The bus was just about to pull up to the mall when I arrived. I joined the small group of people boarding and dropped into a seat at the front of the bus. "Hey Lucy," I greeted the bus driver. "Jackie," she asked, "you usually don't head home for a few hours, what's up?" "Got the rest of the day off, work related injury," I replied. "Work related.." She turned around, sky blue eyes wide with worry. She scanned my face, eye quickly locking on to the gash on my forehead. "What happened?" She demanded. "I got pushed down the stairs by a guy I was arresting." I shrugged. "Jack," she breathed, "promise me you'll rest when you get home. No adventures today." I waved her off, " I promise, now changing the subject, how is it going with the relationship thing?" Lucy sighed, pulling the bus away from the curb, "It's hard, I've been dropping hints, or at least I think I have. But. What if she isn't into girls? O-or she thinks I'm too fat?" "Lucy," I said, "you are beautiful, intelligent, funny and any girl would be lucky to have you. She may be having the exact same doubts as you. Ask her. If she says no, there are other birds in the sky." "You always have the most inspirational speeches," she laughed, "But even if there are more birds in the sky, I'm stuck to the ground." "Well," I smiled, "You my friend may just be looking for the wrong birds, maybe you need a penguin instead of a pigeon." She laughed, "Where do you come up with this stuff? Ah, if only you were lesbian, you would be perfect." "And," I mused," I wouldn't be single as a beta fish." She laughed out loud, startling a few of the other passengers. "I honestly think I don't have a better friend than you. Don't pull a vanishing act on me, ok?" "I'll try my best," I gave a mock salute. Why are they so worried, it's the injury I guess. Afraid I'll die. We chatted happily all the way to my stop. "See ya tomorrow," I waved. "Bai, bitch," she sassily closed the door on her currently child free bus. I adjusted the bag on my shoulders and started my walk home, I took the alleyway again, turning my 25 minute walk into a 15 minute one. I heard a footstep behind me and whirled around. Nobody. As I turned back around I could have sworn I heard a gasp. I shook my head slightly. I need to get something to eat and drink. I probably have low blood sugar. I'll grab some food on my way home. I walked through the ally, turning on to a street lined with shops. Hmm McDonalds, no. Subway, not today. Donuts, nah. Oh yes! I smiled slightly as I walked to the cross walk, my target restaurant resting across the street. A local fast food place called Blizzard Burgers. It's surprising it was doing so well, as it was located directly next to the McDonald's. There was a small sign on the door that read, "Sorry for the inconvenience, but we are starting the process of remodeling the front of our building. Please enter though the McDonald's next door. Thanks! -The Blizzard Bears." I walked over to the McDonald's and pushed the door open. A long line of people stood waiting for their food. I walked over to the door dividing the stores and stepped though, noticeably less people were in this restaurant. Even though they had low prices, great food, and faster service than the McDonald's. At least currently. "Hey, Jackie," called a boy wearing the restaurant uniform, kaki pants, light blue shirt, black apron(cooks only), and the signature of the restaurant, a headband sporting two polar bear ears. "Hey Sam," I replied, how's Lisa?" "Out of town on a case, how's your head?" He asked. "I'm feeling ok, but I might have low blood sugar, so here I am. Thanks for not freaking out, by the way," I adjusted my bag slightly. "My dorm mate in college was the 'DIY Doctor' in campus. Had an issue? Go to him. I literally saw a guy come in with his leg mangled. He got all fixed up, and I have grown an immunity to seeing stuff like this," he shrugged. "Hmm," I hummed. "What would you like?" He asked. "My usual burger, medium fries and a small soft drink," I said. "Medium ehh," he smiled. I glared. "That'll be 5 even," he read. "There is no way that is," I started to protest. "I used my employee discount, I don't use it much, so the boss won't mind," he stopped me. "Fine," I groaned in fake annoyance as I handed him a five. He put the money away, "To go?" I nodded. "Ready in a bit," he tossed me a cup then turned into the kitchen. I caught the cup and headed for the drink fountain. Caffeine currently needed. Coke it is. I put a bit of ice in my cup and filled it with Coca Cola. After putting a lid on and inserting a straw I took a sip of the fuzzy liquid. Something gently hit my shoulder. "Order up, mall cop," Sam held up a paper bag. "Thanks, burger bear," I teased, grabbing the bag. We waved goodbye as I walked out though the McDonald's. I slipped my food into my backpack to preserve the warmth on my journey home. If I jog home, I can eat sooner. Eh, screw it lets go. I began to jog in the direction of my house.
