Intrepid

by Nate Johnson

  Nolan started to push through the door when a picture of Marla Jackson flashed into his mind. He froze as he prepared to step off the grass. The kid from before, the black T-shirt, khakis, Billy Carp, was fantasizing about hurting Marla. Nolan had to fight not to start shaking. He slowly turned to look at the kids. His eyes were closed, but Nolan could see every thought, every sick twisted desire.

  Nolan was torn. He wanted to go pound the kid’s face in for thinking about Marla that way. Every part of him surged with adrenaline. His hands clenched into fists, and his muscles tensed, but he was able to bring his barriers up and regain control. Turning, he walked away, but this wasn’t over. A confrontation now could lead to rumors and stories, squelching any chance he had of getting through this year.

  That didn’t mean he wasn’t going to keep an eye on little Billy.

  The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. English Lit was interesting. Marla was already there, but surrounded by her friends. She made his day, though, by smiling at him.

  A flash of what Billy had been thinking washed through his mind. He couldn’t afford to look at her and keep his face from giving everything away. Nolan found a seat in the back. Best to keep his distance. This was a new school with people who would never understand.

  Marla frowned for a second. No way, was she upset because he hadn’t sat close?

  Nolan kept his head down and pretended not to notice the secret glances she threw his way. That creep Billy Carp kept getting in his skull.

  NOLAN REED