Some Scars Don't Heal

Six - Come Back To Bite

I strode out of class, ignoring the giggles that came from Lola and Macy as I went past them. I flung open the door and, hitching my bag further up my shoulder, I headed outside. As I went out into the quad, I breathed deeply. Grey concrete stretched for miles around, and bordering it were solid brick walls, preventing anyone from leaving. But just for a moment, as I was the only one there, I could fully appreciate a sense of tranquility. Without the crowds of students there, our school seemed almost peaceful. But then the bell rang for lunch again with a shrill squeal, and there was an outpouring of kids, pooling out from lessons, chattering, giggling and talking animatedly. I let myself be swept along, just one of the crowd. I leapt up on a brick wall, and pulled half a baguette from my bag. I took a bite of the baguette, and heard someone laughing. I turned around with a scornful eye (after all, they interrupted my lunch!). Behind me I saw Charlie and some of the baseball team. The co captain, Jack was pulling Charlie's bag off his shoulder. Charlie was frantically trying to stop him, but to no avail.

"Ooh, been taking the bravery pills?" Jack sneered, earning a laugh from his cronies. Charlie ignored him, tugging his bag from Jack's hand.

"No, I don't think so Jack. It's probably just 'cos he's filled his pants!" Someone else supplied.

"Is that what the smell is?" Jack wrinkled his nose, and I saw Charlie's eyes well with tears. I couldn't stand it.

"Excuse me," I stood up and strode over to them, "But what do you think you are doing?" Jack dropped Charlie's bag and stared at me, or rather at my legs. I coughed pointedly.

"Hey Bex," Jack squared up to me, "You're looking good."

"You haven't answered my question." I replied. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, just..." Jack looked round at his friends, but they all looked scared. Jack shrugged, then squeezed up to me. "I could use a side order of that bum," he whispered seductively in my ear. I ignored him, and walked over to Charlie. I squatted down, blanking Jack's whistle as I bent down, and picked up his books, putting them into his bag, and handing his bag to him.

"Thanks Becky." Charlie gave me a watery smile.

"Anytime." I grinned in return. Then I stood up and walked back to where my bag was. I felt a tap in the centre of my back as I pulled my bag onto my shoulder, and turned round to see Jack.

"You're feisty, Becky." His hands were shaking and his eyes burned with incontrollable lust.

I snorted, and glared at him. He removed one of his hands from his pockets and put it around my waist.

"Feisty and sexy," he murmured in my ear. I pulled my head away sharply.

"Don't even think about it!" I snapped. Jack grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the gym cupboard. I tried to draw back, but he was pretty strong. I felt sick, despite my previous bravery. Jack opened the door, and shoved me against the wall. I knew what was coming next.

"Jack, don't you dare -" My words were cut off by Jack's mouth crushing mine.

"Bug off Jack!" I tried to sound firm, but my words were muffled. His lips were hot, and no doubt about it, he was a good kisser. Too much of a player for my taste though. He bit down on my bottom lip, begging for entrance to my mouth, and his hands crept up my school shirt...

I finally managed to pull back, and brought my hand sharply across his face with a hard smack.

"Go away Jack. Pick on someone your own size." I spat at him, and then stalked out of the gym cupboard.