I was late for class, but to my surprise, I was still one of the earliest. I slipped into the very back row, hoping to stay out of sight. Two students kept glancing at me. I remembered they were the ones getting bullied earlier.
I immediately asked if they were okay, but they brushed me off, almost glaring at me like it was my fault they got hurt. I barely even knew them. I wondered why they looked at me that way, but I wanted a quiet, commoner's life far from any spotlight. So instead of digging into it, I forced myself to ignore them.
Suddenly, the door slammed open with a violent kick. The same second-years from earlier stormed in. So they really came for payback.
My hands started shaking uncontrollably. I didn't know what to do but I didn't want them to see fear on my face. So I planted my feet, stayed firm, ready to take the first hit and at least bring one of them down with me.
But no. They didn't come for me.
They went straight for the two students, grabbing them like prey and dragging them out of the classroom.
I wanted to yell "stop," but then one of the bullies turned his head and smirked at me. It wasn't just a smirk, it felt like a message.
It felt like they were bullying Gabriel and Felipe on purpose, right in front of me… hurting them in a way that would make both of them turn their hatred towards me, all because of what happened earlier.
I just had to do something, but what?
My mind raced. I saw Felipe's eyes growing teary and my chest tightened. For some reason, guilt hit me. I started blaming myself. If only I hadn't noticed them…if I only walked rather than stop… I should've just minded my own business.
Justice needed to be served. Bullies needed to be punished.
Before I could even think it through, my body moved on its own.
I stood up from my seat, grabbed the chair I had been sitting on, and threw it hard. Hard enough that the sound cracked through the room. But because of the rush of adrenaline, my aim was off… and I hit Gabriel instead.
The bullies froze.
From their faces alone, I could tell they never intended to actually injure anyone, maybe harass them, sure, but not this. What I did went way past simple bullying. This was an assault. Maybe even attempted murder.
My mind went blank. My body went numb.
The floor around Gabriel was already slick with blood, and the students' terrified faces only made it worse. I desperately wanted to apologize but then a reckless idea hit me.
I stepped forward and spoke to the bullies with a cold, commanding voice:
"Touch one of them without my permission… and you'll be next on the floor."
They backed away instantly, trembling.
Felipe burst into tears. I wanted to say I saved you, but I knew this wasn't the kind of saving anyone would be grateful for. I wanted to apologize, but if I did, the bullies would see through it, think I was weak, and turn on me instead or bully Felipe even more.
So I forced myself to do what I had to do, to protect myself and Felipe.
I laughed and said, "Think fast!"
Then I hurled my stainless steel bottle at Felipe. If I hadn't done that, they would've taken all their frustration out on him anyway, so I made sure to show them that I'm the new bully in class.
Better he fainted from a single hit… then suffered whatever those upperclassmen were planning.
The bottle struck him cleanly, cutting him open and knocking him out, protecting him from whatever those upperclassmen planned next just as the teacher walked in to see a pool of blood spreading across the floor.
He exploded immediately.
"You're a first year and you're already causing chaos? Congratulations, you're getting expelled on your first day. A new record!"
The second-years tried to slip away, but the teacher stopped one of them, Leo.
"What are you doing here? What exactly happened?"
Leo didn't hesitate. He pointed straight at me and ratted me out.
I glared at him internally all of this started because of them but there was nothing I could say in this situation.
It got worse when Marco and Jack stepped in.
"It was that first year," they said. "He threw the chair and the bottle at these new kids. You can ask the other students, sir — we just came to greet and welcome them to school."
I couldn't believe what was happening. I just wanted a normal life.
How could someone like me, someone docile, quiet, harmless end up like this today? I'd never had a single issue since Junior High. I was always a peaceful student. And yet… Why? Why now?
I wanted to apologize. I wanted to fix everything.
But it was too late.
My teacher snapped, "You. Principal's office. Now!"
I wanted to scream just to end this nightmare. Why me? Why?!
It was those three! But somehow all the blame landed on me.
My teacher kept talking, lecturing, ranting, scolding his voice pounding in my skull. I felt dizzy.
And then it slipped out.
"SHUT UP!"
My heart stopped.
Why did I say that?!
I tried to speak, to explain, but my words tangled with panic and frustration.
The teacher grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the classroom.
"YOU WILL NEVER ENTER ANY SCHOOL AGAIN! I WILL MAKE SURE YOU'RE BLACKLISTED!"
His voice echoed down the hallway as my world collapsed around me.
____________________________________________________________________________
Outside Principles Office
Here I was, sitting outside the principal's office, waiting for my father. I didn't know how he would react. This was my first time in a situation like this… and I was his only son, raised with love and comfort, and this was how I repaid him, with shame. And if my father knew, then my mother definitely knew as well. Just thinking about her finding out sent shivers down my spine.
A cold, powerful presence suddenly filled the hallway.
The lights flickered.
Footsteps echoed long before she appeared…
…It was my mother.
I wanted to speak, but I couldn't even lift my eyes to her face after what I had done. I had dragged our family's name into disgrace.
The principal stepped out of his office and immediately straightened himself.
"Lady Antoinette, how can I help you today?"
The principal… knew my mother?
Then I noticed my teacher. He was sweating, staring at the floor, trembling yet moments ago he had been dragging me around like I was nothing.
My mother gave me a sharp glare before walking into the principal's office.
Not a single word came from the principal or my teacher; they simply lowered themselves,humbled and silent in her presence.
And at that moment, a question crossed my mind…
one no child should ever have to ask:
Who exactly is my mother?
James stared, stunned.
"Hold on… Anton was a bully… by accident?"