New Kid- FWG-FB 300 word flash fiction based on the picture below. No triggers.

“You have to throw the rock if you want to be part of our group!” We hid behind the concrete wall that separated the landscaping from the walkway in front of the peer.

I was new to the area and of course I wanted to be part of the in crowd, or so I thought. I should have known better, two fellas named Harvey and Clayton. They had to be no good.

“Let’s go, Harv. This guy is not meant to be a member of the H.H.H.” Clayton said to his minion when I didn’t immediately take the stone I was offered.

Maybe they were right. What is a Hypnotic, Hype Heathen, anyway? That’s what they called themselves. They continued to whisper their cruelties, nudging me from side to side with their frail little shoulders.

“Take it, doofus.” Harvey pressed it closer to my face. We all stood up. I took a step back, offended by his breath.

I knew what they were asking me to do but the little stained-glass home reminded me of how my grandfather, a glassmaker, put so much time and love into pieces such as these. I presumed this house was a bit of a metaphor maybe, reminding us that everyone’s dwelling is stained whether you throw rocks near it or not. An encouragement for people to be mindful of casting judgement on others as they walked in droves near the waters edge, taking a thought of purity back to their abodes.

Harvey and Clayton thought it would be funny for a rock to fly crashing through the colors, a righteous initiation to their club. I, on the other hand realized how childish this was.

Harvey moved in closer, invading more of my personal space. I struck him with a powerful elbow to the chest, putting my weight into the blow. He tripped and fell, jumping up, red faced with his fists balled. We tussled onto the asphalt, tangled in an embrace of anger. I gave him one final push. His arms waved violently in the air as he tried to keep his balance. His feet caught up beneath him. He fell towards the glass house. I quickly grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him back up. We made eye contact as Clayton hurled the rock through the tiny structure.

The metal cuffs were cold as they fastened around my wrists. I didn’t notice the policeman close by as Harvey and Clayton bolted off.

As the new kid, I realized I would never fit in here.