The Have and Have Nots by Twjr0228
Summary:

An ongoing adventure in a world of the formula. Inspired by Imagin8 and his GH-X2 story.

https://www.deviantart.com/gentlegiant1970


Categories: Giantess Characters: None
Growth: Amazon (7 ft. to 15 ft.)
Shrink: None
Size Roles: F/m
Warnings: Following story may contain inappropriate material for certain audiences
Challenges: None
Series: GH-X2 Universe & Spin-Offs
Chapters: 36 Completed: No Word count: 71193 Read: 79787 Published: March 10 2021 Updated: August 31 2021

1. Chapter 1 The Three Groups by Twjr0228

2. Chapter 2 The First Day by Twjr0228

3. Chapter 3 Challenges by Twjr0228

4. Chapter 4 A Truce is Reached by Twjr0228

5. Chapter 5 The Bus Ride by Twjr0228

6. Chapter 6 Standin up for what is right. by Twjr0228

7. Chapter 7 A Big Problem Arises by Twjr0228

8. Chapter 8 Finding a True Friend by Twjr0228

9. Chapter 9 Linda's Parents by Twjr0228

10. Chapter 10 Lemons and Compromises by Twjr0228

11. Chapter 11 Thoughts by Twjr0228

12. Chapter 12 The Best Cure for Self-pity by Twjr0228

13. Chapter 13 Parental Inquisition by Twjr0228

14. Chapter 14 Regrets by Twjr0228

15. Chapter 15 Nervous Anticipation by Twjr0228

16. Chapter 16 Jill by Twjr0228

17. Chapter 17 Jill becomes a big problem by Twjr0228

18. Chapter 18 The Dawn of Trouble by Twjr0228

19. Chapter 19 Worries by Twjr0228

20. Chapter 20 Watching the Sunset by Twjr0228

21. Chapter 21 Paul vs Jill by Twjr0228

22. Chapter 22 Reaction by Twjr0228

23. Chapter 23 A Question and Answer leads to reflection. by Twjr0228

24. Chapter 24 The Holidays by Twjr0228

25. Chapter 25 Defending the Defender by Twjr0228

26. Chapter 26 Nirvana! by Twjr0228

27. Chapter 27 Realizations by Twjr0228

28. Chapter 28 Panic! by Twjr0228

29. Chapter 29 A parental secret is revealed by Twjr0228

30. Chapter 30 The Dance by Twjr0228

31. Chapter 31 Paul vs Jill Pt 2 and the Aftermath by Twjr0228

32. Chapter 32 Paul recuperates in the hospital by Twjr0228

33. Chapter 33 Great to be home by Twjr0228

34. Chapter 34 Paul’s first day back at school and encounters a familiar face by Twjr0228

35. Chapter 35 A new friendship develops by Twjr0228

36. Chapter 36 The Bridge to the Future by Twjr0228

Chapter 1 The Three Groups by Twjr0228

History, if understood correctly, can really explain the present. Paul Barton loved history. And he knew what was going on now, and it made him chuckle. The formula had been released, and delivered on it's promise. People grew twice their normal height, society changed, and the world was never the same.


Word leaked that a lab was trying to come up with the right compounds for a second formula that would help people grow to two and half times their projected normal height, and make them even more resistant to illness.  And once that was out in the open, the race was on, as lab after lab worked day and night, twenty-four seven, holidays, it didn't matter. They had to be the first. 


Finally, it was down to two. And in the race to become the first one to release the second formula, shortcuts were taken in the testing phase. Who was first would determine who would make the money.


Paul hopped on the oversized school bus. His best friend John was seated near the front. Many kids Paul was friendly with say in the first four rows. They were the last of the  Betas. Everyone else in school was either an Alpha or a tweener. Their seats were the only normal sized ones on the bus. But after that, the real fun began.


You had two groups of people that took the formula. For one group, the formula worked exactly as planned. Heights of 11, 12, 13 feet were reached. And with their size came great strength and an attitude to match. They were the Alphas. They ruled the school, and if you valued your health, you avoided them like the plague.


The other group took the formula, but it didn't work as intended. They still grew, but only reached heights of seven and a half to nine feet, nor the promised strength. The variant they took did not have the strict testing that the other formula did. And families paid good money for a product that didn't deliver.


And worse, matter how much they tried, the Alphas treated them like second class citizens. They were neither Alphas or Betas. They were the tweeners. And it caused some odd behavior.


Some tweeners went overboard trying to impress the Alphas, including being extra mean to Betas as well as their fellow tweeners.


And it didn't matter, the Alphas still considered them to be inferior. 


Some tweeners kept to themselves. They didn't want to make any waves, or cause any trouble. They just wanted to be left alone.


And some tweeners were very nice. They treated the Betas with respect, a rare occurrence in school, and some even went out of their way to help Betas as best they could.


Paul was only average height, reaching 5’10” like his father. And with sophmore year upon him, it was when he saw her. A tweeners. Paul couldn't see how tall she was, but she was definitely about two feet taller than him.


She was sitting alone. Paul guessed that she was new. His friend John was talking to a girl across the aisle. Paul decided that he was going to introduce himself.


He approached her row. He could see he was eye level with her, even standing. But he introduced himself as Paul Barton to her. She looked at him, and seeing a friendly smile on his face, replied that her name was Linda Mills. Paul asked if she was new to the area. She replied yes, that her family had just moved in from out of state. Paul asked her if he could sit  in the open seat, and she said yes. 


Paul climbed up the two big steps that allowed him to reach the seat, and as he was sitting, heard the commotion from the back. He and Linda and everyone else on the bus looked as a tweener with an Alpha fixation overstepped an imaginary line and was slapped by an Alpha girl. His face reddened and swelled quickly, and tears were running out of his eyes at a fast rate.  Paul saw it was a girl named Alice. Alice and her friends really loved to push the boundaries. And Paul was thankful it wasn't him that got slapped.


As the boy ran back towards his seat, he could hear Alice and her friends bust out laughing. This made the boy cry even more.


Linda looked at Paul, who then started to explain the school dynamics to her. She didn't know if he was joking or not. He asked her if they had the same issues at her last school. Linda replied that she was home schooled, but since her parents both had to work, she needed to attend an actual school.


Paul had never met someone who was homeschooled, and he didn't know how to respond, except to awkwardly say that the teachers were nice. He also noticed how big the seat was. He could fit a second person in it comfortably. All he could think to himself was wow. 


He quickly glanced at the boy who was slapped, and noticed that his face was still swollen, and he stopped crying. He thought to himself that this was the reason one avoided the Alphas.


The bus pulled up at school, but not before the boy who was slapped headed towards the back of the bus and apologized to Alice in front of her friends. She told him that if he ever spoke to her again like that he wouldn't be so lucky. Then she dismissed him, like he was a child. The boy apologized again and quickly made his way back to his seat, as Alice and her friends laughed. 

Chapter 2 The First Day by Twjr0228

The bus arrived at Rockway High. It once had the reputation of being the home for the phony tough and the crazy brave, but that was generations ago. Paul knew the school got its reputation because of all the gang violence that seemed to plague the area around the school. But ever since the big government crackdown, things improved. The school was now considered the safest in the state, and its acedemics weren't far behind.


As the students exited the bus, a clear pecking order existed. Alphas went first. They always went first, and if a tweener or Beta tried to sneak out ahead of them, a public reprimand from an Alpha was guaranteed to happen at some point. 


So the Alphas were the first. Paul watched as Alice walked up to the tweener boys seat, bend down, and whisper something in his ear. Paul could see the look of fear grow wider in his eyes. Paul would have felt sorry for the kid, but he knew that one played with a dangerous fire if it involved an Alpha. And the boys face was still swollen.


Alice walked past his seat. Paul only came up to her thigh. She was tall for an Alpha girl, and with an attitude to match her size, avoidance was the only course of action.


Once the Alphas departed, next came the tweeners. Paul turned around and finally noticed Linda’s size. He came up to the area below her breasts. He was about to move when she asked him what he was doing. Paul replied that he was going to move so that she could leave with the rest of the tweeners. Linda replied that it wasn't necessary. She would walk out with him.


Paul had a quizzical look on his face, and asked her if she was sure, to which she replied she was. 


Finally the Betas could leave. Paul and Linda were the last. Paul went to homeroom, while Linda went to the office to finish checking in and to pick up her keycard and id. 


Paul met up with John as they entered the 20’ doors. There was a buzz that was higher than usual. Evidently, the incident between Alice and the tweener was the hot topic. School officials saw his face and asked him what had happened, but all the boy would say was that he walked into a door. The officials knew he was lying, but unless he was willing to say what did happen, they couldn't force the issue.


The boys made their way to the room, and saw the very familiar layout. Two sets of different sized desks, for Alphas and Betas were separated by an aisle right in the middle. The familiar three large steps adorned the Beta desks, allowing them to come up to chin level with a sitting Alpha. 


Paul laughed to himself because the tweeners were too big for Beta desks, and too small for the ones that Alphas used. What they needed was Goldilocks to help them out.


But by the time Paul sat at his desk Linda had entered. Paul could see that she had a great figure, and after their meeting this morning, it seemed like she had a personality to match.


The bell rung. The teacher entered and stood by her desk. Mrs Janeway was a middle aged Alpha teacher. Paul thought that she looked great, even in her 40’s. He knew that one of the side benefits of the original formula was that those who took it retained a very youthful appearance even when approaching 60.


The principal, equally as big, started off his yearly speech with the usual blah blah blah blah and have a good year. And then he was off to see the freshman class.


The period ended, and before Paul went to his first class, stopped by Mrs Janeway’s desk for a quick chat, and once over, entered the hallway. He could see that Linda was talking to someone. He approached the two, and saw that she was talking with Todd. 


Paul knew that Todd Banks was a wannabe Alpha tweener, who like to bully Betas in the hopes that he would be accepted. But besides being a bully, he was also too stupid to realize that he would never be one of them.


Paul recalled his encounter with Todd from the year before. Paul and John were heading to lunch when Todd decided to show who was the boss. He tried to first intimidate Paul and John by demanding their lunch money. He stood at least two feet taller than them. The boys refused. Next he tried the verbal threats. Again the boys refused. Next he moved towards them as a show of physical superiority. 


That was when Paul had enough. He told Todd if he wanted to fight, they would do it right there, right then. By then a crowd had formed. Paul could see the unsure look on Todd's eyes. Paul stepped towards him. Todd took a step back, then heard the crowd laughing. He looked around, then looked back at Paul, and came up with the excuse that he was late for class and left.


Paul was always taught to not take crap from anyone. And if a person the size of Todd decided to start trouble, Paul would go down swinging.



Chapter 3 Challenges by Twjr0228

As Paul reached Linda and Todd, he asked her if she needed any help finding her way around school. But before she could answer, Todd told Psul that he was a little Beta boy who should disappear real quick. Paul looked at him coldly and replied that he wasn't going anywhere. Todd looked at Paul with a foul look on his face and stepped towards him saying that the little Beta boy should play with his little Beta friends. 


Linda was getting upset. Paul had been nice to her on her first day in a new school, and here he was about to be smashed by a boy two feet taller than him. 


But, before she could intervene, Paul put his books down, and stepped towards Todd. By now students who had heard about Alice and the tweener were sensing another confrontation. 


Paul told Todd he had enough of his bullshit, that if he wanted him to leave, it would be over his dead body. Todd had that “what have I gotten myself into” look in his eyes. He looked at Paul, then Linda, then the considerable crowd, then back at Paul. He thought for a few seconds, then “remembered” that he had to get to class. He turned and walked away.


Linda wasn't sure she saw what she did. She had started out fearing for Paul’s safety, only to be simultaneously shocked and impressed by what transpired. A Beta boy forcing a person much bigger to back down in a confrontation. And in front of people, no less. She was very impressed. Paul showed confidence, actual confidence, and not false bravado, in this situation. 


Linda looked at Paul and wondered who this boy was? He was nice, had confidence, but wasn't cocky, and showed no fear. She continued to look at him. Paul noticed her stare after he watched Todd walk away. He looked up at her and finally noticed her stunning green eyes, a great figure, and sandy brown hair. 


He apologized for the situation, and again asked her if she needed help getting around school. She smiled at him, and told him that yes, she wasn't sure where all the classrooms were.


Paul asked her if she had her schedule, which she did. Eying it, he noticed that they were in every class together. He told her about the same schedules, so that he would be able to walk with her to every class.


The incident wasn't mentioned again, but it definitely peaked her interest in him. She thought he was handsome, with blue eyes and brown hair. She thought he had a decent build. If she was his size, she would definitely feel safe around him. But she had no idea how he felt about girls taller than him. 


As they walked to first period history, they saw Alice walking with her friends. They also noticed that the tweener boy who felt her wrath on the bus had seen her coming, and quickly ducked into the men's room. Paul didn't know what she had whispered in his ear, but he knew it wasn't  “I Love You”. 


As the reached the door to the classroom, Paul wanted to know if he could ask her a personal question. Eight feet. She replied before he could start. He looked at her and laughed. She wanted to know what was funny, and he said that she either read his mind, or had been asked that question so often it was like an automatic response, without having to think.


She could see his point. She had been homeschooled, but almost every Beta she met had the same question, and it was the only one they ever asked. Paul was actually the first person to actually wait to ask her, which she did appreciate. To her, it meant that her size wasn't the foremost thing on his mind. 


As they settled into their respective desks, the teacher welcomed the students, and then delved into  middle-age history. Paul couldn't help but think about Linda and the scene with Todd. She probably sensed his confidence in the outcome of the situation, but if she knew the truth, she might feel differently.


Paul knew how the situation would end. Todd was 100% talk and 0% action. If it had been any other tweener, or an Alpha, he would have walked away, because he knew he could never beat them in a fight. He was taught to defend himself, but he also had common sense. He could picture the number of broken bones that would be suffered in any altercation. So he secretly thanked God it was Todd.


And he thought of the incident on the bus. Alice and her friends weren't outright aggressive. They preferred verbal humiliation instead of violence as the first course of action when dealing with a tweener or Beta that stepped out of line. But they weren't hesitant to use an occasional slap, arm squeeze, or if they really wanted to humiliate you, a public spanking with your clothes on. It didn't matter if one was clothed or bare bottom. It hurt enough to cause a stream of tears if you kept bothering them. That's what probably happened earlier. He hoped the poor tweener learned his lesson.







Chapter 4 A Truce is Reached by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

Further adventures on the first day of school.

Once history class was over, the rest of the morning went fairly smooth. Paul always felt that if you could get that first class on the first day out of the way, time would tend to fly by. And sure enough, it was time for lunch. 


Lunch times were arranged by grades, so the freshman ate at 11am. And the seniors always ate last, because most could leave right after. 


Paul and Linda walked into the cafeteria. Paul headed to his normal sized table that was back in the corner. And there was only one long table this year for the ten Betas left. 


Paul assumed Linda would want to eat with her fellow tweeners, but she surprised him again by asking if she could sit as his table. He wasn't about to say no. With the number of Betas dwindling, it was nice to find friends elsewhere. 


It was a little awkward for Linda to eat, as she was forced to hunch over her food, a position Paul knew to be uncomfortable. He looked around and spotted Todd, sitting alone at a table. After the scene from this morning, it was obvious that nobody wanted to hang around with a tweener that was intimidated by a Beta.


Paul excused himself from the table. He cautiously approached Todd. Todd saw him coming, and not wanting to be put in another embarrassing situation, was about to get up and leave. Before he did, he quietly asked Todd if it would be alright if he and Linda sat at his table.


Todd stared blankly at Paul, as if he was hypnotized. This Beta, who had humiliated him twice, was asking for permission to sit at his table. Todd didn't know what to say, so he nodded his head. Paul thanked him. 


There were plenty of eyes on Paul and Todd from the cafeteria crowd, as they assumed that some sort of altercation was about to ensure. The quiet nature of the conversation left them unable to know what had happened. Seeing Paul go back towards his table, they assumed that Paul was warning Todd about something.


Paul got his food tray, and dropped it off at Todd's table, then went back and asked Linda to follow him as he reach for her tray. Never having held a tray made for Alpha before, he fully didn't grasp its size and weight. He nearly dropped it. Fortunately, he steadied himself, and with Linda following him, brought it to the table. 


Linda sat down and was able to eat in an upright position, which felt good. Paul thought that she wouldn't be able to enjoy her food if she stayed in that position. So he thought to himself that if anyone would have to adjust, it should be him.


Linda didn't know what was going on. Earlier, the two boys sitting with her were close to having a serious, physical altercation. Now, they were eating at the same table. She would have to ask Paul about it on the bus ride home.


Paul glanced around the cafeteria. He noticed that the tweener boy from the bus was sitting as far away from Alice as he possibly could, with all of his friends around him. Paul laughed. If the boy thought that having all of his friends with him would be a hindrance to an Alpha, then he was sadly mistaken.


With their meal done, the three got up. Paul thanked Todd again for letting them sit at his table. Todd looked at him, not with any malice or bad intentions, but one of regret. After dropping off the dirty trays, Todd pulled Paul aside, and just blurted out that he was sorry for his behavior towards him and his friend. Paul had a surprised look on his face, but said said no problem. He had considered the earlier confrontations to be forgotten. And he held out his hand. Todd tentatively took it. Even though he wasn't an Alpha, his hand still dwarfed Paul's. But they shook, and called a truce.


Linda had gone out to the hallway, and was unaware of what just took place. Paul came out, and walked her to the next class. 


The afternoon flew by. School was over. Everyone headed for their bus. Linda asked Paul if he could sit with her on the ride home. Paul looked a little surprised, but he would never refuse a request from a beautiful girl.


As they were making their way to their seats, Paul and Linda noticed that the tweener boy from this morning was sitting, just not in a seat. Alice had him in her lap, moving his arms like a parent would with an infant. Now Paul realized what she had whispered to him. Obviously, Alice wanted to reinforce to him about his place in the Alpha world. The boy looked to be on the verge of tears. Almost eight feet tall and unable to do anything other than just sit there and take it. Now Paul really felt sorry for this kid.


Alice lifted him off her lap, and in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, she told him to be a good boy and go to his seat. And with a little pat on his ass, he was quickly on his way.


Paul hoped that Alice was done proving her point. He felt that she was going overboard. And he thought that after this day this kid may be terrified to talk to an Alpha girl again. But they noticed his swelling was gone, and the bruise on his cheek was significantly smaller than before. Probably the healing effects of the formula.



Chapter 5 The Bus Ride by Twjr0228

Once the bus was on it's way, Linda asked Paul what was going on between him and Todd, and why they sat with him during lunch. Paul replied that for all of Todd's bluster, he sensed a totally different person underneath. He couldn't explain it. He recounted the events from freshman year. Twice in two years Todd backed down when challenged. For Paul, it told him that Todd had no stomach for a physical confrontation.


And when he saw Todd sitting by himself at lunch, he felt a little sorry for him. He was a tweener, so the Alphas ignored him, and after backing down during the scene in the hallway, even the tweeners ignored him. And that bothered him. People need 1 or 2 close friends to always be there for them. Seeing him eating alone told him that he had no one to rely on if things got tough.


Paul pointed out that Linda needed to be at a bigger table. She looked so uncomfortable hunching over eating lunch. He thought that she needed to feel normal.


Linda smiled down at him. Here was a boy she met only this morning already putting her well being above his. She was never totally sure why her parents moved to Rockway. Now she thought that maybe fate had guided them there. And then she thought how silly that sounded. Who knew why her parents moved, but she was glad they did.


Paul's house was the first stop on the way home. And as the bus started down his street, Linda took a piece of paper from her purse, jotted something, then handed it to Paul. Paul didn't know what was on the paper. Linda asked him to read it when he got home. Paul said he would. And the bus stopped to let him off.


What Linda handed to him was a piece of paper with seven numbers on it and a time. She gave him her phone number and the time to call. Paul started to feel a little strange. Girls would occasionally give him their numbers when he hung out at the mall, but it was usually a wrong number. Just something to occupy him while they went shopping.


But this was different. He felt really comfortable around her, despite their height difference. Just by virtue of her personality, one could easily forget that she stood eight feet. And now she wanted him to call her later. And at the designated time, her phone rang, and a conversation that lasted for hours commenced.


Paul woke up with a pep in his step. Showering quickly, he went to the kitchen and had breakfast. And once that was done, waited for the bus. Anticipation was driving him mad. And then he heard the familiar roar of the bus, and out the door he went.


He got on the bus, said hi to John, and sat with Linda. Seeing each other immediately put the warmest smiles on their faces. Paul made his way up the steps and sat down. They talked about yesterday’s homework, and all the history quizzes that are sure to fill the year. 


Paul asked her what she thought of the school. She said it was tough to get used to being in an actual classroom again. Her mom had taught her all these years. But before that she had gone to an elementary school until third grade. She didn't know why her parents homeschooled her. But they did.


Paul asked her if her parents were Alphas, Betas, or just like her. She said that they were Betas. And they got an Alpha sized house in anticipation of her growing. But she didn't grow as much as they thought. Now all three of them have to use the built in modifications to make the house livable. Paul put his hand in his arm, not in a sexual way, but to show her that he understood her plight.


He told her that ever since the original formula was offered, the population of people his size had dwindled to less than 10% of the world's total amount. And Betas had to quickly learn to adapt to a world that changed more rapidly than anticipated. He had read a dozen books on the subject. 


She grew quiet. Paul didn't know if he said something to upset her. He was only trying to reassure her. Goddamn your a stupid asshole, he though to himself. He wanted to apologise to her, but he wasn't sure how to.


Paul, more than anyone, knew of the plight of the tweeners. He couldn't explain it. He put himself in their shoes. When the Alphas first came to up in society, all housing being built for Betas where the last ones ever constructed.


From then on, nothing but Alpha houses were built. Betas were lucky. Existing structures built for them gave them a respite from everything Alpha. But the tweeners were too tall for any Beta house, and too small for any Alpha house. It was a no win situation for them. The government didn't care enough to build anything for them, so they were forced into houses way too big for them.


Paul looked at Linda and apologized for anything he may have said that upset her. She looked at him funny, and wanted to know what he was talking about. He told her he was talking and she got really quiet, like she was sad. She smiled at him and said that he said nothing wrong. She just thought about her Mom, and all the things she gave up to homeschool her.


Paul felt better knowing he didn't say anything to upset her. The bus was getting closer to school. And Paul started to feel like he was the luckiest guy in the world to have met someone like Linda.

Chapter 6 Standin up for what is right. by Twjr0228

The bus pulled into the school lot. And Paul and Linda waited for the Alphas to leave first. Paul noticed the tweener boy from yesterday was waiting with a panicked look in his eyes, only to breath a big, giant sigh of relief when Alice walked past and ignored him. Paul was glad. Alice made her point and moved on.


The students were more subdued than the day before. Probably a combination of homework and no rumor of any confrontations helped. The atmosphere was much more relaxed.


As they headed to homeroom, Paul asked Linda if it was difficult for her to carry books or use paper and pens and pencils made for Alphas. Linda told him they were easier to get used to than the Beta things were. She figured out a way to use the pens and pencils that worked for her.


As they took their desks, Mrs Janeway had a couple of announcements to make. First was that she was looking for volunteers to stay after on Fridays to help clean the blackboards. Apparently the janitors don't think it's their job. So if interested, just see her at the end of the day.


Second, and more importantly, if any student sees any acts of violence being committed against another student, they are to report the incident immediately to the principal's office. 


Paul though that was an obvious reference to what happened on his bus yesterday. School officials would probably make a big deal about it for a few days, then put it on the back burner.


Homeroom ended, and as they headed towards first class, Paul spotted something. He asked Linda to head to class, saying he left something behind. Linda smiled and said no problem. 


Once Paul saw that she was on her way, he made his way to an unused classroom. Once there, his initial thoughts were confirmed. Up against the blackboard was Todd, with a frightened look on his face. The person in front of him was a freshman girl. An Alpha, and she was big for her age.


As Paul entered the room he could hear her speaking in a low voice. And he didn't care for what she was saying. She told Todd that he was such a “brave” tweener that she was going to make him her personal servant. He was going to do what she told him to do, and if he gave her any backtalk, she would give him this. She raised an open hand and mock slapped him.


Paul knew that this was the result of yesterday's confrontation. People sensed that Todd was weak, and now were bullying him. Alpha or not, Paul had enough.


He raised his voice, demanding that she leave Todd alone. This startled the girl. She released Todd and turned towards Paul. And then she laughed at him. 

She told him he didn't even come up to her waist, and that he should leave now before it's too late. 


Paul looked at her and said if he left, it was going to be with Todd. His voice was rising in anger. The girl stepped towards Paul, but he never moved. This surprised her. She thought for sure that would make him run. But he was still there, and he was serious.


Fuck it, thought the girl, there was no way he was going to talk to her like that. And with surprising speed, grabbed Paul and lifted him up like a ragdoll and brought him to her face. 


She told him that he should have left when he had the opportunity. He surprised her again by berating her, even with him dangling four feet off the ground. He was scared as hell, but he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of showing it.


By now a teacher had shown up. Apparently, Paul raising his voice caused a small crowd to form, and when a teacher walked by and saw the gathering, decided to see what was on. The teacher demanded in a loud voice that she release the boy in her hands. She did as she was told. The teacher, a lady, told the girl to come with her, now. The girl followed the teacher out of the room and to the principal’s office. 


Paul was visibly shaking, but knew he had to get to class, and made his way to the room. Todd was too stunned to move at first, but gathered his things and headed to his class. He had been crying during the encounter, so he quickly wiped his eyes and left.


Paul made it to class just before it started. His face was flushed. He saw Linda and tried to give her a big smile, but she sensed something was wrong. And after class she asked him what had happened. Paul tried to tell her nothing had happened, but she wasn't buying it. She asked him again, and he repeated his answer, only this time with a voice that told her not to push it.


So she quickly changed the subject. It wasn't until she was in the girls bathroom that she found out. The room was buzzing with talk about a little Beta boy standing up to an Alpha girl while trying to protect some pussy tweener loser.


Linda put two and two together and realized that they were talking about Paul and Todd. She was taken aback by their conversation. One girl said that if she had been there, Beta boy would be in the hospital. She said she couldn't believe that he felt that he had the right to interfere, and that someone needed to remind him of “his status”.


Linda quietly finished up and left, but inside she was seething with anger. Here were girls almost twice the size of Beta men talking about putting one in the hospital just for trying to protect another student. She just couldn't get over their callousness about the situation Todd and Paul found themselves in, like it was an Alpha's right to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, and with no fear of consequence. She now understood why Paul didn’t want her to know. But it didn't make her feel any better. 

Chapter 7 A Big Problem Arises by Twjr0228

Paul and Linda had one more class before lunch. Paul still wasn't saying anything. Deep down, for the first time in life, he was actually afraid of another person. He had an occasional fight with bigger people, but no one was the size of the girl. If the teacher hadn't arrived when she did, who knew what bodily damage would be inflicted on him. He understood why tweeners and Betas feared the Alphas. They were just so incredibly huge, incredibly strong, that it boggled his mind. He didn't want Linda to know how scared he was. He didn't want her to think less of him.


Linda knew what had happened, but if she brought the incident up with Paul, it might cause unnecessary tensions in their budding friendship. To her, being a tweener was tough. Too big for somethings, to small for others, and there was nothing in the middle. 


But the Betas had it worse. With about 90% of the world's population being either Alphas or tweeners, the Betas were headed for what amounted to an extinction. To her, the physical size difference between an Alpha female and a Beta male made having sex as a way to procreate impossible. There was no way a Beta guy could ever be “big” enough with his member to penetrate far enough in for his semen to start its journey.


And the incompatibility between an Alpha man a Beta girl was the opposite. An Alpha's member, enhanced to twice its normal size, could do so much damage to a girl’s private area that it might make her unable to have children.


Tweeners, on the other hand, could accommodate both Alphas and Betas of either sex. It was just a by-product of their in-between size.


But thankfully lunch time arrived. Paul was still quiet. And when they got their food and sat down at Todd's table, they noticed he still looked shocked at what happened.


So Linda was eating lunch with two boys that weren't saying one word between them. She didn't know what to do. She thought about going to talk to a school official about it, except she was afraid to intrude on the boys’ space.


Then out of the blue, Paul said that people in prison could sue the government if they got served food this shitty. Linda gave a small laugh. It wasn't the funniest joke she ever heard, but it broke the silence. And the tension seemed to ease. Even Todd laughed. Todd bent over and quietly whispered in Paul's ear. He said thank you for sticking up for him. Nobody had ever done that before. And that if it wasn't for Paul, he felt that he would have suffered serious injury at the hands of the girl.


Paul turned his head and saw Todd's eyes well up. And he whispered back that he too was afraid of the girl and what she could do to him. But he couldn't stand bullies. And that was worth facing serious injury to stop it.


Linda could see the tears in Todd's eyes, but they also looked a lot brighter than they did five minutes ago. Even Paul lightened up. She didn't know the exact details of what happened, but she guessed it was pretty traumatic for the two of them.



Paul's mood brightened when he realized that gym was the last class of the day, and secretly hoped that Linda would wear something skin tight that showed off her body. 


Suddenly, what had happened earlier wasn't as important as what could happen later. And his mood really improved at the thought.


But, it wasn't to be. Linda's gym outfit was a two piece sweat outfit that looked a little baggy on her, hiding his view of things underneath. But he realized something. Linda never left his side. Even after his attitude and sullenness, she never moved. She had been there for him. He needed to thank her, but he didn't want to make it too obvious.


Gym class was over, and Paul could only imagine what was under Linda's outfit. John was dressed, as was Linda. Paul yelled out of the locker room for both to head out and wait at the doors, he would be with them in a few minutes. So Linda and John walked towards the front doors to wait.


Paul was just making sure that he had his homework assignments in his gym bag, and once satisfied, headed towards the hallway. 


As he exited the locker room, he stopped in his tracks, not because something was blocking his way. Rather, it was a hand that grabbed the back of his shirt. A rather large hand.


He felt himself being pulled backwards, and there was nothing that he could do to stop it. Finally he heard a voice from above, and it didn't sound friendly.


Paul turned his head enough to see it was Alice. The biggest Alpha in his class. And she turned him around so that he was facing her, and bent down as far as she could, leaving her face about two feet above his. 


And she told him that she heard about what happened, and that this was his one “get out of jail free” card. If he ever disrespected an Alpha, or interrupted one, he would be sitting with her at the back of the bus. Did he understand?


With no other options, he said yes, he did understand. At that moment the gym teacher came out and sensed what was going on. He asked Alice what she was doing in the men's locker area. 


She released Paul's shirt, and started mussing his hair and replied that she was only making sure that this adorable little cutie was alright. He just looked too fragile to be by himself. As she was saying that, she continued to run her fingers through Paul's hair, except this time with a little more force that caused Paul a good deal of discomfort. 


The teacher asked Paul if this was true, and he said it was. And with that, Alice pulled Paul towards her and gave him a peck on the lips, telling him to be careful out there, that the world was a dangerous place for someone so precious. 


And then she stood up and headed towards the bus. Paul was suddenly back in his foul mood. He wanted to stand up for himself in the worst way, but Alice's sheer size and strength made it impossible. Better to cut losses now as opposed to later. And then Paul headed towards the bus, making sure to give Alice plenty of time to get seated.



Chapter 8 Finding a True Friend by Twjr0228

Linda and John were waiting by the school doors when the saw Alice and her friends make their way through the hallway. She had a bounce in her step, and they were all laughing like they didn't have a care in the world. Through the doors and on to the bus they went.


About a minute later John spotted Paul coming towards them. He had a very sour look on his face. Linda and John asked him what was wrong, but he didn't say anything. 


Linda had an idea of what was going on, but unless Paul was going to say what happened, she kept it to herself. The three of them made their way onto the bus, and took their seats. Linda noticed that Alice and her friends were staring at Paul and laughing. This confirmed her fears about what happened. She motioned for Paul to sit by the window. 


Linda put his hand in hers. She dwarfed his, but she gently closed it around his. Paul was staring blankly out the window. He could hear Alice and her friends laughing. He recounted the events of the afternoon in his mind, thinking of ways he could have handled it differently. But no matter how hard he tried, there was nothing. Alice grabbed him by his shirt, and with little effort, made it impossible for him to move.


Linda could see his blank gaze, and decided at that moment to bend her head down and give him a kiss on the cheek. It broke the trance Paul seemed to be in. He looked at Linda, and thought for a moment, then reached up with his arms and pulled her head down and kissed her. 


Now Linda was surprised. She never expected Paul to kiss her. But she had to admit that she wasn't upset. Paul, sensing her confusion, quickly apologized, explaining that he didn't know what came over him. And he was about to say more, except Linda pulled him to her and kissed him. Now it was Paul's turn to be confused. He thought she was mad about him kissing her, only for her to kiss him. Now they were both confused. And Paul did his best to try and hug her, but her height made it impossible. 


If they had been paying attention, then would have noticed that the bus was taking a detour. And its first stop was in front of an Alpha housing development. The driver opened the door, and then they noticed that Alice and her friends were getting off. 


Paul turned his attention to the door, and wouldn't look away. Linda noticed Alice getting closer, and did her best to shield him. Alice stopped at the row, looked at Paul, and then at Linda. She told Linda to make sure her little Beta boy behaves. And then her and her friends started laughing loudly as they exited the bus.


Linda reached to her right and brought Paul closer to her. She was fuming, but trying to remain calm in order to keep him calm. She only met him yesterday, but he was a perfect gentleman towards her, and really tried to protect those weaker than him. And what was his reward? To have the ultimate school bully make him the target of her and her friends. And Linda really felt bad. She was tall, but Alice and her friends dwarfed her, and were much, much stronger. She would never be able to stop them if they just came up and took him with them. For the first time in her life, she felt useless.


She finally realized that Paul had been rubbing her arm. And then he looked up at her and said thank you for being there for him. And he apologized to her, because now she was in the crosshairs of Alice and her friends because of him. He told her that he would deal with Alice. She should stay out of it, because he couldn't protect her if she got herself in trouble. He’ll figure something out. He just didn't want her to get hurt because he couldn't keep his nose out of other people's business. 


Linda asked Paul if he would get off at her stop. Her parents would take him home. She felt that if she could take his mind off his troubles, maybe he would confide in her what exactly happened. He needed someone to be a good listener, and she was volunteering for duty.


Her suggestion that he go to her house snapped him out of his malaise. She had become a close friend in a short time. In fact, she had become a true friend. He felt really comfortable around her, and she didn't judge. She had patience, a wonderful personality, and was beautiful on top of it. She didn't know it, but she was offering him an opportunity to go inside an Alpha house. It was something that always fascinated him. Just what were those houses like?


When the bus stopped at her house, they thanked the driver, and made their way up the enormous walkway.

Paul thought the house looked like the school, except people actually lived here.


Linda put her oversized key in the oversized keyhole and opened the oversized door. To Paul, the house, like the school was oversized, so to him, it was just another oversized building.


Entering the foyer, Paul asked Linda if she gets lost going to the closet. Linda let out a big laugh. And Paul started laughing too. 


And she showed him the living room. Paul said that he would be back in five minutes. Linda looked puzzled. Paul said he needed to go get a bloodhound. That way if he got lost in this room, they would be able to find him. Again they were laughing. 


She showed him the bathroom. Looking in he faux yelled ‘hello in there’ and then waited to hear an echo. Linda couldn't believe it. She asked Paul to come home with her so she could cheer him up, only for the exact opposite to occur. She was really happy. And she was finding that she started to have feelings for him.


Next was the kitchen. Paul asked her if they kept the food truck in the back yard. She looked confused. Paul faux measured an exaggerated area of the floor, and told her yes, a food truck can indeed fit in there, so they must have one in the back yard.


Linda had to excuse herself. Paul was making her laugh so much that she almost peed herself. After she composed herself, she offered a seat at the table. Paul looked at the seat that was above his head, and said he needed two things, and that he would be back in five minutes. She asked him what he could he  possibly need now. He looked at the table, then at her, and told her that he needed a trampoline and a booster seat. 


Linda almost fell over laughing. She had never seen this side of Paul before. He was polite, always seeking to protect those weaker, and always ready to do the right thing. Now he was showing a sense of humor. She was starting to have feelings for him, and she secretly prayed that he had feelings for her. 


Paul asked Linda if he could use her phone, as he needed to call his house to let them know where he was. She led him over to the wall phone that was about a foot above his head. Paul did an over the top impression of someone who couldn't reach an object on the top shelf. Linda laughed, and got the phone for him. And as she handed the phone to him, she gave him another kiss, this one more passionate than the kiss on the bus. He returned her passion with his own, but then pulled away. She asked him what was wrong. He told her that he heard someone coming. She told him that she didn't hear anything. And then the front door opened, and in walked her parents.



Chapter 9 Linda's Parents by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

I used this chapter to introduce a little background on Linda and her family.

Linda was in her own little world, so that when she kissed Paul, she never heard her parents van pull up the driveway. So it really surprised her to hear the front door open, and her parents walk in.


Paul had the phone in his hand when her parents saw him, so at least he felt better about not being in an awkward position when they arrived.


Her parents looked at Paul warily. Even with their daughter 8’ tall, they were very concerned about her being taken advantage of. Paul was about to introduce himself, but Linda beat him to the punch.


She told her parents that his name was Paul Barton, and that he was in her class. A look of relief came over their faces, immediately followed by a smile. This was the boy Linda described when she got home yesterday. She had told them all about how Paul stood up to a bully, only to try and resolve the situation with kind behavior later. 


That really impressed her parents, especially her father. Now that their fears about this stranger in their kitchen with their daughter were calmed, they gave Linda a hug and introduced themselves to Paul.


They were Victor and Stephanie. They told Paul that he could call them by their first names, but he felt too uncomfortable doing that. So for now, it would be Mr and Mrs Mills. 


Linda asked her mom if Paul could have dinner with them, and she said yes. So after all the introductions were completed, and Paul called his Mom to let her know where he was and that he was staying for dinner, the men retired to the living room, while the Linda and her mom talked.


Once Paul and her father were seated on the sofa, Linda started to get a worried look on her face. Her mom noticed, and asked what was wrong. Linda explained the day's events, and how Paul would try and help people being bullied, only to know find himself a target because he stood up to an Alpha. He had a big bullseye on his back, and she was worried for his safety.


Linda's mom gave her a hug and told her everything would be ok. She really didn't believe it, but she needed to reassure her daughter. Linda was her and her husband's only child. 


After Linda got her first treatment of the formula they chose, they felt pretty confident that their daughter would grow big and strong enough to take care of herself. But as she got older, she didn't grow as much as she should have. By the beginning of third grade, word came about that the variant that she took was a flop. It was projected that her size would fall in-between people who took the original formula, and those who didn't.


So rather than putting her in a position where she was bullied by the taller kids, they decided to homeschool her. It was for the best. Linda always was a gentle person, and would get easily upset if she felt she hurt someone's feelings. And it allowed mother and daughter to really get close.


But when her father lost his job in their home town, it was time to move. Her father had been an architect. But with the influx of Alphas throughout the world, firms decided that they needed the “Alpha” perspective when designing, planning, and scaling structures.


So he had to take a job as an office clerk with a small company in Rockway. Not ideal, but it was the only job he could get. 


And since they didn't take the original formula, they were forced to buy their house, unlike the families that took the original and got theirs for free. And since they had to sign a bunch of wavers when Linda first took the needle, they were unable to sue the lab to get their money back. Even with buying the house at a steep discount, it still put them in debt.


So Linda’s mom was forced to go to work, which meant an end to her homeschooling. And it appeared to her mom that fate intervened. She was forced to go to school, where she meant Paul. It had been a while since they saw her daughter smile like she did when they met him earlier. Linda may have towered over him, but her mom knew he would always treat her right.


And while the girls chatted in the kitchen, Paul and her father were talking in the living room. Sitting on the sofa made Paul think of a TV show that was on when he was a child. He couldn't remember the name, but he knew it had a big, comfy couch. That's how her father and him looked. It made him chuckle.


Her father, Victor, explained their situation, his job loss and subsequent family move, and the need for her mom to get a job, which ended her homeschooling.


He asked Paul very general questions, just trying to get a sense of who this boy was. He found out that Paul, like Linda, was an only child. He also learned that his parents couldn't afford the formula, so he was destined to be normal size. But he sensed no bitterness, which to him meant that he was very comfortable with who he was.


And talk moved to school. Paul tensed up without realizing it. Her dad asked if anything was wrong. Paul really didn't want to tell him, but felt that if he didn't, and something happened to Linda, then he would never forgive himself. 


Reluctantly, he explained the events of the last two days in detail, how a tweener boy named Todd tried to bully him, how he made him back down, how that caused an Alpha girl to start bullying Todd, and how he intervened and was manhandled by her, but ultimately wasn't hurt.


He also described the events with Alice, and that being friends with him made her a target for the Alpha and her friends. And his voice started to quake. It was one thing for him to risk himself to help someone else, it was another to have someone be put into a bad situation just for being his friend. And if anything ever happened to her, he wouldn't be able to live with himself.


Her dad looked at Paul. He appreciated his candor, and could tell by his voice that he truly cared for his daughter. He didn't know the answers, but he knew this boy in front of him would do whatever it took to protect his daughter. And for that he was thankful. 


And when dinner was finally ready, Paul found a nice surprise. In a room off to the side of the kitchen, there was a makeshift table, which consisted of four tray tables connected by wooden slats screwed down. Three of the sections were designed for people like him, but the fourth one was raised up about 18 above the others. There were three normal sized chairs, and one that was taller. 


When they sat down for dinner, Paul could see the purpose. It allowed Linda and her family to eat in a normal setting. No giant, oversized tables and chairs. Just a little set up that was put together to help keep the family somewhat sane in a crazy world. 


After dinner, everyone hopped into the van to drive Paul home. A simple van with a raised roof and a missing middle seat, and Linda was able to get comfortable with Paul sitting next to her. 


He thanked her again for being there when he needed her to be. She smiled at him and said that she would always be there for him. And she turned her head, bent over and kissed him, which he returned with tenderness. Linda's parents made sure to keep their eyes on the road and not on the mirror facing the back.

Chapter 10 Lemons and Compromises by Twjr0228

Paul woke up in a really good mood. He kept dreaming of walking with Linda around a lake, or along the beach. He was really beginning to thank God that her family moved to Rockway. 


After showering, dressing and eating, he was like a kid at Christmas. He just couldn't wait for the bus to arrive. He was looking at the clock on the table so often, he swore it stopped. But finally, he heard the familiar roar. And out the door he flew.


Upon entering the bus, he didn't see John in his usual seat. Maybe he called out sick. He made his way to Linda. But something was terribly wrong. She looked upset, almost on the verge of tears.


Upon reaching her seat, he asked her what was wrong. She subtly moved her head to indicate to look towards the back of the bus. 


Paul froze. He understood what she was hinting at. MOTHER FUCKER!!! He wanted to scream it at the top of his lungs. He glanced at Alice and her friends, and saw John being passed from lap to lap like a newborn. John was being humiliated to send him a message. He had enough. It was going to end now.


He put his backpack down next to Linda, and walked with pace and purpose towards the back. He was eyeing Alice the whole time. And when he reached her area, stopped, never once taking his eyes off of her.


Even seated, he didn't come up to her breasts, but he didn't care. Alice finally acknowledged his presence, and as she started to speak, Paul cut her off.


He told her that when she talked to him yesterday, he said he understood what she demanded. He was willing to accept her terms. But this was ridiculous. John wasn't even involved with the situation. There was no reason to do this. 


Alice was going to respond, but Paul kept going. He told her that her issue was with him, not any of his friends. If she had something to say, or wanted to prove a point, she should do it with him. He wasn't going to stand by and watch his friends being punished for his actions. He asked her if she understood.


Alice started getting an annoyed look on her face, but Paul ignored it. He told her that he was going to abide by her demands. He expected her to honor her agreement. If not, he would go back to trying to help people, and let the chips fall where they may.


He asked her to release John. He told her that her reputation was that she honored her word, and John had nothing to do with anything. 


Alice was quiet, but her look was menacing. What started off as humoring a pathetic Beta’s dramatic scene was turning into something she didn't expect.


She told her friend to release John. Her friend was going to say something, but Alice said to do it now. And the girl put John back on the floor, and they watched him go back to his seat.


Alice leaned forward, and her face was still higher than Paul's. But if she expected him to flinch, she was disappointed. Paul told her that if she wanted him to obey her demands, he had a couple of his own. He didn't want Todd, John, or Linda bothered by an Alpha. It was a fair trade to him.


Alice sat back up, considering what Paul said. She thought for a moment, then agreed, but lowering her face to his, told him that if he disobeyed her orders, his friends would pay the price. Paul told her he understood.


Alice sat back up, but Paul had one more request. He didn't want any Alpha intentionally trying to goad him into a reaction that might cause her to take action. Alice agreed. And with that, Paul thanked her, turned, and headed back towards Linda. 


Paul never noticed that every pair of eyes on the bus were staring at him. Betas, tweeners, other Alphas were stunned that he did something they couldn't do, stood up to Alice and her friends. 


He checked on John. He saw that his friend had been crying at being humiliated like that. Paul apologized for putting him in harm's way.


Then he made his way to Linda and sat down. She noticed that he was shaking. But she put her arm around him to comfort him and calm him. She could feel his heart beating at seemed like 1000 beats per minute. 


And when he calmed down enough, he kept thinking of the incident with Alice yesterday. The more he thought, the more he disliked the alternatives. And he thought to himself that if life hands you fucking lemons, you are going to eat those fucking lemons, and you are going to fucking like it!


He was extremely disappointed in himself for agreeing to sacrifice a core principle, but compromises were sometimes required. It was the only way he could be sure that Todd, John, and especially Linda, would be safe.


And he understood what had really happened. He knew Alice “allowed” him to win that moment, because she had the upper hand where the safety of his friends were concerned. He knew all about strategic retreats by superior forces that would lull their enemy into a false sense of security. Then they could pounce and destroy them with no problem. He wasn't going to give her the chance.


Alice, meanwhile, was a little impressed by Paul. No one, not even fellow Alphas, had ever showed the balls this Beta showed when talking to her. He had guts, and showed no fear. She would grant his request concerning his friends, because they were her true leverage over him. She was very curious to see if he would keep his word. And she sensed he would.

Chapter 11 Thoughts by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

I wrote chapter 10, and was going to take a small break, as I had written three within a few hours, and felt a little break might be good. But as I was contemplating the break, more ideas came to me. And so this is the next chapter. It is set up differently. I wanted to include more characters commenting after certain things happen.

By the time the bus arrived at school, Paul, with the help of Linda's firm hug, had calmed down to the point of being able to have a normal conversation. There were things in his agreement with Alice that he hated with a passion, but if he could keep his friends from suffering at the hands of the Alphas, then it was worth it.


And he was secretly relieved when Alice and her friends walked right past his seat without so much as a glance at him, Linda, or John. Paul noticed that John looked a little better than he had 15 minutes earlier. John had started dating a girl named Mindy, and being able to sit next to her after what happened made all the difference in the world.


What shocked Paul and Linda the most occured after Alice and her friends left. Everyone knew that they were the first off the bus, no matter what. Even if a kid was about to shit his pants, he still had to wait for Alice.


But when her group left, the remaining students, Alphas included, thanked Paul on their way out for standing up to Alice. Paul didn't know what to say, and thought that if they knew what the situation actually was, they wouldn't be so quick to praise him.


And he was surprised by their reaction. Alice may have ruled his class, or even the school, but she did have traits many Alphas seemed to lack: Honor and integrity. As long as you did what Alice told you to do, and all she wanted was to be left with her friends without disturbance, she left you alone. She always tried to avoid violence. But there were times that people crossed her imaginary line, and that was that. She preferred a more effective way, the humiliation punishment. But rarely did she go overboard. Paul had found out that the tweener who felt her wrath on the first day had gone up to her and said she had nice tits. He thought that would break the ice. Instead, it almost broke his face. 


He couldn't help it if all the other students were intimidated by Alice. He talked to her with respect, but he was not going to let her push him around with threatening postures. And then, it was his turn to exit.


The bus was a little early arriving at school, so there was some time before homeroom. One of Alice's friends asked her why she allowed a puny little Beta boy to talk to her like that. Alice looked at her friend and told her that for the first time since she grew, someone talked to her like a person. She could have slapped him unconscious with no effort at all. But the fact that he was willing to travel to her part of the bus, alone, and face her took courage, which was more than she could say for any Alpha.


Her friend looked at her funny, and was going to say something until Alice shot her a look. The girl thought better of it. And that's when Alice told her that she just proved her point. Her friends could defend themselves if they ever got into a fight with another Alpha. This Beta boy couldn't, but it didn't matter to him. He was going to protect his friends no matter what. And he may be a puny Beta, but his balls were the size of boulders in her eyes.


Her friend looked surprised by her assessment, but Alice made two things explicitly clear. She expected Paul to obey her orders, and he and his friends are not to be harrassed. She asked her friend if she understood, and the girl said yes.


The hallway was quiet, since nobody knew about the bus situation. Linda couldn't get over what had happened. Paul went and stood his ground in front of Alice. And he was under 6’. Here she was 8’, and too terrified to act to prevent John from being dragged from his seat and taken to the back. 


And if something would have happened to John and Paul, especially Paul, she would never forgive herself. She didn't know what Alice and Paul agreed to, but if he was willing to live by it to keep his friends safe, then it must've been bad. 


But the moment he sat down after checking on John made her realize that she had strong feelings for him. He was everything a girl could ask for in a man. He was polite, courteous, trustworthy, courageous, and had a big heart, especially when it came to his friends. 

She didn't think men like that existed. But here he was, in her life. 


When they returned home from dropping Paul off, Stephanie asked Linda to sit at the makeshift table just in the room off the kitchen. Stephanie told that she and her father were talking while Linda was getting smoochy in the back. They both laughed out loud at that description.


But the topic of the conversation soon turned back to what was discussed. She and her father were concerned about the possible escalation of potential violence in school. They knew Paul would do all he could to protect her, but his size against an Alpha or a tweener meant he could do little. 


They seriously discussed her father getting a second job, allowing her to homeschool her daughter. Her safety was their overriding priority. She would be safe, but she couldn't see Paul, except on weekends.


Linda started to cry. The thought of not seeing Paul except on weekends was too horrible to think about. She only met him the day before, but to her, it felt like she knew him forever. 


Linda pleaded with her mother. She could take care of herself, and since Paul was willing to risk everything for her and his friends, she wanted to be there for him. And her crying increased. Her sobbing was becoming uncontrollable. 


Her mother started to cry also. She hated when her daughter cried, and this time it was because of her and her husband. She asked Linda to go to her room, while they talked things over. 


And a good hour later, Victor and Stephanie Mills knocked on the door to their daughter’s room, and entered. They had talked it over. They decided to hold off on any decisions, only to see if Paul truly would be the man Linda said he was. 


Linda started to cry again, except this time, they were tears of joy. She got up off her bed and hugged her parents, saying thank you over and over.


Paul, Linda, John and Mindy made their way out of homeroom. Now there was a definite buzz. Word was spreading like wildfire about Paul and Alice. Was it really true, they wondered?


A couple of tweeners asked Paul. Paul replied that Alice was being kind when she chose to not to react to his behavior. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here. And he kept repeating the same thing over and over. Nobody wanted to believe him. To them, he had instantly become some mythical figure that slayed the Alice monster. If he didn't put an end to that thought, the next time with Alice would be his last.


Lunch time came. Paul noticed Alice was staring at him. Paul tried to signal that it wasn't his fault, but he didn't know if she believed him. 


All four of them sat with Todd. Todd was more chipper than usual, like a shell cracked, and a new person emerged. They talked about what happened on the bus. And four of them were pretty excited.


Linda noticed Paul's expression, which wasn't one of joy, and she asked him what was wrong. Paul looked at Mindy, John, Todd, and especially Linda, and asked them if they truly understood what happened on the bus?


Linda, John and Mindy replied that he got Alice to back down. Paul looked at all of them with a serious look on his face. They immediately stopped laughing. Paul told them the truth. The only reason that he walked out of his confrontation with Alice in one piece is because she allowed him.


Everyone thought he won, but only because she allowed it. He told all of them that Alice controlled the situation so thoroughly that she didn't mind looking like she lost because she knew that she had the ultimate leverage over him. She knew that he cared about his friends so much that she made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that if he disobeyed her orders, they would suffer, not him. 


And with that, Paul stormed out of the cafeteria to cool down. This was his terrible burden. He had to stand by and do nothing while Alphas bully tweeners, or the remaining Betas. He hated it, but there was nothing he could do. He buried his head in his hands and sighed.


Chapter 12 The Best Cure for Self-pity by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

This may or may not be my last chapter for a while. I have written alot over a short period of time, and I need to make sure I can advance the story properly.

Within a week, the buzz surrounding Paul and Alice died down. People were realizing that Alice was still in charge. Their fantasy that some little Beta slayed the monster quickly went away when she and her friends humiliated an Alpha male who was a senior.


Nobody knew the exact details. It was like top secret information held by clandestine government agencies. Nobody knew of the events, but they saw the outcome.

The senior looked forlorn as he had to walk around school for a day wearing pink nail polish. And what was worse, he had to show his nails to all the senior girls. 


What would normally be a funny situation between Alice and the senior was anything but to Paul. He came to terms with the situation, but it still ate at him. He thought about Linda constantly, day and night. But when his thoughts drifted towards school, it soured his mood.


Paul hated bullies. He didn't know why. And he was never a victim, only because he would fight back before the bully had a chance to gain the advantage.


And he knew a lot of kids weren't like him. They didn't know how to fight back, or were too afraid. And then that was it. They lost the battle.


Growing up with his parents, Greg and Debbie, he was taught at a very young age to never pick on someone who he perceived to be weak. Everyone lived life differently. Some people avoided confrontation, some preferred to try reasoning, some were scared, and some would resort to violence. 


There was no right or wrong way. It was up to the person. But bullies perceived the avoidance of confrontation as a sign of weakness, and would pounce. 


And that feeling of being unable to help started affecting his relationships with his friends. As long as he could talk about Linda, he was happy. Happiness pervaded his whole body. Once the talk veered towards Alphas or tweeners or any other subject, his feelings of self-pity would return and dampen the mood.


And he was in one of his moods one day when Linda came up to him, and asked him out. The only thing Paul could say was ‘huh’, as he had been distracted. She repeated that she was asking him out. And, in the flash of an eye, he became laser focused on Linda. The Lovely Linda. 


And he had tears in his eyes. This shocked the hell out of her. She didn't know what to say, other than if he was ok. He apologized for being so absorbed by feeling sorry for himself that he felt that he was neglecting her. She was the absolute best thing in his life, and do to his emotions, he lost sight of that. And then he said it without thinking,  ‘I Love You’. 


Linda was totally stunned. She didn't know what to say. So many emotions were running through her mind that she couldn't say a word. All she could do is look at him.


Now Paul was stunned. He had never, in a million years, ever expected to just blurt that out. But now it was out there. And as he looked up into Linda’s eyes, he wasn't sure if he did the right thing. 


Linda was finally able to get control of the thoughts in mind. But the feelings flowing through her body were still strong. Paul had just said words that she never expected to hear. Especially as it relates to a guy saying it to her. She had spent the better part of the last four years or so accepting the possibility of never finding anyone. Socially awkward, tweener guys wanted a girl with confidence and the attitudes of the Alphas turned her off. Any Beta male was scared off by her size. Paul was the first guy who wasn't. He truly cared about her, and felt totally comfortable with their size difference.


The silence between Paul and Linda was deafening. They just continued to stare into each other's eyes. They were like two statues that were placed in the middle of a room, not to be moved.


Finally, Paul moved towards the giant girl in front of him. He decided that he would say it again. He looked up into her beautiful eyes, and again said that he loved her. 


Paul had told Linda again that he loved her. Finally able to fully process what was said, and with joy filling her body, she bent down to give him a hug, except after embracing him, she stood up with him still in her arms. She had tears in eyes as they kissed, like it was the most natural thing between them. Paul had said the words Linda had longed to hear, and after the kiss, realized that she had picked him up. She was embarrassed. She quickly put Paul down and apologized. Paul smiled at her and said she didn't have to apologise for anything. He would do his best to adapt to her height, not the other way around. Plus he secretly liked what she did. He just didn't want her to know.


The morning went by quickly. Paul kept thinking of Linda. Lunch came, and they got their food, and made their way to their usual table. 


Before they started eating, Paul wanted to say something. He apologized to the four of them for his behavior over the last few weeks. His attitude was affecting his friendship with them, and he hoped that they could forgive him. And that with the weather still warm, he invited them over to his house on Sunday for a cookout.


Linda looked at Paul, and he could tell by her expression that she was concerned about breaking any furniture. Paul told her that there was a four foot wall around his house, and he figured that it would be easier for her and Todd to sit on that. Linda smiled.


Todd was a little stunned. He had never been invited to anything in his life. His eyes got real wide at the thought of actually being asked over to someone’s house. It was a new experience for him.


Todd Banks was a true rarity among people. He literally had no friends growing up. His classmates in Pre-K and Kindergarten thought he was too much of a dork to ever hang out with or invite to anything. It left him feeling like an outsider. 


Both of his parents had family that live a couple of states away, so he didn't even have cousins that were close enough to hang around with. 


And when his parents signed him up to get the formula, Todd felt that once he became an Alpha, he would belong. He saw how Alphas commanded respect, how everyone looked up to them. He would belong.


But when it became apparent that the formula variant that he took wouldn't work they way it was intended, he was crestfallen. And his feeling was only enhanced as the kids who would become Alphas started treating what became known as the tweeners with contempt and derision. 


Neither liked by the Alphas nor the Betas, the tweeners became outsiders. Buildings were either for Alphas or Betas. There was no in-between. Todd felt like an outsider among outsiders.


And when he saw two Beta boys walking in the hallway freshman year, he thought it was the perfect opportunity to show the Alphas he belonged. Except that one stood up to him, and challenged him to a fight. He was two feet taller than both, and yet they showed no fear. He felt scared. He had never been in a fight before, and now was being challenged. He mumbled something and left.


The same thing happened sophomore year. He was talking to a girl when the Beta from the previous year showed up. Todd was more going to try again to impress the Alphas. Instead, the same Beta challenged him again, and once again fear got the better of him. He walked away.


But when the Beta known as Paul Barton had asked his permission to sit at his table during lunch, he realized that somebody was finally nice to him. Never before had anyone asked him a question like that. In fact, he was the one that was always asked to leave a table. It made him see things in a new light.


And when he was being terrorized by that freshman girl, nobody came to help him. No Alpha or tweener intervened. It was a Beta, Paul, that tried to protect him. And he owed Paul a life debt that could never be repaid.


So when Paul included him in his invitation for the cookout, Todd finally realized that he found his group. He realized that he belonged.



Chapter 13 Parental Inquisition by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

I was planning on taking a short break in order to make sure I could progress the story, but this popped up in my mind. There will probably be a follow up. I apologise for the slower paced chapters, but I wanted to slow things done before the story picks up again. Thank You and hope you enjoy!

After lunch, the afternoon flew by. And then the day was over, and the bus was boarded. For the first time in weeks, Paul was really happy, with no negative thoughts. He kept replaying the scene with Linda over and over in his mind. He never thought that he would ever feel like this about someone, but that’s the effect Linda had on him. 


As Paul was about to take his usual seat next to Linda, she decided to have a little fun. Paul was bending down to sit when he felt Linda’s arms bring him to her lap. Even sitting on her, his eyes only came up to her mouth. But damn, he thought, what a beautiful mouth it was. He used his left arm to bring her head down to kiss her. And Linda felt a warmness come over her.


Paul's house was the first stop for the bus. He agreed that he would call Linda after he helped his mom with a project she was working on. He couldn't wait to talk to her.


Paul got off the bus, and bounced into the house. He asked his parents if he could have his friends over Sunday for a cookout. His parents said yes. Paul then made an unusual request: could his parents rent an Alpha sized port-a-potty for Sunday. His parents thought he was joking. But he explained that two of the people coming were tweeners, around 8’ tall. They would never fit in the house to use the bathroom. And one of them was Linda.


His parents were a little shocked. When Linda's parents dropped Paul off the other night, it was dark, and they couldn't see inside the vehicle very well. 


But Paul said that she was a tweener and meant a lot to him. And he described her as beautiful, with a personality to match. His parents said yes. Paul was filled with images of Linda as he helped his mom.


When Linda got home, she excitedly asked her mom if she could talk to her in her room. Her mom said no problem. And once alone, Linda told her mom about everything that happened during the day, leaving out no detail. 


Her mom didn't have the reaction that Linda was expecting. Her mom excused herself and left. She returned 5 minutes later with her husband. They ask Linda to sit. 


Her dad wanted to know if his daughter truly knew if Paul felt the same way about her, truly felt, and not bullshitting her. Linda said she was 100% sure. They asked Linda to call Paul, and ask him if they could pick him up in an hour.


Linda had a look of confusion and worry. She said she would call right now. She went to the kitchen and got the phone and dialed the number for Paul's house.


An unfamiliar voice answered the phone. It was a man, probably his father, she thought. He said hello. Linda introduced herself and asked if Paul was available. 


The voice said he was Paul's father, Greg. And he was excited to finally be able to talk to Linda, the only name his son has been saying since the first day of school. 


That brought a smile to Linda's face. Paul's dad said that he was coming to the phone, and told her that he was glad to finally hear a voice for the name.


Paul said hello to Linda, but before he could say anything else, Linda asked if it would be ok if her parents picked him up in an hour.


Paul said no problem, he would ready. And with that, the conversation was over, and Paul took a quick shower, and put on nice clothes. He was going to see his Linda, he was happy. 


Linda's vehicle arrived, and Paul told his parents he would be back later, and out the door he went. Paul said hi to Linda's dad, and opened the door and got in. And right next to Linda.


They were speaking like they didn't have a care in the world, but Paul noticed that her father kept looking at him, which was a little unnerving.


Once they reached Linda's house, they exited the vehicle and entered through the door. Linda's mom asked her daughter to wait in her room. Linda was going to object, but seeing the faces of her parents, obeyed.


Once she was in her room, they asked Paul to have a seat. He looked around and only saw two chairs and the sofa, so he asked them if they preferred him on the chair or sofa. They asked him to sit on the sofa. 


Linda's dad spoke first. He knew everything that happened earlier in the day. He wanted to know what Paul's intentions were regarding his daughter. Paul took a deep breath. He replied that he truly cared for and loved Linda. And he would do anything to protect her and keep her safe. Anything.


Linda's mom asked him how he intended to protect her when he couldn't protect himself from a freshman Alpha girl. Paul was speechless. He never knew that Linda knew what happened that day, let alone told her parents.


Paul said that he probably couldn't, but that even at 8’, Linda wouldn't be able to protect herself against an Alpha. And neither could they. But at least he would be able to be by her side. He would never leave her. And if necessary, he would give his life to protect her. He said this while tears were welling up in his eyes.


Linda's parents could feel Paul's emotions rising. And he was starting to get very emotional. They looked at each other and realized Paul was correct. Linda wouldn't be able to defend herself against an Alpha. And they couldn't either. But with Paul, she wouldn't be alone.


They apologized to Paul for the Inquisition. They just needed to make sure that he would be true to their daughter. They asked Linda to come to the living room.


Once she was there, she saw Paul was upset. She asked her parents what they said to him. 

Her parents said that they only needed to find out how he really felt about their daughter, and that they are satisfied. 


They apologized to Paul and asked him to stay for dinner. Paul accepted the invitation. And Linda and her mom got going on dinner.

Chapter 14 Regrets by Twjr0228

Linda and her mom were cooking dinner, while her dad and Paul took a walk out back. Linda wasn't saying much. She was mad. Mad that her parents had her call up  the guy she loved and made arrangements for him to come to her house, only to ambush him like he was the enemy.


She looked at her mom, wondering how the person who spent years telling her all those wonderful tales of kindness and love in the world, could then treat Paul like she did.


She stopped, and asked why? Why? Tell her why? She needed to know! Linda's voice was rising in volume and intensity. 


Her mom was taken aback by this. Linda had never raised her voice before. But she could tell Linda was getting angry. She tried to assure Linda that she and her father only needed to make sure that Paul really had her best interests at heart.


Linda told her mom that she didn't want to hear it. Paul had been over for dinner before, they had talked to him, and Paul had been very honest with them, and their behavior tonight was something that she couldn't forgive.


She told her mom that if they couldn't trust her judgement with regards to Paul, then they didn't raise her right. Her feelings towards Paul were the only ones that mattered. She loved him, she trusted him, and she would do what she had to do to protect him. And she hoped that they never treated Paul like that again. 


Linda's mom started crying. All those years of protecting her from abusive behavior from others, and what they did to Paul was worse. He was the one guy who treated their daughter like a queen, and they basically shit on him under the guise of trying to protect her. They sensed from the first time they meant him that he was different, not like other boys who were only interested in Linda because of her height. This boy truly cared for her, and they just treated him poorly, poorly enough to make him cry. Linda's mom ran out of the kitchen and into her room.


Paul and Victor stepped through the door and into the back yard. Paul was very quiet, giving one word answers to his questions. Victor felt guilty about what happened earlier. Paul had been very good to his only child, seeing her for the beautiful, kind young lady that she had become. 


Paul had a good heart, a kind soul, and honor. And how was he repaid? He was given an interrogation for no other reason than they were afraid to lose their little girl. Linda may have been 8’, but she was still his little girl.


Victor stopped, and turned towards Paul. He wanted to know if he could ask him a question. Paul was unsure, but said yes anyway. Victor wanted to know if would mind explaining everything that happened in school from the first day he met Linda, and he meant everything.


Paul was hesitant. Victor could see a pained look on his face, but Paul explained everything. How he introduced himself, the situation with Todd, the subsequent bullying of Todd by an Alpha girl, and his attempts to intervene and the girls actions towards him. He recounted reaching a truce with Todd, his encounter with Alice outside the locker room, and the events on the bus the morning after his visit here.


And how he had to face Alice and her friends alone in order to make sure John was safe, and how he had an arrangement with Alice that he wouldn't intervene if he came across an Alpha bullying another student, and how it was made clear to him that if he did break the agreement, his friends, including Linda, would be punished.


He explained to Victor how he has been wracked by guilt for putting his friends in this position, and feeling sorry for himself so much that it was affecting the people around him, and how the one thing that has been the bright light in his life has been Linda. 


He told Victor that she never left his side during any of this, and it was his love for her that snapped him out of whatever he was feeling.


Victor was quiet. It sounded to him that Paul had been through so much, and then he piled more on top of him. He was feeling terrible. The one guy who was stealing his little girl’s heart, and he treated him worse than shit. 


He looked Paul in the eye, and said that what he put him through earlier was wrong, and he would never be able to forgive himself for his actions. It was like what he and Paul had talked about the first time had been forgotten as soon as he heard Linda talk about the scene from school earlier in the day. 


He told Paul that he had been blinded by fear. His girl grew up and found someone, and he, her father, couldn't handle it. He knew that Paul had every right not to forgive him, but ask if he could try.


Paul looked at Victor, and wanted to say something to him first. He told Victor that he had always hated bullies, and felt compelled to try and help those who were. And it was because of his actions that put a target on Linda's back, and for that he could never forgive himself. 


But from the moment he met her, he just felt a connection. He couldn't explain it. But Linda quickly became the most important person in his life, and he would do anything to protect her, and make sure she was safe. 


Victor now understood what Linda felt. Here was a young man who showed tremendous courage, and opened his heart honestly, and was treated poorly by him just for loving his daughter.


Paul looked at Victor, held out his hand, and said that yes, he did forgive him. And instead of a handshake, Victor gave him a hug and said thank you.


The men came into the kitchen, only to see Linda by herself. Victor could see her expression wasn't one of joy, and asked Paul to wait in the living room. 


After Paul left the, Linda looked at her dad, and said that she didn't want him to treat Paul like that again. Ever! Her voice was raised. 


Her dad held up his hand, and informed her that he had felt terrible about the way he treated Paul. And he talked with him, and found out just what he had been going through, including his deal with Alice.


This surprised Linda. She didn't even know what kind of deal Paul made with Alice. But he obviously told her father. She would ask him later.


Her father continued, saying that he didn't know how low Paul's emotional state was when they wanted him to come over. He asked Linda if she could forgive him for his actions. 


Linda noticed a small tear in the corner of her father's eye. She bent down and gave him a hug, and said she forgave him. She also said that dinner would be ready soon.



Chapter 15 Nervous Anticipation by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

This is the end of the slower chapters. (hopefully)

What had started off as a terrible situation at Linda's improved by the time they dropped Paul off at his house. Paul could see why they did what they did. She was not only their daughter, but a tweener, which meant that she already was considered inferior by Alphas. And then you add in him, a Beta, he might react as they did. 


But what occurred was in the past. Paul had to get ready for his cookout on Sunday. First thing was to make sure the Alpha port-a-potty was ordered for Linda and Todd.


Second, make sure there was enough food. Linda and Todd were tweeners, so they didn't eat as much as Alpha but more than a Beta. And they needed plenty of drinks.


Third, and most importantly, he needed to prepare his parents for Linda. His descriptions of her didn't do justice to her beauty. And he didn't want his parents shocked by the sizes of Linda and Todd. His parents were cool, and he knew that they wouldn't be, but it was better to be safe.


Thursday and Friday flew by without any incidences, one of the few stretches of calmness so far. Sunday was approaching, and cleaning and setting up needed to be done.


While Paul was mowing his lawn, he recalled the talk he had with Linda on Friday afternoon. The last class had gotten done about 15 minutes early, and so with time to kill, Paul brought up a touchy subject with him. He wanted to know how Linda knew the details of his encounter with the Alpha girl. 


Linda told him that there were these Alpha girls in the bathroom talking about it in detail, and that she put two and two together and realized that it was him and Todd they were talking about.


Linda asked him why he never told her about it. Paul told her that he was really scared, and if he told her how scared he was, she might think less of him.


She bent down and looked him the eye that she would never think less of him if he was scared of an Alpha. She said look at her, two feet taller than him, and she was too scared to try and prevent John from being taken by Alice's friend.


She wanted to know why Paul never explained his deal with Alice. He looked at her and said it was made clear that if he broke the agreement in any way, his friends would suffer, not him. And he couldn't explain to her how it made him feel so lousy and guilty, that he was overwhelmed by self-pity. 


Still bending, she brought his face closer and kissed him, and told him that he was the bravest man she knew. He would never have to explain himself to her, but if wanted to talk, or needed to talk, she would be there for him. He kissed her and thanked her for all she done for him. Then it was time for the bus.


Sunday came and Paul was nervous. Linda was going to meet his parents for the first time. He kept trying to reassure himself that everything would be fine, but he didn't want to relax. He had set the time for 1pm. The port-a-potty was behind some bushes, offering a little privacy. The burgers and dogs were waiting to be cooked, and the drinks were on ice.


Paul's parents came out to the backyard. Since Linda and Todd were tweeners, they wouldn't be able to fit in the house, so his parents, Greg and Debbie, thought it would be easier for everyone involved if all introductions were done outside. 


John and Mindy were the first to arrive. Paul's parents had seen John plenty of times, but this was the first time they were meeting Mindy. After the hellos, Paul pointed out the cooler with the drinks. 


Next, Todd arrived. His parents had just dropped him off and left. Todd came around back and introduced himself. Greg and Debbie did the same. They told him that any friend of Paul's was ok in their book. Paul showed him where the drinks were, and the wall were he could sit.


Finally, the moment arrived. Paul's hands were sweating like crazy. He quickly grabbed a towel from the house, and dried them as best he could.


He recognized her parents, Victor and Stephanie, and then saw Linda right behind. He was happy. Very, very happy. After parental introductions, Paul introduced Linda to his parents. They welcomed her to house, and said that they had heard so much about her, that Paul's description of her matched perfectly. She smiled and said thank you.


Paul took her hand and led her to the drinks, asking what she wanted. She replied that water would be fine, and they made their way to the wall, where she could sit comfortably.


While the five of them were off by the wall, the parents talked. Victor and Stephanie told Greg and Debbie that they had never seen their daughter so happy as she is when she is around Paul. Greg replied that it was the same with Paul. He would constantly talk about Linda, and his eyes would light up like a bright star when describing her. And they laughed. They could tell that Paul and Linda were meant to be together.


The cookout was a blast. The bond became a little stronger, and trust grew among them. Soon, the Halloween dance would be upon them


Time flew towards that dance. The tensions in the school had calmed down, almost like a truce had been called. Even Alice and her friends seemed calmer. Maybe it was something in the water. Paul didn't know and didn't care.


As the dance approached, Paul had a great idea for costumes. Todd would dress as Old McDonald, Linda would dress as Little Bo Peep, and he, John and Mindy would be sheep. So you would have Old McDonald helping Little Bo Peep find her sheep. The four of them loved the idea.


And so, the dance arrived. What started off as a simple costume dance came to a screeching halt. Out from behind the curtain came Alice and her friends. Alice was a sight to behold. She was dressed as the Goddess Athena, and her friends dressed as her messengers. 


Paul had Linda, but he thought of every guy at the dance running into the bathroom with the lights off and that image of Alice in their head. All Paul could think was WOW!



Chapter 16 Jill by Twjr0228

The image of Alice dressed as Athena was all anyone could talk about the next school day. She looked stunning, and eyes were on her the whole night.


During homeroom, Mrs Janeway asked Paul if he could go to the principal’s office and get a folder she left there. He responded no problem. And off he went.


He headed for the door, when it opened, and out stepped another exceptionally tall Alpha girl. She turned around just in time to see Paul approaching. 


She touched his arm and said hi. Paul said hi back, but he felt a jolt of negative energy with her touch. He couldn't explain it. Something about her didn't feel right, but after saying hi, went into the office and got the folder.


He returned to class, gave Mrs Janeway her folder, and took his seat. He gave a look to Linda indicating that he needed to talk to her after class.


Home room ended, and Paul and Linda caught up with each other. Linda asked him what was up. Paul responded he didn't know, but described the girl coming out of the office, and how he got a tremendous negative vibe from her touching his arm. He just wanted her to be careful. She said she would. They headed to their first class when word spread about a new student, a sophomore, that enrolled earlier. Jill was her name. And according to people's description, was as tall as Alice.


And as the day progresses towards lunch, Paul had seen Jill a couple of times in the hallway. She seemed to ignore any male Alpha, instead focusing on tweeners. And it seemed to Paul that what started off as friendly conversations all ended up with the tweener looking like fear crept over his face.


Lunch came. Paul told Todd to be careful. The new girl,Jill, seemed to have a thing for tweeners, and there was something about her that rubbed him the wrong way. Todd appreciated the heads up.


Paul noticed Jill sitting with a bunch of girls, while she kept glancing at Alice. Alice seemed to ignore her. In fact, Paul noticed a male Alpha sitting with her. And more unbelievable still, she seemed to be smiling.


Paul had seen this guy around, but he usually kept to himself. He was a senior, and slightly shorter than Alice. But he didn't look out of place next to her. It wouldn't surprise Paul if the outfit Alice had worn to the dance inspired other Alphas to try and become brave and press their luck.


It was on the way to last class that he saw Jill talking to a tweener. It was Todd. Paul asked Linda to hold his books, but assured her that he only wanted to get near so he could hear the conversation. She agreed.


So Paul made his way to the area where Todd and Jill were. He noticed that she had a hold of his arm. He attempted to get as close as possible. He needed to hear what was being said. 


From what he could tell, Jill was asking him about certain boys who were tweeners. Paul had noticed that any guy she talked to was a tweener. Now she was inquiring about others. He wondered about her thing with tweeners. 


He heard Todd say that he really didn't know about other boys. He kept to himself. Jill replied that he shouldn't be so modest. A strong handsome tweener like him probably had lots of friends. Todd's face was showing discomfort as she spoke, he grip becoming a tiny bit tighter.


Paul wanted to act, but knew that Jill wouldn't be hesitant about proving her superiority. He reached in his pocket and had three quarters. He backed up around a locker, then acted like he was turning the corner and dropped the money on the floor.


This caused Jil to turn in his direction. She looked at Paul and said he looked familiar. Paul said he gets that a lot. And she snapped her fingers. The office, she said. Oh yes, Paul feigned. She was so fixated on Paul that she didn't notice Todd sneak away. When she turned to face him she noticed that he was gone. 


She told Paul that he made her let some guy go, and she owed him the three quarters as payment. Paul stifled a laugh. Alphas didn't use Beta money. Their hands were too big. 


She wanted to know what was funny. Paul said that he thought a girl as attractive as her would have Alpha guys drooling over her. 


She bent down as far as she could go and told him that she didn't need dating advice from some Beta pipsqueak. And then she strongly suggested that he be on his way. 


He apologized for offending her, and turned to leave, only to be stopped by her giant hand. He turned and looked up at her. She said that he still owed her three quarters, which he deposited in her hand. She released him and he left.


Paul got back to Linda breathing heavy. He told her that Jill definitely had a thing for tweeners. She had a hold of Todd's arm, and was starting to cause him pain. He had to think of a way to let him sneak out of there, before she hurt him.


Linda bent over and gave him a kiss and said she was proud of him. And he took back his books and they walked to last class together. 

Chapter 17 Jill becomes a big problem by Twjr0228

Paul and Linda were subdued on the bus ride home. They could deal with Alice, but this Jill was Bad News with a capital B. She had been there less than a day, and already the male tweeners were apprehensive. He didn't know what her fixation or interest in the tweeners was about, but he was sure that it wasn't good.


Paul told Linda that when he got home he was going to call Todd to make sure he was ok. Linda asked him if he wanted to go to her house instead. Paul didn't hesitate in accepting the invitation.


He told the bus driver that he was getting off on a different stop, so he could just continue on. His left hand was being held by Linda, so he used his free hand to start rubbing her arm. It was something that she enjoyed very much.


They got off at Linda's stop, and entered her house. Paul asked to use the phone, which Linda got for him. He first called his house to let his parents know what he was up to, then dialed Todd's number. After the seventh ring, Todd answered. Paul asked him if he was ok. Todd said he was, and thanked him again for saving his neck a second time. Paul said it wasn't any problem, but he warned Todd that she was a totally different animal from Alice. She was going to be real trouble. Todd thanked him and hung up. 


Paul could see Linda standing at the kitchen entrance. He walked towards her, and she scooped him up so that they could kiss face to face. Long passionate kisses. The way Paul was positioned in her arms she could feel something poking her chest.


Paul was embarrassed and apologized immediately. She let him down. He told her that he didn't know what came over him. She laughed. She told him that she knew what came over him. And she took his hand to lead him to her bedroom, only to be interrupted when her parents walked through the door. 


Linda casually asked how their day was? They replied that it was fine. They had seen Linda leading Paul by the hand when they walked in. They were pretty sure what was going to happen. Her mother was going to have to talk to her about using protection. And she would definitely tell her to keep some protection for him in her drawer, just in case.


Linda made sure it was ok for Paul to eat with them tonight. And then she asked him if he would come out back with her. He never refused her requests. So out to the yard they went.



Linda asked Paul if he thought Jill would turn her attention to any of their group? Paul told her that he was pretty sure that she, John, and Mindy were safe. Todd, probably not. He didn't know what her issues were with tweener males, but she probably sensed Todd was an easy target. He told Linda that he was tempted to ask Alice if she would intervene on their behalf, but he had no idea how she would react. A little Beta boy asking for her protection. Geez, the ultimate God complex.


But the dinner was delicious, and the ride back to his house too damn short for his liking. But, he needed to finish up his homework and call it a night.


The next morning Paul got on the bus, and said high to John and Mindy, then made his way to Linda. He kissed her before making his way up the steps and to his seat. With a quick glance, he saw Alice still with that Alpha. He could swear she looked like a different person. She seemed happier, and smiled more. This dude obviously checked off all the boxes of whatever she was looking for. He noticed that her friends were absent. Holy shit, he thought to himself, it must be serious.


But trouble was brewing as soon as they arrived at school. Paul and Linda saw Todd off to the side. Before they reached him, they saw the massive figure of Jill grabbing Todd's arm and going to a empty part of the hallway. Todd was panicking and trying to break free, but if Jill felt his struggles, it didn't show. 


Once again, Todd was the object of an Alpha girl’s bullying attempt. And without thinking, Paul headed towards Todd. Todd was crying. But Jill didn't care. She was showing him what his true place in the world was, and she was enjoying the feeling of inflicting pain on him.


Paul reached the scene and told her to let the boy go. She turned around and at first saw nothing, then looked down and saw Paul. She smiled. She said that she had a tweener bittch, and a little dildo. She grabbed Paul's shirt, lifting him up to be eye level with her, while still holding Todd by the arm. Paul just looked her in the eye. 


Jill saw what everyone else saw, eyes without fear. This made her laugh. Boys, especially tweeners and Betas, always wanted to show how tough they are, only for someone like her to say boo, and then watching them piss their pants. 


She pushed Paul's back up against the lockers, causing him some pain, but he never flinched. Jill was going to do it again, until a voice told her to let the boys go. Jill turned around saw a teacher standing there. She was disappointed that she didn't get to finish what she started. 


The teacher again said to let the boys go, and to put them down gently. Jill sighed, and released Paul and Todd. Todd's arms had turned blue from her grip, but he had no broken bones. 


Paul meanwhile was unhurt, with only the wind knocked out of him. He made his way to Todd, who was still crying. He put his arm on the bigger boy in an effort to reassure him that it would be ok. 


Linda came over and hugged Todd, then hugged and kissed Paul. She was upset. Once again he showed courage, and she showed cowardice. She wished she could jump right in when things went South, but she couldn't. They only thing she could do is take care of her baby.


The teacher had led Jill to the principal's office. Todd had stopped crying and got his books, and made his way to class.


Paul and Linda gathered his books and made their way to home room. Despite being in an extremely dangerous situation, Paul was in a neutral mood. It was better than the moods he had for a while. They entered home room and sat at their desks. This was going to be a long rest of the year.


Chapter 18 The Dawn of Trouble by Twjr0228

Jill Robbins was a normal, happy 6 yr old as she entered first grade at the prestigious Eton Academy. It was the school for all the super rich to send their children. The waiting list for acceptance could be as long as 15 years, meaning grandparents would be signing up their future grandchildren, just for the privilege of finding out whether they had been accepted.


The academy was ultra competitive. But an underlying element to the school was that, at times, a vicious attitude would emerge concerning racism or sexism. The students came from money, which donated huge sums to the school. And most of that went to the school board.


Jill entered first grade with 14 other students. All but 4 were boys. It was also time for parents to decide on the formula and variant for their children. 14 took the new variant, because their parents were prepared to spend the money. Jill’s family to the original, because it was free. 


This caused Jill to become an outcast very quickly. Day after day, the boys reminded Jill that when they grew up, she would know her place in life. It was so bad at times that she cried as soon as got home and into her room.


Her parents tried to complain, but the school board would always say to them that they were boys, doing boy things, and that it wasn't serious. Her parents threaten to pull her out of school and let it be known that the school was toxic for girls.


The school board, fearing negative press, said that they would talk to the boys and monitor their behavior better. They also offered her family free tuition, anything to protect the school’s image.


So Jill’s parents agreed. The boys were talked to, and on their best behavior through the rest of the school year, and all seemed well. 


It wasn't until a week after summer vacation started. Jill was walking in the surrounding park when some of the boys in her class decided that they didn't need to be on their best behavior. The vicious teasing began, and eventually someone who had a little Swiss army knife decided to cut one of her pig tails. They were going to teach her a lesson about squealing.


Jill returned home looking in bad shape. Her parents immediately called the police, who took statements and promised to look into the matter, but it made no difference. Her parents complained to the school board, but they said that since it didn't happen on school property, there was nothing that they could do.


So, they pulled her out of the academy, and enrolled her in another private school, The Windsor School. It was a school that had a better reputation as far as treatment among the students. 


And as 2nd grade started, so did the growth spurts. There were 12 students in the class, equally divided between boys and girls. The boys had taken the formula variant, while the girls took the original. It was a decision made easy by the fact that girls got the original formula for free, while the boys had to pay. 


The girls came in to school around 5’ in height, while the boys measured 4’8”. Their parents had called the lab to find out why their sons weren't growing as fast as the other kids. And the standard answer from the lab was boys grow at different rates and that they should be patient.


However by 3rd grade, it was clear that there was an issue with the variant. All the girls were over 7’. The boys, a hair over 5’7”. And that's when issues from the trauma  Jill suffered in first grade surfaced.


The boys had been very outgoing in second grade. Now, they were afraid to talk. Apparently, a boy decided that wasn't going to take a backseat to the girls in his class. Jill gently grabbed his hand and squeezed. The boy immediately starting crying from the pain. Jill released his hand before she did any real damage, but the incident triggered a need within her to show boys who were part of what would become the tweeners that they do nothing unless she or the girls in the class said ok. She emphasized what would happen if they acted up by holding up the hand she just squeezed. 


So the tweener boys were shown their place. And that's how it was. Jill's appetite for control had been whetted. There was no going back. And after school was out for the summer, she decided to visit the park from first grade.


She encountered her tormentors walking along the path. She was almost 8’ by that time, while the boys were no more the 6’. She approached them. When they noticed her, they froze. They recognized Jill, and they stated to panic. 


Jill grabbed the ring leader by his upper arm and squeezed. The boys let out a loud cry and became hysterical. Jill noticed that the front of his pants were wet. 


The other boys could say nothing but that were sorry. Jill released their ringleader, and pulled out a pair of scissors, and grabbed the second boy, restraining him easily with one arm, and proceeded to cut his hair. The boy sobbed uncontrollably, but Jill was enjoying herself. 


The other boys started to back away, but Jill told them not to move. She would get to them soon. A week after the incident, none of the boys had explained what happened to their hair. And crew cuts were the norm. 


Jill was now hooked on showing any and all tweener males that they are her property. And that she and she alone was the superior being.


Soon, Jill became too much for the school and was allowed to transfer to another, only to become too much for that school. And the pattern repeated. The actual monster known as Jill was out of the bottle, and there was no going back.



Chapter 19 Worries by Twjr0228

It was during homeroom that it finally dawned on Paul the consequences of his actions earlier. He interfered with an Alpha. Not only would he incur the wrath of Jill, but without thinking, he broke the agreement with Alice. Now his friends would be fair game. And he started sinking into feelings that he thought he was over. He looked over at Linda and saw her smiling at him. That smile cheered him up a bit. But he was going to have to talk to the three of them about what happened.


After homeroom, Todd was walking down the hall. Paul excused himself, and made his way over to him. He needed to make sure Todd was ok. 


Todd said he was fine. But Paul saw the bruises on his arm. They looked nothing like the bruises on the tweener’s face from the bus incident. These looked different, deeper, uglier. How Todd didn't have any broken bones was a miracle. And if Jill had tightened her grip even in the slightest, he was sure the forearm would have been crushed.


Todd told Paul that his parents were on their way to talk to the principal. They were notified by the school nurse about his arm, and the incident, and wanted to make sure that it wouldn't happen again. Todd couldn't remember any time that his parents took an interest like that. But he appreciated it nonetheless.


The buzz around school concerning the incident involving Jill, Todd, and Paul grew as the morning went along. It eventually turned into waiting. Waiting to see how Alice would react. Since she had started going out with the Alpha senior, she had kept a low profile. But everyone knew of the rules she laid down to Paul. Now, everyone wanted to see what she would do.


Paul was already upset about the incident. Not so much for him, but for his friends. He was extremely distracted during his early classes, getting answers wrong to the teachers’ questions. Linda sensed why Paul was upset, and tried her best to calm and reassure him when she had the chance, but she felt she failed.


Finally lunch came. Todd wasn't there. His parents had talked to the principal, threatening to sue if something like that occurred again. The principal assured them that the situation was under control. But his parents didn't really believe him. So they took Todd home for a couple of days.


The four of them sat at their usual table. They had heard Jill had been suspended for three days. But they doubted that would deter her behavior in the future.


Paul saw Alice with her boyfriend, alone, and decided to talk to her. He got up from the table, and made his way towards her. Many pairs of eyes were on him. 


He got to her table, and apologized for the interruption, but he needed to talk to her. Alice looked down at him. Normally, she hated being disturbed, but since she started dating the Alpha known as George, her attitude had changed.


She asked Paul what was on his mind. That caught Paul by surprise. She asked without malice or menace, but respectfully. He wasn't sure he was in the same universe as yesterday. 


But he quickly snapped back to reality and told her that he just wanted to know where he stood. He explained in detail about the incident from the morning, and brought up his agreement and her rules. He wanted to make sure that his friends would be ok.


She looked at him thoughtfully. She told him that she had heard about the situation. And everything was cool. For the first time in his life, Paul couldn't find the words to say. He just looked dumbfounded. But he managed to ask her if she was sure. She said yes. Thinking to herself, she never had any intention of doing anything to his friends. Her respect for him had grown a lot since their first encounter. She was so used to boys of all sizes being afraid of her, that when he walked up to her and her friends and spoke with authority about what she was doing to his friend was wrong, and that he was willing to live by her agreement with no complaint, she was amazed. She couldn't even find Alpha males with balls that big. But she didn't want to show any weakness. When she threatened his friends, it was just a flippant response, and she immediately regretted it. When her friend asked about it later, she automatically said that she expected Paul to obey her rules. And then she thought how stupid that sounded. 


Paul asked her again if his friends would be ok, and again, she said yes. Paul knew that when Alice gave her word, then she meant it.


Before he left, he told her to be careful. This puzzled her. She asked him to be careful about what. Paul told her that the new girl, Jill, had something about her that really rubbed him the wrong way. She had a fixation about tweeners, but that didn't mean she wouldn't eventually turn her attention to the one person in the school that she perceived as a threat. And that person was her, Alice.


Alice told him that she would be fine. And Paul apologized again for the interruption, and went back to his table. Gearge asked Alice if everything was ok, and she replied that it was. 


Paul returned to his table and said that everything would be cool. Alice said that they would be safe. It made him feel like a million dollars knowing that his friends, especially Linda, would be ok.


Linda asked Paul if he wanted to go home with her, and the warmest smile crossed his face. He said he would. 


Paul used a payphone out in the hallway. He had to grab a ladder to use it, and thankfully, school provided them. He called his parents and said he was going to Linda's after school.


When the day ended, it was time to get on the bus. Linda pulled Paul onto her lap again and held him tight. She felt as happy as she ever had been, and was looking forward to being with him in the house while her parents were out.


Chapter 20 Watching the Sunset by Twjr0228

Linda and Paul were on the bus heading to her house. Her parents wouldn't be there, and she was excited. Alone time with Paul never seemed to work out. Her parents always seemed to arrive at the worst possible time. But today would be different. Today would be the day.


The bus pulled up at her house, and Linda's heart sank. The van was in the driveway. Her parents were home. She wanted to cry. Her chance to be alone with Paul, truly alone, was over before it started. 


Paul could sense her disappointment. He was looking forward to spending some time alone with Linda, but he understood life sometimes got in the way. He used his right arm to bring her head down and kissed her, and told her that he loved her. She smiled a forced smile and said she loved him. Off the bus they went.


Linda and Paul entered the house, and saw her parents in the kitchen. They both hugged their daughter and Paul. By now, Paul was eating dinner with the Mills more than his own family. 


When Paul had his cookout, both their parents had as much fun getting to know each other as the kids did. They couldn't get over the fact that when Linda's parents would describe how she felt about Paul, his parents would basically repeat what the Mills said. They figured it was serious.


And ever since that dreaded night being grilled, Paul grew pretty close to her parents. And Victor and Stephanie realized the fact that Paul had become such a big part of Linda's life, he had become a big part of theirs.


While Linda and her mom moved off to room with the makeshift table, Paul wanted to know if he could ask Victor a question. Linda's dad said sure. Paul wanted to know if Linda was ever disappointed that she never became an Alpha. The reason why he asked is she never talked about it and he never asked her about it. He had wanted to, but didn't know if it was a touchy subject with her. He really wanted to know about her and her life, but didn't know if certain things were off limits.


Victor looked at him thoughtfully. He said that at first, him and his wife suspected that she was. She had close friends in school when they each took their own variant. But as it became clear that the one Linda took wasn't going to produce what was promised, and the size gap increased, her friends drifted apart from her, and hung around kids their own size. 


He knew his daughter was hurt by this. It wasn't until one of her old, close friend had a birthday party, and Linda wasn't invited that she broke down in tears. That was when they decided to homeschool her. They didn't want her to face the cruelty of the Alphas. Their daughter was the kindest person they knew, yet her old friends just dropped her because she wasn't their size.


He said that Linda came to accept what her height would be. And with her mother homeschooling her, she always had someone to talk to when there were issues, women issues. 


Paul asked another question. What was it like adapting to a house that was too big for all of them. Victor replied that it wasn't as hard as they thought. The house came with so many implements, risers, and other things, once a person worked out a system, it became second nature. 


By then Linda and her mom came back out to the kitchen. Paul thought that Linda looked a lot happier than she did earlier. Whatever her mom said to her cheered her up.


Linda asked Paul if he wanted to join her outside, and Paul couldn't say yes fast enough. It had been a beautiful fall day, and the sun was starting to set.


Once outside, Linda sat on one of the oversized chairs that came with the house. Once seated, she lifted Paul onto her lap and held him tight as looked at the beautiful auburn sky.


Linda told Paul, that if he and his parents wanted to, they could have Thanksgiving dinner here, with her family. Paul thought it was the best idea he heard in a while, and promised to talk to his parents as soon as he got home.


Eventually, the conversation turned towards school, and Jill. Paul told Linda that her suspension wouldn't do anything to change her behavior. She just had something about her that gave her pleasure when she was physically hurting someone. 


But she wouldn't be back until Friday, so the tweeners had a much needed break. Paul also brought up his conversation with Alice. He told Linda that he sensed that something had changed with her. He just didn't know what. She wasn't this menacing bully, but since she met the Alpha George, seemed to find a peace within herself. But he then added that he wasn't a psychologist, so he couldn't be sure. 


As the sun was nearly set, Paul looked up at Linda, and thought that the glow from the fading sun made her look like a goddess. He used his left arm to bring her head down and kissed her like never before. All his feelings that he had for her came flowing through that kiss.


Linda responded with her own passionate kiss, and noticed the considerable bulge in his pants. Without thinking she put her hand over his covered member, before realizing what she had done. She immediately apologized to him, and he burst out laughing.


She asked him what was so funny. He stopped laughing, and with a serious look in his eye, told her that she never, ever had to apologise to him for anything. He loved her, and whatever he had belonged to her. And then he kissed her again.


They were so deep in their kissing that they didn't hear Linda's mom telling them that dinner was ready. It was only after the fifth time that they realized what was being said. 


Paul got off of Linda's lap, and as soon as she stood up, they made their way into the house. Linda's dad was already seated when he asked the two of them if they noticed the sunset. He gave a small smile, and saw Paul and Linda blush. He knew. He had been young once and very much in love. 

Chapter 21 Paul vs Jill by Twjr0228

When the Mills dropped Paul off that night, both Victor and Stephanie walked with Paul and Linda to his front door. Victor asked Paul if he could talk to his parents, and he said no problem.


Both Greg and Debbie came to the door, and seeing the Mills, stepped outside as Paul rushed to be with Linda. Victor asked both of them if they wanted to have dinner at their house on Thanksgiving. Both of Paul's parents replied yes in unison. And arrangements were made, but with one condition. Greg and Debbie wanted to help, and they wouldn't take no for an answer. It was agreed.


So the two weeks before the holiday flew by. Jill came back from her suspension and behaved, but everyone noticed the increase in the number of teachers walking the hallway. The only sad bit of news was the fact that Todd's parents were sending him to another school. As long as Jill was there, he wouldn't be safe.


And so, Thanksgiving came. The Bartons pulled up in the driveway and Greg and Debbie were staggered by the sheer size of the house. They had seen Alpha houses from afar, never this close.


After knocking on the door, Victor greeted them and they entered. The size and scope of the rooms couldn't be described in words. So, they just ended up nodding as Victor gave them the tour. 


Linda came out to give Paul a hug and kiss, and held his hand as she led him to the kitchen. Paul gave her mom a hug, and asked if he could do anything for them. They both said no. So Paul just stayed and talked to them.


15 minutes later, Greg and Debbie were finished with their tour of the house. To them, if someone had described everything in detail, they would have thought that they were either joking or on drugs. Now that they saw first hand, they would never doubt anyone ever again.


Debbie joined Linda and Stephanie in the kitchen. The men asked if they could help, but the women said no. Victor made the decision that the guys would set the table. Victor had built a brand new table from scratch. It was a Beta sized table that could seat six, but had a lever built in to raise a section of it for Linda. So he wheeled out a seven foot ladder and proceeded to gather plates and pass them to Paul and Greg. And he did the same with the cups, except everything was sized for a Beta. Only a few things were Alpha sized for Linda, and she found using them easier than the smaller dishes.


And a couple hours later, turkey dinner was served. Victor had the honor of cutting the turkey, and dinner began. The four adults talked like they were old friends. They talked about life and raising a family, and Paul and Linda thought that was their cue to leave the table.


Linda took Paul's hand and led him to the sofa. They just wanted a little peace and quiet. So much had happened since the first day of school that they needed time to relax. Paul rubbed Linda's arm, and she gave a warm smile. They had found each other. It didn't matter how, or why, but they were glad. 


Soon, it was time to leave. Paul promised Linda that he would call her tomorrow afternoon. And she said she would be waiting.


As promised, the house phone at Linda's rang in the afternoon. She ran to the kitchen. Her parents heard her laugh, and they immediately knew it was Paul. He called that day, then spent the next two afternoons at her house. They were happiest when they had each other.


Monday came, and Paul got on the bus. He said hi to John and Mindy, then made his way to Linda. He was a little sad that he and John weren't as close as they were at the beginning of the year. But neither wanted to intrude on the other's budding romance. And as long as John was happy, he was happy. 


He got to Linda's row and gave her a big kiss before making his way up the steps so he could sit next to her. He loved feeling her next to him. The feeling was indescribable. 


The bus pulled up to school. Out went the Alphas. Alice was holding George's hand as they exited. To Paul, she looked as happy as anyone he had ever seen. The group of friends that she usually hung around with, not so much. Apparently, Alice was in her own little world, and they weren't invited.


Once they reach the school hallway, it seemed odd to not see Todd. Paul grew angry at the fact that he had to leave because of Jill, not the other way around. Like could be unfair at times, and this was one of those times.


The morning was uneventful. Classes, quizzes, homework, projects. That's what school had basically become. But it was the school’s way of trying to prepare the students for real life.


Finally it was time for lunch. Paul, Linda, John and Mindy were about to enter, when Paul realized that he had left his homework folder in the classroom. He told the three to get their food and seats, and he would be back quickly. And he raced towards the classroom. 


The three of them got their food. The students in the cafeteria were taking an unusually long time in getting to their seats. Everyone seemed to be milling about.


But once a path was clear, Linda waited for John and Mindy to get situated, and as she waited, she felt a heavy tap on her shoulder. She turned around and found herself looking up at a face four feet taller than hers. 


It was Jill. Linda could see that Jill had a look in her eyes, and it frightened her. Jill blamed Paul for her suspension, believing that if he just kept his fucking nose out of her business, then she could take care of Todd. She knew that Paul and Linda were an item, and now she was going to introduce herself as a way of letting her know that she wasn't to be fucked with. Linda politely asked the bigger girl if she could help her with anything.


Jill replied that she wanted to get to her seat and that she was taking too fucking long, and she wanted her to hurry up. Linda apologized, but pointed out that the crowd finally moved enough for them to sit, 


Jill wanted to know why Linda was still standing then. And she stepped towards the smaller girl. Linda backed up a step. Jill saw the fear. She had never bothered with tweener girls, but this might be fun.


As Jill stepped towards Linda, Paul had arrived and saw the situation unfolding. He saw the terror in Linda's eyes, and without thinking, immediately made his way to the tables. He got up on the seat, then the table itself, and ran towards the girls. 


He reached the edges and leapt as high as he could, landing on Jill's upper back. He managed to grab a hold of her hair, and use it to bring his legs up and position them on her back for leverage. He pulled back on her hair with all his might. This caused Jill to let out a small ouch. She could feel something pulling on her hair. She shook back and forth, but Paul held firm. He just kept yelling at her to leave Linda alone. He was yelling at the top of his lungs to LEAVE HER THE FUCK ALONE! 


Jill finally swung her body with enough force to cause Paul to shift his position, allowing her to grab him. She positioned her hand so that she had the front of his shirt. She could see the rage in his eyes, which she thought was cute coming from a little Beta boy.


She told him that she was going to fucking break him, and she was going to enjoy it. While she held Paul, an idea popped into his head. It was his only play, his only chance. As Jill raised him up to her face, she had become arrogant and was too slow to react to what happened next. Paul decided to act. She was about to say something when Paul hocked a loogie and spit it into her mouth, causing her to release him and start gagging at the same time. 


Paul fell five feet to the floor, landing funny. By then teachers had shown up, and escorted both him and Jill to the principal’s office, where their parents were called.


Jill's parents arrived first. Paul noticed that they were exceptionally tall Alphas, and judging by the way they dressed, extremely rich. They entered the office first. By then, his parents had arrived, and he gave them the shortened version of events. 


After 20 minutes, Jill and her parents left. She shot Paul a glance which he returned. Next up, his turn with the principal. 


Once seated, the principal asked Paul to describe the events of what happened. Paul said that he came into the cafeteria and saw his friend being threatened. He just reacted. The principal asked him how he knew his friend was being threatened. Did he see Jill raise her hand towards his friend? Paul said no. Did he hear Jill threaten his friend? Again, Paul said no. Then how could…..


Paul cut the principal off mid sentence. He was angry. He said that he didn't need a god damned college degree to know when his friend was in trouble, and if he was going to suspend him, then do it. He had enough of this bullshit. And Paul left the room, despite the principal telling him to remain.


10 minutes later, his parents came out, not looking happy. Paul was getting suspended. 3 days for the altercation with Jill, and 1 day for disobeying the principal. 


Paul was heartbroken. He wouldn't be able to be here for Linda, and he wouldn't be able to protect her from Jill once her suspension ended. Life sucked.



Chapter 22 Reaction by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

I decided to change things up a little and do some reactions of various people and groups to the incident involving Paul and Jill.

The Cafeteria


All the students in the cafeteria were mesmerized. They saw Jill step towards Linda, they saw Linda take a step back, and then they saw the little Beta known as Paul jump off a table and on to Jill's back. They couldn't believe it. Once again, Paul showed courage and bravery beyond comprehension. 


In fact, if they took a step back, they probably would have laughed at the sight of Paul and Jill. It reminded some of a guy trying to ride the back of a wild elephant. Paul hung on as best he could, until Jill got a hold of him.


Even Alice and George watched intently. Alice wasn't surprised in the least by Paul rushing and jumping on Jill. It only confirmed what she believed. Paul had the biggest set of balls in the world. 


She and George thought about stepping in, but it wasn't their fight. And even if they had decided to act, an event that would shake the whole cafeteria occurred. 


It would become known as the spit heard round the world. Nobody had seen anything like that ever before. It was something so surreal, that many asked the person next to them if what they thought they saw was actually what they saw. And it was. 


Not only had Paul risked life and limb to protect his girlfriend, he had come up with the most inspired action in the face of certain danger. This would be talked about for years.


The teachers had arrived and told Paul and Jill to come with them to the principal’s office. Linda tried to move towards Paul, but one of the teachers told her to stay put. She was to stay in the cafeteria. 


Linda started crying. Once again, she failed to show courage in the face of danger, only to have Paul come to the rescue. Now, he would probably get suspended for protecting her. She wanted to leave and go home and lay in her bed and cry. 


If there was one consolation, all the students, Alphas, with the exception of Alice and George, and tweeners, came up to Linda and told her that they hoped Paul would be ok. 


But George had turned to Alice and wanted to discuss something with her. She asked him what. He mentioned the conversation with Paul a couple of weeks ago, in which he mentioned that he thought Jill would cause trouble and then make a move against her. George thought that Paul might have been right.


To him, Jill wasn't just mean, she was dangerous. It seemed that she wasn't happy unless she was inflicting physical pain on someone. She was out of control. Alice realized that also. Meeting George had brought her so much happiness. Now, with a crazy, out of control Alpha running around, it most likely would cause serious issues with that happiness. What would stop Jill from going after George? George was by no means a small Alpha, but Alice was still bigger and still growing. She had to start thinking about his safety.


------------------------------------------


The principal


After the Bartons left his office, the principal had his secretary type up a memo informing all faculty and staff alike that a mandatory meeting was being called for 3:30 on. Attendance was not optional. He wanted copies delivered to the classroom asap.


He also called the school board and asked them if he could hire more staff, and gave some bullshit reasoning.  The board agreed with his request, and when his call was done, he dialed a staffing agency and made arrangements for employees to start the next day.


The principal, an Alpha, was a man in his 50’s. He had been at the job for the past twenty years. To him, many things had changed, and not for the better. Principals used to have the authority to expel problem students. He took his responsibility to protect all students, both Alphas and Betas, very seriously. 


But all that changed when Alphas started running the Department of Education. Everything was changed to accommodate the Alphas and no one else. Instead of being able to expel students, his hands were tied by the 10 check mark system, which allowed the students ten opportunities for extremely bad behavior before the student could be expelled. 


But once the student entered a new school, the mark system reset. He saw Jill Robbins’ history. Many schools, many complaints from her male classmates, some financial settlements. 


He felt bad for treated Paul Barton the way he did. Anyone with half a brain would know that Jill instigated the altercation. If anyone thought that a Beta would take it upon himself to attack an Alpha without provocation, they were crazy. But here he was, at the crossroads of his career. Continue and watch Alphas torment tweeners and Betas and not be able to do something, or retire and move to a coastal town and fish all day.


His staff meeting was starting in 5 minutes. As he was about to leave, his phone rang. He answered. It was the father of a student who complained that the boy who defended his daughter was suspended. The principal apologized for having to hang up, as he was on his way to a meeting. It must be the father of Paul Barton’s friend. He felt bad, but he needed to have that meeting. It would be a meeting to make it clear that the safety of all the students will be of Paramount concern at this school.


----------------------------------------------


Linda


As soon as Paul was led away to the principal’s office, and she wasn't allowed to say goodbye, she was in tears. He protected her, and for a reward, he would probably be suspended. She was mad.


She never really stopped crying. And when she found out that indeed he was suspended for 4 days, she broke down again. She had trouble concentrating on school, and seemed lost on the bus without Paul by her side.


As the bus dropped her off, she became hysterical. She opened the front door and ran into the kitchen to see her parents.


Victor and Stephanie had grown used to Paul coming in with Linda. But she was alone, and she was upset. Their first reaction was that he broke her heart. But when she calmed down enough to tell them what happened, her father made a beeline for the phone. He was going to call the principal. 


He got a hold of the principal and wanted to know why the boy who defended his daughter was being suspended. The principal said he was sorry, but he had to get to a meeting.


Victor slammed the phone down. He was starting to dislike the Alphas, and with a passion. They were turning into bullies, and didn't care who they hurt. They thought they were superior, but fuck them, he thought.


Stephanie asked Linda if she wanted to go for a ride. Linda really didn't feel like it, but her mother insisted, saying getting out of the house would do her good. Reluctantly, Linda agreed, so she and her mom got in the van. 


Next thing Linda knew was they were at Paul's house. Linda ran out of the van before it stopped, and knocked on the door. Debbie answered and was looking right at the midsection of Linda, but she stepped out and gave the tall girl a hug. 


Linda asked if Paul was home, and Debbie said he was outback with his dad. Linda was off to the yard. Debbie gave Stephanie a hug and the ladies went inside. 


The conversation started awkwardly, before Stephanie asked to see Paul. Debbie led her out the back door, and after Linda finished kissing him, Stephanie went up to him and gave him the tightest hug she could and started crying and thanking him for protecting Linda. 


Thanks to both Linda and Debbie crying, Paul's eyes started to tear up, and said didn't think of anything else but protecting Linda. And he would do it again and again. 


Linda came up and gave him another hug and a kiss, and the three adults decided to suddenly go back inside to the kitchen.


------------------------------------------------


Paul


The Bartons walked out of the school building mad. Their son did nothing wrong, but here he was, suspended. Greg was cursing under his breath. Goddamn Alphas, fuckers think they rule the place, was all he could say.


Into the car they went. As they were driving off, Greg told his son that he was very proud of him for doing the right thing. Not many people would have had the balls to do what he did. 


Paul wasn't in the mood to talk, but told his father that it was nothing. He loved Linda, and what he did just came naturally. He couldn't explain it, it just was.


Once they got home, Greg asked his son if he would give him a hand in the yard. He thought that if Paul was busy, it would take his mind off the events of the day.


But it was clear Paul's heart wasn't into doing work. He was more idle than active, couldn't wait for Linda to get home so he could call her. 


It seemed that time was dragging until he heard large footsteps, and he automatically knew who it was. He ran towards the gate and into the open arms of Linda, who picked him up and hugged him tightly. She was the only sight he wanted to see. 


After she put him down, they started walking towards the wall so Linda could sit, only to be interrupted by Stephanie. After the hugs and tears, the adults went inside, and left the two of them alone.


Linda asked him how he was doing. Paul told her he was doing well. He said to her that he told the principal off, which resulted in the extra day of suspension. 


He asked her what exactly happened, and Linda recounted everything, from start to finish. She was crying again by the end. She apologized over and over again for not being able to stand up for herself.


Paul looked at her and told her as gently as he could that she had no reason to apologise. She didn't do anything wrong. And that he loved her with all his heart.


But now he feared for her more than anyone. Jill had made it perfectly clear that Linda was now a target. He was going to have to come up with a plan to deal with her, and quickly.


She bent down and kissed him, and kissed him hard and long. Paul was lost in her embrace, and felt her warmth against his body. He couldn't imagine not feeling that for the rest of his life.


---------------------------------------------


Jill


Once the Robbins were in their Alpha sized limo, Jill's father asked her if it was too much to ask that she stay out of trouble? 


He had lost count of how many schools she attended, only to leave under a cloud. He just wanted her to have fun like a normal teenager. 


Instead, multiple schools and settlements later, here they were. This was her second suspension in the last month. Her father had a feeling that this school would be no different than the last school. 


He loved his daughter. But he wished he had been more forceful with the Eton Academy. But he put money and the school’s reputation over the well being of his daughter, and is now paying for it. 

Chapter 23 A Question and Answer leads to reflection. by Twjr0228

Paul took his mind off his suspension by helping his neighbors with their yard work. He had started a month before. He would do odd jobs and get paid. He wanted to buy Linda gifts for Christmas, and he wanted to pay for them himself.


He did the yard work in the morning, and in the afternoon his mom dropped him off at Linda's. He missed being next to her on the bus. He missed being with her in homeroom. And more importantly, he missed being around her, period. He knew Jill would be back Friday, but he wouldn't. Linda would be alone. He started to have all kinds of thoughts of Jill just having her way with Linda. Linda was the gentlest soul in the world. Jill was the reincarnation of pure evil, someone who delighted in hurting people physically. He had an idea. He didn't like it, but it was the only one that made sense.


Paul asked his mom if they could leave about 15 minutes earlier than usual. He needed to see someone first. His mom said sure. So they left and drove to the destination that Paul asked to be taken to. 


He saw the school bus arrive. Paul got out of the car, and waited. He saw Alice with George. He went up to them and apologized for the interruption, but he needed to ask Alice something very important. 


Alice looked down at him and said go ahead. Paul said that Jill was coming back from suspension Friday. He wasn't. He asked her if she could look after Linda until he returned Monday. It would just be for one day. And that he wouldn't bother her again.


Before Alice could answer, George said that he would. This surprised both Alice and Paul. He expected the response from Alice, not her boyfriend. And Alice looked at him, and with an upset look on her face. 


George told Paul that he should leave, as he needed to have a talk, but promised that he would look after Linda. Paul thanked him, and turned and went back to the car.


Alice asked George why he said yes. George looked her in the eye and said what good is being tall and strong if we don't use it to protect those weaker than us. Paul seemed like a great guy, Beta or not, and seeing him literally risk his life to protect the person he loved made him think of what he would be willing to do to protect the one person he cared about the most. And that person was her, Alice. He told her that he thinks about it every day. What if the girl he loved was in danger. Would he be willing to risk everything to save her? He looked at Alice and said he knew what he would do, and then he kissed her.


Alice didn't know what to say. She had avoided Jill, because Jill wasn't an immediate problem. But George made sense. All those years of bullying smaller, weaker people, and for what? It was fun in the beginning, but as it went on, she was enjoying it less and less. In fact, her friends were the ones keeping it alive.


But she had met George, and he was everything she was looking for in a man. And it made her reassess her life. Paul was one thing. He had confidence, guts, balls, you name it. But he was still a Beta. George was an Alpha with a lot of the same qualities. 


But at some point, she didn't want to be feared. She wanted to be loved. She wanted to get married and raise a family. And she wanted to teach her kids to respect all people. But how could she do that if she was being the very thing she would teach her children not to be. It made her eyes well up. If she wanted her children to be the best people they could be when they grew up, she needed to be the best person she could be now.


She took George by the hand and walked with him to her house. She was proud of George. His feelings on protecting Linda were exactly how she wanted her kids raised. Maybe George was the one. She didn't know, as for the first time in a long time, her mind was swirling with thoughts about her past, her present, and her future. But she made a promise to herself. She would try to be a better person.


Debbie drove Paul to Linda's house. His mood improved due to his chat with Alice and George. He wanted to make sure that Linda was safe. He thought that Jill would arrive Friday looking for blood, and with him not there, Linda would be the target of her wrath.


He knocked on her door. Linda answered wearing jeans and a sweater. Paul waved goodbye to his mom. Linda waved to Debbie, and she drove off as Paul went in.


He went up to her and gave her a big hug, and stood on the tops of his toes to try and kiss her. Linda seemed to be in a good mood, as she bent over just far enough to make sure her lips were out of reach. Paul secretly loved it when she was playful like that. It just made him think that he was the luckiest guy on the face of the Earth.


Paul immediately grabbed Linda's arm and moved her closer to the sofa. He eventually made his way up, and leapt into her arms. Now he could reach her. He kissed her.


She smiled, and sat down on the sofa. He sat down on her lap. She bent her head to give him a kiss, and he responded with a passionate kiss of his own. 


As they continued kissing, Linda used her left hand to gently caress the inside of his thigh. Immediately a bulge formed in the middle of his pants. She whispered to him that her parents wouldn't be back until later. She winked at him.


Paul suggested that they move somewhere more comfortable. Linda stood up with Paul in her arms and made their way to her bedroom. She entered and placed him on the bed. 


She proceeded to go her bureau and retrieved a box. She kept it in her hand. And then she started undressing. Paul caught the hint and started to do the same. 


She walked over to her bed, and sat next to him. He could smell her scent. It was a scent he was used to, ever since the first day they met. She caressed the back of his head. He rubbed her inner thigh. This was the first time for both, and it would be a learning process. 


Then the phone rang. Linda cursed her luck. With a heavy sigh she grabbed a robe and made her way to the kitchen to answer. It was her mom. She assumed Paul was there, and they wanted to know if he liked Chinese food. 


If Linda could have thrown the phone to the moon she would have. But with a sigh, asked Paul if he liked Chinese. He said yes. He was as disappointed as Linda. This was his third opportunity to become intimate with her, and the third failure. He told her they should just wait for marriage.


Paul may have thought he spoke a throwaway line, but Linda heard something different. She was excited. Paul spoke of a future marriage. Maybe with her. Now she was on cloud nine. And after hanging up the phone, she bent down and gave him the biggest kiss of her life.

 

Linda was happiest when she was with Paul. But the bus rides where she felt the loneliest. Without him sitting next to her, the seat felt like it was five times its size.


But she knew Jill was coming back in two days. And she started to worry. Linda was no match for her physically, and the Alphas didn't seem too interested in stopping her. Without Paul, she felt small and insignificant.


But when she exited the bus, she along with everyone else noticed Alphas dressed in red shirts walking the hallway. They had walkie talkies, and the word staff printed across their chests. Linda thought that they were security.


Wednesday and Thursday went by eventfully. There were the usual quizzes, and Linda made sure to get Paul's homework assignments. She also took detailed notes, so Paul could understand what was going on in class. 


But she still missed his company walking to class, or to lunch, or riding the bus. But she saw him everyday after school. She thought that he was there so often, it was like he lived there. Her parents really grew to love him. He was like a son to them. Paul always felt bad that Linda couldn't come to his house, but it was too small for her, and he felt her comfort should be top priority.


But Friday came. She and John and Mindy were quiet on the ride into school. This was the day that Jill came back. Even though school had security walking the hallways, Jill was the type to ignore them and zero in on her target. 


But her fears were unfounded. Jill was well behaved. And security ensured that there was no questionable behavior towards any student. 


Linda was happy. The weekend was here, Debbie was dropping Paul off at her house, and he would be with her on the bus come Monday. To her, life was good.




Chapter 24 The Holidays by Twjr0228

Paul was both anxious and excited. His suspension was over, the school had hired security to ensure the students were safe, and he would be able to spend more time with Linda. But it would be his first time back at school with Jill, and he knew that she wouldn't forget what happened.


He had called Todd a couple of times during his suspension to check in on him, and even though he was disappointed that he was interrupted by Linda's parents again, he still made the best of his suspension. He got his gifts for Linda, and his parents would be having Christmas dinner at her house. 


The bus pulled up and he got on. He said hi to John and Mindy, and stopped by Linda's seat to give her a kiss, then made his way towards the back of the bus. He said hi to Alice. But he wanted to tell George he was grateful for him looking out for Linda. George said it wasn't a problem, and if he needed any help, to come get him. Paul considered his offer, but said that he should be alright, and thanked him again and went to his seat.


Sitting next to Linda left him with an unbelievable feeling. Her warmth, her size, and her perfect body seemed to overwhelm him when he got comfortable. He could even detect the scent of perfume. He was surprised. Linda had never used perfume before. The subtle hint was intoxicating to him. He didn't know how he would ever be able to concentrate on school.


The bus pulled up and everyone got off. Paul could see the security Linda had described. Large Alphas in red shirts. A nice deterrent. He also noticed Jill staring at him. She didn't look like she wanted to be his friend. But he couldn't worry about that now. 


Homeroom would have been uneventful if not for all Paul's classmates coming up to him and welcoming him back. He thought that they were making too much of the situation. But it made him feel good that people were happy to see him back at school.


The walk to homeroom was nice and relaxing. However, walks to his other classes were a different story. Jill always seemed to be lurking off to the side, watching him. Even with security walking the halls, it didn't seem to deter her from thinking of ways to get her revenge.


With less than two weeks to go before Christmas, he was getting excited. He bought gifts for Linda that he thought were special, and having to wait to give them to her was driving him crazy. 


The days leading to the Christmas break followed a familiar pattern. Arrive at school, notice Jill staring at Paul, then head home. Paul had been spending so much time at Linda's that he became comfortable calling her parents by their first name. They told him that they were checking on whether they could declare him as a dependent. This brought a smile to Paul's face. His relationship with her parents had come a long way since the night of their frantic questioning. But all was forgiven.


But the break came. It was a time for Paul and Linda to actually catch their breath, as it seemed that from the moment Paul introduced himself to Linda until now had so many things happen, they couldn't fully understand it all. Now a three week break allowed for actual reflection. What could have started off as an ugly situation with Alice definitely turned into one with Jill. How he would fare in a confrontation with her the next time he didn't know. But he was sure that he wouldn't be so fortunate.


Christmas day arrived, and the presents Paul received from his parents were special, just not as special as what he bought for Linda. But Christmas breakfast at his house led to a shower, his best clothes, and finally, a trip to her house.


Once his dad parked the car,  he was out the vehicle and knocking on her door. Stephanie answered and said that Linda just got out of the shower and was getting dressed. Greg and Debbie hugged Victor and Stephanie, then her parents hugged Paul. The anticipation of him giving her his gifts was making him a bundle of nerves.


Finally, she appeared. Paul was staring like his head was stuck in cement. Linda had on a brand new blue dress that accentuated her eyes. He also thought it did a great job of showing off her body. He was like a kid in a toy store. He wanted to touch and squeeze and grab, but a voice in his head told him to behave.


After everyone opened their gifts, Paul followed Linda to her room, where she gave him her gift to him. It was a bracelet. On one side it had the inscription ‘ Forever Yours’ and on the back it said ‘To Paul my Hero, Love Linda’. Paul thought it was the most beautiful bracelet he had ever seen. 


Now it was his turn. He gave her the first present. It was a pair of earrings with blue faux gems that matched her eyes. The second gift was a necklace with a charm at the bottom that was inscribed with Linda’s name. And the last one was his personal gift to her. It was a tiara. She looked puzzled. He told her that since she was his queen, she should have something Royal to wear. He had to guess the measurement of her head so it would fit. She cried as she hugged him.


Paul fell over due to Linda's enthusiastic hug, and she hovered over him. They look at each other, then kissed, lightly at first, then with more passion. Since their parents were out in the living room, they knew that they couldn't go any farther. But they realized that one day they wouldn't be interrupted.


But Christmas day ended. Paul would only be home to sleep and shower. Otherwise, it was Linda’s house the rest of the time. He was happy. But he knew that eventually he would have to deal with Jill. There was no avoiding it. She would want her pound of flesh, and she probably wouldn't stop until she got it. But as long as she went after him and not Linda. He could deal with that. 


New Years came. The ball dropped, and the year turned. And the school year would start a couple of days later.  But for now, life was perfect. He and Linda walked outside and kissed under the impromptu fireworks going off. They both had the same thought. If only they could get her parents out of the house for a few hours.












Chapter 25 Defending the Defender by Twjr0228

Paul caught the bus for school, saw John and Mindy and looked around and didn't see Linda. He was surprised and disappointed. He hoped everything was alright. He would call her after school.  So he sat in his oversized seat that felt more enormous without Linda there.


But his one big concern heading into the second half of the school year came true. He got off the bus and headed for his locker. With the door opened he never noticed Jill standing there. He closed his locker, then stepped back in surprise as he saw her. 


He was about to turn and leave, but a giant hand grabbed his upper right arm. Paul winced in pain. Jill was only using very little pressure, yet it was causing tremendous pain in Paul's arm. 


She lowered her head and said that she owed the little prick for the cafeteria incident. She would make him pay. Paul didn't bother to struggle, because he knew it would be useless. But Jill had no intention of relieving her grip. She started to squeeze with a little more pressure until security came around.


She released him. Security wanted to know if Paul was alright. He said he was, but the tears in his eyes told a different story. But he didn't press the issue, and he went to home room, and Jill walked off.


Paul's arm was too sore to be of use, at least for the first couple of classes. He got to a restroom and took his shirt off, noticing an ugly bruise surrounding the whole upper arm. He was mad at himself. He was sure Jill saw his tears, and now thought that she had the upper hand.


After school, he got dropped off at his house for the first time in a long time. The bus driver asked him if he was sure, and Paul said yes. Once home he called Linda to check on her. 


She said she was fine. She developed a toothache overnight and discovered that she needed an emergency route canal. They knocked her out, so she was groggy. Paul and Linda talked for a good hour before the I love yous were exchanged. And they hung up. 


Paul's parents wanted to know why Paul came home. He said Linda wasn't in school. He came home to call her and find out how she was doing. She needed emergency dental surgery. But now she was groggy.


Paul then went to his room. He took his shirt off and examined his arm. The bruise was as ugly as Todd's was that day with Jill. Now he experienced his pain. But he knew that this was only the beginning.


Paul had a restless night with very little sleep. His arm hurt like hell. He took 4 aspirin, but it didn't help. Not only was his arm bruised, but devoloped a little swelling around the area where Jill's fingers stopped.

He could kick himself. His desire to show Jill that he wouldn't be intimidated by her resulted in this. He should have told the security guard and had Jill suspended again. But he didn't want to seem afraid.


Morning arrived and Paul groggily got on the bus. He said hi to his friends and saw that Linda was on the bus. It made him feel better. He sat next to Linda, and when she wrapped her long arm around him, he winced. He hoped she didn't notice. But she did. She asked him what was wrong. He told her nothing was wrong. She asked again, and this time she said it in a voice that told him not to lie to her. 


He looked at her, and recounted the events of yesterday morning. He also said his arm was hurting, but he didn't have any broken bones. 


She demanded to know why he didn't tell security, and Paul reflexively told her that he didn't want Jill to know that she hurt him. So he played it off as though nothing had happened.


She started to yell at him. Her voice was getting louder and louder. Paul told her to calm down, but Linda wasn't having it. Everyone on the bus heard her, but she didn't care.


She told him that she thought of a future, and that future included him. She dreamt of marriage and a family, but it wouldn't mean anything if he was seriously injured, or worse, dead. Jill was crazy, and she didn't care who she hurt or how bad she hurt them.


When they arrived at school, Alice and George passed by. George stopped, and asked if anything was wrong. Paul said nothing was wrong, but Linda told George everything that Paul told her. George looked concerned. And he caught up with Alice outside the bus. Linda saw him take Alice by the arm and walk over to the side.


Paul looked at her and asked what gave her the right to tell George his business. He could handle Jill, and he didn't need her trying to get people to fight his battles. And he left before the tweeners exited.


Linda looked crestfallen. She thought Paul's pride, which had served him well so far, was going to get him hurt, seriously hurt. He needed help against Jill, whether he knew it or not. And she was going to see that he had help, whether he liked it or not.


Paul went to his locker. He was fuming. Linda had told people what happened to him. He was embarrassed that his girlfriend was trying to find people to protect him. How dare she, he thought.


He opened his locker, and just like yesterday, Jill was waiting for him. He saw her, and in aa loud a voice he could muster, asked her what the fuck she wanted? If she wanted to do something, then she should do it! Don't be a fucking cunt about it. DO IT!


Jill was surprised. She thought after yesterday that Paul would have folded. She was wrong. And George showed up and told Jill to get lost. Paul was his friend, and he wouldn't let her fuck with him. She looked at George. She was about five inches taller than Greg's 11’6” height. But he had a look that told her he meant it. 


Security showed up, and Jill walked away. She was upset. She wanted Paul to cower, but he refused. She swore to herself that Paul Barton would cower in fear in front of her.


Paul was embarrassed, but he thanked George. George told him no problem. He also admitted to Paul that he unknowingly helped George out, and would do anything to repay the favor. Paul was puzzled and asked how?


George told him that the story of his standing up to Alice on the bus inspired him to just be himself and go up and talk to her. And it gave him confidence. And it has led to finding a girl that he really cared about.


Paul looked at him and said he didn't do anything. He had it within him the whole time. He shouldn't sell himself short.


George told Paul that he had his back, but needed to get to homeroom. Paul said he also had to, and both parted ways. 


Paul ran like crazy to find Linda. She was about to enter the class room when she heard him call her name. She stopped. He went up to her and apologized for his behavior. She was right and he was wrong. 

Could she forgive him? She said yes, and bent down and kissed him. And the morning continued, with the buzz about Paul, Jill, and George.


Alice was a little uncomfortable. George now put himself in Jill's crosshairs. She should be upset, but she wasn't. George stood up for a friend, or a guy he respected at the very least, against a bully, just like Paul would have done. But now she felt she was being forced to move closer to a scene she didn't want to near.



Chapter 26 Nirvana! by Twjr0228

Paul apologized to Linda for getting mad at her on the bus. He realized that she was right. Reasoning with Jill was out of the question. If she had a target in sight, and her mind was made up, then that was it. He saw it with her and Todd. As soon as Todd showed that he was scared, and Paul couldn't blame him, it was game over. He just interrupted her plans for Todd, which made him the substitute target.


Except Paul knew he had to be smarter, and more cautious. Jill proved that she wouldn't hesitate to go after Linda. Linda had absolutely no idea how to defend herself. She was ill equipped to face Jill. 


And it struck Paul that after almost two months in this school, he never saw Jill hang around anyone, except one girl who looked like she was going to start crying at any moment. Nobody wanted anything to do with her. Even the Alphas knew she was bad news. 


And it gave Paul a new perspective on Alice. He realized that no guy in school wanted to talk to her because of the Mean Girls clique she was in. It was tough enough for males to handle the fact that when Alice stopped growing, she would be at least a foot taller than them.  But then add in condescending talk, an extremely snobbish attitude, and air of superiority, and it became obvious that trying to get to know Alice wasn't worth the trouble. 


Paul had once seen Alice's parents pick her up at school, and thought that her dad had to be 13’ in height. Even her mother stood about 12’6”. They were exceptionally tall, even for Alphas. He noticed that Jill's parents were very similar in size. They came from tall genes even without the formula.


And he understood why some parents rushed to take a formula variant that promised even more dramatic results. It was all about giving an edge to their children in an ever changing world. But unfortunately, a formula that was supposed to make those that took it the New Alphas instead made those same people the tweeners. It wasn't the fault of the children. Parents thought they were doing the right thing. But now their kids were growing up in a world that was increasingly changing to accommodate the Alphas and Alphas alone.They were in the same situation as Betas.


But Paul was feeling upbeat. Linda forgave him for his outburst on the bus, and it seemed that George was going to keep an eye on them both. Jill would come after him again, but she would have to wait. 


Paul and Linda both noticed that the classes were getting harder. Reports, projects, tests and quizzes were becoming more complex. It helped that the projects and reports could be done with another person, which meant Paul and Linda would be a team in more ways than one. But it would also require a more deeper research on any and all subject matter. And that meant trips to the library and bookstore.


And before they knew it, lunch was here. Filing into the cafeteria, getting their food, and taking their seat had become mundane. Nothing out of the ordinary. Except this day everyone noticed something different. 


George and Alice weren't sitting in their usual spot at the back of the cafeteria. They were sitting two tables away from where Paul, Linda, John and Mindy sat. Alice didn't look too happy, but it allowed George to keep an eye out for any potential problem between Paul and Jill.


Everyone noticed the significance of Alice and George sitting near Paul, except for Jill. She saw Paul and headed towards his table, only to be blocked by a security guard, who stood in between her and Paul, blocking her vision. The security guard gently recommended that she take her seat. With a snarl on her face, she turned and sat down. The guard remained there until lunch was over. Jill would have to wait for another opportunity.


Paul was excited for last class. It was gym class. He joked with Linda about wearing a different outfit. But she felt self-conscious about it. Wearing more revealing clothes for Paul when they were in the privacy of her house was one thing. Wearing a tighter fitting outfit for gym was something else. But Paul could always dream.


But the bus ride to Linda's house was nice. He could feel her warmth against him, and with her holding her hand, he was feeling upbeat and positive. And the bus dropped them off. They made their way to the front door and through it. 


Paul grabbed Linda's arm and spun her around and pulled her head down and kissed her with abandon. He was finding it harder to resist her. She returned his passion with her own. She was getting excited. She was longing for him. Her anticipation for this moment grew stronger and stronger every time they had been interrupted. This would be the day.


They made their way to her bedroom. They cautiously undressed as they continued to kiss. Paul was getting lost in the moment. Their 16th birthdays were the following week, but he couldn't wait. 


Once they were rid of their clothes, Linda finally saw the bruises on his arm. They were ugly. To her, they looked like they were inflicted for pleasure. Linda never hated anyone in the world. But she was quickly making an exception for Jill. She asked Paul if his arm hurt, and he immediately replied no. She knew he wasn't being truthful, but with her desires, she didn't care.


She picked him up and placed him on her bed. She grabbed the same box as she did previously. And she placed it on the table. Paul could see it was a box of condoms. Linda's mom had the talk with her after one of Paul's visits. She wouldn't normally approve such behavior from her daughter, but she understood that people, especially teens, would follow their hearts and not their heads. Linda's mom would make a doctor's appointment for her to discuss protection, but she advised having protection for Paul as a backup.


And as Paul laid back, Linda hovered over him, continuing to kiss him. His hands instinctively reached up to her beautiful breasts and gently caressed them. To Linda, this felt as wonderful as anything she ever experienced. Paul had a gentle touch that was increasing the pleasure she felt. Finally she rolled over and put Paul on top of her. The size difference between the two meant he wouldn't be able to kiss her as he put protection on and she guided his member inside her. 


That was all that was needed. They quickly developed a rhythm, and as he started to increase the speed of his thrusts, took her nipples in his mouth and sucked with force. Linda moaned loudly as Paul came, ejecting all his cum into the condom. Linda shuddered, and as he pulled out, he made his way up to her mouth and kissed her and told her that he loved her.


She smiled at him and told him that she loved him also, as she rubbed his back. All the buildup of sexual tension was instantly released. They didn't know what to expect, but to them it was the greatest feeling in the world. 


As they lay in Linda's bed, they started to talk about the future, their future. Paul had instantly imagined a future with Linda as soon as her met her. And he could imagine a future with marriage and kids. 


Linda started crying. Paul asked her what was wrong. She told him that everything he just said to her, she had thought also. And it made her realize that Paul was the man for her. 


They decided to quickly shower before her parents got home. She took out a shirt and gave it to him to wear. He put it on, and immediately noticed that he didn't need to put underwear on. The bottom of her shirt came down to the middle of his knees. 


But they made their way to the shower. The water felt great. He put soap on a washcloth and tried to clean Linda as best he could, but he couldn't reach the top of her breasts. She took the cloth and finished herself, then soaped it up again and used it on him. But there were areas of him she couldn't reach unless she kneeled down, so he got the bottom of his legs and feet. 


Once they were lathered and rinsed, time for drying off. The towels that came with the house were too big for Linda, but felt like an oversized alpha blanket to Paul. But it would do. 


They made their way back to her room and quickly got dressed. Her parents would be home by five, and it was already a quarter til. Once dressed, they made their way out to the kitchen and waited. Linda made hot chocolate for the both of them, and then the front door opened.














Chapter 27 Realizations by Twjr0228

Victor and Stephanie walked into the kitchen and saw Linda and Paul drinking hot chocolate. They also noticed that the both of them had wet hair, and were slightly peaked. Victor looked at his wife, who responded with a look that said it all: boys and girls will do what boys and girls will do. She then whispered something in her husband’s ear. And Victor looked at her and nodded.


Linda tried to act casually, asking how their day was. Stephanie said it went fine. But before she could ask her mom another question, Stephanie asked to speak with her in her room. And once they were gone, it left Victor with Paul.


Now Paul was starting to get nervous. He finally realized that her father knew what they had done. He was looking around to see if there was a way to make a quick getaway if he had to. There was none. So he looked at Victor and waited.


Victor approached him not as an enemy or irate parent, but more like a parental friend. He asked Paul how he was feeling. Paul, surprised by the question, responded that he was feeling well. Victor could see Paul was extremely uncomfortable. So he said to him that he and Linda's mom were his age once. He told Paul that he knew what happened, and before Paul could explain, Victor raised his hand and tried to calm him.


He told Paul that he normally wouldn't be happy with what had happened. But ever since the incident involving Linda, Jill, and him in the cafeteria, he knew what would eventually happen. He had prepared himself for it, he just expected it to happen later. 


But he knew how Linda felt about him, and he knew how he felt about her. And as much as he wanted to object, he couldn't, because he realized how perfect him and his daughter were together. He just asked Paul to make sure he used protection. 


------------------------------------------------------


Stephanie took Linda into her bedroom and asked her to sit. Linda had a feeling that her mom knew. And she started to panic. Her mom just looked at her and tried to reassure her that everything would be alright. Her mom gave her a small smile. That seemed to relax Linda.


Stephanie started off telling Linda that she knew what had happened. She was young once. And she understood how her daughter felt about Paul. This was a big step she took, and there was no going back. She had to be sure it was what she wanted. 


Linda looked at her mom and said it was. Paul was special, and she wouldn't lose her innocence to anyone but him.  And she hoped her mom could understand. 


Stephanie said she did. She lost her innocence to her father at just about the same age as her, and look what happened, marriage, and a wonderful daughter. Linda gave her mom a hug and thanked her for being understanding.


When Paul arrived back home he was exhausted. The lack of sleep from the night before, plus his outburst directed at Jill, and finally being intimate with Linda left him tired. He smiled and said hi to his parents, then went to his room and passed out.


Paul woke up before his alarm. His arm didn't hurt as much as it did the day before. So it was a shower, dressing, and breakfast. The bus came at the usual time, and on he went.


He said hi to John and Mindy, and went to Linda. He kissed her, then got up on his steps to sit. Linda was absolutely glowing. It was the happiest he had ever seen her. He was feeling upbeat and thought he could conquer the world. Sitting next to her had become his security blanket. Her gentle embrace, and warm body could make him feel like a king, and she was his queen.


The bus got to school, and everyone got off according to their status: Alphas, tweeners, Betas. Linda and Paul were the last ones off. However, when they exited, the unfriendly presence of Jill was close. She didn't make any threatening moves with security around, but she just wanted to remind Paul that she was “thinking about him”. She laughed and walked off.


Paul was getting mad. He had secretly decided, without telling Linda, that he was going to make a more concerted effort to avoid Jill. He knew Linda was afraid for him. Hell, he was afraid for him. But it wasn't in his nature to back down. But he would try.


Linda was upset and angry that Jill would harass them as soon as they got off the bus. She was tempted to go to the principal's office and report the incident. But it would have been Jill's word against theirs. And with no witnesses, it would be impossible to prove. 


They made it to homeroom. Paul tried his best to comfort Linda. He knew she was upset by Jill's little visit. But he wasn't worried.  As long as Linda was by his side, he felt on top of the world.


As the morning gave way to lunch, they noticed Jill lurking more and more. As long as security was there, she wouldn't do anything. But she was letting both Paul and Linda know that she was still around. 


Lunch came. The cafeteria was crowded. Another day with students seemingly taking forever to get to their tables. While Paul and Linda were waiting for John and Mindy to take their seats, George, sitting with Alice at their new table, spotted Jill heading towards her new targets. George got up and stood in front of Paul and Linda, trying to act as a deterrent. 


But Jill was having none of it. She reached George and shoved him out of the way. She was about to reach the couple when security intervened. Three guards stopped her, and escorted her to the office. It earned Jill another 3 day suspension. The principal was getting frustrated because he couldn't do what he needed to do and expel her. Instead, she was at the third check mark. He couldn't do anything until she reached 10. 


With Jill out of school for another three days, Linda was able to relax, but she knew Jill would be back. And when she returned, it would be with bad intent.


Meanwhile, Alice had a talk with George about the incident. He wasn't small by any means, but Jill was able to shove him out of the way without much trouble. Alice reminded him that this was why she didn't want them to get involved. George, frustrated by the incident, looked up at Alice and told her that he wasn't in the mood for her to tell him what they shouldn't do. She needed to understand that by not doing anything now would force her to do more later. 


Alice was upset. She loved George, but his insistence about protecting Paul and Linda was becoming an issue between them. She understood his points, but he needed to understand her point: this was not a fight worth getting involved in. Security was patrolling the school, and they would keep the couple safe.


But the rest of the day passed without incident. Everyone got on their bus, and Paul and Linda got dropped off at her house. Linda's parents were home, so their would be no round two, but they were content with the day before being their first






Chapter 28 Panic! by Twjr0228

Paul and Linda were walking hand in hand down the school hallway. Students were everywhere, talking, joking, having fun. The couple were making their way to homeroom. Paul thought that the walk was taking forever. It looked like the corridor had no end in sight.


Paul looked up at Linda, who just smiled at him. Man, this is taking forever, he thought. We should be at homeroom. We should be at homeroom right now, he kept saying to himself.


When he turned and looked at Linda, she had stopped smiling. In fact he noticed a look of terror frozen on her face. Paul asked her what was wrong. No answer. He asked her again, and still no answer. He started shaking her, but no answer.


It wasn't until he heard a voice that he knew. A voice with menace. A voice with malice. A voice with revenge coating every word. It was Jill's voice. He couldn't see her, but he knew she was there.


And sure enough, she was suddenly in front of them. Paul turned to Linda and told her to run. Linda was frozen, panic in her eyes. She started crying. She tried to speak, but no words came out. Paul tried to push her off to the side, but she was unmovable.


Finally, Jill started to move towards them. Paul instinctively stepped in front of Linda to protect her. But it didn't matter. Jill picked him up with one arm and flung him into the lockers, causing intense pain in his right shoulder.


Paul saw stars, but quickly looked on in horror as Jill closed in on Linda. Paul was yelling at the top of his lungs for Linda to run, but she never moved. Paul staggered to his feet and once again got in between Linda and Jill.


Jill smiled at him. It was the most evil smile Paul had ever seen. She reached down and took his left arm at his bicep and squeezed with little pressure. Paul tried to struggle free, but it was no use. Jill started to slightly increase her pressure, and Paul was fighting back tears from the pain. Jill just increased her pressure ever so slightly until his humerus snapped. Paul crumpled to the floor.


Paul was in so much pain, he was on the verge of passing out. But he looked on as Jill reached Linda and pushed her up against the lockers. Paul tried to get to his feet, but it was no use. Jill had Linda right where she wanted, and there was nothing that he could do about it.


He watched in horror as Jill grabbed Linda by the neck and lifted her off the floor. He saw Linda desperately try to loosen Jill's grip, but it was no use. Jill brought her to eye level, and sneered at the smaller girl. She then banged Linda into the lockers repeatedly, each time with more force. 


Soon, the back of Linda's head became a bloody mess. Linda kept looking at Paul, who was helpless. He could see the life leave her eyes as Jill just kept banging her against the lockers.


He saw the joy in Jill's eyes as Linda faded into unconsciousness. After what seemed like an eternity, Jill let go of Linda, who hit the floor with a heavy thud. Paul, despite his intense pain, made his way over to Linda and tried to wake her. No response. He pleaded with her to get up. Still nothing. He tried to feel her pulse, but he couldn't move his arms. 


To him, it looked like Linda was dead. His lovely Linda was dead. He became filled with rage. He looked at Jill, and with a primal scream, rushed at her, only to be grabbed around the throat with her large hand. He looked at her with hate in his eyes, as she smiled and squeezed.


Paul woke up in a cold sweat, and with tears running down his face. It took him a moment to realize that he had been dreaming. He looked at his clock. 4:15 read the time. He made his way to the bathroom to splash water on his face. His heart was beating a mile a second.


He returned to his room, but was too upset by what he dreamt. He couldn't sleep. So he got dressed and left his room. Nobody else was up. He gathered his school backpack and made sure it was packed. 


He sat on the sofa going over the dream that he just had, and kept asking himself one question. Would Jill really kill them if she had the chance? He would like to have said no, but he wasn't sure. Jill was crazy. There was no predicting what she would do. And to him, that was as scary as the dream he just had.


Eventually he made himself an early breakfast, then hopped in the shower. Feeling a little more refreshed, he waited outside for the bus. And it arrived on time. And the usual routine began. Hi to John and Mindy, then straight to Linda. 


Except Linda wasn't there. He glanced around the bus, but no Linda. He immediately became nervous. What if his dream came true. His mind was racing at the speed of light. He would call her as soon as he got to school. He wouldn't be able to relax or concentrate until he knew she was ok.


When the bus stopped, Paul broke the unwritten rules by rushing off the bus and straight to the phone in the hallway. He dialed Linda's number. It rang and rang, but no one answered. He tried again, but still no answer. 


It wasn't until he hung up the second time that he felt a tap on his shoulder. Shit, he thought, it was an Alpha, letting him know what he had done. He turned around, and saw what he needed to see.


It was Linda. His panic went away, and joy filled his heart. He hugged and kissed her. He then asked why she wasn't on the bus? She told him that she overslept. Her parents gave her a ride on their way to work. She had seen him rush off the bus. She tried to call him, but he was moving too fast.


Paul could finally breathe. All that panic and fear, and it was because Linda overslept. He hugged her again, this time with more force. He lost her on his dream, he wasn't going to lose her in life.


And with Jill suspended again until Friday, Paul and Linda were able to enjoy a much more relaxed atmosphere. Paul was finally able to concentrate on his classes again. And all quizzes and tests were aced by the two. 


Lunch in the cafeteria could be enjoyed by Paul, Linda, John and Mindy, as well as by Alice and George. Paul was amazed how one person, Jill, could cause so much turmoil. But she was a force, no doubt about it. 


But the day went along uneventfully. And the bus ride to Linda's house was quite enjoyable. He sat next to Linda as usual, and rested his head against her breast. He certainly felt a lot better now than he did in the morning. Their birthdays were coming up in a few days. Both would be 16. He still had money left over from Christmas, so buying her a gift wouldn't be the issue. He just couldn't think of what to get her.


The bus stopped and Linda and Paul got off. Into the house they went. The van was in the driveway, so they knew her parents were home. Making their way to the kitchen, they saw two coffee mugs with a note in front of them.


It was from Linda's mom. Enjoy the hot chocolate with a heart drawn next to the message. Paul could see that it meant a lot to Linda, so he hugged her and reached up to give her a kiss. She bent down far enough to let him reach her lips. Her parents were home, but that didn't stop a bulge from rising in his pants.


Chapter 29 A parental secret is revealed by Twjr0228

With the terrible dream from the morning fading, and with the hot chocolate almost finished, Paul looked at Linda and smiled. It was a smile of relief, rather than happiness. His dream was a terrible start to his day, and Linda not being on the bus only added to his sense of foreboding. And he was in full blown panic mode when he tried to call her and got no answer.


But seeing her smiling face in the hallway made him feel so much better. Paul always felt great with Linda by his side. And although his dream was fading. It never completely went away. It was so life-like and real. But he was with the girl of his dreams, and he wasn't going to worry her.


February was two days away, and her birthday fell on the first, while his was the third. His parents and her parents decided to have a dinner for the both of them to celebrate. Turning 16 was a big step. So close to adulthood. 


The birthday dinner was finished, and the cakes were brought out. Both Linda and Paul made their wishes, and blew out the candles on their cake. Victor had opened a bottle of wine for the adults, and proposed a toast. To everyone’s health and happiness, especially to Linda and Paul's. And he ended with a giant wink directed at both of them. Paul and Linda blushed, while the parents had a good idea what he meant.


While their parents talked and talked in the dining room, Paul and Linda went out back. It was a beautiful moonless night, with billions of stars in the sky. Linda sat down and lifted Paul onto her lap. They discussed the school year, from when they first met, up until now, and everything in between. 


They talked about how they thought Alice would have been the big problem this year, as it seemed everything at the beginning centered around her. But Paul sensed something about her that was much different from her public persona. He felt that if she could just meet someone who could be comfortable around her, she would be a totally different person.


Then the conversation turned to Jill, and how she became a problem much worse than Alice ever could. There was no reasoning with Jill. She was determined to physically hurt Todd, until Paul interrupted. Now with Todd not there, Paul became her number one target. And to him, Jill crossed that line when she went after Linda in the cafeteria.


Jill had come back from suspension well behaved. But she came back from her other suspensions well behaved, only to quickly turn her attention to him. He didn't know why she was like that, why she felt the need to inflict real pain on people. But it was obvious she didn't have an off switch once she started. And that made her dangerous. Paul recalled his dream, and it made him shudder.


Linda asked Paul how he thought about dancing. Paul was confused by the question. Linda mentioned that the Valentine's Day Dance was coming up. Paul got the hint. He reached up with his arms and pulled Linda's head down to him. He told her that, yes, he would take her to the dance. And then he kissed her. She returned the kiss with an even more passionate one, and the familiar bulge appeared in the front of his pants. He told her it wasn't fair. She raised an eyebrow. He said it wasn't fair because she always knew how he felt as he pointed to the protrusion. She laughed and continued to kiss him. 


After goodbyes were said, Paul and his parents headed home. His mom, Debbie, promised to take him out on the weekend to buy a suit for the dance. Paul couldn't wait. An evening dancing with Linda was all he could think about. When they arrived home, Paul said goodnight to his parents and went to bed. 


Greg and Debbie talked once Paul was asleep. Debbie told her husband about Linda and Paul losing their innocence. She said Stephanie had a lot of wine, and followed her to the bathroom and let slip what happened. 


At first, Debbie was shocked that the parent of a girl involved with their son would casually admit what she and her husband suspected. But she realized that Paul truly gave his heart to one girl, and one girl only. That girl was Linda. She and Greg laughed like they were back in highschool. 


Paul was walking with Linda on the shores of a lake. The sun was setting, and the sky a beautiful auburn color. Hand in hand they just admired the beauty of it all. Life was perfect.


But Linda suddenly stopped. Paul asked her if she was ok. But Linda didn't answer. In fact, Linda was crying. Paul tried to comfort her, but was interrupted by a large hand grabbing his throat. It was Jill. And that evil smile returned to her face. Paul tried to tell Linda to run, but was unable to speak. Jill's grip was too tight. He could feel his life slipping away. He looked at Linda, who was still crying, and mouthed I Love You, before Jill squeezed tighter.


Paul awoke drenched in sweat. He had another dream involving Jill and Linda. He got up and went to the bathroom and splashed water on his face. He didn't know what was going on, but this was the second dream in which Jill did him in. What did it mean? He didn't know. But he was sure everything would be alright. 


He was able to fall back asleep. His alarm went off. He got up and showered. He dressed and had breakfast and waited for the bus. Less than two weeks before the dance, and a night with Linda.


The bus came, and once he said hi to John and Mindy, made his way to Linda. Once seated, they discussed the upcoming dance. Paul's parents didn't have a car that could accommodate Linda's height, so her parents were going to have to drive. Linda told him that she had a dress all picked out and was buying it this weekend. 


Paul laughed and told her that he had a suit picked out and was buying it this weekend also. They shared a laugh. Great minds think alike, they told themselves. 


The bus arrived at school, and they were the last ones off. They didn't see Jill anywhere, which they didn't know if was a good thing or bad thing. And hopefully they wouldn't find out the hard way.






Chapter 30 The Dance by Twjr0228

Paul and Linda reached homeroom and took their seats. Mrs Janeway came in and had a couple of announcements to make. But she had to wait for the stragglers to finally be seated.


One. The tickets for the Valentine's Day Dance were now on sale, and those interested were to see her after class. She advised the students not to wait, as they usually go fast.


Two. All students attending the dance are expected to be on their best behavior. Teachers and support staff would be walking around the halls during the event to ensure that there were no issues. Anybody with questions should see the principal.


And with the announcements out of the way, and homeroom over, Paul and Linda made their way to first class. History. It was a good thing Paul loved history, because the teacher’s style was so boring, he could put a person who was in a coma into an even deeper coma. Linda appreciated the fact that Paul loved history, because she had her own tutor at her beck and call.


And the day went by pretty quickly, with no incidents or any hint of trouble. Paul and Linda had Mrs Janeway for English, and after class, bought their tickets for the upcoming dance.


And then it was off to the bus, and on the way to Linda's house. Her parents were home, and once again, her mom had two cups of hot chocolate for them on the counter. 


Paul and Linda enjoyed their drinks. Linda wanted to ask him a personal question, but didn't know how to approach him. Paul could see that she had something on her mind. He had always told her that she could ask him anything she wanted, anything at all.


So she gently asked him how he felt about being a Beta in an ever changing Alpha world. He looked at her, not sure how to respond. He never really thought about it. For all the rumors about Alphas mistreatment of Betas, Paul never had a problem. It wasn't like he was a physical threat to them. But they were pretty nice people. It was Jill that was different. But he told her that he had no problem. He explained that when he was old enough to take the formula, his parents were unemployed, and they couldn't afford the cost of getting him the treatment. So he just accepted what his life would be.


He told her the truth. He accepted his size in the world and didn't resent anyone who did take the formula. So, it allowed him to be happy with his life. And besides, if he was an Alpha, he wouldn't be able to sit on her lap, as he winked at her. And he asked her the same question.


She laughed. She told him that when she realized that the formula variant she took wouldn't work as promised, she was very disappointed at first. But her parents kept her grounded in reality, pointing out that the world is made up of different people. Everyone must find their own path.


Paul nodded and said that was great advice. And they looked into each other's eyes, and realized that the journey on their own paths led them to each other. 


Victor and Stephanie came in from outside, and seeing the two still drinking the hot chocolate, asked them how their day went. Both smiled and replied that went very well. They aced their quizzes and got the dance tickets. The dance was less than 10 days away, and hopefully the time would fly.


After dinner, the Mills took him home as usual. Stephanie could see Paul and Linda kissing in the back, and smiled as she looked at her husband. 


Paul said goodnight to them and went inside his house. Saying both hi and good night at the same time, his parents stopped him before he went to bed. They asked him to sit. 


They asked him to be completely honest. They wanted to know if Jill had made any threatening moves or was harassing him and Linda. Paul assured them that Jill had been on her best behavior since her suspension ended. But he also told them that he was always aware of where she was during the day. Satisfied, his parents said goodnight, and Paul went to his room.


Paul was dancing with Linda. The music was both romantic and lively. Everyone was having a great time. They were lost in their own world, thinking about their future. 


Linda said that she had to use the restroom, and left through the gym door. Paul was blowing kisses at her. He was just amazed that he had found her. But as she exited, he saw a figure at the back of the gym exiting also.


Paul recognized the shape. He immediately rushed towards the door. But he was hindered by the mass of humanity on the dance floor. He was screaming that Linda was in trouble, but no one heard him. 


He finally reached the door and made a beeline towards the girls’ bathroom. As he reached the door, he could hear Linda's voice. She was crying and begging Jill to let go of her. 


Paul rushed in and tried to attack Jill, but with her immense size, his attack failed. Jill grabbed him by his shirt, and smiled. She gave him a mocking kiss, then threw him against the wall with force. Paul hit and felt every bone in his body break. As he was sinking to the floor, he told Linda he loved her as the room went black.


Paul woke up with his familiar sweat. He made his way to the bathroom. Why did he keep dreaming about Jill? He didn't know, but with the dance getting closer, he was starting to get nervous. He didn't believe in being able to predict the future, but three dreams in a short amount of time gave him an uneasy feeling. But he wouldn't say anything to Linda. He didn't want to upset her.


After his usual morning routine, Paul caught the bus. A hi to John and Mindy, and a beeline for Linda. He looked around before he took his seat and noticed Alice and George sitting apart. Uh oh, he thought, trouble in paradise.


And the day followed the familiar pattern. Time was dragging during the school day, but flying once he was at Linda's house. Soon, it was the day of the dance. Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday, so there wasn't any need to be up early the next day, which the students were thankful for.


Paul and Linda talked almost the entire day on the phone. Excitement was in the air. Paul couldn't wait to wear his new suit. Linda was excited to wear her new dress. Her parents would pick him up at 6:30, and head for the school gym.


And once the clock struck 7, the dance started. Slow, romantic tunes to set the mood. Linda and Paul were first on the floor, and that broke the ice, as soon the floor was filled with extremely large bodies. 


Everyone was getting into the mood. The DJ switched it up and played faster songs, but everyone remained on the floor. After the third fast song, Paul asked Linda if she wanted some punch. She smiled and said yes.


Paul and Linda were dancing the night away. Soon it was time for the Dance Off Competition. Couples showing off their moves, winners getting a trophy. Paul and Linda decided to sit this one out. Linda told Paul that she had to use the bathroom, and Paul watched her leave through the gym doors. He immediately remembered his dream. Scanning the back of the gym, he didn't see any unusual movement.


But after five minutes, Linda hadn't returned. Paul was getting nervous. Ten minutes, and still no Linda. Paul got down from his chair and was heading towards the door when Linda suddenly appeared, with another tweener girl. They were laughing like they didn't have a care in the world. Paul immediately breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Knowing Linda was ok calmed his nerves.


Once she and the girl separated, she sat next to him and gave him a kiss. Paul realized that he needed to go to the bathroom himself. He headed towards the door and had just turned the corner when he felt a large hand grab the back of his jacket and lift him up.


He instantly knew who it was. Fuck! He thought to himself. Security was supposed to be patrolling the halls, but were distracted by the dance off. He tried to yell for help, but with the music blasting, it was no use. 


He found himself heading for a classroom. He was now at the mercy of Jill, and he knew Jill had no mercy. So into the room he went. He was dropped to the floor, landing in such a way that his ankle started to burn.


Turning around, he saw Jill standing there. She had that smile from his dreams. Paul was terrified, but tried to remain calm as best he could. Jill just stared at him. Thinking quickly, Paul wanted to know if he could ask her a question. 


Jill was expecting the usual ‘why are you doing this me’ question. She instantly dismissed his request, but Paul asked anyway. He just wanted to know why she hated the tweeners so much.


The question made Jill stop and think. Paul could see that the evil look in her eyes was replaced by emotions flooding through her. He knew he couldn't escape. But he saw that he hit a nerve that made her hesitate. He was praying that Linda would notice that he hadn't come back from the bathroom, and maybe have people look for him. It was his only chance.











Chapter 31 Paul vs Jill Pt 2 and the Aftermath by Twjr0228

Linda was getting worried. Paul had been gone well over 10 minutes. She wasn't quite sure what to do. Everyone in the gym was mesmerized by the Dance Off, even the teachers and security. She decided to go out and head towards the boys’ bathroom.


She saw a couple of Alphas come out. Linda asked them if there was anyone else in the bathroom. The boys said no. Linda asked them if they were sure. They said yes. She asked them to please tell the principal that Paul just disappeared. The boys said they would.


Once the boys made their way back to the gym, Linda briefly looked in a couple of rooms that were past the restroom. By then the principal, a couple of teachers, including Mrs Janeway, and about 5 security guards had met her in the hallway.


Linda started to cry as she explained that Paul went to the bathroom over ten minutes ago and didn't come back. And that she was extremely worried about him.


The principal split the staff up into twos, and directed them to search the other corridors. Linda and the principal headed down the hall that was farthest from the gym. It was then that they heard loud voices and saw the light on in the room. They opened the door and……


----------------------------------------------


Whatever Paul had asked Jill, and her reaction was soon forgotten. That evil look returned to her eyes, and Paul was extremely frightened. But he was determined not to show her any fear.


His ankle was extremely sore. Jill wasn't saying anything. But her look told him everything. She was going to make him pay for interrupting her with Todd. She was determined to break him. 


Paul noticed Jill slowly walking towards him. He looked around and saw that there was only one door, and Jill was standing directly in front of it. Time for plan B. He quickly glanced and got the layout. 


Jill continued her ever so slow stalking march towards him. Paul started to tell her that she didn't need to do this, that she could walk away and he wouldn't say a word. 


Finally, Jill spoke. She told him that she would make sure that he didn't say a word. Paul's voice was rising. He told her that she should think about what she was doing. She laughed and replied that she already had.


Paul made sure to make his way to the teacher’s desk. As Jill started to close the gap, Paul hopped up on the riser in front and grabbed the Alpha stapler and threw it at her. He didn't realize how heavy or bulky it was, as it only hit just above her midsection. He grabbed the cup with the extra pens and flung that at her. This one traveled further, hitting her in the mouth. The cup broke on impact, but it hit the mark.


Why she didn't try to avoid it he didn't know, but he heard her start cursing, and she reached into her mouth and retrieved two teeth that had been knocked out. 


This time she moved faster, and before he could move, grabbed him by his shirt and said that she owed him for two things. Paul was yelling at the top of his lungs that she didn't have to do this. 


She brought him over to the wall, and with little effort, quickly banged him against it. Paul yelled out in pain. That made Jill smile. Paul screamed at her to stop, but she ignored him and did it again.


This time his world went dark. Jill was about to slam his unconscious body into the wall again when Linda and the principal arrived. 


The principal ordered her to put Paul down. Jill looked at him and told him fine and dropped him. Linda had snuck up and around to the other side of Jill, so when she dropped him, she caught him before he fell.


Paul had a little blood on the back of his head. The principal directed Linda to get to the phone in his office and call for an ambulance. By then Mrs Janeway and security had arrived.  


Mrs Janeway tended to Paul while Linda called for the ambulance. Security had taken Jill to the office, while the principal and Linda and Mrs Janeway waited for help. 


The EMTs arrived and administered first aid. Paul had regained consciousness, but it was obvious he wasn't all there. He saw Linda and smiled, and complained that his head hurt. The EMTs initial diagnosis was a fractured ankle, and a concussion, but until a doctor examined him, nothing was official.


Linda had called her parents and Paul’s parents after calling the ambulance, and let them know what was going on. She said to meet her at the hospital. 


Linda and Mrs Janeway rode in the ambulance with Paul. His vitals were stable, and other than his headache and ankle, seemed to be in pretty good shape. Linda just held his hand, and quietly asked him if he remembered anything that happened.


Paul remembered. He remembered everything. And he told her what happened. Jill grabbed him just as he exited the gym and took him to an out of the way classroom. He remembered throwing a stapler and cup at her, before she grabbed him and banged him against the wall.


Linda told him that she and the principal arrived just in time because Jill was about to bang him against the wall again. And Jill just dropped him, only for her to catch him. 


The ambulance arrived at the hospital and Paul saw his parents. They hugged and kissed him and kept asking if he was alright. Paul tried to assure all was well. 


Examinations, X-rays, and blood work took up the first two hours in the ER. X-rays confirmed the fractured ankle, and the exam confirmed the concussion. They were going to keep Paul for a couple of days for observation. Paul asked the doctor if Linda could stay with him. The doctor replied that as long as her parents didn't object, she could.


Once he was admitted, and her parents and his parents and Linda were in the room, there was a knock on the door. Everyone assumed it was a nurse or doctor making their rounds.  Paul said enter. 


It wasn't until everyone saw the towering couple walk through the door that Paul recognized them. It was Jill's parents. They introduced themselves as Tony and Elizabeth Robbins. And they apologized for the intrusion.


They asked Paul how he was feeling. He told them that outside of his headache and ankle, he was ok. Mr Robbins told his family that all medical bills would be taken care of. If Paul needed any sort of rehabilitation, it would be taken care of.


Tony and Elizabeth apologized to Paul and Linda and their parents about what had happened with Jill. Mr Robbins was a little tentative, but he said that he needed to say something, if it was ok.


Paul said it was. Mr Robbins proceeded to tell Jill's story. He said that Jill was born a happy child. And she was happy when she entered first grade. Then it was time to take the formula. Out of the fifteen students in her class, she was the only one to take the original formula. Everyone else took the new variant. And that made her a target.


The other students, especially the boys, mocked her mercilessly, and insulted her endlessly. They were vicious with their words, and many times Jill would come home in tears. The boys called her inferior, beneath them, and all because of her taking the “wrong” formula.


Mr Robbins said that he had complained to school officials, only to be offered free tuition to keep the school name out of the mud. That was his first mistake. And it was after the school year ended, that the incident happened.


Jill was walking in the park by the school when the boys from her class decided that they were going to teach her a lesson. They felt that she squealed on them earlier. They punched her, kicked her, and used a Swiss army knife to cut her pigtails. 


She was traumatized by the incident. And he, as her father, realized that he failed to protect his daughter. Everyone noticed that Jill's dad was crying a little. He continued by saying that they enrolled her into another school, and all was going well until third grade. There was an issue with a boy, and Jill squeezed his hand and hurt him. 


It was like something that awoke in her. She felt the need to take her anger about what happened in first grade out on what would become tweener boys. Instead of getting her help at an early age, we just kept transferring her from school to school.


As for the boys who assaulted her in first grade, she got her revenge on them. But once she started down that road, she wouldn't stop. The trauma she suffered in first grade became her obsession. 


There were other incidents involving boys which led to settlements. Instead of getting her help, he mistakenly threw money at her victims.


He needed a drink of water, which Linda got for him. He continued that he loved his daughter, but made too many mistakes as a parent, which resulted in injuries for innocent boys. But he was going to make sure that she got help. And so, she was going to go away for a time, and he was hoping that she would get better.


He apologized to Paul and Linda and their families again. He couldn't undo the damage done, but he could make sure that it never happened again.


Before the Robbins left, Paul asked them if Jill was going to be alright. The Robbins’ were shocked by the question. He was a boy who was in danger, thanks to their daughter, and he was now asking if she would be alright. 


The Robbins assured Paul that Jill would be alright. They thanked Paul for asking, and they exited the room. But they were impressed by his character. 


And then both sets of parents eventually left, leaving Linda there. Paul in an Alpha sized bed meant that Linda could sleep in the bed comfortably. It was the one thing that would make Paul feel good. And as soon as she laid next to him and held him in her arms, he fell into a deep sleep, dreaming about the day they said ‘I Do’.

End Notes:

This completes my vision for this story. I will update with new chapters every so often.

I hoped that you enjoyed reading it.

Chapter 32 Paul recuperates in the hospital by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

I wasn't planning on adding to this story, as I felt that I told everything that I wanted to tell with where it ended. But working on my Bad Dream story allowed ideas to come into my mind to continue the storyline to continue. This is a short chapter, and hopefully the start of many more.

Paul was recovering physically from the injuries he suffered at the hands of Jill, but he was having dreams in which the scene from his confrontation with her were being played over and over. And each time it ended the same way. But Linda was a constant presence once school was done for the day.


Finally, it was the day of Paul’s discharge from the hospital. His parents, Linda and her parents, and Todd and his parents were there. He had been in there for five days, and he couldn’t wait to get back to his own bed. 


There was a knock on the door. It was Jill’s parents coming to make sure Paul was alright. He thanked them for their concern, and said he was. He also made a very unusual request. He asked that everyone other than Jill’s parents to leave the room. 


There were confused looks on the faces of everyone, but Paul’s request was honored. Soon it was just Paul and the Robbins alone. Paul wasn’t much for beating around the bush, so he just asked once again how Jill was doing. 


The Robbins were surprised by the question, but they told Paul that she was having issues getting acclimated to her new surroundings. They were going to see her after they left the hospital. But they were totally stunned by Paul’s next question. He wanted to know if he could visit her when the situation calmed down.


Jill’s parents asked him why he would want to do that, considering what had happened. Paul wasn’t quite sure of the reason. He just felt an urge within himself to talk to her face to face. But only when she was ready.


The Robbins considered the request, although they couldn’t offer any promises. Jill would have to be totally comfortable with her new environment for any meeting to occur, and even then there would be no guarantee that she would remain calm enough to see him, considering that he became the object of her rage. 


But the Robbins had to leave to see Jill. Paul thanked them for visiting, and told them that he hoped to hear from them soon. Once the Robbins left, everyone else came back into the room. Linda’s first question was what had happened. Paul gave her a warm smile and said everything was fine, and that he would explain later. It was Saturday, and he would need to get used to the crutches he would need for his ankle. His headaches, caused by his concussion, went away. 


The doctors came in for one final check up. Everything was normal. They called for the nurse to bring the discharge papers that Paul's parents would need to sign. The doctor reminded Paul that if he experienced any unusual pain or discomfort he was to come back to the hospital. Paul said he would and thanked the doctors for treating him.


The nurse brought the wheelchair into the room. Paul saw that it was built for an Alpha. He asked the nurse if they had a smaller one for him to use. She smiled and apologized, explaining that they did have Beta wheelchairs, but no Beta sized hospital staff to wheel him out. Paul understood. The nurse was an Alpha, and he couldn't imagine that it would be comfortable to bend over so far as to be able to wheel a Beta sized chair without risking a strained back.


So into the chair he went. Due to hospital policy, Linda wasn't allowed to ride with him. Paul felt like a newborn sitting in dad’s chair without support. Paul was tempted to lay down across the seat, as he could almost fit his entire body from side to side. But he shifted to one side so that he could brace his body for the trip to the parking lot.


Paul's parents and Linda helped him into the back seat of the car. Linda wouldn't be able to ride with him, as his parent’s car was too small for her, so she asked her parents to wait, and left with them.


Once Paul arrived home, his dad helped get him set up with the crutches, and he gingerly made his way into the house and then his bedroom. Paul was tired, and his ankle hurt. He laid down on his bed. 


Before he knew it, it was 4pm. Paul had slept for most of the afternoon. He got his crutches and made his way out to the living room. His parents were watching TV. His mom asked how he was feeling. Paul told her that he was feeling fine, which was true, for the most part. He didn't tell her that his ankle hurt like hell. The doctor told him it would be normal for the ankle to hurt for at least 2 weeks, but it was a sign of healing.


Paul went into the kitchen and grabbed the phone and called Linda. Her mom answered, and Linda excitedly grabbed the phone from her and asked how he was doing. Paul told her the same thing as he told his mom.


It was a good two hours later when Paul's mom came into the kitchen to make dinner. It was at that point that Paul and Linda hung up. For Paul, it was great that he could talk Linda without doctors or nurses coming in to check vitals or examine his head or ankle. And he thought that he was going back to school on Monday, and that would present other issues for him to tackle.


Chapter 33 Great to be home by Twjr0228
Author's Notes:

When I decided to go back to this story, it picked up with Paul injured and in the hospital. So I decided that the story needed a narrative break from any action or confrontation, since it wouldn't be believable, at least in my opinion. So the few chapters that started with Paul in the hospital will be to allow the reader to catch their breath.

Paul had slept well, considering that his ankle hurt. The doctor prescribed medication for the pain, but stressed that he should take it only if the pain had become unbearable. So he decided to try and tough it out. It helped that he had his first home cooked meal in nearly a week, was able to sleep in his own bed, and didn't have hospital staff coming in every 3-4 hours to check his vitals. And the added bonus was his phone call with Linda. She had been there every night, but so had the doctors and nurses.


Paul was getting used to the crutches, so his maneuverability improved. He was up before his parents, so he made his way to the kitchen and grabbed a frying pan and started to make himself breakfast. 


His mom, Debbie, was up before her husband, and investigated the sounds coming from the kitchen. Once she saw Paul cooking breakfast, she immediately ordered him to sit in the living room. She told him that she would finish up. Paul was going to object, but he knew better. 


So he gave his mom a hug and thanked her, and made his way out to the recliner next to the sofa, and tried to make himself as comfortable as possible. Debbie came out of the kitchen and asked him how he wanted his eggs. Scrambled, Paul told her as he grabbed the TV remote. He knew that there was nothing on this early on a Sunday morning, but he just looked for a little normalcy. When he was in the hospital, it seemed they only carried three channels, and each one was nothing but soap operas. He was hoping to catch a movie, but alas, it was all infomercials. But he kept them on anyway.


After 10 minutes, Paul's mom came into the living room with his breakfast and a glass of OJ. Paul took both the plate and glass and thanked his mom for everything. Debbie told him that he would never have to worry. Both her and his dad would always be there for him.


Paul enjoyed his breakfast, and by the time he finished, his dad was awake and in the kitchen making himself a cup of coffee. Once Paul was finished eating the phone rang. Debbie answered, and looked at Paul with a wink and smile, and spoke to the person on the other end that she would have to check to see if her baby boy was well enough to talk to some girl named Linda.


Paul hopped up off the chair without his crutches and hurried to the phone and went into his bedroom to have a little privacy. Before he could get settled on his bed, his dad knocked on the door and brought his crutches in, then quickly left. 


Paul and Linda talked like they hadn't seen or spoken to each other in years. Two hours later they told each other that they loved them and hung up. Paul felt really upbeat. Linda had told him that her father would be giving her a ride to and from school, and he would stop by Paul's house and pick him up for school and drop him off when school was done, since he wouldn't be able to ride the bus until the cast came off and his ankle healed.


So Paul made his way to the living room and told his parents about Linda's dad giving him a ride to and from school. Greg and Debbie looked at their son, and could plainly see the joy in his eyes, so they told him that it was ok with them. 


When Paul was talking with Linda, she told him that she would carry his backpack from class to class. Paul objected, but Linda held firm. And she promised him a surprise when they got to school the next day. Paul was intrigued, and tried his best to subtly get her to reveal the nature of the surprise, but Linda would laugh and change the subject.


The anticipation of going back to school was starting to overtake Paul. His last time there resulted in a broken ankle and hospital stay. But Linda would be picking him up in the morning, so he tried to focus on that.


His mom Debbie made a wonderful chicken casserole. Paul heartily ate, and once done, decided the best way to shower, because he couldn't get the cast wet. And he realized that he wouldn't have time in the morning, so he showered with his leg hanging out. The water felt nice and warm, but he had to make it quick due to water splashing onto the floor. After drying off, he made his way to his bed, and tried to get a good night’s sleep. But knowing that he would be seeing Linda in the morning made his heart race. Slowly he drifted off into a deep sleep.


Even though Paul set his alarm for 6am, he was before sunrise. He glanced at the clock in his room. 4:45 am. Oh well, he thought. So he grabbed his crutches and went to the bathroom. After splashing water on his face, he went to the kitchen. He was instantly amped up by the thought of going to school. 


He eventually made himself breakfast and got dressed and waited for Linda to arrive with her father to give him a ride to school. The pain in his ankle subsided enough that he started pacing, crutches and all. He glanced at the clock. Time seemed to have stopped. 7:00 am became 7:05 am. It seemed that the clock was malfunctioning, but when his parents got up, he knew the time was right.


Finally, he saw Linda’s vehicle pull up his driveway. Paul's heart skipped a beat. He automatically opened the door, and said goodbye to his parents as he raced as fast as he could to the vehicle. He saw her father get out, and he also to side panel open. Then, he saw the most beautiful woman in the world standing tall and smiling down at him. It was his Linda.




Chapter 34 Paul’s first day back at school and encounters a familiar face by Twjr0228

Paul reached the vehicle and thanked Victor, Linda's father, for the ride to and from school. Linda helped him into the van and to the seat near the back. Paul gave her a quick kiss before her father was able to get into the driver's seat.


Holding hands on the way to school, Paul and Linda quietly discussed all that happened since the beginning of the school year. Paul mentioned that, for better or worse, Valentine's day was memorable as he pointed to the cast on his ankle while winking at Linda. 


She just smiled and gave him a hug. Linda asked him how his ankle felt. Paul replied that it actually felt really good. He was finding that the more he moved, the less it hurt. So he has been trying to stay as active as possible. 


Soon, Linda's dad pulled into the school parking lot. Linda opened the door to help Paul out of the vehicle. She asked him where his backpack was, and Paul cursed and said he forgot it. Linda's dad offered to drive back to his house and get it, and Paul accepted. He had been so focused on seeing Linda that he totally forgot to grab it from the closet.


Victor told Linda and Paul that he would be back in about 20 minutes, then hopped in the van and drove away. Paul and Linda entered the building. She was impressed by the speed in which he moved. They made their way to the principal’s office, where they were greeted by the principal himself. He asked both of them to come into his office. 


Paul and Linda entered into a large room that he was very familiar with. The principal wanted to welcome Paul back to school, and asked how he was feeling. Paul said that his ankle hurt a little, but nowhere near the level of the previous week. The principal told Paul and Linda that if they needed anything, they could see him anytime. Both Paul and Linda said thank you and Linda told the principal that her father was returning shortly with Paul's backpack. The principal said that he would personally bring Paul's backpack to his homeroom. And with that, Paul and Linda excused themselves and went to homeroom.


The principal walked out to the front of the school to wait for Linda’s father. He wished that he could have apologized to Paul for not taking action sooner against Jill, but district policy prevented him. He felt guilty that a good boy like Paul could have died as a result of misguided district policies.


It was just before they got to home room when Linda asked Paul to wait one second. Paul was confused, but did as she asked. Linda peeked into the room, and once satisfied, walked Paul in. The class gave Paul an ovation, which he felt uncomfortable with. It wasn’t his nature to be the center of attention. He looked away, and then saw Todd at his desk. Paul went over to shake his hand and welcome him back.


Todd Banks’ parents took him out of school due the severe bullying from Jill Robbins. Now that she was gone, they felt it was safe enough for their son to return. Paul was very happy to see his friend, and Todd was happy to see him. 


Once everyone got settled, the principal came into the room and gave Paul his backpack, which Linda immediately took from him. Paul started to object, but Linda held firm. She was going to carry his backpack for him, and for as long as she needed to.


Paul asked Mrs Janeway if he could be excused so he could use the bathroom. Mrs Janeway gave him a hall pass, and Paul made his way towards the restrooms. It was on his way there that he ran into a person he hoped to avoid. It was the freshman Alpha girl that he interrupted while she was threatening Todd.


Paul warily approached the entrance to the men’s room, when the girl stepped in front of the door. Paul asked her what she wanted. She told him that she didn’t like the fact that he interrupted her during her encounter with Todd.


Paul said he didn’t care whether she was upset or not, she was a bully, and he hated bullies. She smiled down at Paul and was about to say something when a security guard that the school hired because of Jill walked towards them asking if there was a problem. 


The girl said no, as did Paul. The guard asked them for their names. The girl said Val Harris, and Paul gave his name. The guard told them to get back to class. Val turned to Paul when she was leaving and told him that she would see him later.


Meanwhile, Paul could finally use the bathroom. But he kept thinking about how bad his luck was. He dealt with this girl earlier in the year, then didn’t see her again until that morning. He had to deal with Alice, and then Jill. He wondered if he was going to have to fight all the Alpha girls in school. He thought about all of the most dangerous professions in the world, and realized that a Beta high school sophomore should be on the list. He thought about moving to a war zone, because he would be safer there. He wondered if his real name was Hercules, and these Alpha girls were part of the famed 12 labors. He shook his head.


Once he made it back to home room, Linda saw the bemused look on his face. She started to worry a little when he didn’t come right back. She would have to ask him after home room. And then the bell rang ending home room. 


John, Mindy, Todd and Linda all waited for Paul to come out into the hallway, which he did. Linda asked him if anything happened on his way to the bathroom, and she told him not to lie to her. Paul could see that she meant it. So he recounted the incident outside the bathroom, leaving nothing out. 


Linda was getting upset. Paul had just got out of the hospital, and here he was being threatened again. She wanted to scream to the heavens. Paul saw the look of concern from everyone, so to break the tension, told his friends that he didn’t realize that the back of his shirt had a sign saying that if you are an Alpha girl, please pick on me.


There was stifled laughs, but still the concern. Paul told them not to worry. He was sure that nothing would happen, especially with the school being so vigilant after his encounter with Jill. Still he wondered aloud about something that was running around in his mind.


Why was it only the Alpha girls that seemed to be trying to establish their territorial dominance? The Alpha males seemed to act more like Betas. But it was the females that were the aggressive sex. He couldn’t remember any time in history where it was the females that were the territorial sex. It was always the the males. And Paul knew history like the back of hand.


His friends didn’t know the answer, so Paul posited one. What if the girls’ aggressive behavior had something to do with the formula? It wouldn’t affect everyone, but maybe it made some girls ultra aggressive. That would explain Alice, and Val. 


Linda asked him about Jill, and Paul answered that she had a specific target, tweener males, and that was due to a traumatic experience as a child. He only became her target when Todd left school. But it seems that Alice at first, and now Val want to assume some sort of top-dog status at school. And since Alice met George, she had become a totally different person. It was the only explanation that he could come up with.


The four of them listened to Paul’s reasoning, and concluded that he was probably correct. But they told Paul that if they think that he is being harassed or intimidated, or threatened, they would immediately go right to a teacher or the principal. 


Reluctantly, Paul agreed. He hated to walk away from a situation with any bully, but he nearly paid a heavy price in his encounter with Jill. So he assured them that he would keep a low profile. If not, he would hop on a plane and hide out in some remote village if it would put their minds at ease. He winked at Linda. She gave him a quick hug and kiss and carried his backpack to their next class.




Chapter 35 A new friendship develops by Twjr0228

Author’s note: This will be the last official chapter for the Story of Paul and Linda, at least as it pertains to their time in high school. I am not sure if I will add any more chapters in the future, as I feel that I have told the story that I wanted. But I will never say never.




It had been a few months since Paul came back to school. His incident with the freshman Alpha girl name Val had become a distant memory. As he correctly surmised, she just wanted to try and establish her turf, but with the increased security, she quickly lost interest. But there was actually good news.


The Jr and Sr classes decided to open the annual prom to all grades, instead of excluding everyone below the junior year. That meant that Paul and Linda, 

John and Mindy, and Todd could attend. Todd had struck up a friendship with a tweener girl named Betty on his return to school, and it was developing into something more. Everyone, especially Paul, was happy for him. And it allowed Todd to show a romantic side that no one knew he had.


But there was still a month before the dance. School work still had to be done. The homework was becoming increasingly more involved and detailed, and that meant that Paul and Linda couldn’t spend as much time together after school. Paul still had the group over on most weekends, doing cookouts, and just talking in a very relaxed atmosphere. 


Everyone was kind of amazed at how the school year played out, up to that point, and how new friendships were formed, and an unbreakable bond established. Paul couldn’t think of better people to have in his life, especially Linda. 


Linda was the love of his life. He could think of no future life for him that didn’t include her. She was beautiful, kind and caring. He considered himself fortunate that she had to attend school, and it allowed him to meet her. And he couldn’t wait for the prom. To be able to dance with her, and dance closely was running through his mind. 


But time flew by quickly, and the prom was upon them. Paul spent what seemed like hours making sure his hair was combed and in place, with just the right amount of his dad’s cologne dabbled on. He was a nervous ball of energy. His parents drove him to Linda’s.


Paul’s parents, Greg and Debbie, followed him up the steps. He knocked. Within a few seconds, Linda’s mom, Stephanie, opened the door. Paul said hello, and she complimented on how handsome he looked. Paul said thank you. She asked him in, and said he could wait in the living room. He made his way into the familiar room.


Stephanie said hi to Greg and Debbie, and the three of them went into the kitchen. Victor was there, making drinks for the adults. The parents chatted like they were good friends. In a sense they were. Paul had spent so much time with Linda, either at her house or his backyard, that their parents did form a certain bond. Stephanie excused herself and went to check on Linda.


While the parents were talking, Paul was waiting, nervous from anticipation. He could only imagine how Linda would look. He just kept thinking about it until he heard her door open. He saw her mom come out with tears in her eyes. And behind her, stood the absolute embodiment of perfection that Paul had ever seen. 


Linda was in a dress that accented her body, and Paul couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was the most beautiful girl in the world. She smiled at him. They put the traditional flowers on one another, and after many pictures, Victor drove them to the prom.


Paul got out of the vehicle and helped his lady exit. He felt like he was the most special guy in the world, escorting the most beautiful inside. The room was quickly filling up. Thankfully, Todd and Betty had already grabbed a table, so the couple made their way to sit. It wasn’t long after that that John and Mindy arrived. And the friendship group was intact. And soon the prom began.


It took the first song to finish before the dance floor started filling up. Everyone was out there. Paul looked comfortable dancing, even though he had no rhythm. But he wanted to be with Linda. And dance they did. The music got better. He looked at the sign in front of the DJ. Music By R Starr. Paul thought he was pretty good, and kept the beat at a great tempo.


After the third song, the six of them sat down. They were a little sweaty, and thirsty. The men got up to fetch drinks for their ladies. John, Todd and Paul were waiting in the line for the punch bowl when Paul felt a heavy hand tapping on his shoulder. He turned around and looked up. It was Alice. Paul didn’t know if he did anything that upset her, but he was prepared for trouble if it came to that.


Alice bent down and told him that he looked very handsome. A puzzled Paul said thank you and told her that she looked extremely beautiful. She thanked him, and asked him if they could go out into the hallway to talk. 


Paul was now really confused, but said he wanted to get Linda her drink, then he would meet her out in the hallway. Alice said ok, and went out of the gym to wait. Paul got Linda her drink, and said that he would be right back. She asked him if anything was wrong, and he assured her that everything was fine, winking at her as he spoke.


Paul left the gym, and saw Alice sitting on the steps that led to the upper floors. Paul stood. Even then she was almost three feet taller than he was. Paul asked her if anything was wrong.


Alice looked at him for a second, then said words that stunned him to the point a feather could have knocked him over. She started off by apologizing for being such a bitch to him and his friends. What she did outside the locker room and then with John was wrong. She also apologized for not stepping in and trying to protect him from Jill. She knew that Jill was bad news, but she was so wrapped up with George, she didn’t want to do anything to upset that. She hoped that he would forgive her. 


Paul started to talk, but Alice cut him off, and continued. She said that if it wasn’t for him, she would have never found happiness. Paul had no idea what she was talking about. She told him the day he stood up to her on the bus, and talked to her as a human being, treated her as an equal, and not show any fear, allowed George to get up enough courage to ask her out. And for that, she would always be grateful to him.


Paul told her that he only did what he thought was right. He wasn’t trying to show her up, he was just trying to protect his friends. But he was happy that she had found happiness with George. Paul also told her that he had nothing to do with that. It was just the laws of attraction. He told her that she was a very beautiful girl, maybe the most beautiful in the school, next to Linda, of course. She just had to allow herself to enjoy life, and just act like a normal person. It was that sight change in attitude that drew George to her.


Alice grew quiet. She realized that the friends she hung around with weren’t really her true friends. It was obvious as soon as she got together with George, and they were not supportive at all. She allowed them to push her in directions that she didn’t really want to go, all because she craved friendship.


Alice thanked him for his kind words. She asked him if they could be friends. Paul said sure. He was always glad to welcome new friends. Paul asked her if she and George wanted to sit at his table. Alice looked at him and said that would be great. 


Paul returned to the table. He could see the worried look on Linda’s face, but he gave her his warmest smile. She asked him what happened. Paul told her that she would find out in 5 seconds. Linda was puzzled, until she saw Alice and George make their way to the table. She was even more puzzled when the two Alphas sat down with them. 


It was a little awkward at first. There was some distrust towards Alice, until she apologized to John for what happened on the bus. It seemed to break the dam, and the eight of them were alternating talking and dancing. Paul looked at Linda, and told her how much he loved her. She lifted him up, and kissed for what seemed like an eternity. She told him that she loved him, too. 



End Notes:

I hope readers enjoyed this story as much as I did.

Chapter 36 The Bridge to the Future by Twjr0228

I know I said that Chapter 35 was going to be the last official chapter in this story, but I found myself unable to leave it alone. So, this should be the last official chapter. I will pick up the story in the future, under the title of The Future Have and Have Nots. There is more to be told with Paul and Linda, and I look forward to writing their story. Thank You!


Paul and Linda's first prom had become memorable for all the right reasons. Not only did they enjoy each other's company immensely, but Alice proved to be a revelation. She had a tremendous sense of humor. It took a while for everyone at the table to get comfortable with her presence, but once Paul cracked a few jokes about life in general, the ice broke, and a side of Alice not previously seen emerged. 

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Alice


Alice Wilkins was destined to be tall even if she never took the original formula. Her parents would have been both over six feet if they were normal sized. Her dad was projected to have a height of 6’6”, while her mother projected to 6’3”. Alice was projected to reach a height of 6’8”. 


She was always the tallest in her grade. And Alice was very down to earth. She loved to tell jokes. Kids teased her in a good natured way. And she enjoyed her classmates. They took the original formula, so they had that bond. 


And as they grew, Alice was usually a head taller than her classmates. The girls didn't mind. Alice was one of them. It was the boys who had issues.


Even when the boys hit puberty, their growth spurts with the formula were nothing compared to Alice's. And the boys’ fragile egos wouldn't allow them to accept what was common knowledge. So it got to the point where no boy, Alpha, Beta or Tweener wanted anything to do with Alice. They couldn’t handle her size. 


As a result, Alice withdrew from a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and hung out with the 3 or 4 girls she was closest with. 

 

Unfortunately, as the girls got older, Alice was treated less and less like a close friend and more like a status symbol. She was always the tallest in the class, and her “friends” felt that by hanging around her, it would increase their popularity. 


And as Alice was approaching her teenage years, she was losing more of her personality, and finding herself being pulled in directions that, at first made her uncomfortable, but ultimately gave her a group to hang out with. These were “friends” that loved to bully smaller classmates, then hide behind Alice’s size when there was any trouble. She just wanted to have friends.


And high school was falling into a familiar pattern. The girls in her circle would push the boundaries, and Alice would be there to clean up the mess. It wasn't until Paul Barton, a Beta in her grade, stood his ground on the bus one day that opened her eyes to what her life had become. Someone finally talked to her without fear or being intimidated. It made her realize that she didn't have any real friends, just hangers-on. She also realized that if circumstances had been different, she could see herself being friends with Paul. But after the way she had treated him and his friends, she gave up that thought as a lost cause. It wasn't until George, a senior, was inspired by Paul to approach her and ask her out, that she finally found some happiness. 


But she had noticed the problems that Jill Robbins was causing for Paul and his friends, and regretted terribly not intervening on his behalf. And once Jill was eventually booted from school, she and George had made it clear to everyone that Paul and his friends were off limits to any trouble. And she was nervous approaching Paul at the Prom, because she didn't know how he would react to her wanting to talk. George had encouraged her to just be herself. And she was relieved that Paul was willing to hear her out. And a friendship was born.

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It was Linda who had a tougher time accepting Alice. Linda had naturally become very protective of Paul, and there at the table, their table, sat a girl who had caused Paul some grief. And it took her some time to understand why Paul invited her to join them. For all his stubbornness, he considered any incident or issue to be done with as soon as it was over. And it spoke to his character that he would open himself to allowing friendship with people who he normally wouldn't hang around with, like Todd. It was why she loved him. A kind heart like his was in short supply, and it made her feel like the queen of the world that he only wanted to be with her.


The three remaining weeks in the school year went by so fast, it was like a blur. George was graduating, and Alice invited them to attend, which they did. Paul thought it was a nice gesture from the giantess who was proving to have a softer heart than even he gave her credit for.


It wasn't until the Sunday after graduation, when the new group of friends were hanging out in Paul's backyard, when there were a couple of visitors who showed up. It was Jill’s parents. They had come to speak with Paul. His parents asked him if it was ok, and Paul said yes.


Tony and Elizabeth Robbins walked out onto the grass with Paul. They asked him how he was feeling. Paul replied that he was doing well. They asked him if he still wanted to see Jill, and without hesitation, he replied yes. Tony Robbins then said that they wanted to talk to his parents. Paul said he would be right back, and went into the house.



Greg and Debbie Barton came out to the backyard. The Robbins explained to them what was going on, about Paul's request when he was in the hospital, and asked if it would be possible for their son to see their daughter. Mr Robbins explained that the facility’s policy forbade any Alpha and Beta being together without strict supervision. 


Greg and Debbie started to object to the situation, remembering that Paul spent a week in the hospital due to injuries suffered at the hands of Jill. They refused to grant permission. And they were about to inform the Robbins that the meeting was over, when Paul interjected. He explained to his parents why he felt it was important to him to see Jill. He needed to make sure that she was alright, and the only way he could be satisfied was to see her in person. He needed to put his mind at ease. And he pleaded with them to change their minds.


Greg asked Tony how a supervised meeting would be handled, and Mr Robbins said that Jill would be on one side of the room, Paul would be on the other, right next to an exit, and there would be three staff members in there with them. 


Greg and Debbie Barton looked at each other, and then looked at Paul, who looked intently at his parents, and grudgingly agreed to let their son visit Jill. The arrangement was made for Wednesday morning at 9. The Robbins gave the Bartons the address, and said that they would see them there.


Once the Robbins left, and with his parents back in the house, Paul returned to his friends, who were curious about what was going on. They were all very surprised to see Jill's parents show up. Paul looked at everyone, and with a serious tone, informed them of what was going on.


John, Mindy, Todd, Betty, Alice and George were stunned to hear what Paul was planning. But it was Linda who flipped over hearing what he had in mind. She started raising her voice. Paul tried to get her to calm down, but it was no use. She felt her anger rising. Jill could have seriously hurt Paul, or even worse, killed him, and all he could think about was making sure that she was ok. 


Paul walked over to where Linda was seated and tried to give her a reassuring hug, but she was too upset. Sitting, she was still taller than him standing, and had never emphasized that aspect of their relationship, but she bent her head down slightly to let him know that she wasn't going to allow him to visit Jill. Her actions shocked the others, because they had never seen that side of Linda.


Paul stepped back, and saw the seriousness in her eyes. But instead of giving in, he looked her right in the eyes and informed her that he was going to see Jill, no matter what. It was too important to him. And with that, Linda went to the back door and knocked. Debbie answered, and Linda asked her if she could call her parents to come pick her up, tears starting to form in her eyes. Ten minutes later, Linda’s father pulled up in front of the house, and Linda abruptly said her goodbyes, and got in. The vehicle drove away.


Victor could see that Linda was terribly upset, and his first reaction was that Paul hurt her by mistreating her. It wasn't until they arrived home, and Linda ran to her room, that her mom went in to see her. Expecting the worst possible scenario, Linda’s mom braced for the news that Paul broke up with her, or cheated on her. 


But what Linda told her was completely unexpected. After hearing what Linda had to say, she gave her daughter a hug, and called her husband in. Once he entered, Linda told him what was going on. Victor looked at his daughter, held her much larger hand, and explained to her that it seemed to be in Paul's nature to want to ensure the well being of others. She may not agree with his decision, but it was a tremendous character trait, one that was rarely seen anymore in a me first world. It showed that he cared. 


Victor pointed out the night when they treated Paul like shit, and he never wavered in his feelings for her, and never held it against them for their behavior. He reminded his daughter that he was a kind soul that wanted to be a part of her life, and if he felt it was important enough to make peace with Jill, she should support him, because he would do the same for her without hesitation.


Linda considered what her father had just said, then looked at her mom, who nodded in agreement. Linda felt like crying uncontrollably for the way she treated Paul, and in front of other people. She felt lousy. She hoped Paul could forgive her. She told her parents that she wanted to be alone.


Seeing Linda leave in the manner that she did hurt Paul deeply. He had never wanted to upset her, and yet, there she went, leaving with only a courtesy goodbye. He felt empty without her, but he wasn't going to let the others see that he was upset. 


John asked him if he was sure he was making the right decision, to which Paul replied that he was. And when the others asked him about it, and still feeling deeply hurt by Linda leaving, Paul exploded, telling everyone that his mind was made up, and if they didn't like it, they were free to leave. And with that, Paul went into the house, directly into his bedroom, and cried. All he could think of was the look in Linda's eyes, and how he felt that he let her down. But visiting Jill was too important to him. He was fighting a raging battle in his mind between making Linda happy, and making sure Jill was ok. He suddenly felt as if the weight of the entire world was on his shoulders.


With Linda gone, and Paul in the house, the six remaining weren't sure what to do. Should they just leave? Should they wait for Paul to come back out? Or should they make sure that he was ok? They had never seen that kind of reaction from him before, not even John, his oldest friend. John volunteered to go and check on him. He came out 10 minutes later with Paul, puffy eyes and all. 


Paul apologized for his behavior, saying that everyone there was a great friend. And Alice spoke for the six of them, apologizing for upsetting him with questions about his visit with Jill. They didn't mean for it to be anything other than making sure that he was going to be safe. Paul said that he understood their concerns, and asked them if they were hungry, which they were. So Paul cooked them food on the grill, which they ate in a subdued manner. It wasn't the same without Linda.


Once the meal was over, and the goodbyes were said, Paul told his parents that he would be right back, and ran off towards Linda’s house. A five minute car ride turned into a 15 minute run-walk combo. But he finally reached her house. He knocked on the door, only because he couldn't reach the doorbell. Victor answered. Paul asked him if it was possible to see Linda. Victor said yes, and directed him to her room. 


Gently knocking, he heard heavy footsteps coming towards the door. Once it was opened, he saw Linda's puffy eyes and immediately knew what she had been doing. He started to ask her if she was alright, but before he could finish, two long arms reached out and picked him up and brought him into the bedroom. Linda started kissing him and wouldn't stop, until she realized that Paul was having trouble catching his breath. 


She released him from her embrace, and once he caught his breath, he gave her a hug as she was apologizing to him for her behavior. Paul looked up at her, and said that she had no reason to be sorry. He understood her feelings, and reiterated that he would be completely safe during his visit. 


There was another knock on her door. It was her mom, telling her that she and her father were going out for a bit, giving her a sly smile. Stephanie said goodbye to Paul, and she and Victor drove off. Once they were gone, Linda started rubbing Paul's cheek, and bent down and started kissing him again, but this time moving all around his face. Paul immediately felt something stiffen between his legs, and started caressing the large breasts that were just below his chin. And then the light to the bedroom went out, and …….


Linda's parents came back about an hour later, and gave Paul a ride home. Linda sat with him in the back, holding his hand in her larger one. She just kept thinking about how lucky she was to have found him. She just couldn't imagine him not being in her life forever, and she hoped that she would be a good wife and mother for him and their children.


Wednesday morning, Paul woke up before sunrise. He was anxious with anticipation for his meeting with Jill. He had been warned by her parents that she still had anger issues, and didn't always take her medication, but he told them that he understood the situation. It was more important than ever that he try and talk with her. He just hoped that she would listen.


Eventually, his parents drove him to the facility. The Robbins were waiting in the parking lot for them. Once out of the car, Mr Robbins asked Paul if he was sure that he wanted to visit Jill, and once again, without hesitation, he said yes. Tony Robbins didn't know this little Beta boy well, but he was becoming more and more impressed with his character. He knew someone in the Management Consultant field, and he made a note to offer Paul a chance to go into that line of work.


Once inside the building, they had to wait at the front desk for Jill’s doctor to come and explain the situation to Paul. He was a little surprised by the female doctor that showed up. Not because she was a woman, but because she looked like she should have still been in highschool. She introduced herself as Dr Sammie Loomis, and gave Paul the run down of the procedures he was to follow if there was any trouble. Paul said he understood the directions, and with that, the Dr led him into a room off to the left. Jill was already seated at a table at the far end, and three strapping Alpha males were positioned around the room.


Paul felt a case of the nerves. He asked the Dr to turn off any listening devices that were set up to monitor the situation. The Dr said that wasn't possible, but Paul needed his conversation with Jill to be private, and looked to the Robbins for backing. Tony Robbins told the Dr it was ok, and with that, the switch was turned off.


Jill had been eyeing Paul ever since he entered the room. Paul returned her gaze with his own. He could still see some anger in her eyes, so he decided to proceed with caution, and gently asked her how she was doing. Jill just looked at him, trying to stare through him in an act of intimidation, but she quickly noticed that he wasn't playing along with her. 


She begrudgingly answered that she was doing ok. She asked him why he wanted to see her. Paul decided that total honesty was the only play with Jill, and said that he had been told by her parents about what had happened to her when she was in 1st grade. He said that he felt sorry for her, because he hated bullies, and if he had been there for her, he would have stopped the boys right then and there. 


This caused Jill's icy stare to soften slightly, but she never took her eyes off of him. Paul continued by saying that he realized that the trauma she had suffered affected her greatly, and that was why he couldn't blame her for her actions. 


Jill mistakenly thought that Paul was being condescending towards her, and stood up angrily, causing the three men to move closer to her, until Paul told them that she was fine. They backed off slowly. Paul apologized to Jill for any misunderstanding. He was only trying to let her know that he understood where she was coming from, and that if he had been in her shoes, he would have acted the same way. 


Jill sat back down, and continued to look at Paul, but with a different gaze, one of bewilderment. She asked him why she should believe what he was saying. Paul stood up and walked towards her. The staff stopped him, but Paul asked them if he could get closer to her. The staff still refused, so Paul stayed where he was, and asked her if he had ever lied to her before. She couldn't remember if he did, so she told him no. He asked her if he would do anything to protect his friends and the people he loved. She said that he would do that, remembering the incident in the cafeteria. 


Paul told her that he was there because he cared about her well being, and that under different circumstances, they could have been great friends. He knew that deep down, she was the happy girl that entered first grade. It was a shame that person was buried inside her, but he was hoping to be her friend one day. He asked one of the staff to write something down for him, and give it to Jill.


Jill looked at the paper. It was a phone number, Paul's number. He told her that if she ever wanted to talk, or needed to talk, she could call his house. He wanted to be there for her, because nobody had ever been there for her. And if she wasn't comfortable talking on the phone, maybe he could visit her every other week. 


Jill was still looking at him, but could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't believe that the boy who she tried to seriously injure was making sure that she was ok, that he was looking out for her well being. She looked away so he wouldn't see the tears. She stood up, and told him that she would think about his offer, and then left the room. Once back in her bed, she cried. She didn't want to, she couldn't help it. Someone had shown her kindness, someone she hurt. She was confused, a million thoughts running through her mind. 


Soon the doctor came in to check on her. Jill was still on her bed, crying. The Dr asked her how she was feeling, and for once, Jill couldn't answer. This surprised the Dr. Usually the reply to that question was a sneering ‘I’m Fine’. Not this time. The Dr thought that maybe this was a breakthrough, but only time would tell.


When Paul left the room, he wasn't sure how it went, or if Jill even thought about what he said to her. But at least he got to say his peace to her, so if nothing came out of the meeting, he would know that he tried to reach her. 


Summer was going smoothly. Every Sunday, the eight friends would get together, and the places rotated. Paul's house, Alice’s, George's, Linda's, and Todd’s. It allowed their families to meet the ever tightening group. And with junior year approaching, Paul received a phone call from Elizabeth Robbins. It seemed that Jill did think about what Paul had said, and asked if he could come once a month to visit her. Paul jumped at the chance. 


But both junior and senior years went by faster than anyone realized. The highlight of both years was the prom. Paul could swear that Linda became more beautiful as she was approaching adulthood. His heart always fluttered when he was waiting in her living room, waiting for her to get ready. It made Paul feel chills just thinking of how she would look on their wedding day. 


Paul started off visiting Jill once a month, which quickly became every other week. She was making progress, slowly but surely, and her parents made sure to keep her education current, but it gave her some comfort having someone her own age to talk to. She would occasionally suffer outbursts, and threaten the workers, but her mental state had improved since the time of Paul's first visit. And he was totally surprised when her father offered him a chance to go into the management consultant field, paying for his education. Paul needed to think it over, and talk with his parents and Linda, and promised to let him know within two weeks. 


Paul accepted Mr Robbins' offer. He went to the library to research the field, and found that it greatly appealed to him. He asked that if there were any classes near where Linda would go to college, could he take them there. Mr Robbins said it would not be a problem. And as graduation was upon them, Linda was accepted into college to become a teacher. So there was much to celebrate as Paul and Linda and Todd and Betty and John and Mindy got their diplomas. The future was bright indeed.





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