Jacob

Jacob Cooper was in his small bed. He was thinking about school. His head tilted upward so it could face the ceiling. "What if something happens tomorrow?" he worried, "I know that I'm goin' to tell one joke too far." He pounded his fist against the bed. He was angry. He took deep breaths and prayed, "God, I know I've done wrongs and I know I've been worrying. I also know that what I worry about turns out to be… well… not as bad as I think. I'm praying to thank you for my friends, family, and chances. I also want to say that I'm sorry for my past, present, and future wrongs. Thank you, God. Amen." Jacob reached over and spread apart his fingers. He picked up a picture that was on his bedroom nightstand. It had two people on it. One of them was a picture of a very skinny and small little boy. It was Jacob. The other was a taller and fuller boy who seemed to be about six or seven years older than Jacob.

"God is with me. But, I just wish you were here to help me out, Colin," Jacob whispered holding back tears. "You would know what to do," he said as he silently put down the picture. Jacob remembered when that picture was taken.

After recess, Jacob was walking to his classroom when a very tall and old looking eighth grader bumped him. Right when they hit each other, Jacob felt like someone had punched him in the arm.

"Hey! What's wrong with you? Watch where your goin'!" the tall boy yelled.

"Umm… sorry?" Jacob said annoyed. "That jerk face needs to watch where he's going. Why did he have to yell?"

The boy turned as if he were having something thrown at him and said, "What?" Jacob started to walk away but there the tall boy shouted, "Hey, punk! I asked you a question!"

That was so infuriating to Jacob and he opened his mouth and joked quietly, "I'm not def. I know that was a question."

"Hey! You should really shut up if you want to leave school without a black eye!" the bully announced.

Jacob said in a quiet tone, "Just leave me alone, jerk face."

"What'd you say, punk?"

Jacob took a deep breath.

"I said leave me alone, jerk face!" his blood was pumping, his heart was beating with great speed, and his head grew an ache.

"Ugh!" Jacob yelled as he held his head and fell to his knees. The bully backed away, scared because in front of him, he saw an eight year old boy transform into an ape like creature! Its eyes were big and yellow with his pupil like a cat's. His soft skin grew furry and his skinny arms grew thick and full. His entire body was covered in thick brown fur and his height tripled in size. After that, all he could remember was a scream.

Jacob woke up in the school parking lot.

"Jake. Jacob, are you okay?" a low worried voice said. Jacob looked up to see the low voiced boy's face

"Colin. It's you. I don't…" Jacob said while tears bursted out of his eyes. "I don't know what happened. I'm sorry and you're-" Colin interrupted Jacob, "its okay, Jacob. You didn't do anything wrong. You're the greatest brother I could ask for." Jacob started crying again and hugged Colin. Colin reached out his arms and hugged back.

"I love you," Jacob said with tears in his eyes.

"I love you to," Colin said, crying with Jacob.

Jacob looked at his night stand and grabbed the picture again.

"I love you, Colin," he said closing his eyes.