…A school bus. James could make out the driver’s visage, slowly coming in to view. Finally, rescue was on the way! And with enough waving and shouting, James managed to get the bus driver’s attention, prompting him to stop. The bus doors swung open before James. The driver spoke to him, "Seem’s like someone’s in a pickle" he laughed, "Need a ride?"
James nodded. "Yup, you could say that again. I was driving down to Reylsville Hotel when my car broke down on me and my phone died on me not long after. Could I bother you to pick me up?"
"Funny you should say that," the driver replied, "The school I work for is only a few walks away from the hotel! Hop on back and you’ll be there no in time"
Grateful, James thanked the man and walked in, the bus doors automatically locked behind him, as the view outside started to change as the bus picked up speed.
The young man inspected the seats. He found the bus crowded with students, from high schools seniors to first-graders. Whatever school they were attending, it must’ve been an all-boy’s school, since there were no girls in sight.
But none of that mattered.
James wanted somewhere to sit down, so he scanned his options and found a couple of options. At the front row, was an empty spot next to a boy who appeared to be 8 years old; he had a baseball cap - which he wore backward - perched atop short blond hair. His face was smattered with freckles, and he seemed to pay James no mind as he chewed and blew bubbles with his bubblegum.
A few rows back, there was another spot, next to a high school senior - a tall and muscled figure, whose auburn hair was neatly combed and gelled. Definitely the popular athlete type. James could see typing and scrolling down his phone.
Lastly, going further back, there was an empty spot sandwiched between two boys - identical twins, no older than six. They wore matching, plain shirts and fashioned the same long, black mop of curly hair.