Why Is It Him?

Part 4

"I can't believe he'd have a crush on you."

"What? Am I that unlovable?" Taylor faked sounding offended as she got on her bike.

"I can't answer that honestly," Ruby laughed. The wind felt nice after a few days baking in the new summer temperatures. Like opening the freezer after running a mile in the sun.

"Oh shit," Ruby muttered. Looking over, they saw Bowers, Victor, Belch, and Patrick messing with Richie and his friends.

Ruby and Taylor were outside protectors by them even though Ruby was the same age as them; Taylor was a couple of years older. Just as they had always done, they stormed over to protect the 14-year-olds.

"Hey, assbutt!" Ruby was the first to shout. Taylor shoved Bowers away from Bill.

"Pick on someone your own age, asshole!" She similarly shouted. By this point, she had the stern voice down and was more annoyed than anything that she still had to deal with this.

"Good to see you on the last day, pretty girl," Bowers replied, getting too close for comfort in her book. When he grabbed her shirt she took defense measures and socked him in the jaw.

"Yes!" The Tozier twins shouted in encouragement. Hockstetter grabbed Taylor's upper arms with a firm grip which she struggled against.

"I don't think so," Ruby came to the rescue and tackled Patrick down to the grass hitting her arm on a rock in the process. Taylor fell forwards into Bowers' chest; automatically she pushed back.

Patrick and Ruby wrestled on the grass, scratching and kicking at each other knowing the amount of damage they wanted to do. The kids took this opportunity to run.

"Guys enough!" Vic interfered, pulling at Patrick when he was on top of Ruby. Taylor did as well eventually getting them on their feet when Belch came up and pulled Ruby away. He respectfully let go of her and she quickly grabbed Taylor's hand, making their retreat.