part 1

jack met rose on a bus down to mississippi. because this was the 50s his long hair and dirty stubble made him stand out, but her long patchwork dress borrowed from some grandmother and earrings that were too big for her face made her stick out just as much.

(this was before anyone had used the word “hippy”, and they were both thankful that they could be part of something without a name.)

i guess he sat next to her because their costumes matched; because they looked the same, or maybe it was because she had an extra seat next to her. maybe it doesn’t really matter, because he ended up next to her anyhow.

it only took him 15 minutes to say something. for her it felt like eternity.

“hey.” he said. “hi.” she said. “where are you headed?” he said (only to make conversation). “oh. a small place called ‘lovely town’ i read about. it’s all about love.” she said. “oh.” he said.

a pause.

“do you want to come?” she said. “sure.” he said.

he put his hand on her knee. she let him.

part 2

when they got there, and checked in at the front “desk” (really, more of a folding table with a folding chair in the middle of what used to be the main lodge) and the man who’s shift it was to tell people where they could stay didn’t dare put them in separate cabins.

he assumed that they had always been together. and always will be.

i hope he’s right.