A cloud of dread hung over Zachary's head for the rest of the school day. He was constantly glancing over his shoulder expecting an ambush at any moment. He'd not met CJ or his gang but he had learned from Carl that most of them were seniors and all of them were bigger and stronger than Big Jim. Zachary hadn't seen anyone like that, and even though he was confident in his combat skills, Big Jim was already...well...big. If he was up against multiple guys all bigger than him...he didn't think he'd have a chance.

Seventh hour was his math class and since he hadn't taken the placement test, he had to take a study hall in the library. Tomorrow he could take the test but the counselor had another student to test today. Zachary pushed open a door leading outside. and glanced around.

"Okay...green grass, concrete path, big library building, few benches, no big guys. Should be fine..." Taking a deep breath and relaxing a little, he took a single step forward.

And then was flying to the side, backwards. Someone had grabbed his backpack from around the corner and yanked him so hard the breath was knocked out of his lungs. He crashed to the ground and rolled over in the grass. Still not quite sure what was happening, he leapt up and was ready for anything. But then his confidence fell.

Seven guys including Big Jim were circled around him. Next to them, Big Jim actually looked small.

"Yeah, that's him alright. Hello, Lunchbox."

"Look, I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I don't want any trouble, I swear."

"Should've thought about that befo-" Jim was cut off by the tallest and strongest guy. At least six foot, he leaned against the wall calmly and his shades hid his eyes, leaving a stone cold expression on his face. Obviously this was CJ.

"Quiet, Jim. What's your name, kid?"

"Zachary."

"Zachary...?"

"Zachary Scott."

"Well, I'll tell you what, Scott. You seem like a kid who knows how to follow rules. I'll give 'em to ya straight. Rule one: No messin' with my gang here. Even Big Jim. Rule two: we own this place. We're in charge. Rule three: you mess up one of my guys, I mess you up. We clear, Scott?"

Zachary didn't know what he expected CJ to say, but that wasn't it. Apparently this was bigger than he first thought. But he was trapped and didn't really get a choice of what to say. So he agreed.

"Crystal clear."

CJ raised his hand and snapped once. "Now, I have to let you off with a warning. I don't go easy on people usually, but this is out of the kindness of my heart since it's your first day. Cool?"

"Wait, what?"

The two guys on either side of Zachary grabbed his arms and lifted him up off the ground while someone behind him bent his legs back and held them secure. It all happened so quickly that Zachary couldn't dodge it and was instantly unable to move an inch, held fast in the air.

CJ turned to Big Jim. "Two is enough. Next time you can have ten."

Jim smiled and popped his knuckles. He stood in front of Zachary who was now struggling with all his might.

"I told you you'd pay, Lunchbox."

That was the moment Zachary realized the importance of having abs. Jim sent two powerful blows to Zachary's stomach and everyone let him go, leaving him curled up on the ground. His face was red and agonized as he clutched his midsection, gasping for air and groaning.

CJ's gang started to disperse, their work being completed. But CJ turned around one last time to address the seething, immobilized Zachary.

"Oh, and rule number four, Scott. Tell no one. If ya don't know, my dad is the chairman of the school board. Indispensable. You say a single thing and I'll make sure you never return here except to pack your things. We're clear."

He walked off and Zachary watched him with hatred burning in his eyes. The pain rolled over him again like a wave and his eyes shut tight as he curled up even tighter. He couldn't think. He couldn't move. He could only feel pain and hatred.

He silently cursed the school and CJ's gang as he rolled around on the grass.