No Such Thing

Jerks Everywhere

End of third block. ‘Only one more to go.’ Cayden thought as he grabbed his books from his locker and headed down the hall. World history was 3rd block, his favorite class. Of course, this is only the third day of school for him and he didn’t know if he was going to enjoy the class or not. But, so far his day hasn’t been a total pile of dung. After his walk to school with Natasia, he finally relaxed a bit and spoke to a small group of people during his first block, science. Second block, English with a few of the same people and ate lunch with them. He hasn’t seen Natasia since they went in their own directions that morning. So he hung out with a few of the same people at third block. Now headed to fourth block - PE/Health, he was ready to go home. His least favorite class in the world. Not that he wasn’t athletic, but he had fourth block PE. Most of the jocks were in fourth BLOCK so they could go straight to sports practice after. He hated it. So far, he hasn’t had any major issues and he would like to keto it that way. They for the most part overlooked him. But the assholes did seem to gravitate towards one of his new friends, Chris. Chris was tall, and built like a brick house. Probably a troll but Cayden couldn’t be sure. But, by the way Chris stood and his stoic personality, he was probably correct in his assumption. Cayden just wondered why anyone in their right mind would mess with a Troll. Giggling, he just sat back and watched. He’s seen Trolls in action. For the most part (regardless of what people think) they are laid back and easy to get along with. But once they lost their temper, there was no bringing them down until the issue was resolved or demolished. ‘This is going to be good.’ Cayden thought. He sat on the bleachers and watched the show that was in center court.

“Hey Chris. You big retard!” Said the tall skinny kid. Probably basketball player Cayden noticed.

“Can’t say anything? Too dumb to answer!” Said his friend laughing hysterically. A bit shorter than the first kid, but more on the husky side. Dumb looking. Chris just grunted at them. Probably a laugh but Cayden couldn’t tell from where he sat. He couldn’t see Chris’s face, he was turned to the other direction.

“Ha! See, you’re an i***t. A big, huge, dumb, i***t!” They acted like they were in elementary school with the lack of imagination in their insults. At least at his last school they used words that had more than four letters in them. Chris just watched them. Obviously thinking the same thing. Cayden’s other friend, Mac, sat next to him on the bleachers. “These guys never learn. They won’t rile Chris up. He’s too chill.” Mac giggled and watched the action with Cayden. “He’s huge, he could take them out with one swipe. Why does he put up with them?” Cayden asked. “Cuz he's chill, man. He doesn’t want to put the Troll vibe on. He’s better than that.” Mac answered. Well, that confirmed Cayden’s suspicions and answered his question. Chris is the chillest person on earth. “Just hope they don’t say anything about his Dad. Sheesh.. That will be a bloodbath.” Mac said, non shalontly. “ A what?” Cayden turned his head quickly at the remark then looked back at Chris. “Yeah. His dad is human. Those two douchebags like to pick at that sore spot.” Mac added

“What’s wrong with being human?” Cayden asked while he watched the three people in center court.

“Nothing really, but those two asshats are full Troll and like to give Chris s**t about only being half.” Cayden laughed at this. He hardly believed at Chris’s stature and size that he wasn’t more troll than the two that were causing him grief. “Are you serious? Those two are Trolls?”

“Yeah, why do you think they aren’t scared to start s**t with him every day? They are part of his clan. Chris was told to ignore them. So he does, and it bothers the s**t out of them. HA!” Mac laughed out loud. “Dumb asses!” He yelled at the two stupid Trolls. Chris turned towards the voice and smiled. Walking towards them one of the i***t trolls threw his gum at Chris. Chris didn’t skip a beat, faster than any Troll Cayden had ever seen, Chris spun around, ran back to the two sores in his backside and grabbed them up. Carrying them to a trash can close by, he dumped them in. One at a time and atop one another. He swept his hands clean from the nasty i***t boy juice and turned back the direction he was headed.

“Chris, my man!” Mac said and they ‘bro’ hugged. “Mac.” Chris said back. “Cay!” he turned and did the same for Cayden. “Sup big man?” Cayden greeted him. Chris punched elbows with Cayden and nodded towards the trash cans. “Nothing man, just a few fools from home. They never learn.” They laughed together. Chris had a relatively deep voice for his age. But, honestly who knew how old he really was. Cayden didn’t know the stages of Troll aging. Either way, he really liked his new friends. He guessed Mac could be a Satyr. But, he wasn’t sure about that either. Doesn’t matter, his friends were great. “Sorry dude, I have older brothers that can be jerks too.” Cayden told him and patted him on the shoulder. “I suppose we need to get with the rest of the class.” Cayden hated Gym, none of them were in a hurry to join the group of people piling up in the middle of the court.

“GET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COURT, NOW!” A booming voice seemingly came out of nowhere. It made the Gym shake and took them all by surprise. Several girls (and a few boys) squealed. “Everyone!” and they all followed the formidable voice to the center of the court. Cayden, Chris and Mac couldn’t get there fast enough! From the door to the locker rooms came a short, stout man. Probably no more than 4 feet tall and broad shouldered. If Cayden had to guess, the man probably weighed about 250 and was solid muscle. ‘A mountain dwarf’ Cayden muttered in amazement.

“Third day in you little turds.” The man said, slowly joining the class. “Now the work begins.” He smiled at them and circled them. His voice was not so intimidating now but the smile in his eyes was. “For our new guests, my name is Mr. Rubbletow. Mike Rubbletow. You can call me Mr. Rubbletow or just coach.” He looked around at all the faces. “My senior class.” He huffed. “You are supposed to have had your gym credits by now. But I can see why you haven’t.” His eyes showed his distaste. “Lazy.” The coach spun around and nodded at the man that was standing at the wall. “Mr Smidt, do you mind?” He asked his assistant. Mr Smidt opened the door that was behind him. All the boys could do is watch the round, hard, red balls roll out of the small storage room. “Dodgeball.” Mac sighed. Not a single person was happy about this. Well, with the exception of the two asshats that like to pick on people. They were tickled to death and ran straight to get their hands on the balls of death. “That’s right you pile of turds. I’m going to make you toughen up before you graduate. Get a ball. Ten of ya’s on one side, 12 on the other.” He pointed to either side of the gym. “Dave!” Mr Rubbletow hollered at the tall skinny troll. “You take one side, let's see if you actually pass my class this year!” He laughed. “Smitty!” He yelled at the other, shorter troll. “You take the opposite end. I won’t have you around Dave this year. You need to pass my class too!”

“So, sides have been set.” Chris smiled. He looked satisfied and headed to the side Smitty was on. “Dave’s in trouble.” Mac giggled and followed. “Ugh.” Cayden said, grabbed a ball and reluctantly followed his friends.

“CLASS!” The coach bellowed. Everyone stopped where they were, shocked. His voice gets results, there is no doubt about it. “The rules of this game are simple. When you get hit by a ball. You are OUT. I will be watching.” He pointed at his assistant. “HE will be watching. If you cheat, you do laps. If you fake out just to get out of the game.” He lowered his voice to a growl. “I will find you and you will wish you had taken this class long before now.” He straightened his back and joined his assistant at the side of the court. Mr Smidt blew into his whistle and the game began.