A Mystery Boy

There is a boy that catches the bus to school when I do. On one occasion, a few months ago, I noticed that when we got off the bus and as we were walking into the school he was keeping stride with me. Because we weren't actually saying anything to each other, but we were walking like we should have been, I felt pretty awkward. Thinking that I could avoid making small talk and maybe get to class a few minutes earlier, I took longer steps. He took longer steps. Hmmm...so I shortened AND slowed my stride. So did he. We were both still walking in silence, and the whole time that I was trying to shake him off, I was thinking about how completely ridiculous my walking pattern looks. This happened a few times over the past few months.

 I don't even know his name...and yes, I should just take initiative and talk to him, but in the morning and on the way to school, I really just don't feel like it. So I walk somewhat regularly into the school and to the student center with a complete stranger, only exchanging a 'thank you' and 'you're welcome' if he catches the door for me.

Today was different.

I went through the same uncomfortable motions of trying to walk independently into the school, thanked him for opening the door, and caught a slight lead from that as I entered the building. He caught up to me, of course...and then he spoke. I wasn't surprised by the conversation topic he chose...weather. My favorite thing to talk about. As we continued to have a nearly-pointless conversation, I learned that Mystery Boy is from St. George, and then he was off to the science department and I said goodbye. As I made my way to  my class I reviewed the humor of experience, and chuckled a little bit.

I can't wait to see what I will learn next time.