“Never again. Never again. Never again will I go back there, to the place filled with terror, fear, torture, and unhappiness. Never again will I, Anna, get bullied, or watch others get bullied. Never again will I go back there, to school. Never again. Everyday, we students go there. Everyday, we get bullied. We cower and hide in dark corners so he wouldn’t find us, our eyes flitting around nervously, like birds trapped in a cage, looking for that neon yellow t-shirt he always wears. Our hearts beat like drums on a battlefield, scared that he, the #1 bully, might find us. Our ears open, both hoping, and not hoping, to hear his rambunctious laughter as he pins students against the wall, taking whatever he wants- pencils, notebooks, money, homework to pass off as his own-and we all let him. We are all too scared to stand up to him. It’s always better to be nothing to him, to flow with the crowd, like one fish in a school of fish. Never stand out, like a deer in a group of bears, because that’s what will get you captured-and killed. This is our rule. Our unwritten, unspoken rule. We avoid being the deer at all costs, avoid Jimmy at all costs. Classrooms are safe, our little safe haven in the middle of a full scale war outside, where one side is the students, and the other side, the bully. Jimmy. Home is safe. But eventually we all have to go out, back into the war, the chaos, the terror. And we are disorganized, and he can pick us off one by one. So the one-person side always wins. Always.”

I stopped reading, and walked with my head down, trying not to draw attention, my books tightly grasped in my hand. A stream of students crowded into the hallways as class let out for the day. Only a few people talked, their loud, bold laughter echoing down the hallway. Erikson’s followers, Lucas, Jackson, and Will. The only ones brave enough to make a noise, to draw attention to themselves. Well, that’s because they had nothing to fear. They were Erikson’s followers, the predators, and we were the prey. I hurried past them, my heart beating wildly. Will they stop me? Will they take anything of mine? Will they hurt me? When I passed without interruption, I breathed out a sigh of relief.But not everyone was as lucky as me. I watched as they pinned a black boy, Toby, to the wall, slamming him against the lockers. Erikson himself then went up, cracking his knuckles, and took whatever he wanted, to his heart’s desire. My mouth curled into a disgusted frown. Everyone else walked past them, heads down, their eyes flitting around nervously like birds trapped in a cage. There was nothing we could do to help him without getting ourselves in trouble, too.Well, I was safe. For now, at least.

*  * *  

“Someone will tell me who is doing this. I don’t care who tells me, I need an answer!” Our principal, Mr. Declan, glared at the student body. “I have been getting calls from worried parents. They think this school isn’t safe! Who is doing this?” He paused, waiting for an answer. When no one spoke up, he started again, “Whoever you are, stop! I cannot have you ruining my school, and our reputation. If I ever figure out who you are,” He shook a finger at us, “You’ll be sorry.” With that, Mr. Declan marched out of the room. A soon as he left, everyone started talking and whispering. Immediately, Erikson took charge with his group of followers around him. “Listen up!” He commanded. Everyone twisted around to look at him, scared of what would happen if we didn’t. “No one will say anything. Nothing! Understand?” His beady eyes swept the room as everyone nodded their heads up and down, giving their consent. “Good,” Erikson said in smooth voice, “After all, no one likes a tattletale.” With a sly grin, he, too, left the room with his followers. I weaved through the crowd of students, looking for my friend Bri. “Hey Mira,” she greeted when she saw me, “Don’t you just hate Erikson?”

I nodded, making sure no one was listening, “I know, right? I wish I could move someplace else, away from Erikson and his stupid little followers. Those cowards.”

“He has some nerve, telling us to not tattletale. Seriously, though. He’s always picking on Toby just because he’s black. I kinda feel bad for him.”

I nodded, “You’re lucky, you know. You’re an African American too, but you don’t get picked on. I don’t get it, why does he always pick on blacks?”

Bri shrugged, “I don’t know. Racial discrimination, I guess.”

“Yeah.” We lapsed into silence, thinking horrible, ugly thoughts, yet pure and satisfying as well. If only Erikson could just disappear off the face of the earth, life would be perfect.

*  * *

“Will Erikson Liel please come down to the principal’s office?” Mr. Declan’s voice blared through the speakers, “I repeat, will Erikson Liel please come down to the principal’s office? Thank you.” There was a beep, then silence. The entire student body was holding their breaths, wondering, hopefully if maybe, just maybe, justice would be served. Erikson padded down to the office, with his signature sly grin, like he had something in mind. As he entered the room, Mr. Declan looked up. “Do sit, Erikson. We have much to discuss.” Erikson pulled up a chair and promptly sat. “So, Erikson. I’m sure you’ve heard of the incidents that have been happening around here lately?”

“Yes Mr. Declan,” Erikson replied, the grin still plastered on his face.

“And I’m sure you understand that it’s strictly against the rules?” Mr. Declan asked, twirling his pen.

“Yes Mr. Declan,” Erikson said.

“So you understand there is severe punishments for this behavior?”

“I understand Mr. Declan.”

“You will be expelled from school until further notice, and you’re parents will be notified.”

“Mr. Declan, are you saying I’m the one who’s doing this?” Erikson put fake hurt and shock in his tone.

“Yes, Erikson, as a matter of fact, I am. You have been spotted and reported.”

“Oh Mr. Declan! You must understand, I was forced to do this. I’m the victim here, Mr. Declan.”

“Oh?” the principal folded her arms and lay back in the chair. “So who, per say, is the one making you do this?”

“Um…”

“I thought so.”

“No, no Mr. Declan, it’’s just that he has demanded that no one tattletales, or he or she will receive severe consequences.” Erikson looked proud for using the term, “severe consequences.”

“Hm,” Mr. Declan mused, “Well, it’s name or expel. Your choice.”

“It’s, uh, it’s, um...Toby, Mr. Declan! Yes, it’s Toby. He looks all shy and nice on the outside, but inside, he’s tough and mean. Everyday, he takes our books, money, and homework. We’re all so scared of him, we don’t know what to do!”

“Toby?” Mr. Declan looked surprised. “Hm. You’re not lying, Erikson, are you?”

Erikson shook his head no.

“Alright, “ Mr. Declan said, “Thank you for the information and you are good to go.”

With that, Erikson was off the hook and Toby was brought in for questioning.

*  * *

“I didn’t do it Mr. Declan! Please, you have to believe me!” Toby cried, frustrated. Erikson had just left the office, a confident grin on his face as he smirked at Toby on his way out.

“Toby, I’ve been told you were the bully. Now why should I believe the bully himself, I wonder?” Mr. Declan looked coldly at the boy. “You will be punished. I will send a letter home explaining the reason you have been expelled from Brookes High. You will not be allowed back in. This will be on your record forever- it will influence colleges when they look at you, although, to be honest, I doubt you will even go to college. In the future, I hope you will learn from this mistake and not do it again. Bullying is a serious offense.”

Toby, shocked, stared at the principal, mute, his mouth open in a small o. Mr. Declan waved his hand, dismissing Toby. As he turned to leave the room, Toby asked quietly, “What if Erikson was the bully? What if he’s lying and I’m telling the truth?” When the principal didn’t respond, he added, “That’s what I thought. You’re just a  racist jerk.” Toby spun around, and clomped out of the room.

*  * *

Word spread quickly. The euphoric, jubilant mood disappeared like fog on a sunny day. It was replaced instead, with worry and fear. We heard that Erikson had been caught, then let out. We didn’t know why. We also knew that Toby had taken the blame. And we knew that it was all Erikson’s fault. I quickly found Bri. “Did you hear what he did to Toby? Outrageous!” I exclaimed.

“I know, I heard,” Bri replied, fearfully looking up and down, whipping her head this way and that, making her braids fly everywhere.

“Are you ok?” I asked, confused by her behavior.

“Mira, you can’t be seen with me,” Bri said, turning to me.

“What?” I asked, incredulous. “Bri, you’re making no sense. Why can’t I? It’s not like you can’t talk to anyone.”

“That’s just it,” Bri answered, frustrated. “Didn’t you hear? Erikson set up a new rule. Blacks can only talk to Blacks. We’re the outsiders, the outcasts, the ones he’s gonna torture nonstop. Anyone seen with us, even just talking, will be an outcast as well. I can’t have you doing that.”

“Bri, you’re being ridiculous!” I cried, “I’d rather stick with you, that’s what friends are for!”

“You’d rather be an outcast then not an outcast?” Bri asked, staring at me defiantely.

“No, I’d rather be an outcast with my best friend than not an outcast without my best friend.”

“You’re not coming with me, and that’s final,” Bri spun around and left.

I stared at her, my mouth hanging open in shock, “Bri, wait!” But she didn’t reply, didn’t even turn around to look at me. She didn’t say a word. Suddenly, I spotted when of Erikson’s followers, a guy called Lucas. Not thinking, my head swimming with the facts Bri told me, drunk on revenge, anger, and hurt, I marched up to him. “What do you guys think you’re doing?” I screamed, “Who do you think you are? Huh? Ruler of the world? Emperor of the universe? You think you can control us through tyranny? Is that what you think? You want tyranny?” I paused to catch a breath, my rant not quite over before Lucas spoke.

“Who are you?” He asked, staring at me with cold green eyes.

I glared at him, annoyed. “The name’s Mira, dumbass. Of course, you wouldn’t know. Why should you care about my name? Or anyone else’s name, for that matter? All you care about is power and tyranny. You aren’t even human!”

Lucas glared at me, his eyes narrowed. Ok, so maybe he wasn’t that dumb, at least, not as dumb as the other followers of Erikson, but I was so angry that I didn’t even care. “Yeah, that’s right, Ugly Face. You’re not a human!” Ok, so maybe he wasn’t ugly, either. I didn’t care about that, too.

“That’s it, you’re coming with me,” Lucas grabbed my arm, his grip tight as steel, and dragged me, screaming and fighting wildly, towards the room where Erikson and his followers stayed most of the time. Nobody was allowed in without permission. Well, I guess I had “permission.” Lucas did a complicated knock on the door, probably their idiotic secret thingamabobber to get in. I rolled my eyes. The door opened, and I was shoved into the room. Several pairs of eyes turned to look at me- Jackson, Will, and...oh no, Erikson. Erikson stood up, slowly walking over.

“Who’s this you got here?” Erikson asked, his voice smooth and oily.

“Oh just an idiot who’s being annoying,” Lucas replied. “A Rebel.”

Erikson nodded, “I see.” He turned his attention over to me. “You understand that you’ve committed treason, right? You will be punished. Do you know the punishment for treason?” When I shook my head, no, he continued, “You will be an outcast. You will stay with those disdainful Blacks. Lucas,” Erikson turned back to his follower, “Bring her to the Dark Room.”

Lucas nodded, then said to me, his lips curled in a smirk, “Come on, you’re gonna love it.” He led me through the winding hallways and stopped in front of a room I had never been to before. The door was small, and there was no window on it. The dark green paint was slowly peeling off, exposing a silvery, but rusted, steel door. Lucas took a card out and scanned it, like it was a hotel room, although I was sure that the room inside was much worse than any hotel I’ve ever been to. A green light appeared, and Lucas pushed open the door, shoving me inside. I stumbled into the room, almost crashing into someone. Behind me, the door closed with a bang. I was trapped. I rubbed my arm, glaring at Lucas through the door. Turning, I looked around, adjusting to the dim light. It was actually a fairly large room, despite the microscopic door. There was a high, vaulted ceiling, and bare stone walls. Ten light bulbs were spaced around the room- just enough to dimly light the vast cavern. I looked at the scared, bedraggled faces of those that were shoved here before me. This was like a World War that raged only in this school, where one side never fought back. The bully, Hitler, was winning. I searched through the faces, the sea of black, searching for Bri. She had to be here, right? I finally spotted her, a lone girl sitting in the corner, her head down, staring at the floor. I called, waving my arms frantically, “Bri! Bri, over here! It's me, Mira!” Bri glanced over, then her eyes widened in shock.

“Mira! What are you doing here?” She asked frantically. “Didn’t I tell you to stay away from us?”

“I know, I know. I just...sorta lost it when I saw Lucas right after you left,” I replied, embarrassed.

“Mira!” Bri scolded. Then, a playful smile formed on her lips, “What did you do?”

I giggled, “I called him a whole bunch of names.”

“Nice,” Bri and I high-fived. We both sat down.

“So how long until we get out?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation going so I didn’t have to think about the reality.

“I don’t know,” Bri said depressingly, “No one knows.” I sighed, staring at the floor, picking at my shoe. We waited in silence.

*  * *

A day later, or at least it felt like a whole day had passed even though it probably passed only an hour or two, we were let out. Lucas opened the door, then let Will speak, “Everyone out! Tomorrow, when you get here, I want you all to report here. Here! Understand?” When we all nodded fearfully, he added, “If you’re not here, there will be consequences. We will know.” As soon as he finished speaking, he and Lucas left. For a while, no one moved. We all stared at each other, petrified at what our future would hold. I doubted the teachers or the principal cared about us, since the majority of us were African Americans. Finally, a brave soul tentatively inched forward, toward the open door. He looked around, like he was crossing the road, and soon disappeared into the hallway. One by one, we all started leaving. The terrifying day had come to an end. Finally.

*  * *

When I arrived at school the next morning, Lucas was waiting for me. He had a stony face on, and the same cold, green eyes that had glared at me yesterday. His black hair gleamed and turned brown in the sunlight. I slowed down as my heartbeat quickened. Uh oh. When I finally reached him, he pulled me aside. “Erikson would like to speak to you,” he informed me, with no emotion.

“Wait, what for?” I asked, confused.

“I don’t know,” He answered honestly, “I’m supposed to bring you to him, so that’s what I’m doing. Come on.”

“Oh so you’re just gonna follow his orders? Be his little pet? Why, Lucas? Why? Why do you follow him, even when you know he doesn’t do any good. Why do you carry out his orders like an obedient little puppy? Why?” I wrenched my arm from his grasp, searching his clear green eyes for an answer.

Lucas sighed, his reaction very different from what I had expected. “I don't know, Mira, and I don't really want to have this conversation with you right now, so can we just go now? Please?” Lucas turned to leave again.

“No!” I said, “We’re not going until you tell me why!” I stood my ground, a defiant look on my face. I felt strong, but a little bit scared too. I was probably going to be punished for this.

Once again, Lucas surprised me with his reaction. “Fine,” Lucas replied, hesitating a little before speaking again, “I’m scared, ok? If I don’t do what he asks...I don’t know what he’ll do to me, and what he’ll do to-” Lucas cut off quickly, almost like he was about to say something he shouldn’t have had. He continued,” I don’t want to do it, but I have to…” His voice trailed off. I stared at him in shock. Lucas, scared? It was unthinkable, but it kind of made sense, too. No wonder he always hung back one Erikson and his followers bullied a kid. I couldn’t believe it.

“You don’t have to do it, Lucas,” I said.

“I know. I just don’t want him to hurt-” He broke off again, “Hurt anyone on my account.”

“Like who?” I asked.

“I don’t know...my friends, my family. The people I care about,” Lucas answered, “Come on, we have to get going.”

“Who were you going to say? Before?” I interrogated, ignoring his command.

“Mira, come on. He’s going to get suspicious and then both of us will be punished,” Lucas said.

“No, Lucas please. I want to know,” I pleaded. I didn’t know why I wanted to know so bad- I just did. It was like a random impulse, a voice in my head nagging me to ask.

“Mira-”

“Please,” I said.

“Fine,” Lucas replied, running a hand through his naturally highlighted caramel colored hair. He paused a moment before saying, “You.”

I stared at him, uncomprehending, “What do you mean ‘you’?”

“I mean you, Mira,” Lucas spoke quietly. For a second, I stood there, mute. I couldn’t comprehend what he just said, couldn’t respond, I couldn’t do anything. I was completely taken by surprise. After a long while had passed, I finally replied, “Oh...why?”

“I…,” Lucas hesitated, uncertain, “Mira we should really get going. Erikson is probably looking for us now.”

I sighed, knowing that he wasn’t going to give away anymore information, “Fine.” We walked towards the same room as yesterday. Another complicated knock. Will opened the door, his green eyes almost an exact replica of Lucas’s, only paler. His blond hair looked even more bleached out then it was, thanks to his tan skin. I looked over to Jackson, who was staring intensely at Lucas and me. He had chocolatey brown eyes, brown hair, and tan skin as well. Erikson, the ugliest of all, had pale blue eyes, dirty blond hair, and a pale skin tone. “Well, well, well,” Erikson said, “I see our Ms. Fiery has come at last. What took so long?” He turned his attention on Lucas.

“Um...I had to take care of commotion in the Dark Room,” Lucas replied.

“Hm,” Erikson lost interest, as his attention span only reached up to probably two minutes given the amount of brain power he had, “Ok. I want everyone to leave except for these two.” He waved in mine and Lucas’s direction. Will left the room in a flash. Jackson lingered behind for a little while, shooting suspicious glances at Lucas and me.

“What’s his problem?” I muttered under my breath to Lucas.

“He...tell you later,” Lucas whispered back.

“So,” Erikson’s slimy, smooth voice made me shiver, “Ms. Fiery, you should celebrate. You’re in luck.”

“What kind of luck? My type or yours?” I challenged.

Erikson didn’t answer my question, just narrowed his beady little eyes and continued, “Due to a... problem in the Dark Room, you will no longer stay there. From now on, you will be under the close… supervision, yes supervision, of Lucas. You must stay with him during the school day. If you don’t… let’s just say, there will be… consequences, yes consequences.” I rolled my eyes at how proud he was of using words that weren’t even that hard.

“Understood?” Erikson demanded.

“Yes Erikson,” Lucas replied immediately, nudging me to do the same.

“Oh uh...sure,” I said.

“Good, good,” Erikson pronounced, “Now shoo.” He waved his hands in our direction, as if we were flies. I glared at him, turned around, and left the room, crashing straight into Jackson. “Woah,” Jackson said, “Hey Mira.”

“Hi?” I was confused. How come they were being nice all of a sudden?

“Did it go ok?” He asked.

“Uh...sure,” I replied.

“What did he do this time? I know, Erikson can be so stupid sometimes,” Jackson whispered.

“I know right,” I agreed, “Apparently there’s a ‘problem’ in the Dark Room, so now Lucas has to supervise me the entire day.”

“What?!” Jackson exclaimed, “That asshole. Ugh!” He pushed passed me, shoving Lucas to the side, who was just coming out of the room. “What’s his problem?” I asked.

“Long story,” Lucas replied. “What were you guys talking about?”

“Well, he said that Erikson could be really stupid sometimes, and then he asked what Erikson did now,” I explained.

Lucas looked slightly amused, slightly exasperated, “It’s amazing how far he goes because of that.” He spoke almost as if he’d forgotten I was there.

“Because of what?” I asked.

Lucas smiled, looking like he was about to laugh, “Let’s go. I’ll tell you later. Jackson would kill me if he knew I’m telling you this.”

“Ok…” I said, confused and eager. We started walking to class, away from Erikson, Will, and Jackson, who’s angry voice could still be heard all the way to the end of the hallway. “Ok, so basically, Jackson… it’s complicated,” Lucas started, “Let’s just say, he has a crush on you.”

“WHAT?!” I asked, incredulous.

“Right? Anyway, Jackson gets really annoyed with Erikson when he does things like… this,” Lucas continued.

“Like this?” I asked, confused again.

“Yeah, like putting you with me,” Lucas explained.

“Oh,” I said, “Why does he get so annoyed about that?”

“Because he thinks Erikson’s favoring me over him,” Lucas answered.

“Wait, I don’t get it,” I pressed a hand to my head, “So, basically, Jackson thinks Erikson’s favoring you over him because Erikson gave you the job of ‘supervising’ me?”

“Mhm,” Lucas said.

“Why?” I asked.

“It’s… complicated,” Lucas replied, turning away.

“Lucas, at least answer one of my questions. Why do you care if Erikson hurts me? Why does Jackson think Erikson’s favoring you?” I was starting to get annoyed.

“Mira… I told you, it’s complicated. I’ll tell you later. Come on, we have to get to class,” Lucas started heading away.

“No,” I said stubbornly, “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me.”

“Mira,” Lucas looked exasperated.

I stood there with my arms crossed, “I’m waiting.”

Instead of answering, Lucas leaned closer, until his lips were on mine. On instinct, I pressed into him, the world swirling away until it was just me and Lucas. When we finally broke apart, I was almost out of air. I warm feeling settled in my stomach.

“So,” Lucas said, smiling, “Was that a satisfactory answer?” He turned, continuing to walk to class.

“Wait, what? Lucas!” I called after him, hurrying to catch up. Once I caught up, I grabbed his hand, preventing him from leaving, “You, mister, are going to explain yourself. And no ditching until I get the whole story.”

“Fine,” Lucas replied, giving in with a smile, “Basically, it started in 6th grade, two years ago. Erikson had just got the group together a month or so earlier. Will, Jackson and I were ‘patrolling’ the halls, when we saw you. We were taking things from everyone, but Jackson said to skip you. Will didn’t get why, and didn’t want to, since we would probably get in trouble with Erikson. But, we voted and majority won, so we didn’t. Ever since then, I’ve been watching you, Mira. I’m sure Jackson was, too. Everything you did just made me like you more and more. Jackson became suspicious about my feelings toward you two weeks after we first saw you. He’s been hostile towards me and competitive ever since.”

“Oh… woah. So Jackson hates you because of me?” I asked.

“Pretty much. Now if you’ll excuse me,” Lucas said with grin, “I have to go to class, and so do you. Let’s go.”

“Fine,” I replied, relenting.

*  * *

When school finally let out for the day, I felt light. My head was spinning but my heart was soaring. Lucas liked me. But it was also a little weird, too. “Mira! Mira!” I heard someone call my name. Turning, I spotted Bri waving her arms frantically, “Miraaaaa!”

“Hey Bri,” I replied, “What’s up?”

“I just got out of the Dark Room. They’re starting to take people out for who knows what. They said something about beginning with an interrogation… and something after it. Something bad.”

“Do you know what?” I asked.

“No! I just overheard Will and Lucas talking about it. God I hate them. I hate all of them- Will, Lucas, Jackson. Especially that son-of-a-bitch Erikson.”

“Bri… I have something to tell you. It’s really important, so I need you to listen,” I began.

“Ok,” Bri answered, “Go for it.”

“It’s about… Lucas,” I said, unsure of what to say.

“What about him?” Bri asked, “Hey, wasn’t he the one who turned you in? That idiot.”

“No, I mean yes, I mean…” I shrugged helplessly, “Lucas… well, he’s a good person.”

“What do you mean he’s a good person? Do you like people like him?” Bri asked, incredulous and confused.

“No, I don’t know. Just hear me out, please?” I begged.

“I don’t know,” Bri replied, shrugging, “Go ahead.” Before I could say anything, I heard Lucas calling. Turning I saw him heading towards us. Things were going to get a whole lot more crazy. “Mira, quick! Let’s hide!” Bri cried, “Erikson’s coming for us!”

“No, it’s fine,” I replied, guilt rising, “It’s just Lucas.”

“What do you mean ‘just Lucas’?” Bri hissed, “Come on, let’s go before they catch us.”

“No,” I said stubbornly. Bri looked at me, confused and hurt. I sighed. Lucas finally reached us, looking at Bri, unsure. “Uh, Mira, can I talk to you? Alone?”

“Um, sure…” I replied, glancing at Bri.

“Woah, woah, woah,” Bri said, “What the hell is going on here?”

“Bri, just wait here, ok?” I asked, “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Mira…” Bri shook her head disappointedly, “I thought you were my best friend. Now here you are, fraternizing with the enemy. I thought you were better than that. I thought… nevermind. Just go.” Bri waved her hand in our direction.

“No, wait, Bri, just hear me out, ok?” I said desperately. I was not losing my best friend over some silly misunderstanding. Bri shook her head sadly, backing away. Without looking back, she ran, wiping at her face as if she was angry at the tears. Angry at herself. Angry at life. I sighed, starting after her, before Lucas blocked my way, “Don’t,” He advised, “Let her calm down.” I slumped onto the bench, tired and frustrated. Lucas sat down too, and put his arm around me. I smiled gratefully at him, resting my head on his shoulder. No one moved for a while. Birds chirped, the sun shone brightly, and the trees swayed in the gentle breeze. Everything was almost perfect. Almost.

*  * *

A few minutes later, Lucas and I walked down the street towards my house. I kept an eye out for Bri, but I never saw her. She was probably giving me the epic silent treatment. As we approached my house, Lucas stopped and faced me, “Mira, just be patient with Bri. She’ll come to her senses eventually. After all, how can anyone resist you?” Lucas’s eyes danced with laughter.

I gave him a half-smile, “Okay. I’ll try. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye,” Lucas leaned down and kissed me, a short kiss, then turned to leave. I smiled inwardly.

*  * *

“Mira,” Lucas said as soon as I joined him, “I think we should tell the principal who the bully really is.”

I looked at him, surprised, “You want to tell Mr. Declan that Erikson is the bully? You do know that if it doesn’t work, Erikson’s going to kill you.”

“I know,” Lucas pushed a hand through his naturally highlighted hair, “I just feel like this time, it’ll work.”

“How do you know?” I asked.

Lucas smiled, taking my hand, “Trust me.” As we approached the school, Lucas let go of my hand. His expression hardened, and he rarely turned to look at me, his voice cold. I knew it was all fake, but it still made me uncomfortable. This wasn’t my Lucas. As soon as we went into the school, Lucas went his own way, but not without a grin, just the tiniest one, directed at me. I smiled, keeping my head down so no one would notice. “Mira,” I cool, hostile voice caused me to turn my head. Bri. She walked over, her face like stone, “We need to talk.” I nodded, a little uncertain. Bri turned, walking to the corner of the hallway where there was little people,  motioning for me to follow. I did. “Bri,” I began, “I can explain. Please.” Bri nodded, a quick, curt movement, her eyes cold as ice. “What I said before, that Lucas is a good person, I meant it. But, maybe I should’ve told you the entire story. He’s pretending. He doesn’t like Erikson, in fact, he hates him. Didn’t you notice how he rarely joins in on the bullying?”

“Go on,” Bri answered.

“He’s planning on revealing Erikson to Mr. Declan, and he wants me to help him.”

“You?” Bri asked, “Why you?”

“Um,” I said, embarrassed, “It’s… complicated. You probably don’t want to hear it.”

“What do you mean? You’re my best friend. Of course I want to hear it,” Bri said.

“Fine,” I gave in, “Lucas likes me. And I like him.”

“He what? You what?” Bri looked shocked, “So you guys are… dating?”

I shrugged, “I don’t know. It’s not official.”

“You guys really need to DTR,” Bri replied.

I looked at her in confusion, “What’s DTR?”

“Define the relationship, idiot,” She said affectionately. I glared at her.

“I doubt we’re in that stage yet, Bri, now let’s go to cuh-lass,” I grabbed her hand and pulled her in the direction of the classroom. “Okay, okay, I’m coming,” Bri said, laughter dancing in her eyes.

*  * *

 ... to be continued.