Perception

Part 22

Monday

Sang POV:

I had set my alarm to wake up this morning. Not being a morning person, I have trouble waking up without the guys making me most days. I really wish I could have slept longer, but I have to be able to clear my head a little from the nightmares that plagued me whenever my eyes shut. There was nothing from the dreams that stood out, just flashes of the mall...and possible scenarios based around those scenes. I only woke enough between each to stop their current direction, only to fall into the next. Sooo...I'm exhausted, and grouchy as I shuffle along through my morning ablution.

I pick out one of the outfits that Meanie has organized, and get dressed, and add my belt and one of the specialized necklaces. I leave my hair down. I finish repacking my bag with my schoolbooks just in time for the bus to rattle down the road. As I rush out the door, I catch a glimpse of Nathan adjusting his blazer in his bedroom doorway. Rushing to the base of the driveway, I see Kota across the street throwing his messenger bag into the back right before the bus blocks the view. Marie, Danielle, and Derrick climb aboard too.

Nathan walks out of the house as the bus leaves the curb, and I meet his eyes. They look how I feel. Lost.

I don't realize Derrick sits behind me until he speaks.

"Why aren't you riding with the Academy cavalry today?" he mutters through the small gap between my seat gap and the window.

"I didn't know you still took the bus?" I inquire instead of answering his question. I only turned my head enough toward the window so he could hear me, since it didn't seem like he wanted to be "seen" with me.

"Yeah, I don't usually. My car is getting a tune-up today while I'm at school. It was the only time they could squeeze it in, so my mom is taking it to the shop for me," he says sounding disappointed. I don't blame him. This bus is a joke.

"If it'll be ready after school, can I ask you a huge favor? I'll give you gas money...." I lead. He doesn't say anything for a while, and I take that as his answer.

"I guess. I have to work at the hardware store tonight, so only if it's quick," he surprises me by saying.

"Great! I work at the diner tonight as well, and have stuff to do before then. I'll come to your house after I drop off my bag, okay?"

"Fine," he says before leaning back in his seat. I stare straight ahead as the bus fills beyond capacity, and I'm squished against the window by a boy with smelly armpits. I have a feeling I should get used to the discomfort. I have a long day ahead of me without the boys to act as buffers.

North POV:

I watch from the woods as Sang runs to the bus, then head to the diner to get my jeep. I manage to easily catch up to the bus on its route, and follow it to school. It gets there so late that I have to hoof it from the far lot to the courtyard where all the guys were waiting except Mr. B, and Doc.