"Thank you. Yes, they would be proud that I didn't ride off with him or be too quick to trust him. I am hopeful that they will assist me in getting my car repaired, which would keep him from hanging around the bus stop waiting for me to get off work or to arrive."
"Even when you're driving, you have to pay attention to your surroundings, honey, whether day or night. Always park in well-lit areas if you must be or want to go out at night. Never give rides to strangers and refrain from asking them for rides as well. Keep your cell phone with you and charged up."
"Also, carry mace and a weapon if you don't feel secure being out alone or at night, especially in parking decks or poorly lit parking lots. When you're at parties or public events, avoid consuming any food or drinks you are unsure regarding their origin or who prepared it. Adhering to the rules and having a back-up plan will help you maintain your safety."
"I appreciate your advice and assistance. It's a pleasure meeting you. My name is Lola."
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lola. My name is Emma. I enjoyed our conversation also."
During the remainder of the trip, Emma dozed off, and I watched a movie on my phone while waiting for my stop. I kept my laptop secured in my backpack as I was concerned about the possibility of theft. It hit me then that stepping into adulthood often comes with its own set of worries, especially when surrounded by strangers.
Just then, a fellow passenger gently nudged Emma awake to let her know we'd reached their stop. I smiled and waved goodbye to the women as they exited the bus with the other passengers.
With just a handful of people left on the bus, I took a moment to scan the faces around me. My curiosity got the best of me, and I tried to peek out the back window to see if Allen's car was still following us. Just then, the bus driver decided to pull over at a rest area for a quick 15-minute break. I felt a sense of relief; this pause gave me the chance to figure out if Allen was still in pursuit or if he had parked somewhere nearby.
I sat there, watching the cars zip by, but not a single one matched Allen's vehicle. I shut my eyes for a moment, letting out a slow breath. It was nearly 4 p.m., and the traffic was thickening like a storm cloud gathering above. The bus driver hopped back on the bus, ready to keep rolling along his route.
I had just one more stop before I'd finally reach my apartment complex. As I stepped off the bus, a woman and her child also got off. We naturally fell into conversation as we strolled through the gate together, sharing a fleeting moment of connection in this busy world. My building was closer to the front of the complex on the second floor. The woman and her little one had to walk to the next building.