Short Stories

2

Narrative writing for school-published - 15.4.14
I walk through the rusting school gate just as the first bell rings shrilly. When I glance back at Mum, my protector, she smiles reassuringly before driving away. Gone.

I stumble into my new class, the second bell already ringing. Both the students and teacher stare at me. "Sorry," I mumble to the grey-haired man, moving automatically to the empty seat near the front.
"Can I sit here?" The words are rushed, directed at the short-haired girl sitting opposite.
"No," the words are knives. "You can't." Her emerald eyes narrow.
I move to the next empty seat, my face scarlet. "Can I...Can I sit here?" I stutter, this time to the dark boy with glasses. A possible ally, I think.
"No." Rejected.
My new teacher sighs, rubbing his wrinkled face. "Tom, is it?" I nod. "Just go sit down the back." I sit obediently. From back here the teacher is blurred, far away. I squint. Do I need glasses?
"Tom! Mr Browne!" My name is barked, like an order. I raise my hand hesitantly.
"Yes, sir?"
The teacher sighs again. Already an enemy. "Answer your name for the roll."
"H-here, sir." Groans from the students. Harsh whispers.
"Why'd he have to be in our class?"
*
Morning tea comes. I sit alone. No one invites me over to their group. No protection. No allies.
A huge boy, twice my size and age lumbers over with his friends. Dan, at 14 years old, is the school bully. Sneers of;
"Where's your mummy, new kid?"
"Little baby!"
"Mummy's boy!"
"New kid!"
"Tom, my name is Tom." Tears threaten to pour. Howls of laughter. Jeering. Teasing.
Help me, anyone, please.
A girl with long black hair and glasses pushes her way through the group. Curious dark brown eyes greet me.
"Go away, Jenny." The bully growls at his younger sister. She challenged him fiercely with her eyes, saying nothing.
Turns to me. "Hi, Tom."
Hand extended.
Friendly smile.
Relief.
An ally.
A friend.
I smile.