The Writer Pt. 3

Robert, look happy, behave happy.

Robert thought to himself as he sat in the backseat of a classic yellow taxi. He was on his way to see his sister and assist in whatever troubles she had gotten herself wrapped into this time. He looked out the dirty taxi window and marveled the River Thames. It was a massive stretch that flowed through southern England through London. He always lost his breath by how scenic and undramatic the river was. Bodies of water, historical sites, and museums allowed Robert to retreat into the back of his mind and search for new stories or escape into the wonderland of English history.

“Mate, are you happy?” the Taxi driver asked as he squinted at Robert through the rear-view mirror.

“Excuse me?” Robert blurted out.

“I asked are you happy? See, I hate to presume if someone is happy or not. Some people can look as if they are miserable and dreadful creatures, but they are opposite inside. I’ve had people tell me I look angry or mad, but I’m actually quite content. You sir, don’t look happy. You look troubled, but that’s why I asked,” the taxi driver explained as he hit a bump and swerved. He shoots Robert a silly grin. Robert, still confused, searched for an answer.

“I’m.. I’m content I suppose. I have a bit on my mind, but who doesn’t? It’s London,” Robert retorted, hoping that would suffice so he could enjoy a quiet ride.

“Beautiful London. I was born here ya know,” The taxi driver happily remarked. Robert offered a half smile and a small nod.

Leave me alone. Robert thought. The taxi driver seemed to be a cheery and talkative man. He was lanky and kept a sort of permanent crooked smile, enough for Robert to catch a glimpse of his chipped front teeth. The taxi driver’s small brown dusty fedora hat gave Robert quite a bother. He preferred that adults be properly fitted from head to toe, no matter if you lounged and read quietly at home or took a night stroll in St. James’s Park. Robert noticed the taxi driver was doing that squinty thing at him again and  quickly shifted and turned his head towards the window to look busy watching the city move fast by him.

“What the… Is that a bird on the trunk of the cab? It’s been there for the whole ride I think.” the taxi driver stated as he leaned in closer to the rear view mirror.

It couldn’t be.

Robert swiveled around and sure enough, as he thought.

The raven followed me.

Robert tapped the back window and tapped hard.

“Get away from me bi-” Robert began to say before he jerked forward and slammed his head into the passenger head rest. He paused and sat upright, confused. The taxi driver started to laugh, seemingly relieved. Robert looked and saw that the man ran past a traffic sign and nearly plowed into a simple, sweet old lady bundled in her large beige undercoat, wrapped with a plaid scarf.

“Sorry mate. I was so taken by that bird, I forgot I was behind the wheel. Almost to your destination anyhow,” the taxi driver said as he laughed and continued on. He turned right and murmured to himself. Robert swiveled around again, and the raven still in place, seemingly unaffected by the drivers shenanigans.

“See bird, you get me in trouble at home and you will get me killed by this lunatic man. Go away,” Robert hissed as he pounded the back glass. The raven casually flew off, probably finding something better to tide its time.

“Alright. We’re here. Listen-” the taxi driver said as he turned around to look at Robert face to face. “I’m going to gift this ride. Not my best representation. I can see you were bothered and I probably didn’t help matters,” the taxi driver as he extended his hand out half way to Robert. “I’m Delaney. Glad to have been at your service sir,” Delaney the taxi driver said proudly.

“‘I’m… Robert, and thank you for your…  your services,” Robert remarked. He gave a face-scrunching smile while opening the door and stepping out as fast as he could.

“Long live England, sir!” Delaney shouted as Robert slammed the crooked, yellow grimy door. He waved Delaney off as he sped off quickly, zig-zagging down the street and turning left sharply. Robert inhaled a long breathe and proceeded forward toward his overachieving, perfect sisters large home.