All these people at the party - be nice if a few would help out

Hillman sighed to himself. "There are hundreds of people here," he thought, "are they all just going to watch while these goons beat me to a pulp? Why don't people help each other anymore?" The red glow of the ball went unnoticed.

He looked at his impending doom approaching. Wayne, Brad's sidekick, had moved out in front. Hillman knew it would be Wayne who would see to him, with Brad's other buddies ready to help out just in case Hillman got a shot in.

"Hey Drip-Boy!"

Wayne's face reddened. His hated full name, Wayne Dripner, hadn't been much of a problem since he had hooked up with Brad's friends - people didn't dare make fun of it anymore.

Everyone turned. Wayne turned to see who dared use that nickname, Hillman turned to see if his beating was still looking inevitable, and Wayne's friends turned to decide if backing up Wayne would still be a healthy idea.

A single, tall, dark-haired boy walked over to stand between Wayne and Hillman. It was Clive Parsons - Becca's older brother.

"I don't think this is very fair, Drip-Boy - three against one. Maybe I ought to help Hillman here, what do you think?"

"You do what you like, Clive," replied Wayne. "But Hillman here has to pay, and if you get in the way you'll pay too."

"Uh-oh," thought Hillman. Clive was not noted as a tough guy, not like Brad and his friends. Now Clive was going to get his ass kicked along with his, and Becca would never forgive him. Things were going from bad to worse.