I Have To Protect Them - Cleofis Drisen

Chapter Two: The Trip Part 3 (The Last Part for This Chapter)

Greg sat down as I felt someone kick my bag. I turned to look at who had kicked it, and no surprise I saw Clark smirking at me. "Looks like someones too lazy to carry her backpack like a normal person" Clark said through his smile. I heard a small sizzling come from the bag and immediately whispered "shit." I lifted the bag onto the seat beside Greg and unzipped it just enough to fit my hand inside to turn the knob on the oxygen tank. I turned the knob as tight as I could until the sizzling stopped. I felt two people peering over my shoulders and Greg immediately stood up to be inched from their faces. I knew it was Clark and Jason. Jason's hot breath hit the back of my neck as he spoke. "Whatcha got there? Something fun?" I quickly zipped up the bag as Greg spoke through gritted teeth. ""None of your fucking business. Why don't you ladies tank a seat before I put you in one." He glanced between Clark and Jason, and I winced when the two jocks laughed in my ear. "Hey guys there are some seats back there." Grizz's voice spoke over their laughter and I looked at him. He was pointing to the back of the bus, while his other hand was on Jason's shoulder. 

Jason and Clark bumped into me as they passed and I fell into the seat. Grizz passed and out eyes met. He had an apologetic expression. I accidentally mouthed a 'thank you' to him and I quickly looked away. Greg moved my bag so I could comfortably sit beside him. I couldn't help but smile. Grizz was clearly trying to protect me, but why? My smile faded as I pondered the question. Maybe he knew something was wrong and he was really planning to reconnect with me. 'Aw...crap' I thought to myself. I knew Greg had noticed my mood change. I felt him lean in and whisper in my ear 'you okay?' I faked a smile at him and nodded. He sighed clearly knowing that I wasn't okay, but he knew not to push the subject.

Allie turned around in her seat in front of us and Will followed her. "What assholes. Just ignore them Cleo" she said smiling at me. I returned the smile and I responded with a quiet "thank you." Will smiled too and asked "I thought you guys were friends. Do you know why they are being so mean to you?" I shrugged my shoulders. "She told them she didn't want to be friends with that crowd anymore but there's no excuse for being a complete and total asshat-" Greg spoke for me and I gave him a very disapproving look as I cut him off "I was extremely cruel to all of my friends and I deserve everything they do to me." Greg shook his head and he turned to fully face me. "No you don't! If they knew the tru-" He said and again I cut him off. "Just stop Greg. Leave it alone man" I spoke as my eyes closed from exhaustion already. I opened my eyes to see Allie and Will exchange a look. I gently smiled at them and they returned the smile.

I put my headphones in and pressed play on my favorite songs playlist. Greg continued to talk to Allie and Will. I rested my head against the back of the seat and surprisingly I easily fell asleep. I must have been sleeping for at least an hour or so because I woke up feeling pretty rejuvenated. I looked around and almost everyone was sleeping: two other students were reading, and two were quietly talking. My eyes glanced over the sleeping faces of my old friends at the back of the bus. I couldn't help but smile a little bit as a lone tear fell down my cheek. I turned back around in my seat and pulled out my book from my backpack. Greg was sleeping soundlessly against the window. The book I was reading is 'If I Stay' by Gayle Forman and I opened it to the page I was on. I started reading books that were similar to my situation to maybe see if I was making the right choices. I had already read 'A Walk to Remember' by Nicholas Sparks and 'Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. Reading the books is much easier than watching the movies. I can't stand to see others cry, even if I don't know them. This was the last book I was planning on reading, and a part of me was hoping it would change my mind. So far no luck because all the books, and movies, that I have exposed myself to all have someone is stuck watching someone else die. They were in pain and agony to be stick helplessly watching as their loved one faded before their eyes.

As I began to read, students around me started to wake up. I glanced over my shoulder and I saw Grizz stir. I quickly turned around and prayed he didn't see me. 'Way to be inconspicuous Cleo' I thought as I mentally slapped myself. I rested my head on Greg's shoulder as the bus came to an abrupt stop. The lights came on waking up everyone on the bus. The bus driver's voice boomed over everyone's groaning. "Change of plans. Rock slides. Roads Closed. You're back home." His voice was coarse and had an edge of giddiness.