By Cheryl Campbell

I was some-what part of the 7th July 2005 bombing attack, in London, this is how incidents un-folded for my family and myself.

Bournemouth Bus Station.

Sitting and waiting, watching what's going .

I see - The Window Cleaner, or does he have a different name.

This man taking such 'pride' in cleaning the glass, (or is it plastic?). This covering sheltering us some-what from the wind and rain while we wait for coaches to far-away places or for our home-ward bound journey.

I watch, his yellow/green jacket blowing in the wind.

Water on pane - pole in hand - water off - pole in hand.
Drips cleared away. Up, down, side-ways motion.

Wearing bright blue gloves - a protection - from what?

A coach arrives - driver gets out - makes frantic phone call.
Some thing about coaches not returning to London.

The coach company's represensitive appears, introduces herself (Sue), and begins to speak. We walk nearer to listen.

Shocked at what we hear, brings tense expressions onto many faces.

There has been a bomb blast in London, roads closed, no-one sure of what is happening. She will keep us informed. So-far it seems there will be a 3 hour delay.

After a while, time for a hot drink.

We talk (the shop assistant) and myself. She tells me the lady outside (Sue) is her mum, she was in London the previous day, she speaks with love and relief in her voice.

- Little does she know -

More news from her.

She says not one, but five bombs have exploded.

Was the bus company trying to protect us, or was this fresh news?

Did not ask any questions, left, feeling more shocked and confussed.

Lots more phone calls - coaches arrive, but do not leave.
Many people have taken the option of changing their travel tickets for the following day.

We can't, my daughter has plans. 'T' In the Park - she's off to Scotland!

We wait and wait - but not as long as we expected.

Coach given permission to leave, but has to be checked - luggage compartment inside and out, everywhere. We will then go to Heathrow, not Central London.

- That's fine by us - .

The coach driver and Sue talk.

Luckily, Sue's daughter is not around to see her mother as very tentatively she checks the coach with the driver.

He seems relaxed and confident, he's just driven in - he is convinced all is well.

Still - company rules have to be obeyed!

I observe - I see apprehension on Sue's face. She checks the seats and luggage racks above. She comes out carrying a plastic carrier bag, we all step back automatically. She gives us a reassuring smile, through her own fears, I feel sure.

Some now begin to board the coach, the driver is on-hand.

I thank her. Think, and tell her, she was very brave.

She thanks me.

Our paths may never cross again, but there goes 'one brave lady', placed in circumstances she probably never imagined would happen to her.

We arrive - Heathrow Airport in on alert - armed police on duty - such an unusual sight in this country.

People are still bustling, this bustling looks almost like nervous energy to me.

Our local but has been cancelled. We were near - yet, so far - from home.

No taxis available - all in use.

Two long, diverse, bus journeys later we arrive home. Tired, hungry, but SAFE.

Just settle in - phone rings. It is 'hubby', checking that everyone and everything is ok. He'll see us shortly.

Yes, relief all around.

.

Learn more about this author, Cheryl Campbell.
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