When I boarded the bus, Layla had called out to me. I had gotten to the bus stop just as the bus had shown up, so Layla and Will were already in their seats when I got on. So far, I had done a good job of avoiding them. Then again, we weren't even at school yet. I grimaced slightly to myself.
"Hey, Dite! Sit with us!"
My eyes betrayed me and I glanced back at Layla, where she was trying to wave me back to her and her group of friends. I hesitated only a moment before taking the same seat I had yesterday, right behind the bus driver. I could just imagine Layla's hand slowly faltering and finally resting on the leather bus seat in disappointment as she realized I wasn't going to sit with her. My reason for hesitance? I wanted to look over everyone again, but I had realized I didn't have time to without holding up the bus. I did, however, manage to see that the majority of her group was sporting- or trying to sport- a smile. They were trying to seem welcoming. They're just trying to be nice and welcome the new kid and here I am actively avoiding them. I sigh. No! Don't think like that! You're doing what's best for you...
As the bus takes to the air, I remember again the bus blunder that had happened the day before. What I had said rang back in my ears and I felt a pang of sudden guilt for being so upset at the bus driver. I had practically scolded him and demanded to be let on the bus. I swallow roughly and bite the inside of my cheek. Should I say something? Should I apologize? I look up at the interior mirror in the front of the bus, the one that Ron could look up at and see the entirety of the inside of the bus without having to turn his head around to see everyone. He has a look of certainty on his face, his eyes on the road. I can tell he takes his job seriously. Seeing the school up ahead and feeling the bus begin to descend, I know it's now or never and despite still being unsure, I lean forward in my seat.
"I'm sorry for yelling at you yesterday," I say quietly, practically under my breath. I mentally scold myself for not speaking more assuredly, but Ron's face contorts briefly and his eyes dart shortly to meet mine in the mirror before he focuses back on the road. I clear my throat and try to speak more articulately, while still making sure Ron is the only one that can hear me.
"I was just worried I wouldn't get to school on time, and being tardy would be just the perfect way to start my school year, huh?" I try to crack a joke to make the situation less troublesome, but it comes out dry and humorless. My eyes dart down, up at him, then back down. "Sorry," I mutter again and turn to look out the window as the bus touches down at the grounds of Sky High.
That could've gone better. I think to myself as the bus stops and Ron opens the doors for everyone to get out. Yeah, no shit. I answer my own thought, mouth closed in a tight line as I spring up from my seat and bolt out of the bus. As someone who is naturally apprehensive, I had unintentionally mastered the ability to weave through crowds quickly years ago.
I made a quick pitstop at my locker, trying to open my locker too fast and messing up my lock combination a few times before it finally opened. I grabbed my History Of Supers textbook and closed my locker again, making sure it locked. I don't need anyone taking things from my locker. Not that I really know anyone around here that would, but I'm not about to take any chances. I clutch my textbook under one of my arms as I head to my first class of the day.
This school had a system similar to the one I had at my normal school. There are three 1 hour and forty-five-minute block classes, then lunch, then three forty-five-minute periods. The blocks switch every other day, but period classes are everyday classes. The block classes I had yesterday were Mad Science, Whirlwind Writing, and Avenger Algebra. The block classes I have today are History Of Supers, Art, and P.E. The period classes I have every day are Secret Identity Building (SIB), Choose Your Costume (CYC), and Study hall.
Mad Science, Whirlwind Writing, and Avenger Algebra had all been like normal Science, English, and Math classes- Although maybe more dangerous. Talking about you, Mr. Medulla.
The first SIB class I had, the teacher went over why we need a secret identity and how it wasn't about hiding yourself from the public, but keeping your loved ones safe by keeping your super persona separate from them. CYC class was kind of like a fabrics class but more important and intense. The teacher had reiterated over and over how costumes needed to be more practical than pretty.
So far, Mr. Broody McBadBoy is in my Mad Science class, Avenger Algebra class, SIB class, and my study hall. Will is in my SIB class as well as my CYC class. My mind keeps going back to them. I wonder if they'll have any block classes with me today. I keep telling myself it's so I can avoid them, but I can't help but acknowledge that they are seriously starting to pique my interest.
I want to know why Layla and Will's group are so interested in me. Is it just because I'm the new kid and they feel sorry for me? Or do they really care? I want to know who Mr. Broody is. He's rather thought-provoking. I want to know why he's in Layla and Will's group despite his outer appearance making him seem like more of a nonconformist. I just have the feeling there's something particular about this guy I don't know.
Even though I wish I want nothing to do with them, I know it will bother me immensely if my questions go unanswered.