Two Worlds Collided (Ace Merrill)

Defense

I was wrong.

Within the first week, I hardly leave the house. Almost all of my plants die, my sister argues with me incessantly, and my parents inform me they're adopting a little boy soon.

After it's been a full seven days, my mom comes into my room.

"Hi, honey. We're dealing with some of the adoption stuff right now. Do you think you could go to the store for us real quick?" She asks.

I agree and take the list from her. After sliding on some shoes, I leave.

I have yet to get my car, so I decide to just walk. It isn't too far, and maybe it'll be good for me to get some fresh air.

As I'm walking, I look around. I haven't done much exploring.

We live by a bunch of houses that are a lot like ours. Outside of the neighborhood, there are a bunch of little shops that offer various items. It disappoints me when I realize none of them are a book store. Figures.

I make it to the grocery store and gather the things from my mom's list. It doesn't take long. Soon, I'm paying and going back outside.

A few shops down, I hear a protest. A small voice saying no.

I turn around. There are four teenage boys, and two younger boys. The older ones are clearly antagonizing the younger ones. I watch as the blonde older one in front pushes one of the smaller ones against a brick wall.

"Hey!" I say. I set the groceries down and stomp over. "Leave them alone!"

The four older boys gawk at me. They look almost surprised. The one in front, the one that pushed the kid, narrows his eyes at me.

"Why should we?"

I look behind me.

"Because they're, like, ten! You're a lot older and a lot bigger. What did they do to you, anyway?" I demand.

The one in front shrugs. "What's it to you?"

I roll my eyes.

"Just leave them alone. They're just kids."

The teenager rolls his eyes at me.

"Whatever. We've got better things to do, anyway."

The group leaves after the one in front shoots me a pointed look. I can't read it exactly, but I'm sure it promises revenge.

"Are you guys okay?" I ask the boys.

They both nod.

"Yeah. They're always like that." The smaller one shrugs.

"Well, you should stand up to them," I advise.

They thank me, and I leave.

When I get home, my mom is irritated.

"What took so long?" She asks.

"These kids were getting picked on. I had to say something," I shrug.

My dad sighs.

"Ellie, you really should just mind your business," he tells me.

"They were getting pushed around. I'm not going to just turn away from that," I state. I stand up and push away from the table. "Sorry to disappoint."

I go to my room then, changing into sweatpants and a loose t-shirt.

I sit on my bed, reading my favorite book until my mom calls me down to dinner a few hours later.