Chapter 4: Bus Dynamics

The bus ride to Castle Rock Middle School wasn't a real joyus one. Stephanie sat near the middle with Chris and Gordie.

After a few pick-ups four boys got on the bus. Teddy Duchamp, Vern Tessio, and John and Marty DeSpain.

"Walk faster Duchamp, you idiot!" Marty demanded

"Naw...I'll take my sweet time." Teddy said in a cheerful tone.

Teddy and Marty have been doing this little dance together since kindergarden. Marty told the class that Theodore didn't have a pee-pee. Then in front all of Mrs. Carle's art class Theodore pronounced, in a loud voice, that he had two pee-pees and Marty was just jealous.

The DeSpain brothers walked farther back, John catching Steph's eye. Vern and Teddy sat together behind the seat Chris and Gordie were sitting in.

The two stood up to look over in their friend's seat,"Who's she?" Vern asked trying not to sound too rude.

By now, Gordie had told Chris Stephanie's last name. And he had felt the same way Gordie did; Gulity.

"Um, Guys," Gordie said,"This is Stephanie Brower." He tried to over-emphasize her last name so Teddy and Vern would understand.

Teddy's eyes dilated fron behind his enromous glasses. It took Vern a minute or two to process the last name. He's not the brightest crayon in the box.

Duchamp stared at the girl. They have the same eyes, He thought, which is a thing He nornally wouldn't of.

Steph observed the dynamics of the bus. Younger grades and quiet kids up front. Us, I guess, in the middle, and the grade-A assholes in the back.

Though, the little Brower chick glanced in the back to not only observe the cliques, but that that cute DeSpain boy.

She also noticed a girl in the front, every now and then gazing off at Gordie.

Her name was Verlidia. She wore pink rimmed glasses and was known around Castle Rock for wearing a pony-tail year round. Today she had on an adorable purple dress and periwinkle sweater. Quite a pretty girl.

Gordie liked this girl as well but, he'd know what his dad would say if he brought her home:

"Gordon she's the color of night!"

Did you like it?