JSM - Edition Four

R epercussions continued

“Of course you would be intimidated by Axel. He’s big, tall and strong. He could do some serious damage, not just physically, but emotionally too” said Toothless. “Why is Axel doing this to me?” I say. “You mean us,” Toothless replies. “Ok Toothless, us” I replied. “Well I think a common reason that you’re being bullied is because Axel lacks attention from his parents at home and lashes out for attention. Very often, parents are bullies. They are angry and they don’t handle conflicts well. Kids usually bully because they learn this behaviour at home. Hopefully Axel’s behaviour is learnt and can be unlearnt” Toothless explains. RING RING! I pick up my phone. Mum text texts me saying, “Please come home for dinner Sweetie”. A typical text from Mum. I show the text to Toothless and say, “I have to bolt but thank you so much,” as I rush out the door. The next day, I wake up still feeling a pain in my back and head. I get up slowly, brush my teeth, pack my bag and am out the door without saying goodbye to Mum. I hop on the bus, I notice that Toothless is sitting towards the back waiting for me. As I begin to walk towards him I notice Axel sitting towards the front of the bus. Lucky me. I ignore him and walk straight past. Ooff! Axel tripped me over. Pretty typical coming from him. I get to my feet and ignore his behaviour. I walk straight to the back without any further harassment from Axel. “Hey Toothless” I say. “Oh hey Jonathon, you wanna sit next to me?” Toothless replies. “Why not”, I respond. I sit down next to Toothless and the bus begins its trip to school. When we arrive at school, Axel gets off the bus and of course is waiting for me. “Terrific” I think to myself sarcastically. I rush off the bus, trying my hardest to avoid Axel and reach the safety of supervision. I successfully avoid Axel and make it to class safely. “Wait, what? Who’s that?” I think to myself with a puzzled look on my face. “I’ve never seen Leigh in my class before”. I go to sit down next to him, luckily Axel isn’t in my class. “Hey Leigh,” I say nervously. “Oh, hi Johnathon” Leigh says contently. Leigh knows my name! That’s pretty cool. “Hey Johnathon, I’ve noticed that kid Axel bullying you and I just want to say, I want to help you. He does to many other children, but I believe he gives it to you the most and I want to make it stop,” Leigh said. “Wow Leigh, I’d really appreciate the help and that’s super cool of you to do that” I reply.

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JSM Edition Four

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