Chapter 10:

Beating a bully:

(Monday May 1st, 2017; 3:15pm)

This is the chapter where we're gonna see the fight taking place between Billy Nolan, boyfriend of Chris Hargensen, and our hero, Jack.

(Note: The fight scene in the original fanfic was just a little bit too long and, for my liking at least, just a tad too graphic. So, here's it's toned down quite a bit and will go a bit quicker. Short n' sweet, as I like to say!)

Another long school day was finally done, and the students were leaving Ewen High and heading off to socialise with friends before heading home. Some were heading off to the nearby coffee shops for some much-needed refreshment or over to the park for a stroll while the weather was still nice and sunny.

Jack and Carrie were on their way to their favourite nearby coffee shop, The Cup A' Joe, near to Ewen High with Norma and Freddy along with Sue, Tommy, Heather and Roy. They were all feeling a little tired after a long day and were eager to get some rest and refreshment before they headed off home for another evening.

"I really hope they'll have the cherry pie I like." Norma said.

"And if they don't have the cherry pie?" Freddy asked.

"Then a slice of something else will suffice." Norma said, with her usual peppy smile.

"Have you two ever been to this coffee shop before? The Cup A' Joe?" Jack said, as he looked towards Sue and Tommy.

"I've been there once…but that was early last year, just before it closed for a much extensive renovation project." Tommy said.

"I've never been there before, and I'd been hoping to go there last year but I never managed it. This'll be the first time I'll be going there." Sue said.

"I remember The Cup A' Joe, but it was much different last year. It was a little darker at that time, considering that it was an older shop and been there for some years. But I've heard it's a much brighter now." Heather said.

"Well, it is; the walls and interior are bright and there's large windows at the front to allow plenty of natural light in." Jack said.

They soon arrived and went into the coffee shop. After ordering what they wanted to order at the counter and paying for their purchases, they sat down at two tables against one of the walls and tucked into their food. They didn't have any cherry pie today, but Norma didn't mind that; she had a slice of apple pie instead, topped with whipped cream. And Jack and Carrie also had a slice of apple pie too, instead of having a slice of chocolate cake.

Over the past week, since they went shopping for their prom clothes at the mall, Sue and Tommy, along with Heather and Roy, had been slowly gaining Carrie's trust, as well as Jack's trust, and she was speaking to them a little bit more with every passing day. With other students having stopped bullying her and standing up to the Ultras, as well as having Jack there to support her when she needed it, Carrie's confidence had been building even more and she was acting more like a normal teen girl instead of the shy and awkward outcast that she'd been a few weeks before.

For Jack, he was really pleased to see how much more confident Carrie had become in the time he was here, and he felt himself becoming closer more and more to her as time went on. At the very same time, Carrie was starting to develop stronger feelings for Jack and would sometimes lay back on her bed in the evenings thinking about the time she had spent with him before she went to sleep. She knew that things had turned round for her; it had been something she hadn't seen coming only a few short months before.

Rita Desjardin was very pleased to see how much Carrie's confidence had improved within the last month, and she also noticed how much closer Jack and Carrie had become with each other in that time. Yet at the same time, she also had concerns deep within her that Chris Hargensen was going to do something to try get even with Jack for standing up to them in front of the school and humiliating her and her friends in the process.

However, what Rita didn't know about was that Jack had recently received more dirt dug up on the Ultras and Chris Hargensen via his triplet sisters from their mysterious friend. The latest information he received showed that Chris's lawyer father, John Hargensen, had been up to no good himself, by sweeping the records of his daughter and her thug of a boyfriend under the carpet whenever they did something wrong.

For Jack, this newly found information was pure gold, and a lot to thank his sisters and their friend for. It meant that if he ever leaked the dirt he had on Chris and the Ultras on the internet, it would show the father, as well as the daughter, had been involved in what was going on, covering up the bullying and any criminal activity while trying to make sure nothing nefarious happened at Ewen High.

At the same time however, Jack had started to trust Sue and Heather enough that he deleted the limited information he had on them during the weekend. In fact, the information he had on them wasn't that particularly interesting to begin with. Certainly not something to cause much embarrassment, if any.

"This place has changed quite a lot since last year." Tommy said, as he looked around before starting on his chocolate muffin.

"How different was it back then?" asked Jack, stirring some milk into his tea. There was a pause as Tommy swallowed some of his muffin before speaking again.

"The walls were covered with old wood panelling that had been painted in a dark shiny varnish. But, the problem was that the panelling was so old that it was starting to fall apart in more than a few places. The paint was also starting to peel off the walls and there were the beginnings of a slow growing hole in the ceiling above where we're sitting now; generally, the place was already well past it's best days by that point." Tommy said.

"Not only that…the elderly couple who owned this place were right on the verge of retiring and planning to close it down before they moved away." Heather said.

"Well…that's understandable I suppose." Jack said, as he nodded his head.

"The place closed about this time last year and, after selling it to a younger couple who had big plans as to what to do with the building, the elderly couple moved away. Last I heard…they were living in a comfortable retirement place down in Florida...somewhere very close to Jacksonville." Norma said.

"Work to renovate and modernise this place began not long after it was bought, and it continued throughout the winter and into the spring. It finally re-opened with much fanfare, not to mention a ribbon cutting ceremony with bright red ribbon, on March 7th. Less than two months ago." Roy said.

"And it's been a busy place ever since. Perhaps even busier than it was only a year before, and with so much more things on offer than before." Heather said, and almost everyone in the little group murmured in agreement before they carried on eating.

For a minute or two, they were all quiet with the only sounds being cars passing outside, the coffee machines in the café and other people in the café talking quietly, as well as music being played from speakers in one of the corners; the music was "New York, New York" being sung by Frank Sinatra. At one point, Carrie found herself moving her head slowly from side to side as she listened to the song. She couldn't help but admit it was a very catchy song, and the voice of Frank Sinatra went well with it too.

Then, just after she finished her slice of apple pie, Norma reached down into her school bag and took out a few advertising pamphlets.

"Jack, you mentioned that you like military history a few weeks ago when you first arrived here, right?" she said.

"Yes, I did…" Jack said, as he glanced over at Norma and noticed the pamphlets she had.

"Well, in just three weeks from now…on May 20th and 21st, there's going to be a military re-enactment show in the parking lot of the mall. They had a similar event there at around the same time last year." Norma said, as she handed the Jack the appropriate pamphlet.

Looking through it, Jack could see there was a wide range of events on offer for that weekend; including stalls with books, models and gifts, food stands and of course military re-enactments with people in authentic period clothing ranging from all periods of time throughout military history, from Roman Legions right away up to wars of the 20th Century, including the First and Second World Wars. Not only that, but there would also be quite a number of accurate military vehicles on display too, including a good number of World War II vehicles, which included some tanks.

"Now that looks like something I more than likely WILL go to." Jack said, a smile forming on his face as he looked through the pamphlet. "And it's perfect too, as my birthday's going to be on that weekend."

"On what date?" Carrie asked.

"On Saturday the twentieth." Jack said.

"And how old will you be on that day?" asked Sue.

"Nineteen years old." Jack said.

"Are you planning to do anything special that on day, besides going to the re-enactment show?" Tommy asked.

"I don't know…it still seems such a long way off. But…we'll see. Maybe we could go bowling at one of the bowling alleys at the mall or go for a meal afterwards." Jack said.

"Sounds like a plan." Heather said, as she took a sip of her Coca Cola.

(A bit later; 4:20pm)

Once they finished their food in the coffee shop, they left and went across the street to the park. Jack had never been to this park before, having only been to the one near his apartment and the one by the school. As they walked along the pathways, he was reminded very much of St Stephan's Green Park back in Dublin, as certain features of this particular park looked very similar to what he'd seen back home; the old stone bridge over the lake was very identical in construction and colour to O' Connell Bridge in St Stephan's Green, many of the trees were very similar and the open area in the middle of the park, where there was a large fountain, was near-identical in the way the paths were laid out and how open the grassy areas were as well as the playground off to one side.

Even at the main entrance to the park, there was a tall, impressive archway with old iron gates, painted black, fitted in it which was nearly identical to the Fusilier's Arch on the Grafton Street Entrance to St Stephan's Green Park close to Dublin city centre.

"You know, I can't help but feel I'm back in Dublin walking through this park. There's so many features that remind me of home." Jack said to Carrie, as he looked round.

"Really? Does it make you feel anyway homesick?" Carrie said.

"Yeah, a little. But I don't mind…after all, I'm not gonna be over here forever." Jack said.

"I'd love to go over to Ireland sometime in the future. It sounds like a really nice country to live in." Carrie said.

"It is. It's a really great country." Jack said.

After a little while, they reached a traditional bandstand near the middle of the park where some young kids were playing in and around it, as well as a nearby playground, when they noticed a familiar person in the distance walking towards them.

"Hang on…is that Ms Desjardin?" Norma said, leaning forward a little.

"Yeah, it is. What's she doing here?" Tommy said, as Ms Desjardin came closer and closer.

"Hey, you lot…what are you doing here?" Rita said, as she arrived by them.

"We've been to one of the coffee shops, and we're just walking round here before we go back home." Tommy said.

"Why are you here, Ms Desjardin?" Heather asked.

"I'm just having a walk here before I have to take Jack back to his apartment…and to relax for a little while after a long school day." Rita said.

"Well…I think we should all think about heading home right about now. It's already after half four." Roy said, as he looked at his watch.

"I think that's probably a good idea. Come on, let's go." Jack said, and they started off down the path towards the park's main gate.

After walking for about five minutes, they were nearing the school and were in conversation with each other when they suddenly heard an engine, a very loud one, coming down the street towards them. Then, as they came to a slightly anxious stop, they saw a red and black muscle car pull over and park at the side of the road near to them. A young man with short cut hair exited the car on the driver's side. He was wearing a weathered brown leather jacket, black trousers, and dark boots.

It was Billy Nolan, the boyfriend of Chris Hargensen and the local "tough guy" who had a reputation of doing whatever he wanted to do in town regardless of who he hurt. He was followed by two other boys who had just stepped out of the car, one with curly blonde hair and the other with dark brown hair. They were Jackie Talbot, the boyfriend of Tina Blake, and Kenny Garson respectively and they both attended Ewen High School.

"Freddy, do you still have your camera with you?" Jack said, as he turned his head to his left and looked at Freddy. Without wasting a second, Freddy reached into his bag and pulled out his camera, while looking at Jack and giving a nod.

"Good…better start recording this. I've got a feeling we may need the footage." Jack said, as he started off toward the trio.

"Jack, please don't do that. They could hurt you." Carrie pleaded desperately, as she tried to hold him back.

"Carrie, it's okay. I'll be fine. Remember what I said; I'm the wrestling champion of my school, so I know what to do to defend myself." Jack said, gently reassuring her. Freddy turned on his camera and brought it up and began recording, as Jack began walking towards the trio.

As Jack got closer, he noticed the three didn't appear to be armed with weapons but he was determined to stay alert so he could react to what way things might go in case they were armed. He stopped about a hundred feet from them and waited for them to make their move.

Billy stepped forwards first and examined him up and down before he spoke.

"So, you're Jack Sullivan? I heard about you and what you've been doing round here. I'm not too impressed. I was expecting to see someone a little bit taller." Billy said, with a slight sneer as the other two boys behind him laughed quietly.

However, Jack wasn't too amused by that. "Oh really? Height jokes are the best you can do? You've even less creativity than a YouTube comment. No surprise really, considering you're all brawn and no brain." he said. Billy clenched his fist a little at what he heard; clearly, he wasn't used to hearing such a laid-back attitude when he was around.

"All right, you punk! I want all the information you have on my, my girlfriend and her friends…and you're gonna give it to us…or else." he said, as he gestured to his friends standing behind him. Then he looked to the others standing beyond Jack, all of whom were watching nervously.

"And once we're finished with you, we're gonna have some fun with your friends back there." he sneered, as Carrie and the other girls started to tremble.

"Once we're finished with the three guys, we're gonna start on the girls. First, we'll start with the gym teacher since she was such a bitch to my girlfriend, and we'll see if her red hair is natural or not. And then, we'll take Chris's two former best friends…well I'm sure Chris will appreciate us for what we'll do to them. Then we'll take the senior class president there and afterward…for last…we'll have the pig, Carrie. Oh, she'll have our full attention…and we're gonna make sure she screams like the whore that she is. Now…give me the information you have…now!" Billy snarled. Jack simply stared at him with a look that could have sent him six feet under if looks could kill.

Jack hated people like Nolan, particularly if they gave threats to his friends; no-one would do something like that and get away with it. He was determined to protect his friends from such threats, whatever the cost.

"You're not getting what I have on Chris and you, Billy!" Jack said, as he prepared himself for the coming assault.

"Okay punk…you asked for it! Get him!" Billy shouted, as Jackie charged forwards, with his fist raised and crying out like a maniac. However, his charge was quickly stopped by Jack quickly lifting his leg up and slamming it into Jackie's chest, which sent him flying back several feet and making him land on the concrete pathway with a thud. Jackie, coughing and gasping for breath, put his hands on his chest and lay there in pain. Nothing serious, but he was in some pain and would be for some time.

Kenny hesitated after seeing his friend get taken down by Jack so easily, but then he charged forward too. Unfortunately, Jack was ready for him. He lifted his other leg and drove his heel into Kenny's side with a good sidekick. Kenny was thrown to the ground, landing on his left side, and slid for a few feet before stopping. He was in pain along his side, and groaned and took in slow deep breaths as the pain went through his side, but thankfully for him it was no worse than that.

Lowering his leg, Jack fixed his gaze upon Billy Nolan, the last of the three who was still standing. Billy was stunned by what he'd just seen, yet at the same time he was pissed. This kid before him, who'd come from another country had not only humiliated his girlfriend and many of her friends by exposing their secrets to those at school, thus ruining their reputations, but had also just knocked his two friends right to the ground with no effort at all after refusing to give into his demands. He hadn't expected this, and he would do everything he could to make him pay for this.

"Oh, you think that's the best you can do?! That's nothing!" Billy snarled, as he reached into his leather jacket and pulled out a knife. Jack eyed the blade warily, but he was determined to protect his friends at all costs.

Billy charged forwards, raising the blade above his head ready to start thrusting it, but Jack was ready for him; Jack thrust his hands out, grabbed Billy by the waist, thrust him into the air twirled him round a few times and then threw him back to his car, where he landed with a thud and skidded before hitting the front of his car.

After a moment, Billy slowly stood up, knife still in his hand and charged at Jack again, though slower this time as he was in some pain after that impact.

"You can't win, Billy! Save your dignity and accept your defeat!" Jack said, as he bounced on his heels and brought his fists up, ready for whatever was coming next.

"Fuck my dignity! I'm not giving in until I do what I came here to accomplish!" Billy shouted, and he charged forward, brandishing the knife in front of him. But again, Jack was ready; he dodged the blade, reached again and lifted up Billy before throwing him back against his car again. He lost his grip on the knife and it went spinning along the ground before it went under some bushes at the side of the pathway and out of sight.

"I think you realise you can't beat me, Nolan! DO I make myself clear?!" Jack said, looking down at the defeated boy before him. Nolan, in shock and pain, nodded.

"Good…now, you and your two friends…get in your car and out of here!" Jack said. So, and still in some pain, Billy, Jackie, and Kenny stood up, got back into Billy's car and drove away. Then Jack turned and walked back to the others, all of whom had amazed looks on their faces from what they'd just seen.

"Dude…how did you do that?! Taking on Billy Nolan and his friends single handed?!" Sue said, in excited astonishment.

"I got everything on film!" Freddy said excitedly, while holding up his camera.

"And coming out of it without a single scratch too!" Heather said, in complete astonishment.

"It was almost like some scene out of an action movie!" Norma said, as she patted Jack on the back.

"Oh, it was nothing. Nothing at all." Jack said, accepting their thanks and praise. Then, he felt a hand come down with a rather heavy fall on his right shoulder. He turned his saw and looked into the eyes of a somewhat irritated and annoyed Rita Desjardin.

"What on earth did you think you were doing? Taking on three guys, one of whom was armed, by yourself? What would've happened if something had gone wrong?" she said, raising one eyebrow and lowering the other.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, really I am…but I couldn't take the risk of those three hurting any of you. I don't know how much fighting experience any of you have, but by the time the police arrived here we all could've been beaten…or worse." Jack said. All the girls before him, including Rita, all shivered at the thought of what Billy had said of what he and his two friends would do to them, and were all grateful that Jack was able to stop them.

Jack then looked at his older sister figure in the eye. "Forgive me?"

"Yes, of course. Just don't do it again. I doubt if my heart could take it a second time." Rita said, as she pulled Jack into a hug. After releasing the hug, Jack turned his attention to Carrie. Her hands trembling, she threw her arms round him and gave him a real big hug. They held each other tightly for a moment before they pulled away.

"Don't worry, Carrie. I told you I'd be fine." he said, not noticing the smiles they were getting from the others.

"Thank you." Carrie said, as a smile formed on her lips.

"So, what now? Shall we go down to the police and report this? After all, we all saw what happened and Freddy got everything on his camera." Sue said.

"Yes, I think we should do that. I know where the police station is. Come on." Rita said, and they headed off down the street to where the police station was.

(a little later)

After finishing up at the police station, where each of them gave a statement of what they'd seen to officers and Freddy gave a copy of the film he'd taken to the police, Rita and Jack were in Rita's car and pulling out of the school's parking lot on their way to Jack's apartment.

"I think that was a brave thing you did, taking on those three." Rita said.

"Thanks, but when I get back to my apartment, I'm gonna release all the dirty laundry Chris and the others want to keep hidden. I told her if she sent anyone after me to get what I have on her and the other Ultras, I would release it onto the internet for people to see and make her regret it deeply. I'm sure she thought I was bluffing, but I'm gonna show her I never bluff." Jack said. Rita nodded, as a smile formed on her face.

"Do what you think is best, Jack. I'm sure that'll teach her for everything she and the others have done to people like Carrie." Rita said.

"I've already removed the little info I had about Sue and Heather. They've proved themselves that they were never gonna play tricks on Carrie or bully her or anyone else like her, so there's no need to release what I had on them." Jack said.

"I agree; they've proved themselves, so let's leave them off." agreed Rita.

After another two minutes, they arrived in the parking lot in front of the apartments. After Jack got out and grabbed his bag, he turned to speak to Rita.

"I'll see you tomorrow morning at the usual time, 7:30?" he said.

"Absolutely…and release Chris's dirty laundry. Let's see how they like being embarrassed for a change." Rita said, as Jack smiled.

"Will do. See you in the morning." and as Rita turned and drove out of the parking lot, Jack went into the building and took the elevator up to his apartment. As he stepped off the elevator at the sixth floor and walked to his apartment, a smile drew across his face.

"Well, Hargensen…I warned you, so…checkmate…I win." he said quietly, as he arrived at his apartment door. By the middle of this week, everyone in school would know exactly what kind of people Chris and her followers were.