CHAPTER NINE
Monday Morning
Martin opens his eyes at the sound of his alarm clock. It reads 6:00 am, which is early for him. A wave of anxiety rushes over him as he remembers Johnny Reese. The last thing he wants now is another confrontation with Johnny. Martin is gripped with a sudden fear of what may lie ahead of him and becomes sick to his stomach.
That's it, he thinks. I'll just tell Mom I'm not feeling well today. Martin considers it briefly before throwing the idea away. Aside from the fact that it would be dishonest to tell his mother that, Martin realizes he will only be delaying his next meeting with Johnny. It will be impossible to avoid him.
But what will he do if Johnny provokes him into another fight? A third fight will definitely get him expelled from school.
Martin shudders at the thought of losing control again. He looks at his clock. It is 6:05. What is he going to do? Martin recalls the verse Mr. James taught him.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Martin feels relieved, realizing that, so long as he trusts in God, he will be ok. He cannot allow fear to control his judgment.
After a quick prayer, Martin dashes to the bathroom to get ready.
•••
Martin arrives at school just before the bell rings. He has to go to the office first and then he has to go to his locker. After receiving an admit slip to class, Martin races down the hall to his locker. When he gets his books he runs back down the hall and around the corner to get to his chemistry class. He isn't paying attention to who is on the other side of the corner and runs right into Johnny Reese.
Save Me Page 9