So, welcome back! So far so good with my plan to update every day, its only 1:30pm right now so depending on how planning the next chapter goes, hopefully I'll be able to get another one up. Also, thank you for the support so far! This chapter focuses mainly on Carlos, but I hope you enjoy it either way, each boy plays a very important part. There are also a few OCs, but they will never be important characters, so don't worry. Also, thank you for EmilyHenderson99 for the information via PM about the American schooling system, being English; it's very confusing for me. Enjoy!
November was a chilly month in Minnesota. Winter slowly beginning to peer around the edges of Autumn(1), trees and plants slowly dying and losing their coat of leaves in the current season. For a group of young boys, all only 12 years of age, excitement filled their hearts.
For them, Winter meant being able to skate of frozen ponds, the upcoming Christmas or Hanukkah, spending time with the ones who meant the most in their lives. Winter truly was a magical time of year for them.
They had been in Junior High for a few months now, in 7th grade. They had all moved up together, joining the same school. Thankfully, the boy's parents hadn't wanted to separate them after 6 years of close friendship. For that, they were grateful, not having to tackle and new school with new people alone.
Logan, Carlos, Kendall and James sat together on a table in science class. Logan, as always, was buried nose deep in his work; his biro pen scribbling furiously as he took notes over what the teacher was describing, something about the habitat of a beaver or something silly like that. James just listened. Contrary to popular belief, James wasn't dumb. He took pride in his work; he didn't want to fail science, although he wasn't as into it as his smaller friend Logan was. Kendall however, daydreamed happily, knowing the blonde, probably thoughts of brand new hockey skates being run over the ice for the first time dancing around his mind.
Carlos however, seemed distracted. Not in a happy daydreaming way such as Kendall or in a completely oblivious to the outside world way like Logan. No, Carlos was deep in thought. His dark brown eyes wandered the room aimlessly, the usual hyperactive spark completely missing. He had been like this all day, contributing less and less to the banter and playful conversations between the friends. James had noticed, and to say he was worried would be an understatement.
The bell went, signalling the end of the lesson and the beginning of their lunch break. James quickly shoved his books into his bag and bolted out of his seat, bouncing impatiently on the balls of his feet as he waited for the others to join him. Kendall soon joined him, only seconds later, and then Logan was prepared also. However, Carlos was still deep in thought, staring blankly. He hadn't even moved to put his books away.
"Carlos? What's bothering you today?" James asked, worry evident deep in his voice. "You're so distracted."
Carlos flinched harshly as the words hit him, snapping the brunette out of his dazed mindset. He broke out into a natural looking grin. Well, natural for anyone who hadn't known Carlos for over 6 years. Logan, Kendall and James could all tell the wide smile was forced.
"I'm fine, guys! I just didn't sleep too well last night." The grin settled down into a small smile, meant to be reassuring. Carlos's eyes shone with emotional hurt. "Shall we go get lunch?" The Latino bounded out of room with over exaggerated energy. Sighing, his three best friends followed.
The cafeteria was packed, but Carlos chose a completely empty table away from everyone they'd met in the previous few months there. The boys thought it was strange, but didn't question it before sitting down with him.
"Ken," James started, "Come with me a sec? I need to talk to you." The said blonde nodded and smiled standing and following James away. Logan and Carlos looked at each other before shrugging in unison and digging into their food.
Finding an empty and quiet hallway, James sighed a little, rubbing his hand through his perfect hair. "Carlos is hiding something." He stated, defeated. It wasn't a question, it was a fact. Kendall nodded a little in agreement.
"I know," He replied slowly, each word careful. "Maybe he is just tired. I think we should give him until tomorrow."
James raised an eyebrow at Kendall, disbelief in his eyes that Kendall would even think about letting Carlos suffer more than necessary if something was wrong. The blonde rolled his eyes at his friend.
"You really think Carlos will spill anything if we crowd and bug him about it? Think about tactics here. Carlos is a lot like Logan, he'll tell when he's ready, but if you baby him, he'll just draw it into himself for longer."
James stopped, lulling this idea over in his mind for a few seconds, before nodding gently. "That's true." He agreed quietly. "But what if he's still bad tomorrow? It hurts us all if one of us is upset."
This was when Kendall adopted a slightly dark smirk. "If Carlitos hasn't told us by tomorrow, then we send in Logan. If anyone can make him speak, it's our little genius."
-
The next day, Carlos was even worse. His eyes were heavy and circled in red, slightly swollen from tears. Huge dark bags were present under the chocolate orbs. It was the period before lunch now, and Carlos had yet to say a single word to the group of friends.
Logan's heart pounded worriedly in his chest as he watched his usually happy friend sink lower and lower into a slight depression. It physically hurt him to see Carlos in that state and not knowing why. He wondered idly if everything was alright at home, maybe Carlos had a fight with his parents, or his sister? Being so family orientated, he knew either one of those would deeply hurt Carlos, especially if they had stopped talking in response to the argument.
But, somehow, Logan knew it wasn't anything to do with Carlos's family, not directly at least. So, when Kendall and James approached him at the bell for lunch, Logan didn't even need to think before agreeing to talk to the boy.
It was easy to get him alone, as Carlos had once again walked over to a completely secluded spot of the cafeteria. Kendall and James took longer than usual, on purpose of course, in getting their lunch so Logan had a chance.
"Carlitos," He began gently, looking deep into the pained brown eyes with his own. "Please tell me what's wrong; we're all worried about you."
The sincerity in Logan's voice completely broke Carlos, as it did anyone when Logan was worried. Tears began to slip down his face, slowly at first, but they soon picked up the pace. Carlos's tan face crumpled painfully into an expression of pain and anguish as he began to sob uncontrollably.
Unable to process thoughts as quickly as Carlos had broken down, all Logan could think to do was hold Carlos tight to him, rubbing his back gently in small circles of reassurance. Carlos clutched desperately at his best friend's shirt, needing to grip onto something, anything to keep him rooted and stop him from losing it completely. Logan could see James and Kendall watching worriedly from the separate table they had occupied to give them space, but Logan just smiled a little bit at them.
He knew it was all part of the process.
After what felt like decades, Carlos's sobbing slowed into small hiccups, and he slowly detached himself from Logan's tear soaked shirt.
"S-sorry," Carlos stuttered, wiping across his eyes with the side of his hand.
All Logan could do was smile. "Don't be, you needed it. Now, what's been happening? Please, Carlitos?"
Nodding a little, Carlos sniffed again, and then words began spewing from his mouth before he even knew what he was saying. "The boys in 8th, there's three friends called Nxeo, Edward and Faize. They...They're best friends, like us, known each other for over half their lives. They...don't like me very much..."
Logan looked confused, who couldn't like the adorable boy in front of him? He was just so open and friendly. However, Logan stayed quiet and let Carlos continue.
"They keep cornering me after school in the corridor. They say I need to go back to where I come from. They said I'm Mexican scum, that I don't belong here. But I don't understand here is where I come from, isn't it? I've lived in Minnesota my whole life! They say I'm not wanted here; no-one will ever want a dirty Hispanic. That isn't true, right Logie? You guys love me, right?"
Logan couldn't believe it; the boys in the grade above had been throwing racist slurs at Carlos! He could almost feel the blood boil in his veins. In Logan's mind, no-one deserved to be treated differently, whether it is for race, looks, interests, anything. Carlos, the hyper, happy, friendly Carlos, did not deserve any of it.
"Of course we love you, Carlitos! Who couldn't?"
Carlos just looked away, shame all over his face. "Those boys... I told Papa about them but he told me to ignore it and report it to a teacher, but they said that if I tell anyone, they'd hurt me more. What do I do Logie? I'm scared." The hurt in Carlos's voice broke his heart.
"Let me, Kendall and James sort it. We won't let you get hurt anymore, alright?" Logan dug around in his trouser pocket before pulling out a few coins. "Here, go get yourself a cake alright?" He smiled at his friend. "The sugar rush will make you feel better." Logan couldn't help but let his smile grow when Carlos's eyes lit up at the sound of sugar and he rushed over to get the said item of food.
Making sure Carlos was fine and it wasn't just an act, Logan made his way back over to where Kendall and James impatiently waited. Logan didn't wait for them to ask.
"Three boys in 8th grade, Faize, Nxeo and Edward I think he said their names were. They've been calling Carlos racist names, they said he isn't wanted here and no-one will love him. They've threatened him too. Guys, Carlos is terrified."
The two were fuming with anger; Kendall's normal bright green eyes had dulled several shades darker in their rage, his fist tight by his side in instinct to hurt whoever had hurt Carlos. James, although his posture was calm, it was obvious he was ready to pound the three older boys into the ground.
"We gotta tell the teacher. It's the only way without us all getting in trouble as well." Sighing a little, Kendall and James agreed, although they weren't happy. Carlos came over to the three, eyes bright and happy now that he'd gotten that load off his chest, jaw moving quickly with his mouth full of chocolate cake.
Kendall glared at Logan playfully. "I understand that he was upset, but did you have to give him sugar?" Logan merely grinned.
Then, James and Kendall turned serious. "Carlos," The blonde started. "How long has this been going on?"
Carlos rubbed the back of his head nervously, swallowing the mouthful of chocolate sponge in his mouth. "Two weeks, maybe three..." He sounded embarrassed, as if he thought they'd laugh at him getting so upset.
The three friend's eyes widened. "That long?" They cried out in unison. Kendall, taking his leader role, gently took both of Carlos's wrists, looking down on him in deadly seriousness.
"Carlos, you should have told us. Keeping it to yourself isn't good for you at all." He scolded gently, he didn't want to upset the boy more, but he needed Carlos to know.
The Latino's eyes filled with tears again. "I know..." Before any of his friends could do anything, Carlos had once again begun sobbing. Crying out angrily and painfully in his native Spanish tongue. Logan sighed lightly and forced Carlos to sit down.
"James, Kendall. Go talk to the teacher please? I'll calm Carlos down."
Nodding lightly¸ James and Kendall left the crowded cafeteria. It was a wonder how Carlos hadn't draw attention to himself yet.
The walk up to the Principal's office was silent. Neither Kendall nor James had enough calm in them to have a civil conversation without blowing up over Carlos. Bullying was one thing, but pure racism was another. They knocked on the door, waiting a few seconds before a small woman answered. She was only an inch or two taller than the 12 year old boys, she must have been in her late 50's or early 60's by the texture of her skin and hair.
"Yes boys?" Her calm voice asked. However, they noticed the tone of accusation behind it. Even in the few months they'd been there, Kendall and his group of friends had definitely made a name for themselves as a group of troublemakers.
"We're here to report a case of racial bullying." James's calm voice rang out. Instantly, the Principal's expression changed, and let them in instantly.
"Tell me what's happened." She ordered.
-
Carlos is happy, practically his normal self throughout the rest of the day. His swollen eyes are hardly noticeable behind his real grin and normal, bouncing feet. Logan can't help but feel proud of what he and his friends accomplished so quickly.
"Logie Logie Logie Loge! Logannn! Logiebear! Hey answer me!" Snapping from his daze, Logan looked up into the face of a hyper Carlos, who had just been screaming every variation of his name he knew. "Finally!" He exclaimed, grabbing onto Logan's arm. "It's time to go home!"
Smiling a little at his friend, Logan began to pack his stuff away. It tended to be so easy for Carlos to forget that Logan hated the foster home in which he currently lived. Kendall and James joined him in packing their stuff away, while Carlos went to the other end of the classroom to the water fountain with an empty bottle.
Two tall boys approached Carlos at the fountain, one of the pair had strawberry blonde hair, slightly long in length so it hung just over his eyes. The other, about an inch or so shorter was platinum blonde, his eyes set in a horrible glare.
"You told on us." The first stated unhappily.
"N-nxeo," Carlos tried to defend himself against the taller boy, but, before he knew it, both Nxeo and Edward were whispering racist slurs once more. Each one harsher than the one previous.
Not knowing how else to handle the negative situation, Carlos once again burst into tears for the third time that day. The cry of pure anguish that escaped Carlos's lips quickly attracted the attention of the rest of the class, including Kendall, Logan and James.
The three boys were quick to Carlos's rescue, each one placing themselves between the two bullies and their hysterical friend. Logan knelt beside Carlos's shaking frame, gently soothing him once more.
Before Kendall could stop himself, his fist was planted deep with Nxeo's stomach with force. James, following his leader's actions, swung his foot into Edward's knees. Soon, the four boys were in a full out fist fight.
The teacher soon arrived, taking in the situation and separating the fight with Logan and the now calm Carlos's help. Kendall and James were sent straight to the Principal's office along with the two bullies.
Some would say Kendall and James got off lightly. The two gained a week of detention from Mrs Smith, the Principal, as well as two weeks of grounding from their parents. Nxeo and Edward were suspended from the school for a month.
From that day forward, a permanent rivalry was formed between Kendall, James, Logan and Carlos and the world known as bullies. Not one of them would stand one of their own getting hurt, and no matter the consequence, they would stand up against bullying one way or another.
Logan tried to convince Kendall and James that violence wasn't the answer, and although they listened and agreed at the time, Logan knew that if it called for it again, Kendall and James wouldn't hesitate to defend their friends with their fists.
But that was just how he loved them.
Thanks for reading! (1) I hope you don't mind that I call "Fall" Autumn. Again, being from England, it's what we call it.