I wasn’t as scared as I thought I’d be when Nathaniel pulled me into him. I pushed my mouth closer to his, desperate for the contact with another human being. I pulled away, breathing hard, when his stop came up. I stood up with him and tried to help him to off the bus, but he shrugged me off.

“I’m fine Anabell. Don’t you worry.” He told me.

“Alright… But remember. You promised to let me know as soon as you find out what the doctor says, okay?” I insisted. “I’ll keep my cell on me all night…”

“Yes Anabell. I’ll be a good boy and remember to text you.” He laughed.

“Oh, you know I’m worried…” I responded.

“I know. I’ll talk to you tonight. Bye.” He said as he hobbled off the bus.

I sat back down in the seat we’d just shared. It now felt much to wide and spacious. I sighed at my rollercoaster of emotions. Happy when I was with him, disapointed and loney when I wasn’t, afriad and rejected at home, and stressed out about school work… I listed to myself. What a mess I’m in.