Free Full Court Press by Todd Hafer

something on her, it beats her down a little more. You may think you’re different from them, but to Greta you’re not. You’re just another one of Alston’s cruel tools.”
    Pork Chop took a step toward Cody. “Hey—I’m nobody’s tool!”
    Cody held his ground. “Then stop acting like one.”
    Pork Chop took a deep breath and then exhaled forcefully, just as he did when completing a bench press. “Okay, Cody. You’re right. I’m sorry.”
    â€œDon’t tell me. Tell her .”
    â€œAw, I can’t do that, dawg.”
    â€œSure you can. I did.”
    â€œYou did?”
    Cody nodded. “Monday morning. I said it.”
    â€œWhat did she say?”
    â€œNothing. But she heard me, and she knows I meant it. That’s what matters.”
    Pork Chop nodded. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “You’re right. I’m not promising I can bring myself to talk to her, but the harassing is done.”

    On Friday after first period, Cody saw a small crowd gathered in front of a row of lockers in the science hallway. Neale was leaning back against a locker, trying to look casual. Greta stood two feet in front of him, head bowed, arms crossed in front of her body.
    Cody angled toward Neale, uttering a silent prayer as he walked. God, please show me what to do here. And please let me keep all my teeth. Amen.
    As he drew up to Neale, three words flashed in Cody’s head, like opening credits on a movie screen—LOVE ALWAYS PROTECTS. He smiled. “First Corinthians 13:7,” he whispered to himself.
    â€œWhat’s up, Neale?” Cody asked, trying to sound confident.
    â€œNothing, Martin. I’m just kickin’ back. But this ugly sow here seems to have a problem with that.”
    Cody turned toward Greta. “He’s leaning against my locker,” she said quietly. “I asked him to move. I asked him nicely.”
    Cody willed himself to look Neale in the eyes. “She asked you,” he began, “and now I’m asking you. C’mon, dude—move. We’re all gonna be late for class.”
    Neale snorted. “You want me moved? You move me. And I don’t see your fat slob, half-breed bodyguard around. You’re on your own.”
    â€œSo are you. Alston’s not here to have your back either. Now, move. Or I will move you.”
    Cody studied Neale. His arms hung loosely at his sides, but he looked as if he could go into fighting mode instantly. His expression was hard to read. Neale looked as if he were trying to solve a complex algebra equation in his head.
    Seconds crawled by. Cody could feel his armpits growing moist. He was glad he remembered to use his deodorant that morning.
    Love always protects. Love always protects . But how was he supposed to protect Greta—and not get expelled or beaten to a pulp?
    Cody raised his right hand slowly and scratched his ear. Then, quick as a rattlesnake strike, he lashed out at Neale, smacking the locker with his palm. He missed Neale’s head, just as he had planned—but only by inches.
    Neale leaped from Greta’s locker, as if it had suddenly delivered an electric shock to his backside. He also squealed like a piglet.
    That drew a roar of a laughter from the onlookers. Crimson-faced, Neale began to back away from Cody.
    â€œI’m out for now,” he said, “but this isn’t over, Martin. You best watch your back, Cuz.” Neale’s voice sounded threatening, but he continued to back up as he spoke.
    â€œYou don’t have to watch your back, Neale,” Cody said evenly. “Because if I see you harassing her again, I’ll come for you—and it’ll be straight on.”
    Cody turned his attention to Greta. She loosened her small, rigid mouth and gave him her second smile of the week. Cody grinned in return. The morning showers and makeup tips from Robyn hadn’t transformed Greta into a stunning