Jenny
Nick is 6’2 and weighs like 150 pounds. He claims he can bench press 225 pounds and I believe it too. I’m a pathetic 5’3 and about 30 pounds less than him. I have a narrow frame and skinny arms and legs. I’m no match for Nick. But I know I need to do something to get him on our side. I think about him. In 5th grade Nick was a social outcast and just like me he was bullied harshly. Some guy named Jared and his friends beat him up a little. Only God knows where he went wrong because in 7th grade, he joined that group of fudge balls and ended up leading them. He intimidates younger girls (like me) and finds pleasure in other people’s fears. Although maybe that’s just to cover up the fact he’s not the bravest himself. It’s easier to win a person over if you understand them. I know Nick hangs out in the Vacant Hallway. So one day after school, I decide to take a trip down there.
I creep down the stairs and see Nick pacing around. I wonder if he’s debating quitting himself. I clear my throat and he jumps around, startled. “Oh . . . it’s just you.” he mutters relieved. At first I’m offended that it’s “just me” but I realize he was probably scared I was Rob or Scotch. “Hey.” I begin softly. “What do you want? You’re not getting me to join Super Six. Or stop fighting you or whatever.” He says annoyed. “Why not?” I ask my voice squeaking. “I already told the rest of your pathetic group. I don’t want to die.” He growls angrily. “Oh yeah? Well the rest of my not-pathetic group told you we won’t let Rob and Scotch hurt you!” I snap. “I doubt a group of little kids can stop two murderers.” He’s so skeptical! “We are not little! And we can totally beat the sugar out of those jerks!” I scowl at him. He shakes his head. “Just go away Jenny.” He orders pointing to the stair case. “But-” I sputter. “Go!” he yells. I shake my head and don’t budge.
“Leave Jenny! I’m not going to quit!” Nick growls. “But-” I try again. “Shut it!” he shouts. He starts walking toward the staircase. I try my best to block his path. “Just listen to me!” I cry. “No!” he yells stepping to the left. I mirror him so he can’t get past me. “C’mon Jenny.” He tries to push me down. I stand like a rock. “Ugh!” He grabs me and lifts me up. He turns around and puts me down behind him. He starts walking up the stairs. I can’t just let him walk away so easily. “No!” I cry transforming. I leap up onto the banister and jump onto Nick’s shoulders. “JENNY!” he yells frantically. I almost fall backwards onto the ground. I wrap my arms around his head trying not to fall. “Get off!” he commands. “No! Just listen to me!” I accidently scrape his cheek with my claws. He screams and pries me off of him. He throws me against the wall. Hard.
I slump down to the floor. Worthless piece of crap. I’ll never be any good for Super Six. I’m so pathetic. So pathetic I can’t even stop the warm tears pouring out of my eyes. My vision is blurry since my head hit the wall. I see Nick’s silhouette looming over me. I groan weakly. “Uh . . . are you okay?” Nick asks nervously. Okay? Is he kidding. “No!” I scream angrily. “How can I possibly be okay? I’m a worthless little cutter and I screw up everything! I’m an easy pushover and I can’t fight anyone.” I sniffle. “I can’t even get you to listen to me. I’d be better off dead.” I whisper sobbing. My vision clears and I see Nick is fighting tears too. My heart warms and a soft lavender glow surrounds me. I stand up. Nothing hurts anymore. “I mean . . . you just freakin’ threw me headfirst into a wall! Are you crazy? You’re such a heartless jerk!” I yell. I glow so bright I see purple reflecting in Nick’s eyes.
Tears drip down Nick’s cheeks. “Damn you got me.” He whispers softly. “What do you mean?” I ask rubbing my tears on my arm-warmers. I look up into his eyes. “I’m joining your side.” He announces. My glow fades in a flash. “Really?” I ask with huge eyes. He gives me a strong nod. I don’t think twice. I leap toward him and embrace him into a tight bear hug. He almost falls over. He regains his balance and hugs me back harder. I come up to about his chest. He hugs me so tightly, my feet just barely touch the ground. I look up to him with two, teary purple eyes. “Thanks.” I whisper. He just nods. “We’ll protect you.” I promise him. “And Lilly too.” I add to reassure him. “And I’ll protect you.” he whispers. I wonder what he means by that. I don’t bother trying to figure it out. I just hug him and think about how maybe I’m not as worthless and pathetic as I think. And we can beat the fudge out Rob and Scotch on April 20th.
