As Justin gathered his bag from the boot of the bus he couldn't help but smile. The last month had been exhilarating during football camp. He had put behind all the previous worries of bootcamp, Mackie, revision, exams and Miss Hayton and completely relaxed playing his favourite game. His smile faltered slightly as he thought of Becca and how to deal with the situation. He still felt a lot for her but a month away had made him realise that perhaps the age issue was important. Plus he had met a gorgeous girl whilst training. His smile returned as he thought of Cathy again.
Justin headed away from the bus station towards his new home and suddenly was looking forward to seeing his mum again. Their relationship had been very up and down over the last six months but he had made his mind up that he would make an effort to be a better son and to try and be less self centred.
The sun was setting as Justin carried his heavy bag across the common. Only another five minutes and then he would be home at long last. Suddenly three silhouettes appeared from behind the bushes. Jay squinted in the half light to identify the people blocking his pathway home.
" Mackie!" He exclaimed.
"Bet you though you'd seen the last of me didn't you Burton" sneered Mackie taking a step towards Justin. Justin dropped his bag and took a step back.
"What do you want Mackie?" he stuttered.
"You Burton. I told you not to grass me up but you just couldn't resist it could you. Now it's payback time" he said nastily as the three of them surrounded Justin.
Justin tried to push forward only to find himself being knocked to the ground. A hard kick from Mackie was planted firmly on Jays middle. He coughed and tried to take a breath in. There was a rustling in the bush behind the group and a large dog appeared.
"Sidley, where are you?" A voice not too far away called for the dog. The dog barked once at the group.
Mackie bent down towards Justin and quietly spoke to him "This isn't over yet. You had better be watching your back at all times and tell that brother and sister of yours that I haven't finished with them either". He stood up and placed another hard kick at Justin before running off into the darkness with his two mates.
The dog barked again and his owner appeared just as Jay was standing up.
"Are you ok?" The stranger asked Justin.
"Yer, I'm fine, I just tripped". With that he picked up his bag and started quickly towards his home holding his stomach where Mackie had kicked him. It hurt like hell and his breathing was still laboured but this didn't stop him from running the last stretch home.
At last his family's new town house appeared. He ran up the steps and burst through the front door.