When Duty Calls

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"This is the third time this week you have created havoc in school." A plump man stood before an indignant, dirty boy.

Ten-year-old Tyler Martinez just rolled his eyes and scoffed. "No one cares except you..."

"What's that?" The principal turned and got close to his face, revealing a small scar below his right eye.

"Nothing, Mr. Buttner."

"It's pronounced BUCK-ner young man. Now I ought to do more than just suspend you. All the pranks and bullying on your classmates has gone too far." Mr. Buckner ripped off a piece of paper from the pad he had just finished scribbling on. "You will see that your father receives this."

"I don't have a father," Tyler said stubbornly.

"Don't lie to me, boy. You will give this to your father, do you hear?"

"I don't have to do anything you say. You have no right to just order me about. You're not my mom!"

"Sit down and be quiet!" roared Mr. Buckner. There was a period of stiff silence as the two glared back at each other.

Tyler remained standing, testing the will-power of his superior. "The principal is just a stupid old maricón," he said to himself, wishing he could throw a few punches at the ugly old man before him.

"Your father is going to hear directly from me about you and your stubbornness."

Tyler still stood firm, his head raised in defiance. "Go ahead, tell him whatever. He won't care!" Inside, he had already started to break down. He knew what was going to be coming to him. He needed an excuse to never go home again, he just needed the right opportunity.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~Tyler Martinez. Age: 19~

A cop car passed by the doughnut shop Tyler disrupting his thoughts. He shuddered because of all the memories attached to that all too familiar sound. Tyler glanced over and caught his friend staring at him waiting for something. He glared in his direction. "What Lucas?" Tyler said with annoyance.

"The dude wants your order," his friend replied. "What are you dreaming of them hot chicks or somethin'?"

"Lucas, you know it's not him who gets the niñas. I do!" said the other named Adrian.

"Homie, you ain't got nothin'. No one wants nothin'. Ain't that right Ty?" Lucas reached over and gave Tyler a friendly nudge.

"Get off me!" Tyler jerked his arm away like he was infected.

"Whoa! Chill, bro."

There was a long pause in the conversation as Tyler just drilled holes into the counter with his eyes. The cashier handed over the orders and everyone turned to leave. As they walked down the street, one of Tyler's friend's quickly caught up to him.

"Hey," his friend said in a quiet tone, "Why are you always so worked up?"

"Just leave me alone Adrian, okay? None of your business."

"I just want to understand."

Tyler was silent for a bit. What did this kid want with him? He knew Adrian wouldn't drop the question, so he just replied with: "I don't like being touched."

"I could tell that..." Adrian mumbled. "I just don't see how it's such a big issue."

Tyler stopped walking and turned to face the younger teenager in their group. "Some people touch you when they shouldn't, okay? Just leave me alone." He turned and kept going, this time at a faster pace. The others looked at each other.