Chasing Stars

B u s R i d e

    "Shit" I said, looking down at my watch. "I'm late" I mutter.

    "Language Tessa" my mom warned.

I roll my eyes at her.

   Michelle giggled. "Yeah language Tess" she said mocking her mother's voice.

   I smiled and reached over to tickle her belly as she laughed.

   Grabbing a piece of toast, I wandered to the opposite side of the table and kissed my mom on the cheek.

   "I'm sorry mom. For yesterday" I said quietly so Michelle wouldn't hear.

  My mom patted my cheek absentmindedly while telling Michelle to finish up her cereal.

   I looked down at my watch. I had five minutes before the bus arrived.

   I finished up my toast, wiping my hands quickly on the tablecloth.

   "Bye mom! Bye Michelle!" I yelled, picking up my backpack and walking out the door.

   "Make some friends!" my mom shouted.

  My smile faletered for a second.

  "I'll try!" I replied.

     Walking at a fast pace I reached the bus stop right when the bus pulled in.

   "Howdy Ma'am" the bus driver smiled, showing of his toothy grin.

  "Well hello Rob" I said smiling back.

Rob and I had had a healthy friendship for as long as I could remember. He was one of my only friends around the neighborhood.

   I climbed up the steps and headed for my seat at the back of the bus. It wasn't my seat officially, but everyone knew that that was where the weird girl sat.

     But it was taken.

  I looked down to see that there was a boy sitting where I usually sat.

  "Uhmm..excuse me?" I ask hesitantly.

   The boy looked up.

   Austin. I scowled. "Oh it's you." I muttered.

  He grinned. "Well if it isn't Ms.I have social skills"

  "This is my seat" I said frowning at him.

   "Woah no need to be so hostile. Here I'll just move over a seat"

  He shuffled noisily, moving with his large black backpack.

  "There we go" he said.

I paused, torn between sitting and finding another seat.

  The bus lurched, indicating that I should probably sit down.

  With a crease between my eyebrows I sat down with an unceremonious huff.

   Austin quirked an eyebrow.

  "You know, you're the first person I have ever met who dislikes me for no particular reason" he said, confused.

  I snorted. "Ha. I deserve an award don't you think?"

   He ignored my sarcastic reply.       "Usually people love me instantly for my charm and good looks" he laughed, wiggling his eyebrows.

   "See maybe this is why I dislike you. You're a tad bit conceited" I retorted.

  "Well not everybody is perfect" he said with mock seriousness. 

   "And you're far from it" I replied shortly.

   "Ouch. That hurt" he said, putting a hand over his heart.

   I couldn't help it, I laughed.

  He grinned. "See? I knew I could make you laugh!" he triumphed.

   "You haven't won me over yet though." I challenged.

   He looked at me. "You're right. But I believe in baby steps. I will win you over, in time" he said confidently.

   "We'll see about that" I said, smiling a little.