The Golden Rule 2: The One That Got Away

That Fateful Day

The bell rang indicating for last period. Marco and his two other friends jumped off their seats and made a beeline to the door.

" I'm hungry, " Raphael Letterman declared as the trio made made their way to the cafeteria.

" Me too, " Jonathan Ecker agreed and rubbed his growling tummy.

Marco shook his head at his friends and raised an eyebrow. " Didn't you guys have breakfast this morning? "

Raphael shrugged and said, " Growing boy. "

" Hi Marco, " one of the girls standing by the cafeteria door greeted interrupting their conversation. " Hi boys! "

The trio grunted their response before pushing the door open.

" I think that girl has a crush on you, " Raphael teased in a low voice.

" She doesn't, " Marco retorted as they each grabbed a tray and were the first ones in the queue. " I think she's just friendly. "

" She does, " Jonathan insisted as he eyed the food displayed on the counter. " You saw the note that she and her friends were passing around in class. She wrote both your names and drew a heart around it. "

Marco shrugged and started filling his tray with food, not at all interested with the ongoing conversation.

It didn't take a minute to decide what to eat and they quickly piled by the counter where Mrs. Hilda cheerfully greeted them.

" Well, well, " the cashier greeted. " How are the three musketeers today? "

" All good Mrs. H, " Marco grinned at the older woman. " The lasagna looks good. "

" It tastes even better, " Mrs. Hilda grinned back. " That would be one dollar ninety cents."

Marco quickly fished for his lunch card and handed it to her.

" Enjoy lunch, " Mrs. Hilda flashed her a smile as she handed him back his card.

" Thanks Mrs. H! " He nodded as he picked up his tray and started for their usual table.

Jonathan and Raphael joined him a few minutes after and they started digging into their lunch. Halfway into their meal, they heard a shriek and a loud crash of broken plates.

Marco quickly looked up and saw four of the second grader bullies picking on a brunette girl whom he recognized as one of the first graders.

" Eric is such a jerk, " Jonathan muttered under his breath and went back to digging into his pasta.

" Poor girl, " Raphael commented shaking his head at the sight before them. He then turned to Marco and said, " We should help that kid, don't you think? "

" No, no, no! " Jonathan was quick to reply and gave the spectacle behind him a dismissive wave. " My mom said we should mind our own business. "

" But Erick and his friends are- " Raphael retorted.

" Jon's right, " Marco cut in peeling his eyes away from Erick and his friends. " Let's leave them alone. "

They just got into trouble with Erick and his friends last week and that earned them a couple of hours at the principal's office. It was best not to meddle with Erick's affair this time.

Marco was busy picking his lasagna when a shrill voice suddenly caught his attention.

" Leave her alone! "