Poemattic: Poetry and Art for the Soul

This is in response to a Writing Prompt challenge at http://todaysauthor.wordpress.com/

 

The Bus Driver

 

The bus driver looked familiar, but she couldn’t figure out how she knew him. Anna dropped six quarters into the coin slot and as she walked to take the first available seat, she remembered. It was Mr. Davis, her former piano teacher. Her hands started shaking. She caught him looking back at her through the large rear view mirror. Anna slid in her seat and took out a book from her tote to cover her face away from his stare. Could he possibly have recognized her after so many years? After all she was only eight when it happened.

Anna could not understand how he managed to be out of prison so soon. She was 28 years old now and his sentence was supposed to be for thirty-five years, after his conviction for molesting another girl he tutored privately. He was a fantastic teacher and she never could understand how he could have done such a horrible thing. He was always a gentleman with her. But that other little girl told her parents what he had done. Her dad almost killed Mr. Davis when he found out.

Anna anxiously waited for her stop. In her head she planned how she would get off the bus. She was closer to the front but she did not want to face him again. But she hated to leave through the back of the bus; it was a short walk but she always stumbled and was afraid of falling. Anna wore a brace; one of her legs was shorter and it made her so self-conscience.

The bus stopped before she could pull the cord. Did Mr. Davis know this was her stop? She trembled at the thought. She had lived in the neighborhood all her life. Anna finally reached the rear door as the bus driver pulled the lever and lowered the bus to let her off. She stepped down slowly trying not to look back.

As Anna walked towards the cross walk the bus was still stopped at the corner. She walked as fast as she could and suddenly she heard a strong raspy voice call out to her. It was Mr. Davis. He said, “Anna, I just want you to know I did not do it. My case was reviewed and I was found innocent and let out. I just wanted you to know.” He smiled at her and waved. She never rode the bus again after that day. Anna did not know what to believe although deep down she wanted to believe he was innocent. Mr. Davis had always been so kind to her and he was such a good teacher. Anna sat at her piano that evening and played Ludwig van Beethoven’s No. 4, G Major, Op. 58. It was the piece she had mastered and was a favorite of Mr. Davis.

Related articles

• Ludwig van Beethoven’s birthday (eventsblogg.wordpress.com)
• Classical Music Composers (mademan.com)