Chapter 3

*Jamie's POV*

Lunch time!!! My favorite subject. Don't get me wrong, I'm a straight 'A', full score on PSAT, SAT, and ACT student. Well, nerds need some me time, you know.

I looked for Dennis and Jean in the cafeteria. I saw them sit at our usual spot, flirting with each other. To be honest, I didn't mind it much since I knew they were good for each other. I was walking up to them when suddenly something made me trip and fall to the ground. This was the second time. I looked up to see Chad Johnson, my bully.

"Hey pipsqueak, a little birdie told me it was your birthday today," He said amused in what he did. His lackeys behind him were laughing at me. "I've come here to give you my best wishes, how old are you?"

"...16," I said in a meek voice. Chad has been my bully since middle school. And I really don't understand why. I've never been able to defend myself from him. I've always had Dennis or my brother fight my fights. I hated myself for being so weak.

He then grabbed me by my collar and lifted me up causing me to dangle, this made him laugh even more. "Since you've turned 16, 16 rounds of bashing is enough?" He turns to his lackeys who agreed to what he said. He raised his fist, I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw waiting for his punch but it never came.

I opened my eyes to see Demian holding Chad's fist, his face fuming with anger. Chad let go of my collar, making me stumble backward. Joseph caught me before I fell again. Joseph... looked like he was about to explode. "You okay, squirt?" He asked. I smiled and nodded reassuring him.

"So Chad," Demian said in an intimidating voice, Chad's face went pale, "you want to give Jamie's birthday wishes?"

"Demian, my man, we were just messing with him. We aren't going to hurt him or anything, right guys?" He nervously chuckled, his lackeys agreeing behind him. Demian didn't seem happy about that answer. "I actually have a gift for him... ugh... I put it here somewhere..." He frantically searched his pocket causing a chuckle to escape my lips. He finally pulled something out and handed it to me. It was a pack of gum, missing a few pieces.

"T-thanks," I said, holding back my laughter.

"Now that you've given him your present, get lost." Demian pushed him towards his lackeys and they ran with their tails between their legs.

"Jamie, are you okay?" Denis and Jane came over. I nodded in reply.

"You need to stay out of trouble, squirt, are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. Thanks for helping me." I replied with a smile. I turned to Demian to thank him. Before I could say anything, he lightly tapped my head with something.

"Did you drop this in the morning." he handed me my 'pusheen eating a pizza' keychain.

"Oh, I must've dropped it when I bumped into you. Thanks for returning this to me and also for saving me." I said shyly. Why is my heart beating so loudly? I feel it's going to pop out any minute now. He didn't say anything, he just ruffled my hair.

"Take care Lil Bunny." Taking the gum from my hands. I pulled his hoodie before he could leave

"Ah...um... after school, my friends and I are going to the 'Dave & Busters', um... would you like to join us." What am I saying? I invited him without thinking ARGH!!! He opened his mouth to say something, then Max came over, putting his hand over Demian's shoulder.

"Of course we will, and you know what, since it's your birthday, why don't we treat you? Sounds like a plan right." He asked. I didn't like the way he spoke, but it would be rude if I said no. I looked at my brother for help.

"Of course, since we all are going, ain't that right Demian, you're coming too right Andrew?" Looks like Joseph got my message. Andrew just nodded and Demian smirked, "Definitely, wouldn't miss it for the world." he said in a mocking tone.

"Okay, then we will see you guys there," Jane said, surprisingly excited for some reason. "

"Yeah, see you after school Lil Bunny," he said leaving me in a daze. His voice deep and hypnotic I could drown in it. I came to my senses and turned to see Dennis really confused and Jane was... just Jane

"Sorry I didn't... I don't know why I did that, I didn't even ask you guys and invited them. Are you okay with them coming?" I asked.

"Of course we have no problem right Dennis?" Jane said, nudging Dennis with her elbow, snapping him out of his trans.

"Yeah, of course I mean it's your birthday after all," Dennis said, still looking confused.

"Okay, thanks guys and I'm sorry for dropping the keychain that he gave me. I almost lost it."

"It's fine you've always been clumsy," Dennis said.

"Any who," Jane interrupted, "why does Demian call you a little bunny?" she said rather than being questioning she was excited for some reason I really don't understand her.

"I don't know if he just started calling me that this morning."

"Hmm... Well let's leave that for another day, shall we."

The bell rang and we all left for our classes. The day seemed to have dragged on even though there are three periods left. When the final bell rang, I got a text message from my brother telling me to come to the lower parking lot so we could go to Dave & Buster's. I forwarded that text to Jana and Dennis informing them to meet us there.