Chapter 3: Worry
As the final bell of the day rang out, signaling the conclusion of another arduous and exhausting day of academic endeavors, the students of Springfield High School began to pour out of their respective classrooms, eager to embark on their journey home. The atmosphere was electric, with the sounds of laughter and chatter filling the air as the students eagerly anticipated the freedom and relaxation that the afternoon had in store.
Gary, still reeling from the events of the day, trudged along beside Peter, his feet carrying him forward with a sense of mechanical detachment. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by the dark and foreboding thoughts that had been plaguing him all day.
But as they walked, Peter's enthusiasm and excitement proved to be a welcome distraction, and Gary found himself becoming increasingly engaged in their conversation. Peter was like a breath of fresh air, his infectious enthusiasm and good-natured humor serving as a potent antidote to Gary's gloom and despondency.
As they approached the bus stop, Peter turned to Gary with a grin. "Dude, I'm so stoked for the game next week! We're going to crush Lincoln High!"
Gary forced a smile, trying to muster up some enthusiasm, but it was clear that his heart wasn't in it. Peter noticed, and his expression turned concerned.
"Hey, what's wrong, Gary? You look worried," Peter said, his voice tinged with a note of genuine concern.
Gary shook his head, trying to brush off Peter's concerns. "Nothing's wrong, Peter. I'm just tired, that's all."
Peter looked skeptical, his eyes narrowing slightly as he searched Gary's face for any sign of deception. But Gary's expression remained neutral, and Peter seemed to accept his explanation at face value.
"Okay, dude. Let's just get out of here and go home," Peter said, clapping Gary on the back.
The two friends boarded the number 14 bus, finding seats near the back as the bus rumbled to life and began its journey through the streets of Springfield.
As they rode, Peter tried to engage Gary in conversation, regaling him with stories of his weekend and his plans for the upcoming game. But Gary was quiet and withdrawn, his responses monosyllabic and lacking in enthusiasm.
Peter seemed to sense that something was wrong, but he didn't push the issue. Instead, he simply sat back and enjoyed the ride, chatting occasionally with Gary but mostly just enjoying the silence.
When they finally arrived at t.heir stop, Peter stood up and stretched, his long frame unfolding from the seat like a puppet on a string.
"Later, dude. See you tomorrow," Peter said, clapping Gary on the back again.
Gary nodded, his eyes fixed on the floor as he mumbled a hasty goodbye. Peter watched him go, a look of concern etched on his face.
As Gary walked down the street towards his house, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been building up inside him all day. It was as if he was walking through a thick fog, the air heavy with an almost palpable sense of foreboding.
And then, just as he was about to turn onto his street, he saw them. Blake and his gang of bullies were waiting for him, their faces twisted into cruel grins.
"Well, well, well, look what we have here," Blake sneered, stepping forward. "It's the little nerd, Gary."
Gary tried to stand his ground, but he could feel his heart racing with fear. He knew he was no match for Blake and his gang.
But he refused to back down. He clenched his fists and prepared to defend himself, his eyes flashing with a fierce determination.
The bullies closed in, their fists flying. Gary tried to fight back, as a blow was coming, peter ducked and gave the attacker a blow in the stomach and another on the face. But he was quickly overwhelmed.
They beat him mercilessly, kicking and punching him until he lay curled up on the ground, crying in pain.
As they walked away, laughing and jeering, Gary lay there, feeling helpless and alone. Why did this always happen to him? Why couldn't he just be left alone?
As he slowly got to his feet, Gary knew that he had to find a way to stop Blake and his gang once and for all. He couldn't take this anymore.
As Gary walked into his house, he was greeted by his mother's warm smile. But Gary was in no mood for smiles. He was still seething with anger and frustration from the beating he had just received.
"Hello, Gary," his mother said, concern etched on her face. "How was your day?"
Gary just grunted, not even bothering to look at his mother. He stormed past her and went straight to his room, banging the door shut behind him.
His mother was taken aback by Gary's behavior. She had never seen him like this before. She knocked on his door, trying to get him to open up.
"Gary, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle. "You can tell me anything."
But Gary just ignored her, not even bothering to respond. His mother knocked again, and again, but Gary just wouldn't budge.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Gary opened the door. His face was red and puffy, and his eyes were brimming with tears.
"Gary, what's wrong?" his mother asked again, this time more urgently.
Gary took a deep breath, and then he told his mother everything. He told her about the bullies, and how they had been tormenting him for weeks. He told her about the beating he had just received, and how he felt so helpless and alone.
His mother listened, her face growing more and more concerned. When Gary finished talking, she pulled him into a tight hug.
"It's okay, Gary," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "Everything will be okay. We'll get through this together."
Gary felt a lump form in his throat as he hugged his mother back. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that he wasn't alone.
His mother pulled back and looked at him, her eyes shining with tears.
"Let's go downstairs and eat something," she said. "Your sister is already home from school."
Gary nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his mother. He followed her downstairs, where his sister Maya was waiting for them.
"Hey, Gary," Maya said, smiling. "How was your day?"
Gary just shook his head, not wanting to talk about it anymore. But his mother intervened, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Gary had a tough day, sweetie," she said. "But we'll talk about it later. Let's just eat something now."
Maya nodded, and the three of them sat down to eat. Gary felt a sense of peace wash over him as he looked at his mother and sister. He knew that he wasn't alone, and that he had people who cared about him.
As they ate, Gary's mother kept glancing at him, her eyes filled with concern thinking of what to do and how to approach the situation at hand.