Chapter 4

The next morning, Larry Higgins will pay Sunnyville High School a visit. He knew in his heart that his son did not just fall from the stairs, and he means to uncover the truth. He can't just stand aside and let those who hurt his son get away with what they did. They may be poor, but he did his best to raise his son as a good kid. Landon never got involved in any kind of fights. He is a sweet and nice boy.

As soon as he entered the gate of the school, he already witnessed how the other students are picking on the inferior ones. Those who are timid, quiet, short in height, he witnessed it all. The bullies also have the numbers, and the ones being bullied are afraid of them.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing kid? Can't you see that he's not happy with how you're treating him?" Larry intervened when he saw a small freshman being pushed around by a group of kids twice his size. "Is that how your mamma raised you? Picking on a kid half your size? Why don't you look for someone as big as you?"

The bullies ran away, scared that they would get in trouble. Larry shook his head before turning to the small kid. He's already crying, and he looked genuinely terrified. As a father, he despises bullies. He hates kids who get off of torturing other kids emotionally, sometimes physically.

"Are you Kay, kid?" He asked.

"Yes, Mr. Higgins. Thank you!"

After ensuring that the kid would reach his next class peacefully, Larry proceed to the principal's office. He wanted to know what really happened, and what are the school's plan on ensuring justice to what happened to his son. There is no way that he will just say quiet.

"Mr. Higgins, what can I do for you?" Principal Merrlyn greeted Larry as soon as he entered his office.

"Principal, good morning. I'm re about what happened to my son. Dr. Patel said that Landon's injuries are not consistent from falling down the stairs by accident. Someone pushed my son, Principal Merryln, and I will not let whoever did this to my son get away." Larry declared.

"I understand what you're feeling right now, Mr. Higgins. But, no matter how freak an accident is, they're just that, accident. We–"

"That's the problem, Principal. It was not an accident, because somebody pushed my son. Dr. Patel said so. So, you and the entire school faculty will conduct an investigation to find out what happened with my son. Or I will go to every local channels, and I will destroy this school's reputation. I personally witness students being bullied, and none of you have any idea about it." Larry said angrily.

"Mr. Higgins–"

"Bullying is rampant in this school. Of course, those who are being bullied will be afraid to talk. They are scared of what the bullies are going to do to them. You are the principal, you should ha known what is happening to your school. Conduct an investigation, and find out who pushed my son. I will come back in two days to get an update. If there's no development by then, I will make sure that everyone knows how negligent this school is when it comes to their students' well-being and safety."

Larry meant what he said. He will do whatever is necessary to know the truth about what happened to his son. He will not just let it go, not if his son's life is hanging in the balance.

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Because of Larry Higgins' threats, the entire school council of Sunnyville High School was summoned to the principal's office. Principal Anthony Merrlyn has a grim face, and everyone can feel his dark mood. He also called the members of the parents' organization to talk about the issue of bullying in their school.

"What is this meeting about, Principal Merrlyn?" Barry Bolton, the president of the parent's organization asked in a bored tone.

"I'd like to discuss the issue of bullying in this school. I called Dr. Patel before summoning all of you, and according to him, Landon Higgins' injuries were not from accidentally falling down the stairs. It is more likely that someone, a student pushed him. Mr. Higgins came by earlier, and he said he witnessed some students being bullied. He threatened to talk to reporters and expose the issue of bullying in this school. We have to do something about it. We need to find out who pushed Landon Higgins."

"The sheriff station is also conducting an investigation, can't we just let them handle it?" Mrs. Bolton asked.

"As the school and the parents council, it is our responsibility to find out who is the leader behind this bullying. We have to do something to stop it." Alfred, Nancy's father said.

"We don't have to look further. Olyvia's son, Xavier. The kid who associates himself with a notorious gang. Everybody knows that Xavier is bad kid." Barry said in an accusatory tone.

"Watch your mouth, Barry. Your spoiled twins are bad seeds too. I guess it's true what they say. Apple doesn't fall from the tree." Sylvia retaliated.

"I will assign some teachers, and guidance councilor to question the students. Is there any of you who wants to volunteer?" Principal Merrlyn asked.

"I'll help." Alfred announced.

"Me too." Carrie second.

"I'll help too," Martin added.

"I'll help too," Therese volunteered.

"Thank you. We will start the questioning two today at two in the afternoon."

As planned, teachers and the parents who volunteered, set up a rooms for them to question the students. They can't let Larry Higgins destroy the reputation of Sunnyville High School. If his allegations were proved to be true, teachers might lose their jobs, or worst, the school could be closed.

By six in the evening, Principal Merrlyn sent the students home. They will just continue the questioning tomorrow. So far, they haven't found anyone who wants to speak up about the bullying case inside the high school. He just hopes that if Larry's allegations were true, that they would be able to find who pushed Landon Higgins from the stairs, and stop the bullying.