Splinters: Part One

Part One | 17

I went to the bathroom and got dressed and basically did the morning routine before heading out the door with my lunch. I walked down the sidewalk alone to the bus stop and was thankful when the bus pulled up just when I got there.

Two more students walked in with me and chose their seats ahead of mine. I sat in the seat where Ursa and I usually sit.

I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind me and I turned. Brody sat on the edge of his seat, staring at me, his eyes almost hopeful.

"Hey, where's Ursanne?"

"She's sick today."

He frowned and nodded. "Oh."

I pressed my lips together and looked away, scooting closer to the window. The bus ride was boring, really. It wasn't as much fun without Ursanne. I decided to spare my time by playing 2048. Collie had shown it to me at the park. After three failed tries, we were at Constance.

I was one of the last to leave the bus and was surprised to see Bella standing nearby. It shouldn't be all that surprising. She's usually always waiting for Ursanne.

"Hey," she said, stepping towards me.

I smiled at her. "Hi."

She glanced behind her shoulder. "Where's Ursa?"

"She's sick."

Bella raised an eyebrow. "With what?

I shrugged. "The flu or something."

Bella frowned. "Are you serious?"

I nodded, beginning to walk inside the school. Bella followed me.

"Do you think she'll be here tomorrow?"

I looked down at my sister's best friend and shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know. I didn't even see her this morning."

Bella's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I didn't go into her room or anything. I didn't even say goodbye to her."

"You didn't?"

I shook my head. "She was probably asleep anyway. You can try texting her."

"Good idea," Bella smiled. "I'll do it at lunch."

"Okay."

"I'll see you later, Brayden," Bella said.

I gave her a tight smile and waved with my left hand, clutching the strap of my backpack with the other.

She turned and walked away as I headed towards my locker. I grabbed my books and headed for my first class.

...

The day had gone by very oddly. Some girls smiled at me while guys smirked and nodded and high fived me. It made absolutely no sense, especially since I don't know anyone here still. I'd wished Ursanne was here so she could fill me in, but that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

"So I heard you and Collie are official," Andrew said, stepping next to me as we walked towards our same class.

"Where did you come from?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

He literally just came out of nowhere.

"Are you avoiding the subject?"

"No, you just randomly popped up."

"I've been meaning to talk to you about it. Zech's not happy."

"Is he supposed to be?"

I didn't mean for the sarcastic comment to come out as harsh as it did. I figured I was still annoyed that he had been with Collie at a certain point in time and never told me.