So, youre going to let me have your dinner, arent you? Youre going to tell Mom and Dad youre not hungry.

Oliver shook his head. I already gave you the bedroom! he refuted. Let me have my potatoes, at the very least.

Chris laughed. No way. Were starting a new school tomorrow. Ive got to be strong in case there are other pipsqueaks like you I need to pick on.

The mention of school sent a new wave of trepidation washing through Oliver. Hed started so many new schools in his life and each time it seemed to get a little worse. There was always a Chris Blue equivalent who was able to sniff him out, who wanted to pick on him no matter what he did. And there were never any allies. Oliver had long ago given up on making friends. What was the point when hed just be moving again in a matter of months?

Chriss face softened. Tell you what, Oliver, Ill be kind. Just this once. Then he grinned and burst into maniacal laughter. Ill give you a knuckle sandwich for dinner!

He raised his fist. Oliver ducked away, missing the flailing fist by mere millimeters. He bolted downstairs for the living room.

Come back, toe rag! Chris yelled.

He was right on Olivers heels, but Oliver was fast, and he hurried to the dining table. Dad looked up at him as he stood there panting, recovering from the sprint.

Are you two fighting again? He sighed. What about this time?

Chris skidded to a halt beside Oliver.

Nothing, he said quickly.

Suddenly, Oliver felt a sharp pinching sensation at his waist. Chris was digging his nails in. Oliver looked over at him, at the look of triumphant glee on his face.

Dad looked suspicious. I dont believe you. Whats going on?

The pinch got stronger, the pain radiating through Olivers side. He knew what he had to do. There was no choice.

I was just saying, he said, wincing, that Im not feeling very hungry tonight.

Dad looked at him wearily. Moms been slaving over that stove for you and now youre saying you dont want it?

Mom looked over her shoulder from the stove with a wounded expression. Whats the problem? Dont you like meat anymore? Or is it the potatoes that are the issue?

Oliver felt Chriss pinch deepen even more, sending an even sharper pain through him.

Sorry, Mom, he said, his eyes watering. I am grateful. Im just not hungry.

What am I supposed to do with him? Mom exclaimed. First the bedroom, now this! My nerves cant take it.

Ill have his extras, Chris said quickly. Then in a sugary voice, he added, I dont want all your efforts to go to waste, Mom.

Mom and Dad both looked at Chris. He was bulky and getting ever bulkier but they didnt seem concerned. Either that, or they didnt want to stand up to the bully son theyd raised.