My $ugar Mommy [Jenlisa]

Chapter 12

    “Good morning,” my dad said as I came into the kitchen. He scanned me briefly before returning his attention to the muted tv, the morning news displaying a destroyed building. “Staying home because of last night’s attack?”

     “No, it’s Pizza Thursday.” Nothing could stand in the way of pizza and me. Nothing.

     “You want me to make you some breakfast?”

     “No, I’m leaving right now, otherwise I’ll miss my bus.” I rushed to put my shoes on and grab my bag, barely looking at what I was doing. “Besides, I want to save room for the pizza.”

     “Um, Seulgi?”

     “Yeah, Dad?” I said as I turned to look at him again. His face seemed to be almost twitching as if he was struggling not to make an expression. He opened his mouth, but quickly closed it. He finally resolved to smile.

     “Nothing. Have a good day.”

**************

     The bus was buzzing with excitement when I got on. Everyone was whispering together with huge smiles on their faces, the promise of pizza putting them in high spirits. Still, though, were people usually so excited on Thursday? I wasn’t sure, there seemed to be something else going on like everyone was laughing at something. Maybe there was going to be a dessert today, too. That would certainly turn smiles into laughs. Grinning at this idea, I made my way near the back of the bus and slid in next to Hector, a guy I had been friends with for years, who was softly snoring with his head resting against the side of the bus. I expected it, of course. His job kept him up at all hours of the night and last night would have been especially hectic. Still, a thirty-minute bus ride with no one to talk to was a nightmare. I glanced around, looking for some form of entertainment. My eyes landed on the girl sitting across the aisle from me, a girl named Penny. She was pretty, with brown hair and hazel eyes, not to mention a gorgeous smile. I never had much luck when it came to girls, but that didn’t stop me from trying. Plus, I had an in with this one. We had worked on a group project before, so I didn’t need to do the awkward introductions. I made eye contact and gave her a smile. To my surprise, she blushed and looked away. She turned to her friend and they giggled together. Wait, what? Did she blush because of me? Is she actually into me? Would she say yes if I asked her out? Was I too hasty in thinking today was going to be terrible? What if-? how am I going to say on my friends aisshh.

     The road in front of the bus exploded. Shrapnel flew everywhere and the cars around us swerved to avoid getting hit. The bus heaved to a stop, and everyone was thrown forward. It was then that we saw him. He stood at the center of the explosion, his eyes glowing red, his face morphed into a ghoulish expression. It was him. The man who brought down a building last night. Mulciber. 

     The entire bus groaned.  “Mulciber? Again?!” One kid yelled.

     “Seriously, that’s the third time our bus has been attacked this week!” Another one pitched in.

    “Don’t these guys have anything better to do than terrorize high schoolers?”

    “I’ve got it, I’ve got it,” said Hector with exasperation. He yawned and stretched, then made his way to the front of the bus. “Honestly, can’t these guys give me a day off? Superheroes need sleep too.” He grumbled similar phrases until he exited, going out to face the latest person to declare war on the city. 

     “Alright everyone, you know the drill! Calmly form a line, no pushing or shoving, and cash only.” I pulled the pre-popped popcorn from my bag as my classmates lined up, with somewhat less grumbling than usual.