Maximus

This is an extract from Maximus, a middle-grade novel written by Steve Heron, released in 2018 by Serenity Press. Maximus is available through www.steveheron.com, some bookstores, online bookstores etc.

‘Everyone was laughing, including Maddy. I turned around to see what was so funny and saw my footy boots hanging in the rafters.

So, that’s what they were laughing at. I could see Jason laughing the most. The hot lava bubbled inside of me as their laughter fuelled the fire. This time I couldn’t hold it in. I erupted like Mount Vesuvius.

My arms swung around like a mad octopus. Somehow my fist connected with the closest person, Jason. Thwack! I felt the awful impact of flesh on flesh. His head wrenched sideways. He did a half pirouette and crashed to the ground as if someone had pulled a rug out from under his feet. Everyone gasped in shock.

I didn’t mean it. It just happened.

Everything seemed to freeze, except me. I took off.

I ran like a fugitive and hid behind the undercover area where I thought no one could find me. I curled up in a ball, put my arms on my knees and slumped my head on my arms. I was in big trouble. Kids got suspended for hitting other kids, even if they didn’t mean to.

How was I going to talk my way out of this? Everything officially sucked.

Why am I such a loser?

Dad’s words materialised in my brain: We don't solve problems with our fists, we use our words. Lately his words hit harder than fists’.