HOOD©
By
Gabe Bowens III





Chapter 1


Like a world class runner he took off, leaving behind all the onlookers. Pass the cute girl he didn’t have the heart to talk to, pass the store owner who laughed at him and called him disrespectful names. Block after block he ran strong, head in the wind. Feet kicking up dust.
Speed is a strong point for Ray, because getting chased home from school everyday built strong legs. The real problem came when his asthma would attack him a block from home and he was left with no other alternative, but to fight. Plus fighting was another weakness; he had short arms, protruding gut, glasses that could pass for telescope lenses, and a book bag that weighed close to twenty pounds. He had no wins.
Wheezing he doubled over with his hands on his knees for support as his pursuers caught up to him.
“Hey black Ray!” the bully named Hock taunted, using Rays’ skin tone as an object of ridicule. “Didn’t I tell you not to run from me?” he finished with a quick jab to Rays’ face as his little crew of thugs surrounded them. Leaving Ray stuck in the middle.
Prized for having the highest I.Q. in Brooklyn’s King County public schools, Ray knew his chances of escaping his present dilemma were slim. He caught his breath just before the bully took another swing at him.
In a rage that had built up in him, Ray burst forward at his attacker and ran him over. As his second wind kicked in, he ran all the way home. Knowing the next day he would have to be faster.

Feeling defeated Ray walked into his family’s house in the Bed-Sty section of Brooklyn. A neighborhood that was known for the motto: “Do or Die”, and at the moment he didn’t feel like doing.
Looking in the mirror of the hallway bathroom, he silently cursed. His bruised cheek would get him in more trouble than anything else, when his father Ray sr., came home. Trying to think of an excuse that will get him by, Ray decided to lie. So, he began cleaning his room, manufacturing the story in his head as he went along.
“Okay,” he said out loud, thinking to test how his lie would sound out in the open. “I got into a fight Daddy, that is why my face if swollen. These guys tried to push me around and I got tired of it. So we got it on.”
As he finished speaking he knew that it sounded weak, just like a lie. “ Okay, I can’t lie good,” he finished with a shrug of his shoulders.
Giving in to fear of lying to his father, he convinced himself to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. After completing his chores, he started on his homework. His English teacher Ms. Robinson gave the class two weeks to complete a book report. The only cool thing, he thought was that they could read any book they wanted as long as it has at least 250 pages.
Since he always read comics and nonfiction books, Ray decided he would read a book based on fantasy for the report. Digging through his book bag he pulled out a book he checked out the library earlier.
It was a pretty big one; at least 400 pages, he thought, looking at the front cover. Which had a picture of a warrior fighting a big nasty looking dragon. Checking the time on the wall clock he began reading.
Accustomed to reading weird stuff in comics, Ray looked forward to seeing what type of wild ideas he would come across. Once he got the main character figured out and a piece of the plot understood, he flew through the pages. Not paying attention to the time, he didn’t hear when his parents got home from work.
“Little Ray!” his Mother called from the front of the house. “ Your Father need some help getting the bags out the car.”
“Okay Ma,” he answered, putting the book down and prepared himself for what would happen when his father saw his face. Ray looked outside to see the sun had already set and the street lights were on. Running out the house he saw his father by the trunk pulling bags of groceries out.
“How are you doing son?” his father asked.
“Cool,” Ray replied trying to hide his face from his father. Looking at his son Ray noticed that he kept turning his face at an angle, like he had a stiff neck or something.
“What is wrong with your neck Lil’ Ray?”
“Neck?” Ray asked skeptically, “There’s nothing wrong with my neck Dad.”
“Then why do you keep moving it all funny like that?” his father asked, then reached for him to step closer so he could inspect him. Feeling defeated Ray step up to his father and told him the truth.
“I got into a fight with some bullies today. They chased me home and when I got tired or running we started to fight.”
Listening to his son’s account Ray sr. asked, “ Is that what’s been happening to you son?”
“Yes Dad.”
“Well, let’s get these groceries in the house and see what can be done about these bullies.”
“Yes, sir.”

Once all the food was put away, Ray sr. called his son to his basement office. It worried him that his son had to go through such tough obstacles just to attend school. He remembered when he was in school and worrying about bullies did not factor into his problems. The most he had to worry about was making good grades, but he grew up an athlete, his son did not. Trying to figure a way to solve this problem for little Ray he kept coming to the same conclusion.
“You call me Dad?”
“Yeah, I want to talk to you about this bully situation.”
“Okay.”
“Who are your bullies?”
“It’s about five of them all together Dad,” little ray began, “Hock is the ringleader, then you got G-Honda, Mook, Skip, and Pizza.”
“Pizza?”
“Yeah, he the fasted of them all, plus he always smell like pizza.”
“So then you could pick him out of a crowd of people by smell right?”
“I don’t know.”
“No you can’t, but I got a plan to help you with them bullies.”
“You going to tell their parents?”
“I’m not going to do anything son, you are.”
“I am?”
Chapter 2



Armed with his asthma pump and his fathers’ plan, Ray searched for one of the bullies he thought was the weakest. His choice was Mook, the kid that did everything with his basketball. Tall and lanky, Mook actually had some type of mind control over the ball. Sometimes it was an extra eye for him to see, other times it was an extra fist for him to punch with.
So, Ray knew that if his fathers’ plan didn’t work, running was not an option. Mook’s basketball could chase him around corners. Catching Mook on the court by himself was easy for Ray, since Mook played until he beat everybody for it.
Hiding his face inside the oversized Hoody sweater, that when zipped all the way up revealed a hockey mask. Ray pulled a long tack out his pocket and walked towards the court.
“I got rise!” he screamed adding more bass to his voice than normal to disguise it.
“Yeah, but who is you?” Mook asked in a more squeaky voice, while dribbling the ball between his legs and feet.
Trying to think fast to come up with a name, Ray smiled, then pointed to his sweater ad said, “You will call me Hood.”
“Hood?” Mook replied in a squeaky voice, trying to keep his game face on. “What kind of crazy name is that. Anyway man, its my court, my rules. You dig?”
Positioning the tack in his hand , Ray responded, “And your ball,” motioning for Mook to give him the ball so he could check it back to him.
“My rules remember? No checking, you want the ball, you got to come and get it,” Mook said taking the ball outside the line. “You ready?”
“Yeah,” Ray replied.
In burst of speed and what looked like magic to Ray, Mook took off. The ball flashed then danced between his legs and feet with so much speed Ray couldn’t hear it hit the ground. It went one way then stopped in midair and went the other way with a swooshing sound before it hit the net.
“Two - Zip!” Mook yelled, announcing the score. Ray was amazed at his speed and agility, but kept his fathers’ plan in mind when he bent down to get the ball. Sticking the tack in it he looked up at Mook.
“Come on slow poke! Give me the ball so I can dunk it on you next time!” Mook said laughing as he danced to show off his balling skills.
“Dunk on me? You bugging,” Ray said slipping the tack out of the ball and back in his pocket. “Here!” he yelled throwing the ball to Mook.
Before his fingers even touched the ball, Mook knew there was a problem. In what felt like slow motion to him he caught his basketball, which he always called Lucille, and felt the difference in pressure.
“Nooo!” he screamed, falling to his knees crying. “What kind of monster are you!?”
Totally shocked at Monk’s response, Ray snapped back to reality. “The bully of all bullies, the one who picks on bullies, who gets even with bullies!”
Still screaming Mook threw his hands in the air, “I don’t want to be a bully no more!!”
“Then don’t. ‘Cause if you do, I’ll be back!” Hood finished and walked away.

Arriving home Ray pulled off his clothes and jumped in the shower. Satisfied that he could get back at his tormentors, he began making plans for Pizza, the next bully in line.
As he was stepping out of the shower his mother called, “Little Ray I need to see you.”
“Be right down,” he answered from his room, and finished getting dressed. When he made it to the kitchen the first thing he saw was a dog inside a blue carrier.
“Who’s dog is that?”
“That’s Ms. Helen’s dog Dragonfire,” she replied with a smile, “but for the life of me I can’t see why she named him that.”
“That is an unusual name for such a small dog Mom.”
“It is right? Your father volunteered you to watch him for Ms. Helen until she returns from her vacation.”
“He did? Why would Daddy…OH!”
“Oh? What you and your father up to now?”
“Up to Mom?” he asked trying to side step the question and not lie.
“Boy if you make me ask you again, I promise you will regret it.”
“Okay Mom. Me and Daddy-”
“There you go!” Ray sr. said sticking his head through the back door, “Son grab the dog and let’s go for a walk.” Getting the dog out of the carrier and leashing him Ray followed his father toward the door. Dragonfire finally free ran around his legs tying him up with the leash and barking.
“Ray what you and that boy up to?” he heard his mother ask his father.
“Baby , we just going to get a piece of Pizza.”
Laughing at his father for actually telling her the truth.
“Dad hold up, help untie me so I can get my sweater.”
“It is not that cold outside,” his mother stated.
“Yeah, but it’s my favorite sweater!” Ray replied waiting his father to finish untying him.
“Well hurry up son while we still got daylight,” nodding his head in agreement Ray took off. Ray sr. proud of how fast his son is, only if he played sports, he thought.
“Ready!” Ray said running into the room and taking the leash his father was handing him.
“My boys,” his mother began, knowing they were up to something, “Don’t get into no trouble okay!”
“Okay Mom!” both Rays answered together.

Walking down the street his father began, “ I got Ms. Helen’s dog Dragonfire because of two things son. Do you know what they are?”
“Because Pizza always smells like pizza, and…” scratching his head Ray continued, “I don’t know the second one dad.”
“Because Dragonfire is a highly trained K-9. He went to school to learn how to do certain things with the sound of a few words.”
“Then why Ms. Helen get her dog trained like that?”
“Can’t answer that, but I got a list of words and their uses,” Ray sr. began showing him the list. “Son I want you to understand that Dragonfire is not a toy or some dumb animal.”
“Of course not Dad,” he answered sarcastically, as Dragonfire pulled him along the path they were walking with his ears hung low.
Looking around Ray sr. stopped, “This area is good enough. Hold onto Dragonfire’s leash son. Hold very tight.”
Wondering what his father is talking about he tightened his grip, “Okay I’m ready.”
Reading the list for a good word, Ray whispered in his son’s ear.
Beginning to think his father is losing it, he asked, “Are you sure Dad?”
“Very, just don’t let go of the leash.”
“Okay,” he said taking a deep breath, and squeezing the leash until his hand hurt. “ROCKSALT!”
Still a few feet ahead of them, Dragonfire stopped serenely, turned around and growled, “What is our mission objective Sir!”
Seeing the dog’s reaction Ray sr. asked, “What he say? Only the person holding the leash can get the translation.”
In disbelief Ray stated, “Dragonfire can talk.”
“I see you have not been briefed properly Sir! May I?” Dragonfire barked and growled.
“What he say son?” his father asked looking around to make sure the coast was clear.
“He wants to brief me,” Ray began. “Hold on dad, Dragonfire my name is Ray. This is my father Ray sr..”
“Yes Sir Ray. Dragonfire already knows the Captain.”
“The Captain?” Ray asked looking at his father.
“Yes Sir we have had prior missions succeed.”
Still looking at his father, he asked, “Dad he thinks you’re a Captain. Why is that?”
“That is another story for another time son. Okay?”
“Yes Sir.”
“Now you and Dragonfire go get Pizza and report back to me.” His father ordered handing him a twenty dollar bill, and the list of words before turning to walk back home.
Understanding what just happened Dragonfire asked, “Are we to take Captain’s orders seriously Sir?”
Looking at the small Boston Terrier, Ray answered, “Yes, and my code name for this mission is Hood.” he replied, pulling the zipper all the way up to reveal the hockey mask.


Chapter 3



In the alley way behind the Pizza Restaurant, the bully Pizza carried out the trash. He hated doing chores for his family’s restaurant. Most of all he hated taking out trash, but he hated getting in trouble for not doing his chores more than anything else. Opening the lid to throw the bags in, he heard something behind him and turned around.
Startled he moved very fast. So fast; that if you were looking right at him, it would appear that one second his back was to you, and the next he was facing you.
“Who’s there?” Pizza shouted, picking up a bag to throw it if need be.
Out of the darkness, with his face covered by the Hoodys’ hockey mask, Ray stepped forward and said, “You will call me Hood!”
Laughing at the sight in front of him, Pizza said, “I don’t know you homie. Why don’t you leave before I get mad and toss you in the garbage with the rest of the trash.”
“How dare you laugh and make fun of me!” Ray said, in the deep voice of Hood. “BASALT!” he shouted and pointed at Pizza. Quicker than lightening, Dragonfire shot from the shadows behind him toward Pizza.
“Lunch time!” Dragonfire growled.
Before he had a chance to bite him, Pizza moved swiftly toward Hood. He was so close he took a swing at him, as Dragonfire flew by growling.
Ducking the punch then tripping over an empty crate, Hood fell forward on Pizza. Wrapped up close trading blows.
Dragonfire started barking, “Let me at him! Please Sir, I’ll save some for you!” Not holding on to the leash, Hood did not understand the barking.
Still wrapped up in the fight, Pizza threw so many blows, his fists were a blur. It was like he had eight arms. Tired of all the punches, Hood rushed Pizza and wrapped him up in his arms in a burst of energy.
“You will call me Hood!” he growled in Pizza’s ear. Starting to think he was fighting a crazy man or demon, Pizza tried to wiggle his way out of the bear hug. Before he could get his footing right Hood slammed him.
Rising, Pizza took one more swing at Hood’s face, but Dragonfire jumped up and clamped down on his shirt sleeve. Then turning his tail into a belt he started beating Pizza.
“Ahhh!” he screamed, “Get him OFF ME!” Watching for a few seconds, Hood stood back and laughed, then Pizza started crying.
“BUBBLEGUM AND HONEYDROPS!” Hood screamed louder than necessary. Hearing the stop and retreat commands, Dragonfire raced to Hood’s side.
“I am the bully of all bullies. The Broadway bully, the boss. You and me will meet again if I hear about you bullying anybody!”
Really scared at the sight of Hood and his crazy dog, Pizza pleaded, “Okay homie you win! I don’t want no more problems!”
Still growling, Dragonfire took one step forward before Pizza turned around and ran. He moved so fast, he tripped over one of his trash bags, then fell in the green garbage container.
“I guess we took the trash out,” Hood said, holding Dragonfire’s leash.
“Yes Sir!” Dragonfire barked in what sounded like a laugh.

Walking with his Hoody unzipped and Dragon fire a few feet ahead of him, acting normal again. Ray spotted Ziya, a classmate he had a crush on. Becoming shy at the sight of her, all he wanted to do was hide his face. So, dropping his head , he started walking faster.
“Ray! Is that you?” Ziya shouted crossing the street and heading toward him.
“Yeah, hey Ziya,” he waved still holding Dragonfire’s leash. “How you doing?”
“I’m okay Ray,” she answered, stopping to pet Dragonfire. “Wow, what a cute dog! What’s his name?”
“Ah,” Ray began not wanting to give his real name. “His name is Buttons,” he continued as Dragonfire busily wagged his tail, as Ziya paid attention to him.
“What a cute name! Did you name him that?” she asked, scratching under Dragonfire’s chin.
“Oh no, he’s my Aunts’ dog. She just wanted me to walk him.”
“Well, he’s cute Ray,” she stated standing up.
“He’s cool.”
“Yeah, you’re right. He’s cool and cute,” Ziya said locking eyes with Ray. “Just like you,” she finished tapping Ray on the arm before walking off with a wave and smile. “See you in class tomorrow.”
Stuck in what seemed like a dream, Ray smiled, then said under his breath, “Sorry Dragonfire, but your new name is buttons.”

Finally arriving home with a pizza, Ray heard his father call him as soon as the door closed. Before answering him, Ray got out some food and water for Dragonfire.
“I’m going to see what the Captain wants. You relax and eat,” hearing two barks, Ray took that as a “Yes Sir“, and went to his father’s office in the house basement.
“Yes Dad.”
“How did your mission go?”
“Pretty good Dad; he fought hard, but at the end, he said he is not going to be a bully anymore.”
“Did you believe him?”
“Yeah, because he started crying and stuff. I know he didn’t fake that.”
Concerned about his sons’ reaction, Ray sr. asked, “And how did that make you feel?”
Not getting the point of his fathers’ question, Ray thought long and hard before answering, “It made me feel good to see him cry and feel the same pain he caused me.”
“Remember this son, the purpose of you doing this is not to punish these bullies. It is to help them see that being a bully is a bad thing. Plus I want you to understand what it feels like on the other side. Don’t forget this act won’t last forever.”
With something to think on, Ray said, “You mean not becoming the bully they were.”
“Exactly son. Now tell me what you have planned next.”
Before answering his mind flashed to Ziya, she thought he was cool and cute. He wondered how she would feel when he makes her brother the next bully to crumble before Hood.
“My next plan, Dad, is going to require your help. One bully name is G-Honda and the next bully name is Mr. Ford.”

Chapter 4



“Hey Notorious Big!” Mr. Ford shouted when Ray entered the small candy shop. “Your friend G-Honda is in the back. Are you kids still playing ‘tag’ or ‘it’, maybe it was ‘catch Ray if you can’!” he finished with a laugh, that was cut short as Ray sr. followed his son into the small candy shop.
“Hey, how are you doing Sir? Welcome to Ford’s Candy and Game room. What is it I can help you with?” Mr. Ford asked, using his thumb to try and motion Ray towards the back of the candy shop where the game room and G-Honda were located.
Seeing how this adult treated his son enraged Ray sr.. Taking a deep breath before saying the wrong thing, he reached out and held his son’s shoulder.
“Mr. Ford is it?” Ray sr. asked, but did not wait for an answer. “My son here tells me you are always giving him a hard time.”
Looking from son to father and back again, Mr. Ford shook his head.
“Get Hood on them bullies son,” Ray sr. said quietly while patting his son on the back, then turning he approached Mr. Ford. “Me and you need to talk.”
Walking toward the game room, Ray zipped up his hoody and got ready to confront G-Honda. As his father confronted Mr. Ford.

All around the game room, kids played. Some played pool while others played video games. Hood spotted G-Honda, Pizza, and Mook in the back shooting dice. Ignoring everybody else, he walked up on them. Before he had a chance to say something Mook and Pizza shouted his name in fright. G-Honda already expecting what was to come, sent a might punch with his overgrown fist.
“You will call me Hood!” Ray shouted as he side stepped the punch. Seeing a fight start, the kids crowded around them shouting and pushing. G-Honda comfortable with a crowd and the attention, pounded his fist extra large fist in his other hand,
“Your going to call the doctor when I’m finished with you jerk!” he taunted Ray as they moved around each other in the middle of the crowd.
Heart beating fast, Hood Rushed G-Honda as he swung. Colliding with the kids around them, they fell to the floor hitting each other as they went down. Not wanting to give up, but tired of fighting, Hood threw a knee into G-Honda’s groin. Instantly his punches stopped, and his eyes crossed. Hearing a low whine come from him, Hood stood and wiped his lips. Feeling wetness on the back of his hands, he looked at them.
Seeing his hands wet with blood on them shocked him. G-Honda still moaning on the floor brought him back to reality. Shaking the rest of the shock off, he turned to see everybody staring at him. In the silence of the game room he realized that G-Honda had pulled of his hood. Not knowing what to do, he began backing up until a hand clamped down on his shoulders.
Spinning around with fists ready to fly, he let them drop by his sides when he realized it was his father. Looking around at the situation, Ray sr. said nothing, then he walked over to check G-Honda.
“You kids went a little to far,” he started, “I guess that is my fault for letting you do the whole ‘Hood’ thing to begin with.” Trying to get G-Honda up and back on his feet he said, “Young man let’s get you checked out.” Feeling to hurt to resist, G-Honda let Ray sr. lead him out of the game room. Walking past Mr. Ford, he kept his head down and rubbed his slowly swelling eye. Walking a few feet behind his father and G-Honda, Ray heard someone running up behind him. Thinking it was Pizza or Mook, he span around just a Ziya ran into him as they fell to the floor.
“Where is that man taking my brother?” Ziya asked as they untangled themselves form each other.
“That man your talking about is my father, I’m guessing we’re in a lot of trouble,” Ray explained as they situated themselves then followed his father and her brother outside. Catching up to Ray sr. and G-Honda, Ziya yelled, “Excuse me, but where do you think your taking my brother?”
“Home little lady and I suggest you come along. Your parents might ask about you when we get there,” Ray sr. answered without missing a step.
“Gee! Why you and Ray was fighting? You know what Ma said she’ll do if you were fighting again!”
“I don’t want to hear it, just leave me alone!” he answered with a shout, still nursing his bruised face.
“So, you mother doesn’t want you fighting?” Ray sr. asked as the four of them waited to cross the street.
Ignoring the question, G-Honda turned and looked at Ray, “I would have never thought you had it in you, beating up Mook and Pizza. What are you, some kind of super nerd?”
Smacking her brother in the back of the head, Ziya said, “Stop calling him names and leave him alone.”
“So what you like him now?” G-Honda taunted.
“Yes, I do,” Ziya answered matter-of-factly, hands on her hip and a serious face on. Bursting with a smile that hurt his face, Ray looked to see if his father heard her.
Knowing he had to say something he replied, “You’re not a bully. Always picking on people because you think you can beat them in a fight. I bet you learned a valuable lesson today,” he finished with a smirk.
Spinning around to face Ray, G-Honda spat, “Yeah, I did. I knew you were a nerd, I didn’t know you were also a clown. Running around in a tight hoody!”
Before Ray had a chance to react, his father turned to the three of them, “All I want is the directions to your parents house,” he said pointing to Ziya and G-Honda. “Other than that I don’t want to hear another word from none of you kids.”



Chapter 5



Thinking what a difference a day makes, Ray quickly made his way to class. Everybody he passed greeted him by saying things like, “What’s up Hood?” or “Hey Ray Hood!”. It was too much to handle at first, until he saw Ziya sitting next to where he normally sits in English class.
“I saved your seat for you Ray,” she said with a bright smile as he walked in the classroom, lugging his heavy book bag behind him.
“Hi Ziya,” he responded, happy to see that she chose to sit next to him. “I hope you didn’t get in any trouble after me and my father left yesterday.”
Still smiling, she said brightly, “My mother was so mad at my brother that she didn’t punish me at all,” giggling she continued. “She told him that if he got in another fight or anything she’ll make him regret it.”
“Yeah?” Ray started, glad to know that he didn’t have to worry about G-Honda. “Well, I was basically told the same thing so I’m going to take things as they come.”
“Everybody knows your story now. Nobody is going to mess with you anymore.”
Happy to have an ally and friend he can talk to Ray said jokingly, “I hope so, because I don’t have my hoody no more,” he finished with a smile as he took his seat. Laughing at his joke, Ziya reached a hand out and touched his arm sending an electric shock through his body that made him like her even more. As the late bell rang and their teacher began to take the roll, Ray felt this might be the best day in school he ever had.
Walking to class with Ziya was a dream come true for Ray. They ate lunch together, cracked jokes, and made plans to get pizza slices before they went home.
On the way to their seventh period class, Ray spotted Skip in the hallway. Heart beating fast, he said, “I knew this was too good to last.”
Turning to see what caught his attention, Ziya stated, “I don’t even know why they let him come in the building! He is too old to be here anyway, he should be in high school.”
Not paying attention to Ziya, Ray let his bag drop when him and Skip locked eyes. Sizing him up, he realized they were the same height, but his weight would be an advantage if they started to rumble.
“What you looking at!?” Skip shouted loud enough for everybody to hear as he pointed at Ray. “What you think you could put a hoody on and beat me?”
Not saying anything, Ray took a few steps toward Skip, and all the other kids began surrounding them. Still not talking, Ray did not raise his hands up to fight.
“Come on fat Ray!” Skip taunted. “Come on telescope glasses!” he shouted trying to get Ray to fight him.
“If you trying to get the teacher’s attention, why don’t you yell louder!” Ray said, forcefully. Still standing ready for Skip, Ray noticed he didn’t move and inch closer. Thinking Skip was going to try to hit him with something, Ray taunted him back.
“You will call me Hood!”
“Oooh!” came the reply from the kids standing around them, making Skip angry.
“What you waiting for Skip? Scared I’ll get Hood on you?” Ray taunted. Rushing at Ray, Skip didn’t notice he stuck his foot out, making Skip fall flat on his face. Quickly getting back to his feet, with all the kids laughing at him, Skip lunged at him again. This time Ray span around, shaking off the attempt and sending Skip into the floor.
Shaking his head Ray said, “You will call me Hood!”
Really angry, Skip lunged at Ray for a third time, but before he knew what happened, Ray side stepped him, and he fell head first into a big garbage can.
Before Ray had a chance to do anything, a group of kids started kicking the garbage can chanting, “You will call him Hood! You will call him Hood!”
Dragging his book bag to him Ziya said, “See and you didn’t have to fight him!” laughing they both continued on their way to Math class.

Hurt and embarrassed, Skip left school mad. Going to Mr. Ford’s Candy and Game Room. He ran into Hock, the school’s football lineman, and bully. Play pool, Hock saw skip rush in and over to him.
“This has got to stop!” Skip shouted. “That chubby, four-eyed nerd is making mw look bad!” Watching Skip scream and yell, Hock ignored him and continued to play pool by himself.
“You’re not even listening to me Hock!” Skip whined. “You have to put a stop to that fat nerd or all the other nerds will try and do the same thing!”
“Now you got my attention,” Hock began, then sniffing the air he continued. “You stink! Go get cleaned up, I’ll get fat Ray on his way home.”
“I don’t want to miss that Hock, I’m staying with you!”
Shaking his head form side to side, Hock said, “School won’t be out for another hour or so. I’ll wait on you and we’ll both show that nerd what Hood is!’


When the bell rang at eh end of eighth period, Ray began packing his things for the walk home.
Also packing her things, Ziya said, “Don’t forget Ray, we supposed to stop for pizza.”
“You know I didn’t forget about pizza,” he replied with a smile. “I been thinking about it all day!’
“You so crazy Ray!” Ziya replied as they walked out the classroom headed for the nearest exit.
In the school hallway, everybody that passed them said something like, “See you tomorrow Hood!” or else “Later Ray Hood!” Taking it all in, Ray smiled and kept moving.
“I guess this is what it feels like to be popular”, he thought. Knowing just yesterday, nobody would have paid him any attention. Staying positive, he hoped he could get up enough courage to ask Ziya to be his girlfriend. That would make his life a whole lot better, he thought walking out of the school with Ziya at his side. Once outside, everything happened so fast Ray didn’t see it coming. Skip jumped out from behind a parked car, where he was hiding and pushed Ray down. Hitting the ground, Ray tried to roll to his feet, but Hock kicked him.
Ziya screamed, “Leave him alone!” then pushed Hock to help Ray up, when Skip shoved her into a parked car. Seeing Ziya get pushed made Ray fight his way to his feet. When he stood, Hock took another swing at him, that he ducked. Rushing Skip for pushing Ziya, Ray tackled him to the ground. Standing to check on Ziya, Hock ran him over.
“See four eyes, that is how you tackle somebody!” Hock taunted. Gasping for air, Ray squeezed his eye shut and forced himself to breath. With tears in his eyes he looked around for Ziya and saw her crying on the ground. Any other time he knew he would have ran home, but today was different, today is the day when he will run no more. Getting back on his feet, Hock and Skip stopped laughing.
“So you think you bad huh Ray?” Hock asked. “Beating up on my crew one by one, but hiding your face behind a hood?”
Ignoring Hock’s taunts, ray went to Ziya ad helped her up, as they kept calling him disrespectful names.
“With tears still running down her cheek she said, “I’m okay, let’s just go.”
“No, I can’t let it end this way. I got to do something,” Ray said, knowing today had to be the last day of this.
Seeing how serious he was, Ziya said, “Then I’ll wait for you.” Quickly hugging him, as a small crowd of kids started to gather around.
Turning around Ray shouted, “You will call me hood!” pointing at Hock.
“So now you’re ready to fight chubby? I’m going to beat you like drums!” Hock said, confident in himself he started dancing around like a boxer, taunting Ray.
Laughing Skip shouted, “Yeah, like drums!”
As the kids crowded around Hock and Ray, Ziya saw her brother and ran to him.
“Gee!” she called to get his attention.
Looking behind him G-Honda stopped, still mad at his sister for taking Ray’s side yesterday then asked, “What do you want?”
“Me and Ray were on our way to the pizza shop, when Hock and Skip started messing with him again.”
“So!” G-Honda responded, not caring what happened to Ray.
“Yeah, but he pushed me into a car!”
“He did what!?”
“He pushed me because I wouldn’t let them jump on Ray.”
Making his way through the crowd, G-Honda went to find Skip. Finally enclosed in a crowd of kids, Ray balled his fists up and held them ready.
“No where to run Ray, nowhere to hide!” Hock continued taunting.
“You right blockhead, because you will call me Hood!”
As they ran at each other, G-Honda burst through the crowd and headed straight for Skip. Distracted for a quick second, Hock’s swing missed Ray’s face, and they hit the ground in a jumble of punches and kicks.
The crowd started chanting, “Hood, Hood, Hood, Hood!”
G-Honda grabbed Skip by the arm, and threw him to the ground, “Don’t you ever touch my sister again!”
“Sorry!” Skip screamed, as G-Honda sat beating on him.
Breaking away from one another, Ray stood ready to go at Hock again. But, Hock was tired, and fought to catch his breath. With a busted lip Hock fell defeated as the crowd chanted, “Hood, Hood!”
Getting to his feet, Ray rushed him again and yelled, “YOU WILL CALL ME HOOD!”
EPILOGUE



For what seemed like hours to the fighters, were only minutes to everyone else. Hearing the chant of his name gave Hood the confidence to face those who were against him. To face the truth about himself and who he is.
Holding his fist High over his head, Ray looked down at Hock.
“You will never bother me or anyone else again!”
Struggling against Ray, Hock waited for a punch to come. When it did he couldn’t take anymore and screamed, “HOOD!”
Drawing back to strike again, Ray screamed, “Louder!” then hit him.
“Hood! Hood! Hooood! Hock screamed, then heard the crowd burst with laughter.
Standing up over Hock, Ray turned and walked away. Looking for Ziya and his book bag, he raised a hand to touch his lips, when he pulled it away, he knew Hock busted it. Looking back and still seeing Hock on the ground he smiled, Hock had a busted lip.
Running to Ray, Ziya wrapped her arms around him, “I always knew you had it in you!” she exclaimed, then before he had a chance to say anything she kissed him. Seeing Ziya and Ray kissing, G-Honda ran towards them.
Out of the crowd somebody shouted, “Watch out Hood!”
Spinning around, Ray covered Ziya with his body, thinking Hock had gotten up. Seeing G-Honda, he paused and Ziya stepped from behind him, still holding his arm.
“Thank you Gee,” she said to her brother.
Staring Ray down, G-Honda said to his sister, “I thought yo wanted pizza?”
Looking at Ray, Ziya said, “Only if Ray do.”
Turning Ray smiled, “I told you, I been thinking about pizza all day.”
Finally leaving school grounds, Ray walked to the pizza shop with Ziya, G-Honda, and a crowd of kids. Never to run home again.