Class of '97

1. Kyle

Nineyear old Kyle Holland wiped his face of tears and let out a pitifulmoan of sadness into the dark and empty gym locker-room. He wascrouched on the cold floor, in the corner by a row of red paintedlockers. His legs were numb, his arms shook with anger and pain.

"WylieKylie!" He heard Josh Doyle call into the room.

Asthe voice echoed against the brick walls Kyle cringed. Josh casted ashadow in the light from the hallway. His huge athletic frame lookedmenacing, even in his prepubescence.

Kyleclosed his eyes and held his breath. He covered his face with hisarms.

Thelights were turned on.

"Mr.Stokes was looking for you Kyle." A different voice saidinnocently.

"Getup Kylie," big Josh Doyle ordered.

Kyleshook his frightened head, his brown hair flopping from side to side.

"Comeon, we're friends." Josh Doyle went to Kyle and put his arm aroundhis neck, forcing him up. "We're friends."

Thesmall group of boys from Kyle's class watched, confused by the scene.

"Whywere you in here during gym?" someone murmured in the crowd, with ahint of genuine concern.

"WylieKylie can't play basketball," Josh Doyle answered with a laugh.

Kylestared straight ahead, his heart beating fast.

"Whynot Kyle?" someone asked.

"BecauseKylie falls too much!" Josh Doyle pushed Kyle to the wall. Kyle letout a cry as he fell to the floor, grabbing his head in pain.

Noone in the crowd laughed, they all stared wide eyed at the laughingJosh Doyle and the crying Kyle Holland.

"Whoa..."someone said under his breath.

 "We'refriends." Josh Doyle said innocently as he reached his arm out toKyle who wiped the tears from his eyes.