Mr Nobody A Greenville Story

MR NOBODY A Greenville Story

This story came to me at night when I couldn't sleep. I wrote this two days and it probably shows. I get the same complaints about grammar so I'm trying something new with my writing style. People don't realize how stupid the English language really is until you write it. Anyway, I hope you like the story.

It's been like this for most of my life. At least the part I can remember. I'm the guy no one notices. I get bumped into while walking in crowds like no one sees me. I was overlooked when picking teams in school. At work I don't get noticed for promotion or the work I do. Women, ha, I think they see a blank space wherever I stand.

I'm kinda average, at 26 years old I'm 5 foot 9 inches, 220 pounds, brown hair and brown eyes. I'm not muscular but not fat. I don't know what it is, nobody ever sees me or so it seems. I'm Josh Smith, an average name for an average guy. I grew up just outside of Greenville in Ranlo. Grew up with my mom Peggy, dad Frank, older brother Jonathan and younger sister Jane. My dad worked for the city in the Parks and Recreation Department. My mom worked part time at Morgans dress shop. I had a good childhood. My parents treated me okay. They didn't ignore me like most middle children. I wasn't bullied by Jonathan like a lot of younger brothers. I wasn't into sports like him. Jane was the artistic one of the family. I was just me.

I wasn't the weird kid in school. You know the one that people are afraid to talk too because he creeps them out. I had a few select friends, maybe 3 or 4 throughout my time in school. I even had a date to the senior prom, doesn't matter it was arranged by our mothers. We gave each other our virginity since we both figured this might be the only chance it would happen.

I was able to go to Greenville Community College and studied accounting. I got a job at Apex Accounting out of college. Its a good job that paid enough for me to move out on my own and get a one bedroom apartment. I can do the job without much interaction with coworkers and I never met customers. I eat lunch at my desk by myself. Yes, I'm one of those guys who packs his own lunch. It saves me money. I sit in the back during meetings and never answer or get asked questions.

So here I am in the bank as its being robbed. I'm surprised its kinda like in the movies. I think these guys are idiots because no one ever gets away robbing a bank in the movies. They rushed in, yelling and screaming waving guns around. I was standing by the door when they rushed past me. Like they never noticed me.

Why rob the smallest bank in town? Piedmont Savings & Loan only has 2 branches. I mean none of them big or small have security guards standing by like in the movies. And have you seen security guards lately. Most are really old just trying to supplement their pensions or social security. Or not smart enough to be a real cop. No disrespect intended but really. They have automatic alarms that multiple people can activate. Those dye packs they put with the money. If you're going to do it do it right, go for the gusto.

So here I am, standing watching these idiots not robbing the bank very well. What do I do? I'm not trained in martial arts. I wasn't a Ranger in the army. Heck, I wasn't even a Boy Scout. So what made me do what I did? Hell if I know, even to this day. The one robber who looked more like a meth head had grabbed a woman and was holding a gun to her head. I walked up to the robber and hit him in the back of his head with my briefcase. Normally it wouldn't have much effect but I caught him with the hardened corner of the case at the right spot right behind the ear. Who knew that was the best spot to knock someone out. He dropped like the proverbial sack of potatoes. As he fell he released the lady and dropped his gun. I picked it up. I had never held a gun let alone shot a gun. Not even a BB gun because my parents were against them. I only seen people use them in the movies and on TV.

The other robber had by now noticed his accomplice wasn't accomplicing anymore. He looked shocked when he noticed me with the gun. I yelled at him to drop his gun and get on the ground. I guess that's what you're supposed to say in instance right? I was never more surprised when he actually did as I instructed. So what do I do now. I didn't have hand cuffs or anything. I didn't think that far ahead. My internal questions where answered when some guy grabbed his gun and held it on him.

I could hear the police sirens as they pulled up. They came running into the bank shouting orders and waving guns. I guess today was Gun Waving Day and no one told me. They ran past me towards the two robbers and proceeded to hand cuff them. Everyone had gotten off the floor and went to thank the guy with the other gun for saving them. Its like I didn't do anything and was completely forgotten. He was getting all the credit. So I just walked out the bank and back to work. Just like it was another day.

The robbery made the news of course. The other guy, A Malcolm Scott, was hailed as a hero for saving everyone in the bank. He was eating up the attention. Saying how he only did it to keep people safe and didn't think about the danger. It was the story of my life.

I still had the gun and didn't know what to do with it so I keep it in my briefcase. The only other thing in it was my lunch.

A week later I was at the same bank. I was waiting to talk to the loan manager about getting a mortgage. Not having a social life let me save quite a bit of money that I would use for a down payment on a 2 bedroom 1 bath house I've been looking at in the New Hope area of the city. This time there wasn't a robbery. As I was waiting the bank manager came and asked me into her office. I thought she was going to talk about my loan, I was very wrong.

She told me when they reviewed the tapes of the robbery they noticed it wasn't the guy who took all the credit that saved the day. At first they didn't know it was me until they went back through the video to see which teller I used and got my name from the transaction. Because of my quick thinking she said I had saved some lives and definitely the banks money.

For my bravery they had approved any loan I wanted within reason. They had already went through my bank records and credit history. They also wanted to let the media know about the true hero.

I was shocked and pleased. This has never happened to me before. I mean, I was Mr. Nobody. No one notices me, ever. As I sat there a pretty lady knocked on the office door. The manager told her to come in and she introduced her as Lucy Palmer. Turns out she was the woman the robber was holding his gun on when I knocked him out. She wanted to thank me for saving her life. She started crying as she hugged me. I held her and told her anyone would have done the same thing and that I was glad she was safe. She asked, almost beg to let her treat me to dinner for being her hero. The manager was laughing about it. I said sure I would love to have dinner with her. We made arrangements for the coming Saturday. She took my phone number before she left.

I left with a loan for 100% of the purchase price at 3 points lower than the regular interest rate. That evening the CBS station called wanting to do an interview with me. I said sure and set something up for the next day. Before I met the TV station 2 radio stations called and the newspaper sent someone to my job.

No one at work knew what I had did and where very surprised to find out I was a hero. Honestly I didn't think half of my coworkers even knew my name. If my name tag said, "hey Buddy, or "Yo" they wouldn't bat an eye.

The media attention was somewhat overwhelming. I did 2 TV, 4 radio and a newspaper interview. My parents called me right after the article appeared in the news paper. Dad was very proud and mom was worried sick. My brother and sister also called. They were surprised to hear what happened. My sister told me never do something like that again.

After I was found out to be the actual hero, a term I hate because I just did something I hope others would so, the guy who pretended to be a hero eventually became vilified as a fraud and had to move out of town.

Dinner that Saturday at the Captains Cap seafood restaurant with Lucy was probably the best date I ever had. We talked about everything. She's 25 years old and was raised in Wilmington, Delaware not North Carolina. Graduated from the University of Delaware with a BA in Finance. She moved to Greenville with boyfriend but it didn't work out. She liked the area so decided to stay. Her father is still in Wilmington,her mother died 3 years ago. She has 2 sisters both older. She's has been at the bank for 6 months when it got robbed.

She said she had never been so scared in her life. She really thought she was going to die until she saw me swing my briefcase out the corner of her eye.

She was mad when that guy started taking all the credit. She's the one that asked the bank to check the video and find out who I was.

Of course my life story wasn't as interesting as hers. And accounting isn't the most fascinating topic to talk about. That robbery was the highlight of my life.

During dinner several people came to our table to shake my hand. It became embarrassing being the center of attention. Who would have thought people would want to have a picture taken with me. The manager even comped our meal. At least for the night Mr. Nobody was Mr. Somebody.

We talked until 9 and than went for a short walk around the park. I was having a wonderful time. Lucy was 5 foot 3 inches, slim but not skinny. Her Auburn hair was in a loose bun. Reminds you of a young Jennifer Love Hewitt. She was dressed casually and stylish. Very little, if any makeup. She had an easy laugh and had a quick wit.

I walked her back to her car at the restaurant and got a nice kiss on the cheek. She made a promise to call me soon.

Going into work was a totally different experience. People who never spoke to me said good morning. Even the receptionist was friendly. I even had a couple of messages from women who wanted to take me out. I had to laugh about that.

Life went on until something else happened to catch peoples attention. I was back to being Mr. Nobody with the exception of Lucy. She called me a couple of days later and asked if I wanted to get together again. I told her only if I could pay this time. She laughed saying she didn't pay last time, the food had been comped.

That date lead to many more. I was afraid our budding relationship was based on Lucy's hero worship.

We talked about that. I found out she was seeing a therapist about what happened that day. It was one of the things they talked about. At first she just wanted to show her gratitude for saving her life. But she had such a good time on our first date she wanted to see me again. She confided that she found me cute, attractive and smart. She felt comfortable with me and wanted to see where it could go. I felt the same way.

Several things changed in my life after the robbery. People stopped bumping into me as I walked. I would get greeted when I came into work. Men would nod their head if we made eye contact. Co-workers invited me out to lunch and after work functions. I was asked questions when they had an accounting issue they couldn't solve. The biggest thing was when we went through a reorganization, Renee Bartlett asked me to be on her team she was forming to handle large business accounts and do independent auditing. Life was good.

Lucy and I continued to date. She met my family at a fourth of July BBQ. They really took to her. Between my mother and sister, I didn't get to say 10 words to her the whole day. I would catch her laughing at something they said and smiling at me. I could only imagine the lies they were telling her...lol.

My brother was surprised I found someone as good as Lucy. He told me to get the chains together so she doesn't get away. My father said I did good. He's a man of few words. That's high praise coming from him.

Thanksgiving was spent in Delaware at her sisters Tanya's house. She lives outside the city in an area called Hockessin. I found out that everyone says they are from Wilmington because the state is so small if they live in New Castle County. Frank didn't live in Wilmington either. He lives in New Castle. It can be confusing, trust me. It was my first time meeting her family. Her father Tony was a big guy, easily 6 foot 4 inches tall with a barrel chest. He had worked on the docks most of his life. Even though he was retired he still looked like he could lift one of those shipping containers onto his shoulder. Tanya's husband Pete was a Dentist. He was a lanky fellow who always had a joke to tell. Lucy's other sister Beth bought her girlfriend Stephanie.

I had a good time. Lucy talked about how I saved her life from mortal danger and would always be her hero. Which got a look of admiration from her sisters and a pat on the back and a hearty thanks for keeping his baby safe from her father. Conversation was easy. It's nice to see a family so well connected. After dinner we sat around watching football. Of course the Cowboys and Lions both lost. Why we are subjected to watching them every Thanksgiving is beyond me. Do better NFL!

I got a chance to talk to Tony alone. I explained how much I cared for Lucy and what she meant to me. If he would give his blessing I promised to keep her safe, love and respect her for the rest of my life. And as an added bonus give him at least 3 grandchildren. He grabbed me in a bear hug that took my breath away and said yes I had his blessing. Turned out the bear is really a big Teddy Bear.

We talked about some things I wanted to do and I needed his help. He agreed quite quickly when he found out what I wanted to do.

Apex was having their annual Christmas party the second Saturday of December. Usually I didn't go but this year was different. People actually asked if I was coming. Things had changed not only on my job but my life since the robbery. Some female coworkers had tried to fix me up on blind dates or introduce me to friends on our after work nights out. I told them I was dating someone and it was very serious. When they found out they were happy for me and wanted to meet this young lady.

I picked up Lucy to go to the party. She was wearing a gorgeous bluer off the shoulder dress and a slit up to her hip, shoes with 4 inch heels. I was speechless when she opened the door. All I could do was stand there with my mouth open staring at her. She giggled and asked if I like her outfit. I was honest and said I don't like it, I love it. I told her that dress wouldn't look as good on someone else. But on her it was spectacular. She giggled again, Did I tell you I love her laugh, kissed me on the cheek and walked to the car. Getting my whit about me I followed and opened the door for her.

When we got to the party we were greeted by several of my co-workers with handshakes and hugs. I made introductions of Lucy to everyone. My boss, Renee and her husband Jackson spoke to us for some time. He had just started his own marketing agency. Renee told Lucy what an asset I was to her team. Lucy looked at me with pride in her eyes.

My life had changed so much in 6 months. I bought my house, I had a beautiful girlfriend and I was doing great on my job. There was only one more change that needed to be made.

During the party they acknowledge peoples work and give out bonuses. This wasn't any different. The owner, Larry Templeton along with Renee and Jessica were giving out awards to various people. Some were the usual business awards, best in sales, Highest earner etc. Some where joke awards, Most likely to steal your lunch, the always late award, things like that.

Larry got serious and announced they had a special award to give. He asked me to come up and told everyone I had won the award for bravery by stopping a bank robbery and saving a life. I was shocked. I figured everyone had forgotten about it by now. I knew I would be called up but not for this. I made a little speech of appreciation. Than I took the bull by the horns. I told them how much my life had changed since that fateful day. But the best thing that changed was bringing Lucy into my life. I took the mic and walked to our table. Got down on one knee and asked if she would make me the happiest man in the world by being my wife. With tears in her eyes she said yes and hugged and kissed me. The room erupted in applause. Out of nowhere her sisters ran up and gave her hugs. She was dumbstruck to see them. Than her father come up along with my parents and family. She cried even harder but it was tears of joy.

I had arranged for both families to be at the party once I got the okay from Larry and Renee. They were more than happy to help. I put Lucy's family up in a hotel for the weekend. Her Teddy Bear of a father was crying like a baby.

We spent the rest of the night being congratulated and Lucy showing off her ring. Larry came up and said he wanted to talk to me Wednesday. I asked why not Monday and he said because he was giving me Monday and Tuesday off to celebrate my engagement. I told him I really appreciated it.

That Sunday both families got together for breakfast at Groovy Beast. They have the best french toast this side of well France I guess. The fathers got along very well and it was funny to see them argue football. My father was at a disadvantage since the Eagles had won a Superbowl recently and the Panthers continue to suck.

My mom was beyond excited to start planning the wedding. Lucy, her sisters and my sister were huddled making plans. My father already told me to stay out of the way and just nod my head yes when asked what I thought. My main job was to show up the day of the wedding.

I sat back watching everyone talking, planning and getting to know each other. I had to smile to myself. 7 months ago I was Mr. Nobody. Now, in a few short months I'm going to be the happiest married man ever. Life is good.

Epilogue

We got married in April at Lucy's family church in Philly and Honeymooned in Barbados. I kept my promise to Tony and gave him 3 grandchildren, Josh Jr, Frank and Loretta, named after Lucy's mother. Lucy stopped working to raise the kids. It wasn't such a hardship as I got promoted at work when Larry open the Raleigh office and he had openings in Greenville. So now I ran my own team.

The house I bought after the robbery wasn't suitable for a family so we rented it out for the income and bought a 5 bedroom 4 bath house just outside the city in Belmont.

The End

Renee & Jackson Barrett appeared in More Equal parts 1 and 2 I Loving Wives

Malcolm Scott was appeared in During, Before and After in Loving Wives