The sun shined through the blinds, signifying the dreaded return of Monday. Yay. Aiden got to his feet, heading to brush his teeth to get ready for school.

He threw on a quick outfit, a smiley designer tee and a random pair of jeans, before grabbing his backpack that contained yesterday’s homework. Which he somehow had the energy to do, considering the rough situation he and the group experienced every night. With Ben, his mute cousin, by his side, the two head off to the bus stop. Their house was a few blocks away from Ashlyn’s. So they always got on before her.

Aiden and Ben sat down, Ben at the window seat and Aiden in the aisle seat. Letting his mind run, he awaited for the bus to arrive at Ashlyn’s place. He was, of course, smiling widely as his gaze roamed, waiting for the ginger girl to get on the bus and sit in the adjacent seat in front of him. Sure, Ashlyn always preferred space and being alone, due to rather sensitive hearing and just, not enjoying the company of others. But Aiden persisted, and the pair had grown quite close. Maybe there was a soft spot in that hard shell Ashlyn has after all.