“I want everyone to partner up!” Coach Ben instructs the Yellowjackets at the front of the bus. “You are going to stay with that person during the whole field trip!”
Jackie playfully hooks her arm through Shauna’s, as they sit together on the left side. Across from them, Natalie lays sideways with her back pressed against her seat window and slips her orange foam headset over her bleach blonde hair.
Taissa and Van raise their hands up behind her.
Akilah and Mari partner up.
Laura Lee and Lottie do the same.
Misty, the last one to board, stands there in her windbreaker and high waist Levi blue jeans. A few snickers and lingering eyes stare back at her waiting for her to go ahead and choose somebody.
“Natalie, would you please sit up and let Misty have a seat,” Coach Ben sighs impatiently.
“She’s not my partner,” Natalie scoffs.
“…Natalie…”
“That’s okay, Coach. I can be your partner today,” Misty tries to sound upbeat, but her voice trembles underneath that receives more snickers from the team.
“I’ll send you back to the office so you can do some extra credit work for me, if it’s going to be such a problem, Nat,” Coach Ben threatens. “Move your ass.”
A few gasps and whispers come from the other girls just as Natalie angrily swings her legs off and leans back with Misty carefully heading towards her direction.
“Thank you.” Coach turns to the driver and tells him they’re all set to leave.