Morning Bus Rides

10th Stop-The Final Stop

(A year later)

It was another morning rush to a fresh start of the week. Leo Stradler walked to the bus terminal with a spring in his step as he whistled a tune. Never had he felt this happier going to work on a Monday morning, and he couldn't remember the last time he was this chipper.

He thought back to the events of last year's summer. Since that moment that he and Dana visited the family farm of his wife Marlene, things went back to their proper places. 

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Leo and Dana returned to the city. Trying to see Marlene in their farm in Oakdale, Alabama, amounted to nothing. Leo asked Dana what happened, and she only replied that she let Marlene decide for both of them.

"There's nothing I can do if she doesn't want to return, right?"

"Yep," Leo replied dryly.

The trip back to the city was a quiet one. Soon, they were at the bus stop once again. Before parting ways, Leo and Dana had a little talk.

"You've done so much, and thank you isn't enough," Leo told her gratefully.

"I wanted to do this. For proper closure," Dana said with a tiny bitter smile on her lips. "I did had feelings for you, but I realized whom you really loved the best." She took Leo's hand and squeezed it. Leo hugged her back. This time, there was no malice to it. It was more of a goodbye-and-thank-you kind of hug.

"I'm sorry I made it so difficult for you," he apologized sincerely.

"No, you didn't. I guess I grew up a little from that experience. I now know that love doesn't mean always getting loved back in return." Dana broke away from Leo and said, "Oh well, my time will come for that, hopefully."

"You deserve tons better," Leo told her smilingly.

"This is it." Dana started to walk away backwards. "See you again!" she exclaimed. She turned on her feet and departed from Leo without ever looking back.

Leo smiled to himself. It's better this way. Dana deserved to be set free from his grasp.

She was a good one. He wanted her to find the real love meant for her.

He was still unsure about Marlene, but all he know was that he couldn't afford to lose her.

He hoped she'll return to him, and face all things together.

Five months passed without a word from Marlene. Leo now lived a quiet and solitary life in their residence. Everyday was the same for him; wake up, go to work, eat, and sleep. On weekends, he would read a book or go out for a walk.

Usually, he would find himself at that hole-in-the-wall coffee shop where he used to spend time with Dana. Partly because of memories, but now, more so because it was a quiet place and they served good brewed coffee. He would people-watch there, read something, or write his thoughts down on a notepad. He ended up producing a volume of poems and being friends with the elderly coffee shop owner. Leo let him read his verses, and the coffee shop owner considered it for submission to his publisher friend. It ended up with Leo getting a book deal. One week from now, he was going to launch his book in that coffee shop, with the attendance of intimate friends and coffee-shop regulars.

Another weekend came. The book launch was a success. After the event, Leo walked home. He was lost in his happy thoughts when he heard someone call his name.

"Leo!"

He turned around and much to his surprise, found Marlene standing from afar with a suitcase in tow. He was bewildered, and didn't know how to react.

Marlene walked towards him with a wide smile on her face. "Congratulations, Mr. Author!" She showed up her hand, holding Leo's book of poems entitled, Lost in Thoughts.

"You were there during the book launch?" Leo asked in amazement.

"Yeah, I just managed to get hold of a copy but I didn't found you. Please sign my book, Mr. Stradler!" she pleaded jokingly.

"I have one condition," Leo told her sternly.

"What is it, Mr. Author?" Marlene asked.

"You have to promise me that you won't leave anymore without a word. And be with me forever," he stated.

Marlene approached him and hugged him tightly. "That's just so easy to do!" She looked up at Leo's face and kissed him gently. "Don't worry, I won't leave anymore. Forget the divorce papers. And yes, I still love you, Leo."

That was all she said. Leo and Marlene went back to their home... together.

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Leo thought fondly of that memory from five months ago. He held on to the railing as he stood during the entire bus ride on the way to his office. Since then, he and Marlene became lovers and friends once again, even if Marlene might not have a child anymore. But miracles do happen. Maybe it can happen for them. But for now, just the two of them together will do.

The bus came to a halt, and Leo boarded down along with the rest of the passengers. He continued his walk to the office.

"Hey Leo!"

He turned to the direction of the voice. It was Dana, with a guy her age.

"Dana!" he exclaimed smilingly. "What brings you here?" What was she doing in this business district side of the city?

"I had breakfast nearby with this guy," she replied. "By the way, meet Matthew, my boyfriend. Matthew, meet Leo, my bus friend."

The two men shook hands. "Pleased to meet you," Leo said to Matthew.

"So do you. Dana told me a great deal about you," Matthew said.

"What did she said?" Leo asked curiously.

"You were the one that got away," Matthew told him knowingly. Leo couldn't help but laugh. "Dana you're such a tattle-tale!"

"I know," she said laughingly.

"Okay, so you guys are going to the uni?"

"Yes. We're classmates in most subjects. We met during a music fest event in school," Dana narrated.

"That's sweet. Wishing you a good love ahead of you," Leo told them.

"Thank you!" Matthew said.

"Gotta go now, bye!" Dana added.

Leo watched them walk away, arm in arm with each other.

You got over me pretty fast, didn't you?

Leo chuckled at the thought and continued his walk to the office, as well as living out his life.

-The End-