The Short Bus

I’m waiting at my bus stop with Rob in the fall of 1990. I’m taking the bus because I’m not allowed to take the train by myself. Every time I have been in the subway station, my mother makes me stand with my back up against the wall so no one can get behind me and shove. I have no idea how many times this happens in a given year, but if it equates to her fear level there must be about 1 person a week shoved in front of a train.

It’s been over 3 months since school started and Rob and I have yet to exchange a single word with each other. Rob is definitely way cooler than me, the akward girl who wears a back brace to prevent her spine from curving because she's growing to fast. I don’t even think he knows my name. He’s really cute and I imagine different things I could say every day but nothing ever comes out.

We see the bus coming down Madison Avenue, but it just flies by us. It doesn’t even slow down. As I stand there in complete shock Rob looks at me and nonchalantly says "Time to take the train"...the Train!...I’m not allowed on the subway...that is why I’m taking the freaking bus. "Um I have to call my mother first". Rob rolls his eyes. I can tell I have just lived up to his lame expectations of me. “Okay whatever” and he walks away.

Great...well at the very least I should get the day off from school for this. I walk over to the pay phone, pull out my emergency quarter and call my mom. The "oh well, just go home" I was hoping for does not come. “What do you mean the bus didn’t stop?” she yelled. “It just didn’t stop, I guess they forgot. Should I take the train?” I know full well that the train is not an option and I’m still hoping for a get out of school free pass.

“Give me your number and wait there.” After 10 minutes the phone rings. “They’re coming back for you”. Her voice sounds very satisfied with the way she has managed the situation.

While waiting I wonder if everyone is going to be annoyed they had to turn around after they were already half way up to school, but after 10 minutes I see a small bus pull up and a man named George opens the door.

"Don’t worry Carol, we’ll have you up to school in a jiffy."

"I’m the only one on the bus?"

"Yep" said George.

I stare out the window during the drive up to school becoming more and more nervous of reality ahead of me. George drives right up to Bronx Sciences main entrance and I can see Rob there hanging out with his friends. I awkwardly walk down the stairs and I know I am now and forever the girl that rides the short bus.