Free Don't Call Me Ishmael by Michael Gerard Bauer

BarryBagsley would then send him off with some friendly slaps on the back that seemed more like an attack than a parting gesture, while Danny and Doug snickered and looked around slyly. Yes, something was brewing, all right, and in Homeroom one Monday morning it boiled right over.
    Three things struck me as strange that morning. Firstly, that smart kid from Year Ten handed me a note in the playground before school that said I had to go to the office. When I asked him why, he just mumbled something, shook his head wretchedly and left. The thing was, when I got to the office no one knew anything about it.
    The second thing was when I arrived at Homeroom (later than normal because of my pointless office trip) Doug Savage was sitting on James Scobie’s desk talking to Danny Wallace. This was strange, because those two usually had to be chased up by Miss Tarango to get to class. But there they were and Miss hadn’t even appeared yet.
    The third thing was that James Scobie was missing. He was always one of the first in, fussing about at his desk organising, arranging, rearranging, adjusting, readjusting, shifting, shuffling, moving, edging, rotating and straightening every book, pencil and pen, piece of equipment, item of clothing and nearly every body part until his personal world was in order.
    An uneasy feeling seeped through me as I moved to my seat and looked around the room. Everyone else was present–everyone except Barry Bagsley. This wasn’t so unusual, since Barry Bagsley seemed to have set himself the challenge of being the last person into every lesson for the term of hisschool life. Having personal goals is so important. All the same, at the sight of his empty desk, a slithering dread began to uncoil in my stomach.
    â€˜What’s up, Le Dick? You look a bit worried.’
    The maniacal grin on Danny Wallace’s face made me question the true level of his concern for my wellbeing. Beside him, Doug Savage stared at me. His small ball-bearing eyes seemed to have retreated deep in the dark caves of their sockets, as if they were tired of being bombarded by things that they couldn’t comprehend.
    â€˜If you’re worried about your little freaky mate, don’t be. He’s fine. See?’
    Danny Wallace’s finger was pointing out the window. I looked down into the playground. There by the bubblers, in deep conversation, were Barry Bagsley and James Scobie. Well, at least Barry Bagsley was in deep conversation. James Scobie could have been a statue if it wasn’t for a twist of his mouth every so often. Then, after what seemed quite a long speech by his standards, Barry Bagsley thrust his hand forward. Scobie studied it for a second then reached out. After shaking hands vigorously Barry Bagsley threw his arm around James Scobie’s shoulders and together they headed towards the stairs.
    â€˜Awww, that is just soooo
bood
iful
.
Love will find a way. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside,’ Danny Wallace declared with a quaking voice. Doug Savage responded with a snort. This was bad. This was very bad.
    â€˜O?, listen up, you clowns. I have an important announcement to make. A miracle is about to happen right here inRoom 301. That’s right, a
medical
miracle.’ Danny Wallace paused for effect. ‘In just a few seconds, right before your very eyes, little James Scobie will be given back his sense of fear. And you can all share in this wonderful occasion by just enjoying the show and keeping your mouths shut, right?’ Then Danny Wallace leant in so close to my face that he went all blurry. ‘Right?’
    Soon after that two figures appeared at the door. Barry Bagsley gave James Scobie a friendly pat on the back, winked and headed for his seat, where Danny Wallace and Doug Savage quickly joined him. Around the class boys went through the motions of talking, unpacking books and doing last-minute homework, but everyone’s attention was secretly focused on the