The Day I Met Meow

Barney Payton became my hero in tenth grade in the school cafeteria on a Tuesday afternoon. Today's torment was taking the form of ogre Brandon Brewster kicking the back of my knee causing me to fall on the floor with my lunch tray. As I looked up with a face full of spaghetti sauce, Brandon led the crowd in laughter. This brand-new student offered me his hand.

I let him pull me up and watched him pick up my tray. He handed the tray to Brandon who was developing a confused scowl.

"Throw it away, you piece of garbage," demanded the new kid.

Brandon swung at New Kid who calmly stepped to the side unscathed. New Kid just stood there looking relaxed in his jeans and a plain black tee shirt, brown mop of hair shaved into a fade. His green eyes pierced right into Brandon's venomous soul. Brandon reached forward to shove New Kid with both hands. New Kid jumped back causing Brandon to miss his mark and fall forward, landing on his knees.

He leaped up immediately. Someone in the crowd laughed at Brandon who looked for his little posse of criminal friends. They crept forward and surrounded New Kid.

"You picked the wrong guys to mess with. This might be your first day in school and the last day of your..." Brandon's mouth kept moving, but no other words came out. He did, however, let out a squeaky meow. New Kid stepped close to Brandon and smiled.

"Barney Payton. Pleased to meet you. I trust you and I will be friends as long as you behave. Clean up the floor now and maybe you'll find your voice again.

Then Barney turned to me and asked if I could help him find his next class.