Bullies and Basketballs
Lucy held her ground.
"Go away," she growled. The group started to close in on her, laughing and making fun of her.
"Ha! She can't even fight!" One mocked.
"I can too!" Lucy argued. "And I can show you!" She raised her blade. The group laughed harder.
"Ha ha! A little fourth grader can't take us down, little girl!" Lucy growled, and glared at the person who had spoken.
The ground trembled.
"I can beat all of you," she muttered angrily. The group of bullies had trouble keeping their balance as the ground under their feet shook. Lucy lifted her long sword once more, then charged.
Dodge. Jump. Sidestep. Stab. Slash.
"L-lets get out of here!" A high school aged kid yelled, trying to round up his comrades. Many listened- especially the ones with gashes on their arms and legs. The floor stopped shifting and rumbling as Lucy smiled. Dust kicked up from the earth as the bullies ran out of the training arena.
Lucy straightened and cleaned off her sword. Everyone knew not to bother her when she had a blade in hand. Those last few must not have heard the stories- or they were just plain stupid.
"Wow."
Lucy froze. Who had seen what she had done? She slowly turned over one shoulder and saw Kelly standing in the bleachers.
"Lucy, where did you learn to do that?" Kelly asked, jumping and using the air to send her further. She hit the ground running. Lucy looked down at the blade, embarrassed.
"I-i taught myself..." Kelly soon stood next to little Lucy, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"You're amazing! Has your brother seen your talent?" She asked. Lucy shook her head, still staring at the ground.
"No... He would want me to try harder..." -She changed her voice to mimic Brian's- "And face real opponents." Kelly laughed.
"Oh come on, Lucy. He wouldn't say that." Lucy sighed and pulled away from Kelly.
"Yes he would... You know him well enough, being his girlfriend and all." Lucy put the sword with its brethren and turned to look back. Kelly's face was bright red and she was rubbing her arm.
"We aren't together, Lucy," she muttered.
"Oh. So you guys are just 'a thing'?" Lucy asked. Kelly rubbed her head.
"I don't know, Lucy. Can we drop the subject?" Lucy shrugged, walking over to her backpack.
"Sure, I guess... Well, I better be getting home... My mom is going to freak out if she found out I was here and not in school."
"You didn't go to school?" Kelly asked. Lucy shrugged.
"I went to school, I just didn't stay after like my mom wanted." Lucy groaned. "My mom is all about getting good graaaades. She doesn't understand that I hate my classes and I just..." She sighed. "Nevermind... I guess I'll see you around sometime." Kelly nodded.
"Defiantly. Don't forget the family barbecue tomorrow." Lucy sighed.
"Oh yeah... I forgot about that. Looks like I'll be alone with Betsy...again." She picked up her backpack and slung it over her shoulder. "I'm so tired of traveling in people's shadows... But I guess I have nothing better to do." She started walking toward the exit, but Kelly put a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Lucy. You will find your path. You shouldn't have to worry about it now, though. You're only in fourth grade." Lucy scowled and sighed.
"I guess you're right... I'll see you later." Kelly let her go and Lucy marched out of the training arena, shutting the door behind her.
*******
"Dude, did you see her face when the spider was on her desk?" Brian bragged, dribbling the basketball. Fred Stoll, tall legs, long arms and all, attempted to steal the ball, but Brian passed it to Camille Stoll who shot at the hoop. Nothing but net.
"Nice shot!" Brian cheered. Race Stoll leaned on his knees to suck in some deep breaths. His face had a layer of sparkling sweat and his blonde hair was sticking to his forehead.
"Can we stop playing? I'm getting bored," he complained.
"You're just jealous that you're getting beaten by a girl," Camille said. She spun the basketball on her finger while smiling. Her blue eyes glimmered with pride. Fred rolled his eyes.
"Whatever Cam." She laughed then chucked the ball at him. It nailed him in the chest and he wheezed.
"You all know I'm the best basketball player in camp." Fred rolled his eyes again and Brian shrugged.
"Kelly is pretty good too," he said. Camille chuckled.
"Do you ever stop talking about her?" She asked.
Brian spread his hands. "I'm just saying!" Fred scoffed.
"You're in over your head in love, man. You either need to get together with her, or try your best to forget her." Brian sighed and stole the basketball from Fred.
"Look, I'm sorry I'm not doing what you guys want, okay? But I don't even know if she likes me back. Can we just shoot baskets instead?" He launched the basketball at the hoop. It bounced off the backboard and rolled off into the grass.
"Looking for this?" TJ said, picking up the basketball. He eyed the Stolls and Brian curiously.
"Yeah, we were actually. Thanks man," Race said, opening his hands for the pass. TJ sighed and chucked the ball to him.
"Where have you been, TJ? You missed the best prank on Ellie," Brian bragged. TJ chuckled.
"Oh, I know all about it. Ellie is hunting you down."
"You're gonna be busted when you go home," Camille said, popping a hip.
"Like you won't be?" Brian shot back. TJ sighed.
"Brian, you may want to keep things simmered down. I can feel something going bad. I don't know what it is, but something is going to happen," he said. Brian scowled at him.
"And how do you know that?" TJ sighed and spread his hands helplessly.
"I don't know how, but I do know that something is wrong."
"Is it him getting in trouble again?" Fred asked sarcastically. TJ opened his mouth to explain, but the conch horn sounded- signaling dinnertime.
"Ah yes!" Race cheered. "Now we can go prank the Ares cabin!" Brian sighed.
"I don't think I can come guys. My mom expects me home for dinner."
"Like every night?" TJ asked. Brian nodded. Camille patted his shoulder.
"It's alright, Brian. We'll make sure to blame the prank on you." He smirked.
"Gee, you guys are the best friends ever." Fred laughed.
"Expect a council meeting tomorrow morning." Brian nodded and punched him playfully.
"Yeah yeah, whatever guys." The couch horn sounded once more. "I better be getting home. Ellie's gonna kill me." The boys laughed while Camille just rolled her eyes and walked off with TJ. Once the group was out of sight, Brian sighed and looked down.
He never would fit in.
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