Standing Up to the Bullies

Standing Up to the Bullies

Marcus got up from his desk and slowly peeked outside toward the playground. Kids were swinging, laughing, and having fun. He wanted to join them.

Last week, the mean kids caused a lot of problems for Marcus and his friends. They stole their kickball, tied their jump ropes together, and pushed Ned off the swing.

Marcus's teacher, Ms. Black, came up behind him. " Don't you want to go out?" she asked. Marcus hesitated, then shrugged. She opened the door with one hand and gently guided him outside with the other.

Ned and Malik were already on the swing set. Out of the corner of his eye, Marcus noticed the mean kids moving toward them. The biggest one, Hitch, was laughing.

Marcus wasn't on the swings for five minutes when he saw the shadow of someone standing behind him. He turned around to see Hitch standing with his arms crossed.