Duncan’s POV
I didn’t like it when Zoey hung around with other boys. She was mine. I had her claimed, well in my head. They were painting that fake Ender Dragon. At least they weren’t painting mushrooms; Zoey was always talking about them.
“Lewis, do you thing Zoey likes Rythian?” Lewis was painting the iron golems arm.
“Why?”
“Because, I like her.”
“Well, tell her you like her. It won’t kill anyone.” I had a small feeling he was going to regret saying that. “Tell her Duncan.”
“Ok, I will.” I clenched my fists and walked over, shaking. “Erm... Zoey. Can I ask you something?” She turned, her red hair falling past her shoulders.
“What is it Duncan?” Her eyes were glowing, Rythian turned to see what was going on.
“Erm... Can I borrow the white?” I panicked. She handed me the white. “Thanks.” I walked back over to Lewis, who had watched the whole thing. “I buckled.” He patted me on the back.
“You’ll do it one day. Don’t worry bro.” He went back to painting the arm. I put the white on the floor, I didn’t even need it.
“Oh, little baby Duncan.” Sjin started, I ignored him. “Girls hate him. Even his mum gave him away!” Sips and Sjin laughed. I saw Lewis look at me, he turned to Sips and Sjin.
“That’s enough! You’ve gone too far!” I clenched my fists and walked over to them. “Duncan, control yourself. Please.” I ignored him. Sips and Sjin were crying with laughter. I punched Sjin in the face and he fell to the floor. Sips stopped laughing and stared at his friend who lay on the floor, his nose bleeding.
“Don’t you dare speak about my mum again! You don’t have the right!” I turned back to Lewis just as Nilesy came over.
“Duncan, follow me.” I followed him out of the room, leaving Sips to help his friend clean up. We stood in the hallway. “Duncan. What happened?” I felt my fist, it hurt a little.
“Sjin started to talk about my mum. He talked about when she gave me away. So I punched him.” Nilesy looked at me as I started to tear up.
“I think I need to have a word with him. You go back inside and I will talk to Sjin.” I walked in, tears slowly trying to break through. “Sjin come here.” I heard behind me. I walked over to Lewis.
“You ok?” I nodded. “Don’t worry. Sjin can be a bit of a dick, but there’s always someone to sort him out.”
“Thanks Lewis. It’s good that I have you as a friend.” I picked up my paintbrush and heard Nilesy shouting outside. “Sounds like Sjin is getting the worst of it.” Lewis smiled at me.
“You always find the funny side of things.” I flicked paint at him. “Thanks.” He had a streak of grey paint down his face. He flicked it back at me and I had a streak of red across my face and chest.
“Now we’re even.” I carried on painting in the iron golem’s arm and chest. Sjin walked back in, his face showing that he wasn’t happy with the way he was talked to. He walked over to me.
“You better watch out, me and Sips will wreck you.” I snarled at him. “Nice. Growl. Mature.”
“More mature than you’ll ever be.” He snorted and walked over to Sips, muttering under his breath. I just turned and walked out of the classroom, I never liked art that much. I heard Lewis shouting behind me and Nilesy doing the same. I carried on walking until I reached the boys’ toilets. I walked into a stall and sat there, letting the tears roll down my face. “How dare he say things about my mum!” I cried into my top. I heard someone walk in.
“Duncan are you in here? It’s Rythian.” I sniffled, giving away my position. “Are you ok?”
“Why would I be ok? Didn’t you hear Sjin?” I was screaming at him.
“Sorry, you walked out after you punched Sjin. I asked Nilesy could I check if you are ok. Can you open the door?” He knocked on the door. I unlatched it and sat back down. He slowly opened the door as I began to cry again. He hugged me without hesitation, I didn’t resist.
“You’re a good friend Rythian. Don’t forget that.” He shook his head.
“Now come on, we have a Sjin to make a fool of.”
“He already is one.” Rythian laughed and walked ahead of me. We walked into the canteen and Sjin sat there with Sips. His eye had gone black. I sniggered. He glared at me as I walked past to sit with Lewis, Zoey, Rythian, Martyn and Toby.
“Well done on punching Sjin. He deserved that punch.” Martyn said. Toby patted my back. I smiled weakly as I messed with my food. Miss Rutherford walked over.
“Duncan. I suggest that what you did today is a onetime event?” I nodded. “Good.” She walked away, I watched until she left the room.
“Bitch.” Lewis laughed, spitting milk everywhere. This made everyone else burst out in fits of laughter.
“Ok. I think we best eat then go and hang around outside for a while.” Zoey said. “There may be mushrooms outside.” Everyone sighed, except Rythian who smiled at her. I hated him for that.
“So Rythian we have maths with Mr Honeydew next. You ready?” Lewis said.
“Mr Honeydew can’t teach maths. He only cares about TNT! Now actually teaching us maths would be a miracle.” I explained. Lewis spat milk everywhere again. “Well done Lewis!” He fell of his chair. I had to laugh at him.
