Kael Jones went to school under the faint morning sunlight. His eyes seemed exhausted, and his black hair was wild. Life already seemed too difficult at seventeen.
*Another bad day, he thought, kicking a little stone on the roadway. Will this ever end?
Looking at the heavens, he Birds flew without concern or any constraint. Kael yearned for a moment he could be like them, carefree and joyful. But then he sighed, thinking about his life.
Highland Public High School's gates came into view. Kael despised this place. As he entered, the scent of worn books and cleaning supplies hit him. Students laughed and discussed loudly. Kael hurried along with his head lowered.
After then he noticed them.
Four boys stood near the stairs, howling in laughter. With a cruel smile, Brad, their leader, leaned against the wall. Jake, Ryan, and Tyler, his pals, stood with him and eyed everyone like hungry wolves.
Kaels tummy spiraled. He tried to walk past them, but Brad grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.
Hey loser! Ignoring us? Brad sneered. You recall what happened yesterday?
Kael stared at the floor. "I just want to attend class," he mumbled softly.
Brad chuckled. Oh, now he speaks! Did your mother teach you that? He moved nearer. Perhaps I should be your father and teach you some respect.
Words damage more than any blow. Anger made Kaels' hands tremble. He hit Brad before he could pull himself back.
Brad, however, readily grabbed his wrist. You believe you may strike me? he chucked.
Then Brad hit Kael in the face and the beating began. Kael curled into a ball as his friends joined in, kicking and striking.
HEYY! STOP NOW!
A strong voice froze the bullies. Physics teacher Mr. Thompson raced toward them. Walking away, the bullies vanished swiftly laughing.
Mr. Thompson extended his hand to Kael. Are you okay?
Kael raised himself unaided. I'm fine, he lied, even though his body ached all over. He might hear pupils laughing and murmuring at him.
His eyes ablaze with tears, he limped to the washroom.
Kael gazed at herself in the mirror, the bathroom was empty. His face was bruised, his lip was bleeding, and his eyes were red from crying.
He wondered, this world is cruel, and wished to vanish.
He inhaled profoundly and then wiped his face. He then left to participate in another terrible lecture.
Hiding behind his book, Kael sat at the rear of the classroom. He could sense the bullies smiling at him.
Mr. Thompson wondered the class, What is the SI unit of force?
Then he turned his gaze at Kael; he must stand up and answer.
Kaels heart thrummed. He stood slowly, his mind blank.
Well? Mr. Thompson inquired impatiently.
Kael was speechless.
Brad raised his hand. Sir, may I answer?
Mr. Thompson breathed a sigh. Okay.
Newton, Brad cried proudly.
Yes.
Kael settled, his face red with embarrassment.
Kael, Mr. Thompson said, discouraged. You need to work harder.
Kael replied not. Fists clenched, he just stared at his desk.
The school bell finally rang. Kael grabbed his bag and rushed outside. On his injured face, the cool breeze was welcome.
Looking at the ground, he thought, "I hate my life. " "I despise everything. "
(Chapter 1 Fin)