Ephram's Defiance
an excerpt

In the cafeteria, a crowd had gathered on one side under a basketball hoop. At the center, backed against the mat wall was Levi. There was a lot of yelling and names being called. As we got close to the group I could hear several of them say the word "freak."

Casper looked about ready to fight his way through the crowd but something made me hold him back. "Let me go," I said to him. I hadn't figured out a plan but I knew I had to do something for once.

I slipped into the crowd, slowly making my way to the front. A few times I was bumped and pushed. Everyone wanted to see what was going on and movement had become difficult in the group. Finally, I broke free of the masses and stood in the open again. Levi didn't say anything, but the look he had given me was one of desperation.

The crowd quieted for a moment, unsure of what to expect. Some of them knew who I was and the rest had no idea. I faltered at first but then an idea came to me in a flash. After turning to face the crowd, I lifted my left hand and with my right I removed the wristband exposing my ID bracelet.

"He's one of them." A voice rang out from the middle of the crowd.

"They are a danger to the school." Someone else said and the crowd responded in agreement.

Stepping back, the wall soon was pressed against my back. There were so many of them and I hadn't thought through the consequences of my confession.