The other night, I was riding the F train when a lady hops on asking for donations for her organization that helps children whose mothers are in prison. Several people around me, including the girl on my left and the lady to my right, were inquiring about the org and wanted her contact info. It turns out both subway riders wanted to volunteer with children. After realizing they shared a common interest, they started chatting amongst themselves, while I was sandwiched between them. At first, I didn't think anything of it. I thought it would soon die down, after all, these women were strangers and New Yorkers. I was wrong. The train stops kept zooming us by as we headed uptown...50st...57st...63st...and into Queens...and they were still talking away, while I tried to look busy on my blackberry.
The African-American girl on my left revealed she's 22 years old and a teacher in Newark. The middle-aged Jewish lady to my right is a self-made PR professional now...but was once a heroin addict. The teacher invited the PR woman to come as a guest speaker to her classrooom...and she gladly accepted.
The more personal they got, the more awkward it was for me to pretend I wasn't listening. So, I finally interrupted them and asked them to swap seats with me. They apologized for talking over me and continued their conversation once I moved.I smiled to myself because I knew I had witnessed something special. These two ladies, who would otherwise be unlikely associates, had just started something on the F train...maybe even a friendship. So, who says New Yorkers aren't friendly? Rude...maybe...but don't ever doubt that there's a lot of ♥ here.
