Two Among Thousands
I overheard a woman at school talking to one of the teachers this morning in regard to Halloween. I just found out yesterday and I guess some people just found out today that the kids are dressing up tomorrow.
One of the women overheard the conversation but didn’t quite catch it because she asked, “Are they going to wear their costumes tomorrow?
Normally it’s not something I’d pay much attention to. However, in this case it caught my attention because what she didn’t say was “Ah they goiinng to weah theh coshtchooms tomahrow?”
My heart skipped a beat. I listened closely to see if she would speak again.
Then I heard it again - that undeniably American accent.
She’d barely finished talking when I blurted out, “Are you American?” There were several people between us and they all looked a little startled, but she confirmed.
I don’t think I hid my excitement very well. The twirling around and singing The Halls Are Alive With the Sound of America might have been a little much. It was just such a shock to meet an American - at L’s school, of all places. I’ve been here five weeks and I’ve not heard the accent from someone I don’t know the entire time.
She must have understood on a deeper level because she was sweet and we chatted a bit on the walk home. Her daughter is L’s age and her son is 17 months.
She mentioned that she knows several other Americans who live inthe area. I about fell over. I was beginning to think that the Yanks weren’t into Golders Green.
And you know…while I’m looking forward to getting to know some British women, it would certainly be nice to have someone to talk to about how much I hate George Bush. (Obviously if she likes him, we can’t be friends.)
Anyway, I scribbled my phone number down on a piece of L’s coloring paper with a marker. I haven’t wanted someone to call me this badly since I had to call and ask A to go out with me.
I wonder how long I’ll be able to stand it.
Oh well, I’ll see her tomorrow. L has a class activity and the fam is invited. Hopefully we’ll have a little time to chat.
And now, I must go clean for A’s mom. The countdown to Friday at 5 a.m. is on.
