My hands ball into fists at my sides as I get the urge to slap the stupid out of them both.
“Leave her alone,” Gunnar warns, his eyes darkening with anger.
Kevin’s attention shifts to Gunnar. “Or what?”
“Or we’ll punch your lights out,” I tell him, feeling a surge of bravery.
Kevin and Benjamin burst into a fit of laughter.
“I’d like to see you try, twerp.”
Gunnar steps in front of me, shielding me from view. “She won’t need to try because I’m going to kick both of your asses and send you home crying to your mommies.”
I snicker behind him, remembering how we laughed about this very thing just a few months ago.
Kevin’s eyes narrow. “At least I have a mom, orphan.”
I gasp, furious by the retort.
That’s it!
Before Gunnar even has the chance to react, I charge forward and shove Kevin with all my strength.
He stumbles over a rock behind him, landing flat on his back.
“Hey!” Benjamin grabs me from behind, locking my arms.
“Let her go!” Gunnar orders, already on the run. Unfortunately, he doesn’t make it in time before I’m thrown to the ground.
I slide across the gravel, crying out as the tiny rocks scrape up my bare knees.
It sends Gunnar into a rage. “You’re dead now, Wilks,” he growls, the harsh sound echoing off the lake.
Benjamin braces himself for impact, but he is no match for Gunnar.
Gunnar lands a punch to Benjamin’s gut that sends him to his knees, gasping for breath.
Kevin scrambles back to his feet and charges for Gunnar. The two grapple and exchange blows, with Gunnar once again getting the upper hand.
“Get him, Gunnar!” I cheer, knowing Kevin deserves every bit of this.
Benjamin eventually collects himself and runs to help Kevin, making it two against one.
“Oh, no you don’t.” Ignoring the pain in my knees, I push off the ground and grab the back of Benjamin’s shirt, swinging him off Gunnar.
It sends us both tripping over the other and landing on the ground again.
Gunnar finishes off Kevin then turns around and kicks Benjamin in the ass as he tries to get back up.
The two of them finally realize they are no match for Gunnar and race back up the rocky hill they came down.
“That’s right, you better run,” I yell from my place on the ground. “And don’t even think about coming back!”
Once they disappear from view, Gunnar rushes over to me, concern etched on his face. “You all right, Elle?” he asks, dropping down beside me.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I assure him, brushing off my scraped knees. “How about you? I saw he got a few punches in.”
“Are you kidding? He hits like a girl,” he scoffs, before catching himself and adding, “Uh, no offense.”
I wave away his concern, knowing what he meant. Besides, we both know I’m not a typical girl.
“I’m sorry what he said about your mom,” I add softly, feeling hurt on his behalf.
He shrugs as if it isn’t a big deal, but we both know it is. Kevin knew exactly where to hit.
A mischievous grin settles over his face. “I have to admit, that was one hell of a shove you gave him.”
My shoulders straighten in pride. “It was, wasn’t it?”
He nods, his grin fading. “I appreciate it, but next time, let me handle it on my own, okay? I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“No way,” I reject firmly. “We’re a team, remember? If someone messes with you then they mess with me too.”
His half grin turns into my favorite smile. The one that makes my heart pitter-patter in my chest.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asks again.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” I promise.
“Good.” Standing, he offers me his hand.
I accept it with a grateful smile and allow him to pull me to my feet.
“Let’s pack up and go tell Paw and Ryland about your big catch,” he says, flashing me another grin.
The reminder fills me with renewed excitement.
We gather up our belongings quickly then head to the gas station across the street for a slush before running home to tell Paw and Ryland the big news.
That day marked several firsts for me: my first catch, the first time I stood my ground, and the first time I helped take down a bully with my best friend.
It was also the last day Kevin Parks ever dared to bother either of us again.
Gunnar
Present Day
