Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Back to school

Bradley strode off to school, heavy in thought. He spotted Catherine. For once he didn’t say hello. It wasn’t because she wouldn’t understand, it was that she would understand him, which made it worse. It was hailing as he made his way in, as if the skies were giving Bradley a dark omen.

All throughout the morning, Bradley couldn’t settle into his regular life. Miss Lunaris, their PE teacher yelled encouragement and scorn at the same time as they were forced to run 5 laps around their field as a ‘warm up’. Most of the teachers were nice; as he rarely stepped out of line, however, he despised Miss Lunaris, or Mia, as Bradley had cleverly figured out from the staff emails. She had a habit of scolding his every action and found great pleasure in punishing Bradley. Meanwhile, other people like Vimbi and May, loved Mia. It's not the end of the day, I guess, Bradley sighed. As he turned the bend of the field, she stood there, smiling. Suddenly Miss Lunaris charged at Bradley, taking him by surprise. Sparks struck out of her hands.

“I wish you never existed, Bradley!” she hissed with dark hatred.

He had to defend himself. He slammed his hand at Mia, and shockingly, lightning surged towards her. Meanwhile, Catherine and Finley darted off to the classrooms. “We need a teacher for this sort-of thing.” Catherine noted. Most people were both shocked and in dread, except the bullies who cackled at the fight.

Mia slashed at his eye and it began gushing with blood.

“I can’t see! Help!” Bradley gasped, his throat hoarse.

He struggled from her tight grip. He barely slipped out and ran without stopping inside the building.

‘It doesn’t matter about her right now.’ Bradley thought as he pressed on. The wound was stinging and he could only see his right eye. Entering the headteacher’s office, he saw Mr Stawn was on the phone, with Finley and Catherine standing outside. They gasped at the injury, but Bradley didn’t talk. He burst in and Mr Stawn turned to him.

“Who did this?” He gasped furiously.

Finley swiftly explained what had happened, while they ran to the field. On the way, Catherine grabbed the first aid kit. While the deputy, Mrs Spint was calming everyone down, Bradley was being helped by Catherine, as she had been taught first aid training. Mia stood up and yelled, “Come with me if you want to be strong! If you want to fight better than anyone else! May? Vimbi?”

May gasped, “Why would I join you? You assaulted Bradley and almost killed him!”

“I didn’t expect such weakness and cowardliness from you.” Mia snarled, “I hope Vimbi joins me!”

Vimbi sighed,” I can’t! Do you expect me to assassinate people?”

Before she could finish, Mia was running away.

Bradley gulped, “I’m sure this isn’t the last I’ll see of her!” he turned to Catherine, “Should we meet at allotment 49 tomorrow?”

“8:00 exact.”