The Turning Point

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN- ANOTHER LEWIS

Davies

Kimberley wore blonde braids tied with red ribbons, one on each side of her face. She had a sweet smell, like strawberry bubblegum, and I liked that. She always greeted me with an enthusiastic "hi," and I replied softly, almost whispering, so the other boys wouldn't see. I didn't want the other kids to imply that we were sweethearts.
"Do you want some?" she asked, holding out the bag of potato chips towards me. I shook my head, even though my stomach growled with hunger. I had already eaten the four cookies my mom had put in my bag.
"All right, then," she said, smiling, before joining the other girls.
I watched her from a distance, as I stood there, alone as always. I had no friends.
In the classroom, we learned about animals with scales. Mrs. Rudolf called me, asking me to stand up and name one of them.
"Lizard," I replied hesitantly.
"What an interesting choice," she commented, surprised. "We didn't mention lizards. What do you know about them?"
The children stared at me, and my heart raced. I hated being the center of attention. Still, I replied:
"They have scales, lay eggs, and eat insects. They're not dangerous and can climb walls. They can live up to eight years... and when they're in danger, they lose their tail to escape. The tail keeps moving while they get away."
"Fascinating! How do you know all this?" she asked, with a gleam of curiosity in her eyes.
"My friend, Mr. Mitchell, gave me a magazine about reptiles."
"And you learned very well! I'm proud of you. Class, how about a round of applause for our classmate?"
As I sat down, I pressed my lips together to hold back the smile that wanted to break out. I was happy.
Later, Kimberley told me she wouldn't be afraid of lizards anymore. That made me feel important. I had helped in some way.
Soon after, when classes were over, some boys ran across the yard, and Kimberley looked at me with a challenging smile.
"Let's race to the gate? See that post? Whoever gets there last is the lizard poop!"
She took off, and I followed, running as fast as I could. When I was about to pass her, she suddenly changed direction, and I ended up bumping into her. Kimberley fell.
I froze. I didn't mean to do that.
"Get away from her!" her mother yelled, running towards us.
Her voice sounded like a ferocious animal, and I felt my hands start to shake.
"Oh my God, you knocked her down!" she continued, furious.
I couldn't say anything. I always got like this when an adult got mad at me.
"Her knee is bleeding! You hurt her, you little idiot."
"I fell, Mom," Kimberley tried to say, but her mother didn't care.
"He knocked her down!"
"No, he didn't!" Kimberley insisted.
The woman turned to me, pointing an accusing finger, her face red with anger.
"Anyway, stay away from her! I don't want my daughter near you, Lewis. You're just another bully boy, aren't you? Poor women. You're just another Lewis born to destroy them."
Her words were like blows. I stood there, shaking, watching them walk away. Kimberley looked back and waved at me. But I couldn't wave back. My hands were still shaking.
In the distance, I saw Mr. Mitchell crossing the street, and I ran to him, hugging him tightly.
"Davies, what happened?" he asked, worried.
"I hurt Kimberley," I replied, my voice choked up. "I'm a Lewis, and all the Lewises hurt someone."
After that, I never spoke to Kimberley, or any other child.