Chapter 3

It's been two weeks since the school year started. Things are starting to get real because of the projects and assignments that the teachers are giving their students. It's the spring season, and the first semester of the year. Friendship are being built, for some, romantic relationship.

Olga Fuentes and Xavier St. John are no different. They met each other through a friend, and since then, they became boyfriend and girlfriend. However, they are the most hated couple in school. They always have their fun by bullying other students. No one wants to fight back because of their association with out of school youths that live in on the south side of town, the gang members.

"Out of the fatty. You keep eating, and you won't be able to bend forward, even when you pee." Olga said while shoving a student aside so she can have the entire hallway by herself.

"They bully other students as if they're perfect. I so hope someone would someday teach them a lesson." One student in thick glasses said when Olga and Xavier are already out of their sight.

"Don't worry kids, even scums get their time in sun. People like those two kids, and their friends, and everyone who only stand by and watch as they tear through people's emotions will have a debt to pay. Remember, karma is always just around the corner." The janitor, Mr. Robert Swanson said.

"Can't wait for karma to pay them a visit." Another student with pimples on his face said. They were the ones that constantly experience bullying from Olga and Xavier. But, no one more than Landon who's walking in hallways with his head down. He's on his way to their next class, anxious for the day to finally end.

"Look at Landon. Looks like the cool kids had their fun on him again." The fat student said.

"I honestly feel bad about him. No matter what he do, it's like he's their daily dose of fun. I'm surprised that he still haven't dropped out." The one with pimples said while shaking his head.

"They can't afford to move again. You know that his dad only shines shoes for a living. If he drops out, there's no guarantee that he would be able to get another chance to go back to school." The one with the thick glasses said.

"Landon is a strong kid, those bullies won't be able to break him." Mr. Swanson said.

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During lunch hour, Landon is on his way to back of the high school. It is where the garbage from the school are being kept for the next-day collection. The only place where no students disturbs him, and he can eat his egg sandwich in peace.

He was about to take a left turn to the stairs when Xavier and his friends blocked his way. The other students who are being bullied by their group are watching. Their eyes are riddled with pity, and fear for Landon's well-being. But, no one dared to intervene.

"Where do you think you're going?" Xavier asked in a dangerous tone.

"Uh—I'm going—I'm going to find somewhere where I—where I can eat my lunch." Landon stuttered.

"Oh, you have a packed lunch? What is it? Let me see." One of Xavier's friend grabbed his bag from his shoulder.

"Pl—please, give it back." Landon begged.

"Pl—please, give it back." Xavier only mocked his please, and everyone of his friends laughed out loud.

"Oh, look, and egg sandwich. I think I'm hungry, can I have it? Thank you, Landon. You are so nice!" The other one said.

There is nothing that he could do aside from watching Xavier's friend eat his lunch in front of him. A tear escaped from his eyes, as the feeling of helplessness wash over him. So many students are watching them, and no one did anything.

"You can go." Xavier finally said as he stepped aside, and his friends did the same.

Everyone thought that they were done with him the time being. But, when he reached the stairs, Xavier smiled wickedly before pushing Landon off the stairs. Some of the students who witnessed what happened screamed out of shock and fear. Nancy, Max, Alex, Sara, Hilary and Henry, Vans, Ayesha, and Olga all watched as everything took place. Nobody moved, especially when Xavier said: 'None of you saw anything.'

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Larry Higgins received a call from his old mobile phone that his son got into an accident. The secretary of Sunnyvile High School informed him that Landon was taken to the hospital after falling down the stairs. As a father, it is the worst thing that a parent could here. He knew his son very well, and it is impossible for Landon to fall down the stair without someone pushing him.

When he arrived at the hospital, Landon is still unconscious. There's an oxygen tank connected to his nose, and an ECG machine monitoring his heart. Larry's heart was broken into tiny pieces after he saw his son. There's black and purple bruise on the left side of his forehead, and he's wearing a neck brace.

"What happened to my son, Doctor?" Larry asked.

"Well, your son suffered some injuries after falling down the stairs. The school faculties who accompanied him said he fell. But, some officers from the sheriff station already stopped to get my statement." Dr. Patel said.

"My son didn't fall, did he?" Larry knew in his heart that his son would not just fall from a stair. He doesn't like to run. Landon is the most intelligent, and most careful fourteen-year-old he had ever known.

"Based on his injuries, yes. It's unlikely that he just fell from the top of the top of the stairs."

His fist clenched involuntarily after the getting the doctor's confirmation. Hearing the truth didn't make things easier for him. His mind kept asking why would someone want to hurt his son like that. Landon is a quiet, and kind kid. He mostly keeps to himself, and he doesn't even hang out with other kids for any reason.

"I will find out what happened to you, son. I promise you that." Larry whispered outside the ICU.