The Girl on the Bus (REWRITE/ON HOLD)

8

CHAPTER 8

BLAKE

Van and I had spent the next two hours browsing the rows of cars that Ralph had. I loved watching her face light up when she saw one she really liked. She seemed to be opening up more and coming out of her shell, even if it was slow.

I eventually stopped stalling and decided on a hot rod red 76' corvette convertible. Ralph had agreed on forty thousand for it because he had just fixed it up, he gave it new shocks, pistons, a new paint job as well as an all new leather interior.

I couldn't help but notice the way Van's facial expression changed when I handed Ralph the cash. She looked almost embarrassed. I didn't know why and I've been bugging about it since.

Despite her countless protests, I finally was able to talk her in to going to the park to hang out until she had to be home. It took me offering her some of Sandy's homemade brownies, for her to finally agree.

The sky was starting to darken, and the wind had picked up blowing a cool breeze around us. It was supposed to rain tonight but the weather man hasn't been right in a few weeks.

The old rusty swing squeaks every time one of us sways, even slightly. It brought a comfort and a nostalgic feeling.

I stared in awe as the wind blew her dark brown hair around her face, and how it would get stuck on the chapstick she had just applied. She'd got so irritated she eventually put it up in a loose bun and shoved her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

"You're cute when you're angry" I joke with a laugh.

She responds by glaring at me and sticking her tongue out.

A heavy breeze blows through the playground and she huddled farther into her jacket.

"I should get you home before it gets any colder"

She nods and stands from the swing before collecting her things from their spot on the ground.

I follow behind her as we take our time heading back to the car. My mind was reeling with all the things I wanted to say but didn't. I didn't like what I was feeling, I didn't like that I started falling for her so fast. I barely knew her.

There was just something about her that entranced me, she was intriguing and I couldn't help but want more of the mystery that was Van.

Before I give myself time to react, I reach out and grab her wrist before pulling her under the nearby willow tree.

"Blake? What's wrong?" She's asks, concern etched into her beautiful features.

I shake my head and flash a small smile in her direction. "Nothing at all, I-I just had a lot of fun today"

Dumbass

She smiles back and tilts her head to the side slightly. "I had fun too"

My heart fluttered. I was a whimp to react this way but I couldn't help it. I knew the day I saw her on the bus a month ago, that my life wouldn't be the same.

"I have a stupid idea" I blurt before I can stop myself.

Her eyebrows twitch up in confusion and I can't help the smile that curves up my lips as I watch her nose crinkle.

"What's the idea?"

"We make this our spot right here under this tree, it's ours, a safe place for us to be whatever we want to be, and to do whatever we want to do."

"That isn't stupid at all Blake. I love that idea." She replies with tears welling up in her eyes.

"Really?" I breath in relief.