Red Leaves Falling

Chapter Twelve

3rd July 2018,

I hugged mom a bit longer today. Her fresh and welcoming scent always made me feel warm. Dad was still the same, burying his head in a newspaper. I smiled at them and pecked mom's cheek the way I always did before going to school.

I walked down the pavement, alone, my hands stuffed in my pockets. I had them clenched into a fist and they shivered.

Like always, no one noticed.

As I stepped into the school yard, I slowed down, to make sure what Jace and his friends planned to throw at me this time clearly hit me. And as I expected, an egg fell from the sky and landed on my head. It was followed by a packet of flour, and more eggs.

"Jace" Jacob said, "I've got your birthday cake ready, right here. Mark, bring the candle."

Jace stood by and smirked at me whilst Mark came running with the candle. Jacob snatched it out of the boy's hands and pulled out a lighter from his pocket. He lit the candle and pressed the hot wick at the middle of my forehead.

I stood still, not moving, frozen by the flames dancing in my forehead, the pain causing tears to pool in my eyes.

"Oh, look the faggot's going to cry. He wants mamma to come wipe his tears off." Jacob sneered. Snickers and laughter followed his remark. I lowered my head and tried to blink back my tears. The school bell rang and the crowd dissolved, slowly. But Jace, Jacob and Mark stood there, watching me like always. I stood there, my hands still in my pocket, sweat drops forming on the inside of my palm.

Jace came forward and grabbed me by the collar. I was almost lifted off the ground.

"Look here, loser. I'll let you off since its my birthday. But if I see your ugly self around anywhere near my sight, I'll sell you off to Peter. He seems very interested in you."He said.

I swallowed, remembering my last encounter with Peter. I nodded my head, slowly.

He released his grip on me. After giving me an intense glare, he walked into the school building.

"Pft, what a waste. I guess I'll have to deal with you myself then." Jacob said. I let Mark grab my hands and grip them behind my back. Jacob raised his leg forward and the power of the kick sent my knees crippling to the ground. Satisfied with the result, he landed one punch at my stomach and then the pair hurried inside.

After Jacob and Mark disappeared from my line of sight, I allowed myself to fall face first on the ground and clutched my stomach tightly to relieve the pain.