Is A High School Story

Chapter 11

Authors Note: Time for things to go even more downhill...

                                                                  Word Count: 1824

Matthew's POV

I didn't think this whole rumor thing would cause us even more problems but somehow it did. Guess that's what you should expect in high school. But seriously? Making a rumor that someone would purposely let their house catch on fire just to get popular on some stupid social media app? Not a sane person I'll say. Either way, this for whatever reason is a thing so we gotta deal with it. But I'm not sure what to do or if there's anything I can do. What happened already happened and pretty much everyone knows so it's not like we can erase everyone's memories or something. And since so many people know and are entitled to their opinions saying that didn't happen even though its the truth won't work either. Ugh. Things were already bad but I didn't think things would get as worse as they did. 

The day of the Ela assignment came and we both had ours completed. I expected to be nervous and stuttering and practically sweating a river but I actually was okay. I was shocked at myself. I guess all the time I spent with Rich was helping me. Rich went up and was more nervous than I was. Everyone was giving him dirty looks during the entire thing. Usually afterwards everyone claps after someone finishes reading but no one clapped for Rich. I looked like a fool clapping for him in the silent room. Mr. CroakerPot tried to make us clap but no one budged. Eventually Rich made his way back to seat, but someone tripped him and he fell, accompanied by everyone's laughter. Everyone but me of course. I helped him back to seat. Things only got worse from there. 

Day after day, the bullying and pestering got worse. From verbal, to slight physical, to moderate physical, to extreme physical in ways, as in people trying to beat him when he goes to his apartment. I did my best to defend him, but whenever I did, Rich told me to stay out of it as it was "his burden and his burden alone." He doesn't have to go through this alone. He doesn't have to suffer like this.. Even though he declined multiple times, I told the principal everything that was happening hoping for something to happen like I don't know, suspend or expel the kids that  are doing this, but no. The most he did was hold several assemblies on bullying which did...absolutely nothing. Made it worse in fact. I can't stand seeing this, and I can't allow this to happen any longer. So even though Rich told me to stay out of it, I made up my mind.

One day after school, I followed Rich home without him knowing so he wouldn't know about me being involved. When he was almost at his apartment the bullies showed up behind him. Before they got to close I stopped them. They looked surprised but at the same time had a smug look on their faces. 

"Hahaha, it was only a matter of time before his knight in shining armor stopped us. Or should I say "tried to stop us." 

The others laughed but I stayed focus. Time to show Rich how much I care.

"I'm only gonna say this once. Leave Rich alone and stopped bothering him."

They looked shocked, but only for a moment.

"And if we don't? What do you intend to do to stop us?"

"Your all bark, no bite. Your confidence is higher than it should be."

You know he was probably right. But that doesn't. Even if I don't win (which I don't) at least I tried. I ran towards the weakest looking one and threw a punch square at his face. He grabbed my hand and twisted it. I winced in pain but still didn't give in. I kicked him in the shin and he dropped to one knee. The others backed up and watched. I started kicking him the gut as hard as I could ignoring the pain in my wrist. After a few seconds he let go and went on the floor gasping for air. I shook my wrist out and watched him. He coughed up blood. Maybe I went a bit too far...