The Abused
A Change Is In Order
New Tech City
Ring Ring,
His alarm blared in his ear. Jack Landors awoke from his slumber. He sat up on the bed rubbing his eyes. Jack the captain of the baseball team stood up and headed into the bathroom to get ready for school. Jack a black teen with dreads in his head stood about five feet eight inches tall. He got undressed and got into the shower. As the water hit his bare caramel skin, Jack flinched. He glanced down at the bruise on his left shoulder. There stood a big red bruise the result of his father's abuse the night before. He frowned at the sight of the bruise. Although it hurt like hell, Jack hated to be hit. He only hoped his father wasn't home this morning. He wouldn't have to listen to his father's lectures trying to rationalize his actions for attacking him. Jack let the water wake him up. Jack had a bad game the night before and his father took it out on him.
After showering Jack got dressed in his black jeans, black tank top underneath his black jean shirt and his black timberlands. He wanted to wear black because he felt like crap. He made sure to cover up the bruise on his shoulder so no one would see it. As he has had to do this for some years. He grabbed his car keys, wallet and backpack along with his letter jacket, then headed downstairs.
His father wasn't home and had left a note on the fridge for him. The note read:
Jack,
I have to work early. Don't be late for school and make sure to get in extra practice for the game tomorrow. I don't want you striking out anymore.
Dad
Thankfully his father wasn't home. He decided to grab breakfast on the way to school.
He crumbled up the note and threw it into the garbage on his way out of the house.
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New Tech City High is filled with teens inside and outside of the school building. The teens are filing into the building. One of the students already at her locker is Elizabeth Delgado better known to her friends as Z. She's a Hispanic teen with dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a killer body. She also has a brain and is one of the smartest girls in school. She stood at her locker searching for a pen to write with. Jack who had just walked into the building watched her for a moment. She was a vision of beauty. He could stare at her for hours. Z is wearing a black mini skirt which showed off her sexy legs. She had on a yellow tank top shirt underneath her black jean shirt and her black shoes. She was so beautiful. She had her hair down to her shoulders, just the way Jack liked it. Jack had known Z since grade school. Both were very close. He has loved her but could never bring himself to tell her. He stood there watching her unaware that Bridge one of his other friends was behind him.
"Boo." Said Bridge who's real name is Brighton. Jack turned to see his buddy behind him. Bridge is one of the smartest guys in school. He's a bit geeky but a nice guy none the less. Bridge is about five feet ten inches tall with light brown hair, blue eyes and wears glasses. He's wearing a pair of blue jeans, a white t-shirt underneath a blue button down shirt and his white sneakers. "What's up man?" He asked smiling at his buddy.
"Hey Bridge." Jack said as they both began walking towards their lockers which was right across from Z's locker.
"That was some game yesterday." Said Bridge. Jack frowned. Bridge noticed it. "What?"
"I struck out three times last night." Jack said sighing remembering each horrible at bat.
"Oh come on Jack. You're a great baseball player. All great players have their slumps." Bridge said trying to cheer his friend up. Jack stared at him.
"I guess you're right. My dad wasn't too happy my hitless night." Jack said remembering the bruise on his shoulder.
"He just wants you to do well." Bridge said pulling out his book from his locker. Jack looked over and then frowned.
"Hey dudes." Said a voice behind Jack. Jack turned to see his other friend Brian Thomas better known as Boom smiling while holding his books. Boom is about the same height as Jack is and is a bit on the chubby side. He has dark brown hair blue eyes and is another guy with a brain. Boom is dressed in grey khaki pants, a white long sleeve shirt and white sneakers. His hair is messy because that's how he likes his hair.
"Hey bud." Said Bridge high fiving his friend.
"Did you guys do Mr. Conner's homework last night?" Boom asked.
"Yeah I did." Said Jack grabbing his pens and English book out of his locker.
"So did I." Said Bridge.
"Good because he's giving an exam on it this morning." Boom said as both Jack and Bridge just stated at him. Boom started laughing at them. "I had you guys going." Boom continued giggling.
"Dude don't scare me like that." Said Bridge sighing deeply.
"Yeah man that ain't funny." Said Jack.
"Changing the subject. You two have a date to the dance next Saturday?" Boom asked.
"I asked Stacy Segal." Said Bridge.
"And." Boom asked.
"And she'll be on my arm Saturday night." Bridge said smiling.
"Way to go man." Boom said as Jack smirked.
"Who you going with?" Bridge asked Boom.
"I'm going to the dance with Nicole Pickler." Boom said smiling.
"Nicole. Isn't she the one with black glasses and huge chest?" Asked Jack.
"That's her." Said Boom with a huge grin on his face.
"Nice." Said Bridge high fiving Boom again. "Jack who are you going to the dance with?"
"I asked Kayla Martin but she's going with Cayden McKay." Said Jack.
"What about Syd?" Boom asked.
"She's going with Sky." Said Jack.
"Right. Well what about Z? She's not going with anyone." Said Boom.
"Yeah maybe." Said Jack unsure of what to do about asking Z to the dance.
"Go for it dude." Said Boom encouraging his friend.
"Alright." Jack said then walking over to Z who was still searching for that elusive pen. "Um hey Z." He said a little nervously.
"Hey Jack." She said moving her books around hoping to find that pen.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked her.
"I can't find my pen." She said still searching for it.
"Here you can have mine." Jack said handing her one of his pens.
"What? Are you sure?" She asked.
"Of course." Jack said smiling at her.
"Oh thank you Jack. You're a life saver." She said smiling taking the pen from Jack.
"It's no problem." He said nervously. He looked away from her. She caught this.
"Are you ok?" She asked smiling.
"I'm alright." He said not looking at her.
"Good." She said just as nervous as he was. There was an awkward silence. She decided to speak. "That was a great game yesterday."
"It's not a good day when I struck out three times." Jack said sarcastically.
"You're a good player. I'm sure you'll get another hit." She said smiling trying to cheer him up.
"Yeah I guess." He said smiling. "So you heard about the dance happening next Saturday night?" He said trying to change the subject.
"Yeah. What about it?" She asked.
"I was wondering if you were going?"
"Might, might not. Why?"
"That's kind of why I'm here. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me?" Jack asked sighing getting that out in one breath.
"You mean you and I go together?" She asked knowing exactly what Jack met. Jack nodded. "Wow Jack, I'm flattered."
"Does that mean that you'll go with me?" Jack asked hoping the answer was yes.
"Um, I'm not really sure if I'm going to go so I'll have to get back to you on this." She said closing her locker door shut after grabbing the book she needed for her first period class. Jack's face dropped. Had he heard her right? She wanted to get back to him on going to the dance. It was a simple question that deserved a simple answer. Either she wanted to go the dance with him or she didn't. Jack tried to hide his disappointment. "Jack are you ok?" she asked him.
"Yeah." He said trying to smile but finding it difficult to do so.
"Can we talk about the dance later?" She asked.
"Sure." He said.
"Ok. Thanks again for the pen." She said turning and jogging in the opposite direction heading for her first period class. Jack watched her with a sad expression on his face. Did Z really want to get back to him about the dance? He didn't know. All he knew was that he still didn't have a date for the dance.
"So." Said Boom as he and Bridge walked up to him.
"She'd get back to me." He said then began for his first period class. Bridge and Boom followed.
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Jack walked into his English class and sat in his usual seat in the back of the room. He is seated next to Sky Tate. Sky is one of Jack's teammates and is a pitcher. Sky is also dating the captain of the cheerleading squad Syd Drew. Sky looked over at his friend.
"Hey bro what's up?" Said Sky who stands at six feet two inches tall, has dirty blond hair that he keeps spiky, blue eyes and is another of the popular guys in school. Sky is wearing a pair of camouflage army pants, a white t-shirt over a blue long sleeve shirt and black boats.
"Nothing much." Jack said opening his book.
"How about that game last night?" Sky asked smirking teasing his teammate and friend.
"Sky don't start." Jack said frowning. "Ok so I had a bad game. We won didn't we?"
"Oh yeah." Sky said patronizing him. "You really looked bad out there. Three strikeouts. That's bad. That's awful. That's pitiful." Said Sky laughing.
"Alright I stunk ok. You happy now?" Jack asked turning away from Sky angrily. Sky noticed this and felt bad. Even though he and Sky are friends, both know how to push each other's buttons. He watched Jack strike out three times and couldn't understand what was going on with him.
"Hey man, look I'm sorry." Said Sky. "I didn't mean to bust your balls."
"I know." Said Jack accepting his buddy's apology.
"What happened out there? You're usually a better hitter than that?" Sky asked.
"I don't know. I'm just in a slump. I'll come out of it." Said Jack.
As the teacher began his lesson, a student knocked on the door. The teacher opened the door. In stepped a young man who stood about six feet three with jet black hair, brown eyes, he was sporting a gotee and was carrying a jansport backpack sporting a crew cut.
"Excuse me, um is this English 104?" He asked in a deep husky voice.
"Yes this is." Said Mr. Hagan. "What's you're name son?"
"Andy Abbott sir." Said the new student.
"Ok Class, we have a new student. This is Andy Abbott. Tell us about your self Andy." Said Mr. Hagan.
"Well, my name is Andrew Jacob Abbott. My friends call me Andy. I'm from Long Beach California. I'm an athlete. I was on the baseball team at my old high school and I look forward to playing for Coach Daniels." He said smiling.
"Popular I presume?" Mr. Hagan asked.
"I'm not sure sir, I just got here." Andy said smiling as the class giggled. The females in the class giggled as well sending Andy some hints of attraction.
"We have popular students in this school. In fact we have popular students in this class. Both play for the baseball team." Said Mr. Hagan boasting about his own popular students.
"I know sir. Sky Tate and Jack Landors." said Andy admiring the star players on the baseball team. "Sky Tate is the star pitcher and Jack is the team's best hitter."
"Although he went 0 for 3 striking out three times." Said Cayden McKay, a member of the baseball team. Jack sighed.
We all have our bad games." Said Andy.
"Ok Mr. Abbott, take a seat next to Mr. Landors." Said Mr. Hagan.
"Ok." Said Andy who then began towards the back of the classroom carrying his backpack. He found the seat next to Jack and immediately sat down. "Hey, fellas." He said extending his hand to Sky.
"Sup." Said Sky shaking Andy's hand. "I'm Sky and this here is Jack, the latest strikeout king.
"Hey man." Said Andy giggling at Sky's comment of Jack who frowned.
"Hey." Said Sky. "You're a tall guy. How tall are you?"
"6'3." Said Andy quietly trying not to be heard by Mr. Hagan. Jack just listened to the two talk in class. "How about you?"
"6'2." Said Sky.
"Awesome." Said Andy. "What's coach Daniels like?"
"He's really cool. He let's you do you're thing on the field." Said Sky. "He knows what players are capable of doing and he just lets us handle our business right Jack?" Sky asked.
"If you say so." Was all Sky got out of Jack. Both Andy and Sky stared at him a moment.
"Don't mind him. He's just mad that he's striking out more times than Sammy Sosa." Said Sky as Andy giggled. Jack frowned but didn't respond.
"Fellas, if you want to talk, please wait until my class is over." Said Mr. Hagan.
"Sorry sir." Said Sky. Mr. Hagan went back to his lesson. Jack watched Andy sizing him up. Andy was definitely taller and stronger than he was. Question is, is Andy as a good as he says he is?
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Later that afternoon at baseball practice, Jack who the shortstop and the captain of his team waited for the ball to be hit to him. The ball was hit in his direction but another player cut in front of him and made the play. The young man was Andy Abbott, the same teen who is in his English class. Andy made the play accurately. Jack stared at him frowning. He hated to be cut off from a play. Jack's best asset to the team is the fact that he's a great fielder. Coach Daniels was impressed with Andy's abilities at third base. After their fielding practice, the guys took batting practice. Jack felt like he was off balance and kept hitting weak ground balls. Andy stepped up to the plate and began hitting the ball into the seats. The entire team watched him hit and noticed that not only is the kid a great fielder but he's also a terrific hitter. Jack began to feel a bit jealous as the team surrounded Andy.
"Ok guys team meeting." Said Coach Daniels as the team gathered around Andy on the field. Jack frowned hard. "Alright guys, I want you to meet Andy Abbott. He's new to our school and is you're newest teammate. Andy use to play for the cougars but will play for the sea fish. I want you guys to show him the ropes. We have an important game tomorrow. This is my roster. Ted Milton is in center field, Thomas Cane is in right field, David De La Russa is in left field, Cayden McKay is at first base, Mark Christy is at second base, Jack Landors is at shortstop, Andy Abbott is at third base, catching is Dennis Larson and pitching is Sky Tate. Hit the showers." Said Coach Daniels as the guys headed into the locker rooms.
Andy and Sky saw Jack and decided to watch him for a moment. Jack was much smaller than he was in height. He certainly had more power than Jack did but what was it about Jack that made him a great baseball player? Andy then realized what made Jack so special. He was the best defensive player on the team. Andy watched Jack return from the showers. Jack always kept in great shape. His six pack abs and his muscular arms showed off his physic. Both noticed the bruise on Jack's left shoulder and Sky decides to talk to him.
"Hey Jack." Sky called to him. Jack turned to face him. "That was some practice huh?"
"Yeah it was." Jack said making conversation. Still changing into his regular clothing.
"Listen, I'm gonna take Andy to meet the others at the mall, wanna come with?" Asked Sky as he continues to change into his regular clothes.
"We can talk about the game tomorrow?" Andy asked.
"No thanks, I have to get home before my dad goes ballistics." Said Jack putting on his pants over his underwear.
"Maybe another time." Said Andy. He continued to watch Jack's bruise wondering how he got that bruise. He looked at Sky who's locker is right next to his. Sky stared at Jack's bruise.
"That's a nasty bruise you got there." Sky said. Jack looked over his shoulder remembering what took place last night. "How'd you get that bruise?"
"Accident." Said Jack quickly putting his button down shirt over his tank top shirt. He began to button up.
"Does the bruise affect you're swing?" Asked Andy.
"Nope." Said Jack as he tied his shoelaces on his boats, grabbed his jacket, and backpack then headed out. "See ya." He said then leaving the locker room. Andy and Sky just watched him wondering what was up with the captain of the team.
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Jack arrived home and was stunned to see that his father had returned early. His father John is sitting at the kitchen table smoking a cigarette and reading the paper. Jack slowly made his way to the stair case hoping his father wouldn't notice him.
"How was school?" Asked John not bothering to look up at Jack who stopped right in his tracks.
"Fine." Said Jack.
"Your mother called looking to talk to you." John said still not looking at Jack. Jack just watched him for a moment. "Go call her."
"Ok." Said Jack then rushing upstairs to call his mother. Once arriving at his room, Jack placed his backpack on the floor and then took his jacket off. He sat on his bed then stared at the phone a moment. He wondered if calling his mother is a waste of time. Every time he tries to reach out to her, she's too busy. Should he call her? He decided to call her. He picked up the phone and dialed his mother's cell number. The phone rang on the end. "Come on mom, pick up." He said begging her to answer her phone. Her phone went to voice mail. "Damn it." He cursed frowning. He heard the beep sound on the phone and decided to leave his mother a message. "Hey ma, I was just returning you're call. It always seems like we're missing each other. Later." He said then hang up the phone. A thought came to him. Jack didn't have a date for the dance and hadn't gotten an answer from Z. He decided to call her at home and get that answer. He picked up the receiver again and dialed her home number. The phone rang at the Delgado house hold and Z's mother Kendall answered the phone.
"Hello." Said Kendall Delgado. She was cleaning the dishes.
"Good evening Ms. Delgado." Said Jack being a polite.
"Jack how are you?"
"I'm ok. How are you doing?" Jack asked smiling. He liked Mrs. Delgado. She was like a second mother to him. Especially since he's in love with Z.
"I'm ok. I suppose you're looking for Z?" She asked him. Jack blushed over the phone. Mrs. Delgado smiled sensing that he had blushed.
"Yes ma'am. Has she returned home?"
"No. She's out with her friends at the mall. You can catch her there." Said Mrs. Delgado.
"Ok. Thanks Mrs. Delgado." Said Jack.
"You're welcome. Bye." She said smiling.
"Good night." Jack said then hanging up the phone. He decided to go get his answer from Z in person. Still wearing his jacket, Jack ran back down the stairs.
"Where are you going?" Asked John.
"To the mall to get in some batting practice." Said Jack.
"Good because your ass needs it." Said John heading into the living room with his glasses and newspaper. The same paper he was reading when Jack walked into the house. Jack noticed he had a can of beer in his hand. He just hoped that when he returned home his father would be passed out. He left the house got in his car and drove off to the mall.
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Z is walking towards the food court in the mall. She is walking with her best friends Sydney Drew, her boyfriend Sky, Bridge, Boom and Andy. All had been showing Andy around town since he's new to the school.
"So what do you think of the city so far?" Boom asked.
"It's cool. The last time I visited I didn't get a chance to see everything. It's pretty cool." Said Andy smiling at Z who blushed. Syd caught this.
"You know Andy there's a dance next Saturday. See anyone in particular that you'd like to go with?" Asked Sky.
"Yeah." Andy responded looking directly at Z.
"Well we have a winner." Said Syd smirking. "Andy my girl Z here doesn't have a date to the dance, why don't you take her?" Syd said unaware that Jack had asked her earlier.
"What about it Z? Would you like to accompany me to the dance?" Andy asked.
"I don't know if I'm going to the dance." Z said unsure if she'd go. Dances weren't really her thing.
"Come on, it'll be fun." Syd said excitedly. "Besides my dad is getting a limo so we can all go together."
"Yeah it'll be a blast." Said Sky holding Syd from behind.
"Why not" Said Z smiling at Andy. Syd and the others cheered. The only one who didn't cheer was Bridge. He was the only one who remembered Jack asking Z. What would Jack do if he found out Z decided to go with someone else? They all continued towards the food court unaware that Jack had been listening.
Jack had arrived at the mall hoping to speak with Z alone about the dance. Seems like he got his answer. Hurt and angered, Jack turned and headed for the batting cages. Jack angrily swung the bat at the ball each time it approached him. How could she just forget that he had asked her to the dance? He truly was hurt that Z would choose to go to the dance with someone else. Jack took his frustrations out on the baseball.
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It was now 11:33pm. Jack realized he had been late getting home past his curfew. He hoped his father had drank himself to sleep. His car pulled into the drive way of the house. His father was sitting on the porch waiting on him. Jack knew at that point he'd have to deal with the consequences. He stepped out of the car slowly hoping that his father was too drunk to care and just ground him. John stood up slowly towering over Jack. He was a 6 foot 2 brawly looking man with shorter dreads in his head.
"Where have you been?" He asked obviously drunk. Jack could smell the five cans of beer on his breath.
"I was at the mall taking batting practice." Jack said frowning hard. He wasn't in the mood to fight with his father. John wasn't going to make this easy for Jack. When did he ever?
"You're home late."
"Didn't think you noticed through the drinking." Jack muttered under his breath while pushing past John.
"What did you say boy?" He asked angered. Before Jack could reach the stair case, John was all over him. He grabbed Jack by his dreads and shoved Jack into the stairs. Jack landed on his right shoulder. He cringed at the pain he felt. "You getting smart with me boy?" John yelled then proceeds to smack Jack across the face. Jack used his arms to shield his face. John became relentless in his attack. He kicked Jack in the stomach cause Jack pain. "You do what the fuck I say. You little mother fucker. If you ever talk back to me I'll fucking kill you." He yelled in Jack's face before punching him in his left eye. Jack did all he could to fight back the urge to cry out. "Take you're no talent having ass upstairs." John yelled. Jack holding his stomach ran up to his room and slammed the door locking it. "Fucking little prick." He repeats for staggering over to the couch and falling face first on the sofa.
Jack stood at the door of his room breathing hard balling up his fists fighting the urge to cry. It was losing battle because the tears pored from his eyes down his red cheeks. He angrily took his letter jacket off and threw it on the floor. He wiped the tears away from his face. He went over to his bed and laid down. He let the tears come down his face. He was angered and hurt at the same time. It was bad enough that Z chose to go to the dance with another guy and then he gets pounded on by drunk father. He fell asleep thinking about his situation.
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The next morning, Jack awoke to the sound of his cell phone ringing. His whole body ached from the beating he took the night before. He glanced at the screen of his cell phone to see that it was Bridge who was calling him. He groaned deciding not to answer it. He let the phone go to voice mail. He cringed as he climbed out of bed. He stood up looking into the mirror. His shirt was off. Jack could see that the bruise on his side turned a bright purple. His left eye was puffy and had a purplish mark around it. His left cheek was puffy as well. He frowned hard at his reflection in the mirror. He wondered how his life had gotten this bad. Jack glanced at the baseball schedule on the side of his mirror and realized that the team had a game this afternoon. He was due to be at the ball park at 12:30pm. It was just 8am. He wondered if his father was awake. He decided to shower and change before his father awoke.
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Bridge sat at the kitchen table of his house eating cereal staring at his cell phone. He had tried calling Jack four times but got no answer. He wondered why Jack hadn't answered his phone or if he was even up at this time of morning on a Saturday. He decided to try one last time. He picked up his cell phone again and dialed Jack's number again. Jack didn't answer. He continued to finish his cereal.
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That afternoon, the game got under way. Bridge and the others couldn't help but notice Jack's face. His teammates noticed Jack's face as well but didn't say anything. Coach Daniels went over to Jack and asked him if he was ok. Jack said that he didn't want to talk about it. Z noticed Jack's face and wondered if he had gotten into a fight or something. Syd looked at her wondering the same thing. Jack came up to the plate and on three pitches went down swinging. His father John was watching and was livid. Despite the fact that his team was leading their rivals by seven runs, Jack still struck out three more times. Ending his game having gone hitless. His father turned and left the ball park discussed. The fans booed Jack as he walked off the field. Sky pitched a no hitter while Cayden McKay and Andy went deep twice. The fans cheered Sky as hit teammates picked him up hugging him after no-hitting their rivals. Jack just watched from the dugout. He turned and headed into the clubhouse.
Concerned about his friend, Bridge headed to the locker room to see if he could talk to Jack. What he saw shook him to the core. There Jack stood taking a slap to his face from his father. Bridge made sure to hide so he wasn't seen but witnessed the disturbing scene. The look on Jack's face also scared Bridge. The look was a mixture of fear, anger and pain all rolled up in his eyes. John yelled at him and hit him again before leaving. Bridge hid so John wouldn't see him on his way out. Bridge wondered if he should tell anyone.
Jack had showered and changed back into his clothing having been hit again. He wanted desperately to fight back but felt helpless. This man was his father. How could he hit his father back? Better yet why does his father continue to punish him the way he had? He headed to Cody's a local diner to get a bite to eat. Just as he sat down, he heard a crowd of teens entering the local diner. It was the baseball team including Z, Syd, Bridge and Boom. Jack noticed Andy with his arm around Z's waste and turned his face. He watched as the crowd of students all cheered as Sky and the others made their way towards their usual table. Bridge noticed Jack by himself and went over to him.
"Hey buddy." Bridge said smiling. Jack barely made eye contact with him. Bridge knew why. "Congratulations are in order.'
"Yeah I guess." Said Jack not looking at Bridge.
"Shouldn't you be celebrating with your teammates?"
"They should be celebrating not me. I didn't do shit." Jack said sipping his soda.
"Come on. You're apart of the team. You should be there with them."
"Bridge, I don't feel like celebrating. Besides, they don't notice me anyway." Jack said continuing to sip his soda. Bridge watched him wondering what happened to his face.
"Hey Jack. I tried calling you this morning. Why didn't you pick up?"
"I was asleep." Jack lied.
"What happened to you're face? Did you get into a fight with someone or something?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Jack said not looking at him.
"Jack, what's going on with you?"
"Nothing is going on with me Bridge. I'm fine." Jack lied. Bridge stared at him knowing that something was up and it had to do with his father. He knew something was wrong and that Jack was hiding something. He decided to leave the issue alone for now. "I'm gonna head home." he got up to leave but was approached by Boom and the others.
"Hey Jack." Boom smiled.
"Hey." Jack said barely smiling.
"Are you ok?" Asked Syd.
"I'm fine Syd." Jack said rolling his eyes.
"What happened to your face?" Z asked. Jack looked at her and then rolled his eyes.
"You get into a fight with someone?" Andy asked.
"Look I don't want to talk about it." Jack said.
"He doesn't want to talk about it because he got his ass kicked." Sky said as the others laughed. Jack just turned and left without uttering another word. Sky didn't know how right he was. Jack had gotten his ass kicked as he so roughly put it. It wasn't by some hooligan. It was by his own father.
"Really Sky." Said Syd frowning.
"What I was joking." Sky said smiling.
Boom noticed Bridge's face and wondered what he was thinking.
"What's up Bridge?" Boom asked.
"Huh?" Bridge responded.
"What's wrong? You look deep in thought."
"I'm just worried about Jack." Said Bridge.
"He really hasn't been himself lately." Said Sky. "His game has been off."
"It's more than that. It's…" Bridge said as the others waited for him to say something else. Bridge contemplated telling the others what he witnessed but chose not to. "It's his game." He said sighing. Z watched Bridge knowing that he was about to say something but help back.
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A week had gone by. Bridge was worried about Jack who hadn't said a word to anyone. He noticed how Jack would wear shades in class to cover up his bruised face. Bridge wondered why Jack hadn't told anyone about the abuse and maybe this was the reason why Jack wasn't focusing on baseball. Maybe he was under so much pressure from his father that he's gone hitless and gets beaten up for it. Bridge was finding it hard to keep his mouth shut about what he witnessed between Jack and his father. He knew he had say something to for Jack's sack.
Jack spent most of the week avoiding his friends fearing that they'd ask questions about his face. Z was the person he was avoiding the most. After what she pulled he couldn't bare to look at her. Whenever she would see him, he turn his head away from her. Z at first didn't notice this but she noticed it when she talked about going to the dance with Andy. She noticed Jack's expression. She tried talking to Jack after class but he just kept avoiding her. The baseball team played four more games and it was four more games in which Jack didn't record a hit. This currently was the longest hitless streak of his baseball career. Luckily for Jack John was away on a business trip for those games. Jack spent his free time in the batting cages trying to figure out his swing. He wanted to call his mother but she never answered so he gave up calling her. This was his time to tell his mother about the abuse but chose to keep his mouth shut since his bruises had healed. He thought about the dance. Since he hadn't found a date he decided that he wasn't going to go. The girl he loves has chosen someone else.
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New Tech City High Gymnasium - April 19, 2003
The students of New Tech City High all headed into the gymnasium with their dates. The gym was covered in decorations by the student body. Boom walked into the gym with Nicole Pickler on his arm. Bridge came into the gym with Stacy Segal on his arm. Sky walked into the gym with Syd on his arm and Andy followed with Z on his arm. All had come to the dance together minus Jack.
"This is some turn out." Said Sky.
"It sure is." Andy responded. "You girls ready to get our boogie on?"
"Let's do it." Said Syd pulling Sky by the arm as they all danced. Bridge danced with Stacy but his mind his was on Jack. He wondered where Jack was. More importantly, he wondered if Jack was ok. He hadn't seen since he struck out four more times in the game that afternoon. A slow song came on and the couples all started slow dancing. Stacy pulled Bridge closer to her as they began to slow dance. Stacy was a modest looking girl with auburn hair blue eyes and gentle milky complexion. She was also one of the sweetest girls he had ever met. She watched Bridge smile at her. She thought it was weird that Bridge asked her to the dance but since she didn't have a date, she agreed to go with him. To her surprise she was actually having a great time. She noticed him a moment wondering what he was thinking.
"Hey Bridge, what are you thinking?" She asked.
"I was just thinking how beautiful you look tonight." He lied.
"Thanks for the complement but what are you really thinking about?"
"I was just wondering where Jack was. I know he said that he'd come to the dance."
"Jack's a big boy. He doesn't need you worrying about him." She said rubbing the back of his head. Bridge stared at her because she didn't know why he was worried about Jack.
"I know. It's just that he's my friend and I kind of worry about him."
"He should be grateful that he has a friend like you." She said smiling.
"I'm sure he knows this but I just thought he'd find a date and we could all be here with together."
"Like I said Jack is a big boy and doesn't need you to worry about him. I'm sure he's fine. Now stop worrying and pay attention to me."
"You're right." Bridge said as the hugged continuing to slow dance. He watched Z who looked cozy in Andy's arms.
After the slow song ended, tired from dancing, Bridge decides to get some punch. Boom and the others stroll over to him.
"So where's you're date stud?" Boom asked.
"She's in the bathroom." Said Bridge.
"I thought Jack was coming to the dance?" Z asked.
"He was but you should know that right Z?' Bridge asked her.
"What?" Was all Z said staring at Bridge who shot her an angry glance. She had no idea where this came from.
"Nothing." Was all Bridge said before heading towards the front door. Boom followed him wondering that this was all about.
Bridge was angry with Z for deciding to go to the dance with Andy and not Jack. He knew that Jack had asked her before Andy did and instead of saying no, she gives Jack this bullshit about getting back to him with an answer. He was angry with her but didn't want to let on why. He decided that like Jack he'd keep his distance from Z as well.
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Having played their fifth game this week, Jack didn't have another hit. He left early when his father waited for and told him that he'd see him at home. Jack knew what this met. He didn't want to go home fearing what his father would do to him. So he drove around for several hours. He hadn't realized he had been driving for the past four hours. It was midnight when he returned home. He had hoped his father was asleep. He crept into the house. The lights where out. He thought it was safe. Jack made his way to the stair case only to have the living room light come on. There sat John with an angered expression written on his father.
"Do you know what time it is?" John asked angrily.
"No sir. I lost track of time." Jack said. John walked over to him.
"Lost track of time huh. You're fucking curfew is eleven pm and yo ass sneaks in here at midnight."
"I'm sorry dad. I lost track of time what more do you want from me?" Jack yelled and that proved to be a mistake. John punched him square in his right eye. Jack fell back.
"I told you not to be a smart ass. Didn't I boy." He yelled standing over Jack. "Yo ass gon pay for talking back to me." He said as he began to pound on Jack's face. He punched Jack in his right eye several more times until Jack bled. John continued to assault Jack pounding him as if they were two UFC fighters and Jack was taking the brunt of the beating. Jack silently cried out of for his mother as John continued to punish him kicking Jack several times in his ribs. When he was done Jack's face looked worst than before. His right eye was swollen shut, while blood trickled from a gash that stood about his right eye brow. His lip was swollen with blood trickling from the cut. Jack crawled up stairs to his room shutting the door. John went right to sleep after washing off his fists. Jack cried himself to sleep wanting to be with his mother. How could his father hurt him like this. Jack desperately wanted to fight his father back but couldn't risk getting killed. Could he tell someone about this?
To Be Continued!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next Chapter Entitled "Low Blow": Bridge wonders if he should tells someone about what's happening with Jack. Meanwhile Jack returns to school hiding his bruised face from the others.
