Bizzare

Chapter 2

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The sun gleamed at us from above as we stood near the bus. The sun at its peak at noon making my hands slightly sweat.

"Bye, see you... later." I said to my parents a little tearfully. I can't believe I won't be able to see them for months.

"Bye Elaine." They smiled sadly with moisture and I hint of happiness and proudness in their eyes. This was a bittersweet moment. I was happy that I am going on to attend one of the topmost prestigious boarding school: a school for only 12th grade, but I was sad to be leaving my parents.

I hug them for one last time and climb onto the light lemon yellow school bus. West Cambridge International School, here I come.

I grabbed the railing to hoist myself up. After I enter the bus a sudden gush of cool air hits my shin making me shiver. The bus was royal blue in color giving it a vibrant look.

I move forward gripping the handles which was on top of each fluffy cushioned seats while passing them. I sat down in the last row, three seats away from the window, waiting for Catherine to join me.

I look around to see a curly haired blonde that was sitting across from me staring at me. Her cheeky pale face with her dark eyes boring into mine. I sent her a awkward smile which she returned with her own cheerful one. I turned my attention to my lap staring at my black jeans.

I was fiddling with the sleeve of my deep purple top when I felt a sharp pinch on my wrist. I turn around to see long brown curly hair right before my eyes. I scoot further down the seat to give Catherine some space to sit and myself some air. I gently rubbed my wrist trying to make the stinging feeling go away.

"I'm so excited! I can't believe I will be living on my own. Imagine this: waking up every day to practice our skills, unlock our secret powers. I'm sure you're excited too." She beamed as she spoke. The glint in her hazel orbs made it clear that she wasn't beaming at me, rather her near future.

Before I would reply she sent me a quick smile and turned away. She then started talking to the girl on the other side who happened the be the blonde.

I returned to twist and turning the end of top. All the light chatters filled the air and I sat quietly. Feeling awkward to be sitting quietly I slid right next to the window. I tilted my head laying it on the delicate clear glass.

I close my eyes for some time to give it a little rest. I could feel the vibrations of the engine all through my body putting me in a state of tranquility.

I feel a hand on my shoulder shaking it lightly. I suddenly jerked up and my eyes fluttered open. The bus driver was right in front of me. She offered me a small smile.

"You are the only one who didn't get off the bus. I guess that's what sleep does to you." She chuckled before continuing. "I figured I'd wake you up."

My first thought in waking up was, 'Where did Catherine go?'

I rubbed my eyes slowly standing up wondering when I fell asleep. I looked left and right for my best friend, but when I couldn't find her I thanked the driver and asked her where we are and why we were here.

"We are at  RajMahal, the hotel we are going to stay tonight. Follow the signs to the dining hall, eat dinner, then head on upstairs to your room for tonight. Instructions will be given out after dinner and leave your bags here." She moved out of the way. I take that as my cue to leave and start walking.

I stumbled out of the bus feeling a bit out of shape. "Catherine is probably waiting for me inside." I murmur softly reassuring myself making the water vapour from my mouth visible in the form of a white smokey substance.

As soon as I walked out I notice the darkness eating up the sky. It forms a dark bluish color with dark grey clouds here and there.

I shudder as the warmth of the air meets my goose bump covered skin. I long for the air-conditioner and the soft seats of the bus. Who would have believed a school bus could be so amazing.

I spot the entrance to the hotel with the help of the street lights. I walk further on as the rumbles coming from the bus engine died away.

The hot and humidity was immediately replaced with the coolness my skin was begging for when I entered through the automatic glass doors and admire the reception area. It was decorated with colourful flowers, the walls were painted mint green, and the dark brown hardwood floor and furniture was adding to its forestry look.

I walk up to the lady behind the polished wooden desk and cleared my throat to get her attention. She had her elbow to the desk and the fingers were pinching the bridge of her nose. She looked up with her sharp, dilute eyes filled with tiredness. There was a frown married to her forehead.

There was clearly tension in the air. I flashed a grin at her to lighten up the mood. "Do you know where the dining hall is?"

She gave me a duh-I-know-where-it-is-look. "Yes, through the door first right, then first door to the left." She groaned.

With a tight smile I nodded to her and left to follow her directions. Walking down the grand narrow hallway made uneasy.

The reception was notably different from the rest of the hotel. All the plants, wood, and flowers disappeared; it was replaced with velvet shaded walls, red carpets played out on the floor and grand portraits of some random people.

I take a right as the lady said and I immediately spot everybody from the bus standing in a que. "Stop pushing me!" A familiar voice yells from the front of the line. I walked there to find Catherine- who is the first person in line.

I tap on her shoulder lightly. She turned and beamed when she looked at me. "Where have you been? I thought you got off behind me?"

Oh, she didn't know I fell asleep.

"I got lagged behind. Anyways, why are we standing in a line?"

"We got here earlier than we were supposed to, so we have to wait," She stops to check her watch. "Around five more minutes."

"Okay, let the wait begin!"

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