LOVE PROBABLY

14.

I feel like in a movie, my head resting on the glass, watching the scenery scroll by. Helped by the bus lanes, my driver is doing pretty well. We’re already on the way and I take full pleasure in sightseeing in spite of the rain which doesn’t cease falling. The bridges, the lighted buildings, the monuments, I could really use a guided tour, I thought when Mr what, already? Ah yes, Mr Chen said to me:

“On your right is the Museum of London, can you see it?”

“It would be hard not to see it…” I whispered. “Wow! I’m going to have to take a look inside.”

“London Bridge and Tower Bridge aren’t far. Just follow Thames Street along the river... You know?”

“Sorry?”

“The River Thames, of course!”

“Yes, anyway, I knew that! And on the South Bank is the London Eye. Every year, with my mother, we watched the London Marathon on TV. And also the July Shubbak Festival. Well, we used to watch it…” I said, feeling sadness overwhelm me.

“Ah ... A problem with your mother?” Mr Chen worries.

“Yes, rather a big problem, even. She just died. It’s she who brings me to London.”

“My sincere condolences, ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

The light turned green. My enthusiasm waned a bit, but Mr Chen caught my attention again.

“To the left, the Barbican Centre! Home of the London Symphony Orchestra.”

“I saw some concerts on TV, sometimes I even enjoyed it!”

“Yes, of course,” he said, a bit ironic. “Over there is the Finsbury Circus Garden created in the 17th century. They organize events there very regularly. It’s wonderful.”

“Have you been there before?” I ask, curious.

“Well, I’m Chinese, I like to play the tourist! You know, with the camera around my neck and everything!”

“Ah…” I said, surprised by so much self-mockery.

“I’m kidding! Haha ha…”

He bursts out laughing. He’s really friendly. I relax and sink into the seat. His laugh is exceptional. It’s impossible to resist it. So contagious that I start to imitate him. I never laughed so hard in all my life, I think.

“Mr Chen, stop! I’m going to pee in my panties!”

Damn it! Did I really say that? His laughter redoubles, and I hold my stomach. I haven’t urinated for hours. A real camel! I try to catch my breath. I wonder how he manages to see the road. With his eyes narrowed and the tears of joy flowing from them, frankly, I don’t know how he’s doing it. Fortunately, the rain stopped falling. The windscreen wipers are only useful for cleaning the heavy drops that fall from the poplars planted along the roadside.

“Ahhhh, ma’am, thank you! It’s been a long time since a fare has been so fun. Maybe since Mary.”

“Who’s Mary?”

“She’s a customer who has become a friend, wife and mother.”

“Quite the opposite of me, basically.”

“Oh... You have time for all that,” he said, exaggerating the Asian accent and laughing again.

“You’re a great guy!”

“People often tell me this!” he said, winking at me through the rearview mirror. “Ma’am, how about you let me do my job? On the left, we’re coming up on the Cathedral.”

Like a mirage in the sky, I see it quickly. The top of the Cathedral dome plays hide and seek with the rooftops of London. Oh my God!

“It’s there! I saw it!”

“Ahh. Yes, we’re approaching. Just a few more minutes and you’ll see it much closer. I take it that you’re coming to London for the first time.”

“That’s right.”

It’s finally here! Both hands pressed against the window, I can make it out among the trees, beautiful and majestic, all lit up. My heart races and I think of my mother. I’m here, mom. I’m in London. And you were right, it’s magic.