Page 50

Metal crunches as I slam against the asphalt.

“Xander!” I scream, tears staining my cheeks.

All four of my older brothers come running at the sound of my cries.

My palms and knees hurt so much, and little pieces of the road cover the bleeding scrapes.

“What happened?”

“Are you okay?”

“Who did this?”

“What the hell?”

They scan the neighborhood, stopping to glare at the kids sitting on their bikes across the street. Not one of them attempted to help me.

“Bobby pushed m-me off my bike,” I stammer. “A-and I cut my hands and knees on the ground.”

Bobby Phillips is in Colson’s grade, and for some reason, he likes to bully me around. He calls me names, says mean things about my mom, and laughs about me not having a dad.

He’s never done anything to physically hurt me, but I guess that changed today.

Tommy helps me to my feet, and a whimper falls from my trembling lips. Tears continue to roll down my face as he works to dust off my skinned knees and cut up hands.

“I’m going to beat him up,” Colson says through clenched teeth. “I’m sick of him messing with our sister.”

Ronny nods in agreement.

Xander crouches, meeting my eyes. “You okay, kid?”

Even though he’s just 16, Xander has always called me “kid”. He’s also been more of a parental figure to me than our mom.

He opens his arms at the sight of my quivering chin. Throwing myself into his embrace, I burst into tears.

Pulling back, I sniffle and swipe the wetness from my eyes.

“Hey, Bobby!” Colson yells, strutting toward where Bobby sits on his bike.

“What do you want, Colson?” Bobby crosses his arms. I squeeze my fists when a stupid smug smile spreads over his face.

Freaking Jerk face.

Colson’s arm draws back, then he slams his fist into Bobby’s face. I cringe when blood all but waterfalls down his face.

Satisfaction warms my heart when he starts to cry and takes off on his bike, while screaming for his mom.

That’s what you get.

“Remember what happens the next time you decide to mess with my sister!” Colson laughs.

“Fuck around and find out, Bobby!” Ronny shouts.

The rest of the neighborhood kids scatter like mice.

Tommy shakes his head with a smirk.

My brothers huddle around me after Colson and Ronny come back.

“Now everyone will know what happens when you mess with family,” Ronny states.

“Damn right,” Xander agrees.