The Princes of Tangleforest by Vann Dorlana

Author:Vann, Dorlana [Vann, Dorlana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pixie Punk Press
Published: 2011-06-26T22:00:00+00:00

Wednesday Morning: Tanner wore the borrowed black slacks and white shirt from Mr. Webster’s closet to school. He was used to wearing baggy jeans, so the pants weren’t that big of a deal. The shirt, on the other hand, felt stiff, and it itched around his neck.

He already missed his skateboard but supposed it didn’t really matter at the moment because his ankle still hurt. Just walking, he had to nurse it the entire way to school. At least it wasn’t broken, and he didn’t have to tell his mom about it.

By the time he made it to his seat in his first period class, he had a full limp. While he was examining his ankle, two pair of feet appeared. He followed them up. Zachary and one of the twins, Sean, stared down at him.

“Looking sharp,” Zachary said.

“Yeah, like a razor,” Sean said.

“Guys,” Tanner sat up and mentally patted himself on the back. And Julia said they were smart. They had bought what he had sold them without even asking the price.

“So I see you had a little falling out with Jules yesterday,” Zachary said.

Tanner kept a straight face as he said, “She can be bitchy.”

“Bee-otch!” Sean said and laughed at himself.

Zachary joined him with a high pitched giggle. “Ain’t that the truth.”

Tanner cringed, and thought how hanging out with them was going to be torture.

Zachary gave a long exaggerated sigh. “In all seriousness, I usually don’t extend this courtesy, nevertheless, seeing as you are new and perhaps didn’t understand the rules of the school, and somehow got tangled up with Jules, I’m willing to give you a second chance. If you ask pretty please.”

“I don’t know. I don’t know if I really fit.”

“Like a glove.” Zachary adjusted his black rimmed glasses.

“It’s really cool,” Sean said. “What we do.”

“Would I be part of all that or only get to sit at the table with the big boys?”

“Oh no,” Zachary said. “We’ll show you the ropes. Show you how it’s done. I’ll be graduating this year and have actually been seeking a few recruits. We want our friends in the lower classes to have just as much respect next year as we get this year. We’re not doing this for the glamour but for the kids who get picked on everywhere.”

“So it’s for a good cause,” Tanner said.

“Of course,” Zachary said. “We’re not bullies.”

The bell rang for class. However, Zachary and Sean didn’t leave. Tanner waited for his teacher to say something to them; instead she sat at her desk reading paperwork. All the other students faced forward at their desks apparently waiting for class to begin.

Zachary continued talking, “We’re trying to make the world a better place. It’s getting rough for us out there. Look at you, conforming to fit into their world when you belong in ours.”

Tanner wanted to protest, but he only smiled. He did, however, want to end the conversation before Zachary got all choked up about his selflessness and started crying. “Fine. I’ll join… or whatever I’m supposed to do.

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