You Found Me

Chapter 22

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I settle into my bus seat. I guess Kota's car got fixed. Nathan and Kota weren't at the bus stop today. A strange feeling of disappointment settles in my stomach. Without music, I stare peacefully out the window, trying to fade the voices around me. Just as the doors are about to close, Nathan and Kota rush on, earning an earful from the bus driver. Nathan, half listening, spots me and waves, making the bus driver turn purple. The bus jerks into motion as they make their way towards me just to realize there are no empty seats for them.

Biting my lip, I pat the space next to me. Nathan's eyes light up. He scoots in next to me, picks me up and plops me on his lap, his arms wrapping around my waist to secure me. I'm not sure whose jaw drops lower, mine or Kota's.

Nathan's face is painted with innocence, "What? It's the only way we can all fit. Sang, you're okay with this, right?"

"You shouldn't assume she's okay with it!"

After careful consideration, I respond, "If we can all fit, I guess it's not a big deal. I mean it's only for the bus ride." I offer a smile to Kota to show that I'm really okay.

"Are you comfortable?" My heart melts at his concern. Before I can answer, Nathan cuts in. "Dude, are you suggesting that my lap isn't comfortable?" Kota starts, "Well..." I listen to the playful bantering in the background as I watch the scenery roll by. My heart had yet to calm since they stepped on the bus.

We pull up the school and I remember that I have detention today...and every day for the next two weeks. I shudder, remembering the last detention alone with Mr. McCoy. Hopefully, he won't be proctoring this detention but with my luck, the odds are slim.

Nathan's arms tighten. "You okay Sang? You look kind of pale." I nod earnestly, "I'm fine. I think my stomach is just a little upset from getting jostled around during the bus ride."

Kota and Nathan's eyes bore into me. "Why don't we walk you to Dr. Green." Nathan offers. I nod, "I'll go to Dr. Green but you don't have to walk me there. I'm fine to walk there by myself. I'm not that sick." Kota and Nathan exchange glances. "If you don't want us to walk you there, we'll respect that. Just make sure you go to Dr. Green." Kota says sternly.

A fire ignites in me at their lack of faith. "What, don't you trust me?" This makes their eyes drop in embarrassment. "Sorry Sang, we didn't mean it like that-". I interrupt before Kota could finish, "Don't bother apologizing. I'm sorry that was my fault for over reacting." My face heats up. I made a giant fool of myself in front of my new friends. Way to go Sang!

Having smoothed over the misunderstanding, there were very little people left on the bus so we got off the bus and entered the school. I wave goodbye to Nathan and Kota and go, by myself, to Dr. Green's office. Believe it or not, I wasn't actually lying to them. My nose was still bothering me and with my fresh injuries from my Mother, I was hoping to get some pills.

I knock then crack the door open. "Come in!" I enter the room to see Dr. Green. "Ah, Pookie, I thought I might see you this morning. The pills are in a cup next to your breakfast, assuming you didn't have one already. I need to drop some papers off at the main office, I'll be back soon." I smile, Dr. Green really thinks of everything. "Thank you!" I call after him as the door swings shut.

I settle down into Nancy's chair and open the tin foil to see an egg sandwich. I take a bite only to have my taste buds be assaulted with disgusting flavors. Forcing the bite down, I realize Dr. Green must have cooked it himself. No one has cooked for me in a long time. When I was younger my mom used to cook for us but that stopped around 4 or 5. Mark hadn't even cooked for me. Just that fact made the sandwich taste loads better. Finishing the last mouthful, I swallow my pills as Dr. Green enters the office.

"Feeling better?" He inquires. "Yup, thank you Dr. Green!" I give him a quick hug and leave the room. I'm ecstatic about our new relationship. I'm hoping it will be similar to mine and Mr. Stroufield's. Putting the thought of detention to the back of my mind, I start my day with a new outlook.