Roddy walked to school after his usual routine of a bath and breakfast.

On his way, he looked up and saw James was standing right in front of him; he had no idea where he came from. He looked behind him and saw James’ gang: he was cornered. He stopped and his body trembled, as if a ticking time bomb was waiting to explode. James and his gang came closer to where Roddy was standing. James smiled as if he had won the Lotto. Roddy looked to both sides to see if he could’ve run away without being caught.

“Don’t even think about that,” James said as he noticed Roddy looking for an escape.

“Where is our cash?” Rasta pulled him by the collar.

Roddy’s body shivered as the rest of the gang laughed.

“Just give us our money,” Rasta chuckled.

“Can’t you speak? Cat got your tongue?” James laughed.

One of the other bullies kicked and slapped Roddy, causing him to fall to the ground. Just then, a big man came from a nearby shop, looking puzzled and confused. He stared at the group of boys, obviously wanting to know what was going on. Rasta noticed the man and let Roddy go. Roddy took his opening and ran away like a racing car.

“You shouldn’t have let him go!” James slapped Rasta’s shoulder.

“We could have gotten in trouble. Did you see the man’s look?” another bully said worriedly.

Roddy ran until he got to the college he attended. He was breathing heavily and students kept looking at him until he got to his classroom. His teacher was standing in front of the classroom, writing on the board. Roddy thought the teacher didn’t see him but Mr. Johnson sensed him.

“Roddy you are late again” Mr. Johnson said, looking over his spectacles.

“Sorry, sir,” he stood, looking at the class.

The students laughed loudly. Mr. Johnson hit the board, making a bang sound. The whole class became quiet.

“Sit down, Roddy, or I will put you in detention,” he shouted.

Roddy sat down on the second row and Mr. Johnson continued with teaching. He couldn’t concentrate, so he took his phone out and sent a message to Joe.

Hey. What time do you knock off? – Roddy

He quickly put his phone on silent.

I will see you later. – Joe

Thanks. – Roddy

I forget to tell you. I will be busy till late. See you tomorrow. – Joe

Ok. – Roddy

Roddy was miserable, he had hoped Joe could help him figure out how to deal with James and his gang. He wished his parents were available; maybe his dad could have helped him defeat his bullies.

After school, he kept watching his back until he reached the library to do an assignment. He sat on the chair with a pile of books and started doing research.

When he left the library, he saw Sophia by a shop. He ran towards her.

“Oh, darling, what are you doing here?” she asked.

“I saw you, so I decided to walk home with you,” he answered, inspecting the road carefully.

Sophia saw how startled he was. She scanned the street and looked at Roddy. “What’s wrong, boy?” she asked.

“Nothing, I just want to go home,” he answered, looking around again.

“Are you sure you are okay?” she asked, curiously.

“Sophia, it’s going to rain. Are you through with shopping?” he asked, checking to see if the coast was clear.

“Hold on, let me buy some fresh bread and some rolls; you love those hamburgers,” she mocked.

“Sophia, I love food, hey,” he chuckled.

They bought the bread and rolls, and Roddy found that walking with Sophie could be an advantage because his bullies wouldn’t come close to him unless he was alone.

Tell us: Have you ever had to deal with bullies? How did you handle it?