Jake Breck walks up to me. He doesn't like me. No matter, I don't like him either. He pokes my hat.

"Why'da always wear that Hellboy? Got little horns or something?" He jokes. It's not funny. Why can't they just leave me alone? I don't like being teased. If he keeps teasing me I don't know what I'd do. I don't like him, but I don't want him to die either. I tug my hat further down my head.

"Please don't call me that." I say quietly. My name is Helen. I like my name. I want him to call me Helen. He looks at me for a moment before making a move to grab my hat. I sidestep his hand and run away. Momma always told me I was a flight not fight kid.

I don't run so far, just up to the big oak tree in front of the school. Jake follows me at a leisurely pace. "Sorry." He says. How uncharacteristic of him. I blink at him. "Why?" I ask.

"I mean, well, who knows. You could be balding or have a terrible scar. I'm a bully, but I'm not that bad." He rubs the back of his neck. I guess he isn't so bad. At least he has morals. He isn't bad. He isn't particularly mean; he just harrasses me. Everyone.

"Okay." I say and spin on my heel. I have to get back to Sakashi, he doesn't like it when I'm late. I don't like it when I'm late. He makes me Chinese tea if I'm on time. It's a rarity now.

Jake Breck clutches onto my arm. "Well don't run away again." He says, pulling me over to his side. I struggle out from under his arm. "I can do what I like, and what I'd like is to go home." I say, and this time I sprint all the way to Sakashi's home.