Estelle

I shrieked at the sight of Kassia rummaging through my clothes. She looked over her shoulder at me and frowned.

“Don’t yell,” she scolded. “It’s too early in the morning for that.”

“Why are you going through my clothes?” I demanded. She held up something that she examined for a moment, and then placed it back, making a sound of disgust.

“Helping you with your first day back clothes,” she told me cheerily. I groaned as I walked over to her. I had to yank one of my shirts away from her hands.

“I’ve got it,” I assure her. She lets out a small puff of air.

“Fine.”

I smile as I lead her to the door, my hand on her back, guiding her out. She turned back to me as we reached the doorway. “But —”

I cut her off, holding up my index finger. “No. I can handle getting dressed.”

She sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “Fine. Just ask if you need help with anything.”

She walks out of my room as I shout, "I won't!” after her. She turns around and sticks her tongue out at me.

***

I had to ignore Kassia’s upset looks at my clothing choices this morning. She had gotten the whole first day back idea all wrong. You don’t stick out; you blend in.

I waved goodbye hastily before the bus drove off without me.

“Your choice this morning is quite...interesting,” she muses. I watch in amusement as she gestures to my sweatshirt. “You sure you don’t want something, oh, I don’t know, nicer?”

“Nope. Bye.”

***

I try to ignore all pointed stares and comments as I go to the back of the bus. One of the seats is already occupied by a boy consumed by his book and nodding his head to the music in his headphones. I smile nervously as I slide into place beside him.

He takes his headphones off, and I can hear the small sound of beating drums and muffled voices.

“I’m Cole,” he says.

“Estelle.”

I look out through the window at the houses that we speed past on the street. When I turn back to face him, he’s staring at me. My face warms in embarrassment. “What?”

He lets out a short, amused chuckle. “Nothing.” He smiles and then turns away for a moment. When he looks back at me, he’s not smiling widely, but he is clearly trying to stop himself from doing so. “Are you okay? You look kind of sick.” He inches away from me. “Don’t get sick on me. That might ruin my solid reputation.”

"What is your reputation?"  I asked him in a sarcastic manner.

Cole smirked and then gave me a wink. " You'll see, I'm somewhat a big thing around here."

I laughed slightly. My body is thrown toward the seat in front of me as the bus stops suddenly. Cole outstretched his arm to stop me from banging my head against the seat in front.

I was just about to thank him when he joked, "See?"  He smirked, "I'm already your hero."  I am left to follow him as he jumps up and rushes off the bus.