Year 2013
"You guys, I'm changing schools this year. Don't say I didn't warn you!" Dave declared confidently.
Karl smirked. "Oh, please. You've been saying that for two years now. Save yourself the embarrassment, man."
Dave wasn't bothered. He laughed and said, "Yeah, yeah. But this time, I mean it!"
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Really? And why do you even want to change schools?"
Dave paused, searching for a good reason but came up empty. Finally, he shrugged. "Honestly? I don't know. It just feels like I should. So I will."
Karl groaned in frustration. "See? This is why you're an idiot. Don't bring it up in front of me again, you moron. Changing schools, blah blah. Just shut up about it already!"
But Dave wasn't fazed. He had already discussed it with his family, and his aunt supported the idea, so the process had moved quickly. Earlier that day, Lila and Roger had visited a nearby school to see if it was a good fit. Now, Dave was just waiting for their decision.
"Big brother! Mom and Dad are home. They're calling you!" Daniel's voice rang out from the courtyard.
Dave perked up, excitement shining in his eyes. "Coming, coming!" he called back, nearly tripping over his feet as he ran.
Turning back to his friends, Dave grinned. "See you later, guys. I'm off!"
Karl and Ethan watched him run off, shaking their heads.
"What do you think is up with him? Why the sudden change?" Karl asked.
Ethan shrugged. "Beats me. But knowing Dave, there's always something."
Inside the house, Lila glanced at her sons as they returned. "You're back? Go inside. We'll talk in a minute."
Dave was practically bouncing on his heels. "Okay, okay! Hurry up!"
Roger gave him a stern look. "What's the rush, boy? Go sit down quietly."
Even though Roger had mellowed over the years, his voice still carried authority. Without another word, Dave and Daniel sat on the couch, fidgeting in anticipation.
After a few minutes, Roger and Lila walked in.
"We've made a decision," Roger began. "The school we visited today is good. You two will be transferring there. It's a ten-minute bus ride from here."
Dave's face fell slightly. "What? Just like that? What's the name of the school? Why don't I get to decide?"
Roger gave him a sharp look. "No need for you to decide. We've already done that for you. A kid who can't even tie his shoelaces properly thinks he can make decisions? Grow up first, then we'll talk."
Dave's confidence deflated instantly. "Okay, okay. You don't need to be so serious, you know..." he muttered under his breath, barely loud enough to hear.
Lila chuckled at her son's reaction. "Alright, enough teasing. The school term starts next week, so you'll both be starting then."
She smiled warmly and added, "Oh, and the school's name is Saint Academy. Everything's already arranged with the management."
Both boys nodded.
Lila turned to Daniel. "What about you, Daniel? Do you have anything to say?"
Daniel grinned. "No, Mama, I'm fine. But… did you bring chocolates?"
Lila laughed and handed chocolates to both of them. "Of course I did. Here you go."
For a moment, it felt like the perfect way to begin the year.
The next day, Dave was playing football in the yard when he spotted Henry and a group of older boys walking by.
Henry, Aunt Helen's eldest son, was three years older than Dave. The two had grown close over the past six months while living under the same roof.
"Brother Henry! Where are you going?" Dave shouted, running toward him.
Henry stopped, smirking slightly as he looked at the eager boy. "We're heading out to have some fun. Wanna come along?"
Dave's face lit up. "Yes, yes! I'll come with you!"
The older boys laughed at his enthusiasm, but Dave didn't care. Being included in their group was a badge of honor. If anyone saw him with Henry and his gang, no one would dare mess with him.
Henry, known for his aggressive nature, was respected—and feared—by many. And now, walking alongside his big brother, Dave felt untouchable.
"Stick with me, little brother," Henry said with a mischievous grin. "We'll have some real fun."
Dave couldn't have been happier.