I always admired people who could show bravery in the face of a problem. That's because I'm a flat-out coward. I name's Percival Wemys Madison. I'm thirteen, short, and not all that attractive. It's no wonder I'm the target of cruel pranks and laughter, mainly from football players.
"Madison!" An all to familiar voice called out. I let my mouse colored hair fall in front of my eyes and quickened my pace. "Hey, Madison! I know you heard me!" I could hear him jogging up to me. "Where do you think you're going?" Jason Cunningham, wide receiver and local bully, was now blocking my way to the cafeteria. This happened every day. He'd tease me, maybe get a hit in, and take my lunch money. Yes, I know I was letting him bully me in the most stereotypical way, but I didn't know what else to do.
"Hi Jason." I said looking down at my uniform shoes. "I was just going to lunch." I muttered.
Jason gave a chuckle and roughly patted me on the shoulder. "Ain't you forgetting something?" He asked holding out his hand expectantly.
I sighed and reached into my pants pocket. Pulling out my lunch money I handed over to Jason and tried to hurry off. Before I could get more than a few feet away he grabbed the caller of my shirt. I let out a squeak as he pulled me back to him. "We're not finished here. You were trying to sneak past me without giving me my money. How do you think I should punish you?" He asked tapping his chin with his index finger. I could feel my eyes tearing up, so I closed them in an attempt to stop the tears from escaping. "Oh is little Percy about to cry?" He mocked laughing. "God you're so pathetic."
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size Jason!?" Someone yelled from behind me. "Or are you too scared they'll kick your ass?" I opened my eyes to see Jason's face contorted into a scowl. Turning my head slightly, I caught a glimpse of a tall boy with fair hair and China-blue eyes.
"Stay out of this Johnny. This is between me and Percival." Jason continued to glare at the blonde now known as Johnny.
Johnny just smirked back. "Really? It looks like Percival isn't too thrilled about it, but who can blame him? If you were hanging around me, I'd want to beat myself up." He joked causing Jason's face to flush red. "What Jason? Did I hit a nerve?"
I was growing scared for Johnny. What if Jason started to pick on him too? Before I could go any further, I felt Jason's grip on my shirt disappear. "Whatever." He then looked at me. "You're lucky Johnny was here to save you." He said before leaving in a huff.
"Are you okay?" Johnny asked startling me. "Whoa. Relax, I'm not going to hurt you." He had a smile on his face, showing off his braces. "Percival, right?" I nodded. "Are you going to be okay?" He asked again.
"Yeah. I'll just go hang out in the library. He won't look for me there." I gave him a weak smile in return. "Thanks for helping me."
Johnny didn't seem convinced. "Did he take your lunch?" He asked worried.
I shook my head. "No, just my money." I said letting my hair fall into my eyes again. "But don't worry about it. He does it all the time. I eat a big breakfast in the morning so I don't get hungry." I kept my gaze at the floor. I heard the crinkling of a paper bag and looked up. Johnny was holding out, what looked like, a home made lunch.
"Take it." He said flatly, but I refused.
"What about you?" I asked and he just smiled. "What?"
"Jason's part of the football team and I feel responsible for him." I was confused for a second, but then it hit me. I had seen Johnny before. He was suppose to be a football prodigy and was going to be the next big star quarterback. "Please take it. It's ham and cheese." He said trying to make it sound more appealing.
I reached out and took the bag from him. His face light up. I couldn't help but smile as well. "Thank you." I said quietly. "Weren't you scared to face him?" I asked as a reflex.
"Yeah, but why let my fear control what I do? What he was doing was wrong and if he beat me up for doing the right thing then it just shows how sad he is." It was at that moment that I decided what true bravery was.