Chapter 3

Jeremy and I are sitting in a field. And I'm starting to think that this was a bad idea. It's the middle of October and the weather hasn't been forgiving lately.

I shove my hands in my jacket's pockets.

The sky isn't quite black yet, it's still sort of dark blue and hazy. I can see a few stars starting to show up and the moon is visible but hasn't

reached its full glow yet.

"Why did we think hanging out here at a time like this was a good idea?" I ask Jeremy.

"I don't even care anymore. I just can't stand being home this early."

Jeremy has four siblings and in their house, it's always chaos.

I'm an only child, and I can't even imagine what it would be like having one sibling.

But Jeremy and I look after each other and I think that's what brotherhood is all about.

I've lived in this town my entire life,

And I've explored enough to find all the cool places to hang at.

This is one of our spots.

We've spent countless of hours here.

Talking about literally anything,

Having a contest of who could scream the loudest,

Practicing dance moves when we went through a B-boy phase. That still makes me internally cringe.

And during the summer, we would ride our bikes here. Good times.

Being in this field is like being in a middle of nowhere where we could do whatever the hell wanted.

I just wish I wouldn't be here long enough before they turn this place into something that isn't what it is now. I have made way too many memories here.

"I think we should leave soon, unless you want to freeze to death." I suggest.

Jeremy adjusts his glasses. "I like this plan. Let's go."

Jeremy had just dropped me off and I see Alex taking out the trash.

I didn't see him at school today and I figure out why. He has a giant black eye on his left eye.

I feel the slightest pity towards him. He has to deal with this all the time.

But that still doesn't make me want to associate myself with him.

All this hate that I feel towards Alex Caspian started back in middle-school. He bullied me relentlessly. I wasn't his only victim but I was his favorite one. I don't know how bullies pick their favorites. What qualities do bullies look for the best victims?

I've had my daily dose of insults and pranks from him but my loathing towards him peaked when I got nicknamed "shit-stain".

I was sitting on the ground during softball, so naive of what was about to happen.

Then I stood up and suddenly I heard Alex yell "Charlie shit his pants!" And everyone was laughing.

It was just mud from the ground. I didn't realize that the ground was slightly damp so it clung to my pants.

That's how he came up with "shit-stain"

I know it's petty to still be mad at him about that. But that ruined me.

I carried that embarrassment until the first year of highschool.

But despite that, I kind of understand where Alex is coming from. He never had it easy at home considering that his dad is an abusive drunk.

Whenever my parents tried to help out they just got the same response from him which is "mind your damn business."

Instead of going to the front door I go to the back to prank my mom.

She's washing the dishes and I startle her through the window with a "rawr".

It gets her every time.

I get in the back door.

My mom smiled at me. "What have you been up to young man?"

"I was just hanging out with Jeremy."

My parents trust Jeremy. Whenever I'm with him they instantly think that I'm safe.

It's good to have a go-to-person that my parents trust.

"What are you gonna do tonight?" It sounded more like a challenge. She dries her hands with a towel, crosses her arms and faces me.

"I'm gonna sneak out in the middle of the night and party all night." I tease her.

"Not funny."

"Isn't that what 18 year olds do?"

"That's not funny, Charlie."

"I'm kidding mom, I'm going to work on my essay." I said.

She reaches over and combs my hair with her fingers. "You better get cleaned up and be back for dinner."

"Alright." I smile and walk upstairs.

My mom is an elementary teacher. She has a soft spot for children. She's probably one of the kindest people I know.

If only all the moms in the world were as kind as her to children, there probably wouldn't be bullies.