Jon Madison ran for the curb. His bus was rounding the corner and he knew it would pass him by if he wasn't waiting by the street. Mr. Withers, the grouchy bus driver Jon had always had since he was a boy, didn't tolerate tardiness. Jon would be left standing on the curb, heavy backpack on his back, having to walk to school or beg a ride from his mother.
A sigh slipped past Jon's lips as he shrugged the big green backpack over his shoulder. His homework the night before had forced him to bring home a few extra books, and the weight was pulling him down. The paper than was assigned was done, so he wouldn't have to break his back again for a while, but that didn't make the ride to school any lighter.
The bus pulled up in front of Jon. After a moment, the door fanned open and Jon stepped in. Adjusting his cute brown over-the-shoulder purse, Jon struggled up the steps carrying all the books his homework had demanded pressed into his chest. Mr. Withers waited until Jon was at the top before he closed the doors behind him. An odd look flashed on the driver's face as he examined the student, but Jon dismissed it as the man just being mean.
At the back of the bus Jon spotted his best friend Karyn. She was sitting alone, reading some book (probably a reading assignment for that morning, if he knew her). He smiled and walked toward her. He liked his friend very much, although he knew that her tomboyishness was holding her back. If only she would dress nicely every once and a while, maybe in a dress with some make-up, then the girl would be a catch. Any boy would be crazy to ignore her.
A warm feeling passed through him as he thought of trying to help the girl out. Maybe he could invite her over that weekend and do a make-over. He could bake cookies!
He brushed his long brown hair out of his eyes as he sat down next to the girl and crossed his ankles under the seat. He could feel his bare legs rubbing against each other and hoped that it wasn't going to be too cold for the skirt he was wearing. He just loved the colour.
Karyn looked up at him with a shocked look.
"Jon, what the hell happened?!" At her exclamation her hand brushed against his arm and she felt an electric charge that pass between them.
