No-Not-He [4]

The Bus pulled up beside the shaded, graffittid shelter. The grit smeared windows revealing the drained faces of my school peers, ready for another day of monotonous torture.1

I grabbed my shoulder bag pulling it over my shoulder, and swung onto the steps, gripping the worn, wollen bar protectors.2

It was going on Eight-Thirty, and by the red flashing clock on the front of the bus, we had a fair distance to cover, in such little time, before we arrived at school. 3

If I was lucky, the bus would arrive late, giving me the pefect excuse to make a run for it, before the crowd of over anxious teens ran me down like a stampeeding herd, eager to claim their late passes. If I was unlucky; it would mean my luck for some form teacher to spot me running like a loon down the street towards the closest town bus, and come Tuesday morning I'd be awaiting a blue slip, lunch time detention, picking up used condoms and cigarette butts. 4

I had decided already, either way I couldn't wait any longer to meet my father.5

The old woman took my change grudgingly,and handed me my ticket, pointing to the left lane, where two seats appeared to be vacant. 6

Thanking her with a nod. I dragged my bag through the aisle to the back seats that appeared litter free; hiding away from the rambunctuous students that were running amok with a roll of soggy toiletpaper and rolls of chewing gum. 7

I settled into the comfort of a higher seat. Watching out of my small window as suburbia drew closer into view. The lush greenery and shiny Black BMW's looked much like a mail box brochure, than the lifestyle the idiots that occupied my school lived. It had always made me jealous passing the picturesque houses, and the sernity of the parents embracing their children with money and lacey affection before driving to their upper class jobs.8

My mother barely made enough money to pay the bills, let alone enough money for me to have my own daily allowance.Though I was content. Nothing mattered to me in the means of material posessions or happiness. I wanted something my mother's money couldn't buy, or bribe with my favorite cusines. 9

The bus stopped at Anchor Street; the last stop before school. My heart skipped a beat as the doors opened and closed, keeping my eyes pinned to the houses outside. The sneaking sensation that I was being watched lingered it's way up the aisle towards me. Making my smile crumble into an anxious pout.10

“Is this seat taken?” Sydney asked throwing his bag onto the ground, sliding into the chair besides me, before I had the chance to get a word in.11

I paid no attention to him. Afterall it was what he was used to, and what he wanted. I had no time for him. I had something for him. Something that was brewing inside me fast, but it was not time, nor was it excitement.12

“Jeeze the bus was late this morning button,”Syndey smirked, placing his hands in his lap, before he continued. 13

“I hope we aren't late,” He smiled, chirping away like a rabid parrot. 14

Biting back, without restraint, I gave Sydney a hard look that momentarily burned the smile from his lips, and curled them into a defiant sigh.15

“What did you say?” I said, eyes bulging. I glanced out the window, noting the zebra crossing approaching, and the fluorescent oompa loompa bouncing across the street with a huge 'Stop' Sign. My eyes now radiating a feral gleam in my reflection.16

“You should take a look at that sign, and don't you ever call my button,” I hissed pointing to the sign. Not giving him the time to answer my previous question.17

Sydney grabbed his bag from underneath his muddy shoes. A short grin of amusement revealed a mouth full of sharp teeth, and a teasing tongue.18

“I'm afraid I don't know when to button,” Sydney laughed, as the bus pulled up outside the school. Behind, another two parked on the side-walk, while teenagers rushed from the steps, and through the swinging, iron gates.19

I gave Sydney a blank, blinking look. My heart churing inside my chest.20

Sydney stood up, following the moving crowd towards the front of the bus.21

I watched him, fishing my bag from underneath my feet. The door swung open. My body turned to jelly, and then I remembered what I was meant to be focusing my attention on; my escape.