By: Brenda Wilkerson
I am SUCH a sucker!
I don’t know why, but I immediately caved to the timid request of the love-bug butterflies dancing in Gentleman P’s tummy. Gentleman P is a quiet 3rd grader whose presence is loud even though you don’t ever hear a peep out of him. He is the perfect rider. He always lets the girls go first and draws me beautiful artwork from time to time.
Two days ago, Gentlemen P quietly requested a seat change so he could be with a brother/sister friend duo instead of two girls — his neighbor and sister. Request granted little man! I am usually pleased to grant the requests of my quiet riders.
Assuming he wanted to sit with the brother, I put the girls in the other seat across the aisle. The following morning, Gentleman P again waited to be the last one to unload at the school. He stopped beside my Captain’s chair. I knew this meant he requested a conversation with the Captain.
“What’s up buddy? How do you like the seat change?” I asked, expecting a grateful thanks.
Gentleman P bravely spoke, “Could I sit with the sister instead?” Ahhhhhhh, the clouds are beginning to clear. I think there is a crush happening on this ol’ bus. “Sure buddy, I will change it tomorrow.” And I did.
So this afternoon at Gentleman P’s stop #20, I asked again how he liked his seating arrangement. “She didn’t ride today,” he said with his eyes looking at the floor. I’m sorry buddy. “She had Good News Club after school…I’ll be fine.” His voice trailed off as he turned and quietly descended down the three big steps to the sidewalk. My. Heart. Broke. Hang in there Gentleman P. Maybe fate will be on your side tomorrow. Until then . . . .
~Brenda Wilkerson
