2 Too much Encouragement!

As Zach walks out of his house and into what can only be described as a slum, he starts walking towards his school while ignoring the missing person posters scattered around. He begins to tremble as he thinks about the beating he will receive when he gets to school. He knows that even if he reports the acts of violence committed against him, the school administration and police would merely scoff, pat him on the back and give words of encouragement.

.It seems like I'm the only rational person around.

Zach sigh's to himself as he listens to the jangling of the lunch money he stashed in his shoes to avoid it getting stolen by his bullies. Not that those that beat him are above stealing his shoes as well...

During the 15 minute walk towards school he notices the various police cars patrolling around the area and tries to spot the unmarked ones. He thinks that its nice that they are trying to stop the rampant crime in this area, the thought that they might help one person is a nice one... even if a large percentage of the crimes are ignored for various unknown reasons.

When he approaches the large school gates he sees the P.E teacher standing at the entrance keeping watch, he walks past quickly without making eye contact and goes to class.

His classes tutor is named Mr Robinson, he seems interested in getting involved with Zach's issues at home and with the bullying but doesn't seem able to do much.

He smiles at him as he writes his name down for attendance.

"Morning Zach, did you get to school alright?"

Zach glances at him and retorts,

.Yeah, the increased police activity in the area is helping i think.

"Its good they're finally doing something about that area, some awful things have been going on in past years."

Zach nods and sits in his seat at the back of the class, luckily the three from yesterday aren't in this class or his school life would be a living hell.

Class passes quickly, Zach's not particularly smart but he tries to improve his knowledge in hopes of getting a good and easy job. His grades are average even when he studies more then others, again he thinks to himself that life just isn't fair.

"Ring Ring"

The bell goes notifying the students that its time for lunch.

Zach stands from his chair and quickly heads to the cafeteria, his stomach growling from not having breakfast.

Midway down the hallway hes spotted by someone, One of the three boys from yesterday!

The brown boy Sajid whom Zach assumes is the leader of the group, walks up to him; pulls his collar and says

"Did you not hear me yesterday? You're in for it now, don't struggle or ill kick your teeth in"

Zach knows whats coming and pushes Sajid away and bolts towards the exit of the hallway continuously turning corners, right, left and down the stairs. Students look at the two boys running through the school, but don't react to them. Sajid is already infamous for this kind of thing.

Zach eventually reaches the exit of the school.

BANG!

While concentrating on the danger behind him he fails to noticed himself being tackled from the side by someone. He Falls frailly to the floor it seems as if the pursuit is over.

Zach having experienced similar situations in the past attempts to scramble off of the floor.

Thud!

He is kicked in the faced by Sajid who was previously sprinting making Zach almost pass out instantly, gritting his teeth and barely holding onto his consciousness he shouts

.Stop! Stop! what do you want i'll do anything, stop!.

Sajid who had just kicked him in the faced grins and gauges the other person, one of Sajids followers from yesterday Aamir laughs while placing his foot on Zachs back.

"You won't listen! leave the school or else!"

Zach reaches into his pockets and tries to find something to bargain with, his hand touches something sharp and it pierces his finger, he yelps in surprised but is astonished by the various numbers and words from an unknown language flashing in his vision.

In the perspective of Sajid and Aamir, Zach seems to be blankly staring at them like he is looking into the void with glazed over eyes.

"You tink actin is gone save you today!?!"

Sajid punches him in the stomach and shouts.

Realising he is in peril Zach pulls the sharp object from his pocket a stabs it towards Sajid who is closest.

It stabs into Sajids arm making a horrific sound,

Puchiii!

He steps back after receiving the blow, looks down blankly at his arm where a gash is...

Aamir who is close by screams with extreme tension in his eyes

"YOoo put ya knife down before ye regret it!"

Zach glances after just realising the severity of the wound he had caused, he gets a cold sweat and starts to backup.

He takes the chance to escape and retreats out of the school taking a longer path towards his house to make sure he isn't being tailed.