i like plants and cats...do you?

KEY:

plain font = stalker
italics = stalked (a.k.a. Malia)
bold = rescuer

A couple of weeks ago, I went to my friend's house to retrieve my plant that she had been babysitting for me while I was in Utah. It was late and as usual the trains were infrequent and weren't running as quickly as they do during the day. It was hot, humid, and I was tired. With plant in hand, I boarded the train. There were a few empty seat but I didn't feel like sitting down so I made my way to the middle of the train. A man near the door motioned for me to come and sit next to him. To be honest, it looked a little squishy, he looked a little scary, and I was too hot to even think about being that close to someone...let alone a complete stranger.

I politely declined and pretended to be caught up in my thoughts and slowly turned so that I wasn't facing him. A few moments passed and he moved to the opposite side of the car so that he was facing me once again. Another few minutes passed and he motioned for me to come over to him. I shook my head. He motioned to me once more. I smiled and said no. By now people were watching our exchange. At this point, he said, "Come on. Be polite." So, not wanting to seem like the subway grouch, I slowly made my way over to him. He then motioned for me to sit down while he stood up. I could smell the alcohol on his breath. I told him no and that I was completely content to be standing. He then began to chastise me, "I'm trying to be a gentleman. You should try to be a lady."

Really? Did you just say that to me? I determined to absolutely NOT sit down at this point.

"No," I said firmly. "I am fine." And I moved away from him closer to another man on the subway who was watching us intently. (He was super cute, by the way, and I was wishing that HE was the one engaging me in conversation instead of this drunk, stalker man. He was tall, had dark hair, rippling muscles and a friendly face. He wore a green shirt, black shorts, and was carrying a gym bag. He smiled at me as I moved closer to him. I will call him Alex....but I digress.) Stalker man then started to whip out his "womanizing" tricks while slowly inching towards me:

"So you like plants?"
(I did my best to stifle a laugh.) "Yeah."
"I like plants. Do you know what kind that is? It looks like it would grow big if it was outside."
" Maybe. I don't know what kind this is. A friend gave it to me."
"Yeah, I like plants....and cats. I really like cats. Do you like cats?"
(Now I do like cats, but I didn't want him to find another commonality between us...I mean after plants and cats surely dating and marriage would follow, right? But I didn't lie.) "Yes, I like cats." (I took a step back.)
"Yeah, I had a cat once but when my ex kicked me out she kept the cat and then later kicked the cat out." (He stepped closer.)
(Sad.) "I'm sorry. That's not very nice."
"Yeah, I really miss that cat. But I like cats and plants."
"OK."

Now take note that everyone, and I repeat EVERYONE in the train car was watching us and the awkwardness that was uniquely ours. What was really bothering me though, was that my stop was coming up soon and he was still on the train. I was starting to worry that we would both get off at the same time and that he would follow me home. Alternate plans started to float around in my head and I found myself hoping that police would be canvasing the area like they normally do when I got out. He continued to try to chat but most of his speech was slurred or too quiet to hear. I wasn't about to get closer to better understand him.

"Well this is my stop." (Thankfully, it was the one right before mine.)
"OK, bye."
"I would ask for your name, but I probably won't see you again?"
"Yep, no. Probably not. No need. Goodnight. Nice to meet you."

He reached for my hand and for some reason I gave it to him. It was a weak shake...the ending of a weak pick-up. I breathed sigh of relief as he got off and the tension in the car started to melt.

I looked over at Alex and we exchanged knowing glances.

"I'm sorry! I couldn't think of anything to say. I was racking my brain, trying to think of reasons to interrupt your conversation with him. You know, something like, 'So what are we going to have for dinner tonight?' But you know."
"Aw, thanks. Yeah, I was afraid that he was going to get off at my stop."
"Yeah, me too. I would have done something though. Don't worry. I was totally with you."

We chatted for a few minutes and I found myself wishing that HE would follow me home, but no such luck. I had to smile though, as I walked back home. New York unites people. We're all struggling through the heat, we all have to ride the crowded subway cars, we all deal with crazies. We all have to carry groceries, run for the elevator, and all of these things and a million others bring us together to the point that a complete stranger is willing to change his travel plans so that he can help out a complete stranger who needs an escort home. New Yorkers get a bad rap sometimes. But I have to say that it is completely unfair. I have been privy to more acts of kindness, generosity, and unity than I can count. Granted every group of people has its grumpies and those that are just plain inconsiderate, but for the most part, New Yorkers are willing to be a part of a team and I love it.

Just like my handsome "almost, but completely willing" rescuer, Alex.