From Grass to Grace, he rose

8. Kindness

During lunch at work, when Alexander stood in line, waiting for his food, he felt someone tap him gently on the shoulder. He turned around and saw a familiar face. It's Rebecca. So, she's the delivery woman who brings food to his workplace. She was smiling at him, her hazel eyes shining.

"Hi, mister," she said, her voice warm and friendly. "It's nice to see you again." She doesn't yet know his name.

But still he was taken aback by her kindness. He's not used to being treated with such warmth and respect. He stammered a bit before he managed to say, "Hi, Rebecca. It's nice to see you too"

Surprisingly, she dragged him out of the line to a corner and handed him a packed food flask for him. "I didn't stalk you. I just found out you were a worker here" she explained.

He nodded, taking the flask from her. "The food is always good. Thank you but why the free food anyway?"

Rebecca blushed slightly. She can't believe she's melting in front of a guy "It's to thank you for the past three weeks at the party. It was really sweet of you to help me back there. I'm glad you did."

There was a pause, and then Alexander said, "I'm glad I could bring you out of your shell. So, delivery woman?"

She smiled "Yes, and I love the job"

"Should I walk you to your car? I mean that's all I can do after your thanksgiving in form of food" he laughed but she agreed anyway.

When they got to her delivery car, she thanked him for everything. It felt as though they've known eachother for so long.

"It was no problem at all. I'm always happy to help out when I can. And it was nice to chat with you while we were walking to your car" he told her softly

Smiling, she said " You seem like a very interesting person, Alexander."

His cheeks turned red. He doesn't know what to say to what she had just said. He's not used to people being so nice to him in a long time. He cleared his throat and said shortly, "Well, thank you. That's really kind of you to say."

They stood there in silence for a moment, unsure of what to say next. She decided to break the silence by saying, "Well, I should probably get back to work. I've got a lot of deliveries to make."

"Oh, of course," he said. "I don't want to keep you from your work."

Rebecca smiled again. "It's no problem at all. I enjoyed talking to you."

Just as he was about to walk away, she said, "Hey, I don't want to intrude or anything, but I was wondering if you'd like to get coffee sometime. Just as friends, of course."

Alexander looked surprised, but then a smile spreads across his face. "I'd like that very much, but just coffee as friends" he wanted it to remain that. He knows his status as a married man.

He nodded and quickly asked "When would you like to meet?"

"How about this weekend?" She suggests. "We could meet on Saturday morning at the coffee shop near my workplace."

"That sounds perfect," he replied. "I'll see you there." He added.

She smiled at him and then headed back to her car.

Alexander stood there for a moment, a little stunned by what just happened. He can't believe she just asked him out on a coffee date, and he can't believe he just said yes. He'll have to make it known to her that the ring on his finger wasn't for fashion.

Sad to say, he's the only one in the marriage that still respects the meaning of the ring. His wife already dumped hers somewhere in their room.

When Saturday morning came sooner, Rebecca arrived at the coffee shop early. She got a table by the window and ordered a cup of coffee. As she was waiting for her drink, she couldn't help but feel nervous. She hoped she hasn't made a mistake by asking him out here. What if he doesn't show up? What if he thinks she's weird for asking him out? Her mind was racing with all sorts of worst-case scenarios.

Just then, the door to the coffee shop opened and he came walking in. Alexander spotted Rebecca and smiled as he walked over to her table.

"Hey there, Rebecca," he said, taking a seat across from her. "I'm so sorry for being late but I promise I never forgot today's arrangement" he smiled and then his order for coffee was taken.

Rebecca on the other hand felt her heart leap in her chest. She couldn't believe he was actually here, and that he never forgot today. She smiled back at him and said, "I'm glad you could make it. It's nice to see you again."

She began after he nodded "So, how's everything going? How's work and everything?"

"Work's been pretty busy, but it's nothing I can't handle," he responded. "And how about you? How's life as a delivery driver?"

She laughed. "It's definitely interesting. I meet all sorts of people on my route. Sometimes they're really friendly, and sometimes they're not. But I try to make the best of it."

Alexander nodded. "That's a great attitude to have. Not everyone can find the silver lining in a job like that. I admire your positive view of things."

She smiled and said, "Thanks, I think it's important to find something to be grateful for, no matter what you're doing. It makes life a lot more enjoyable."

"I couldn't agree more," he said. "In fact, I think that's one of the keys to finding gratitude and happiness in everything you do. Even if it's a difficult or unpleasant work, there's always something to be thankful for."

"That's such a wise perspective, you have there" she said, impressed. "It's not often you meet someone who thinks like that. I think that's really admirable."

"Well, thank you," he said, feeling flattered.

For once in his life he felt someone appreciating him in some way. Someone who doesn't see his line of work as filthy.

He didn't feel offended or anything when he mentioned he was married and she didn't probe him further to tell her about his married life.

And for the next half hour, they continued to chat especially things they have a lot in common. They share a habit of reading, a passion for movies, and a deep appreciation for the little things in life. Before they knew it, their coffee cups were empty and they've been talking for hours.

"Wow," Alexander said after checking his wristwatch. "We've been here for a long while. It's almost time for me to head home."

"Time really does fly when you're having fun," Rebecca said with a smile. "It was so nice chatting with you"

He felt sad parting with her. A feeling he didn't understand but assumed was his long craving for someone to share things with.

He checked his bank balance once again and smiled.

They're moving out today whether that family likes it or not.