My passenger says

[Steadfast]

Back a number of years ago I was workin' nights for 5 years. I used to work from 9:30 P.M. until 6:00 A.M. I used to drive one or two other guys home. My round trip was about 49 miles. One night as I dropped off one of my buddies and headed for the bridge to take me to the boro I lived I saw a fellow from work standing at the bus stop. This neighborhood consisted of Irish, Germans, Swedes and Norwegians. He obivously came from the subway system which was below the bus stop. It was the last stop on the subway. I had some friction with this guy and I didn't really like him. But waiting for that bus to go where I lived really sucked. I pulled into the bus stop and called his name, "Lee what you doing here? Ya know they shoot black people in this neighborhood"I was kidding with him. Lee walked over to my car and he didn't like me either, we had what you call a personality conflict. He said, "I am taking some courses at the college over that bridge". I said opening my door, "hop in. I'll take you, it is on my way home." He jumped in and we drove over the bridge. I asked him what courses he was taking and we made small talk. He got out at the college and said, "Thanks." I nodded and drove home. At ending time next day I saw Lee and asked him if he wanted to ride with us. He accepted. I drove him to class for the next 3 months. One day I saw he was hesitant and asked him what was wrong? Lee said, "I got these guys after me and I don't want them to catch me when I am with you. I decided not to get you into any trouble." I said matter of factly to Lee,"shit Lee, you are lucky the guys after me didn't catch us yet. Count your lucky chickens you are still alive," I lied. I thought it was a funny thing to say but Lee never rode with me again. We never hated each other after that period and even nodded to each other at work. Six months later I never saw Lee again. Maybe those people after him caught him like he said. He may have transferred or better yet he may have completed his degree and got a job elsewhere. People on the job called Lee crazy, a weirdo. I just looked at him as another guy trying to make his way. Life sure has many turns to it. I learned to take it as it comes.