The stranger

Bully

She stretched to grab a strand of her hair and yank it down as forcefully as possible, but Jasmine, holding her firmly to the ground, prevented her from defending herself while Kim extinguished her cigarette on her forearm. She tried to scream, but a slimy and probably dirty hand clamped over her mouth, making her feel nauseous. "I didn't do anything, it's unfair!"

She thought of her brother who would probably tell her off if she came back again with a note in her book or a suspension because she hit a girl. It’s not like anyone would believe her if she said it was self-defense. She felt hated and despised ever since her brother became an addict and made a fool of himself. No, that’s not true, everything began with her late father as he gambled and drank himself out shamelessly. One day, he had been arrested for public nudity in her schoolyard. The school decided to suspend her to avoid anymore scandal. That’s when Kim began to bully her.

Kim, a bit older, was the typical popular soccer girl, someone everyone dreaded facing. She had her followers, Jasmine and Bernadette, the latter seeming hesitant to join but too scared of the repercussions of staying out. They even had sway over their teams, both in soccer and hockey. Lauri couldn't compete with their influence. She tried to stay quiet and ignore them, but it was tough when they ganged up on her, bullying her relentlessly.

Once the girls had dealt her unseen blows, spat on her, and left her lying on the grass, she found herself alone. Apparently, having an addict brother brought problems, even though she had almost nothing to do with him. She avoided him like the plague, but the plagues were drawn to her misery and wouldn't leave her alone.

She knew that if she went home now, she risked getting suspended from school, but she loved learning new things. She wanted to go to university one day, but with all these external factors seemingly trying to push her out of the school system, she doubted she could even make it through elementary school. She decided to finish her day reluctantly, with the teacher's gaze piercing her skull with disdain.

As the day ended, she did everything to avoid crossing paths with her bullies, which meant not getting on the bus and walk home instead. She glanced at her shoes, worn almost to the bone, thinking about the next few hours of walking she had ahead. She shook her head, making her way to the corner market to use the phone. Henry was a good man. His smile was punctuated by missing teeth but seemed so kind. He had a big nose with round, rosy cheeks. His white hair was long and unkempt but still somewhat presentable. She often mistook him for Santa Claus when she was five. He even played the part at the neighborhood's annual party for a while.

He willingly lent her his phone, dialing Francis's number with a big smile on his face. It definitely wasn't the first time she had asked Francis for help despite wanting to be independent. Sometimes, she would go to his place just to eat a warm meal, but she never stayed long. Despite the Alvarez family adoring her and wanting to help her the best they could, Lauri had learned never to burden people, especially since the Alvarez’s house was modest and always busy with the son’s friends and family. This family always wanted to help the less fortunate but, she felt like they pitied her, which deeply bruised her pride.

Lauri: Hey...

Francis: Hey little mouse, everything okay?

Lauri: Not really... Can you pick me up from the corner market? I promise, I'll do the dishes or clean up or if you want, I can work with you in the store...

Francis: Of course, I'll be there in a few minutes. Hang tight.

Lauri: Thanks, Frank.

Francis: No problem at all. See you soon.

Lauri: See you.

She hung up, knowing full well he wouldn't let her clean up his place. She felt guilty again for asking him for help without being able to give him anything in return. A wave of self-hatred washed over her as anxiety took hold. She paced back and forth in front of the market, hoping her shoes would magically repair themselves and the blisters to heal on their own. She looked at her arm, stained with several cigarette burns that people seemed to believe she had inflicted on herself. All of the relationship she had were down the drain. The Alvarez family were probably her only real friends, but truthfully, she simply didn't dare to approach anyone else until she was old enough to leave.

After 30 minutes, a black jeep appeared in the parking lot. She headed towards it without hesitation and climbed inside. Francis's mustache twitched as a hidden smile crept onto his face. He was imposing, tall, broad, and hairy, but his kindness was unparalleled. Like a big teddy bear ready to give hugs, despite being a man of few words, he was pleasant company.

He ran a hunting and fishing shop near the town's dock. Knowing well that Lauri would feel bad if she knew he had closed the store to come pick her up, he remained silent. He also noticed how she was trying to conceal her forearm. He and his wife had tried to file a complaint with the school about the bullying she was enduring, but to no one really did anything for her. All he could do was to make her feel safe when she decided to come to him, but she didn't do it as often as he would like.

Francis: Lasagna tonight.

She felt saliva filling her mouth. Kim had stolen the money she had for the week, and she hadn't eaten anything all day. Plus, Alicia's lasagna was exceptional. She felt even worse about taking their food, but her rumbling stomach, as twisted as it was, trampled over her pride, begging her to say yes.

Lauri: Is it really okay for me to steal your food?

Francis: Is it really stealing if there is a plate with your name on it?

She rolled her eyes with a smile while he winked at her.

Francis: Are you sure I can't give you shoes?

Lauri: I can't. I haven't done anything to deserve it.

Francis: You don't have to, and you'll get a new pair.

She stayed silent and annoyed. It was not the first time they had this conversation and it made her feel all twisted inside. She wanted to get off the car and run away. The rest of the trip passed in silence. The guilt that consumed her began to glisten in her eyes. Francis reached out and gently took her hand in comfort; It worked, because after a while, she rested her head on his arm. Once they arrived at his place, she followed him quietly, and suddenly noticed something stirring in the deep forest.

The Alvarez family lived at the end of the street, where instead of a dead end, a dirt path led directly to the abandoned Cooper house. Sometimes Lauri would venture there to explore, although she never dared to enter the house itself. She preferred to remain outside, where a vast plot of land seemed perfect for gardening. There was also an empty shed where she could take refuge when her brother became frightening or when she felt safer sleeping outdoors. Adjacent to the property was a large lake with a dock and an old, unusable boat. Each day, Lauri found solace in sitting on the dock, immersing herself in books while enveloped by the sounds and scents of nature. The rustling of the forest, the chorus of singing insects, the earthy aroma, and the gentle ripples of the lake all made her feel at home. It was serene, tranquil, and, most importantly, safe. She longed to live there alone, but three months ago, someone had moved in, and Lauri no longer felt comfortable going there. This place had been her sanctuary, and the thought of losing it sent a chill down her spine. "Where will I go when I'm scared?" she wondered.

She stared at the pile of branches moving and saw a large dog emerge from the forest, its gaze locking directly onto her. It held a basket in its mouth covered with a small towel. Francis exclaimed:

Francis: Looks like we're getting eggs today!

She furrowed her brow as the big Saint Bernard approached them. Once the dog joined them at the front door of the house, he gently placed the basket down, relishing the numerous caresses Francis showered upon him. Francis then opened the door, fetched some dog treats, and offered him a few. The dog, in response, nudged the basket gently. Lauri couldn't help but lift the towel, covered in slobber, to discover at least a dozen eggs and an empty, washed Mason jar inside.

Lauri: What's this?

Francis: Oh right! You haven’t met him, it’s the neighbors dog.

He grabbed the basket, asking to leave the door open. Once inside, the dog settled down in the doorway, as if he didn't dare to come in any further.