Chapter 13: Danger on the Bus
After school, Natalie blocked me. “Your mom left you for your sister again? So pitiful. I’ll send you $15. Take a rideshare.”
She didn’t wait for an answer—just sent the money and ran to the Escalade.
I took the money, but didn’t plan to use it. Natalie’s mom worked so hard; I wanted to save it for her.
It was rush hour. The bus was packed, hot and loud. Someone’s backpack slammed into my shoulder. A man in a baseball cap had been standing next to me for several stops.
Suddenly, the bus jerked. The man fell against me, his breath reeking of old cigarettes. His hand, maybe on purpose, maybe not, pressed against my chest.
“Hey there, it’s you! Sorry, I lost my balance.”
He acted like he knew Natalie, smiling casually. I said nothing, turning away. But his hand crept to my waist. “Let me help you stand, okay?”
My skin crawled. I grabbed his hand, hard.
All those self-defense lessons finally paid off.
Now I understood why Natalie never wanted to take the bus. She must’ve been harassed before. That’s why her mom picked her up every day. If she couldn’t, Natalie was in danger.
But why didn’t she call the cops or tell her family?
Three hours later, I’d know why.
Maybe it was fear, or shame, or just knowing the world doesn’t always listen to girls like us.