To be

"Who, who is this kid and what's he gonna do?"

I hadn't realized I'd been holding his hand until he released it to knock on the bus doors. The bus driver looked up and opened them.

"Sorry I'm late Mr...?"

The bus driver's dark skin almost looked black from the warm rays of the sunrise. His head shot up in surprise due to the fact someone was actually talking to him. When I saw his face, I was surprised too. He looked our age, if not a little older.

"Bobby." His voice reminded me of my father's, slow and wide. Except Bobby had a very present southern accent and sounded very young.

"Well, thank you for your patience Bobby. All of the seniors are really looking forward to this trip." He offered genuine smile toward Bobby.

"It's kinda required on the job, but we gotta get on the road now that you are here."

"Of course." The boy was about to lead me down the aisle of the bus when we were stopped by a, "Wait!!"

We both halted in our tracks. A while went by before Bobby broke the silence.

"You're a good kid. There aren't many of you left." Bobby said with a sheepish tone before he gestured for us to get to our seats.

I was then taken by the hand again to be led in the back of the bus. I felt a little bit of deja vu because mere moments before I'd been right here, but this time was different. I felt wanted here.

"Hasa Diga Eebowai" was still playing in the headphones, but the earmuffs rested comfortably on my neck. I half-wanted to lip sync the lyrics. But I looked at all the students. They were all staring, but it was all positive reactions.

"Wow, Callie is really on our bus!"

"I wonder who she's sitting with."

"Who's the guy holding her hand?"

"Are they an item now? That's too bad."

"I was always thinking that she would end up with Chance."

"Chance is really hot!"

As the conversation topic of me faded away, the stares did too. Even then, I took up the task of looking as confident as I can with someone holding my hand like a child.

His hands were actually soft, like REALLY soft. I look to where are fingers are interwoven and my hands seemed dry. Of course they did. He was probably taking notice of them now.

"Heather, Heather!" I snapped my head up at the sound of the voice. I'd been so focused on listening to everything, I never looked to see who the heck decided it was a good idea to put headphones on ironic music. I mean not that I didn't appreciate it. So when my head moved up...

I saw the blond hottie cosplaying Michael Mell from earlier.

"Hey, are you ok?" I snapped out the trance I had. No. I can't think this stuff. My character likes Chance. Chance kicked me off the bus for even talking to this guy. I don't even want to know what would happen this... thing went further.

"Honey, she's fine. She's also totally checking you out."

I turn toward the cocky voice as I try to suppress the blush creeping up my cheeks.