As Long As You Need Me

2_Xander

I sense an odd presence behind me, so I do the most logical thing that I can think of, turn around and confront it. To my surprise, it was a dude. I don't remember seeing his face before, which is odd seeing as I know everyone at the bus stop. Not knowing what else to do, I introduce myself to the new kid.

"Heyo, you're new here, right?"

"Yeah, I guess I'm new"

"Oh right, my name is Xander," I hold out my hand, looking to shake his, but he high-fives it telling me his own name, "Rich".

"I meant to go for a handshake, but this works too," I said with a laugh. He seems to be a bit nervous, so I keep talking to him in hopes of getting him out of his shell. I realize because he is new here, he won't have a bus seat. "I have room in my bus seat, sit with me."

"Thanks, Xander."

I smile and nod in response.

After a few minutes, the bus comes. I walk up the gritty, unswept stairs to where my seat is. Rich follows close behind, sitting in the same seat. I took the window seat while he took the aisle. As we settle in, Rich hesitantly turns to me to ask, "So, um, what classes do you have Xander?"

" My classes are German, Health, Band, English and American Studies mostly honors stuff."

"Oh"

"Yeah, honors classes are pretty easy once you know what you are doing"

"Sounds like it."

"Yep," and just like the conversation had begun, it had ended in an instant. That's disappointing. I was looking forward to talking to the new dude, but he seems to be pretty nervous still. I'll give him a bit of time to get settled in and all. It is only his first day here.

We sit there, side by side when suddenly Rich turns to me and asks something that catches me completely off guard.

"Will the other students be okay with me being bi?" he asks cautiously.

"Not everyone, but I can introduce you to some of my bros. There is no doubt in my mind that they will be supportive."

"Oh, that's cool that you friends like that."

"I'll have to warn you though, they tend to be a bit strange."

"Isn't that a normal thing amongst friends usually?"

"Yeah, I guess it is," and at that, we go back to quietly sitting together the rest of the way to school.