“Guys!” Nick called, heading into the bus, even though he had only left a few minutes ago. Brian looked up from his magazine. “I’ve got someone I want you to meet,” he continued, guiding a very pretty young woman in after him. “This is Angela.”
She appeared to be about 18. Her thick black hair settled around her shoulders in apparently natural corkscrew curls which many other girls would’ve envied. Her dark complexion, Brian thought, had never seen the likes of any make-up. Her dark brown eyes were clear and lucid, holding a beautiful air of innocence betraying her age. Her long-fingered hands were smooth and elegant.
AJ, his jaw dropped, gathered it up and rose. “Nice to meet you, Angela,” he smiled, extending his hand.
“Nice to meet you,” she agreed, returning the smile. Even her voice was perfect.
Too perfect, Brian thought. As the other guys stood to meet her, he quietly moved to the back of the bus. Angela noticed and politely excused herself from Nick, saying she’d be right back. She was heading for Brian. He frantically scrambled for the back of the bus, but she continued to follow him.
“Is something wrong?” she inquired gently, sitting down on a bunk; his bunk. He didn’t answer. She laughed a little. “What’s wrong? I don’t bite.” When Brian still didn’t respond, Angela sighed, irritated. “I know we just met, Brian, but I want you to know that you can tell me whatever you need to.”
“It doesn’t concern you.”
She set her jaw stubbornly and rose. “Tell me what’s wrong. Something’s clearly bothering you. Is it me?”
“Nnnno,” he stammered.
“It’s me,” she assumed. Her lovely face fell and she looked at the ground.
“It’s not you,” Brian insisted, putting his hands on her shoulders. “Believe me. It’s not you.” She wasn’t convinced.
“Then tell me what’s wrong,” she insisted quietly. “You can tell me. I’m not evil or anything else you might think I am. Really, I’m not.” Somehow, somewhere in his heart, Brian knew that was the truth. Suddenly, he felt himself about to burst. He turned back to Angela.
“I...” He sighed furiously and turned away. “Never mind.” He began to walk away toward the back of the bus.
“Brian...” A gentle hand on his shoulder stopped him. “Talk to me.”
There was a tone in her voice that he had only heard in a girl’s voice if she was in love with him, but now..... Angela seemed genuinely concerned about Brian. She only wanted to help; to listen to him.
Brian slowly turned around and everything burst. “Earlier today,” he began almost shakily. “Nick came in the bus talking about some girl named Lucy.” He suddenly realized the folly of his words. “Jeez, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have even said anything, Angela. I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t worry. Nick told me about Lucy. She’s in the past,” she assured gently, tipping his chin up. “Go on.”
“Well..... I got really jealous and afraid that...” He trailed off and Angela nodded, understanding. Brian was beginning to like her. “And... then...”
“Oh, that?” Angela inquired. “Nick told me. He’s forgiven you. Don’t sweat it.”
“Really?”
“Really.” Brian couldn’t hold back any longer. He hugged Angela tightly. She laughed a little and hugged him back. “Feel any better?”
“Tons. Thanks, Angela,” he whispered.
“It’s what I’m here for, Brian. Whenever you guys need me. And don’t worry. I won’t hog Nick.” She held Brian out at arm’s length and smiled. He felt much better.
