28

Twelve year old Darin listened to Lacey's report about the boy picking on her while she cried. "I wanted to hit him so bad."

"Why didn't you?"

"Because mother said I shouldn't be fighting."

"Okay. Don't worry."

The next day after school, Lacey, Darin and a boy covered in bruises were in the principal's office. Along with the boy's parents, the principal, Lucille and a suspended Marvin. What could possibly have happened? "Darin," The principal started. "Louis says you beat him."

Darin looked at the boy who couldn't look at him. "No I didn't."

Louis looked up. But only at his father. "Yes he did."

"Louis already told us what happened." His father said.

"For our sakes, why don't you tell us again."

Louis nodded at the principal's request. "After school yesterday, Darin came up to me and said he wanted to talk. Next thing he started hitting me."