First Grade Agony

Golden Grass

    I searched the vast fields for the whereabouts of Avishi, but it was difficult, especially at this time of day. Each blade of grass reflected off a golden glare, courtesy of the sun right above my head. It was the middle of spring, around seven months since my encounter with AJ.
    A shadow flashed in the corner of my vision. I spun around, expecting to find someone, or maybe him, but this end of the field was abandoned. Hmmm, that's weird, I thought. I could have sworn there was something there. Realizing that I was wasting my time, I turned back towards the sun, continuing my search.
    Big mistake.
    Suddenly, a hand reached out to cover my mouth, muffling my startled shriek. Someone had kicked my legs out from under me, causing me to fall hard onto the grass. The moment my limbs hit the floor, there were pinned to the ground, unable to move. Stay calm, Diya, I took a deep breath, panicking will only result in defeat. The thought itself had blown the fog out of my eyes. My mind had already cleared, allowing myself to process my surroundings.
I looked around to see four people; two holding down my arms, another restraining my feet, and AJ, standing a meter away from my toes. I recognized the other three immediately; it was Chad, Dillon, and Brian, kids who normally hung out with the popular students playing basketball or kickball.
    "Why are you doing this?" I screeched, my eyes widening as AJ started slinking towards my head.
    He didn't answer.
    He just grinned down at my horrified expression, as I realized that I was truly in trouble.
    Okay, now's the time to panic.
    My legs frantically struggled under Chad's hands, straining to run away, to flee. By now, AJ had already reached my throat, his ankle pressing down against my windpipe, choking me.

    Fortunately, Chad's grip had temporarily loosened, allowing me to extend my leg, kicking Chad in the stomach. I stretched my legs, using all of my flexibility, trying to boot Dillon and Brian as well. I twisted my body to the right, kneeing Brian in the stomach, using my hand to rip the other free.

    I had now restored the game to its usual fair rules. Dillon had by now backed away, realizing that he and AJ wouldn't win the battle. I pushed AJ's leg off of my neck, air rushing into my body. I tried to stand, my legs wobbling from the lack of oxygen, but I couldn't take a moment to catch a breath. Over my shoulder, I could see AJ in a semi-squat position, ready to pounce for the kill.
    I ran as fast as I could, my knees struggling to carry my weight as I sprinted over to my classroom door. AJ wasn't as quick as me, and I was safe.
    Little did I know, this wasn't the last time I'd see a member of the group.