Ben clutched at the hand rail as the bus lurched its way through the morning rush hour traffic. He had the distinct feeling that the bus driver would just push the cars along if that's what it took to stay on schedule. At the next stop the doors blew open with a whoosh to take on more passengers, despite the fact that there was no room for them.
Ben turned casually to check out the newcomers and was pleased to see those two girls he had seen on Friday. He saw at once that the pretty one had on a blouse made of something shiny, and his body went on full alert. A moment later he caught a glimpse of her legs, and a chill ran through his body.
"Could it be? Are they? Maybe it's just that dumb polyester. No! Look at it move! It must be! Yes, those are the pants, just like Carol's! Oh shit! I can't believe it. What a girl. I've got to meet her. What do I do? I can't just talk to her. What else can I do?
"What did Carol say? There are girls out there for me, and it's up to me to find them. Well, here's your chance, buddy boy. It's now or never!"
The doors slammed shut and the bus jumped out into traffic. A car honked its horn in response. The pretty one was not quite ready, and stumbled a few steps back. Ben reached out his free hand and grabbed her arm, helping her to balance her books.
His eyes swept over her in an instant, drinking in the image of her slender body covered with shiny, dark blue nylon that flowed over every curve. At the same time he noticed what the other girl wore, a slinky sliver-gray wrap skirt and a gray cotton tank top over a shiny black leotard. Under any other circumstances he would have paid more attention to it, but he was too wrapped up in her friend to take the time.
"Thanks. Here, I've got it, I think."
Her voice was soft and sweet, light and airy. He couldn't believe that she was actually speaking to him.
"You sure? This driver is a real maniac."
"Its these shoes, I think. I'm not quite used to them."
She giggled and stuck out her right foot, showing off the highest platform sandals he had ever seen.
"Yeah, I guess it must be hard to keep your balance on those. Why do you wear them so high?"
"I have short legs, and I didn't want to shorten these pants."
"Oh. Yeah, I guess so. Those are pretty far out. Looks real good on you."
"Thank you."
"She smiled at me, so sweet, so inviting. Come on man, do something, before she gets off!"
"You go to the university?"
"Uh huh."
"What grade are you in?"
"Freshman."
"That's terrific! She's not much older than me. Maybe I have a chance."
"I've applied to start there next fall. I haven't decided whether to go there or to the mainland. How do you like it?"
"Oh, its OK. Lots of work, but lots of fun things to do. I've met a lot of really special people."
"Listen. How about we get together sometime and you can tell me what its like? You like pizza?"
"I love pizza! Sure, that would be nice."
He wondered if she saw how his hand shook as he wrote her phone number on the back of his hand with a ball point pen. He had just finished when the two girls had to get off. He watched her walk away, the pants fluttering wildly around her legs. Then, just as the bus pulled away, he realized that he had missed his stop, and would have to double back. He couldn't have cared less.