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Jake Tracey was late for class. He rushed down the hall, focused on getting to his destination, scarcely aware of his surroundings. He carried a load of books under his arm. A student Kenny’s age, much bigger than Jake, came up behind him and pushed all the books out of his arm. They scattered all over the floor. Jake was already late. Now he was angry. He stared down his attacker; two years Jake’s senior, five inches taller, and fifty pounds heavier.
“Pick those up,” Jake demanded.
“Make me,” mocked the bully.
Jake charged at him, and the kid stepped aside like a matador sidestepping a bull. He stuck his foot out and tripped Jake as he went by.
“Faggot,” the bully grumbled. “When’s your next camping trip?”
Jake stared at him in disbelief. Did the whole school know? Was he bluffing? Guessing? Or did all the kids know about his and Kenny’s encounter with Father Gerry? Jake was beyond furious. He charged the boy again and met a roundhouse right fist to the jaw that knocked him to the ground. He was dazed, confused, and disoriented, and he was in serious pain. A counselor happened by and found Jake lying in the hallway. He took him to the counseling center and called his mother. Jake was beside himself in grief and pain and in near hysterics. He was demanding to see his brother, so the counselor decided to call Kenny out of class. Kenny arrived before Jennifer. He took one look at his brother and began to fume.
“Jake, who did this to you?” Kenny sputtered.
“Drew Moss,” Jake sobbed, relieved to see his brother.
“His ass is mine,” Kenny threatened, furious.
“Hold your horses, young man,” the counselor cautioned. “Your mom is on her way. We’ll deal with Drew. He’ll be punished, suspended, and he’ll never bother Jake again. But more violence is not going to solve anything.”
“I promised my brother I would never let anyone hurt him ever again,” cried an enraged Kenny.
His anger turned to shame. He addressed his younger brother. “Jake, I am so sorry I let you down again.”
“What could you have done, Kenny?” Jake consoled. “You were in class. You weren’t there.”
“I should have been. We knew this would happen. Nobody can help us. We’ve got to help ourselves!” Kenny shouted. “Let’s get out of here.”
He turned to the counselor.
“Are we free to go?”
“As soon as your mom gets here. You boys can go home with her,” the counselor soothed, a calm voice in a growing storm.
The counselor briefed Jennifer as soon as she arrived. He told her about the altercation, the punch, and the offensive language and behavior that sent Jake into hysterics. She demonstrated a brave front but was dying inside. How much pain must my boys endure? Is this how it is going to be from now on? Will we have to transfer to a different school? She was glad they had an upcoming appointment with Rothenberg. She spoke briefly to the counselor, who assured her swift and severe punishment was coming to young Mr. Moss. Jennifer signed the necessary “child released early” papers and took her boys home.
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