Story: A Small Encounter

“We at Blue Eagle Airlines apologize for the delay. We will get you on the next flight available.” The airline clerk whispers something and hands the official a hand-written note.

“Your new flight number is 643. Flight 643 is due to arrive in approximately 45 minutes. Thank you.”

“I could use a drink” Raven comments to no one in particular. She examines the polish on her nails. She wanted a darker color. Raven checks her itinerary. Boston again. That’s three times this week. How Arnie ever talked her into living in Arizona is beyond her.

“I know the real story.”

The woman to Raven’s eye is a size 10 on top and a size 14 on the bottom and no one, but no one she wanted to have anything to do with.

“Is that so.” Raven half-closes her eyes. She has several faces. This is her, do I look like I give a damn face, or facade in Arnie-speak as Raven calls it. In their first fight, she told Arnie he had a BA in BS. His white face got so red he looked like he was sunburned.

“I heard it from my friend Dory who works at the newsstand, right over there.”

As the woman leans forward, Raven is assaulted by a lavender smell the likes of which she has never encountered. Repulsive is too kind a word. Raven moves as far back in her chair as possible and decides to entertain herself with this stranger while she’s waiting.

“How long have you known Dory? And what is your name?”

“Oh, I’m so stupid. I’m sorry. My name is Penelope. Gosh! Dory and I have known each other since third grade.”

“Your name is Penelope?” My gawd! Raven doesn’t know whether she feels disgust or pity.

“My name is Raven.”

“Nice to meet you. Please call me Penney. Only my sister Pam calls me Penelope.”

Raven suppresses a smile. She imagines ten children, each name beginning with the letter P. Unfreaking believable!

“So what amazing information did Dory impart to you?” Raven can tell by Penney’s slightly parted lips and lowered eyes that too much sarcasm has slipped out. Raven takes a different approach.

“So why the delay? What really happened?”

Penney looks into Raven’s eyes and wonders what it would be like to be so beautiful. She feels uncomfortable and imagines how Raven must see her, and she is embarrassed and even a little ashamed. Of course this woman doesn’t really want to talk to me. What’s the matter with me.

“I don’t want to bother you. Really. I have this habit of maybe being, you know, too friendly. I’m really sorry. Excuse me.” Penney moves to the last row of seats where Raven can no longer see her.

Raven thinks she could really use that drink now. She feels slightly uncomfortable as if she forgot something. Oh, Raven girl, a penney for your thoughts. The humor feels contrived. So I hurt the country bumpkin’s feelings. Who cares! But she does and that surprises her, and nothing, but nothing ever surprises Raven.