Yo, locker game is tight. Gotta duck to dodge the beams, huh? Like dodging tackles.
well actually its kinda impressive how much you're able to move in that small area considering your size
squats down low and wiggles through an imaginary locker Yeah, gotta be nimble like a running back, slip through them tight spaces, ya feel me?
yeah I do. so hows it going so far? not that you've been here very long
grinning It’s like hitting the gym for the first time, bro! The energy's pumpin', gotta get those gains, you know what I'm sayin'?
do you think that this new environment will cause any gains? he says chuckling lightly
pumps his biceps Gains? Oh, my man, this place is gonna explode with gains! I'm gonna lift every weigh scale in this joint!
alright well let me know if I can help or anything. oh hey check this out hands you a granola bar
Yo, thanks for the fuel-up, bro! takes a big bite of the granola bar Mmmm, tastes like victory!
looks at your handiwork in the locker room making sure all your weights are put away properly man its crazy how long you've been here considering the school year has barely started yet
stands up straight, flexing his muscles Time flies when you're making progress, bro! Gotta keep grinding, like pounding those iron plates.
hell yea man. let me give you some advice since your from the giants. just be yourself and don't try to conceal who you are. people might look in awe but most won't fear you for being the huge guy, they'll respect you if you remain calm
throws a determined glance Yo, I hear ya, Brown. I ain't gonna hide who I am, I'm a giant among ants!
exactly. only reason we are so divided in this world is because some want us to be enemies. no one should be anyone's enemy
grabs Brown's hand and shakes it firmly Preach it, bro! Ain't nobody gotta be nobody's enemy, we all just gotta chill and be cool, you dig?
nods, smiling softly exactly. everyone just wants to live their life, whether their a foot tall or ten feet tall. kudos on your decision and good luck with adjusting
<As Edward adjusts to life at the high school, he faces challenges from other students who are intimidated by his size and try to make him feel unwelcome.>
this news reaches you while you're in the lunchroom during second period
slams his hand on the table No way, they think they can mess with me? They got another thing coming! clenches his fists
I come over to where you're sitting hey Edward it's alright. I'm not surprised really, consider your size. just a couple things to remember. first, dont engage. no matter what, no matter why or what they are saying. no fighting. these words were made to be twisted around to fit any situation so pick your battles wisely. second, ignore it. same as first but mentally. there will be people with nothing better to do than throw insults. they themselves have nothing so they'd rather knock others down trying to elevate themselves. never stoop to their level, it makes you a lesser person. third and most importantly. be the bigger person. if they are wrong then address the problem and make them feel dumb, not you. fourth. there's always someone bigger. if all else fails take the higher road. I'm sure your father could vouch for you if need be
slams his hand on the table, eyes blazing Nah, nah, nah, Brown! I ain't takin' this shit, man!
Edward listen to me! what did I just say?
stands up abruptly, towering over Brown Look, I didn't come here to be bullied by a bunch of pint-sized punks! I'm gonna show 'em who's boss!
no listen to me. their trying to make you "the bad guy". theyre trying to make you fit into a stereotype. just listen to me, it wont end well for you if you do so
grabs Brown's shoulders tightly No, Brown! I can't just sit here and let them walk all over me! I won't be their punching bag!
calmly looking up at you with no aggression in my voice or expression they will only try harder if you take action. they'll use whatever excuse they can to make you out to be the evil guy
throws his hands up in frustration Damn it, Brown! I can't just let them get away with it! I won't stand for this shit! They need to know their place!
this doesn't seem to click in your head. your heated with anger
paces back and forth, mumbling to himself Ain't no way I'm lettin' these little shits walk all over me. Gotta show 'em who's the boss, gotta make a statement. Think, Edward, think... stops pacing and smirks I got it! I'll organize a basketball game, beat 'em at their own game. Basketball showdown, baby! They won't know what hit 'em!
see this is exactly what I said not to do. you're taking the bait! don't engage!
pauses, taking a deep breath to calm himself Damn it, Brown! I can't just sit around and take this shit! I gotta do something, I gotta make a stand! But... but maybe... maybe I won't engage directly. I'll show 'em what I'm made of without getting dirty.
See Edward I'm glad you came around to seeing it my way. unfortunately they won't. so yeah. about that basketball game. anything less than winning against them would make you look weaker which is exactly what they'll pounce on. we need to win this game no matter what.
No sweat, Brown! We're gonna wipe the floor with those punks! I'm gonna show 'em what a real athlete is made of!
good. I'm glad you finally realized that its best to rise above. now that you're on board let's get to work
puts his arm around Brown's shoulder No more games, Brown! It's time to unleash the beast within!
I clap you on the back no more games indeed. alright lets hit the gym and start running drills. you may be big but those legs need to be chiseled
<Edward puts in the hard work and leads his team to a victorious basketball game against their tormentors, proving his strength and determination>
I watch proudly as the game ends with our victory yea Edward! thats what I'm talking about!
Hell yeah, Brown! We did it! throws his arms up in triumph That game was a total slam dunk! They never stood a chance against my skills!
you definitely shut them up real quick
high-fives Brown You got it, bro! Those little trolls didn't know what hit 'em! My moves on the court were slicker than grease on a hot skillet!
gives you a fistbump we should go grab some lunch before the boosters and news of this spread around the school. and I need to tell you more about the school's culture since you've already stuck your neck out for us.
pumps his fist Yeah, let's chow down, bro! I'm starving after that epic win! And you better spill the beans on this school culture.
I lead you to a sub shop a few blocks down the street of course. first of all, you've already been talked about for the basketball game even though the rest of the school hasn't even seen it. unfortunately the bad rumors spread faster than the good ones but hey it leaves us room to make it so the good rumors eventually spread faster than the bad ones. now, the boosters are basically the biggest teenagers you'll ever see. they act tough and rough in front of the student body but inside, as long as your white or make them look good they'll back you up 110 percent. unfortunately for you they're not going to like that you beat the crap out of a bunch of their thugs. but thats okay. worst case senerio the principal will have a word with you. Edward?
rolls his eyes Screw those boosters, Brown! They think they run this place? Well, newsflash, they ain't got nothing on me!
just what I wanted to hear. now are you ready to grab lunch? what do you feel like getting? I'd personally reccomend the steak bomb. it has turkey, roast beef, ham, cheddar cheese, mayo, and morzarella cheese all served cold on a bed of au jus. it feeds two but I could easily eat it myself it's so good signals the cook to prepare two orders of the steak bomb
leans forward, excited Steak bomb? Damn, that sounds like a mouthful of pure awesomeness! Bring it on, bro! I'm starving after that killer game!
I like to take mine with a side of onion rings. you have any food requests?
Hell yeah, Brown! Give me those onion rings too! And make sure they're extra crispy, 'cause I like it like I like my basketball - hard and intense!