The Schoolyard Chase

“We both need to borrow money from you.” Dan, my childhood friend, announces. He doesn’t bother asking, I always lend him and Greg money when they need it.

It’s recess time at GIJS. As usual Eric, Simon and I fight the imaginary villains from Ben 10. I always play as Ben; Emmanuel is Kevin and Simeon is Gwen.

I wondered why Dan came here when I saw him and Greg walking towards me. He usually plays tag on the sports field with other boys. I join them sometimes, but I prefer not to run too much during recess, so I don't sweat in class or dirty my white shirt. Greg, my other childhood best friend, acts as the Human Torch when we play as The Fantastic Four.

The duo awaits their lunch money. This time however I don’t feel like lending money to my two best friends. I think of my family dinner last night. Dad said I should stop doing whatever my friends ask me if I don’t want to. He told me to stand up for myself.

I put on my best bluff face and say “I forgot to bring my wallet today. Sorry.” I turn back to Eric and Simon to continue our fight with Vilgax, the main Ben 10 villain.

“But you always bring your wallet,” Dan responds. “I don’t believe you.”

Greg grabs my arm. “Let’s go check your bag. You can show us if it’s not there.” He says.

The two of them lead me to the cubby holes outside our class five classroom. “I’ll be right back guys,” I call to Simeon and Emmanuel. When we get to my orange Ben 10 bag I just stand there. “I’m telling you guys it’s not there.” I insist.

They both ignore my insistence and open my bag. They ruffle through the second and third compartments. They don’t know that I only keep my books there. They continue searching my bag. Dan passes my notebooks and textbooks to Greg who places them in a pile in a lower cubbyhole. While Dan passes and watches Greg stack books I quietly open the front zipper a crack wide and pull my wallet out. I run to the right of our classroom building. I turn to face my friends. My back faces the wall of the school compound.

“Ha-ha now only I can use my money!” I smirk holding up my wallet. They both turn to look at me. I take off towards the back of our classroom building. Before scurrying off I see the two of them hastily closing my bag.

I approach the other class five classroom that stands behind ours. A group of girls chat around the cubbyholes. I recognize one boy amongst their group: Richard. I consider stopping to ask him for help. But he can’t do much in the situation. Richard hates violence. I hear footsteps and voices coming from behind me. I look back. Dan’s shirttails flap as he runs. He always has his white shirt untucked even though we’re supposed to tuck them into our shorts.

I dash past the classroom to the corridor. I pause deciding which way to go. I stuff my wallet in my left pocket. If I go left, I’d be back at my classroom and the courtyard. I opt to go right, towards the library building. The librarian will stop my friends from harassing me. I head towards the door. As I slow down Dan manages to catch me from behind.

I manage to free myself. Greg catches up to us and blocks the entry door to the library. Dan grabs my arms. He pulls them behind me pretending to handcuff me.

“You know you can’t outrun Dan.” Greg pants. Drops of sweat cover his forehead. He’s a bit more overweight than me and Dan.

The librarian comes out through the exit door. He’d seen us through the windows and came to end our roughhousing. I try to explain the situation. Dan and Greg pretend it’s a game of catchers.

“Look you guys can do as you please, but not outside the library.” The librarian scolds. “You’re making too much noise.”

We all apologize. Dan lets go of my arms. He puts his arm around my shoulders and steers me towards the class four classrooms. Greg stays behind us in case I attempt to backtrack. They turn back to check for the librarian. I use this as my opportunity to flee.

I sprint towards the outdoor basketball court. The basketball court provides ample open space where I can lose my pursuers. Upon entering the courtyard between the art building, music room and I.T. lab, I notice the bright red warning sign. The white font reads: “WARNING UNEVEN SURFACE AHEAD”

After a quick decision, I turn left. I go down the path past the other class four classrooms and the administration building. It’s a hot day and the sun’s heat does not help my cause. I fan my shirt to try and cool myself down and stop my sweating.

I turn the corner of the art building. The basketball court lies straight ahead. I spot another friend of mine: Jack. He and Paul stroll toward the sports field. I change my route and stop in front of them.

“Guys I need your help!” I pant. “Dan and Greg are trying to steal my wallet.” I glance back. No sign of the duo. Perhaps they took a different route. I brush some sweat from my forehead.

“Where’s your wallet?” Jack asks. I gesture to my pocket. “Ok quick give it to me so I’ll hide it from them.” I hand him my wallet. He puts it in his pocket. “Now I’ll just pretend to be you.” He explains. He starts walking off in a horrible impression of me. He hunches his back and swings his arms. I roll my eyes. I don’t walk like that.

“Why don’t you keep your wallet and pretend Jack has it?” Paul suggests. “That way when they’re busy searching him you can run off.”

“That’s brilliant.” I smile. “Jack quick give me-”

“Gotcha!” Greg places his hand on my shoulder. I jump. I spin on my heel to face my two friends panting. They look annoyed and flushed.

“Now give us your wallet.” Greg demands.

“It’s with Paul.” I lie.

Paul looks at me confused. Then he smiles. “Oh yes!” he agrees. “It’s right here.” He pulls his wallet out of his pocket.

“That’s not it,” Dan complains. “Andy’s is blue, not black.”

With the duo distracted, I sneak off towards Jack who watches from a distance. “Wow, that actually worked.” He laughs. “Here you go.” He returns my wallet. I thank him. I turn to leave.

“Paul doesn’t have it, Dan.” Greg deduces. “And Andy’s getting away!”

The chase continues. I dash towards the carpark. On my right stands the playground for class three and class four. The trees around the playground cast shade on my path. On my left, I see the sports field through its green fence. I see no other route to take. As I near the carpark, I remember that the security guard locks the pedestrian gate during recess. I turn down the path on the left. Through the fence of the sports field, I see other kids running around, all too busy to help me.

My shirt sticks to my back. My legs burn. My lungs feel sore with each quick breath I take. I don’t know how much further I can go.

I make it round the open-air assembly hall. I turn right to head for the open-air canteen. I can lose them in the crowd. Dan bursts out in front of me. He raced through the garden and cut in front of me. I stop in my tracks. I turn to see Greg behind me. To my right, I spot a bench. I try circling it to confuse them but Dan blocks my way again.

I sit on the bench defeated. I finally get some rest. Dan grabs my arms and Greg pulls my wallet out of my pocket. I hear the familiar sound as Greg opens the Velcro coin pouch. Two 50 pesewas coins tumble into his hand. They’ll probably buy a couple of spring rolls and a can of Milo with it. The usual.

“Thanks. We’ll pay you back next week.” Dan wipes his brow. Greg drops my wallet in my lap. They both leave for the canteen. I sit silently while I catch my breath.