The Forgotten City

I sigh as I gaze out the foggy window on the Greyhound bus, headed out of Colorado. The vibration of the metal beast was almost enough to soothe my soul. Maybe if I could just focus on the darkness outside, I could slip into it too. But the constant buzzing of my, best friend Tiffany Giles kept me alert. I knew she was trying to help. Tiffany had always been like that. My name is Alison Kimball, and I am a first year archaeology student. I should be having the time of my life right now... But it's complicated. I feel Tiffany's arm slide across my shoulders and pull me in for a hug. "Hey, sweetie. You gotta talk to me. I'm here for you! In fact I'm still shocked you decided to come along at all this weekend, after what happened to your parents and all..." Tiffany said gently. I looked over at my BFF. Tiffany was the definition of a cheerleader. She had long blonde hair, blue eyes, the figure most boys couldn't take their eyes off of. But most of all, she was always cheerful! She saw the best in everyone, and would make the best of every situation. She is my soul sister. And right now, she is my biggest support. Tiffany and I had been planning this trip for months. It is end of the term and Professor Williams has booked our first year Archaeology class a trip to a dig out in a southern California desert. This should be one of the most exciting days of my life. But it isn't. I sigh deeply. "Tiff, I don't even know what to say. My parents died in that car wreck 2 months ago. We have been planning this trip for forever... But I feel so... so empty. I have no one left but you. Well, and Jason." My eyes shift over to Jason, who is sitting in the row across from us talking to his roommate, Ian. Jason Phillips is a shy, nerdy kinda guy. He is sweet and always makes me feel safe and secure. Just a few weeks ago he finally got the courage to ask me out. She remembered how cute he was when he walked up to her all flustered. His cheeks were all red from nerves. He ran his fingers through his shaggy blonde hair, and pushed his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose. He had a slim build, as if he spent more time behind a desk than at the gym. His soft blue eyes focused on me and said, "You look like you could use a cuppa coffee. I was just on my way to get some myself. Would you like to join me?" I thought it was the most adorable thing that he was stumbling all over himself that I immediately replied "I'd love to." "Ali, I totally get it. Your parents were the best! They were my second parents all growing up. Whenever I'd get in a fight with mine at home, I could always come over to you'r house and you'r mom would have a batch of chocolate chip cookies made within the hour, along with a nice cold glass of milk and a listing ear," she says. A tear drop falls down my cheek and I smile. I always loved that about my mom. "Hey, Tiff, mind if we swap seats for a bit?" asks Jason. Tiffany winks at me. "No prob!" she says and stands up so Jason can take her place. "Hey, sweetheart. How you holdin' up?" asks Jason, as he sits down beside me. "Hey, Jase. I think I'm doing better than yesterday," I answer, as he takes my hand. As always, whenever he holds my hand I feel all warm and fuzzy. It isn't love, but it is a happy feeling. "That's all anyone can ask of you. Just take it one day at a time. You can make it through this, and I'll be there to help you," he promises. Then he leans over and kisses me lightly on the cheek. Giggling broke out from the other side of the aisle. Ian is flirting with all the other girls. Of course he is. He is gorgeous! With his thick, glossy, black hair, big dreamy brown eyes, deep tan and that dimple on his right cheek. What girl in her right mind wouldn't fall for him? He turns his head, as if he can feel me watching him. Butterflies erupt in my belly and my face flushes. I wish he didn't have that effect on me. I knew he could have any girl he wants, and probably does. But he would never want me. He just likes to flirt with me because I am with Jason. He sends me a sly grin and a wink, then turns back to the other girls. Sara Mills came up from behind him; she scoots her way over Tiffany and ends up on Ian's lap. Sara drapes her arm around his neck, and Ian put his arms around her waist. "Hey, baby," she coos. I jerk my head towards the window again so I can't see him. Maybe if I ignore him long enough, he will get bored of me. After all that is what I want. I have Jason, who is sweetly holding my hand, and completely oblivious to how Ian is making me feel. I need a distraction from all these emotions; which is the main reason I decided I would go on the trip. I turn to Jason, "So, are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?"...