I gripped my lunch box and took a deep breath. The bus slowed and hissed to a stop a few feet in front of me.
The doors opened.
“Hello, Oliver.” Mrs. Jenkins smiled her crooked smile.
“Hi.” I answered and stepped onto the bus.
I looked down the aisle way. Jake eyed me and lowered his head with his stare, as if saying “You’re here”
I avoided his eyes and kept walking. There was only one seat left behind Jake. He pointed at the available seat, exaggerating his expression as if he was politely inviting. I sat down, ignoring Jake’s foot trying to trip me as I walked past.
“How’s our little Oly doing?” Jake taunted.
I ignored him and looked out the window. I held back the tears.
“Still no older brother Cory here to protect you, huh? Where is he? Is he making cookies with mommy?” Jake taunted.
My visioned blurred. I was terrified, angered, I couldn’t speak. If only I had the courage to turn and say to him “He died in an accident last week, now leave me be.”