Retaliation

I'm Fine

"You have everything right?"

"Yes."

"You ate your breakfast?"

"U-huh."

"You sure."

"Yes, I'm sure mom. I have to go now." Zack hugged his mother, danced around the cramped kitchen and into the hallway.

"Make sure to come home right as soon as school is done." His mother spoke with worry in her voice. 

Helmet in hand, and his backpack hanging from his shoulder. Zack turned around to face his mother, as petite as she was that didn't stop her from being intimidating. She had been here for him, no matter what was happening.

Even when he lied to her about the various bruises he had on his body. She never yelled at him, she just looked at him sadly.

That was how she was looking at him now, with sadness in her eyes. Like this was going to be the last time she saw him. This hurt him, and at first, he didn't say anything. What was there to say? 'Stop worrying, I'm not going anywhere.' or was he just supposed to smile and leave?

"I'll be fine mom." He paused watching her face closely. "Tell you what, as soon as I'm out of the school building, I'll call you." 

"Okay, good. You'll stay on the phone with me right?" Her expression softened a little.

"Yes, I'll stay on the phone until I'm right outside." He smiled and she returned it.

"I've kept you long enough, now get to school young man." His mother kissed him on both cheeks, usually, he would protest but today he felt he should let her have this moment. This moment made everything seem normal.

"Yes, ma'am. See you after school, love you." Zack walked out of the house, the sun immediately shining down on his face.

"I love you too my son."

With that, he jumped on his bike, fastened his helmet on his head securely. Then pedaled down the drive and to the direction of the school.  In the morning, it's when everything would seem fine. 

Zack would think back on simpler times, times when he was happy to go to school. When he looked forward to seeing his friends and his teachers. Then everything changed once you transitioned to Middle School.

You're friends slowly leave, one by one. Then form cliques, and have individual talents that make them shine. You barely see them, let alone talk to them and when you do see them they look right through you.

Then there is High School, that's when everything becomes worse. Everyone is worried about appearances and titles. His was 'Nerd, Loser, Idiot, Loner.'  It wasn't his fault, no one wanted to talk to him because of his appearance. 

He was shorter than most guys, even some girls were taller than him. His dark eyes were always hidden behind his hair. His attire, was hoodies pulled low over his face, jeans, and sneakers that had seen better days. So of course no one approached him, but that didn't mean he cared any less.

At this moment he had reached the front of the school, he climbed off his bike and wheeled it to the bike rack. He made sure to lock it up, then placed his helmet in the small compartment on the back of his bike. 

He took a deep breath, pulled his hoodie low over his head. Then walked up the stairs past the throng of students. Most of them were hanging around the doors, his eyes caught those of Angelo, Blaze, George, and Todd. All former Elementary School friends, who had turned into his daily tormentors.