The Forgotten City

Chapter 2

Night had fallen hours ago. A chill is creeping into the bus. I snuggle into Jason tighter as we sit uncomfortably side by side. My poor muscles need to stretch, but I don't want to wake my boyfriend.

The bus is quiet now, except for Jason's occasional snores.

I look around and caught Ian's intense brown eyes mirroring mine. I blush and try to turn my head before he could notice.

Too late.

"Hey, Ali," he says in a low husky, voice. "If you ever grow tired of Jason's arms, mine are wide open."

Those stupid butterflies come back. If it were possible, I would lock them up in a cage!

"In your dreams, Ian," I scoff.

"You have no idea," Ian whispers so low that I'm not sure he had actually said it, or if it was just my imagination.

At that moment, Professor Williams came back to join us.

"It's getting late, so the bus driver is going to be pulling into the next town for the remainder of the night. It will give us some time to stretch and get a good nights sleep, before we head out again, bright and early," he announces to us.

Most of the student's groan awake at his announcement.

We are just reaching a sign post that reads "Forgotten City limits" when misty lights shone through a sudden dense fog.

A cold chill slides up my spine. A sense of foreboding settles in my chest.

"Professor Williams? Is there anyway we can stop at the next town over?" I implore.

"Sorry, Alison. But the bus driver has been going since this early afternoon, and it's almost 11 pm now. We really need to stop or be in danger of running off the road," he explains.

Within minutes the big bus pulls into an old motel, with neon lights flashing VACANCY. The red paint was chipping away from the wood, and the windows looks like someone had used one or two for shooting practice. Above the office door hangs a sign reading "The Forgotten Motel." An open sign hangs in the dingy window.

This does not look good.

"Well," says the Professor, "I'll go take care of rooms and I'll be right back with your keys!" And with that, he bounds off the bus with all the energy of a spring chicken.

Jason stretches his arms up over his head and yawns loudly. His sleepy eyes sparkle as they look at me. "How ya doin', Ali?" he asks as he kisses the top of my head.

"I'm ready to get off this bus!" I chuckle.

"I agree!" he responds.

A few minutes later Professor Williams comes back carrying the keys.

"Okay," he says. "Alison, Tiffany, Sara and Samantha, you are sharing room 202," and hands the key over to Sara.

All the girls moan and grab our packs to take up to our room.

"Jason, Ian, Jeff and John will be in room 203," and hands the key to Jeff.

"I will be in room 204 with Steve, our bus driver and Ben, if you need me. Good night everyone," calls out our way, too energetic professor, and turns to grab his pack.

Jason gives me a hug and whispers in my ear "G'night, Ali. I'll see ya when the sun's up." Then sweetly kisses me on my cheek. A small smile graces my lips. It is a comfort to have the small physical touch, even if I secretly wish I had more. But I will never say that out loud. He let me go and hauls his bag up the stairs to follow the rest of the boys.

I sigh and follow Tiffany up the stairs. Sara stands by our door, tapping her foot impatiently while she holds it open. "Come on ladies! Let's not take all night!" Sara snaps.

Tromping my way to the farthest queen bed, I pass a dusty mirror. I look a my reflection. I see my curly red hair. It looks like it took on a life of it's own. My green eyes are dull and tired. My freckles stand out against my pale face. My figure is not perfect. I am a size 6, when all the other girls are a size 2. There was nothing special about what I see in the mirror.

I turn away and dump my pack on the floor at the end of the bed. I grab my sweatpants and tee I ware to bed and took it to the bathroom.

While I change, I hear Sara whispering to Sam, "Did you hear about Jason and Emily last weekend?"

"No, what happened," is the whispered response.

"They were at the mall, in line for the movies together. I swear they were holding hands!" squeals Sara.

"Cut it out you two!" growls Tiffany.

There goes my best friend. Defending me again.

I open up the door and walk over to the far side of the second queen bed, pretending I hadn't heard anything. I slip under the covers and close my eyes.

Still.... Something isn't right, and I have to wonder....