When Michael got to the basement, he saw a scene that he couldnt believe. David was standing motionless and stunned in front of his locker; he looked like a corpse standing straight... There was a symbol in front of his eyes that made him want to cry. There was a symbol that represented one of the harshest cruelties of World War II. A swastika was drawn with red crayon on Davids locker door. On Ladans locker was scrawled, Bin Laden.

David looked pale and he was sweating. He could barely stand on his feet. In spite of their recent misunderstanding, Michael could tell that David was relieved to see him.

Im sorry, David. Thats really mean. Who did this?! I guess that guys on the rampage again. I should take some of the blame for this. Hes in the biggest trouble

David pointed to his stomach. Its making me sick.

Michael could see a stabbing, excruciating anguish all over Davids face; hurt was lightning in his eyes. He led his friend toward lavatory. There, he splashed some cold water on Davids face and attended to him, until he felt better. He then doused some paper towels with soap and water to clean up the mess.

When they returned to the locker area, the scene was crowded. Among the newcomers, Michael could see Eric, James and Ladan. They had assembled in front of the lockers with their eyes wide open. There was no doubt in their minds that Joseph was the main culprit. Ladan, who was so upset she was speechless, could see a clear connection between the events of the day before in the classroom and this outrageous drama in the basement

Its him. He wanted to get even with us.

It has to be Joseph, Eric said.

No question about it, was James opinion.

It didnt take long for the main suspect to reappear at the crime scene. Joseph looked to be carefree and happy as if he had accomplished a major task. The expression on his face indicated that he was completely satisfied with his revenge. He was shadowed by his friends, Big Richie and Thomas.

An Arab and a Jew, perfect together! What would a Jew be doing flirting with Bin Laden? Pointing to a flabbergasted Ladan, who was standing next to David.

You should be ashamed of yourself, David screamed at Joseph. You low life bigot! Did you do this? He asked pointing to the artwork on his locker.

Whatever I do, I do it in the open. I do it in your face. This is more like something this sneaky girl would do. Shes a terrorist, pointing at Ladan, again.

Ladan jumped like a spring, You dumb thing! Did I write on my own locker, too? You dont even know if Bin Laden is a man or a woman. What do you know about Arabs, Jews or Persians, or any group of people? Ladan was on the verge of tears. Youre the terrorist. Youre the one whos always trying to terrorize people, you coward! Youre not even brave enough to admit what you did.

Joseph pushed Ladan away, Okay, I did it. So what?

You sure have a lot of nerve, Joseph! If you want to fight, fight a man, not a woman, Michaels edgy voice was sharper than a knife. He stopped cleaning Davids locker and pointed his index finger at Joseph. Im sick of you. I hate myself for thinking that I could be a friend to you and help you. Youre dead, Joseph. Enough is enough.

By now, Joseph and Michael were face to face, to the point that Michael could feel Josephs heavy breathing. Everyone was beginning to realize the seriousness of the situation. Eric threw a harsh look at Big Richie, who indicated with body language that he was not a part of this. Thomas took a step backwards.

Joseph shook his head and tried not to look intimidated. He pushed Michael very hard and threw him into the lockers. He then, clinched his fists and with a boxers stance prepared for a fight, Come on. Ill take you on, you chicken Youre not my friend.

Kids screamed, Fight, fight.

Thomas said, One on one, and the stage was set.

Michael pushed back in self defense, which made Joseph stumble.

You, coward! Come on back. I will teach you a lesson, youll never forget.

Joseph came back with fire in his eyes and a look of pure hatred on his face. He threw the biggest punch at Michael. Michael ducked his head. Joseph punched the air and as a result, he lost control, which made everybody laugh. He became furious and tried to humiliate Michael with a kick, when he unleashed his right foot with all his strength. Michael grabbed Josephs foot and pulled him forward. He wanted to reach for Josephs other leg, so he could dislodge him from his place, but all he got was Josephs old sneaker, He threw the sneaker at him, which barely missed.

Joseph was now hopping around with one sneaker on his feet, which caused a ripple of laughter and cheering from the spectators. He became infuriated and charged toward Michael like a raging bull. Michael sidestepped the assault like a bullfighter. In the process, he got a hold of Josephs right arm, which was stretched out toward him; with his right hand. He pulled him in and turned Joseph around, the way his father, a former college wrestler had taught him.

He was now behind Joseph, with his arms locked around the opponents waist. He shook Joseph a few times and then like a Hercules, picked him up and placed him on the floor. After achieving his objective, Michael moved around quickly and sat on Josephs chest. He felt like a cat that had caught a mouse. His friends shouted encouragement.

Okay, big shot, what do you say now?