The Smoky Corridor

25

The bell rang.

So far, Zack had survived homeroom, math, and science.

And so far, Malik Sherman had been in every one of his classes.

The girl with the black-black hair had been in Zack’s second-period science class and asked a bunch of questions about death and dying and wondered if maybe the class could take a field trip to a morgue sometime to see what happens to bodies after they’re dead. She seemed like a ton of fun!

Next up was history with Ms. DuBois.

“Do you like history, Zack?” Malik asked as they wormed their way through the corridors.

Zack shrugged. “Sort of. I guess. Depends.”

“Well said, my friend. I, myself, wish we’d spend more time learning about the ancient history of Africa. Did you know that the Nubians, from the region we now call the Sudan, are believed to have been the first human race and that most of their customs and traditions were adopted by the ancient Egyptians?”

“No, I—”

Suddenly, Kurt Snertz, accompanied by his three buddies, was standing in front of them, blocking their path. Other kids scurried away.

“Well, if it isn’t wacky Zacky and his little nerd friend Lick-Me.”

“His name is Malik,” said Zack. “Leave him alone.”

It was barely eleven in the morning on the first day of school but Zack was already sick and tired of being pushed around by another kid named Snertz.

Kurt Snertz grabbed Zack’s shirt. “What’d you just say?”

“You heard me.”

“If you said what I think you said, you’re dead.”

Zack narrowed his eyes. “I told you to leave Malik alone.”

“What? You’re acting all brave because you think some teacher’s gonna come along and save you?”

“No. I think you should leave Malik alone.”

Snertz leaned in. “Why’s that?”

“He had nothing to do with what happened between me and your little brother.”

“So? Doesn’t mean I can’t beat him up anyway.”

“Yes, it does.”

“No, it doesn’t.”

“Does too.”

“Says who?”

“Me.”

“What?”

“No, I’m a ‘who.’”

“Huh?”

Poor kid. Snertz wasn’t used to using his brain that much at school.

Kurt tightened his grip on Zack’s shirt and twisted the fabric to make the neck hole tighten up like a noose.

Choking, Zack thought about all the hours he had spent alone in his bedroom when his real mother had been alive and screaming at him from the other room. When she started yelling, Zack would slip on his headphones and watch old movies or play video games. He remembered all the action heroes he’d ever pretended to be. G.I. Joe. Indiana Jones. RoboCop.

A line from an old Clint Eastwood movie popped into his head.

“Go ahead, Snertz. Make my day.”

Furious, Snertz hoisted Zack off the ground with one hand, then flung him down hard on the floor.

“Zack?” Malik said anxiously.

Zack stood up. Dusted off his pants.

“Is that it?” he asked, switching to the movie The Incredible Hulk. “Is that all you got?”

Snertz reared back his fist. “Why, I oughta …”

“Boys?”

Ms. DuBois came out of her classroom.

“What’s going on out here?”

“Nothin’,” snorted Snertz.

“Good! Get to your classrooms, now! Mr. Jennings? I believe you are with me for third period.”

“Yes, Ms. DuBois,” said Zack.

“Me too,” said Malik.

“Well, hurry in, boys. The bell is about to ring!”

Ms. DuBois stepped back into her classroom as the second bell jangled loudly.

“Saved by the bell,” taunted Snertz.

“You’re right,” said Zack, still channeling his inner action heroes. “You were.”

“Come on, guys,” said Snertz. “We’ll take out this sack of trash later.”

“Yeah! Later!” the bully pack chanted.

“Hasta la vista, baby,” said Zack, because it was what Schwarzenegger would’ve said.

The bullies bounded up the hall.

“Thank you, Zack,” said Malik. “By the way, exactly how many movies have you seen?”

“Too many, I guess.”

“Or just enough,” said Malik. “Come on! We’re late!”

Malik dashed into the classroom.

Zack stood in the hallway, savoring the moment. He took in a deep breath.

The corridor outside Ms. DuBois’s classroom smelled like smoke again. A wet campfire.

“You got a match, sport?”

There were the Donnelly brothers. Seth and Joseph. They’d just stepped through the boys’ room door. Without opening it.

Joseph had a twisted grin on his face.

“All we need is one to have a ton of fun!”

Zack bolted into the classroom and hoped the Donnellys didn’t come in after him.