Connections: A Collection of Vignettes

By Sekayi Weaver-Nixon

Between being lovers and being strangers there lies a world of possibility. "Connections" extends an invitation to take a microscopic look at those pregnant moments so pivotal to our sense of being part of a whole. No man or woman is ever an island. Our hopes and fears reach beyond our bubbles, resulting in interesting chemical-like reactions when we bump up against the bubbles of others. In these short stories we see how love throbs at the nexus of our relationships. What we do with that seed... becomes our story.

Contains some adult situations. 18+ only.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329642522

Book preview

Connections: A Collection of Vignettes

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Connections:

A Collection of Vignettes

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Connections:

A Collection of Vignettes

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Sekayi Weaver-Nixon

2015

Copyright © 2015 by Sekayi L. Weaver-Nixon

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review, article or scholarly journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

www.exaltedmysticunion.weebly.com

For my beloved Bruce

without whom I would still

be just an island

<8>

Stories

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Connections

Release Me

The Heart to Speak

A Living Work

In Fatal Depths

A Pink Halloween

The Writer's Bottle

Lover's Rite

The Art of Sharing Mud Pies

The Elevator

Connections

The 6 bus was always on time. As Wayne stood in the rain, barely sheltered by a gas station overhang, he realized the absurdity of expecting the bus to be on time this day. His umbrella had blown out to an unusable proportion and now jutted out the top of the too-small trash can next to him with its twisted metal frame exposed all as a reminder: always walk into the wind. At least it wasn’t unbearably cold, that would have ruined Wayne’s day completely. There was thankfully a warmth in the air that made him feel as if everything would turn around – as soon as he was able to board the bus.

When it finally arrived Wayne ran quickly to avoid as many raindrops as possible then climbed up and swiped his transpass.  The driver nodded his head and hit the gas as Wayne turned to find a comfortable seat where he could gather himself. There were a lot of people already sitting so many others had to stand, holding the silver pole for dear life as the driver rounded the steep curves of Ogontz Avenue. Wayne found a place by the back exit where he insinuated himself and fixed his tie. He was heading to his third day of work at a job he wasn’t thrilled about but preferred over starving.

Zuri boarded the bus about five stops later, according to Wayne’s calculations. She was hard to ignore as she climbed on closing her bright yellow umbrella and gliding up the aisle like a flower that didn’t belong enclosed on the 6. She wore a wrap skirt with a beautiful intricate pattern and lettering he didn’t recognize, most likely eastern. Somehow she had managed to avoid getting a single drop of rain on her outfit which was having the effect of uplifting the blasé passengers with its vibrant coloring. Those that were sleep couldn’t be helped, but Zuri walked up the aisle smiling at the morning faces which greeted her own and spoke to some who smiled more broadly. Before she had to walk far a middle aged man got up from his seat to offer it to Zuri who graciously accepted.

Wayne would glance up at her when looking at the grooves in the metal floor become monotonous. He was convinced he was one of those who could easily sleep standing up. Zuri’s hair fell about her shoulders and hid her face unless she turned almost a full 90 degrees to see something out the window or to move for a passing passenger. Her profile was soft but he could see that her features were sculptured. She was like a living statue, a splash of colorful art that Wayne was glad to have seen on this otherwise dreary morning.

They both got off when most of the other passengers did, to board the train downtown at the crowded transit center. In the rush of travelers Wayne lost sight of Zuri. A part of him thought of keeping an eye on her; a woman like that should be looked after. But she had peeled off to buy a fresh pretzel and juice to have in her first class of the day. Wayne rode the train downtown standing in yet another doorway trying not to stare at the floor too long.

It became routine for Wayne to see Zuri most mornings on the 6. He looked forward to it and would rush to get the bus that stopped in front of Sunoco at exactly 7:35. Theirs was a happier bus, if that was possible. He noticed that the passengers would smile at him as he passed and often spoke if he made direct eye contact. It was a rare occasion that Wayne actually got a seat in the back section of the bus. This day was starting off well. He stretched out his legs and waited for the pretty young woman to board.

Zuri boarded at her usual stop and wore a white and pink wrap skirt with a white shirt and a cascade of necklaces of varying materials. Her earrings dangled and caught the light, adding a silver shine to her already unmistakable radiance. Wayne checked himself and rubbed his face, hoping to wipe any visible trace of his sleepiness away. Much to Wayne’s surprise Zuri came and sat down beside him in the back section of the bus with only one seat between them. She smelled like the eclectic stores down on South Street that sold weed pipes and incense. He didn’t know people actually wore that incense as perfume.

Good morning, he said, uncharacteristically. The happy bus was getting to him. Wayne tried to stay focused and somber the way a normal passenger was supposed to, but he couldn’t resist a chance to engage with the young woman. It wasn’t all some lustful attraction for Wayne, rather he felt a sincere desire to know her. He wondered how she saw the world and where she was heading all the time after getting off the bus. For Wayne it was just another day at the office but she seemed to be going to some enchanted kingdom that Wayne wanted directions to. He wouldn’t be able to stay there of course, he had his responsibilities, but maybe a day trip on the weekend...

Good morning, how are you, she replied, with her usual smile. Wayne hadn’t expected an additional question but was glad to answer.

Oh, I can’t complain. What good would it do? He chuckled a bit before picking his newspaper up from the seat between them. He wondered if she would have sat there if he had moved it earlier.

The paper must be filled with bad news. I only read the funny pages, that’s what my dad always suggests. Keeps a person in good spirits, the rest is scary. Zuri made the face of someone watching a horror flick or smelling rotten meat. It made him laugh to see someone so pretty make such an ugly face, and without caring how she looked in the process.

That’s true. Quite a lot of bad I suppose. I mostly read the financial news. They both smiled and glanced at the paper.

"Then again, even that