Quirking up, Denver says, "I say we go watch a vampire movie." "Hey! Retorts Joel, what's with you and vampires. Can't you watch something alive?" "Alive! Exclaims Denver, hey they are alive." Smirking, Joel says, "Yes, in the movies and novels. I meant in real life. Hey! How about we watch Avengers Assemble." Lifting his brows Denver says, "Avengers are alive. Hey, when you meet them, please remember to call me." Joel makes a face while Clive and Me laugh our stomachs out.
To calm things down, Clive speaks up, "Guys forget movies, let's go to the theme park!" "Gosh! Why do I feel like I'm sitting in between two girls and a kid, retorts Ellis." Calming down Clive says, "OK let's go and chill out at Max's, (Max Lounge is an ice cream lounge where the boys often like to go)." The rest of the boys agree and decide to meet at the gate of the college in the evening.
As the last bell rings, Clive takes his phone out to call Joel and tell he and Denver are going towards the gate and to meet in 20 minutes. Joel says OK and looks towards Ellis who quickly says, "Hey, you go on. I'll just make a quick run to the bathroom and come."
Joel soon reaches the gate and greets both his friends. On seeing he's alone they ask for Ellis to which he tells he's gone to the bathroom, shall be here soon.
Back with Ellis…
Ellis comes out of the bathroom and just as he reaches the building's exit he hears a girl scream and cry to let her go. At first, Ellis brushes the voices off and starts walking but again he hears the scream and ends up following it.
He ends up stopping in front of a class where Ronny and his goons are bullying a girl. On close look, he sees it's Jane, from his class.
Should he go and stop or not. Apart from being a bully Ronny just happens to be the captain of the boxing team so, he's not just anyone whom you can stop, but then being a vampire, you have impeccable strength. But to use it in front would raise questions.
So, as I was going to back off, I couldn't do so I barged in and said "Hey, what are you doing? (looking at Jane) Jane come-over. [Jane looks at the boys then at Ellis] Jane don't worry they can't and (sternly) won't stop you."
Jane gathers her strength and quickly runs towards Ellis and with his right arm Ellis moves her behind him. Pointing to Ronny Ellis says, "Whatever happened today should be the last, or else you don't want to mess with me."
Ellis takes Jane's hand and comes to where the boys are. Seeing Ellis holding Jane's hand Joel almost choked on his water and said "What's Ellis doing holding her hand?".
"Ellis - hand - who - what, says Clive". Seeing what Joel meant he says, "Ellis is holding Jane's hand and coming towards us."
"What??," exclaims Clive.
As Ellis gets closer Joel begins by saying, "Hey, what took you so long and Jane (as she's in tears) are you OK." Before the guys ask another question Ellis says, "Guys I was coming then I heard a scream. On following it I saw Ronny and his goons bullying her. I had to go get her out."
Finally Jane speaks up, "Ellis sorry I couldn't thank you enough but you should stay away from me. He's bad, really bad. You'll get hurt."
"Jane, before hurting Ellis, Ronny has to go by us, says Clive" "Yes, says Joel, hurting Ellis is totally out of the question."
"Hey, guys calm down. Ronny or his goons can't harm me. He knows we're one. If one is missing, others will come along. And, I'm not the victim, she is. (looking towards Jane) Jane worry about yourself and not me. First off, why's he bullying you and since when."
Seeing Jane tense Denver says, "Jane trust us, we'll help you."
Taking a deep breath Jane says, "Ronny knows me from high school and he's been bullying me since. Jimmy was also his servant back then. The other three, he must have met them here."
"Jane, asks Clive, all bullies have a reason. A secret or something to tease about. What's it so we can deal accordingly."
"First, Ellis thanks for helping me and you all for supporting me but maybe you guys won't stand next to me once you know. Anyhow, my mom met my father in high school and they kind of clicked. As they got into college both decided to come out in front of their family. Both sides were happy. Till that one day… "
Jane just trailed off as she was teary eyed and seeing her Denver had to say, "Jane, we're not girls so we can't give chirpy talks cause our thinking is different. For us boys or girls, you should stand up for yourself. If you don't have confidence in yourself, how can others have it in you? If you didn't do anything wrong, stop crying."
Taking a deep breath Jane continues, "My mom and dad went to a friends party and got drunk and soon mom found she's having a baby. Dad said he'd take care of both and a wedding was planned.
On the wedding day he shows up just to tell mom standing on the aisle the baby is not his and he won't marry her and leaves. Mom was shocked so she didn't know what to say to whom. My dad's parents started yelling at my mom and grandparents for putting another baby in their son's name and everybody left. My mom and my grandparents were left alone in the church.
Few years later when I was five mom met him and he said he's sorry for what he did but it was best for me and my mom. Few days later he passed away from cancer. Then mom got me enrolled in school. First two years were fine, we had gotten over dad's loss and begun living. Ronny joined the school when I was in fifth and was in my class. Jimmy was in another section and both soon became close friends.
One day during recess he came to my table and placed a photo of him with my dad. He said this picture is of him and his dad and me and my mom are the reason he died and from now on he'll make my life a living hell."
"Wait, says Joel, you said your father died of cancer then why's Ronny blaming you and your mom?"
"I don't know, I've asked him like a zillion times but he never says. He always says he knows that's all. And he'll never stop bullying me because he wants to see us suffer."
"OK, says Clive, so Ronny is your stepbrother, right (asks a little question)."
Replying Jane says, "Yes since our dad is the same. But he doesn't think so. And trust me I know how dangerous he is. I've experienced it. Guys please stay away from me and him."
Laughing Clive says, "Dangerous, does he wear grenades instead of clothes or his skin is of bullets." Getting on a serious note Clive asks "Jane has Ronny done something - anything bad, really bad."
Jane clenches her skirt in her hands and the boys realize Ronny's bullying doesn't stop at just shouting and slapping, it's worse.