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“Looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you have something to say.”
“Well, maybe I do.”
“Then say it.” Julia gently shoved her shoulder, waiting for the blast of her comeback.
Keegan pulled her coffee back down to waist height, her smile cut in the same stone that lined her cheekbones. “I’ve missed that smile.”
She reached out and held Julia’s hand, their embraced fingers hanging in the fast-food scented air between them. Julia squeezed her hand, and they just stood like that, relishing in the fact that sometimes moments are better without words.
“Me too,” Julia sighed.
“We’re not going to talk about this right now,” her eyes glanced back towards where Erin was picking her drink up from the kiosk, “but you will have to spill the beans Sunday.”
Julia opened her mouth to rebut–to explain that there was nothing to discuss, that she’s just a friend–but just as she did, Erin walked up behind them.
“I know you said you didn’t want anything, but I figured you’d need some nutrients other than coffee at some point.” Erin held out a brown bag between them, her eyes locking on their hands held together. Julia dropped Keegan’s hand and took the warm bag. “It’s a chocolate scone.”
“Thanks,” Julia replied with a smile, trying so desperately not to make it look awkward under Keegan’s gaze.
“Welp,” Keegan turned to look at the line of students still waiting for their food, “we better wrap up these younglings if we’re going to be on the bus and off in the next five minutes.”
“Kleinton High,” Julia wrapped her hands around her mouth to drown out the chaos around her, “if you’ve used the bathroom and are done ordering, make your way back to the buses! I repeat, it is now time to load back on the buses!”
In a bustle, students began to file back through the front door, pushing for who would get the window seat. Some still waited by the checkout counter while others moseyed out of bathrooms with their friend group. What was it about girls that required a posse to use the toilet?
“I’ll direct students outside and start the head count,” Keegan shouted towards them both as she started towards the exit.
“We’ll be right out with the stragglers,” Julia shouted back as Keegan opened the door to leave. She could hear the morning wind whipping against the brick facade outside.
Erin helped Julia check the bathrooms and then coaxed students in booths to take their food to the bus. Eventually, after checking every corner, everyone was out of the rest stop. Most students were loaded on the appropriate buses, and just a few confused souls stood in the parking lot, deciding whether they got off the second or third bus in line.
They split the rosters, and both stepped onto each vehicle to verify everyone was accounted for. Erin was already seated when she boarded the bus, a completed list of students still in her hands.
“We’re good to go, Steve.” Julia tapped his arm as she rounded the corner and took her seat back next to Erin. The bus lurched into motion and they were off once again–the students chirping with energy and back to their shenanigans.
“You’re really good at all of this.”
“It’s kind of my job to be good at it. I’ve been doing it for a really long time.”
“I mean people,” Erin clarified, organizing the rosters in her hand and handing them over to Julia as she sat. “Everyone. Every situation I’ve seen you in. It’s amazing to watch.”
Julia let a chuckle escape from her throat.
“I’m always grasping at straws,” she whispered, as if it was a secret.
“No one can tell.” Erin smiled, but Julia rolled her eyes. “I’m serious.”
“I’m sorry.” Julia let her hand rest on Erin’s arm. “Thank you.”
“You suck at taking compliments,” she whispered–forcing Julia to draw nearer, her hand still on that soft skin.
“Was that what that was?” Julia grinned.
“How long have you been in education again?”
