Chapter 152 School Bullying
For Tom, it was game over. But for Michael and Emma, it was just a minor blip.
After Tom was sent to Rephalia, he soon died as his organs were harvested due to a successful match. Michael didn't tell Emma about his fate because it wasn't necessary. Emma just did her thing, and Michael handled all the other stuff, like picking up Seraphine from school.
That day, Emma got off work early and waited with Michael at the school gate for Seraphine. The warm sunlight made everything feel nice. But just as they were about to greet Seraphine, they noticed a ruckus in the distance.
Emma looked over and saw a bunch of big, tough guys surrounding Lucas, who looked tiny and scared in front of them.
"Lucas, how much cash you got today?" One of the thugs, a tall guy named Pax with a few scars on his face, sneered as he got in Lucas's face.
"I don't have any money," Lucas stammered, knowing these guys meant trouble.
"Yeah, right," another thug scoffed, grabbing Lucas by the collar and yanking him close.
"Let go of me! I'm from the Russell family!" Lucas struggled, his heart racing with fear.
"Who'd believe that? A Russell like you? How dare you act all high and mighty with us?" Pax yelled, then punched Lucas hard in the stomach.
Lucas doubled over, the pain knocking the wind out of him, and he crumpled to the ground.
The thugs laughed, clearly enjoying themselves.
"Please, don't do this! I beg you..." Lucas's voice shook, tears filling his eyes. He didn't get why this was happening to him.
He was only six. He knew his dad was George, a big shot in Lakeside Haven. Lots of his classmates had drivers to pick them up, but he had to walk home every day.
Sometimes, if George and Anna were in a good mood, they'd pick him up. But most of the time, he was on his own, making him an easy target for these thugs.
This wasn't the first time he'd been beaten up; he was almost getting used to the pain. Each beating made him feel more and more insignificant. He knew nobody in the world cared about how he felt.
"What right do you have to beg us?" Pax sneered, landing more punches on Lucas.
"Take all his money!" another thug barked.
They knew Lucas had some cash on him, and their violence escalated.
Finally, they emptied Lucas's pockets, took his loose change, and even stomped on his backpack.
"Let's go!" one of the hooligans said disdainfully, ready to leave Lucas in a heap.
Lucas curled up on the ground, bracing for more hits.
Emma's heart sank, and she grabbed Michael's hand, rushing towards them.
"Stop!" she shouted.
The hooligans turned to see Emma and Michael, looking surprised. Pax hesitated, then sneered. "Help's here. Let's bounce!"
They mocked them and then walked away, leaving Lucas trembling on the ground.
Emma didn't chase after them. She went straight to Lucas, gently pulling him behind her and asking softly, "Lucas, are you okay?"
Lucas looked up, tears in his eyes, and said weakly, "I'm okay."
"Don't be scared. I'm here," Emma comforted him, her heart filled with anger and pity.
She was puzzled. How could Lucas, a Russell, be robbed like this?
'Why didn't the Russell family's driver pick him up? Where's Anna?' Emma wondered.
But she didn't ask, not wanting to add to Lucas's pain. Bullying wasn't just physical; it was mental torment too.
"Lucas, it's okay now," Emma said, gently stroking his head, her heart aching for him.
"Thank you, Isabella..." He hadn't cried during the beating, but seeing Isabella made him choke up.
Her voice dispelled the darkness in his heart. Although Isabella wasn't his mother, the warmth and care she showed him far surpassed his family's cold indifference.
Isabella's presence made his tears flow uncontrollably.
Every time he was beaten, he asked himself, 'Why is this happening?'
Images of George and Anna flashed through his mind, and he felt a pang of sadness. They were always busy with their own lives. Whenever he tried to share his troubles, they brushed him off, as if he was just a burden.
He worked hard at school, hoping his good grades would earn their attention. But all he got were perfunctory responses and neglect. Nothing he did seemed to matter to them, and he felt helpless.
Lucas thought, 'Maybe it's because I'm not good enough. But being good is so hard.'
Little Lucas suddenly felt that life didn't have much meaning. But if he could be with Isabella and Seraphine, he could still find some happiness.
Emma felt this overwhelming need to protect Lucas, like it was her mission or something.
After chasing off those jerks, she grabbed Lucas's hand and rushed him into the ER. He had a few scratches on his face, and his eyes were wide with fear. Emma's heart ached for him.
"Lucas, it's okay, I'm right here," she whispered, trying to calm him down. She knew he needed more than just medical help; he needed someone to be there for him.
The doctor frowned at Lucas's injuries. "Hey, boy, what happened?" he asked.
Lucas started shaking and just hugged himself tightly.
Emma's heart shattered. She held Lucas and shook her head at the doctor, signaling him to drop the questions.
The doctor got the hint and started examining Lucas's wounds. Every time he touched Lucas, Emma felt like she was the one in pain.
Emma's anger flared up, and she wished she could throw those bullies in jail right then and there.
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