Painted Faces

The Other Boy

Rudie's POV
I sat on the bench in the school court yard. It had been about a month since mama died. The funeral service had been short and not many people came. When I finally came back to school everyone told me how sorry they are. Ever time I heard the words "I'm sorry," I'd answer with "I don't want your damn charity!" Or "Well stop feeling sorry!" And I'd storm off.
But I sat there, watching the other's playing kickball. I had my sketch book out and I was working on realism. The horse I was working on was very detailed. And for once, I was satisfied with my work.
The ball rolled over to my my feet. I looked up to see the one who bullied me more than any other person. Mathias I though crossly.
"Why won't he kick the ball back?" A younger boy asked Mathias when
I didn't respond.
"Because he's handicapped. Also, he doesn't kn-" Slap! I glared at Mathias as soon as my hand met his cheek. Rage boiled over inside me. He met my glare. Anger sparkled in his evil green eyes. "Fine, you want to fight? Let's go!" He yelled. I nodded briskly and Mathias let out a battle cry and launched at me in a flying tackle. The next thing I knew I was on the ground with a loud thud. I grimaced in pain and I couldn't breathe. Mathias had me pinned down and he was clearly relishing it. His yellow toothed, grin was only inches above my face. He had the advantage of being larger than me, and my birth defect would certainly  be a disadvantage. I flailed my arms and legs trying to push him off of me but he wouldn't budge.
"What's wrong handicap? Can't move?" He sneered. "That's what you think." I muttered and lifted my leg, kicking him as hard as I could between his legs. He let out a wail of pain and rolled off of me. By then all the other children had formed an awkward circle around us and when had I kicked him, they all yelled,"Ouch!" Or "Ooooh!" I scrambled awkwardly to my feet and started to run in the opposite direction, but something grabbed foot and I landed on my chest. The air was forced out of my lungs and before I could catch my breath, hard objects dug into my back. I yelled in pain and I turned to see Mathias sitting on me, digging his sharp knees into my back.
His fists landed hard onto the back of my head and everything went blurry. All sounds where echos. And suddenly, the weight was lifted from by back. As soon as my head was cleared, I crawled away and flopped down. I watched as a a boy, about my age, with dirty blonde hair beat the living day lights out of Mathias. Moments later, Mathias was on the ground clutching his nose and whimpering in pain. The boy stood in front of Mathias and stared down on him. His fierce eyes glinted with pride and anger. He smiled and he looked he looked up me.  His expression instantly turned from furious and power hungry, to sweet and  sympathetic. He walked over to me and held his hand out but I was to shocked to move.
"Come on, let's-"
"Hold it right there young men!" He was cut off and we turned to see one of the teachers running towards us.
Great. This is just what I need. I said inwardly.

After a long lecture about not fighting at school...
I sat out side the Principal's office with Mathias and the other boy. We aren't allowed to participate in classes for the rest of the day. We also got suspended for three days.
"By the way, I never told you my name. Or learned your's. My name is Kurtis."
He said cheerfully.
"I'm Rudie and thank you for helping me."

How'd you like the second chapter? Let me know on the comments!