The Ones They Killed

Chapter 3: Salt Water Tears

Chapter 3

Salt Water Tears

I propped my head onto the bus' walls. The smell of worn metal invaded my nostrils. I ran my slim fingers along the rust; peeling bits off with my short nails. Any distraction would suffice on this dull trip. In addition, the bumpy road made nearly impossible to sleep throughout the duration of the travel. 

My bored eyes shifted onto the waterproof watch that wrapped around my small wrist. It read at 8:27 a.m. 

'How much longer on this stupid bus?' I questioned mentally. I turned my gaze towards Max. Max was currently decorating the back of the bus' seat with graffiti. In his left hand laid a correction fluid pen. I studied the current art that scarred the leather white. 

A gorgeous ancient tree was drawn and the leaves swayed in the wind; surrounding the tree. Accompanying the tree was a young girl on a tattered swing with a small boy pushing her.

"Hopeless romantic, aren't you?" 

"Huh?" Max turned his face in my direction.

"You're one hopeless romantic. Aren't you?" He chuckled at my question and I quirked a brow at him.

He sighed. "Maybe. Maybe not. Just need the right girl to let my romantic side out."

"Mr. Prom-Sucks-And-Love-Doesn't-Exist has a romantic side? Run me over." I laughed. It was truly amusing to believe Max can be romantic. Maintaining eye contact, he stated.

"Oh? Can you say that again? I mean, it's so easy to get distracted by your beauty." 

I threw my head back on the seat and audibly groaned. His laugh erupted inside the once quiet vehicle.

"Never. Ever. Do that again. I already have to deal with your constant dirty jokes. Please don't add pickup lines or I will throw myself out of this moving bus." He wiped tears from his eyes as he nodded.

Max swung his arms on the top of the bus seat.

"Hey? Can I ask you a question, Danie?" Max turned his face to look in my direction as he questioned me. 

"You already did, dumb ass." I giggled. He held up his hand with a look of confusion plastered on his face.

"I-uh. Well, you know what I mean!" He stuttered out.

"Yeah, yeah. Shoot." I encouraged him. My eyes landed on the way he messes with his wrist; scratching as if he was nervous or afraid.

"Okay real talk." His eyes connect with mines. "You... aren't like other girls, you know?"

"Thank God for that." I laughed; trying to bring light to the awkward start. Max laughs and turns his head back a bit, then sighs.

"No, Danie. You know I think of you like my little sister. And I mean little. Have you seen your height? Damn, you're like a walking tree stump." 

I rolled my eyes and reached over to pinched his nose.

He squeals.

"Okay! Okay! Release the breathing organ, you cunt!" He exclaims as he smacks my hand away.

"You're stalling. C'mon, tell me." I plop my foot on the seat.

"Okay since you rarely have any friends, much less any 'girl friends', lemme be that hoe. Have you never liked a guy? Had a crush? No one asked you out? Are you gay? Oh my God, you're gay. That makes so much more sense." Max trailed on and I slapped his leg.