Chapter 496 The School Tough Guy
Seeing Benjamin still looking down, Eugene grinned and playfully messed up his hair.
Just as Benjamin was about to get annoyed, Eugene said, "Hey, wanna hear something different about Charles?"
"Well, sometimes he's actually pretty nice. He looks out for me and all, but..." Benjamin trailed off, fiddling with his stuffed animal's ear, his voice getting softer.
He was torn. On one hand, he didn't think Charles was a bad guy, but on the other, Charles was stuck here because of him.
It was like eating a fresh pineapple—sweet and juicy, but it leaves a sting in your mouth.
"So, you wanna hear my story or not?" Eugene asked, settling back into the couch, looking all relaxed.
"Sure, go ahead," Benjamin replied, snapping out of his thoughts. He turned to Eugene, slightly pouting.
"Charles and I go way back to school days. He was just 12 then..." Eugene started, his face lighting up with the memories.
But Benjamin couldn't help but cut in.
"Was he the same back then as he is now?"
"Totally. Always a bit distant. Lots of girls liked him, passed him love notes. He just ignored them and got into a few scrapes because of it."
"What? Isn't that bullying?" Benjamin found it hard to picture Charles, who seemed more like the bully, being bullied.
Eugene glanced at him, deciding to give the kid a bit of a reality check. "We went to a school full of rich kids. The Percy family wasn't as big a deal back then."
"And among kids, even fights were just seen as messing around. He was cold to everyone, didn't care about fitting in, so naturally, he got left out."
To be precise, he was left out by the boys. Charles's looks and demeanor were still a hit with the girls.
Eugene didn't mention this, not wanting to admit Charles was more popular than him.
Benjamin listened closely, then asked, "But my mommy says everyone has different personalities. Why pick on someone just 'cause they're different? Mr. Percy just doesn't talk much."
Eugene nodded approvingly. "Your mommy's got a point, but people can be like that. If you ever face something like this, just stand up for yourself. Charles will back you up. You're a Percy, after all. You can afford to be a little cocky."
Eugene chuckled, remembering something. "That's exactly what he did back then."
Benjamin's eyes widened in surprise. "He fought back too?"
"Of course. Charles never let himself get pushed around. He was young and not as strong as the bullies, but he was smart. He'd always go for the leader."
"At first, he'd get hurt too, but after a while, just seeing him would make them back off."
For middle schoolers, fighting was a big deal.
But since both sides came from similar backgrounds, neither Charles nor the bullies ever told the teachers or parents. Their conflicts quietly escalated.
Even with bruises, they'd just say they fell. Nobody wanted to admit they got beat up—it was too embarrassing.
Listening to Eugene, Benjamin felt a surge of empathy. "Yeah, you gotta show 'em who's boss!"
"Exactly. Charles ended up taking on all the troublemakers and became the school tough guy. Nobody dared mess with him," Eugene said, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes before shifting the topic.
"But he still didn't have any friends until I transferred there."
"Did you and Mr. Percy team up and become unbeatable?" Benjamin asked, eyes shining with admiration.
Eugene shook his head, denying it. "Nah, I was pretty timid and shy as a kid. I became their new target."
"What! That's awful! Did you fight back? Show 'em what you're made of!"
Benjamin exclaimed, mimicking a punching motion, more worked up than Eugene himself.
Eugene laughed, but his story wasn't as satisfying as Charles's.
"My parents weren't getting along, and my brother was busy, so I was on my own. Everyone told me to behave, or my dad would leave me. So I didn't dare fight back."
He spoke lightly, but he remembered the pain of those beatings vividly.
Benjamin's excitement faded. He watched Eugene's expression, worried he might be upset, and asked softly, "What happened then?"
Eugene's heart softened at Benjamin's cautious demeanor. He pinched Benjamin's cheek playfully, smiling.
"Charles saved me. He chased off the bullies and told me if you don't fight back, you'll be bullied forever. Better to stand up than live like a coward."
Eugene's version was a bit polished; Charles's original words were much harsher.
He paused, returning to the main point. "So, Charles isn't a bad guy. He's just a bit clueless about feelings and needs someone to guide him."
Benjamin was still caught up in Eugene's story of standing up for himself. Eugene's reminder made him blink, a bit confused.
Seeing Benjamin's puzzled look, Eugene sighed.
He was crazy to discuss this with a kid. No matter how smart Benjamin was, he was still just a child.
As they chatted, Jacob approached with a phone, smiling politely. "Sorry to interrupt, Benjamin. There's a call for you."
Benjamin turned, pointing to himself. "Me?"
Who would call him?
But before he could think further, the phone was handed to him.
A familiar voice came through. "Benjamin, it's me."
"Mom... oh my gosh!" Benjamin recognized Diana's voice and was about to shout but caught himself, quickly changing his tone.
He excitedly adjusted the phone and continued, "Ms. Wipere! Why are you calling? How have you been? I miss you."
Hearing her son's voice, Diana felt a pang in her heart.
She closed her eyes, holding back her emotions, and replied softly, "I'm doing well. I miss you too."
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