Chapter  One

“You’re ing kidding.” Zico retorted as he stared in disbelief at his mom. “No hun, I’m not. All of our neighbors are wondering why my nineteen year old son is not in school, stays out late and don’t have any friends. You know why I wanted to move here. I’m not letting what happened in our last town repeat itself. I will protect my Zi Zi.” She placed her hand gently on his cheek. Zico walked away from his mom in large angry steps. Before he reached the kitchen door his mom was already there, blocking his way. Zico thought he was fast but his mom was faster. “Go sit down. Now.” She hissed at him. He groaned but he did as he was told. He might have a bad mouth sometimes but he is respectful to his mom. “You want me to go to school, in broad day light, with other kids that I could care less about. Always having the teachers breathing down my neck for homework? No thanks. “ He turned his head away from his mom and crossed his arms. “Sweety.” She sat down across from him. “I know this is not what is bothering you. You have clothes that can help you and even a ring just incase something happens like last time.  I definitely know this don’t have anything to do with nagging teachers. Now tell me what is really bothering you.”

Sighing he turned his head back to look his mom in the eyes. You know what happened last time. You sent me to a rich school with snotty brats who think they are better than everyone else. When they see a chance they stomp on anyone who gets in their way without batting an eyelash. Since I was given permission, you know I always wear a black hoodie, gloves and shades. They called me all kinds of names. They were upset that I didn’t have to wear uniform and for that, they hated me. Saying I think I’m all that. The girls said I wore all that stuff because I was ugly and I was beaten to a pulp. They spread all kinds of rumors all around school. You know my temper. I finally had enough. I waited after school for them. Just to talk. You always told me to always try and talk things out ever since I was young. When I spoke about what was on my mind, the next thing I knew was that a fist came flying and hit me square in the nose.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I lost it and that was when everything went bad. You know I am fast and can sense when someone is very close to me. I was dodging and hitting. Hitting and dodging. I messed up and let my guard down when I focused on the leader. A guy came out of nowhere and grabbed me. My hood and shades fell off. Screaming I ran to the biggest tree that had the most shade. They were shocked seeing how fast I got there but they started to come closer. Scared of being pulled out the shade…I ended up seething and baring and they saw them. They backed up saying “Yo, what the hell are you man?” and the next day they shunned me from everything. Running when they see o