt I should introduce myself, not sure why.

"Hello, I'm Daniel," I practically stammered. "Where are you headed?"

She tilted her head my way and opened one eye. "Athens," she said in a syrupy voice. She opened her other eye and hit me with a wink. "Unless someone helps me change my mind." She unfolded her legs and put her feet on the floor.

Now I haven't had a lot of experience with women, you could say that for sure. But I am not an ugly man, and I do respect and appreciate the softer sex. I began noticing her, really taking her in. Long brown hair, didn't look too clean, pulled back away from her face. Pretty brown eyes, large and wide, long lashes. Pale skin and thin lips. I did not dare look down past her neck, which was heavy with lots of silver chains.

She was looking back at me, taking in my milk chocolate skin, broad nose, large mouth and lips. Hair close cropped to avoid the perpetual frizz in the heat.

"This bus only goes as far as Monroe," I told her. "You will have to get off and get another bus to get to Athens."

"Or maybe I can just get off with you and see the town, find out what there is to do for fun," she said. Like it was natural to meet a stranger on a bus and hang out with them.

I must have shown my surprise, because she laughed. Threw her head right back against the seat and sent the sound right up onto the roof. People heard it and turned our way. She sounded like a wind chime.

"What's your name? I asked. Her eyes were huge and wet, like a puppy. Innocent with no fear.

"Melinda, but everyone just calls me Mel," she said. "Nice to meet you, Daniel." She put out her hand; long slim fingers loaded with silver rings. I took it in mine, the white and brown on each side like those big black and white cookies you get at the bakery.

I slowly pulled my hand away from her. She kept looking at me.

"What brings you joy, Daniel?"

I felt bowled over. What kind of question was that? From someone I had just met? Who does that? Something so personal, why would she ask me that?

I stayed quiet, turned from her and stared straight ahead. Sweat popped up all over my body, not from the heat but on its own. I wish Terry was here; he would know exactly what to say. Me? I had no answer. I truly could not answer her question.

"I'm not sure," I said softly. And this time I fully turned to her, giving complete attention.

"Well, Daniel, you should probably figure it out soon; you have a whole life ahead of you to enjoy. It would be sad if you didn't get to experience everything you want." Her intense eyes held mine for a long moment, and I had to look away.

"I am going to get off the bus here; it was nice to meet you. And good luck." She stood and used the back of each seat this time to brace herself as she traveled to the front and told the bus driver she wanted to stop. He grumbled but pulled over and let her off. I saw her start crossing a field, backpack and long hair swinging in rhythm. She turned and smiled like she knew I was looking. No wave, she didn't even break her stride. Turned back again and kept walking.

I thought about Melinda and what she said to me all the way to work. And again, on the way back home. Thought about my joy, or what I had for joy in my life. It wasn't much. Really, nothing at all. I always did what I had to do. Helped take care of my parents until they both passed. Now I make a living and pay my bills on time.

They say that being with a certain person, even for just 20 minutes, can change you. Melinda did it in 15.