Page 127 of Chasing Sarah

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.

The sound of boots comes from behind me, but I don’t remove my eyes from Eddie’s. He will die today, and I don’t want to miss a single second of it.

A pained whimper falls from his lips. His breaths are rapid and shallow, a thin sheen of sweat lines his forehead, and the blood has drained from his face. Everything about what he is experiencing makes me feel unbelievable joy.

Rising to my feet, an idea forms in my head and I spin around.

Declan and Liam stand side by side with their arms crossed over their chests.

“Either of you have a lighter?” I ask. They watch with acombination of apprehension and pride in their eyes.

Declan wordlessly slips one from his pocket and hands it to me.

“You know… It’s going to be bittersweet taking your life the same way you took my brothers’- the same way you planned to take mine,” I chuckle darkly.

I turn to face the piece of shit dying on the ground. With a flick, the orange flame sparks to life. Horror fills his eyes, and he tries to shift away.

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