Chapter 2

Third day of the first week; students still feels lazy because of the vacation-season residue. Classes are also going lightly so far. The coldness in the air is slowly leaving the atmosphere. Traces of snow can still be seen in some places, but the roads are mostly clear.

Landon woke up earlier than usual. His first two days in high school is like walking back and forth through hell. God knows how many times he wanted to tell someone how hurt he is. Whenever he look at his father, he wanted to hug him and cry.

"Dad? Are you okay?" He almost run towards his father. Larry Higgins is leaning at their small dining table, while holding his head.

"Yeah, I'm fine, son. Sit down, food is almost ready." Landon's dad said.

"Here, sit down. I'll prepare our food."

'Never mind' is the only thing he could say to himself. His father is already exhausted from working few jobs just make ends meet. When there's no other jobs available, Mr. Higgins is focusing on his real day job, shining shoes.

"Hey, son. Are you okay?" His father asked.

"Yes, dad. I'm fine. Come on, let's eat."

Before he came out of his room, Landon's mind was already made up. He will tell his father about what the students at the high school is doing to him. But, when he saw his father; leaning at the table, looking like his head was hurting, the dark circles around his eyes, it was like his mind suddenly told not to.

His father is already drowning with problems. The best thing he could do is not to add to the number of things that his father worries about. He realized that he can handle the students at the high school, because he's a big boy now. There's no need for his father to get involved.

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Nancy and Max are sitting on one of the round tables at the school yard when Landon Higgins arrived. He is wearing his usual outfit; old bag and worn out shoes. His white shirt uniform is not white anymore. It was not even new, Max knew that for sure. It was his old grade school uniform. His mother took all his old clothes and gave it those in need, one of them is Landon.

"Hey, loser! You're still coming to our school?" Max shook his head as he watched Xavier and his friends start the day with Landon.

"Oh, hey! Loser here is trying to escape us." Another one of his friends said.

"Where do you think you're going, huh? Another one said.

Nancy heaved out a loud sigh when she saw them push Landon around. It only took three pushes before Landon fell on the ground face first. She can see the pained expression on his eyes as he tried to get back on his feet. But, before he could even stand, Xavier kicked him behind. His friends laughed when he fell face first again.

"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing, huh? Come here, we'll all get to the principal'ss office." Xavier and his friends looked at each other then laughed, befor they ran away. "Bastards."

"Thank you, Mr. Swanson." Landon said while their school janitor was trying to help him up.

"You okay? Are you hurt?" The janitor asked.

"Yes, I'm okay."

"Come on, let's go to the principal's office"

"No, they'd only do worst to me. I'm okay, and I don't want to report it."

"Okay, let's get you to class."

Nancy shook her head. She can't believe that Landon will just let Xavier and his friends get away after what they've done to him. None of them has the right to shame and hurt anyone like that. Something has to be done.

"Nancy, where are you going?" Max asked.

"We're going to the principal's office, come on. We will report Xavier." And that is what they did. They went to the principal's office to report the bullying that Landon is experiencing everyday. The of them made sure that no one would see them enter Principal Merrlyn's office.

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"Landon Higgins, please come to the principal's office."

Landon is on their first period when he heard his name got called. He had no idea why, bu then he realized that maybe Mr. Swanson still reported what happened. It can cause more trouble, so before he entered the principal's office, he already practiced what he's going to say.

"Landon, good morning. Come on in." Principal Merryln said with a smile on his face.

"Did I do something, Sir?" Landon asked cautiously.

"I received some reports that you are being bullied by some of our students. I'd like to know if it's true." The principal asked.

"No, Sir. No one's bullying me."

"Are you sure? I want to help you, Landon. But, I can't do that if you won't tell me what is happening."

"Yes, Sir. I'm sure. Can I go back to my class now?"

Principal Merrlyn looked into his eyes as if he was studying Landon. His heart is beating so fast like horses racing against one another. He can feel the beads of sweat on his forehead, and he knows that if their principal pushed further with his question, Landon will fess up.

"Okay." Principal Merrlyn finally said.

-Flashback-

"Hey, loser! Principal Merryln wants to talk to you. I don't have to remind you that if you say anything, I'm going to make things worst for you, right? You know that right?" Xavier said in a threatening tone.

"Yes, I will not say anything, I promise."

-End of Flashback-

Landon walked out of the principal's office as fast as he could. Xavier St. John made it abundantly clear that he cannot tell anyone, or they will do something worst to him. All he could do is just to avoid them as much as he could. Besides, they're just kids, like him. They don't fully understand what they're doing.

"Did you tell the principal about us?" Xavier whispered behind him.

"No, I didn't, I swear."

"Good."