Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows novel Chapter 21

I was hurling insults and spitting at anyone they could, my words dripping with malice, but no one dared to step up. The scene brought back memories of Jonah that night, when he had confronted my dad. My actions came before my thoughts could catch up. Before I knew it, I was mimicking him. I spat back at them with all the venom I could muster, my face a mask of defiance. "If you ever talk trash about my mom again, you might as well be ready to lose your tongues, because I'll make you regret it!"

People are drawn to strength, and admiration often starts with imitation. I stormed through with an aura of intimidation, but by the time I reached the alley, my bravado crumbled and my legs wobbled. It was my first fight, my first real act of courage. Aunt Marie caught me just in time. My lips were trembling, as pale as leaves.

"Does it hurt, Lana? I was so helpless. I didn’t help," she said.

"This little scrape is nothing. I'm tough," I assured her, steadying myself and giving my chest a confident pat. "Aunt Marie, from now on, I've got your back!"

She pulled me into a hug, laughing and crying all at once. When we returned home, Jonah took one look at our disheveled state and his face darkened. He asked Aunt Marie what happened, but she stayed silent. Frustrated, I laid out the whole story of how they had tormented Aunt Marie.

Without a word, Jonah grabbed a wooden stick and headed for the door.

"Jonah, get back here! No fighting!" Aunt Marie commanded with authority.

His forehead veins were pulsing as he turned back, anger radiating off him. "It's always the same! Am I supposed to just stand by and watch them bully you?"

She closed her eyes, tears choking her voice. "Please, I'm begging you, just stay calm."

In that silent standoff, Jonah finally relented. Few kids can ignore their mother's tearful plea. I couldn't, and neither could Jonah.

After Aunt Marie retreated to her room, Jonah sat by the door, staring out at the oak tree without a trace of emotion on his face. I sat beside him and leaned in to whisper, "Jonah, revenge is best served cold. I've got all those bullies memorized!"