Bully Story

Day In, Day Out

"Hey, Gwen," Pete said, jogging to meet her at her locker.

"Hey, Pete," Gwen replied, yawning. She pulled a textbook from her locker. "Oh man, what happened last night? Did they catch you?"

"Nah, I ran back into town before they could see who I was."

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you do that."

"No, it's fine. I'm sorry I left you alone with Gary. Did you get back okay?"

"Yeah. He took me back to my dorm. Mrs. Peabody thought I was just getting some water and didn't hold me up. Did you get to study your notes for Biology?"

"No, but I think I'll be okay. Thanks for studying with me," he said. "I would have really been in trouble if you hadn't helped me. Gary was going to have me run some errands for him today."

Gwen turned to look at him. "What did you tell him?"

"I said no. I explained that I had a test this hour and I'm going to take it. Then I'll catch up with him later."

"Pete!" she cried, throwing her arms around him. "I'm so proud of you!"

"What? I didn't do anything," Pete said, confused.

"No, no, you stood your ground. That's all I've hoped for you this whole time," Gwen said, letting go of him. "Gary has been bossing you around since before we met, and I'm so glad you're putting up some resistance."

"Oh," Pete replied quietly. He smiled, scratching his head. "Thanks."

Third hour approached, leading the two to head to class. Taking their seats, they reviewed their notes separately. As other students trickled into the classroom, Jimmy slipped in and squatted by Pete's desk. After exchanging a few words, Jimmy nodded and then headed to Gwen's desk. She didn't notice until he was tapping her notes in front of her.

"Earth to Gwen. You there?" he asked playfully.

She looked up at him, trying to be annoyed but finding herself amused instead. "How many times are you going to interrupt my studying? You seem to have a knack for it."

"As many times as I can," he said, smiling. "Okay, so I came to tell you something real quick. Bullworth is throwing a Halloween dance in two weeks."

"So?" Gwen responded. "It'll probably suck."

"No, no, this one's gonna be good. It's student led, and the prefects are all gonna be at a separate event."

"The teachers are still gonna chaperon, right?" she asked, interest piqued.

"Yeah," Jimmy admitted, scratching his neck, "but that can be easily fixed."

"Oh," Gwen replied, raising her eyebrows. "In that case, I'll be there."

"Sweet. They're deciding on the decorations and theme and junk now, so you can join the planning committee or vote when they narrow down the options. Y'know, if you're into that."

"I think I'll vote on the theme. Sounds fun. Thanks for telling me."

"Sure thing. Now, ace that Bio test, will ya?" he winked.

"Of course," Gwen grinned.

*****

After the test and another hour of class, the best time of the day finally came: lunch. At least, it would be the best time, had the lunch lady not been a disgusting troll of a woman. Gwen dreaded the cafeteria food every day and often made runs into town to rack up on snacks. The vending machine also aided her in the dark times of hunger.