The Perfect Fall

Dangerous—that’s what it was, Chad fumed. Cell phone usage while driving should be outlawed. He took his foot off the accelerator, allowing greater distance between his truck and the white Cabrio jerking down the highway like a snake with the hiccups. A few minutes later his impatience won out. Late for his first day on the job was unacceptable. Gunning his engine, Chad sped past the weaving vehicle, and glared into a pair of gorgeous hazel eyes. A young woman, driving with a cell phone glued to her right ear, glanced his way briefly and shivered. Her left hand, the one that was supposed to be steering, pounded out time with a country song blasting from her car stereo. “Jesus take the wheel”, was all he heard before his truck swerved back into the right lane. “Yes, please, take the wheel because it’s the only way I can picture her arriving safely.” He pleaded out loud. Caught up short, he steeled his thoughts. That sounded way too much like praying. I haven’t talked to God or even wanted to since Morgan left. Soldier on, Bentley—you have a job to get to.
Pulling into his designated parking space at Coopersburg Community College, he grabbed his briefcase and jogged to his classroom. There wasn’t even time to enjoy the fall foliage. Arriving at the English department, there was just enough time to foot-slide into room 210, unwrap a lollipop and slam his briefcase upon his desk. Sticking the candy in his mouth, he wadded up the wrapper and shot a free-throw toward the wastebasket. “Two points! The crowd goes wild!” He crowed, pumping his fists in the air, while mimicking the roar of an elated sports crowd. A discreet cough brought Chad’s euphoria to a screeching halt. The department dean stood just inside the door.
“I was under the impression we hired you to teach English literature, while Mrs. Jessup is on maternity leave. However, the drama department is always looking for enthusiastic professors,” stated Dean Anderson dryly. Chad removed the lollipop from his mouth, cleared his throat, and stood at attention. “No, sir, I’m quite content with teaching lit-uh, English literature.” Dean Anderson nodded and smiled crookedly. “That looked like a three-point shot to me.” Waving his chubby hand in the air, he took his leave as students began filing past him into the classroom. Waiting for the students to settle down, Chad heaved a deep sigh, returned the candy to his mouth, tucking the purple orb into his right cheek.

Divinity Stone, distracted by the menacing black truck and driver with a matching scowl, almost missed her turn. Fishtailing into the parking lot, she slammed on her brakes and rocketed out of her car. She had agreed to come in half an hour early today to dispense a pair of eyeglasses for a special needs child. Dr. Munson had persuaded Alan’s mother that with fewer distractions, it would be easier to fit her son since this would be his first pair of glasses.
Five minutes later, mother and son arrived. Alan was in especially high spirits, talking faster than usual to no one in particular. He began ritually touching each plant in the reception area asking, “How are you today? I’m fine.” At thirteen, he still interacted at a much younger level. Since interrupting his routine led to tantrums, Divinity waited patiently for him to finish talking to several plants. “Alan, would you like to come with me now? Your new eyeglasses are waiting for you.”
“Where are they? I can’t hear them talking to me. How will I know if they are mine? Can I sleep in them?” Nonsensical questions continued a Divinity led Alan and his mother to the dispensary. By this time he was pretending to be an airplane so she gently took his hand, helping him land in a chair at her fitting table. “Alan, can you please land the nose of your plane right here?” as she pointed to the bridge between the lenses. Continuing in the airplane theme, she managed to finish his fitting in less than twenty minutes.
Dr. Munson had observed the entire process. “Ingenious! I’ve never seen anything quite like that before.” Divinity’s stomach rumbled loudly. Lightly touching her abdomen while laughing, “I wish that airplane had offered snacks and beverages. My meager breakfast got burned up somewhere between take-off and landing.”
“We have a break in the schedule around 11 o’clock. Why don’t you take an early lunch break? Since you came in early, I won’t expect you back until your regular time.”
“Thanks. I…” Dr. Munson’s receptionist, Pamela, poked her head around the corner. “Each of you has a patient that has arrived.” “Guess I won’t be grabbing a quick snack before my next patient is ready.” Divinity sighed, hoping her stomach wouldn’t rumble in front of any patients—that would just be too embarrassing.