The Bully

The night before school, Darrell has trouble sleeping because he dreads facing Tyray. In the morning, he can only muster a few bites of his cereal. Jackie understands that he feels nervous and tries to comfort him. Darrell secretly likes it when his mom babies him because it shows how much she loves him.

Darrell walks to school along backroads and alleyways, hoping to avoid Tyray. On the way, he notices another short guy and wonders if he should try to befriend him. Before long, though, that teen joins a group of friends. Darrell imagines that they’ve been friends all their lives, like he was with Malik, Reggie, and Mark. It’s futile to try and join a group like that.

In English class, Darrell notices a familiar face: Amberlynn from the grocery store. She doesn’t seem to notice him, so Darrell heads toward a student motioning to an open seat at the back, realizing too late that this is one of Tyray’s minions. Before Darrell can choose a different seat, Tyray comes into the classroom, sits next to Darrell, and kicks his seat.

The English teacher, Mr. Mitchell, introduces Darrell as a new transfer student.