The Ones They Killed

Chapter 2: Rusty School Bus

Chapter 2: 

Rusty School Bus

"Aisha Danielle Smith! Wake up! You're gonna be late for the bus!" My mother's stern voice breached my eardrums.

I cracked my hazel eyes open and within the corner of my view; I could make out the lean silhouette known as my strict mother pulling back the blinds and curtains. Rays of harsh sunlight invaded my bedroom and attacked my precious eyes.

"Ah!" I screeched as I tumbled off the cold morning sheets and pillows. My back clapped against the old tiled floor. With a groan, my eyes dilated at my clock that loosely hung for my pale pink walls; stating it was 5:12 am.

"Ma! It's like five in the morning!" I argued as I sprawled starfish out on the flooring. My mother shifted her weight and placed a hand on her right hip.

"Ya té dije. Wake up, sleeping beauty. This is your first school trip alone and get off the dirty floor, mija." My mother's Spanish accent adorned her voice as she spoke. I gurgled as I slowly stood up and sat upon my unmade bed.

"Don't make me drag you into the kitchen, mija, because I will." My mother pointed her index finger at me as a warning indicating that she wasn't joking.

"Sí, yeah ma. I'm up. I'm up." I sat up and walked into my body-length mirror as I took in my fifteen-year-old appearance. My light brown hair was within a messy bun, the dirty gold ends sticking out through the sides.

My fair caramel skin was littered with petite freckles upon my shoulders and cheekbones. My small figure stood about five feet and two inches. My body was lean from all the running and climbing I did at the beachfront. The bottoms of my feet were rough yet clean from being barefoot my entire lifetime.

My mother and I lived at the end of the petite island, far from the busy civilization of the town. We lived within a small neighborhood that was stricken in heavy poverty, though that never stopped to our happiness. 

I never had the latest phone. I didn't have cable. Heck, I could barely afford to attend school. Though, I was certainly happy.

I turn my gaze from the mirror and to the entrance of my bedroom and decided to head into the kitchen. My mother was standing in front of the kitchen sink washing the dirty dishes from yesterday's meals. My mother turned her head in my direction.

"Danie, por favor mija, take a shower. You smell like wet dog. Then you can help me with breakfast. Okay?" My mother said softly and a small giggle fell from her lips.

I playfully pouted and marched into my bedroom once again, pulling out a baggy sweatshirt, shorts, and my long-sleeved rash-guard. I was not ready to be burned alive by the harsh, tropical sun rays. 

I hummed my favorite tun and skipped into the bathroom. I took a quick, cold shower. Making sure I was fully cleaned, I continued to put on today's clothes. I exited the bathroom and proceed to sneak up on my mother.

"Boo!" I jumped from behind my mom.

"Ay, puta madre!" My mother curses under her breath. She turns to face me and hits me with the dirty washcloth. 

"You almost gave me a heart attack, mija! Me sacaste un pedo!" My mom continued and jokingly referenced her favorite comedian. She playfully hit the top of my head with the grimy washrag.

"Hey! I just showered!" I skipped around my mom as she proceeds to sprinkle dirty dishwater on me.

"Hay, mija. Age has caught up to me." My mom pants slightly with a hand on her back. Sympathy suddenly contorted my facial expression as I hurriedly went to seat my mother down.