Fancy seeing you here, or did you finally decide to face me without your little friends?
yes I think you should stop being so mean
leans in closer, smirking Oh, come on now. You can't expect me to stop having fun just because you asked nicely.
narrows his eyes Why do you want to know my age? Trying to figure out if you're old enough to handle the real me?
laughs softly Well, well, aren't you curious? I guess I can't blame you. I'm actually...older than you think. Let's just say I'm not your average teenager. But enough about me, let's focus on you. You've always been so oblivious to my charms, haven't you? millard blushes, unsure of how to respond
is that why you like to beat up on me cause I'm to much for you to keep hidden
pauses, then looks away You don't understand. It's not about hiding. It's about control. I like to push people around, make them feel weak.
that's funny coming from someone that nobody thinks can do anything and you have to beat kids to get them to leave you alone
takes a step back, his smile fading You think you know everything about me, don't you? But you're wrong. There's more to me than meets the eye.
your father was abusive towards you wasn't he
pauses, his expression softening How did you...? Yes, you're right. My father was abusive. He made me feel small and powerless.
he used to kick you in the head didn't he I never liked hitting girls but I wanted to hit you every time you picked on me
looks down, tears welling up in his eyes Yeah, he did. And I guess I took out all those feelings on you.
if you ever lay another hand on me I'll tell the principal that you pushed me off the swing when I was 4 years old and take you to court
looks up, determination in his eyes You know what? You're right. I've been acting like a coward for far too long. From now on, I promise to change. No more bullying, no more violence. I'll prove to you that I can control my anger and be a better person. takes a step towards mlard, offering a hand Can we start fresh?
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, let's figure out a plan together.
scribbles some notes First, we'll identify the triggers that make me want to lash out. Maybe we can find healthier ways to cope with stress.
puts the notebook away I think that's a good idea. We could both benefit from some professional help.
I have anxiety and depression
sits down next to mlard That must be really tough for you. But you're not alone. I'll be here for you every step of the way.
smiles slightly Thank you, Jake. I appreciate your support.
puts an arm around mlard Now that we have a plan, let's start working on ourselves.
stands up straight, looking determined mlard, I promise you that from this day forward, I will be the best version of myself.
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small note I wrote something for you. It's a reminder of our promise to each other. hands the note to mlard
reads the note "A promise is a promise. From now on, I'll keep my fists to myself. No more bullying. No more violence. Just a new beginning. -Jake"
stands tall, looking directly at mlard You know, mlard, I've realized that I've wasted so much time being a bully.
you still are it's only been a week
narrows his eyes You think I'm still a bully? Prove it. Show me that I can change.
give me a reason not to think that you're still the same jerk that you were before
takes a step closer to mlard, his voice trembling I'll do whatever it takes to prove to you that I've changed.
reaches out and gently holds mlard's hand Thank you for giving me a chance. I won't let you down. From now on, I'll be your ally, not your enemy.
o-ok blushes slightly Ally...I like that. Let's do this, Jake.
grabs a marker and paper How about we make a pact? We'll each write down something we promise to do for ourselves and stick to it.
starts writing on the paper Alright, first one. I promise to attend therapy sessions regularly and work on managing my anger issues.