Chapter 174 Playtime
Josie had mustered up all her courage just to sit on the swing, truly wanting to befriend Emma. She thought by swinging alongside Emma; she could bridge the gap between them.
She planned to wait until Emma was done swinging to share her thoughts. But suddenly, Alva appeared, intent on stealing her swing.
Just like before, Josie didn’t want to give it up.
Yet, she was no match for Alva. Frozen in place, Alva yanked her off with one swift move, and Josie hit the ground hard.
"Stop, Sam, stop!" Emma cried out urgently.
Sam tried to grab the rope. Straining against his small frame, he nearly swung out himself before Ethan leaped down to assist him.
Emma steadied herself, jumped off, ran over, and without a word, pulled Alva off the swing.
She was surprisingly strong, and Alva, caught off guard, tumbled to the ground. Emma stood protectively in front of Josie, with her hands on her hips.
"Alva, you're bullying Josie again!"
Hmph, she wouldn't tolerate bullying in front of her, the alpha kid.
Today, she was resolved to teach Alva a lesson.
Emma swung her fist, but Ethan scooped her up.
"No hitting," he cautioned.
"But he started it!"
"We'll tell the teacher, ok? If you hit him, it's trouble for Mom."
Ethan observed that many parents often spoiled their children here. If Alva wasn't being pampered into a little tyrant at home, he wouldn't dare bully his peers in kindergarten repeatedly.
The teacher had already spoken with Alva's parents, to no avail.
Ethan had seen Alva's mother - a towering and formidable woman - and feared his own mother might not stand a chance against her.
Emma bristled with anger but calmed down, glaring at Alva who, having learned to pick on the weak and avoid the strong, didn't dare to cry now. He stood there with his head hung low, the epitome of pitiful.
Josie had picked herself up and dusted off her coat - a thick one that saved her from scraping her hands this time as her bottom took the brunt of the fall. She tugged gently at Emma's sleeve in appreciation.
"Emma, thank you."
Emma was frustrated but concerned, "How can you let him walk all over you like this, over and over? Fight back, Josie. Stand up for yourself!"
Josie's eyes went wide as saucers, "I can't; I'm too scared."
Emma was speechless.
The teacher quickly arrived at the scene, checked on both children, and escorted Alva away.
"Alright, everyone back to class," the teacher announced through a megaphone, and the kids started trickling back to the classrooms.
Walking ahead, Emma led the way with Josie trailing behind. As they neared the classroom door, Josie mustered all her courage.
"Emma, can we be friends?"
Emma halted, spun around, and sized up Josie.
"I'll be your friend if you show some guts," she declared. Emma wasn't fond of timid people. Her actions echoed the heroic deeds she watched on TV shows, and her mom always encouraged her to be kind and stand up for her classmates.
But Josie was just too timid. So, Emma felt determined to encourage her to fight back.
"How do I show I'm brave?" Josie asked, puzzled.
"Next time Alva messes with you, hit him back."
Silence fell over Josie.
She was afraid because Alva was bigger and stronger; it also hurt when he hit back. She feared the pain.
And her mother had always warned her not to cause trouble at the kindergarten. She had to be obedient and well-behaved to earn her parents' affection.
Once inside the classroom, Josie poked Emma at the desk in front and promised solemnly, "Next time, I'll fight back."
Emma's lips curled into a smile. Her eyes were now shaped like crescent moons.
"Then I'll look forward to the day we become good friends."
Josie came to a resolution; she would stand up for herself, come what may.
So, what if she got a scolding from her mother and was barred from dinner for a day?
She could handle it.
Today, after their violin lesson with Caroline, the teacher sought a private moment with Josie.
"Did you tell your parents yet?"
Josie hung her head low; she hadn't mustered the courage yet.
"Okay then, I'll speak to your mom when she comes to pick you up," Caroline suggested.
Josie's head shook furiously like a bobblehead.
"No need, Teacher. I'll tell my dad when he gets back from his business trip."
She truly adored the violin, and she knew her mom would never approve. All she could do was muster the courage to talk to her dad about it. She wasn't sure if he would agree, but she was determined to stand up to Alva regardless.
"Take it easy," Caroline said with a wink. "You get that extra help from your teachers."
Josie didn't quite get what 'extra help' meant, but she felt Caroline's warmth and nodded emphatically.
Her resolve grew stronger. She'd talk to her dad as soon as he got back!
Surprisingly, Josie noticed that Alva hadn't picked on her for two days!
What was she supposed to do now? If Alva didn't bully her, she couldn't stand up for herself, and her chance to be friends with Emma might slip away.
For the first time ever, Josie found herself wishing Alva would bully her, though she had always hoped for the exact opposite.
On Friday, Emma, clinging to her godmother, got a bag full of snacks. Remembering how Josie had secretly shared some with her before, she fished out a pack of chips and handed it to Josie.
"Here, have some."
Josie felt honored and hesitant, but Emma urged her, "Just take it."
She did and, seeing Emma munching away, Josie tore open the pack and started eating. The chips were crunchy and delicious, sweetening her mood.
These were from Emma — her favorite snacks.
Alva's mouth watered once he heard the crunching. He came over and demanded, "Give me some."
Josie instinctively flinched and then hid the chips.
When Alva saw she wouldn't share, his eyes darkened with anger, and he lunged for the bag.
Josie was livid. She clutched the chips tightly, refusing to let Alva have them.
But Alva was too strong, and he snatched the chips away, savoring them with evident pleasure. They were indeed tasty.
Josie clenched her little fists, recalling Emma’s words. She was ready to fight back!
With a "smack," she slapped Alva.
Startled, Alva then furiously raised his fists to retaliate.
Terrified, Josie dodged backward.
That slap had taken all her courage and strength; now, as Alva's punch came her way, she couldn't muster the will to hit back.
Ethan, her deskmate, sighed and caught Alva's fist in mid-air.
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