A Beautiful Nightmare

Aliana was sitting on the bus after class when a long line of cars blocked the road. It was a hot day, and Aliana was exhausted.

“Isn’t the traffic heavier than usual?” Michelle leaned over toward her.

“Some celebrity must be passing through, and we’re the ones paying for it.” Aliana unzipped her bag, searching through her things.

“Look.” Michelle sat up straight, pointing toward the road. “A hot guy stepped out of that black car over there.”

In the middle of the road, a young man gestured toward the bus. His bodyguard headed over, men following behind. A few took positions in front, while the rest stepped inside.

“Empty this bus right now! Get the hell out of here.”

“You’re in the wrong place,” the driver snapped. “This is a campus bus. We’re carrying students.”

“Our boss wants it.” The bodyguard stepped forward. “Get off, or we’ll drag your dirty asses out.”

Aliana stood up and glared at him. “Who the hell does your boss think he is?”

“Have you lost your mind? Sit down.” Michelle pulled her back toward her seat.

“No! They can’t throw us off like this. It’s not like they own the city.”

“Their boss could be dangerous. You’re going to get yourself hurt,” Michelle whispered.

“I don’t care who he is. I want to know what kind of ‘powerful figure’ thinks he owns the road. Tell me—who is your boss?” Aliana looked the bodyguard straight in the eye.

The bodyguard smirked. “Mr. Richard Starling.”

The driver left his seat. “The bus is yours, sir!” He turned to the passengers, waving his arms. “Everyone off! Right now!”

“I’m not getting off.” Aliana held her ground. “Let them try something.”

“Aliana, you don’t know who Richard Starling is.” The driver motioned toward the bodyguard. “He could buy this entire bus right now. It’s not worth messing with a man like that.”

“Think about your mom. She’s waiting for you.” Michelle tugged on her hand. “If you get caught up in this, it’ll take even longer to get home. Is that what you want?”

Aliana met her eyes and nodded.

The bodyguard smiled and stepped aside. The students filed out of the bus.

The driver spoke into his phone. “What can I say, sir? My job is to drop students off, not to get into a fight with Richard Starling. He just cleared out the bus. There’s nothing I can do. It’s between him and the police now.”

Aliana stood next to Michelle, keeping her eyes on the driver.

“What is this idiot even getting out of hijacking our bus?” Michelle muttered.

“I don’t know.” Aliana wiped sweat from her forehead. “Something’s off. If he just took it for no reason, he’d be caught by the police. I don’t think he would be that stupid.”

“Okay, Sherlock Holmes.” Michelle smiled. “But seriously, your shirt is completely soaked.”

Aliana brushed at her clothes. “I’m taking a shower the second I get home. God, just get me home.”

Across the highway, Richard Starling ordered his drivers to clear the road. He leaned in toward his bodyguard and pointed at the bus. One of his men climbed inside and drove it away.

Aliana kept her gaze on Richard. She wanted to speak to him, but her feet stayed on the ground. When Richard glanced over at the crowd of students, she turned away.

“What’s that girl looking at?” Richard caught her movement as he reached his car.

“Probably just intimidated by you.” The bodyguard opened the car door, and Richard slid into the back seat. Riley sat inside.

“My angel, you insisted so much on coming along, yet you haven’t even stepped outside.” Richard rested a hand on her shoulder.

“I get bored all alone in that mansion.” Riley leaned her head against his chest. “What is there for me once you leave? You’re my whole world, Richard.”

“That man was briefed on what to do with the bus, right?” Richard turned to Sam in the driver’s seat.

“Yes, Richard. He knows exactly what to do.” Sam started the engine.

“Come on. I have to drop you back at the mansion. I have another urgent task to attend to.” Richard kissed Riley on the forehead. She pouted, and Richard smiled. The car pulled away, and traffic began to move.

Around Aliana, the students called their families and left. Aliana dialed her mother’s phone several times, but she didn’t pick up.

“What happened? Your mom isn’t answering.” Michelle licked her dry lips.

“I don’t know... what’s going on? It’s not like her to turn her phone off.” Aliana looked down the street.

“Come on, let’s get some water.” Michelle pointed toward a shop nearby.

“I need a bathroom anyway. Hope this water doesn’t make it worse.” Aliana held back a smirk.

“Well, at least it made you smile.”

They walked over to the shop and bought two bottles of water.

“Your dad’s coming, right?” Aliana unscrewed the cap.

“Yeah, I called him. He’s on his way.” Michelle paused for a quick sip.

Michelle’s father arrived.

“Aliana! Come with us. We can drop you off on the way.”

“No, look—the bus is already coming.” Aliana gestured down the road. “It’s a direct route. If I’m late, Mom will worry, and she still isn’t answering.”

“Alright! Call me once you get home. Take care.” Michelle stepped into the car and shut the door. The car merged into traffic, leaving Aliana alone on the pavement.

“What a nightmare... having to endure the misery of a bus ride in this scorching heat.” A stranger walked up. “And these chicks... man... they’re driving us crazy.”

“Back off. I’ll call the cops,” Aliana warned.

“For what? I haven’t said a word to you.” He took another step.

“Please...” she whispered, pulling back.

“If you ask nicely, I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Creep!” Aliana snapped, stepping away from him.

A black car drove past Aliana. Through the window, Richard Starling signaled his bodyguard to stop the vehicle. Aliana’s heart skipped a beat.