Love and Public Transportation

"Susie, what is it with you and boys and public transportation?" This reference made to one encounter a few months back involving, a really cute guy, an airplane, and me. One isolated incident, I tell you. Maybe it's that I always look lost and vulnerable?

I traveled to MD Anderson to visit my friend (more on Catherine's progress to come) on Saturday. MD Anderson is in Houston... and I am in Dallas. I flew Southwest Airlines on a buddy pass (Thank you Miss Melissa-- you are a generous doll and I love you for it), and then had decided to take the Metro (public bus and rail) to the hospital to save myself the cab or shuttle fair. Easy enough, right?

I actually, finally, arrived at the hospital, without too much incident. Meaning I arrived, and only an hour later than expected. So, maybe I hit a few bumps? I was not blessed with an inner compass. It's not my fault! Everyone just needs to adjust his or her expectations, okay?

I had a lovely day with my Cat, and had planned to take the 7 pm flight back to Dallas. So... I left the hospital at about 4:30 to allow plenty of time.

1st hiccup: I stopped downstairs at the information desk to ask the "volunteer" at the front where the bus stop was for the "73". It goes direct. Direct. How much trouble can I get into when I get on a bus, whose destination ends at the airport? Very sweet man, but 15 minutes later... not so much help with finding the bus stop. Instead, he prints about 3 different routes that I can take to the airport. Along with full schedules for all those lines. I left holding roughly 20 pages of loose leaf. But, I didn't want to cut him off, because I could tell he felt helpful and like he was doing good.

2nd hiccup: I try taking his advice, instead of using my own preplanned schedule.

3rd hiccup: I realize I need to stick to my plan and begin walking, (on my still bum toe from my "two stepping injury"-- quit laughing) in search of the "73" bus stop.

4th hiccup: Instead of asking a passer by-- it was pretty deserted (no wonder "everyone is bigger" in Texas-- there are no longer any pedestrians, except this gimpy one), I continue my search for the correct bus stop.

5th hiccup: I feel enlightened and see the Metro rail. I think I will just hop on the train and take it back to a bus station where the 73 leaves from.

6th hiccup: About 5 stops into my rail ride... I begin squinting at the rail map, and realize...hmmmmm... I may be going the wrong direction. 6th stop; begin to feel certain that I am headed the wrong direction.

7th hiccup and 7th stop: Boy sitting across the aisle from me keeps trying to catch my eye. I ignore him, and keep glancing at the map and pretending to read my book.

"Where are you headed to? Are you lost?" So, I tell him where I am headed. He takes this as an invitation to come sit next to me. Where he then covers his mouth with his hand each time he makes a statement (this behavior continues). I want to ask... "Are you lying (body language 101), or have you just eaten a clove of garlic?” I hold my tongue, because I need his navigation skills. Yes, I am going the wrong direction.
He escorts me off the train (quite the gentleman, right?... not), and walks with me back to the platform where I can catch the same train... different direction. He offers his phone number, which I think is fruitless because I live in Dallas and he lives in Corpus (and although I'm tired of being single and sans relationship-- I ain't that tired of it), but I'm being nice(arghhhhhhh-- why am I cursed with an uncontrolable urge to emit southern hospitality in all circumstances) so I agree to take it. Thinking in my head, there is no way in he** I'm ever calling you.
FATAL MISTAKE: We are walking and I'm in a bit of a hurry, all things considered. So... I type his number into my phone. "Well, why don't you call me now, so we can make sure it goes through." ARGHHH!! Stupid, stupid, stupid (my inner voice screams)! I'm honestly a bit intimidated with his aggressiveness, so I hit "call". Now he's got me.

Conclusion: I finally arrive at the airport at 7 pm, but am luckily able to get on the 8 pm flight. He has called me a total of 9 times since Saturday, twice before I even left Houston. I have yet to answer, thinking he would get the hint. No, stalkers often don't "get" subtle. He called last night at 1:30-- am. Lesson learned. I will wear the "fake wedding ring" when traveling from now on, and pretend to be mute, deaf, and blind.