Bully Story

One Small Leap

Gwen sat at her desk, studying quietly. It had been a long day full of busy classes, playful antics, and dodgy prefects. A huge Biology test was coming up, and there was no way she was going to let it catch her off guard. Silently pouring over her notes, she zoned out of the real world and focused on her textbook.

Tink.

Gwen groaned and rolled her eyes. She knew exactly what that sound meant. Maybe she could ignore it.

Tink.

Maybe not. Giving in, she stood from her desk and made her way to the window.

Tink.

"Okay, okay," she said, unlocking the clasps on the window. She lifted the glass and leaned out, squinting to see the dark lawn below. Jimmy Hopkins stood beneath her window, looking up at her expectantly. "I'm trying to study. What is it now?"

"I need your help," he replied simply.

Gwen glanced back at the clock on her nightstand before looking back down at him. "It's 9 o'clock."

"Yeah. Get down here."

"I can't just sneak out! We're not all delinquents, Jimmy. Besides, I'm not even decent."

"Doesn't matter. Pete and Gary are in trouble and I need your help. So come on."

Gwen grimaced. She could care less about Gary's well-being, but Pete was her friend. Absently biting her lip, she mulled over her options. "Alright," she conceded. "But Mrs. Peabody is in the hall. She'll notice if I get out. What am I supposed to do, wise guy?"

"Jump," he said. Gwen flinched; he was serious. "I'll catch you."

"Jimmy!" she hissed. "You've convinced me to do a lot of stupid crap, but I draw the line at jumping out a window."

"Just climb out the best you can, get a foothold on the siding, and then you won't jump as far. Trust me, I've caught guys much bigger than you."

Gwen growled, retreating from the window. Gathering her courage, she slipped on her shoes and returned to the window. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she slipped a leg through the opening. Keeping a firm hold on the inside edge of the window, her other leg followed.

"That's it," Jimmy called. "The shelf is just below your left foot. Step on it, get your bearings, and fall. I'll catch you."

"If you miss me, I swear," she growled. Her arms shook from the strain of holding onto the window sill, but she stepped down to the siding and stood on it.

"Good, good. Now let go," Jimmy said. "And try not to scream. It'd be nice not to have to run from the prefects on our way out."

Gwen grumbled under her breath, still holding the very edge of the window. She glanced over her shoulder to see where Jimmy was. He stood just under her, holding his arms out. Shutting her eyes, she let go. Time seemed to slow down as she toppled off the siding, her heart racing and her brain urging her not to scream. When she was completely off the building, it felt as though she was suspended in the air. Then she was engulfed in warmth and strength, held close to someone else. The only problem is that she kept going. Gwen and Jimmy collapsed to the ground and rolled several feet, Jimmy still holding Gwen close to himself.

Gwen coughed as she opened her eyes, the wind knocked out of her. She shook Jimmy's arms off her and rolled to face him. "What kind of landing was that?!" she said, smacking his head.