Every Part of Us

I couldn't sleep last night. I'm still not used to this room, my mind was all over the place. Back at my old place, I had a small window that looked straight into the neighbor's, so I always kept it covered. And for the first time I don't have to do that beacsue this big window. It faced out into a peaceful view of the forest, no creepy neighbor window in sight. So that's a pro.

I wandered around Mom's room. It felt like she still lived here. Even her music collection, full of pop, was still neatly stacked. 

I grabbed my guitar, figuring maybe playing one song would help me fall asleep. 

The moonlight was creeping through the window, casting everything in a soft blue glow. I looked outside quiet street to the houses with not a single light on. 

---

I finally fell asleep around three a.m., and now I'm really regretting it. It took me fifteen minutes laying on my bed to motivate me to get up.

First thing I did was check my phone. Scroll through apps nothing exciting. Except the long list of missed calls. Great.  Along with a message from my dad just telling me to try to have a good first day of school and he'll call me later.

I set my phone down. Not like it's going to help me now. 

I Showered, got dressed, and headed downstairs where it looked like everyone was already awake. 

"Morning," Grandpa says, his face lighting up with a smile. I mumble a reply still feeling half asleep. 

"Stevie, sit down, I'll bring you breakfast," Grandma's voice echoes from the kitchen. Mom's nowhere in sight, but Erika's sitting at the table, eating and scrolling through her phone. 

"First day, huh?" Erika says, her eyes glued to her screen. "I'll pray for you, sis." 

"Thanks, love the support," I chuckle, trying not to sound too sarcastic. 

Grandma sets my breakfast in front of me, her hand lightly squeezing my shoulder. 

"You'll have fun. The kids here are all sweet," she says, settling down to finish her own breakfast. 

If I can just make it through the rest of the school year without trouble, I'll be good. Only four months left anyways. 

---

I'm waiting on the porch, tapping my foot on the wooden boards. It's chilly today, and cloudy. Guess this is my warm welcome to the town. 

I see the bright yellow bus turn onto my street, just seeing it makes me wanna run back inside. Second day in this town and they have me going to school.

The bus stops, the doors open. Nothing new here.

People are chattering, laughing, being loud. But some are definitely staring. It doesn't feel intimidating, more like a "who are you?" kind of thing. 

I make my way down the crowded aisle and find an empty seat in the back. 

The bus starts moving, and I rest my head against the window, slipping in my headphones.