The first trip to the botanical gardenIt was eight o’clock and the bus was parked in the school parking lot. The kids were milling around with their backpacks on, ready and excited for the day that lay ahead. When the doors opened they jumped on the bus, filling it with the sound of their happy voices.
Matilde and Fabrizio were the last to board and, after a quick headcount, sat together behind the driver. The bus took off slowly and Matilde settled more comfortably, taking off her coat.
She stood to put it in the overhead compartment and as she lifted her arms her orange jacket uncovered her bottom, giving Fabrizio an ample view. Her closeness unsettled him.
He’d been attracted to her ever since their first meeting but he had always concealed his feelings, letting her believe that he w
