—Chapter Four—
✦ A R I A N A ✦
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When the bus pulled up to the school, I didn't want to get up, but I knew I had to. As it screeched to a stop, I reluctantly paused my music, removed my earphones, and stuffed them both in the safe-pocket depths of my backpack.

"Be ready to run," Rixton reminded me. "I know the routine," I answered. "Try to keep up, okay?" I teased, remembering about a week ago where Rixton had gotten separated from me in the throngs of people. In his haste to locate me, he'd tripped over his own feet and knocked down three kids. Of course, it all didn't seem funny, but when you were actually watching it. . . Well, it was quite hilarious. Besides, no one was hurt, though the teens who Rixton had crashed in to looked mortified. And he said I was the clumsy one.

In response, he rolled his eyes—then the doors swung open. Immediately, I flung myself forward, using my short and small form to squeeze past others standing up in their seats. I could hear Rixton struggling to follow me, and I reached the steps in no time. Hopping down them, I was oddly satisfied as my boots connected with the ground, making a soft crunching noise.

Again, I marveled at how just yesterday it was around seventy degrees. Now it was about fifty. I shook my head to myself. Oregon weather. . . .

"Walk!" Rixton grumbled, pushing me into motion. Startled, I trudged forward, muttering angrily.

All around, people filed past us, and I nervously adjusted my glasses. Rixton grew restless with my slow pace. Grabbing my hand, he yanked me forward and I nearly stumbled as I fought to keep up.

Soon we had pushed through into the school, and warm air, hot with the pressure of breath, slammed into my face. Rixton guided me to our usual spot in the back. We sat down, waiting for the other buses to arrive so we could head to homeroom.

By then, our hands had separated, and I folded them neatly into my lap, looking around with a flat expression. People weren't as scared of Rixton now, for some reason. I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.

I came up with an answer as three girls glided past, shooting glances at us and giggling. One of them who I recognized as Ria Williams snickered and pointed at me before whispering to the brunette beside her. They both laughed loudly and scampered away.

Were they talking about me? Paranoia settled into my mind and my rigid posture unfolded. My hands became fists, my shoulders tensed. If they were, then I didn't care. What did it matter? They weren't my friends. Just a bunch of idiots.

"Hey, relax," Rixton advised, noticing me stiffening. "Don't pay attention to them."

Easy for you to say, I almost snapped, but bit my tongue. Rixton had lived with this far longer than I had.

I didn't answer him, I just squeezed my eyes shut and waited for homeroom to come.