"Accidents Happen" from Everything That Happens In-Between © 2013

This is a teaser of the expanded version's beginning...

Time ultimately decides these things.

He knew her. Her mother had purchased encyclopedias from him. Her mother had made a point during the presentation several times to mention that the encyclopedias were for her daughter. They were to be a surprise. The daughter’s pictures were displayed prominently in the parlor. Upon seeing them, he made a decision. But time decided that the conditions would not be ripe until August.

The daughter had broken her leg in July. It did not keep her from her regular routine. At nine-thirty in the morning she hobbled on her crutches to the post office. He parked across the street and waited for her to come out. She had difficulty carrying a package under her arm while negotiating with the crutches.

“Hey,” he called to her.

She stopped. Their eyes locked. The truck moved forward. It made a U-turn and pulled beside her.

“That looks heavy.” He smiled a smile that would make an adult recoil.

She smiled nervously, “It’s not,” she studied him. “It’s just the crutches.” A strong breeze whipped her hair around her face. When she raised her hand to push it away, the package fell to the ground.

He leaned over the passenger seat. “Are you sure you don’t need any help with that?”

She bent and retrieved the package and lost a crutch in the process. She sighed as if defeated. “I can’t pick these both up at once.”

He exited the vehicle and took the package from the ground. He did not return it to her. “You sure you don’t want some help? This seems a little heavy, for a girl on crutches, I mean.”

“I think I can make it.”

“I wouldn’t mind giving you a ride.”

“I’m not supposed to get into cars with strangers. I probably shouldn’t even be talking to you.”

“What’s your name?”

She hesitated. “Anne Marie.”

“Well, hello, Anne Marie.” He took a step forward, “That’s a real pretty name.”

“What’s your name?”

I’m,” he paused, “Jack.”

She had expected a surname with the title of mister in front of it. She swallowed. “It’s been nice meeting you,” She slowly moved away.

“Hey,” he called.

She turned around, “Yes?”

“What about this?” He held the package as if to return it.

She stood frozen in thought. The standoff became uncomfortable immediately.

“I ain’t got all day, Anne Marie. I have encyclopedias to deliver to Mrs. Burke in thirty minutes.”

“Mrs. Burke?” She asked.

“Yeah, why?” He put the package under his arm. “Do you know her?”

“She’s my mom.”

A knowing grin grew across his dark face, “Cleona’s your momma?”

“Yes.”

“Aw, heck girl, we ain’t strangers then. Throw them crutches in the back and I’ll take you up there.” He placed the package in the back of the truck.

Anne Marie thought for what felt like much more than a moment.

He opened the driver side door and put one leg inside. “Come on, then.”