Chapter 3. The Cue

Mr. Walter became spellbound that he couldn’t say any word after listening to Jack’s conversation with Alicia. Alicia confronted Jack and in the process, Jack revealed he accused Lucas of stealing his mathematics booklet after Lucas said he didn’t do the assignment he forced him to do.

Mr. Walter’s face turned pale as he slowly lowered his head in shame. He feels bad for every word he has said to Lucas and the embarrassment he made him go through. At this time, Principal Myles asked Lucas and Alicia to go back to their class because the next class will begin in five minutes.

“My son isn’t going anywhere until the school authority apologized to him.” Detective White rose to his feet folding his arms. From the look on his face, one can easily tell he could just punch Mr. Walter in the face. He isn’t happy with how his son is accused. He has seen some falsely accused victims end up in jail for years before the truth comes out. If this happens to be a major case, his son would have ended up being one of the innocent victims in jail.

Mr. Walter turned and faces Lucas. He squeezes out words in a tiny little voice filled with sorrow. “I’m sorry.” His tone wasn’t bright. He is ashamed of himself for not listening to Lucas and going far to haul insult at him saying: ‘He is a disgrace to his father’s badge.’

“You disgraced him in public, you will tender an apology to him in public lest I will sue all of your asses!” Detective White is a man of justice. He is passionate about getting justice for people. His son won’t be left out, he too needs justice and the school must see to it or he sues them.

Cases of bully can’t be tolerated and if a bully has lied against the son of a cop, he wants to teach that bully a lesson but he can’t just go around punching a teenager even though that’s what he desires to do but as a cop and a good citizen of the United States, it’s against the law to do that. Detective White then cautioned the Principal to do his job in seeing to the end of bullying in his school.

Detective White left the school feeling unhappy after Mr. Walter apologized to Lucas in public. He isn’t happy that his son for the past three years since he was transferred to New Orleans as a Detective and his son enrolled in Orleans High School; has been bullied by Jack who often forces Lucas to do his homework for him. He isn’t happy that Lucas didn’t tell him and has been taken a beat down by the same Jack. The School authority of Orleans High School Promised to handle this and to make sure they suspend Jack.

***

[Two hours later]

Lucas was standing by the bus stop waiting for a bus to take him home when Jack approaches him with two of his friends. Lucas at first wanted to run but he decided to stay and see what he would do since he heard of Jack’s one-week suspension.

“Hey, you got me suspended!” Jack frowns at Lucas. He was cautioned by Mr. Walter to respect his age since he’s older than Lucas. Jack is 18 and uses his age against the people he bullies.

When Lucas saw him, he looked away acting as if he didn’t see him. He was patiently waiting for the bus since his dad will be working late and can’t pick him up from school. He started whistling and walking down to avoid eye contact with Jack.

Lucas’ action provoked Jack. Jack grabbed Lucas by the shoulder and pulled him back. He held Lucas against the bus stop sign. “You dare walk out on me whistling, huh?” Jack glared.

“Get your hands off me!” Lucas cried out as he struggled against Jack’s grip on him.

“Or what?”

“Hey buddy, Mr. Walter, is driving out,” said Philip, one of Jack’s buddies.

“Today is your lucky day!” Jack releases Lucas from his grip and lets him slump to the ground. “One more thing, stay away from Alicia,” said Jack as he spat on Lucas.

Before Mr. Walter could drive to Lucas’ spot, they were already gone. He saw Lucas dragging himself to his feet. Some students saw what happened but don’t want to get involved because Jack would come after them once his suspension is lifted in one week. They turned a blind eye to the incident as they avoided having eye contact with Lucas.

Mr. Walter came to a stop near Lucas. He slides down his windscreen. “What happened?” he asked in a soothing voice.

“Nothing sir, I’m fine!” Lucas picked up his backpack turning away from Mr. Walter.

“Let me drop you home!” Mr. Walter offers to help. He was trying to make up for the embarrassment he has caused in the morning. Deep down him, he knew no amount of apology could take it away.

Lucas refused but Mr. Walter’s persuasion was much on him that he reluctantly hoop into his car.

“I know you are not comfortable riding with me but that’s the least I could do.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” Lucas spoke with a tiny fading voice without even looking at his Geography teacher.

***

[Ten minutes later]

It was a ten minutes’ drive as Mr. Walter pulled over in front of Lucas’ apartment. Before Lucas walked out of the car, Mr. Walter apologized to him again and promised him he will make sure Jack never bothers him again when his suspension is lifted.

“I will appreciate it if you do that,” Lucas replied as he stepped out of the car. Slowly he shuts the door and walks straight to the front door of his house without looking back. As he was about to step on the porch he saw a white envelope lying on the floor. He picked it up wondering why a letter would be delivered to them in such a way without using the mailbox.

He narrowed his eyes trying to figure out who the letter is meant for. There’s no address on the white envelope but his name: ‘Lucas White’ was boldly written on the white envelope. With curiosity, he couldn’t waste any time; he tore open the white envelope to reveal the content. Out of the white envelope fell a plain sheet. He flips the sheet open to reveal bold written five words: ‘YOU ARE THE NEXT ALPHA.’