SLiver Moon Shuttle

We waited a very long time for the Long Term 2 shuttle to show up and take us to airport parking section X. There was a crowd waiting with us--probably because it was Sunday evening. Buses passed filled to the brim. Finally an empty one arrived and we piled on. The driver was wary of overloading and kept stopping folks from getting on before she needed to. As we pulled away from the curb she began a rant to a friend on the phone about how she felt liable for any people standing on her bus and therefore would not allow it. The irony was that she was driving one-handed while talking on the phone. Not all that safe either.

Her conversation continued--loudly. We learned she had spent $200 on her daughter's dental bill even without cavities.  She talked about going back to school bus driving. At this point everyone sitting on the bus was in stitches about "too much information." Following that we heard about discipline in schools today and particularly the trouble keeping kids in line on a bus. She seemed oblivious that her conversation was being broadcast over the loud speaker.

The moon was waned about all it could so the night was dark. Our bus driver was not particularly helpful at announcing the parking areas. People got confused, some buddied up to help each other out. In less than ten minutes a bond of sorts had formed with those of us on the bus--through the long wait, a mix-up of parking areas, and particularly the humor of the overhead phone conversation. A young, friendly bunch (and we were the only ones over 35) on a chilly southern night, just trying to get home. A nice moment in spite of frustration. 

Our car was at the end of the line. When we parked it had been pouring rain and we scurried to the bus, not paying a lot of attention to where we parked. So––a moonless night with a ton of neutral looking hondas––we wandered a bit. Our kind bus driver hovered, concerned for our safety. She finally came by and suggested trying the panic button.  Thankfully we had one, in this new-to-us car we were driving.  Amazing! There our car was, just on the other side of the bus, beeping loudly. Feeling very much our technically-challenged age, and thankful for her watching out for us, we silenced our car, jumped in, and headed to home-sweet-home. 

Note: I wrote this awhile ago and just found it quietly waiting to be posted. I hate to waste anything so ...

Not my photo.