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Hunter
The school banned me from catching the bus at the beginning of year eleven because I got into a fight with someone over something I can’t even remember. The ban was only a year, but now I’m so used to walking, I haven’t bothered with the bus since. It’s not that far. Forty minutes if I’m dragging my feet, which is most of the time. My home is not the kind you rush home to—especially today.
The principal called Dad to tell him that Mason’s parents are within their rights to press charges, and I can’t decide if that phone call will make him drink more or less this afternoon.
I move off the road and head down the slope towards the tall gums that shade the creek. My feet slow when I see Annie Wilson sitting atop her school bag at the creek’s edge, watching the water. I don’t know if she’s thinking or praying or what. All I do know is that we’ve seen enough of each other today. I’m guessing she got more than she bargained for when she showed up at that fight. Her horror was written all over her face.
I’m about to head back to the road when I hear a male voice say, ‘You drop your Bible in the water?’
I look to the creek and see Lee White and two of his dickhead mates on the other side.
Annie rises, picks up her bag, and walks away. That should be the end of it, but the trio start to follow her.
I’ve gotten into enough trouble today, so the best thing for me to do is leave—but I don’t. I’m curious to see how she’ll handle this, so I head back down the slope towards her.
J-dubs believe in turning the other cheek and all that shit, so Annie’s well-rehearsed at polite silences. I’ve watched her navigate these types of situations with an annoying amount of grace my whole life.
‘I heard you came to Trent’s house on the weekend,’ Lee calls to her. ‘With one of your little pamphlets.’
His friends smile at the ground.
‘His mum said you stepped in cow dung on your walk up the drive,’ Lee continues. ‘Their house smelled like shit for days.’
Annie glances in their direction but doesn’t say anything.
‘I heard his dad used the leaflet to wipe his arse,’ Lee keeps going when he doesn’t get a response.
I’m almost at the creek when I reply, ‘If he’s using junk mail to wipe his arse, that might explain the smell in the house.’
All eyes are on me now, all smiles gone.
Annie turns to face me, her expression guarded.
‘Let’s go,’ I tell her.
Her eyebrows come together. ‘Where?’
‘Home.’
She glances again in the direction of the others, then runs to catch up with me.
I look over my shoulder to make sure the others aren’t following and see their retreating backs. Turning back to Annie, I ask, ‘Why don’t you just tell them to piss off and be done with it?’
‘Easier to just ignore them.’ She watches the trail. ‘You should try it some time.’
I roll my eyes in her direction. ‘Must be so lonely up there all by yourself on that high horse.’
‘It’s not so bad.’
My lips twitch. ‘Should’ve let Lee walk you home.’
‘I’m honestly surprised you didn’t.’ She watches me a moment. ‘Did you get hurt today?’
I shake my head. ‘Was surprised to see you there.’
She dodges a puddle before falling into step with me once more. ‘I regret going. Hearing about these things is one thing. Seeing it in person is something else.’
I’d never admit it, but I was distracted by her being there. I’m not really sure why. ‘Well, I certainly didn’t invite you.’ I look down at her feet when I notice her limping slightly. ‘What’s wrong with your foot?’
