[Sun_Sparkz]

Aaron bound of the bus, a sense of relief washed over me, and I suddenly felt a twang of guilt for not thinking of his safety. We were a family (of sorts) now, and we had to take care of each other. that's why I didn't protest when Nelson went after him, but he didn't need to be so damn derogatory toward me. Stupid old fool, I bet I could run twice as far and twice as fast as him... if I wanted to. Everyone thinks that just because I don't swear and spit and let that fact that civilization is diminishing make me uncivilized they think I am a just a prissy little princess. For their information I did Girl Guides for two whole years AND I have done orienteering!

I remember mum being so proud of me when I had gotten my first badges on my sash, one for cooking (we made chocolate crackles and mine were the yummiest!) and the other for uniform. I always had the neatest uniform. my sash always pressed and my shoes always shiny. I always matched my hair ribbon to my skirt and never slouched my socks. look at me now. Bugger finding a soda machine - find me a David Jones retail outlet with new clothes and rose scented body wash!

~grumble~

my stomach turned, I was so hungry. I hope the others came back with something soon. I don't think I could walk another step without substance. I thought about what our lives would be like from here on in.. it was just a big black blanket of what if's... I had no idea of what would become of us and what lie ahead, everyone else seemed so eager to exorcise their survival techniques, I just wanted my mum, and my big comfy bed, and the security of our home. I felt so unsafe and alone, who leaves two young ladies alone on a bus anyhow? I look at Vark, a pillar of strength for such a young thing. her beauty and strength shine from behind the dirty marks on her face as I slide down next to her. she envelopes me in her warmth and I feel 100% better.

I was in my own world for what seemed like only a second when Vark told me to get down, I startled out of my daze and looked at her questioningly.. she enclosed my chin in her soft hand and jerked it round so as I could see the man approaching the bus. Panic filled my guts and I gasped in panic.. he had seen the bus and was coming toward us he was probably mid 40's and he was huge! Thoughts obsessed in my head of what he would do upon finding two young girls alone in an abandoned bus. I thought about hiding, I thought about running. and then.. I thought about Vark.

I stood up and stomped over to the door of the bus, as he approached I looked him daringly in the eye..

"We don't have any food" I put my hands on my hips and attempted to position my tiny body in a authoritarian stance.

He stared at me with shiny eyes. little black curls on his head and a beard starting to make its home on his face.

"We don't have anything so please just leave" My voice sounded so weak, I felt pathetic and foolish trying to be the strong one. Vark stood behind me now and she asked him "what do you want?"

He reached into his jacket pocket and I thought.. that's it, that's it we are gone, he is going to shoot us and take our bus. His hand came out of the Jacket and held..... a small plastic bag full of salted peanuts. a peace offering? he reached up and placed the bag in my hand. Wary shone in my eyes and hunger stabbed at my belly as I stood aside and let him on the bus.

"What's your name?" I asked