Do You Read Me?

Chapter Two--Silence is Golden

Robbie Watched the little drops splash onto the glass, each making it's own little crooked river down the window. Watching them had a calming affect on him, and made the intimidating world around him seem not as bad. He sighed, as if he was releasing all the stress, and breathing in a little bit of comfort at a time. He didn't let the fact that he would be at school soon bother him.

Melissa touched his shoulder, softly getting his attention. He noticed her there, but he was much to far away to respond, or not immediately, at least. He turned and looked at her. He watched her mouth moving for a while, and watched her body language, but he didn't bother to listen. He was listening to the patter of the rain on the school bus window. Melissa had to say his name several times before he was back in reality.

He blinked. "Um. Yeah?"

"Were you listening to me at all?" She asked in irritation.

"...You were talking?" Robbie asked, in a light daze.

Melissa sighed. "Robbie, you were looking right at me."

Robbie gave no reply.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

Robbie sighed, rolling back his shoulders. He tilted his head back and let his neck rest on the back of the seat. "I don't know. I think so. I'm not depressed or anything...it's just that I feel very....unreal right now. You know what I mean?"

"yeah," Melissa said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I know what you mean."

"Hey, guys," Johnny said.

Having suddenly appeared, Johnny plopped down beside them as if the three of them were the best of friends. Melissa, being the one closest to him, immediately felt like her space had been invaded, and clutched to Robbie uncomfortably.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Is this your girlfriend, Robbie?"

Both Robbie and Johnny watched Melissa's face grow bright scarlet. But she she didn't care anymore really, and just buried her face in Robbie's shirt.

"Um, no." Robbie said, patting Melissa's head. "We're best friends. Almost like bros, but not exactly."

Johnny raised his eyebrows, smiling crookedly. "I see." 

Robbie was surprised. He expected something different from Johnny, who surprisingly, had no comment to offer.

When Melissa finally summed up the courage to show her face again, Johnny greeted her with a bright, polite smile and a handshake to offer.

"I'm johnny," Said he. "What's your name?"

"I'm Melissa," she mumbled shyly, shaking his hand ever-so-slightly.

"She's really shy," Explained Robbie. Everyone thought Robbie was shy, but they'd know if they compare him and Melissa, that he was the quiet one and she was the shy one.

Johnny nodded understandingly, and drew his hand back. "Don't worry, you'll get used to me in no time. I'm not such a bad guy once you get to know me."

Melissa just nodded, still looking terrified.

Johnny looked at Robbie, suddenly looking awkward. "Am I making people uncomfortable?"

"I think you are," Robbie had to admit. Melissa just hid her face, not saying anything.

Johnny nodded, and simply moved to the seat across the aisle. 

"I think I'm gonna need some cool friends like you guys at this school," Said Johnny, just loud enough to be heard over the roaring school bus chatter. "Everyone else here is a snob. Seriously!"