Billy the Bully

Fictional short story for children

Billy the Bully

November 5, 1998

This was a writing assignment from a creative writing course I took when I was in my twenties. Enjoy! Read to the end (or scroll) to check out my actual assignment and my true-life event (and people) that I based my fictional short story on.

---

“Kasie! Stand up straight! I don’t want you slouching at my wedding tomorrow,” said Grandma as she fluffed the ruffles on my blouse.

I scowled at myself in the mirror. I was ten, but the dress made me look more like I was five. I could hear my cousin Billy now; he’d probably call me “string bean.”

“Hurry up and get changed. Aunt Mary and Billy will be here soon,” Grandma said.

I signed. “I don’t know, Grandma. I think I’ll stay here.”

Grandma peered over her glasses, “Why would you want to do that? It’s such a beautiful day?”

I shrugged. Grandma chuckled and walked out of the room. She had no idea what Billy was like.

I quickly changed into jeans and a t-shirt. I was so happy to be in “normal” clothes again that I almost forgot about Billy. Then I heard rollerblades on the sidewalk. I pressed my forehead against the window and looked below. Aunt Mary was walking up the street and Billy was skating circles around her. I groaned and stepped back from the window. Why did Billy have to live down the street from Grandma?

“Kasie!” Grandma called.

I didn’t feel like dealing with Billy! He was a hot shot! He thought he was great because he hung out with sixth graders. Grandma said they were a bad influence. I wondered why. Was it because they were a year older than Billy?

I slowly walked down the stairs. Grandma and Aunt Mary were chattering excitedly on the porch. Billy was swinging one of Grandma’s brooms as if it were a hockey stick.

“There you are Kasie!” Grandma said cheerily. She turned to Billy “Why don’t you both go to the playground?”

Billy dropped the broom on the porch. “Sure Grandma!” he said. A smile slowly spread across his freckled face. I wondered what he was up to.

I followed Billy across the street. For once he wasn’t skating too far ahead of me.

Suddenly, Billy screeched to a stop. He narrowed his green eyes. “Okay. Get out of here weirdo!”

I stared at him in surprise. Billy the bully was back. “I’m not going anywhere,” I said.

Billy glanced over to a group of boys near the basketball nets. “There’s no way you’re hanging out with us. Get it? You don’t even know me.”

I was burning mad. “Sure, cousin!” I said loudly.

Billy glared at me and skated away.

I dragged my sneakers across the asphalt. That Billy! What was the big deal anyway?

I looked back to check on Billy and his friends. He and two other boys were walking away from the playground.

Where were they going? As I glanced over at Grandma’s house across the street a chill ran down my spine. I’d be in big trouble if left the playground, but I was tired of being left out. I’d spy on them just a little, I told myself. No one would find out. Right?

My sneakers squeaked as I ran across the wet grass. Billy and his friends stopped at Kemp’s Market parking lot. I dove behind a row of bushes before anyone could see me.

I strained to hear what they were saying.

“Well, you with us or not?” A tall boy with black hair asked.

“I don’t know. What if we get caught?” Billy said. For once he didn’t sound so tough.

“We take stuff from the store all of the time. Old man Kemp is as blind as a bat.” said the other boy.

“I don’t know...what about my skates?” Billy stammered

“Man, forget it.” The tall boy with black hair said. “Come on, let’s go.”

The two boys walked away from Billy. I watched in surprise as they both entered the store. They were actually going to steal from Mr. Kemp’s store!

There were shouts followed by two boys bolting out of the store. Mr. Kemp waved his arms and yelled. “Hey!!”

The two boys scrambled over the fence and were gone. Billy tried to get away, but he tripped over his skates.

“You’re coming with me, young man.” Mr. Kemp said.

I could hear Billy protesting in a high-pitched voice. Mr. Kemp ignored him and led him to the store.

I stood there for a moment unable to move. Billy was in real trouble. The funny thing is, it wasn't his fault. What would happen now? Would he go to jail? My heart was pounding. I was angry at Billy, but I didn’t want him to go to jail. If I told Grandma, I’d be in big trouble for wandering off and Billy would know I ratted on him. Tears stung my eyes. I wished I’d never followed them. I ran from the store as fast as I cold. The only place I could think of to go was Grandma’s.

“Billy must be scared,” I said to Grandma as we walked to the market together.

Grandma didn’t say a word. Instead, she pursed her lips, which she only does when she’s upset. I kept quiet after that.

The bell above the door clamored as we rushed into the store.

“Grandma!” Billy said, looking from Grandma to me.

Mr. Kemp walked over to Grandma. “Do you know what your grandson did?” Mr. Kemp asked glaring at Billy.

“I didn’t do anything, honest!” Billy protested.

“I know you didn’t,” Grandma said calmly.

Billy stared at her, his mouth opening wide.

“Kasie told me what happened,” Grandma nodded over to me.

I took a deep breath and told them what had really happened. Billy and Mr. Kemp stared at me. I couldn’t tell if they were angry or not. I swallowed hard had continued. “I was scared. The only thing I could think of was to tell Grandma the truth.”

Mr. Kemp sighed and then a smile spread across his face. “I guess you’re off the hook.

Billy opened his eyes wide. “You mean I’m not in trouble?”

Mr. Kemp nodded.

“Yes!” Billy whispered

“Not so fast, Billy! Mr. Kemp said you are not in trouble with him.” Grandma said. Her lips were pursed again.

“We still have a lot to talk about young man, and you too,” Grandma motioned to me.

“Yes, Grandma,” Billy and I replied.

Grandma thanked Mr. Kemp and we followed her out the door.

“At least I won’t be going to jail.” Billy muttered to himself.

“Yeah, but now you’ll have to deal with Grandma,” I whispered and laughed. Billy shook his head, but I think I saw him smile too.