Utopia

CHAPTER 3

 Key'onne was waiting at the bus stop on 7th Street, lost in the music playing in his headphones. He had skipped school that day and packed all his belongings in a single duffel bag. His legs were bouncing nervously as he scanned the area for any sign of the bus. 

Finally, a bus with bright headlights screeched to a halt in front of him. The doors opened wide, beckoning him to come aboard. With shaky legs, he stood up and grabbed his bag before stepping onto the bus.

Upon entering, he noticed the slight darkness enveloping the interior. He treaded carefully towards the back of the bus and found a seat. The moment he sat down, the bus swiftly departed. The flickering lights came to life, casting a warm glow. Keyonne squinted his eyes to adapt to the dim yellow illumination. A hint of surprise flashed across his face as he observed fellow students dressed in the same uniform as him scattered throughout the bus. Some engaged in animated conversations, while others silently peered out of the window.

"Yo" A voice suddenly spoke next to him, catching him off guard. Keyonne spun around to see who it was. It turned out to be a boy around his age. Key'onne gave him a nod to show that he noticed him.

""Pierson, but you can call me Pier," Pierson introduced himself with a grin. 

 "Key'onne," Key'onne replied in a low voice.

 "That's a dope name, I like it," Pierson chuckled.Key'onne nodded, feeling a bit awkward.

" So, what made you come here" Pierson asked.

" Have nowhere else to go" Key'onne shrugged.

" Same, same" Pierson nodded.

" You have any idea where we going?" Key'onne asked.

" I asked some kids up front, and they said something like, Arizona."

"Arizona...?" Key'onne exclaimed softly in surprise. 

" Aye, I had that exact face when they told me too." Pierson chuckled. " Thats like a day's travel bra".

 As the hours went by, they engaged in casual conversations, getting to know each other more. Key'onne glanced out of the window and realized that they had left New Orleans a few hours ago. 

The sky was gradually brightening, a sign that dawn was approaching. He couldn't help but gaze at the deserted small towns they drove past - dilapidated buildings, a few still engulfed in flames, empty cars, and houses blanketed in moss. 

Pierson let out a loud groan, complaining about his hunger.

 "Seriously, you've said that like a million times already," Key'onne replied, still gazing out the window. 

 Pierson's stomach growled loudly, indicating his intense hunger. 

 "Dude, you've mentioned that at least a dozen times now," Key'onne remarked, still focused on the view outside.

"I'm convinced they're tryna kill us now man" Pierson clutched his stomach.

Key'onne kissed his teeth, shaking his head in amusement.

" Attention passengers" An automated voice sounded through the bus " A tray will be passed around with food on it, wait patiently for your turn, no fussing please...thank you."

" They bringing your food, you can get outta my ear now" Key'onne teased, nudging his shoulder.

" Took them fucking forever" Pierson said, slumped in his seat.

Key'onne laughed softly, shaking his head in amusement. He patiently awaited the arrival of the tray, stealing another glance outside.