Chapter 17
The weekend passed by as slowly as a snail, and Solomon could hardly wait for Monday to come. He usually didn’t like going to school that much, since he had to deal with Magnus, but he had a feeling that would change. Solomon was ready to become the coolest, most-liked student in all of Spritewood High by teaching Magnus a well-earned lesson. And maybe he would teach Warren Scott a lesson, too, while he was at it.
“Are you sure you feel good enough to go to school today?” Mrs. Peterson asked worriedly as the twins were getting ready to leave on Monday morning. “I can always call the school and say you won’t be able to make it.”
“For the millionth time, Mom, yes, we’re able to go to school today!” Solomon shook his head in amusement and slipped his backpack over one shoulder. “Luna, the bus is almost here! Hurry up!”
Luna finally made her appearance, coming downstairs with slow, heavy steps, and just in time for her and Solomon to slip outside and meet the bus as it came by. Nothing particularly eventful happened during the bus ride, and Warren must’ve been either too late or too early to cross paths with the twins, as they didn’t see him make his usual arrival in style.
By that point, Solomon was itching to face off with a bully, putting him on the edge. When someone tapped him on the shoulder, he whirled around with his fists up, only to see one of his fellow football players.
“Heh, sorry about that, Doug.” Solomon lowered his fists and grinned sheepishly. “I was expecting…someone else.”
“Don’t worry about it! I don’t mind – I’m used to people shoving their fists in my face anyway.” Doug patted Solomon on the shoulder. “I just wanted to check in with you and make sure you’re doing all right after that whole coma thing. We really missed you at practices.”
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Solomon’s dubiousness must’ve shown on his face, because Doug added, “No, really! It was demoralizing for us without you there. Just because you’re not the strongest player doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to offer the team.”
“Yeah, right.” Solomon sighed. “See you at practice later.”
Doug waved a farewell, and the two boys parted ways. Luna had gone ahead without her twin and was nowhere in sight. Solomon down the hall and spotted Magnus and his underlings sulking in the hall by Locker 665. Solomon tried to slip past the bullies and make it to his locker, but Magnus stepped in front of him. “Watch where you’re going, Peterson,” Magnus snarled. “You might be recovering from a coma, but I’m not gonna go easy on you because of that.”
Solomon stepped to the side, but the bully matched his movements, blocking him. “Would you let me get my stuff?” Solomon asked. “I kinda need it for my classes, and the bell’s about to ring any second.”
Magnus took a threatening step forward. “You and me need to have some quality time together. I haven’t officially gotten you back for the time you made me stumble in football practice.”
Solomon could feel himself start to sweat a bit. The situation was quickly heating up, and he needed to resolve it before he was late for class. Come on, superpowers, where are you when I need you? He lightly pushed Magnus out of his way, intending to scare him off with his bravado. He wasn’t trying to shove the bully very hard, so he was surprised when Magnus stumbled backward from the force of his push. “Out of my way,” Solomon commanded, puffing up his chest. “I’ve got places to be and things to do. Namely schoolwork.”
But instead of backing down like he had hoped they would, the gang of bullies drew tighter around him. Well, looks like I’ll have to fight my way out of this one. Solomon hefted his firsts and prepared himself for the battle that was almost certainly about to ensue.
The school bell rang shrilly, making he bullies all flinch in surprise. Solomon saw his chance, decided to take the most logical course of action, and promptly ran for his life.
