It was an old-fashioned school bus, probably from before Word War II! It had separate fenders and a big square body, with FREDERICK MILITARY ACADEMY painted on the side. Despite its obvious age, the bud gleamed like new. Someone must have restored it. The door swung open smoothly, and the driver smiled at him. "Hope you haven't been waiting long, son. Go on and take your seat. We'll be back at the academy soon." There were hoots and shouts from inside, and James realized he could see boys inside. They looked to be a mix of junior and senior high ages, all dressed in identical gray uniforms.
"Um, my car broke down.." James started to explain, but was cut off by the driver.
"Don't worry, son. I don't need any excuses. And no one at the academy has to know, either.. Come on, take your seat."
James frowned, confused and a little reluctant. Why was this guy, who couldn't be any older than James, calling him 'son'? Why were they driving round in an antique? However, the prospect of waiting for another vehicle to come his way seemed pretty bleak. And wherever this academy was, they should have a phone he could use. He grabbed the polished brass handle on the side and pulled himself up onto the bus.
As soon as he had stepped inside, the door closed and the bus lurched forward, making James stumble. "What's the matter, Jimmy? You drunk?" "Nah, he's just a klutz!" "Hey, Jimmy, how'd you miss the bus?" The banter sounded friendly and familiar, and the boys were all grinning at him. It took a second for him to realize that they had just called him by name, but just as that sank in he caught sight of his own arm - he was wearing a gray uniform just like the boys!