“Silence is a great healer”

uuuuuI waited on the bus that afternoon after the final bell rang and I had rushed outside. Now all that was left was the hour long drive back home that I had to endure. Knowing I wasn’t alone in this trip, I could depend on my dearest friend to keep my company the entire way. I waited for her to break through the door and finally caught sight of her. There she was out the door to the far right nearest her locker. As she made her way to the bus I could tell something was off, and it was only until she slipped down the isle that I knew what. She was upset, that I didn’t need to be told. I figured her flushed cheeks and tear-stained eyes were enough of an indicator. Her lips twitched in an awkward fashion and the corner of her eyes would lift ever so slightly to keep her tears at bay–It was easy to see through the forced smile that contorted her face. I supposed I should offered some consolation to the poor thing. It was rare to see such an expression on her face and I assumed I had been constantly spoiled by her cheery demeanor. Although I had every intention to ease her pain, the hard part is that the first words that manage to come out are always the hardest to get out so I cleared the lump in my throat and said something.

“You okay?” I asked, as if that was the only thing I could come up with. Of course she wasn’t okay that was a given.

“Yeah I’m fine, it’s nothing” She answered.

“ You wouldn’t be on the verge of tears if it were nothing” I said “ tell me what’s the matter?”

“Nothing.”

uuuuuNot getting another peep, I waited for her to calm herself down before pushing for a straight answer. I felt a little upset myself, watching her stare outside the window. The bus kept moving but our progress on the other hand not an inch. I felt like I owed her something for all the times I would come on the bus to be greeted by her welcoming smile–for being an unconditional  friend. The least I could do was make an attempt to bring that precious smile back. For what seemed like hours only minutes went by. People chattered amongst themselves, that infernal music played at full blast, and every stop the bus became emptier. Sooner or later an idea came to me so I reached into my pocket and dug out a Jolly Rancher candy. One of my favorites I might add. Without a word I put it in front of her face and she looked back at me, her brow furrowed in question. I smiled back at her and she took it from me then plopped it in her mouth. I waited. Afterwards she smiled and gave me a hug and just stayed there silently for the rest of the bus-ride. I could tell that was all she needed. It’s funny how the next morning on the bus she had told me it was all because she was cut in line at the end of the school day. I just laughed and she laughed along with me.

Featured Image: “046/365 Jolly Rancher” by iskir @ flickr