The Heir Supremacy: Troy Blanchard

“Today is your birthday. Cheer up, Troy,” Troy said to himself as he cleaned the basketball court. He turned 18 that day. There were no presents or birthday cakes prepared because he could only dream of receiving them. Instead, he was too busy working to earn money for food. “Hey, Cleaner!” someone shouted from the edge of the court. Troy ignored the call. He continued cleaning the court, moving towards the edges. Suddenly, a half-wet shirt landed on his face. “God,” he muttered, removing the smelly shirt. “Are you out of your mind?!” This is really too much! Troy cursed inwardly. “What did you say?! Do you dare to challenge me?!” someone yelled. Standing in front of Troy was Josh Botton, a cocky lead player on the Star Nicks basketball team. The tall, muscular, and obnoxious youth glared at Troy. Troy looked back coldly. “What?” “Pick up that shirt now!” Josh pointed at the basketball jersey lying on the floor. Troy glanced at it briefly. “The laundry basket is over there,” he replied, nodding with his chin. Josh immediately grabbed Troy’s hair roughly. Josh's lips moved close to the unfortunate boy's ear. “I said, pick up that shirt now!” Josh threatened. Troy was always treated poorly by the basketball team. But he had to endure it as a janitor there. He used his wages to meet his daily needs. Because Troy was just a poor student, relying on scholarships and part-time jobs for his education. “I don’t want to hear you complain! Understood?” “Let go of me!” Troy hissed. Josh's grip tightened on Troy’s hair. “I can’t hear you! Say, ‘Yes, sir.’” “Okay, sir.” “Pick it up and wash it clean, because that’s your job! Don’t be lazy, Donkey!” Josh shouted. Laughter from other team members echoed, as they watched Josh's actions and deemed them deserved. “Just tell the coach he’s lazy, Josh!” “That useless kid dares to act up!” Josh chuckled as he released his grip, “How about I report you to the coach, Troy?” Troy glared at Josh with anger. Josh's finger poked Troy’s forehead several times. “I can get you kicked out of here with a snap of my fingers. You want that?” he asked, grinning. Troy didn’t respond, though he wanted to punch Josh. But Troy needed the job, even though he was humiliated every day. Troy reached for the shirt, then walked towards the laundry basket. Josh immediately kicked Troy’s butt while laughing mockingly. “Good dog!” Josh shouted. Suppressing his anger, Troy threw the shirt into the laundry basket, already full of other dirty, smelly jerseys of the basketball team members. “Remember. You are just a servant to us!” Josh’s comment was met with a chorus of claps from the basketball team members. “So next time, I don’t want you barking at me. A dog must be loyal to its master!” Josh mocked. The other team members laughed at Troy again, but their laughter quickly died down when the door to the basketball court opened. A girl with long brown hair walked in, heading straight for Josh, giving him a sharp look. “What are you doing to Troy?” the girl asked fiercely. Phoebe Jameson was the captain of the cheerleading team. Beautiful, smart, and firm. No one dared to mess with her, including Josh and his teammates. “We didn’t do anything. I swear.” Josh’s fingers formed a ‘V’ shape. The girl before Josh was highly favored by the basketball team captain, Aaron. The basketball captain was serious about beating up anyone who messed with Phoebe. So Josh really respected Phoebe, fearing Aaron’s wrath. Phoebe crossed her arms. “Really?” “Just ask Troy, we were just talking,” Josh glanced sideways, “right, Troy?” Troy just nodded lazily, not even looking at Josh. The other members of the basketball team quickly rushed out of the court, not wanting to get into any trouble. Josh looked towards his friends, realizing he also had to leave promptly. “Yeah, right,” Phoebe said with disbelief. “Go on, and don’t make me talk to Aaron later.” “Well, in that case, I’ll be on my way. Bye, Phoebe,” Josh nodded, trying to sound nonchalant. Phoebe just let out a tired sigh. As soon as Josh and his friends left the basketball court, Phoebe turned her gaze towards Troy. She sighed deeply once more. “Why do you always stay silent, Troy?” Phoebe looked at him with disappointment in her eyes. “What can I do?” “Next time, you should stand up to those bully basketball players!” “I need this job, Phoebe.” Troy wasn’t a popular student, he didn’t have wealth. What could he possibly do to fight back against the bullies? The school administration would likely expel Troy if he exposed everything publicly. It was a no-win situation. “I can’t keep watching you being treated so badly,” Phoebe said. Troy only gave a wry smile and put the broom back in its place. Phoebe watched him finish his work with a worried expression. “Troy, have you ever listened to me?” Seeing no reaction from Troy, Phoebe sighed and walked towards the door. She suddenly stopped and turned around. “Hey, can you come to my birthday party tomorrow night?” Phoebe invited him. Troy just stared at Phoebe, neither nodding or shaking his head. Phoebe’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment, and she gave a brief nod before walking out. Troy sighed softly, then he pulled the laundry basket off of the basketball court. Just as he reached the door, his phone rang. Troy looked at the screen, blinking in disbelief at the name displayed there.