The Yellowjackets loaded the bus like a storm rolling in.

Cleats clacked on asphalt, duffel bags swung over shoulders, someone shouted “Dibs on the good seat!” even though they all knew who always sat where.

The yellow school bus roared outside the gym. Inside, the air was already electric.

Jackie and Shauna slid into the second row like clockwork, Jackie calling over her shoulder, “Let’s gooo, wheels up!” Shauna flopped down beside her, twisting her hair into a quick bun while Jackie queued up the pre-game gum ritual.

Van and Taissa got to their usual spot halfway back. Van launched her bag into the seat and climbed over it dramatically, flopping down. “This bus smells like feet.” Taissa laughed and elbowed her, pulling her hoodie up. They were already bickering over who had the better track record for assists.

Laura Lee climbed in quietly, made the sign of the cross at the top step like always, and took her seat alone two rows behind them. She opened her prayer book... but even she was smiling already. She knew what was coming.

Lottie followed, lighter than the rest, Walkman headphones around her neck but not in use. She sat across from Laura Lee, perched neatly but tapping her foot.

The second Natalie’s boom box clicked on under her seat and that iconic beat dropped—“Ayo, Salt! Ayo, Pepa!”—the entire bus exploded.

“Shoop!!!” Natalie called from the very back, half-hanging out the cracked window, cigarette forgotten in her hand. “Shoop ba-doop!”

Shauna bubbled with shy laughter, turning in her seat to point dramatically at Jackie, who was already rapping along word for word.

Van and Taissa didn’t miss a beat, hopping up in their seats, arms flailing to the rhythm. “Here I go, here I go, here I go again—girls, what’s my weakness?!” Van shouted.

“MEN!” half the bus answered in sync.