Chasing Pavements

Get Lost!

"Jude, I think you should tell your Mom. It's getting really bad." Gilda says as the two are walking home from Kennet Middle school. It had been another day of him being tormented by Dennis, and Reggie at gym and this time during lunch so badly that the teachers had gotten involved again. The boys had literally beat him with one of the food trays, stolen his shoes and ripped up his glitter backpack. His lip had been busted and it would most certainty leave buries on his face again that Stef would definitely see.

"I'll be ok. It's really no biggie Gigi." He said calling the girl by her nickname.

"How? How is this not a big deal Jude? Your lip is still bleeding and your face is really puffy. Jude, why don't you tell her what's really going on again? Or tell Lena." Gilda insists. "I'm really worried about you."

It was true Jude was partly worried about what the boys would do but the other part of him was stubborn and didn't want to tell Stef potentially making the entire thing worse all over again. The teasing wasn't fun, nor was the mocking, and getting physically beat up almost weekly.  But what was the alternative?  He didn't know and didn't want to add to his mother's stress especially since she was pregnant.

"I'll be fine." He insists as Gilda shakes her head and puts her long curls in a ponytail. "What I do know is our project is going to rock. It really will." He smiles turning to her as she gives him a look.

"Don't change the subject on me. Your Mom is going to find out anyway Jude even if you don't say anything."

"Gil I can't right now. She has alot of stuff going on."

"Your Mom always has time for you no matter what's going on. She has time for everyone. What is it? Is it Mike?"

"Don't even mention him." Rolling his eyes they turn the corner onto their block as Jude feels his temper flare just at the thought of Mike. "He's such a prick and I just wanna punch him in the face. God I hate that guy."

"I know he's a big jerk. But did something else happen? Lately? You've been even more distant and don't say you haven't because I notice."

"Nah I'm ok." Kicking his sneakers on the fresh snow parts of Jude wanted to tell his best friend what was going on but at the same time he could be rather private about things. Something the girl knew all to well about him as she suddenly sees a cop car parked outside Jude's home and quickly grabs his hand. 

"Um..lets just wait here for second."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Um nothing but let's just wait here."

Looking at his friend in a rather confused way Jude glances in the direction of his home seeing Mike get out of the cop car. Instantly he pulls away from his friend storming over to the man just wanting more then anything to pound him in the face.

"Jude! Wait" Gilda calls but the boy ignores her as he seems what look ike flowers in Mikes hand.

"What are you doing here? Go away! She doesn't want to see you ever! Haven't you done enough damage!" He yells as Mike looks at the young skinny boy almost laughing. "Leave. Leave my mother alone. She doesn't want you!"

"Jude, relax buddy. I'm here to give your mom some flowers and head back to work. It doesn't concern you. Go on with your friend." Dismissing him, Mike heads up the walkway and the young boy jumps in front of him furious.

"I said leave. I'm the man of this house not you. Leave her alone. She doesn't want your stupid flowers or you. I won't tell you again!" 

Gilda can only stand nervously watching the interaction for she knew how bad of a temper Jude could have. She really did as she ran over to him grabbing his hand.