Guardian

8th grade

"He's a monster." That was the thought on everyone's mind as the new boy made his way across the cafeteria to an empty table. This thought that everyone thinks, voiced by everyone, but not loud enough for someone to hear. He'd moved here just days ago, and already the rumors circled. Isn't that always what happens? However, the boy wasn't stupid. He knew they'd say these things. He knew they'd treat him poorly. He just didn't care. 

Since his arrival at our school last week, "Monster" Carter Munster had made a total of zero friends. I mean, it was understandable to see why. Let me spell it out for you. Carter Munster is a tall guy. I mean seriously tall, like about 6 feet tall. He's also very big. He has a strong build, and that's putting it mildly. In truth, to see him you'd be afraid that he'd break you in half. He's not ugly. He has long, thick locks of black hair that rest easily just above his shoulders and hide his eyes. No one knows what his eyes look like. He's very quiet and has yet to speak to anyone. His clothes are usually dark. A grey or black or white t-shirt coupled with jeans and a leather jacket or a charcoal grey hoodie and converse. All in all, Carter Munster is just...scary. That's why they call him Monster.

I have never seen him smile. Not even once. He always has a sort of blank expression on his face. His jaw set in a permanent state of indifference. Everyone hates Carter Munster. There's no reason for it. They just do.

Knowing all of this, I wasn't surprised when a carton of milk flew across the cafeteria, landing on his head. The thin white liquid rolled down his hair onto his leather jacket. He just sat there. I watched him as he clenched his fist, muttering to himself. I think I was the only one who noticed. Next thing I knew, peas were launched. Carrots. Mashed potatoes. A sandwich. Somebody's apple. All hitting Monster in some way. He clenched his fist tightly, but did nothing to stop it. I knew I should say something. Do something, anything to stop it, but until recently it had always been me that everyone hated. It was me that was always at the end of everyone's mocking and hatred. I didn't dare do anything about it.

As the bell rang for class, I stayed behind to wait for the halls to clear first. I took my tray then grabbed my bag and headed for the door. Or so I thought. Carter still sat at his table, staring at the ground unmoving. I cautiously approached him. "Are you okay, Mon...er... Carter?" I asked quietly. He stood without speaking, nodding his head silently then before leaving the room. I shrugged it off before taking my leave as well.