The 80's Became the Present Again

The 80's Became The Present Again On the coast of Oahu here, I was on a beach bus, circling a sweet picture in my mind, white sands, blue seas, palms, rolling all along in a candy store. It was a beautiful beach setting, a beautiful scenic bus ride ... how can it get any better? Three college aged girls wearing the tiniest bikinis get on. Satin and those tan lines stretching my imagination. Nirvana. The candy store sales hit the roof. The beach bus crooned. Seated next to me was an old man, a few years older than me, who suddenly became young again. His eyes were as conspicuous as can be, eyeing the sweets, especially the brunette with the black bottom, who at first was naive of giving old dogs a bone. The old man kept looking like a kid in a candy store. He had that open mouth look. His eyes sparkled. I did, too. I was close behind. My eyes taking sideward glances through the cracks of my fingers seeing the 80's again. By now the girls are on to us. No doubt feeling old mens eyes taking liberties, poking fantasies, our eyes and heart palpations creeping along their skin. In a fleeting moment the balloon fizzled. Gees. The joke is on us. Black bottom and her two friends cover themselves with towels. There's a hush. Are those hooves I hear? Are patrons running back to the candy store seeking refunds, led by the two old men. They did. Did the bus lose it's croon? It did. There was dryness in my throat and a fire hydrant wanting to gush loose in my dreams. And out of humanity we look over at the girls, once again, collectively, maybe with repentance in our eyes this time. They shrugged, they smiled, adding backpacks on top of their towels. No. Yes. I look out the window. The 80's became the present again. connie pachecho 8/21/17