Ravings of a Corporate Mommy: Bubba

March 14, 2005 | Category:

This story by Jay got me to remembering our own little run-in with Bubba many years ago.

You gotta remember - CD is a big guy. Not overweight, but tall and very broad-shouldered. He's got a jagged scar down his left cheek from a bar fight when he was 15 (or so the story goes) and his eyes don't naturally smile (unless he's looking at our son).

So it was a rainy rush-hour night, and we were riding in the van somewhere not quite downtown but still in the city.

At an intersection, our light turned green but CD was still kinda new to Chicago and didn't realize that a whole boat-load of people turning left still thought they had the right of way.

So he hit the gas and started driving straight through.

*Wham!*

We were clipped.

Next thing you know, we're all pulling over to the side of the road. The car that hit us was like a clown car full of Bubbas. Short Bubba, Tall beefy Bubba, and even a roly-poly-little Bubba who looked like he was ready to throw a punch at the first thing he saw.

CD ordered me to stay in the van and lock the doors. Then he got out. I thought this was a terrible idea and told him so, but he was already gone.

He approached them, and asked for the driver's license and insurance card.

Then the screaming began. The posturing. And the threats and accusations. Three of them facing down CD.

CD crossed his arms and just stared at the driver. Repeated his request.

They kept shouting. Rattlers in my stomach as I imagined my guy laid out in a pool of blood.

CD just stood there, arms crossed.

A couple of minutes later, Bubba-the-driver leaves his Bubba-buddies behind and races back to the car. After a tense moment, he returned - with his license and insurance card.

Next thing you know, the information had been exchanged and DriverBubba had apologized for the whole thing. CD shook his hand, and we were on our way.

CD later told me that he got out of the van for the same reason Jay did - because otherwise that little mob would have approached us and he didn't want me at risk.

And no, Bear wasn't conceived that night. But not for lack of trying.