Annoying Samuel

  With the tender love and care from my new dad and sister, I was able to smile again. With consistent exercise and trips to the gym, after five great years, I was now sixteen. I was now five foot ten, had abs, had a muscular build and had grown out my hair

which was now shoulder-length and very curly. I was ready for school. "Katie!

Dad told us to get in the car or else we'll be left behind!" I shouted. There was no answer. I walked up the stairs heavily trying to make my presence known. I knocked on the door while calling her name but still no answer. "I'm coming in!"

  I opened the door slowly since I was entering a girl's room. She was sitting in her chair, applying her makeup with headphones and listening to music. I was in awe admiring her soothing voice as she finally finished her makeup. Bravo!" I said while clapping as hard as possible to draw attention from her. Her face turned beat red and she was trying to cover her face to stop me from recognizing it. I approached her, grabbed her hands and smiled. "I've never heard that song before. Did you make it?" She nodded her head in response. "You know there is a

talent show coming up that the student council planned. You would definitely

win."

  "Stop teasing me, Kevin." "I'm not. Anyways, Dad is probably going to come in at any moment. Let's go!" I grabbed her hand and led her to the car. Of course, we were scolded and threatened to be left behind if we ever took so long again.  We drove to school and were talking nonstop along the way. I rolled down the window to feel the refreshing breeze on my face and look at the scenery. Before I knew we were entering the gate. Our dad hugged us and left for work. While we walked to our class, we were greeted so many times I lost count. "You're popular with the girls now huh, Kevin?" she

teased. I ignored her and continued walking.

  I opened the door and immediately I came across someone I always tried to avoid. "Hey Kevin, how is your awful life treating you?" Samuel King said. I walked passed him and

headed to my seat where I opened a book and started reading. "That dastardly."

He muttered. "What was that Samuel?" Katie asked while providing a death glare to Samuel. "Oh hi, Katie! I was just saying how great my buddy Kevin is." he lied hoping Katie would believe him. "Is that so?" she said while taking her seat. Katie was very popular in secondary school. Her talent for singing, beauty and overall great personality helped her in the rankings.

  Because of this, all the boys would hit on her and give her special treatment. You should have seen how much chocolate, cheesecake and presents she gets every Valentine's Day. On the other hand, I might have been attractive but other than Book Club, I don't talk to anyone other than Katie. After morning periods I headed with Katie to our usual spot which was the rooftop. "HI, Kevin. Sorry for taking so long. I kinda

applied for the talent show." I immediately dropped everything and got in her personal space. "For real!"  "Um yeah. I thought

it could give me a confidence boost. I'll be the lead in a group of two of my friends.

They'll be coming over this evening to practice." "Ah. I promise to not get in your

way." "Actually I need a favour. We suck at writing so can you help write a song?"

she said while bowing her head.

  I never had written music before but I couldn't say no to my sister. "I'll give it a shot but don't diss me if I write something corny, okay?" "I promise!" She then hugged me tightly to show gratitude. Her warm and soft skin brought back a memory that I hadn't resurfaced in a bit. I could envision my mother hugging me just like how Katie was hugging me. Tears were starting to form so I quickly wiped them before she could see. I

didn't want to ruin the moment. I was going to hug her back but then it came to an abrupt end. A message came through to her phone and she checked it.

  "Ugh! It's that idiot Samuel." I could tell that he was up to no good. "What does he want now?" "He wants me to meet him behind the school after school hours." "Isn't this the millionth time he has made moves on you? You should reject him already." I could tell that she wasn't comfortable with being alone with him. I laid my hands on her shoulders

and with confidence I said, "I'll deal with it." "Are you sure?" "Yeah leave it to me." "Fine, but if he gets out of hand, let me know." I nodded my head in agreement and we spent the rest of our lunch talking about the talent show.

  I couldn't focus in class. All that was on my mind was figuring out how to talk to Samuel without getting into a fight. I never liked him at all and him annoying my sister just made it worse. He was also known for picking on students so I knew that telling him the news would end up in a squabble. In the end, I had not a single idea of what I would say to him.

I had a bad feeling about going there alone but I didn't want to involve anyone else, especially Katie.

  Time took its time but school ended. I told Katie to tell Dad to wait for me as I planned to make this talk as brief as possible. I walked slowly to the meeting place with anxiety punching me in the gut relentlessly. I made it and there were Samuel and his two friends

Zachary and Cody. "What are you doing here need?" Cody questioned. "I'm here to

talk to Samuel." "About what exactly?" Zachary asked. "My sister, Katie, doesn't

appreciate you catcalling her and hitting on her. She would like it if you'd stop doing

that and limit your talking to her." I said mustering up all of my courage. He didn't

seem to like that at all and approached me and grabbed me by my shirt. "Don't you

ever tell me what to do ever again? He raised his fist to hit me and I closed my

eyes, allowing it to happen.