Heroes by Design

A Scene from Chapter Two: Sela is recovering from the loss of her dog, Thor.

Emily was waiting for Sela at her locker and gave her a big hug.

Sela smiled through her tears. “I’m okay, but thanks. You’re the best.”

Someone slammed into Emily from behind, and she fell into Sela, sending both stumbling. Emily fell and dropped her papers and books, and Sela teetered awkwardly, barely keeping her balance.

Mara Stamford stood over Emily with a fake look of concern. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you drop your books?”

Emily looked up with an angry, pained expression. “You bi-”

“Bumped her,” Sela interjected. “I’m sure it was an accident.”

Emily gaped at Sela. “That was no accident. She did it on purpose, and you know it.”

Sela helped Emily up and started picking up books. Emily planted her feet in front of Mara and got in her face, but Sela dropped the books again and stepped in front of her. She grasped Emily’s wrist and held it tight.

Mara looked at both girls with a self-satisfied smirk. “Well, it’s been real, girls. Have a nice day. Oh, and Sela, I hope your little doggie didn’t suffer too much. I saw you crying in front of the school Friday. It must be hard to lose your only friend.”

Emily fought to loosen Sela’s grip.

Sela’s eyes filled once again. “Thanks for your concern, Mara. Hopefully, you’ll have a friend as faithful as Thor someday.”

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I have real friends, Sela. I don’t have to depend on an animal.”

If Zach hadn’t come around the corner right at that moment, resting his arm on Emily’s shoulder, and glaring at Mara, who knows what would have happened.

Emily was furious. Sela, “Why did you do that?”

Sela stood her ground. “We have to be better than that. People who intimidate others are just crying out for attention. Mara must have problems; we just need to pray for her.”

Emily’s eyes flashed. “Are you kidding? I’ll pray for her all right. I’ll pray that someone steals her clothes in P.E. and she’ll have to run home naked.”

Sela looked at Emily wide-eyed and they both started to laugh.

Zach turned red and shook his head, his voice breaking like it was searching for a note. “Girls! Why do my best friends have to be girls?”