Rising Tide

Chapter 1: Cry Baby

"Zale started crying again!"

"He's such a baby."

"He's going to drown the whole world."

Their laughter grounded on my ears. I stared at the centment from where I sat behind the dumpster. I didn't help that I ran away like that. My temper was raising. The tears were burning my cheeks.

"Come on, let's play without him."

I peeked along the back of the dumpster. The sounds of a basketball hitting the pavement sounded. A boy appeared after a failed shot. I shouldn't have fallen for it. Those guys wouldn't ask me to play a game unless they had something planned. It was a game to them to see how quick they could me mad. Wiping my face, I stood and wandered off down the alley running along the side of the school.

I should have just hit them. I kicked a empty bottle. They'd tell on me and I'd be the one that ended up getting suspended. They call me the baby then all three of them were the biggest tattle-tails. I should have known something was up when they all ganged up on me.

Sniffing, I shoved my hands in my pockets and started home. Most of the school had already left. I should have done the same. It was a waste of time to even try to get along with those guys.

I walked up to the stoop of the house at the end of the block and opened the door. A piano was playing in the study. I kicked my shoes off and reached to take off my backpack. My eyes grew wide. I left it. Cursing under my breath, I headed for the stairs. I'd get it later. Either that or someone would use it as an excuse to talk to my sister.

"Zale, is that you?" asked my mother.

"Yeah."

The playing stopped. She walked out of the study and leaned against the doorway. "You're late today."

"I had some homework to get done." I shrugged.

With a sigh, my mother stepped forward and grabbed my chin. "Your eyes are red."

I jerked my head away and clenched my jaw.

"You're getting too old for this. The kids in your grades aren't going to overlook it as before."

They never overlooked it. "They started it."

Her mouth fell open. "Did you get in a fight again?"

I shook my head. "No."

"Ezekiel Zale Thornton, if I find out you hit someone."

"I didn't," I exclaimed.

She shook her head. "Come here." She held open her arms.

I shuffled forward and just stood there. I was still annoyed and I didn't want to get upset in front of her.

She hugged me. "I don't mean to be tough on you. I'm just worried. Your father pays a lot of money for you to go to that school. You need it to get into a good University."

"I know."

She cupped my face.

"Are you going to tell dad?" I asked.

My mother shook her head. "No. As long as you didn't hit anyone you've done nothing wrong. You're always be my little boy, so a couple tears will keep you from growing up on me." She flicked my chin and smiled. "Dinner would be ready in a couple hours."

"Okay." I hurried up the stairs and went to my room.

I flopped down on my bed and hurried music coming up through the floorboards. Closing my eyes, I listened to soft fluttering noise. I smiled to myself. It was the song she'd play for me as a kid when I when I was upset at Erika.

Rolling onto my side, I peered out the window. Why did everyone have to such an ass in my grade? It didn't help that most of us had grown up together. My sister didn't exactly try to defend me either.

With a groan, I climbed to my feet and went to change out of my uniform. I pulled on some sweats and an old t-shirt. Grabbing my open fingered boxing gloves, I headed for the basement. My mother continued to play as I past. I opened the door to go downstairs.

"Zale."

"Yeah?"

"Before or after dinner you need to practice your piano."

I groaned. "I'll do it tomorrow."

"You're going to do it today. You didn't wake up early enough to do it this morning."

"I will tomorrow," I stated.

"Today," she replied firmly, "or that door will be locked for a week."

I breathed out through my teeth. "Fine." I flung it open.

"Remember to warm up first so you don't pull anything."

"I will."

"Tape your hands."

"I have my gloves!" I quickly shut the door and hurried to the bottom.

Finally, I could be alone. I was so tired of everyone picking at me. Turning on some classical music, I stretched out my arms. The guys at school would give me more shit for listening to this, but with my mother being a professional piano player, classical music was the only kind allowed in this household. Closing my eyes, I took deep breaths. I preferred it that way. It was calming.

Opening my eyes, I faced the bag. My dad got it along with some beginning boxing lessons for me to help vent some of my anger. It was only a couple years old, but was starting to look a little worn. I guess I had a lot of anger built up. I put my gloves on, fitting my fingers through the holes. Breathing out through my nose, I rolled my head from side to side. I really needed this.