Collision Course

After class

The final bell had just rung, and everyone was running trough the halls, anxious to leave. I for one, was in no rush. I didn't want to go home. My parents were probably fighting about something and I'd just end up hurt again. I'd forgotten the combination to my locker and was standing like an idiot with my books at my feet. "Forgot the numbers?" A quiet voice from behind me causes me to jump a twist around. The janitor was standing with a key in her hand and looking at me awkwardly. "Um, y-yeah," I stuttered. He smiled, "That's ok, I can open it with my key, as I'll get the combination so I can help you remember it." "Th-thank you," I don't know why, but talking to adults makes me nervous. She unlocked my locker and helped me put the books I didn't need into it. "Are your parents the type to take a bit to pick ya up?" She questions. I nodded. It was the truth, I was always the last one on the curb, and we always live to far away to walk safely. "Stay away from them there boys, there liable to do somthin' real nasty to a pretty thing like you," said as she pointed to a group of larger boys by the door. I gulped and grippe my backpack straps tightly. "You'll be ok as long as ya stay close to a witness," she says. I nodded. "What's yer name?" He questions. "Valentine Hue," I tell her. "Nice to meet ya Valentine, I'm Stormy," she smiles again. I smiled shyly back at her. She laughed, "You remind me of me when I was yer age, all timid and shy, but don't ya worry, ya can be outspoken if ya put yet mind ta it," she turned back down the hallway and I made my way towards the door. Even if the kids here are crazy, I think I can be friends with Stormy, no matter how weird I'll look with her as my only friend.