My original plan was to take the Cornell bus up to school
and stay overnight. Alexander’s interest
in having me accompany him back to school links exclusively to my ability to
help set up and clean his room. The
transportation to Ithaca and back, plus the hotel, is almost $700. Alexander would be better off hiring a
cleaning service. I would feel guilty, but I doubt he would mind.
I call my friend John, whom I haven’t seen or spoken to
since we had dinner in March. We met in
February of 2009, so I’ve known him now for three and a half years. Our pattern is to get together for a great
dinner; catch up on life; and then see each other four or five months later
when I call him. Based on our frequency
of contact, you wouldn’t know that I like him as much as I do. John is an incredibly kind person.
Without hesitation, John agrees to drive me and Alexander up
to Cornell (about four hours away), help unpack once we arrive; drive to the local
storage company to pick up the things Alexander left there over the summer;
drive me back to NYC; and then return to his home in NJ (which, by the way, is
an hour closer to Cornell). John's graciousness extends to
questions like: Which vehicle should I
bring? The Mercedes? A van?
A pick up truck? Should I bring
my tool kit? (John is great with his
hands).
Last night we speak to finalize our plans.
Me: What do you want
for breakfast? I was thinking I’d make bagel,
cream cheese and lox sandwiches?
John: Nothing for me
thanks.
John: C’mon. I’m going to get you something. What would you like?
John: Okay, how about a yogurt with some fruit on it?
Me: Done. Now how do you like your coffee?
John: Oh, don’t
bother; that’s okay. Really, I don’t
want to inconvenience you.
He doesn’t want to
inconvenience me? He’s gotta be
kidding! Said by anyone else, I would think
they were being sarcastic. But not
John. He truly is that nice.
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