Defenders Episode 1: Guardian Chapter 8

The next morning for Brandon was the same as usual. He got washed and dressed and then headed for the bus stop. After what happened yesterday morning, the bus driver took no chances and waited for Brandon. Except for the casually dressed man and the little girl who waved at him, none of the other people who saw him yesterday were not on the bus. Arriving at school, Brandon meets up with Dan.

“Hey Dan,” Brandon greeted him.

“Hey buddy, what’s up?” Dan said.

“About yesterday you know, me sprinting outta here and all…”

“Fuggedaboutit, I figured since it’s been a while since you did any martial arts that you forgot about how strong you are. So don’t worry, you know I won’t tell anybody and you know Derrick for sure won’t tell anybody either,” said Dan.

Brandon laughs and says, “You’re right. Derrick would probably rather attend study hall than let anyone find out that he got his butt kicked outside the ring.” Dan and Brandon continue towards the school.

Over in the student parking lot, Derrick exits his car talking on his cell phone. “That punk, are you sure?” he said, “I don’t know why but…yeah, I’ll keep an eye on Branny-boy for you.” Derrick presses a button and closes his phone, ending the call. As he walks across the parking lot, Mark and Rupert met up with him.

“Yo, Derrick,” said Mark.

“What do you want?” Derrick responds in an unpleasant tone.

“Few cheerleaders invited us to party. Wanna come?” Mark said, indicating the small group of girls off toward the back of the lot. “Nah, I got stuff to do. Alone,” Derrick says as he walks past Mark and Rupert. He enters the building without saying another word.

“What’s up with him?” Rupert asked.

“I dunno. Probably still mad about Brandon beating him,” Mark said. Then he turns and makes his way over to the cheerleaders who have been waiting patiently. “C’mon, when he’s like this it’s best to just leave him alone.” Rupert agrees with Mark and follows over the end of the parking lot.