Coincidences

Act XXI

I was feeling down, like, really, really down. This issue between the Rimson brothers and I was killing me from the inside. To be honest, I don't remember what made him get the idea of bullying me in the first place. And now, he won't stop flirting with Zoey. I felt jealously from within, but I know I can't do anything to put an end to it.

As I speak, he's molesting her against her will, claiming that he's acting like a gentleman. I wouldn't​ call someone like him a gentleman, if he follows you all the time, eats from your food, and tries to give you a smooch every now and then. Zoey is clearly having a bad time. I tried to come to the rescue.

"Zoey, come, eat with me," I invited her politely.

Rocky rushed upon me. If eyes can kill, I'd be double dead. No, count that as triple. He gripped my neck, showing no mercy, and spat, "No, she's having lunch with me, punk." He pushed me, and fell backwards, causing a scene. No one dared to make a move. Everyone was well aware that Rocky was too aggressive.

I brushed the dirt off my shirt and surveyed around me. They all watched in silence. Zoey's friends were there, whispering in the corner. I stood up and went to them.

They patted me in the back, hoping to show consolation. One of them said, "That new kid is really getting in my nerves. I mean, look at him. He's hot and all, but he doesn't have a good attitude."

Her companion spoke up, "Zoey must be having it hard. You, too."

The third added, "You two are a better couple, right, girls?" All of them nodded yes.

The bell sang, and everyone started to leave as soon as possible, with no intention to meet with the bad guy. I hid between the crowd, and looked back to check if I'm being followed. I thought I was good, until I bump into Tyrone.

He looked at me with tired eyes, like he has seen this too many times. I noticed he hasn't changed at all. His hair still looked like the shade of brown he had back then, his signature frown that expressed nothing was still present, and his body language was too easy to read. He rested his arm over me, and said, in his low voice, "I don't think he'll forgive you any time soon, Marty." He set off and was no longer there.

Seriously, I don't remember why Rocky's mad at me. It all started somewhere around the time my mom passed, and it was a difficult time; it was so difficult I attempted to forget it. Well, it kinda worked. I must have forgotten what I did to him, along with the painful memories. What I did must have led him to think he had the right to push me around.

Well, enough of that. Let's think of the good stuff. It'll soon be my birthday, somehow, which is in February 29. It's not leap year, so, despite that, we celebrate it at the 28th. Speaking about that, I'll have to find out when Zoey's birthday. I'm thinking of giving her a giant present, since I heard hers is also around the corner.

I dug into my pocket and took out the notebook. I recently just remembered to write on it. I scribbled all the coincidences that has happened so far, highlighting the most notable ones. After dotting the period, I set it aside on my desk, nice and neat.

Class started, and we took down notes as the teacher recited the lesson. Rocky neglected the teaching, thus he played with whatever gadget he can find. Or steal. The whole class dispised him. It was very unlikely for anyone to get near him. He fussed about the worthlessness of having to learn these stuff, insulting the lesson by jumping from a topic to another. Mr. Yak sent him out, and Rocky distastefully threw his chewing gum at him. On his way to the door, he smirked at me, hinting me his next scheme.

The teacher scouted the hall, verified that he disobediently wandered off to the unknown, and sighed in relief. So did everyone else; this was no different from my last school. He asked me, "Martin, how can you handle that jerk?"

I lowered my head, replying, "I can't." My old teachers kept on repeating the same question to me, over and over again. The nostalgia of these recorded and overly used phrases circulated around my brain. I reached for my notebook, only to realize that it was gone. With Rocky.

"That stupid...," I began, rising from my seat. I excused myself and walked to the door. Zoey stood up, too. She was worried, knowing that I would be in peril, if I tried to face the beast. I searched for Rocky and found him, gnawing on a chocolate bar, suspiciously taken from a lunch box lying on the floor. It was evident that none of its contents or the box alone was his. He noted my presence and laughed, throwing the wrapper in the process.

"Where's my notebook?" I rambled. It seemed he knew what I was talking about. He paced slowly towards me, belittling me with each and every step he took.

"This piece of garbage?" snickered he, waving the notebook in his hand. "This... diary, you gay piece of sh*t?"

I defended, "It's not a diary." I closed my fists to prepare my own self.

He sped and grasped my neck again, the same way from earlier. "That's what everyone with a diary says. You think you have a chance with me?"

I struggled to break free, but I was unsuccessful. He immobilized me and attacked with a kick or two. I feel back and tried to regain balance. The next thing I saw was a flying foot, and, with my reflexes and the remaining strength I had, I clung to it and slammed himself to the floor. He crashed down, but I was starting to get dizzy, and my heart was already palpitating. I sat down on the floor, letting out a series of coughs. Rocky, now angrier, stood with no hesitation and towered over me. I was too weak to react, and, later, I was the victim to his suplex. I am now losing my vision, everything got grayer. Rocky stepped on my chest to humiliate me and went away. I knew I had no chance to beat him, but I got what I came for. My bruised hands clutched the notebook secretly under my body. I fainted.

_________________________

The class spectated the brawl from the safety of the windows. They also saw Zoey running to Martin, but was stopped by the bully, now grabbing her arm and dragging her to a corner, before she could reach him in time.

Rocky pushed Zoey against the wall, restraining her from moving. She was afraid, trapped. He didn't reveal any sign of letting go. He sneered, "Why do you always hang out with that loser, if you got me?"

She steered her view away from him and didn't answer. He pounded the wall, threatening her. "Keep this in my mind. You. Are. Mine."

Zoey refused to do so. She didn't want a boastful, reckless person. The guy's everything she never asked for. She continued to squirm free. On the other hand, Rocky also refused to set her free. His face got closer to hers and forcefully kissed her in the lips. His hand slithered silently down her skirt and began to sneak under. Zoey was paralyzed; the only thing she can do is hope for the best.

"Ehm," Tyrone cleared his throat, interrupting the scene. He suddenly stopped and released Zoey, who retreated back indoors. Tyrone crossed his arms.

"Rocky, what did I tell you about dealing with girls?"

"That I had to treat them nicely. That's bullsh*t," marked Rocky.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," he shook his head. "Don't you curse in front of me. Ever." His eyes blared bright red. The air around him changed.

Rocky held up his hands in the air. "Alright, alright." They returned to the class.

Meanwhile, Zoey, with the company of the teacher, sobbed in fear in the principal's office. He explained the whole story to the principal, who patiently listened to every word. Mr. Reed sat and pondered about the situation. He turned to Zoey.

"Tell me, Zoey," said Jonathan. "Do you like this Rocky?"

Zoey instantly responded, "Absolutely not."

"And you said that Martin and Rocky knew one another?"

"Yes, sir," she sniffed.

The school nurse entered the room and reported Martin's current status. Being both a doctor and the principal, he understood every single thing she had to say. He excused her and wrote on his notepad. Jonathan was aware of his heart problem, so he felt the need to come over and attend his duties.

"Zoey, you can stay here," he informed. "I'll be right back."