Unmatched

The Bus

We started packing our things up and heading out to the bus which would fit all 4 groups. I grabbed my backpack, quickly checking that my headphones were in it, before heading out the door. Caterine was a few steps ahead of me talking with who I assumed she would sit with on our way there.

I stepped on the bus and sighed in relief as warm toasty air hit me. It was so perfectly heated, a nice escape from the harsh cold air we had just been in. I walked down the aisle, choosing to graze my hand atop the vents and felt its hot air warm my cold hands. I kept moving until I was near the back of the bus and scooted into a row.

I peered into the window, my breath fogging it up, and I quickly wiped it off with the sleeves of my sweater before taking a seat. I pulled out my headphones, quickly turning them on and putting them over my ears.

I nestled into the chair and looked out the window again. It was cloudy as usual, and people were wearing their heavy coats and thick scarves along with gloves which I had forgotten to bring. Maybe I'd draw the sight.

I was just getting comfortable until I turned and found Kallias setting his stuff down next to me.

I moved my headphone off one ear, and looked at him from head to toe. "What are you doing?"

"What's it look like I'm doing?" he said, placing his bag underneath the seat in front of him before settling himself next to me.

I faced the seat ahead of me and took a sharp inhale. I let out a breathy exhale before turning to him again,

"Why..."

He looked at me, "I'll have you know, Maya" he emphasized my name, "that I tried telling you our dear Anna had us assigned seats."

I shot him a disdainful look.

"I didn't know that's what you were going to tell me" I replied.

"Well, it's not my fault you're not listening half the time she speaks" he nestled into the chair and closed his eyes.

I knew he was right about that. But even with his eyes closed I gave him a haughty look before turning to face the window, listening to my music play again.

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It wasn't really in my nature to be bothered by people like her, but with that constant rude behavior, I couldn't help myself.

The rest of the time was a silent ride between us. She barely moved. At one point I wondered if she even breathed.

We were halfway there when I noticed her lean over and grab a snack from her bag. She wore a few silver rings on her fingers, but the silver band on her thumb had a few letters that I couldn't make out. It looked a bit tarnished. Does she not get her jewelry polished?

Before she could notice me looking at her, I looked up to see what others were up to. I could hear chatter, and saw some laughing with their friends, some making new friends.

And then there was me.

I looked over at her. She was still listening to her music, her head turned towards the window. Lost in her own world.