[Sun_Sparkz]

The red plastic seats pull at my skin as I shift in my seat. its been years since I sat on a bus, mum always drove the statesman anytime we went into town, but I don't think ill ever be behind the wood grain dash again. I look down at my hands, the keratin is splitting already and the polish is wearing off, it might be a while before I get my next manicure, hell it might be a while before I get my next wash! I didn't realise just how dirty I was until I was getting on the bus, everyone jumped aboard yet me and Vark were left standing at the door, I motioned for her to go first until she indicated it might be an effort for her to make it on the bus because of her injured ankle. I wished I'd id been lathered in my CK-one- as I had my arm around her waist and helped her make it onto our salvaged method of transportation. As soon as she was seated I made my way to the back end of the bus. for a fleeting moment I had forgotten about our dire situation. I had forgotten about mum, about how I had just left her there to rot. I promised myself as soon as it was possible id go back, id go back and make everything right again. god how I missed her.

Aaron's behind me in the long back seat of the bus, bouncing up and down, putting his feet on the back of my seat and pushing in tune with his humming to a rock song he was obviously playing in his head. I just stared out the window trying to pretend I didn't notice, I wonder if I was the only one who secretly wanted to throw this kid out the window? i know Nelson must feel some sort of detestation toward the little punk because I've seen him share my gaze toward him.For now ill keep biting my tongue.

I think Patrick is getting a real kick out of this, playing the role of babysitter for all us homeless misfits. He reminds me of a father driving his kids to a theme park, constantly looking back to check on our solemn faces. the only one he doesn't seem to take this persona with is Vark, its like her personality cancels his out when they communicate. as I study his face from the back of the bus I notice a change in his posture, his body stiffens and I notice the movement in bus slow to a braking crawl.

Nelson, who I secretly think believes he should be in charge, becomes impatient. "what's going on?" he asks Pat.

Pat holds up a finger to shush the suspicious group. Aaron stops kicking my seat and struts over to Vark, So protective for such a young kid.

We all stand to get a better view out the cracked front windscreen.....