If you’re new this week, I am writing a blog series, which means I’m sharing excerpts from a book I’ll be publishing before Christmas called, “From Mishaps to Mission.” If you missed the first or second part, you can go back and read them by scrolling down to related topics.
Now, let’s pick up where we left off.
Out of my Comfort Zone
So much for my plan on sleeping, Steve thought. My first bus left at midnight after witnessing an unsettling event before boarding. A few hours later, I found myself breaking up a fight and wondered if I might have died in my sleep when that crazy guy poured gas at the bus stop where I switched buses.
To push the memories away, Steve tapped on his Bible app, inserted his ear piece, closed his eyes, and relaxed. There were two stops left before the last layover, where he’d switch buses. To his relief, no screams, police, or ambulances were present at either.
The sun was high above the horizon, pretty scenery eased his tired eyes. It also distracted him from the continual flip-flops his stomach had assaulted him with since he boarded. Motion sickness had plagued Steve since he was young. Looking at the sun he worried he may not make it before his connecting bus would leave the next stop.
Arriving late for his layover, the bus driver announced, “Everyone stay seated. I’ve got some other stuff I need to take care of. Other people are going to talk to you. You’ll be able to depart after they speak with you.”
Front and center stood an uniformed man wearing a badge, “Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearm” in big letters. His hand rested on his gun holster. His authoritative voice boomed, “It is illegal to carry weapons of any kind on a bus.”
Immediately, Steve’s mind activated, noting this announcement was coming at the end of his ride; not when boarding. I could be riding with someone carrying a weapon. This could get interesting.
His thoughts were interrupted as the ATF officer continued with the funniest question Steve had ever heard. “Is anyone here carrying any weapons?”
It was all Steve could do to keep himself from busting a gut laughing out loud. Really? You mean, someone carrying a weapon would seriously admit it to you here and now? They’d really want to go to jail that bad.
Additional officers flanked the exit, pulling selected passengers over to search their belongings. Carrying only one fairly clear Wal-Mart sack, Steve felt confident stepping down. To his dismay, he fell among those searched. Tired and humiliated, he took shorter strides heading in the depot.
Astonished,, Steve’s eyes swept across the vast space. The bus stop was huge, with two restaurants. His chin quickly dropped as he stared in disbelief. A man lifted an iron pipe and forced it downward on the back of another gentleman’s head.,
Before Steve could process what happened, or react to the wailing man crumpled on the floor, his attention veered to the left. A man was stealing money from another guy, right in broad daylight. .
All Steve’s frazzled mind could think was how he had been searched, seen violence, and a robbery since he had arrived ten minutes earlier. “What have I gotten myself into?” Steve spoke in a whisper as he plunked onto a padded chair, waiting for the police and ambulance to arrive. From where he sat, all he could do was watch this time.
To his utter amazement, the man who did the assaulting, sat down and chatted as if nothing was wrong. He didn’t even run from the police when they arrived. As for the thief, nearby passengers ran him off. The police never did catch him. EMT’s arrived and wheeled the poor guy with the head injury away.
As things settled, Steve’s thoughts turned to leaving soon. My new bus is here, I should be leaving soon. I’m glad I won’t have to stay in this crazy place long. Then, I will meet Don, and head for home.
Me again. Did you get as tense as I did recording this short sequence of mishaps? Do you think his bus will arrive on time? How many more mishaps could possibly happen? Poor guy has already been through so much. The only way to know for sure is to come back next time.
Good news. You won’t have to wait as long for the next part. My next excerpt will be coming Monday night. if you enjoyed this excerpt, remember to share it with your friends and family. But, before you go. . .
TALK TO US. What kind of memory does this story conjure from your life when you were out of your comfort zone? How did you get through it? Please tell us in the comments below.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and subscribing to this blog! Many blessings to you!
© 2018, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Mary says
I not even sure what to say anymore. Wow! What an interesting trip!