Monster Under the Bed

Monster under the bed.



 Chapter 1


 I am nine. I didn't have much friends, nor do I know somebody personally. I'm always shy and tend to stay away from people I don't know. It's not that I hate people, I'm scared that I might hurt somebody if I said the wrong thing.
 And if I do, I will get bullied by older kids or kids that are the same age as me. When I get bullied, I'll sometimes get scars, bruises and often hurt during school. I don't have anyone to defend me, the person that can defend me...is myself.
 I'm shy, I tend to get things done as quick as possible before someone else says another thing and I love video games. Gaming is a massive hobby of mine. And I think I like Spyro the best, love kicking butt as a purple dragon.
 I live in a small home, with my family and uncle. My uncle is some kind of monster hunter, hunting for the most 'evilest of the evils' and always tries to scare me and my brother with his 'collections'. And when I mean by collections, I mean as in: tails, claws, horns, that sort of stuff. I don't know why he thinks monsters are real, because my brother told me the things he presents are either fake or just really good at making it look real. Still, I love my uncle as much as any normal kid would. But sometimes he's a bit crazy, and I just wish he would act and talk normal like everyone else.
 He always carried heavy stuff around with him all the time, especially in his own car. If he really isn't crazy, there must be some kind of club that qualifies for people like my uncle.
 My uncle, who will sometimes talk to me, ask about how I do in school and I don't tell him, nor my family alot. Especially when it comes to bullying and getting hurt myself. And when they KNOW that I'm hiding the truth from them, I keep getting reminded that I need to learn how to defend myself from bullies.
 But that's the problem I have...whenever I see or hear some kid, who learned to defend themself, was ganged up by even more bullies and didn't get back up. I'm hesitant to learn to defend myself. Not only because I will get hurt myself, but I don't want to hurt anyone.
 And my family didn't like me saying that, because they're saying that I would be giving up or being weak because I won't fight back. I didn't like violence, but I guess playing video games is my kind of escape from reality...
 Of course, they still care for me and sometimes talked about their fears of monsters and living things that scared them as a kid like me and learned to toughen up. Apart from peoples fears, I have this constant feeling that something is near me. Whenever I leave my room, it's gone. But when I go to sleep, I could feel something just poking out underneath me. When I check under my bed, there is nothing but a flat floor, somehow not covered in dust. It always is dusty on my floor, under my bed, but when I feel something underneath me and check, my floor gets cleaned. Weird, but I still am cautious about this.

 I told my uncle about this, considering he's a monster hunter and when he checked under my bed, looking for portals or dimensional gates (because that's exactly what he does and calls them), but he found nothing. Told me to not worry about it, and everything is alright.
 I can't stop worrying about this. I can't even stay awake for long without worrying about something that bumps under my bed!


 Chapter 2


 I have turned thireen. I am being transfered to a new school, a high school.
 I still have trouble making friends, I keep getting bullied at because of my looks and the way I'm just minding my own business. The bullies still left me in bruises and injuries, and I still don't have anyone looking after me.
 Well, except for this one guy and one girl who helped me up during a fight I was picked to be the punching bag. They asked if I was alright and wanted to know if I had somewhere to be, but I told them that I'm fine and that I can take care of myself. Those two guys sounded like they really cared for me, but why do they want to help me?
 I don't know who they are, let alone why they helped me. I think I caught them still looking at me while I was limpering to my locker.

 Every day seems like a same routine...I go to school, get introduced by the nearest bully, being informed to 'watch your back', go to class, get some paper thrown at me, go to recess, get trash dumped all over me, go to class, have rubbers tossed at me, head to lunch, get picked on and shoved and get pushed around, return to class, get crude drawings of myself to 'keep', get to the exit of school, get picked on for a fight, get hurt, return home limbering, seeing people stare at me, get asked for what happened to me, I lie, have dad, my brothers or my uncle to teach me to defend myself, go to my room, play games to calm myself, get comforted by my mother, have dinner, return to my room and go to sleep, feeling the bump and feeling under my bed and wake up another day, repeating everything that had happened over and over again.
 I think it's just a regular thing for me. I mean, I don't talk back, I don't get involved with things that have nothing to do with me (but I end up getting involved anyway), get bullied and get lectured by my dad, brothers and uncle for not fighting back. Even the teachers didn't like the way I was treated and tried their best to get the bullies off my back. They too tried to comfort me. But I tossed the apologies and comforting words away and went along my day.  They still want to give me help, but I didn't want help. I keep telling them that if I fight back, I might not walk away from it. My family STILL persist that I still need to learn to fight for myself.
 Why can't they just understand what I want? It's not like I'm asking too much.

 My "friends" from school aren't helping, either. They keep sitting next to me, asking me questions of my life and what I like to do in my spare time. They even said they would be willing to protect me from the bullies.
 Great, these guys are my "protectors" now...I never asked to be protected, nor do I WANT protection. It feels like nobody understands me anymore...

 The bumps under my bed are the same. I keep looking under it and there was nothing underneath. It's getting annoying and scary that I keep feeling these things everytime I rest on my bed and just play games or watch TV. I think at one time, I heard a groan...that literally gave me the shivers and chills.
 I think at one time, I rushed out of bed and quickly asked for my uncle to look under the bed. But everytime he checks, there's nothing there.
 Guess there's no point to asking him anymore. I mean, he does get annoyed at me for asking about a monster under my bed, yet nothing happens and he can't find it. So I gave up asking for help. He still hunts monsters, and I think he told the story of finding the legendary Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, I think...
 Anyway, my work in school is going great, I'm usually getting B's and C's for my reports, which really is just above average. I'm a bit glad about it, but I'm not TOO excited. The teachers' comments (which they keep an eye on the students behaviour and co-operation in the class and outside in lunch and recess) somewhat startled me.
 They keep saying that I do great in all subjects, and I do tend to struggle with those subjects (which is true) at times, but they what they comment on the most is how I am able to study and get homework done when everybody around me tries to get me distracted. Even the teachers are "concerned" about me, which is struggling for me because I can't concentrate on what I'm doing if people what me to defend myself, let alone fight back.
 It's really hard for me...


 Chapter 3


 It's the end of the year, and the bullies were getting ready to peg me with water balloons, eggs, whatever they could use at their disposal.

 The friends I "made", the ones who helped me up from the ground, Geoff and Karen, they still protected me from the bullies. Some of them went hostile. Others just simply walked away.
 I couldn't tell them that I appreciated their help, somehow I am, I didn't want people to think I am untouchable...because I got bullied throughout my childhood. Often at times, Geoff and Karen would get thrown into a bin or get their wet or get pushed to the ground with their belongings flying everywhere.
 I didn't help them up because if I did, those bullies would hurt me even more. I felt a bit guilty for not helping either of those two up, but I just can't do it. It would be too much for me to handle anymore.

 In the last week of our school term, near December, we have free week of doing fun activities and simply having fun. We do what we mostly do: dance around, talk to each other (which happens 24/7) and other stuff like getting our small silver and coloured phones and playing games on it.
 Me? I just draw.
 Drawing is one of my number one favourite things to do. It doesn't matter where I am. When I draw, I draw outside of class, inside of class, at home, in my room, in the loungeroom, bathroom, wherever. I just love to draw anything that comes to my mind. And so far, the most recent drawing I like doing is this monster with six eyes and curved horns on the head. The monster is green, it's pretty big, and it is probably the thing that likes to scare me.
 I call it the "Monster Under the Bed". Nothing serious, but just something I like to do after I accomplished everything.
 As I was drawing, I didn't notice one of the bullies standing in front of me.
 "Hey kiddo, what are you doing there?" He asked as I had my head sunken down on the paper.
 I look up to see the bully who threw trash at me a long time ago. I wasn't scared of him, let alone, angry at him at all. I reckon he's an average person who likes things.
 "Is that your drawing?" He said, before taking the picture away from me. Of course, he'll brag about how terrible it is, and how much it stinks and yadda-yadda-yadda.
 "It looks disgusting, doesn't it?" I asked, expecting him to make a mockery comment on my drawing.
 He was silent for a moment. I look to see why he isn't responding and I noticed he kept staring at my picture. I felt a bit awkward for him to just stand there and not say anything.
 "Uh, dude? Is my drawing terrible?"
 "Terrible...nah, dude, this is an amazing drawing!"
 I widen my eyes in surprise. This...is surprising indeed.
 "I'm sorry?"
 "Where did you learn to draw like that? I never seen such amazing style!" He responded, handing my picture back to me.
 Well, this is the first time a bully said a nice thing about myself, instead of a bad thing. And this isn't right...at all.
 "I...I'm self-taught, really." I said, continuing to finish my character's leg. "I just look at how much effort other artists put into their work, and, you know...I, become...inspired...by, them...and...uh, why is everyone surrounding me?"
 Just about everybody went into a complete circle, surrounding me and looking over me to see what I drew. I don't know why they're closing in on me, nor do I know why they're so interested in what I'm doing. I mean, I'm not that interesting at all.
 Everybody looked at my drawings and began commenting as to how much of a good artist I am. I think some of them even apologised for making be feel bad, while others just returned to their activities.
 As this was happening, the teacher of the classroom, Mr. T-Bone, asked what was going on and one of the other students (who, amazingly, aren't another batch of bullies) told him how much I liked to draw and how talented I am.
 He comes towards me and asked for a little look at my drawings. I got a bit shy and showed him what I did, including the ones I kept in the past.
 "Honestly, I'm not that good really..." I told him, as he looked through more than probably eight pictures.
 "Not that good? Are you kidding? You're amazing at this!" He says with a surpising tone. "Of course, there are those that are talented, with painting and with tablets...but you're very good with lead pencils."
 "I...I guess."
 I got nothing to say.
 "Have you considered joining the art class? I think you would improve your art skills by much if you joined."
 "Really? You think so?"
 "Yeah, you should give it try! I'll take you on a tour if you'd like."
 "Well...okay." It's not like I'm going to do anything anyway.
 "Follow me, you will enjoy the art class!"

 I went home, with a bit of a smile on my face. And I feel comfortable knowing that somebody recognised my art skills. Especially with Geoff and Karen, they're really nice people and I appreciate actually appreciate them being my friends. Really.
 Of course, my day isn't complete with egg yolk splattered all over me and water on me. But I didn't care, I did not care at all.
 At the same time, my parents spotted me in my state and asked what happened. I told them that my teacher saw my drawings and wanted me to be in art class next year. My parents congratulated me for just drawing and told me to take a shower. And, they said that my dad is still going to teach me how to teach myself to fight back. Again...

 After having dinner, and watching some episodes of my favourite cartoon show, I went to bed. The time is already 7:30 pm, but I wanted to sleep early, because I can. And I like to sleep early, because it makes me feel comfy and happy.
 Of course, my sleep got interrupted by something giggling down in front of me. I opened my eyes to see...six, glowing, yellow eyes peeking at me. It was too dark to be sure if it really is a thing or something.
 The thing noticed me, awake and staring. It shrieked and ducked down quick.
 "Hey!"
 I turned to my table near the bed, reaching for my torch, raced to the end of the bed and flashed it under the bed.
 "That's the hundredth time this keeps happening!" I said to myself, smacking the edge of the bed with by free palm hand. "Whoever this...thing is, it's real, and it keeps bothering me ALL the time!"
 It's real, the monster under the bed is real...and it had six eyes looking at me. Whatever it is, I don't know what it wants, let alone where it came from...


 Chapter 4


 It's the holidays. And I got about a whole month or two of holiday to enjoy my break from school. I have no idea as to what to do. Let alone, figure out how to have fun in the outside.
 I always play video games during the holidays...but after this year of being introduced by Geoff and Karen, I kinda want to hang with them.
 I think I'm starting to like the idea of having friends. I don't know why, but I liked those two guys. Possibly because they stand in others way to defend me, or because they want to hang out with me. I should give them a chance, at least.

 It's been four days since me, Geoff and Karen started hanging out together. Our friendship started to get a great kick in and I really am started to become comfortable with these guys. Geoff and Karen are super cool.

 I spent the remaining three days with my uncle. He brought myself and the family along (my new friends included) to the hunting of monsters, which is just only the club house itself. We never go WITH the hunters but we only get told about the tales and stories of hunting monsters.
 I just kept quiet about it, and I often went to the bathroom, thinking.
 What could I be thinking about instead of using what equipment to catch a monster?
 The monster under the bed...
 I mean, what is it? It was looking right at me, staring with it's yellow eyes...I think there's something about it I like. It might be the same thing that could have been bumping under my bed for all these years. If it is the same thing as I was a kid...wouldn't it have eaten me or something?
 If that's the case, what stopped it from getting to me? What was it about me that it liked? What am I good for? I know I'm good at video gaming and drawing...but I have no clue about this thing.
 All I know is that I got to get this thing before it disappears again. And I can't have my uncle, nor can I have his club get involved with this, because I want to find this monster out myself. After all, there IS a monster under the bed. I have seen it myself.
 I returned to the dining hall to return eating my meals...

 Another day had gone by, the first day of the second week of free school. All I did that whole day was looking through books and ancient books even (curtosy of the Monster Hunters) to look for anything relating to a monster that lives under the beds of children and, if possible, look for the one monster with six yellow eyes.
 And I found this little interesting story that actually had the monster I thought of. It's a little kids story and the title is obvious, but the story is what got me thinking and rather curious. The story went as this:

 The little boy slept. The little boy snored. The boy is not afraid of the night. Nor is he afraid of the boogey man in the closet
 Only the little boy is afraid...Of the monster that watches from under the bed.
 The boy hid himself from the monster. Hoping the monster would leave him be. But it didn't help...as the monster was closing in, to steal him from his bed.
 Just when all seemed lost, the boy has an idea
 He grabs his torch and shined it at the monsters' eyes. Blinding it with it's beam, he reached for a book and called out it's name.
 Amanda...

 Amanda...that's the name of the monster under the bed. Her fur was green, her horns are grey and her eyes are plain yellow with sharp teeth popping out of her mouth. That fits the description of the monster alright.
 I didn't know what had happened to the kid, let alone what the creature's purpose was. The pages were missing, because the end parts were burnt away. Even the librarian I met said so. I had to visit library for details, what do you expect? But I do know that the monster IS real, and I saw the monster with my own two human eyes.
 And monster is a GIRL...which is weird, the book never said monster was a girl, yet the drawings indicated that it is a female.
 I wondered if that was the authors/illustrators' intentions for doing this. And whatever they were, it spooks me that the stories that were told for so many years must have happened a very long time ago...but this story, the book I read...it was new. The cover was new, yet the pages looked old and so did the writing and drawing...
 I told my friends, Geoff and Karen about this the next day, and they too agreed with me. They told me that there was a similarity betweem me and the monsters under our beds. Some of their monster were red and purple with thin bodies and diffent shapes and sizes.
 They said that whatever it was it was real and they too saw the story and monster as I did.
 We got to figure it out. And find a way to get these monsters talking.

 We spent the remaining six days of the same week waiting and watching for signs of movements and anything out of the orginary under our beds. But we found nothing. Nothing at all. It's like a normal, regular thing that must happen when only one person enters the room and sleeps on the bed.
 Heck, we even borrowed Geoff's dad's camera recorder to find the monster slipping out of the bed and giving a scare for the audience. We tried it on Geoff, and we watched until the sun entered the room of the recorded scene.
 Nothing. Nothing was seen under Geoff's bed. No rocking, no strangeness, nothing at all.
 Maybe the monsters are smart. Maybe they know what is going and they won't make an appearance unless we forget about it and just go on with our lives. We still kept going until the third week on Monday.

 We all had Christmas together, my family and Geoff and Karen's family as well. We welcomed each other and gave each other presents. I gave Geoff and Karen some of my old toys. They're one of those "collectors items" Karen likes to call them. She likes ponies for a reason.
 They gave me some pencils, rubbers and a small sketch book, so I can practice my art skills to the perfection. I thanked them for giving these gifts to me and we spent the next couple of hours play video games in my room.
 They liked my room because it feels cool, it's clean (most of the time) and I have the softest bed ever. So soft they almost fell asleep from it.
 We played some Spyro, taking turns when we die, as well some racing games, which is played on three-screen and played some Medievil, which we slayed evil from each level and got up to that farm level with the almost invincible scarecrows.
 After completing that level, the two of them leave as their parents are about to go. My two pals thanked me for having me with them at Christmas and left with smiles on their faces.
 I'm glad to have friends.

 Every time I'm alone I can still feel the bumps under my bed and the constant growling and giggling from under the bed. I'm starting to like this and I think I saw a green tail sticking out from the bed. I didn't mind the monster under the bed now. It may keep on trying, but the monster will not scare me.


 Chapter 5


 I came home, red across my face. I was very cross. So cross anybody could see muscle points popping out of my neck and head. My blood was literally boiling and I told them about it. I told them over and over a thousand times, and they STILL would not listen. Even when I told them I can continue without being distracted.
 I am seventeen years old, and I am in Year 12. I still believed the monster under the bed was real, my family still tried to teach me how to fight and my old friends, Geoff and Karen, who have become best friends to this day, still went their way to protecting me from bullies.
 But this time, EVERYBODY went too far!
 I pack my food, my drink, my books and everything I need for school, kissed my mum and dad goodbye, hugged my brothers goodbye and brought an umbrella with me. It was going to rain and I think bringing an umbrella might not have been the best idea ever.
 But I shrugged it off and continued my way to the school and get introduced to old bullies that once hurt me became my friends. This is rather odd, considering that the amount of bullies that have harrassed and hurt me have calmed down and stopped bullying. Considering on how badly their reports will be in the final years of their school, they decided to help the school become clean and help replace old things with new structure and help out the library...
 However, there is this one bully that hasn't changed. One bully that even makes the little bullies terrified of him. The school calls him the Packer. Like Pac-Man, where he finds the ghosts and gets them into trouble whever he goes. I have avoided him, not because I fear him, but because he's just a regular bully looking to hurt someone.
 I went about my day, going through the standard procedure of studying and practicing my art skills...oh yeah, my art class really supports me because I am making a graphic novel about a kid that went through so much troubling things in his life and finds this monster living under his bed and the monster protects him and helps him out.
 Kind of like the monster under my bed...only, the monster doesn't come out and talk. At all. I don't why she can't just say hi or...or, something...
 Anyway, I finished the cover art and got help from other students who desgined two posters for me and I'm about to get my comic printed for marking. This is the biggest thing I have ever done and I am proud of doing this.
 My art teacher, Mr. T-Bone, requested me to give the office ladies my full comic to get it copied and converted into a book. It'll take awhile, but it'll be worth the wait!
 As I made my way to the main playground area, I was confronted my Packer, the biggest, meaniest bully of all the bullies in this school. He wasn't even my age, about 15 years old, yet he's taller and bigger than me.
 "Going somewhere, Mister Man?" He spoke.
 "I'm just going to get my work printed and return to class." I said.
 "Really? Hmm, what kind of "work" are you doing?"
 I turned my head around to notice some kids in the other classrooms, such as Language, Music and English, were looking at me and Packer having a talk...
 I look back to see him still standing there. "My work is a comic book that has a story. If you'd like to know what it's about, considering how the teachers and most kids in this school knows, I'll tell you about it."
 He grins, crossing his arms. "I'm listening..."
 As I told the story of my comic, already students come pouring out of the building and began surrounding me and the biggest bully.
 "Sounds interesting, interesting indeed..." Packer said, walking toward me. "Mind if I had a look of your amazing story and pictures myself?"
 I knew what he was going to do. I knew EXACTLY what he was planning. If I gave it to him, he'll definately ruin all the work and effort I put into this.
 "I'm sorry, Daniel," I called his real name, trying to move past him, "but I really need to get this printed out and hand it in for my final marking."
 "Come on, it's just one little peek, right?"
 I know he won't stop. I know he isn't going to let me go. Not without a fight, even. But how and why would I be able to defeat a big kid like Packer?
 I heard two more footsteps coming out of the building. I turn to see Karen and Geoff standing there. They have changed some of their appearances, but they remain the same guys I still know all those years ago. They have defended me since I was transferred to this school and have convinced some of the bullies here to stop their harmful ways, not only to me, but to others as well. They too cared for others besides me, but I was always the one that they cared for the most.
 I was known to the school as the guy who doesn't fight back, I earned a nickname called, "Iron Mind". I was called that because I never raised a fist to anyone and I always took a beating.
 "Packer, you don't want to do this!" Geoff was the first to speak out among the crowd. "He never did anything to you!"
 "Exactly, Geoff, and that is a big problem I need to handle myself." He said, clapping his hands together twice.
 With that, two other students that are as old as he is, held both my friends away and kept them in the crowd so they could watch.
 "You are the guy that takes the beatings, the guy who takes in all the pain..." Packer told me, crunching his knuckles. "...while others around you get hurt, you just stand there like a lost child who had his parents killed. What's wrong, did your uncle lose his job because he was proven to be insane by the media?"
 He...he just talked about my uncle...
 "It wasn't like that..." I told him, turning away from the truth.
 "Come on, you know what it was like. You can tell us." He said, grabbing my collar and lifting me from the ground. "Do I have to ask you again, about your family, or you little comic."
 I stared at him, getting tired of all the threats and all the constant bullying.
 "No. You will never know the answers to the questions you seek." I responded, looking into his bloodthirsty eyes. "I don't care anymore. I don't care if I get hurt, I don't care if I get threatened to hand over my money to your kind, and I don't care that I'm about to have my face caved in by your own fist."
 Everyone stared at the both of us, wondering what our next moves are. Geoff and Karen hate to see this happen to me. I didn't want for them to see me like this. It's unhealthy for them.
 "I never asked for this, I never asked for protection, and I never asked to defend myself. People protected me because they care about me, and the people that get hurt." I continue, still looking at his eyes. "I don't fight back because I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't want to hurt you either, yet you hurt people regardless. Why? Is it because you enjoy the sight and the fear others experience through you? Do you feel pride and joy because you had a rough childhood? Because your family treated you with so much badness, you think it's okay to take your anger out on me, a guy you barley know?"
 His eye started to twitch, feeling like he should hit me already. I think I triggered something in his mind. A memory, maybe? A reminder from his past, perhaps?
 "Believe me, I know what it's like to have parents not listen to you. I get constantly asked that I need to defend myself, and that I needed to fight so I wouldn't appear like a coward. And if you have any dignity, let me finish my remaining school years and get some markings done. Now, are you going to hit me or not?"
 Everything was silent. Everybody has nothing to say. Not even teachers, or Packer himself.
 After minutes of silence, the biggest bully of the school whispered to me something that relates himself to me. "My dad was not very nice to me. He tormented me..."
 Saying that, he lets go of me and says, "you got...lucky."
 Turns around and walks away from me. I smiled a little. Everybody whispered to each other and smiled at me.
 And just as things were about to get great, somebody snatches my graphic novel and deliberately throws it at the back of Packer's head.
 Dead silence happened again. I was in shock, I didn't know what to do, or what to say. And there was no way I could say anything or do anything to get myself out of this one. Whoever threw that wanted me gone. For good.
 Packer turned around, seeing the comic lying on the ground and saw me standing still, keeping my shocked expression on my face.
 "What...have...you...done?!"


 Chapter 6


 My body, lying on the ground, has become a mangeled mess. I was covered with so many scars and so many bruises and blood. Pieces of my skin and clothes were torn off by Packer, who managed to crush my phsyical strength to the pulse. Some pieces of my hair was all over the place, my feet were twisted and my fingers got scratched. Packer kept kicking me and punching me until the teachers intervined and called the police to take him away.
 As they got Packer away from me, I noticed my graphic novel was already destroyed.
 ...why do I try anymore? I do my best, and in return, I get myself hurt for no reason.
 Geoff and Karen, Mr. T-Bone included, rushed to my side and asked if I was okay. I attempted to lift myself from the ground, but I ended up falling down.
 "Stay where you are, the ambulance will be here soon." T-Bone said, carefully placing his hand on me.
 "No...I...n-need, t-to tell, th-the office..." I said, coughing up blood.
 "Please, don't make it hard on yourself, just stay where you are." Karen told me, trying to comfort me.
 "We'll inform the office about your...comic." Geoff said.
 I didn't listen to them. I used all my strength pick myself up from the ground and get on my knees. Slowly, I worked my way to place two of my feet on the solid ground and lifted myself to a standing point...all on my own.
 "I...I'll tell them myself..." I muttered, limping to the office and ignoring my completely shattered. "Really...it's, no...trouble...at all..."
 The three of the them didn't know what to do. They didn't want me to hurt anymore. They still try to call me back and tell me to stay, but I didn't listen. I may be hurt, but I'm not going to stop and I want to inform the office of the...talk Packer and I had.

 As I told them about my novel not being able to become published anymore, the school bell rang again. For second period.
 "Now, if you'll...excuse me..." I said in a low tone. "I...I need to, go to class."
 Limpering to the second lesson of Art, I noticed some people were looking at me, worried about me even. I ignored them and continued to my Art class.
 Everyone turned to see me struggling. Making my way to the chair, I felt light headed and almost crashed on the table. I carefully sit on the chair, readying for the lesson to begin.
 I heard T-Bone's voice calling my name. I slowly lifted my head, answering with a simple, "yes".
 "You need to get some rest. Don't worry, I can take care of your comic." He said, with sadness.
 "It...it doesn't, matter...sir..." I said, trying to stay still. "I...can still, learn..."
 "Please, don't put yourself in more risk than you already have."
 "I...haven't, gotten all my assignments...from my other subjects...done...please, sir...let me...let, me..."
 He knew I was struggling. Even without my injuries, I can get tired.
 "...I can't allow that. Go home, get some rest." T-Bone said, pointing the exit door. "Your friends and parents will help."
 I got angry, couldn't believe what I was hearing and stormed out of the room. Well, not really stormed out, more like collapse on the ground and limpering myself outside of school...
 My parents were waiting.

 I got lectured at by my mother and father. They kept hitting me with the same thing over and over ever since I got bullied for the first...time. Huh, they always tell me to fight back, and...and...
 "...son, you know nothing about defending yourself..." My dad continued. "I swear, it's like you you're ASKING to get hurt..."
 "Maybe..." I whispered to myself. "...maybe...it's, because..."
 "It's because, what? What is it?"
 Out of nowhere, my mind sparked.
 With the punches, the kicks, the taunts, insults and threats...everything that happened to me, I let it all out.
 "Maybe, it's because I never ASKED TO FIGHT FOR MYSELF!!" I screamed at them.
 Dad pulls the brakes and looked at me in shock. They never heard me yell like this in my whole life, and this is the first.
 "Do you two moron's EVER listen to what I ever say?! NO!! You just keep telling me that I need to fight, when in truth, I don't WANT or NEED to fight! Why can't you two realise that!?"
 I turn to look away from them, and realised that we're at home. My parents have got nothing to say. They're as speachless as each other. But, they as they were about to speak and try to talk, I beat them to talking.
 "Actually, you know what, don't answer...you'll never understand what I want." I said, before slaming the car door and almost fell to the ground as I made my way to my room.

 I put my sign on the door: No Entering Allowed. I threw my belongings on the floor, changed into my regular clothes (black baggy pants, white socks, grey shirt and a dark green hoodie jacket) and just laid on the bed, looking at the ceiling.
 I thought and realised that I yelled at my parents. Oh no, I yelled at my own parents...
 I sit up and think about what I did.
 "They didn't deserve to be yelled at..." I thought, looking down on the ground. "They're only trying to help...but, ugh! They just don't listen to me!"
 My head becomes lost in thoughts and memories. They keep going at the times my uncle and dad showed me their...boxing gloves, kept them nearly close to their faces and acted to punch me.
 They keep telling me to punch them. But I didn't. I wouldn't...I couldn't.
 "You're wrong..." I talked to myself, feeling angry and my shakey hands. "...I never want to hurt anyone. I never asked for you to help teach me how to defend myself. Why don't you...understand that..."
 From that...I can feel the insults...the cuts...the threats. Everything that the bullies have done to me hit me like a thousand punches.
 I sunk my head into my pillow and cried. I cried so much I swore I could have heard somebody knocking at my door. And calling my name.
 "Son, are you alright?"
 Dad...why can't he just leave me in peace??
 "Son, I'm sorry if I pushed you. I just want you to be okay if somebody does try to hurt you."
 I know he wanted to be sure if I was okay. I know he's teaching me to help me defend for myself...
 I didn't say anything. I just wanted for him to go away and never check up on me. For a while, at least...
 "...I'll let you be, son..." He said with much sadness in his voice and walked away.
 I sniffed, turning my back at the door and look at the mirror, to the outside.
 Am I going to do good? I mean, I'm just a person with no goal, no dream...because of Packer and the old bullies, I have nothing.
 They just destroy and crush everyone, bullies I mean. They're the reason adults and kids alike are scarred for life, because of such harsh beatings and cruel behaviour cause by the bullies.
 Oh no, what if I'll become like those people?? What if - ?
 Wait, there's something behind me. I can feel it RIGHT behind me. I don't why I feel it, but I can tell that something was behind me.
 Slowly, I turned my body around. Not because of my pain, but because I didn't know what that unknown something was that was behind my back.
 And, I saw the monster...
 The monster that stood there...it had exactly what I imagined...it was a green and light blue-furred, it has six yellow eyes with red/orange coloured eyes, two curved horns and is probably the same size as me! Well, it's not as huge as I thought, but this monster is REAL.
 She...at least, I think it's a girl...looked a bit, scared to see me. I think she noticed my injuries all over my face and body.
 I open my mouth to say something, to tell her that I'm alright at least...but nothing was coming out.
 No words, no expression...nothing. Nothing at all.
 The monster, looking at me, smiled and giggles as I sit there looking at her...her...I got nothing.
 "A bit scared there, are you?" She spoke, in a happy tone.
 I remembered a name. A name that was featured with the monster I saw a long time ago...
 "You...your name is Amanda, isn't it??" I said, seeing the monster surprised to hear me say something, especially a name.
 "How, how did you know my name?"
 "A book. It had your...everything and even a kid that you probably ate."
 She looked offended after saying that.
 "Excuse me, but I didn't EAT that kid. I SCARED him." She says, using one of her...claws, to say: no, no. "There's a big difference between eating somebody and giving them a scare."
 "So...you're the monster that's been hiding under my bed all this time...why haven't you scared me enough to leave?"
 She stood there, grabbing her, tail. I think she's nervous or something. I look at her face to see something red forming on her cheeks. I think she might be blushing...
 "I...didn't leave because..." She said, looking around my room, trying to avoid eye contact. "...I was meant to scare you and leave once I finished my fun, but I didn't, because, um..."
 I rested my body on the bed, waiting for her to respond. I didn't know what's taking her, she's a monster under the bed and she should know the reason why she isn't gone.
 "Why haven't you left my bed, room, whatever...?"
 "Because...I have a crush on you!!"
 Her words made me jump to my feet. This monster...has feelings...for me??
 I felt a little embarressed and uneasy with this...I mean, a monster and...a human?
 "I...I don't know what to say."
 I don't talk to girls in a flirty, smooth way. Because if I did want to have a relationship with a girl, I'd be that kind of person.
 And I don't love anyone in that kind of relationship...but a monster...?
 "I did scare you, yes, but...as time went on, and you growing up in such a...more, sensible style..." She explains, understanding what kind of person I am. "...I really, really like-like you."
 I think my heart is beating like drum.
 "Oh...well, this is absolutely different." I say, crawling onto the bed and think for a second. "Hey, if you don't mind me asking...do you, want to sleep on TOP  of the bed, rather than UNDER?"
 Her eyes widen. "Really??" She asked with surpise in her voice. "I can sleep on the bed...with, YOU?"
 "I'm guessing you don't like being under the bed as much, don't you?" I say, getting under sheets.
 "...no, not really." She replies, getting under covers like myself. "Ooo, your bed is soo warm and snuggly."
 I smiled, knowing what she means. "It is warm. And when you get yourself in the right position, you can sleep easily."
 From saying that, she grinned, reaches for my cold body (which I get my body cold sometimes because of the cloudy weather outside) with her big, fuzzy arms and pulls me closer to her body.
 Oh, my, goodness...her body temperature is SO warm! I almost fell asleep.
 "Wow, you're so warm..." I whispered, feeling the fur almost tickling my skin.
 "I know. I'll keep you safe."
 From that, I really DID feel safe. I felt like a new person.
 "Say, is your name really Amanda?" I asked in curiousity.
 "Yes. Yes it is." She replied as we cuddle together "Your bed is so dusty, by the way. I had to brush the dust off of my body everytime I get under the bed."
 I chuckled, falling deeply into sleeping. "Don't worry...I'll clean my floor up for you..."
 Upon saying that...I fall asleep.


 Chapter 7


 I woke up, still feeling the ticklish fur on my skin. I open my eyes to realise that the monster isn't there.
 "Ooh, I really hope that wasn't a dream." I thought to myself. "I really like that girl."
 I throw the blankets away from myself, get up from the bed and walk out into the kitchen to get myself something to eat. When I reach for the cabinet, I noticed a note on the door.
 Huh, I must have slept that long enough that they decided to leave a note as they went for work. My parents, I mean.
 I walk over to it and bring the note toward my etes. I read the words as it was written...

 Son,
 If you're reading this letter, we are going away for a few hours and won't be back until probably half past nine.

 I look at the clock to see that the time is about 3:10. I didn't sleep that long at all, I must have been home by about lunch time, maybe between 12:40 and 1 am. During...me getting my project to the office for printing...
 I shook those bad thoughts away and continue reading the note.

 I know that we've been trying to get you to fight and learn to defend yourself for about ten years now...and I'm sorry for not understand you and what you want. We only did this because we love you, son. We hate to see you get really hurt like this. Even people need protection if they don't like to fight back. I guess fighting back doesn't prove that you're a coward, it doesn't change who you are. You are an adult, son, and you're about to graduate from high school. I'm worried that if you don't learn how to fight, people might hurt you for no reason at all. We're all scared and worried about you, son. We don't want to lose you, we can't lose another family member.

 I remember how my uncle...passed away. It was tragic, very tragic...but at least his body is one with the earth now.
 I know that when you die, you die. Nothing special happens. No magical hand or light comes down and brings them to the heavens, nor is there a red, blazing devil that comes from the cracks of the underground and takes the body with them. Nothing at all.
 That's what I hate about most people in the world...it's the fact that they think "God" helped them go to a place called "Heaven" if you believe in God. If you don't, you go to an evil place called "Hell".
 My family aren't Christians. My uncle wasn't one either. He too didn't believe that there was any Heaven or Hell, only the fact that we live and we die. That's it.
 And when this one Christian heard about my uncle being a non-believer, he simply said that my uncle is in Hell. That made me want to hurt the Christrian more, because I know for a fact that there's no such thing as God. Because if there is a "special" place on the clouds, or an insane pit hole that is reserved for the most insane and evilest men and women alive, we'd all have to becareful as to how we should live our lives. But we don't.
 Of course, I don't say those things to Christians and I sometimes wish I could.
 Anyway, I continue reading...

 ...just know that we love you. We always will, and we will support you in any way we can. I promise you. I love you, son.
 Love, Dad.

 ...they understand now. They understand what I wanted and will repsect my wishes...I'm glad they know. I really am glad.
 "Thank you, everyone." I said to myself, smiling. "Thank you so much...for understanding me."
 I went for the cabinet to something to eat. I've been standing here for so long, seven minutes probably have passed through...

 While I was making myself something to eat, I was making another meal of the same food I was making.
 I wanted to give the mon - Amanda, something to eat. I don't know if she eats human food while she scares children, but I really hope the food I'm making would be worth the eat.
 I'm making beef and chicken noodles. I prefer chicken best, but I feel like beef flavoured right now. It didn't take long to make, it's one of those 2-minute noodles, really.
 Grabbing the two hot bowls, I put them on a big fabric cloth, grab two forks and bring them to my room.
 I called out for Amanda and she poked her head from the side of the bed. She sniffed and asked what I was holding that smelled good.
 "Beef and chicken noodles." I told her, placing the two bowls on the bed. "I didn't know which one you'd like best, or if you eat human food, so made both. You can choose which you like. It doesn't matter which one you pick, I'll just eat the other one."
 Already, she carefully sits on the bed with her tail hanging off and chooses the beff-flavoured noodles.
 "Alright, chicken is my favourite!" I said, grabbing the bowl and getting comfy with Amanda.
 She suggested we watch something on the TV. I agreed and reach for the remote to turn the TV on. It starts up slowly because of the product the TV was made (modern TV's are like that nowadays) and finally gets to a channel. It shows images of colourful ponies dancing around and singing.
 "Oh no, not THIS show..." I thought, rolling my eyes.
 "Oh my, I LOVE this!" Amanda says, touching my knee. "Let's watch this! Please?"
 Her hand is on my knee...wow.
 "Uh, sure..."

 I don't really mind the show, but it is a getting dry and boring to watch. Simply because it's not as good as it use to be.
 "Yay, that was a good episode!" Amanda said, putting the empty bowl on my table.
 Her body is above my own and I could feel the warmth of her already. I blushed a bit, finding the remote to change into another channel.
 "Hey, if you don't mind me asking, would you be alright if I asked you...a personal question?"
 "I might...what do you want to ask about?" I say, trying to hide my blushing face from her.
 She noticed that she's been above me for a little bit and returned to her normal position, apologising and blushing. I think.
 "I...I know you're being...bullied." She said. "I know you get hurt by them all the time. How...how do you handle such pressure? Doesn't it boil up inside you? Please don't yell at me!"
 I knew what she meant. I know she's just asking, and I sometimes ask myself that as well.
 "I don't know, Amanda..." I said, putting my bowl away as well. "I don't know why I am not stressed out by the influx of bullies hurting me and giving me a hard time. I guess...I am already strong enough to handle such things...but, after crying a while ago, I don't know anymore..."
 Listening to my story, I noticed she was moving closer to me. Maybe she wants to hug me, comfort me.
 "After a realisation, all I think I want is just to be close to somebody." I told Amanda, looking into her six soft, warm eyes. "Feel the warmth and safety of knowing that I'm safe."
 As I was still talking, I moved my hand to her claw without knowing what I'm doing. "I wanted to be held in the arms by a stranger I don't know. You make me feel safe, and for the first time in my life, I have felt completely happy and safe."
 The green monster blushed in redness, feeling happy and sad at the same time.
 "You are my number one girl, and I don't care if you're human or not, so long as you understand and feel what I feel. All I really want right now...is you, Amanda."
 She is really blushing right now. So much I could see the cherry colour on her face.
 "I love you. And I really mean it. I want you to be on top of the bed, with me. No longer hiding under. No matter what anyone says, you're so much beautiful up close. And I would love to kiss you so much...but I don't know how. I never kissed a girl before..."
 She smiled widely, looking very happy to hear me say that to her. Saying what I said, she pulled me close and climbs on top of me. I was sunken deep between her soft fur and the blankets surround myself and her. I wouldn't care if she would crush me, so long as she loves me, that's all that matters to me.
 "I love you too!" She said, bringing herself close to me. "Thank you so much for giving me the chance to stay above instead of under the bed!"
 I smile, stroking her soft, furry cheek. "I know, my sweet, beloved furball."
 She giggled at the joke I made. "Hey, you said you never kissed a girl before?"
 "Y-yeah..."
 She grabs my hands and pins them down on the bed. "Just relax and I'll teach you how..." She spoke in a smooth, sweet tone.
 Closing my eyes, I could feel her breath reaching to my lips. And right when my lips felt the warm touch of the green, amazing Amanda, my heart skipped a beat.
 I - I am, kissing a girl! For the first time in my life! But not just any girl...a green, furry monster-girl! This is probably weird for some, but I don't care! This is absolutely awesome!
 As her lips kept moving around mine, I just relaxed and let her work.
 Moments later, the kissing stopped and she was looking at me with three eyes only. "So, how was that?"
 "It was awesome!" I told her, smiling uncontrollably.
 She too smiled back, and moved herself a bit. "Well then, how about I show you the best kiss of all kissing?"
 I realised what she means. "You don't mean...tongue-dancing?"
 She laughed as to how silly that was. "Sorry..."
 "No, no, it's okay. You are correct, we are going to use tongues to kiss."
 I blushed madly. I used my tongue to talk and to eat, but to kiss...that's another step.
 "Don't worry, just get a feel for yourself." She says, before kissing me on the lips again.
 Ohh, the warmth of her lips touching my own...it's so smooth and warm. I started to kiss myself. It felt weird and awkward, but I started to get the hang of this. I'm starting to like this now!
 And then, something wet slips through my lips, teeth and onto my tongue. Oh! Her tongue is inside my mouth! My mouth is being wiggled by Amanda!
 Okay, focus...this is just like lip-kissing, but more on the tongue...it felt, somehow, natural.
 Even if it's just a monster's tongue, it would feel like any human tongues touching together. I gave it try, and before I knew it, our tongues danced like they never danced before.
 We took a break from kissing and we were really catching our breathes.
 "So, how was it?" Amanda asked, keeping her body on top of me.
 "Tired like I just been exercising." I respond, laughing.
 We both giggled together and looked at each other.
 "I'm glad you are in my life." I said, stroking her back.
 "Me too. I just wonder what we're going to do now." She said, thinking about the future. "I mean, what would happen to you if you finish school or something? Where can we go?"
 She's right. If I move out of the house, she might not be able to follow me. But, if I could...maybe, she CAN move with me...
 "I can think of something, I promise you, Amanda." I say, kissing her lips again. "Our love will go nowhere."


 Chapter 8


 I am 21 years old and I am living in a place of my own. Along with Amanda and my friends.
 I had some help from my old and new friends, especially some of the teachers in school, T-Bone included, and my family to get me an apartment in the city. A home where it's big enough for me and my...special girlfriend. I didn't tell everyone that Amanda is an actual green, multi-eyed monster, cause that would be too weird too believe. And if she were to greet them...well, not yet. But eventually.
 Anyway, I have a job and a home in the city. I live in a hotel of a sort and this hotel is quite cool! The room I got is big.
The windows are so huge the cover an entire wall! The walls itself are coloured apple red, the floor is soft, smooth and made of wood. My room is very open and I have just about a kitchen, bedroom and loungeroom all in one! Except the bath has room on the side, cause hey. Even people need some privacy when they're doing their business.
 My job is a gaming art designer. I design character's clothings, places, and vehicles. I mainly focus on places and clothes. Not so much on vehicles.
 I get paid at least $20 per hour, work for about 12 hours and work night shift if possible.
 Overall, I get paid at least $600 a week, I get extra if I work REALLY hard. The bills I get are quite hard too, but I was lucky enough to get solar energy for my electricity. I still cannot understand it all but thanks to my girlfriend, Amanda, she's there to help me out when I'm in trouble.
 My girl is the best! She understands what I'm doing and helped out a lot with the projects I get myself involved with. Her designs are fascinating, spooky, but perfect for the right kind of games we're making.
 If I hadn't met her, I'd be under a lot of stress right now.
 Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not forgetting about my friends and family.
 Geoff and Karen have moved in the city with me and are living in the same apartment as I! Not on the same floor, but one below me. They have a regular apartment room, but the one I got is big enough for a PERFECT home. Their jobs are working in natural earth construction and architecture. Those two are working together to bring nature into the city, making it a kind of healthly and non-toxic city to live in. I say that because of the burning fuel that escapes through exhaust pipes in cars and buses.
 Geoff and Karen have met Amanda once in a while and promised to keep my secret, as their little monsters went away to torment other kids. They're glad that I have found someone in my life. Well, I should say that this special someone has found me.
 My parents have retired from their jobs and are living in a home they found near a peaceful town that has beautiful view. I visit them awhile to see how they're doing, but they are fine and deserved the break.
 My brothers have a place of their own and they continue to finish the remaining years of school. Once their years are done, they'll go to find jobs of their dreams.
 For the bullies and teachers, some stayed behind to help out future kids learn the important lessons about friendship and learn never to hurt anyone you don't know. Others went to other schools or seek jobs to learn how to be much better in life and find ways to make everything right.
 Mr T-Bone continued the art class but after years of teaching, he retired.
 Me? I'm happy with what I got.
 I have a job that involves something I love doing, I have friends living in the same hotel and a monster girlfriend that loves me from when I turned into a teenager.
 Life couldn't have been better. I love it here!


 Epilogue


 After sending another design to the gaming company I work with, I flop on my bed and sighed with relief.
 Amanda is already there, giving me a hug with one arm. I checked the time on my watch, and it's only 4:27 pm.
 Wow, I sure have worked quite well today. No call from the boss asking if I was done, no distractions to keep me away. Nope, it's just a perfect day in the world of gaming and reality.
 "Finished work already?" Amanda says, pulling me into her chest. "That's great, it mean's we get to spend the remaining hours to ourselves!"
 "Exactly, my sweet."
 We kissed together, rolling around the bed, getting on top of the monster and the monster being on top of me.
 We pulled out, with me sitting on top of her. "I miss moments like this when we're not together."
 She pushed me over to the other side of the bed and sits on top of me. "We ALWAYS do these things. And I really like these moments."
 "I know you do. Hey, you want to watch a movie?"
 She kisses me as a confirmation of saying: yes. We get up to watch whatever.
 "Which movie do you want to watch, Amanda?" I asked as she was getting popcorn ready.
 "I dunno, whatever you feel like." She said, reaching for the mircowave with her tail. "And don't you THINK about putting that Monster Under the Bed movie on. Cause if you do..."
 I smile. That movie is a false claim that the monster hiding under the bed gobbles up the children and she took a bit offence to it.
 She laughed at the same time because the movie is a fake, and she knows that non of it is true.
 "I'm not even going to, SWALLOW that idea!" I joked out loud, laughing and looking at her reaction.
 She frowned at me, just standing still.
 "Come on, Amanda, you know it's a joke." I continue, still having the grin on my face.
 "Yeah, yeah..."
 Getting to serious mode, I look around the DVD's we have here. Let's see...
 "Finding Nemo...nah, to sad." I say to myself, expressing my feelings for the films. "Uhhh...Bolt. Nah, seen it too many times. Um, Ghouls of the Underworld...too scary, even for Amanda's taste. Ugh, there's got to be good movie here...aha! Found it!"
 I grab the movie "the Mask", Jim Carrey in it. Very wacky, just like the old 70's comedy, one with Looney Toons and all silly catoons in existence.
 "Hey, how about a night for green masks?" I say, showing her the DVD.
 She looks and her eyes widen with surprise. "Oh, man, the Mask! I've been meaning to watch that movie with you! It's a funny movie, let me tell you."
 "Well, I'll get it start and we shall watch it!" I said, opening the DVD player and inserting the disc on the disc tray and let get set up.
 After a few minutes, Amanda sits on the lounge beside me with a bowl of flavoured popcorn.
 "Ready to watch my sweet?" I ask, about to press play on the movie.
 "Whenever you are..."


  END