Breakdown BK

The daylight flickered onto my car windows. I stayed calm amid rush hour. Some passerby’s are in protest. People are on every corner- even at the bus stop requesting to sign a petition. I understand the commotion. I am careful not to rushby pedestrians. Their eyes are very watchful while automobiles became careful at every turn signal. I am patient although human. However, a few autos keep going circling around them.

Hold it! A chant erupted into song. Somebody is singing a tune. What is this? A crossover song. I could have swore I heard it before on the radio. Also, there are T-shirt’s that caught my eye. I was headed to the local place to eat in town. I wanted a snack to take home. The T-shirt’s displayed familiar logos, straight, drug free, color barriers and ‘speak-up’.

Parking on the side, curbside, I walked to a kitchen counter. The diner was colorful in the backdrop. A huge sign detailed special meals. Drinks are free. This place is smaller than usual. I finally realized I was standing in line at Burger King! Because I were distracted, who would overlook here? Obviously, outside atmosphere held my attention. I noticed a homeless man when people placed change inside a cup. Everybody loves BK. I joined them. I saw an old lady walk in with a bible in hand. I admired her flower hat. She alerted me by waving and greeting ,” God bless you, child. Hello...”

She proceeded to give an order. I did not mind she’s served in front of me in line. It was long anyway. I wait. I encountered a valuable conversation . I wanted to be discreet. I am wearing lilac knickers and a black and white T-shirt. The lady started talking vibrantly. I’m pleased, amused and welcomed his spirited gestures. Her floral silver, chiffon dress accentuated the hat.

“Here...You go to church, don’t you?...Even if you don’t, I gave that to you...We’re having a a celebration at the park. You are welcome to join us.”

Why, thank you...I mean, thank you.”

Sure, you do! ...Listen, we will keep you safe . Did you see all of the politics going on? It’s everywhere! (Laughs) I’m surprised. It’s a wonder...”

“Yes. It is...I have been in politics.”

“You have to be careful these days? Yes, you do. Be sure to stay safe...”

“Do you come here often? I have to admit, I do. BK, The King”..I pointed at the cardboard King with a tray near the counter.

Oh, yeah!!! The King! (Laugh) That’s right. (Laugh)

Her laughter is wholehearted. She have the type of voice you can trust.

The orders are ready. We picked them up. She was staying. I am having my order to take with me. We paused at the condiment shelves. I decided to excuse myself saying goodbye.

“Why are you leaving so fast?”, she said.

“Excuse me...I will see you again sometime soon . Take care.”

“Do you have to go? Where are you headed? You’ve been working.”

“Yes. I’m off work detail now...You? Out with the grandkids?”

“No. All grown...Come sit down.”

Others are listening to us hoping there would not be a fallout. The conversation changed.

“Want to see some pictures? Look. I have lots of them.”

“I can’t stay that long. Is that alright?”

“Sure! Sit down...Kids?”

“Two. They are at the daycare center. They leave out of town with their dad sometimes...He is not from the United States.”

She gasps.” Issues?”

I quickly nudged her. “No. The relationship is strong. We are fine.” I know she believes me. I enjoyed the photographs. These are from parades, town hall, artist events using popsicle sticks and remembrances of protesters. Most of us, like one picture about issues. A fondness for collages. Evenso, I noticed the picture of The King standing within a group of artistes. Of course, the art is cratelike, suncatchers or vases. One of the students created an art project similar toThe King.

Alas, I intended to stay 10- 20 minutes. Maybe, thirty minutes. I was going to stay all day. I really excused myself telling her how nice to meet her. Quickly, I asked her name. Deborah Gainesworth is her married identification. I offered my own. She agreed. I said,It is Pearl. The name is Pearl.”

We hugged whileas I departed to leave. I know I need to get home before another protest celebration or rush hour begins. Any of them, requires all my senses when driving.

To my amazement, The King walked in! He’s in town!?! What for? A crowd hurried to greet him coming from every direction. I looked for a sign....Simultaneously, I was approaching him too. Everyone else started approaching. I applauded still searching for a sign. I’ve seen him on commercials. I never heard him speak ever before! Someone in the crowd mentioned to me at my side, “ He always speaks. Isnt that wonderful?”

A man gestured,” I wonder if we’ll get free burgers. I’m in.” (He smiled).

I begin to smile. I couldn’t help but giggle. He came and stood in front of me saying:

“Hello. May I help you?”

He held out his hand to handshake. I guess, I could comply. “Hello. How are you? I am Pearl...Nice to meet you.”

He replied,” I am The Burger King, of course.”

“Yes, you are.,”I said. He is still holding my hand.

“What brings you here?” A customer asked.

He turned slowly saying,” Well, the morning did. We’re having a press conference. And...you’re in it.” He faced everyone “ We would like to take photos with each customer at this event. Our morale goes way up!”

Morale...Oh, my! I realized he is taking about us helping him on this occasion. They brought out a large cake adorned by candles. I felt like it was somebody’s birthday. And I am correct. It’s the Kings celebration in June. I couldn’t do anything but smile now. What about home? My fries don’t matter so much...I started drinking a cola. He noticed me?!

“ Come on. You can’t leave. We’re having a party.”

The music played their song. This tune was danceable and people hip hop, be bop, rock and waltzing about me. He coaxed my hand into his then spun me around. I laughed. What am I doing? I tried to ease a rather overactive consciousness. I kept dancing a waltz. I slithered away dancing to a beat headed for the doorway.

AMAZ-ing?!!!

A waitress brought me a paper plate wrapped in Saran Wrap.

She said,” Cake?! It is from The King. He said, you forgot your cake. It’s good. Vanilla swirl.”

I thanked her. I appreciated everything around me. I wanted to stay. My emotions craved an overnighted but I don’t do that. I loved to go in a special way...I’ll be back soon.

The End.