I waited for what felt like an eternity. Every minute stretched longer than the last. My brother promised me it wouldn't take long—he said he'd pick me up as soon as he could—but he was late, again. I stood there, right outside my middle school, my gaze fixed to the ground, hands shoved deep into my jacket pockets, trying to ignore the suffocating sting of humiliation that always followed when I was forced to wait for him.
My heart was racing, and I could feel the tight knot in my stomach. Why was he so late? Did he forget it was his day to pick me up? Mom had stayed behind with Mr. Gillies for his surgery, and Dad didn't get off work until late.
"Where's your mommy today?" Kaitlyn's sing-song voice cut through the air, dripping with mockery. Behind her, the usual trio of her minions giggled on cue.
I didn't say anything, but I stood up and started walking away, trying to ignore them, hoping that if I just moved fast enough, they'd give up. But, of course, they followed me. Kaitlyn and her crew were like a shadow that refused to leave.
"Hello?" Kaitlyn's voice sharpened as she stepped closer. "Look at me when I'm talking to you."
Could she just leave me alone? Of course not. That's not how they worked.
I shuffled a step away, unwilling to meet her gaze, but their footsteps trailed mine. Kaitlyn and her gang always followed.
"Where are you going? Gonna walk home?" one of the girls sneered, laughter bubbling in her wake.
My heart pounded, the dull thud echoing in my ears. Where was he?
Did Ezra forget it was his day to pick me up? Mom was busy with Mr. Gillies's surgery, and Dad wouldn't be off work until late. My brother was my only hope today.
With shaky hands, I pulled out my phone to text him, but before I could type a single word, it was snatched out of my grip.
"Aww, did big brother forget to pick you up?" Kaitlyn mocked, pouting dramatically as Jason, one of her lackeys, waved my phone just out of reach.
"Give it back," I demanded, my voice trembling as I reached for it.
Jason smirked, lifting it higher. "Nah, I think I'll hold onto it for a bit."
"I'm serious," I snapped, stepping closer. "Come on, guys. Just give it back."
