No Strings Attached

Chapter 36: Aunt Krystal

On the next morning, I woke up hearing the bus driver's screams.

"Hey, kids!" he screeched. "End of the fucking line!"

Groggily, James, Marco, Aria, and I snatched our bags then leaped onto the floor.

Butter yellow daylight nearly blinded me as I strolled in a vehicle manner.

Dark blue bus seats stood on each side of the vehicle. In the meantime, the putrid odor of car exhaust and bitter cough drops flew into the open door.

Like a good friend, Aria helped me move across the cement-colored floor.

"It's just a few steps, " Aria promised.

Though red poncho is tied around her waist, her gaze remained on me and not the driver.

"Thank you, " I murmur, wiping my exhausted eyes. 

As my eyes adjust, I realize we are in Harlem.

And it's a lot bigger than I imagine.

Hip-hop music, warm food, and small establishments prospered through the city like a delightful citrus scent.

Cars zipped across the gray highway.

Graffiti and African-American heroes paint across dirt deserted establishments. 

Meanwhile, James hands the bus driver fifty bucks. Marco, on the other hand, asked us if we have our belongings. 

"Oh, for God's sake," Aria moaned for the umpteenth time. "We already brought our stuff with us."

Marco raised his hands in self-defense.

"I am just asking," he replies in an annoyed tone. "No need to get into a bitch fit, woman."

Marco's response earned him a punch in the arm.

However, Marco didn't feel it.

"Sorry Aria, " he grinned. "But you punch like a 3rd grader."

Aria pouted. "Am not!"

"Are too!"

Turning his head, James looked at Marco and Aria sharply.

"What the hell are you two doing?" he asks impatiently.

Marco points his finger in Aria's direction.

"She physically assaulted me!" he whined.

James gives Aria a scolding glare. "Why?"

"Because he was acting like a total bitch!" she expressed firmly.

I shake my head in dismay. "Guys, stop acting like children for three seconds, and get off the fucking bus!"

"Hey!" barked the bus driver.