An innocent Smile

New Sight

Between the horrible odor of vomit and sweat that seeped off the worn bus seats and the noisy chatter from the other occupants, I really contemplate why I didn't drive my car. Saving money sounded like a good excuse until now. Can't the driver air this place out? The smell is so bad I'm afraid if I open my mouth I might taste it as well.

As the bus pulls to a stop in front of our school, kids stand up to fill the isle to leave. As soon as they've all exited the bus, I make my way out as well. The doors shut behind me with a loud groan.

I make my way to the entrance of the school with my eyes pointed to the ground. I prefer to make eye contact with people as little as possible. I don't want them to think they should approach me or smile at me or even glare at me.

I make it down the hall and to my locker without a problem, but as I'm pulling out my books and homework for my next class, there's a tap on my shoulder. I spin around, my eyes wide.

Standing there is a red headed girl about 2 inches taller than me. Her hair lay a little past her shoulder straight as straight can be and I can see her light blue eyes glisten with doubt and curiosity. She hesitates to speak as if she's thinking of just turning around and leaving which I wish she would. But she doesn't. Instead she finally finds the courage to say something.

"Hey," her low toned voice says. " I'm Arelli. You're in my crime and justice class right? With Ms. Stucey?"

I nod my head my head in acknowledgement. I think I remember seeing her.

"And is there any chance you'll let me borrow your notes from yesterday? I kinda missed some.." She laughed lightly to cover up her uncomfort in talking to me. I nodded and sorted through my locker looking for my crime and justice notes folder.

When I see the green folder I pull it out and hand it to her. "You can just give it back to me in class."

"Thank you so so so much! You are a life saver!" She replied giddily, all signs of discomfort gone in the blink of an eye. I smiled at her before turning and grabbing my books and closing my locker. When I looked back up she had already walked away to chatter with other girls.

It's strange. I feel like I've been awoken from a deep slumber. Like I've been seeing black and white until now where I'm seeing color for the first time. I feel like I've just gotten swept in a tornado in Kansas and thrown into the world of Oz.

On top of this new sight, I am more conscious in my mind. While before I only heard selectively, now I could hear voices all around me. I am no longer locked in my mind and it is almost scary. I'm not sure what to do with myself.

Riiiinnngggg!

That would be the bell signaling to get to out first class which for me happens to be gym. Not my favorite. Not because I'm bad at sports because I'm not, though I'm not good either, but because it is the fist day of team sports which requires me to talk to other people, something I've been able to avoid with the more independent sports.

I half-heatedly drag myself in the direction of the girls locker room to change into P.E. uniform.