The Bully

by Jonathan Jewett

 

 Paulie came home from Kutz Elementary School one day, and his Mom could tell that he was feeling sad.  Usually there was a big smile on his face, but today he was just staring down at his shoes.

“Paulie,” she said, “what’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” said Paulie, walking into his room.

 Julius bounced up to Paulie and wanted to play, but Paulie just sighed loudly and closed his bedroom door.

“Come here Julius,” said Mom.  “Paulie doesn’t want to play right now.  Stay here with Ellie Mae and me in the kitchen.”

 Ellie Mae and Mom were making Paulie’s favorite chocolate cake in the kitchen.  It made the whole kitchen smell delicious – just like a candy factory.  Mom saw Paulie’s head peek around the corner.

“Paulie,” called Mom.  “Would you like to lick the spoon?”

“No,” said Paulie, looking sad.  Mom knew something was wrong.

“Come with me Paulie,” she said.  He sat on her lap.  “You seem very sad.  I want to help you if I can.  What is bothering you?”

“Well,” said Paulie, “it’s, it’s….”

“Yes?” said Mom.

“There is a boy at school named Eric Brown, and he was not very nice to me today.  He took my lunch and wouldn’t give it back.  Then, he hid my jacket and I couldn’t find it.”

 Mom gave him a big hug.  “Paulie, it sounds like Eric Brown is a bully.  Has Eric done mean things to you before?”

“Yes,” said Paulie.

“There is only one way to get a bully to stop bothering you,” Mom said.  “You need to let him know that you won’t let him be mean to you anymore.  Eric Brown is mean to you because he believes that he can get away with it.  You need to change his mind about that.”

“Really,” asked Paulie, looking hopeful for the first time all day.  “What should I do?”

“The next time Eric Brown is mean to you, go and get your friend Jason.  Then walk up to Eric Brown with Jason and tell him that he can’t do that to you anymore, that you won’t let him.  Every time Eric Brown tries to be mean to you, go find Jason and go talk to Eric together.”

“OK Mom, I’ll try.”  Paulie gave Mom a big hug and smiled.

“Good,” said Mom.  “Now, how about helping me to frost the cake?”

“Only if I can lick the beaters,” said Paulie, jumping up and racing into the kitchen.

The next morning, Paulie talked to Jason on the bus on the way to school.  They agreed that they would talk to Eric Brown together if he bothered Paulie today.

When Paulie walked into his classroom, Eric Brown was already there.  He walked up to Paulie and grabbed his backpack.

“I want to see what you have for lunch today.  Give it to me.”

“No,” said Paulie.  “It’s my lunch, and I don’t want to give it to you.”

Eric Brown started tugging on Paulie’s backpack, but Jason saw what was happening and walked over and stood next to Paulie.

“Eric Brown,” Paulie said, “I don’t like you being mean to me and I don’t want you to do it anymore.”

“Neither do I,” said Jason.  “Leave him alone, Eric.”

Eric Brown looked surprised and let go of Paulie’s backpack.  Paulie took a deep breath.

“You just leave me alone Eric.  If you bother me again, I’m going to tell the teacher what you are doing.  I won’t let you bother me anymore.”

Eric Brown took a step backwards and then walked away.

“Thank you Jason,” said Paulie.  “I don’t think that Eric will bother me again.”

And Eric never did bother Paulie again.