I found myself fell to the ground again as I accidentally collided with Alex, a bigger and stronger guy. I struggled to stand up but when I do, I had no slight derision in my expression. I smiled at him and there would be no further commotion. Was it my fault, or his?  I always asked myself before but for a few more incidences like this, and to the same person, I concluded this was not a rare happenstance. A Perfect definition of bullying and I am the perfect target. I could not retaliate, I hate attention from other students and I hate further embarrassment. There’s nothing I could do. Just hoped for the humiliation to end immediately and the end of the semester as I could change my walking routes towards classes. But for the time being, there was only one way towards my classroom, the cobbled walk path passing the campus park. A place students would loiter during their free time. Hence, the name Freedom park. Maybe it was my fault, I walked al

“Watch where you’re going, Loser!” A year older student shouted at me as I stumbled down the ground. My cheek kissed the school’s dusty pavement and immense humiliation rushed my thoughts as I overheard other students laughing at me. These embarrassing moments made me wish that the earth would swallow me whole on that moment and vanished, escape from facing more humiliation. I was busy watching my cellphone as I accidentally bumped into him. He was one of Lance’s basketball mates and one of the known bullies. He was Alexander Price, the son of a Lumber magnate. One of the famous students at school. He loved to bully especially guys like me who do not fight back and were a little bit scrawny, non-athletic, and of the intelligent ones. Seemed to me that we are the type of kids having an individual bubble, conspicuous to everyone, that would deflect praise and socialism. “Am I going to call an ambulance for you, kid?” He added to the mockery as I collected my scattered

My father chuckled at the sight of my face. I could barely comprehend what was in front of me. A Bling-bling that surely I would not wear at school just to impress my classmates, and a dagger that encouraged violence.The first thing that came into my thoughts was that I am outrageous for my father leaving us for four long years and visit us home to give me a gift that would not even contribute better to my being. He just stared at me with happiness on his face, with so many interpretations that were oblivious from my standpoint. I did not understand what’s happening at that moment.“This is the reason that I left you and your mum. To keep you safe. I am a member of ‘The Keepers’.” The way he told that, and the expression on his face like I knew what the Keepers mean. Would I be proud that he was a part of a gang?’“I know you do not know about the Keepers,” He continued, “But we are a part of an underground

It was Friday and it was not TGIF for me. ‘Meet me at Harrison’s park. A guy will fetch you after school. His name is Collins.’ A text message from my dad as I finished my last subject for the day. Harrison Park was a few miles away from our house. I needed to commute just to go to that place. I texted my mother for permission and she permitted me without further queries. My mum approved of me spending time with dad. Students hurried out of the room as the bell rang. It was a glorious sound if heard at the last period of the day. My classmates chattered about spending the weekend at Cups and Saucers, a small drinking pub walking distance from school. Students with money frequented that place and the place served as a venue to meet other schoolmates from other courses. Carla and Bert wanted me to go with them to gobble burgers at Burger Joint, our go-to place on Fridays. My reason was fixed not to join them for I must spend time with my dad tonight, an endeavo

The students were abnormally silent as we went out the classroom. Many were saddened with the news like a ghostly air caressed every one of us. One of the good teachers who maintained good rapport with his students, gone unexpectedly.I remembered Mr. Ross was impartial when it comes to his students. He did not favored anyone and was also dedicated to maintaining his integrity as a teacher. He was very thorough especially in teaching but he was known not to bend if a student asked appraisals of his/her failing grade. He reminded me of Mr. Benette teaching styles. Both best teachers of their craft.Our feet dragged against the tiles as we walk along the corridor. Bert broke the silence, “I feel like going home. All I can think about is the face of Mr. Ross” His voice faint and sighed.“Me too.” Carla seconded. She walked at my sided gently banging me, shoulder to shoulder, as if she needed a warm body to hug. Carla was a kind and sensitive