Just Hang In There

Chapter 1

(Jacob)
Today is Friday, the last day of the week before the weekend. I was starting to feel better about myself at school. The jocks haven't picked on me in a while and people have left me alone. Occasionally, someone would shove me against the locker and laugh or make fun of my accent. I ignored it. I became good at ignoring people and locking them out of my life.
Third period had just ended and it was time for lunch. I grabbed a salad and some fruit and walked to the tables outside. It was cold outside, but I didn't mind. Only a few other people sat outside. To my horror, it was the jocks. I know they haven't picked on my in a while, but I was still cautious around them. I kept my gaze on my food and kept walking. Sullivan and Nate had their backs to me while the others didn't seem to know I was there.
I went to the large oak tree in the middle of the courtyard and sat under the tree. I put my headphones on just to keep the noise out. I grabbed my favorite book and started to read as I ate. It was quite peaceful being by myself under the oak tree. I read and I ate. For the first time in awhile, I felt worry free and all my troubles seemed to fade away.

(Mark)
After what felt like hours waiting in line in the cafeteria, I paid for my food and went outside to join Sullivan, Nate and Ian. They were all talking about this one kid we beat up earlier.
"Hey," I said sitting down next to Ian.
"Mark, you missed it!" exclaimed Nate with an evil smile on his face.
"What did I miss?" I had a bad feeling about what he was going to say. I honestly did not like beating up kids. I don't know why I haven't stopped them from doing what they do.
"You know that kid with the fake accent who nearly got us caught a while ago?"
"Yeah," I said.
"Well, I came up with the best idea. We should expand his lungs a little," exclaimed Nate. I felt a stab of hatred in my stomach. That was code that they wanted to nearly drown him in the fountain. The old me would love this idea. A month ago I would've actually agreed to it. After what we did to him last month, with the knife in the bathroom, I couldn't say yes. At that moment, I heard myself agree. I couldn't stop myself.
"Great! Okay, so here is the plan..." started Nate. I zoned out. I watched as that kid with the accent walked out with his tray full of food. I don't think he noticed me staring at him. Luckily, I don't think the other did as well. He walked over to the oak tree and sat under it. He put his headphones on and started to read. I watched until Sullivan snapped me out of it.
"What are you staring at?" He asked. He turned around. "Well, well, well look who it is?" Nate snickered. Ian joined him. "Why don't we do it now?" I was about to say no but Nate spoke before I could.
"Great idea! Sullivan and I will sneak around the back. Ian, you go confront him and Mark, you get the camera and videotape. If he starts to get away, Mark you grab him."
"Shouldn't we wait until lunch is over so no one catches us? I don't think he is going anywhere," I said trying to buy some time to think of a way out of this without looking suspicious.
"Good idea. We will wait until lunch period is over than we will get straight to it," said Nate with glee. I faked a smiled to make sure I still had his trust. Lunch period was almost over. I had to hurry to think of a way out of this.