Six by M.M. Vaughan Read Free Book Online Page A

narrowed his eyes, determined not to let Aaron see any fear.
    â€œThe only person who’s going to regret this is you,” said Aaron. He reached out with both hands and gave Parker a small push.
    Parker took a step back. He clenched his fists and went to take a step forward when the sound of running footsteps behind him made him turn. Parker watched, shock quickly turning to horror, as his little sister ran in front of him and then, taking Aaron by complete surprise, karate-chopped him in the face.
    â€œAh!” shouted Aaron, clutching his nose as he doubled over.
    Parker stepped forward to grab Emma, but he was too late; she ran behind Aaron and jumped on his back.
    Parker and Michael watched, frozen, as Emma wrapped one hand around Aaron’s neck and, with the other, began to pull on Aaron’s hair.
    Aaron shouted out in pain and tried to slap his hands behind him, but Emma refused to let go.
    â€œGet off him!” shouted Parker. But Emma wasn’t looking at him to be able to lip-read what he was saying, and she was definitely not going to be turning Effie on. Parker ran around, grabbed Emma’s waist, and pulled her off Aaron’s back. He turned her around to face him.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    But Emma didn’t respond; she was looking at something just past his shoulder, her eyes widening. Parker snapped his head around to see Aaron’s fist heading directly toward his sister. Instinctively, Parker leaned forward and pushed Emma out of the way, putting his own face in line with the punch.
    Smack .
    The fist caught the side of Parker’s nose and right eye socket with such force that his neck snapped back. Disorientated, Parker staggered to the floor.
    â€œAaron Knoll!”
    Parker looked up, his hand pressed flat against his right eye, and saw the vice principal, Mr. Andrews, taking long strides toward them.
    â€œWhat do you think you’re doing?” shouted Mr. Andrews. When he reached them, he turned first to Parker, who was rubbing his face.
    â€œAre you okay?”
    Parker nodded.
    â€œGo to the nurse’s office and get it checked out. Do you know where it is?”
    Parker nodded again. He didn’t, but he had no intention of going.
    â€œAnd as for you,” said Mr. Andrews, turning his attention to Aaron.
    â€œShe hit me first!” said Aaron. Aaron pointed at Emma.
    Everybody looked over at Emma, who shrugged and widened her eyes with a look of complete innocence. Parker had seen this look many times before and it always worked on his father, just as it did now on Mr. Andrews.
    Mr. Andrews turned to Aaron and shook his head. “Always with the excuses, Aaron. This is the third time this week. How many times do I have to tell you that violence is never the answer?”
    Aaron—his face scrunched up in silent fury—didn’t respond.
    â€œTo my office,” ordered Mr. Andrews.
    Aaron didn’t move.
    â€œNow.”
    Aaron cursed under his breath.
    â€œNext time fight your own battles,” he whispered to Parker as Mr. Andrews grabbed Aaron by his arm.
    *  *  *  *  *  *
    Parker watched as Aaron was led down the corridor. Around him, the audience that had gathered to watch the fight began to move again. Parker looked at Michael, who was frozen to the spot, looking like he might pass out. Parker opened his mouth to say something when Emma appeared in front of him. She tried to move Parker’s hand to look at his face.
    Parker flinched away from her and turned to Michael. “I’ll call you later,” he said abruptly before storming out of the school.
    *  *  *  *  *  *
    Parker was the first to board his school bus. He took a seat halfway up, placed his backpack on the seat next to him, and turned toward the window. Still furious, he didn’t look around, even when he heard his backpack being lifted and then pushed under his feet.
    There was a tap