The Swap by Megan Shull Read Free Book Online

starts flailing his arms. I’m looking to strike again. I’m looking to knock him out. I pull back my arm and throw a right uppercut that connects with his jaw. He’s getting desperate to end the fight. He lunges at me, wrapping his arms around my waist, and tries to take me down, tackling me, but instead he smokes my head against the brick wall.
    I feel my nose crack.
    Then blood trickling down my chin.
    I just roll him and get on top. I drive him into the floor. I don’t stop. He’s on his back, full throttle trying to get up. I pin him down with my knee, hook one arm around his neck, and pound him with shots. I’m landing some big punches, just blazin’ him, until I feel somebody’s hand yank me back off him.
    â€œBoys, this is over!” It’s Mr. Graves.
    For the first time I notice how many people are watching. It’s like the entire eighth grade is standing there in a circle around us, staring.
    â€œOkay, people, show’s over. Go to class!” says Mr. Graves. Then he turns to me, “Jack, go to the nurse.”
    I stand there for a second.
    My heart is pounding.
    I can taste blood.
    â€œGo!” Mr. Graves repeats, sounding mad.
    Somehow a wad of paper towel emerges, and Owen hands it to me with a giant grin on his face. Before I leave, I glance down at Porter, still in a heap on the floor, his lip busted. You think you’re gonna knock me out? Not going to happen .
    I watch him for a second and make sure to catch his eye. Then? I shake my head and toss him a smile.
    On my way to the nurse’s office, my heart is beating like crazy ridiculous. I can’t calm down. My body is shaking and my hand is throbbing. By now there’s a crowd following me down the stairs. Everyone’s hyped.
    â€œBeast mode, bro!” (Brayden)
    â€œYeeaah, boyyyy! Dominate!” (Trey)
    â€œDude’s a truck, but you smashed him!” (Demaryius)
    â€œYou’re an assassin, Jacko!” (Dominic)
    Sammy throws his arm around my shoulders. “You’re an absolute stud! You rocked him, dude. Ground and pound! You had some big shots, man. He felt it!”
    By the time I reach the door to the nurse’s office, it’s just me and Owen in the empty hallway. He hands over my backpack, while I try to keep the blood-soaked paper towel on my nose.
    â€œYou’re still coming to my house tomorrow night, right?” he asks me.
    â€œWell, I—” I start, and reality sort of sets in. “I’ll probably be grounded. I mean, my dad—”
    â€œOh, man, bro.” Owen looks a little worried. “Your dad is going to lose it!”
    â€œYeah, so . . . ,” I start, but it’s hard to talk with the blood and my nose.
    â€œWell, call me when you find out, man.”
    â€œYeah, I will,” I answer.
    â€œJacko?”
    I glance back.
    Owen flashes me the biggest smile.
    â€œThanks for shutting him up,” he says.

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE
    HarperCollins Publishers
    ..................................................................

    I DON’T KNOW IF IT’S possible for you to picture me in my flimsy blue Thatcher gym shorts, orange Thatcher T-shirt, and sneakers, walking as fast as I can down the empty hall with tears streaming down my cheeks, but that’s what I look like.
    I look like a baby.
    I look like a ridiculous baby, and I don’t care.
    I don’t care because all that is on my mind is getting out of here, getting home, and never leaving my room again. Ever! I think about all the things I’m going to not do as I move through the deserted hallway—
    I will not play soccer!
    I will not go to Claire’s birthday party!
    I will never go to another birthday party again. Ever!!!!!!!!
    I pass the closed doors of classes in session. I pass two teachers. I blow right by them.
    â€œMiss? Young lady?” one calls out.
    But I don’t stop.
    Apparently, I am suddenly