It was survival of the fittest at that school. Every day was a popularity contest – one Donny felt like he was always losing. But it didn’t stop him watching the kids who knew how to play the game. Bethany Greggs was one of the hottest girls in the school and every boy there wanted to have her on their arm, including Trevor. She was fit, everyone said so; long, dark hair to her waist and beautiful deep brown eyes. Donny had admired her from afar for years – he’d fancied her along with the rest of the lads, but he never told anyone that. She was way out of his league and what would she see in him, anyway? He was a nobody – a greasy, spotty teenager who would barely even make eye contact. But on the day that everything changed, one of the main reasons that he finally stood up for himself was Bethany. He was sick of feeling helpless, sick of looking like a failure, sick of people talking about him behind his back. He’d heard the names they called him; coward, yellow-belly, waste of space. He’d had enough.

Trevor and a few of his boys walked into the canteen and stood behind Donny. Just his presence in the room changed the atmosphere. Donny could feel Trevor’s breath on the back of his neck, could almost feel him nudging his mate and smirking before he flicked Donny’s ears and yanked at the hood of his coat, the usual kind of thing. Bethany was also in the queue and when she saw what was going on she turned to face Donny, bent her head forward and whispered at him.

‘Why do you let these idiots treat you like this? Do something about it or you’ll always be a victim. Go on, knock his block off and put him on his arse. Whatever. Just do something.’

Her words pierced Donny’s heart. All the rage that had been bottled up for as long as he could remember came roaring to the surface, bubbling like a volcano, waiting to explode. Everyone was gathered around, but for the first time ever Donny stood tall and answered Trevor back. At first he trembled, stuttered. Maybe he’d not thought this through – but it was too late now, he’d opened his big mouth. He reminded himself that he’d been going to kickboxing for the last two years – and if he couldn’t defend himself now, then when would he ever be able to use what he’d learned? What would have been the point? Trevor stood nose to nose with Donny, his eyes burning into his, unflinching. But Donny held his own.