Spirit to the Guardians: More Then The Stars

Chapter 1 - The Bus

(Leo's POV)

"Hey sweetie, can you pass the ketchup?" Mom asked. We don't normally eat breakfast like this, but I guess today we both have a lot to do.

"Be a little more careful Leonard, wouldn't wanna make the table look like a berry" She joked. I smiled at her and continued to eat.

"How's work going?" I asked her.

"Is going as well as it gets, and even better, I'll be home by the time you get back from school! Isn't that fun?" She responded. I looked at the time and noticed I had to go to the bus stop, or at least catch up with Sheri.

Mom looked at her watch and walked quickly to get her bag.

"I'm sorry Leo, I need to head to work now. I'll see you when you get home." She kissed me on the forehead and ran out the door. So I started heading out and saw Sheri on the way. She was wearing leggings and a sweatshirt, even though it's early spring. And it's like 90 degrees.

I walked up to her close to the bus stop, and we both greeted each other. We were always close, but for some reason, for the last couple weeks or so she's been really uncomfortable around me. It's always been a simple "hello" and then we split. I guess I'm just worried about her.

"Hey Leo, long time no see...huh?" Sheri smiled. I shrugged "yeah I guess we've both been busy. I mean, cheer season is just ending"

"Well, you've probably been busy with tennis, right?" She asked, looking away from me.

"I haven't played in a couple of months," I answered. Sheri retracted from her bubbly approach and kinda just stood there. Today feels more off than usual.

"Sheri," I started, "well...nevermind." Maybe I shouldn't ask her why she's acting strange. Or maybe I'm just not brave enough to ask. Sheri finally looked up at me

"You look tired, are you ok?" she asked.

"Yeah, I haven't been getting much sleep these days. I've been having some really weird dreams lately, they're about-- " I stopped because it was then I realized I sound like a crazy person.

"Nevermind, sorry. I swear I think I'm losing it." I awkwardly laughed it off.

"No, it sounds interesting. What kind of dreams?" She asked. We conversed more about the weird dreams, and I'm not sure why but she's really into it. Never thought Sheri would be the type who was into listening to other people's dreams, but at least she's talking to me.

Sheri and I usually sit together on the bus, but Carlos has been taking my spot lately. I guess I can't raise an objection.

"Sup Leo, how's it going?" Carlos greeted me, as plucky as usual. I high-fived him, but Sheri took the seat next to him, so I sat in the seat across, next to Makenna Crossfield.

Sheri and Carlos started talking together, ignoring me. Even though I shouldn't mind, I just have a really weird feeling something is up. Sheri has been acting more weird than usual. What are they up to?