He Picked the Wrong Bus

Someone in the back was getting impatient, "I really need to get home!"

I took a deep breath, quickly pulled myself together, and got ready to speed up.

The bus inched forward, trying to pass the car ahead.

However, the Audi suddenly sped up and swerved right in front of us, then Wade hit the brakes hard.

I stomped on the brakes, and everyone on the bus jolted forward. The bus turned into a mess, and people started to grumble.

"What's happening!"

"Can't you drive!"

"Dummy, what's with that car in front!"

My eyes went wide, the Audi had its hazard lights on, stopped right in front of the bus.

The road had only two lanes, with a bike lane next to us, and there was no way to go around.

It was peak hour, and in just the minute we stopped, cars behind us started to back up, and the blaring of horns filled the air.

Wade stepped out of his car.

He was all dressed up in a white shirt and suit pants, looking all fancy, but he marched over to my door with a scowl and pounded on it.

"Melanie! Come out!"

Through the window, I saw his angry face, and it just made him seem like a stranger to me.

Three years together, and it seemed like nothing compared to an old flame.

"Ma'am, you know him?" the lady in the front seat asked, her eyes wide with curiosity at Wade's angry face.

I did not say a word, just feeling sad, and cracked the window by my seat a little.

Wade's voice burst through.

"Why are you honking like that?! You scared Sally, did you know that!"

Sally.

He shouted as if they were the best of friends.

I had just caught those two red-handed, having an affair on the street, and then he had the cheek to confront me.

"Wade, I'm working," I said, trying to sound calm, "please move your car. You're blocking traffic."

"Working? Driving a beat-up bus is nothing special," Sally stepped out of the car, her high heels clicking on the pavement as she walked over and clung to Wade's arm. "Wade, she did that on purpose. She's just jealous of us."

Wade got even angrier, as if Sally's words were fuel to his fire. "Melanie, get out of the bus, did you hear me? Come and apologize to Sally!"

The honking behind us grew louder and more frantic.

I thought of the twenty or so passengers on my bus. Some needed to catch a train, others to pick up their kids, and some were off to work.

Those two were wasting precious minutes.

I could waste my own time, but not theirs.

Looking at the pair who would not back down, I knew they would not let it go.

"I'm sorry I honked," I said, my voice rough. Each word I spoke seemed to stoke the fire of frustration burning inside me. "Please move your car and stop holding everyone up."

Sally gave me a smile, the kind that winners wear, mixed with a bit of pity.

"Is that all? Melanie, you really frightened me just now. My heart's still pounding," she said, pressing a hand to her chest and frowning for effect. "Wade, she doesn't mean it."

Wade nodded in agreement, egged on by her. "That's no apology. Do it over!"