Pedas 2

Author's Note

After leaving the bathroom, I am taken by a beautiful tall brunette dressed for a climatic phenomenon that was definitely not occurring at the Sea-Tac airport. A few minutes later, I see her with her friend in the restaurant. I set my bags down on the table next to theirs. I grab a Styrofoam cup clumsily, as it slips away from me in my state of tired stupor.
I try again. After pouring the first creamer, a piece of foil lands in my cup as I open the second. The airport security man on my left urges me to use another cup, as he carefully prepares a super creamy sweet base for his acidic Java Juice.
This time, I get it right: two creamers and one sugar.
“You like it SWEET?” I query.
He nods in agreement.
I return to my things, frustrated by a lid that doesn’t fit. The brunette and I nod in greeting. I apologize for succumbing to the Spell of her beauty, explaining that it was her attire that piqued my curiosity.
“Mazatlan”, she said. Nodding towards her friend, “We’re headed to Mazatlan.”
I nod, understanding her choice of dress. “I’m headed to Philly, for a girl,” I offer.
I ask them: “You on Spring Break? Where do you go to school?”
“I work”, she says. Gesturing to her friend, “She goes to UW.”
The brunette wishes me luck on my Mission of Love.

(03.21.97)

Russell Munroe