Changing the World

Chapter Three: On The Bus

I step into the bus and pay my fare, I walk towards the back of the bus and sit down in an empty seat. I lean my head on the window and watch the bus slowly moving away from the stop.

Well, no turning back now. I'm determined to do this, but it will take a while to get there...

Cars driving by, some slow while others are fast. The rain hitting the window is very soothing to listen to.

Maybe I should...close...my...eyes.

I fall asleep, listening to the sound of the rain on tapping on the window. My body sways as the bus makes turns and merges onto a highway. We pick up speed which makes the bus louder, muting the sound of the rain. I lazily open my eyes and pull out my earphones, connect them to my phone to drown out the noise. I select the playlist I have which helps me sleep and I begin drift off.

Hum hum humm...hm hmmm hm hmm. Mhmm hm hmm-

Within a couple of minutes, the music begins to become more distant, I feel as if everything around me is dark. The music becomes quiet and I fall asleep completely.

Two hours later:

I notice light shining through my eyelids, the music comes back to me and sounds louder than it use to. I slowly open my eyes and notice that we are driving next to the Pacific. My eyes brighten up as I seem to remember the area.

Aww this use to be the place where...we would go to the beach.

The bus driver makes an announcement: "Alright folks, we are approaching our tenth stop. Be sure to grab all your luggage and watch your step when exiting the bus. Thank you and I hope you have a nice day." A couple seconds later, the bus pulls into the station where some people exit and a few get on. I notice a boy that seems older than my age board the bus and I quickly look at my phone so I'm not caught staring.

Cmon Crys, just pretend you never saw him. Just keep looking at your-

I look up and see him walking towards the back near where I'm at.

Eeep! He is getting closer!

He smiles at me as he sits down just to the left of where I'm sitting. "Hey, my name is Jason, where are you headed to?" I stare at him, my mind went blank.

W-what? Is he really talking to me? What do I say to him? I hope I look good, I just woke up.

He laughs at my puzzled look, "Not much of a talker? That's alright, if you want, I can be the one to talk." I snap out of my confusion, "N-no that's okay. My name is Crystal although my friends call me Crys. Um...I'm going to meet up with some people, it's a far trip." He smiles at me again, "Oh that's cool, I'm going to meet my folks. My parents said that they contacted my sister and she is on her way over. I might as well be there to greet her too, right?"

Whoa, this sounds...weird.

My curiosity grows stronger, "Um, what is your last name?" He gives me a questioning look, "Hm? How come you want to know?" I stare at him, "Because my last name is Harrison."

Oh gosh, this IS weird.

His jaw drops, "You-you're her! You're my long lost sister..." My eyes widen as he says those words, "You're my brother?" He nods very shocked, "I suppose I am. Wow, I did not expect to meet you so soon. I honestly didn't know I had a sister until a month ago but I was never told your name." I finally smile and lean back in the seat.

Well we have a long trip ahead of us. I'm glad I can at least spend it with someone.

The bus starts up again and begins to drive away from the stop. I pull out the map and study when I need to get off. The Jason speaks up, "Hey Crys, I know how to get there. I've been doing this for a while already." I smile at him, "Thanks but I still want to study the map so I can know the stops." He nods and puts on headphones. I listen to my music again while studying the map.

Hmm hmm, hmm hmm, hum hum hmm hm-

Figuring out the map, I fold it up and put it away, then stare out the window. Only a few more stops left, then we have to go get on a train which should take us to the city. Then I pull out paper and pen, "She sits on a bus, awaiting her stop. Noisy people go along with the noisy street. She feels-" I am tapped on my shoulder.

Jason asks, "Hey whatcha writing?" I stare at him blankly, "Nothing. Just random things." He laughs a little, "I didn't know you write." I wave it off, "We should be arriving at our stop soon, let's get our things." He agrees and we pick up our luggage. When the bus reaches our stop, Jason allows me to exit first. He then guides me to the train station, when we arrive, our train is barely stopping. The doors open and we board the train.