The school of bullies
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Jack and Emily attend Angels Anglo Elementary School. It’s a typical small-town school where everyone knows each other, and rumors spread quickly. After Jack’s parents' divorce, the other children start to pick on him, using his family situation as ammunition.
They target him because he’s different now—quieter, more withdrawn, and clearly upset by what’s happening at home. They tease him during recess, whisper about him in the hallways, and spread cruel rumors.
The bullies make hurtful comments like, "Your mom ran away because she didn’t want you," or "Your dad has a new family now; they don’t need you anymore." These taunts cut Jack deeply, especially because they touch on his worst fears—that his family is broken and that he’s somehow to blame.
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It’s lunchtime at school, and Jack is sitting alone under a tree, trying to eat his lunch in peace. A group of kids approaches him, smirking.
Joy :- (mocking) "Hey, Jack, is it true your mom ran away because she didn’t want you anymore?"
Rohan :-(laughing) "Yeah, and your dad already replaced you with a new family. Guess you weren’t good enough, huh?"
Jack: (looking down, trying to ignore them, but his hands are trembling)
Lia:- (shoves Jack’s lunchbox, spilling its contents) "Why don’t you just leave, Jack? No one wants you here anyway."
Emily sees what’s happening and rushes over, her face red with anger.
Emily: (fierce) "Leave him alone! You don’t know anything about his family! Go pick on someone your own size!"
Joy:- sneering) "What’s it to you, Emily? Are you his girlfriend or something?"
Emily: (without hesitation) "I’m his friend, and if you mess with him, you mess with me."
The bullies exchange glances, then reluctantly back off, muttering under their breath. Jack looks up at Emily, his eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper—trust.
The bullies have just walked away, leaving Jack and Emily alone under the tree. The scattered contents of Jack’s lunch lie on the ground, and there’s a moment of quiet as Jack looks at the mess, feeling a mix of emotions—embarrassment, anger, and a deep gratitude toward Emily.
Jack: (softly, not looking up)
“Thanks, Emily. You didn’t have to do that.”
Emily: (kneeling down, starting to pick up his lunch)
“Of course I did. They were being mean, and you didn’t deserve that.”
Jack: (still hesitant, voice trembling)
“But… they’re right, aren’t they? My family is messed up. My mom… she left us, and my dad… he has a new family now. Maybe I am just… not good enough.”
Emily: (stops picking up the lunch, turns to face him, her eyes serious)
“Don’t say that, Jack. None of this is your fault. Families are complicated, and sometimes grown-ups make decisions that hurt, but that doesn’t mean it’s because of you.”
Jack: (finally looks up, his eyes wet with unshed tears)
“But why does it feel like it is? Why does it feel like everything is falling apart, and I’m the one who’s broken?”
Emily: (sits down beside him, placing a comforting hand on his arm)
“You’re not broken, Jack. You’re one of the strongest people I know. It’s okay to feel sad and angry, but you have to remember that there are people who care about you—people who think you’re more than good enough.”
Jack: (quietly, almost a whisper)
“Like who?”
Emily: (smiles softly, her voice full of warmth)
“Like me. I care about you, Jack. You’re my best friend, and nothing those bullies say can change that. And no matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you. We’ll get through this together, okay?”
Jack: (staring at her, feeling a small glimmer of hope)
“Promise?”
Emily: (holding out her pinky)
“Pinky promise.”
Jack: (smiles faintly, linking his pinky with hers)
“Pinky promise.”
Emily: (stands up, brushing off her clothes)
“Come on, let’s go get you another lunch. I’ve got some extra snacks in my bag. And if anyone tries to mess with you again, they’ll have to deal with me first.”
Jack: (stands up, feeling a little lighter)
“Okay… and Emily?”
Emily: (pausing, turning to him)
“Yeah?”
Jack: (sincerely)
“Thank you. For everything.”
Emily: (smiling brightly)
“Anytime, Jack. That’s what friends are for.”
YOU ARE READING
THE LOVE IS NEVER LOST
Teen Fiction"Two childhood friends, torn apart by fate, are brought together by memories that refuse to fade. Will love truly be lost, or can it survive the heartache?"
