BULLIES – part 10

I will not be intimidated in my own home.

I walked up to Agent Black.  A confident, not arrogant, smile on my face and my right hand outstretched to shake his hand.

He reached out, with his left hand, to shake mine. Do you know how awkward it is to shake a left-handed person’s hand? He then took his phone out of his inside jacket pocket and started texting someone. With his RIGHT HAND!  It’s as if he pretended to be left-handed, out of spite.

Agent Black said, “Please, come in Frank.” 

He seriously invited me into my own house. I hate him more and more every second.

Black continued, “Would you like to have a seat?”

I said, “Seeing as it’s MY house I’d like to take my jacket off and have something to drink.”

I may have said, “my” with a bit too much aggression.

Agent Black looked at me, with his little smug face.

He said, “Do you need to drink alcohol after work. I know your job must be very stressful.”

I looked at him and said, “No. I do not NEED a drink of alcohol after work. But, I am thirsty. I would like to drink one of the drinks that I bought with MY money that I store in MY refrigerator in MY house.”

I need to calm down with the my’s. But, it is MY damn house. The smug little turd.

“Calm down sweetie,” Susie said.

Thanks for making me sound aggressive Susie. I want to say it. But, I don’t want to sound aggressive, do I?

Instead, I said, “I am calm Susie. There’s no reason for me to not be calm. I just want to get a drink of water. If that’s okay.”

Susie said, “Of course it is Frank. Go, take your jacket off and sit down in the living room. I’ll get you a drink of water. With a slice of lemon the way you like it.”

“Thank you,” I said.

I walked over towards Agent Black that was standing next to MY couch. He motioned for me to have a seat. On MY couch. May I just remind everyone that this man keeps acting as if I’m a guest in my own damn house? He’s trying to intimidate me. I won’t be intimidated in my own home. On my own tan leather oversized expensive couch.

I sat back, crossed my legs and asked, “So, what is this all about Black?”

He smiled at me and said, “Well, as was explained to your wife, best friend and parents there have been very strict laws prohibiting the bullying. We have been tracking everyone’s usage of the internet, online profiles, written content, groups and have found that there needed to be consequences. Very strict consequences.”

I asked, with a calm tone in my voice, “And what does this have to do with me, Agent Black?”

 Black said, “By everyone’s, you are included in this Frank. You belong to some very non-questionable groups. By non-questionable, I mean you belong to groups that promote hate speech and hateful actions.”

 

I asked, “Should I call my lawyer before we begin?” You smug little ass wipe. I didn’t say that last bit. Because calling someone an ass wipe is actually aggressive.

“No”, Black said. He continued, “Because, lawyers will not advocate for bullies. Once we determine you are, in fact, a bully you  have no right to legal representation.”

“What do you mean, once you’ve determined? How and when did you determine I’m a bully?” I almost yelled.

“Calm down Frank and drink your water,” Susie said as she handed me my glass.

 It took her long enough to bring it to me. I swear I feel as if I haven’t had a drink in a year. I’m thirstier than one of those sluts on the internet with their shit hanging out with a look on their faces that resemble a brain dead cat. You know the look. Big hair, fake parts, and the same duck lipped brain dead stare.

Agent Black said, “You belong to groups called, “F You”, “Women are Stupid”, “If you don’t look like me you don’t need to live” a very long name for a group, “I’m Always Right” and we thought it would be the lesser of the groups, but it turns out it really isn’t, “Ho Ho Hoes”. The fact that it doesn’t mention Santa says everything.

Outside of these groups, you have gone on tirades against women, teenagers, anyone that literally isn’t anything like you. And you know what I mean by that. You are extremely racist Frank.”

He said the, ‘R’ word!!

“But, honestly Frank, he continued, it’s hard to say you actually like anyone. I’m not even sure you like yourself.”

I said, “And so? It’s my right to say what I want to say. I’m a citizen of this country. I can say whatever I want. It’s not as if I killed anyone.”

Agent Black took his tablet out of his left jacket pocket and started scrolling.

I tried to not look like I was trying to look at the screen.

I could see the names and lots of lists of what I assume are other “Bullies.”  I was able to see two other lists: ‘Terminate’ and ‘To be Terminated’.  What the absolute F?

 

Frank went down the list:

“April 25th

A use named Bill Jacksons said, “Who would get rid of someone if you knew you wouldn’t get caught?”

 

“Yep, two useless bitches. Susie and Cheryl. LOL”

 

Susie, who was sitting on the left side of me gasped and dropped her glass of ice tea.

Doesn’t this woman know wood floors stain with liquids?

Susie said, “Ummm, I’m going to get a cloth and dry this. I don’t want it to stain.”

 

Agent Black looked at Susie and smiled.

 

 “Frank, you were the first one to answer. It was 11:00 AM. When you should have been hard at work. I’m sure Susie doesn’t feel very good being on your list of kills. Neither does Cheryl. Anyone else on your list to kill?”

 

I interrupted and said, “No. I didn’t mean I would actually kill them.  I was just writing just to add to the conversation.”

 

“No need to get excited Frank. We have every list you’ve written since you discovered the internet,” Agent Black said with a smile.

 

Since I discovered the internet? That’s been more than..Jesus. They have everything I’ve ever written online? That can’t be true. Can it?

 

“May 1st on the everyone who looks like me or doesn’t bullshit forum.

You wrote, “If they don’t look like me they can suffer the consequences. Steal gum, get shot, take your library book, get shot. As if they can read LOL”

What consequences were you speaking of Frank?”

 

I said, “I don’t know. I guess when people do things they should be held accountable and not be given any special treatment because you know whatever.”

 

“So, you believe in being executed for stealing gum and turning in library books in late?” Agent Black asked.

“It was a joke,” I said. Damn. Not really. But, still. Damn.

 

Damn. He just keeps scrolling. How much shit did I write that they found? Isn’t he almost done scrolling?

 

Agent Black said, “There’s just so much. You write so many horrible things that I just might get carpal tunnel syndrome before the night is over.

I said, “Listen. I know I’m no angel. But, It’s not as if I Killed someone!”

 

“Saturday night,” Agent Black said.

“Which Saturday night? A Saturday in June, July? What Saturday night!?” I asked too loudly.

“This Saturday night, “Black said.

 

You went on a forum called, ‘So Lonely’.

People go on that site to chat and try to make friends. Try to connect with other people who are lonely and just want someone to chat with.

For some reason you decided, in your infinite wisdom, to go on and under Jenny’s post stating, “I’m so alone in this world. I’m not quite sure why I keep going on.”

You wrote back, “Then kill yourself. You can make friends with Jesus LOL. You can swap dresses. LMAO!!!!! “

Black said, “I’m assuming by both wearing dresses it’s because Jenny was a woman and Jesus wore a white robe.”

What do you mean, “Was a woman? Has she transitioned to a cat?” I asked.

“She killed herself, Frank. Rope.

“What the fuck?” I said.

“What the fuck indeed Frank,” Black said.

“Still on Saturday. You responded to Toby who said he was going to come out to his family tomorrow. You again, you genius you, decided to say, “Good luck with that. No real man wants a son that’s a fa..”

I said, “I got it! I know what I said! Stop telling me things that I know I said!”

I kept yelling, “It’s not my fault what weak-minded people do to themselves. It’s not my fault if that girl is living on a cloud or what happened to Toby! And I don’t want to know! So, I said these things. What of it? People are weak and stupid. When me and other people like me say things to them, we’re doing them a service. We’re trying to toughen them up. You can’t survive in this world and be a weak little piss ant!”

 

Agent Black’s tablet went black. He put it on his lap and said, “I know that you didn’t put a rope around someone’s neck or pull the trigger.”

What trigger?

“But, he continued, it doesn’t matter that you didn’t do those things.”

“Then why are you punishing me and other people?” I asked.

“Most people ask, “Why are you punishing everyone I love? Those “other people” are your wife, children, parents and best friend.” He said.

“You know what I meant.” I think I almost growled.

 

Black said, “It doesn’t matter that you didn’t pull the trigger or use the rope. What matters is that you brought it upon yourself to say these things. You decided that you had to be someone to say the most ruthless, malicious, horrible things to absolute strangers. Never mind listing two people that you say you would get rid of if you could get away with it. You feed off the sadness of others misery. You write LOL and LMAO after saying the worse things you can possibly think of.

This is why the government has created new laws and punishments. To deter this type of evil soulless activity.

Frank the world is tired of people like you. I’ll be going over my findings here today with my superiors and get back to you. It should take less than a week. You can live your life as normal. Use your bank account and have a good weekend. Just don’t try to leave town. You’re still being tracked. Thank you for having me.”

 

As if we had a choice.

 

With that, he got up and started to walk to the front door. I felt light-headed and shakey. But, I’m not going to show it. Susie got up from her chair and walked with me to the front door to show Agent Black out.

 

As he opened his car door I said, “Okay, so I’m a bad person. What can you actually do? What’s the worse you can do to me?”

 

Agent Black straightened threw his jacket onto the passenger seat, straightened his tie, looked at me and said, “Public execution.”

And then he drove away. With a smile, beep of his horn and a wave.

 

I feel more than slightly sick. Susie looks not as sick as I do. She actually looks slightly happy. I can see a slight smile on her face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

picture courtesy of #Millieeaton

BULLIES – Part 9

5 PM

 

I’m almost home.

Just five more minutes. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.

How can I maybe be a fugitive? I’ve never done anything, that bad, in my life. Sure I get on the internet and say mean things. But, everyone does. Don’t they? Of course, they do!

The day started so well. 

Even the weather seems strange now. Everything is dim. I rolled my windows down and I can’t even hear the birds that normally line the trees. I don’t even like birds. But, for some reason, I wish I could see them now.

I love this neighborhood.  I chose it for specific reasons. Beautiful homes, everyone has nice cars, minds their own business and look like me.  It’s lined with trees on both sides of the street and the lawns are well manicured. The only time anyone undesirable comes around is to do the lawns. What more could you want?

 

How did this all happen? And to me.

I’m educated, make excellent money, very good looking and excellent at everything I do.

The only thing I’ve ever done that’s questionable is marry Susie. But, she was pretty and took direction well. I told her what to do and she did it.

I’m going to drive down the street as slowly as I can. I want to see Agent Black before he sees me.

I think I see his car. There’s a black sedan parked in front of the house.

I just have to look calm and unbothered.

 I haven’t done anything to get in that much trouble. I know I’ve said some not very nice things to a lot of people, that in my mind, deserve it. But, I wouldn’t say I’m a bully. They can’t arrest you for being a bully anyway. Can they? I know what Matt said. But, he might just be wrong. How can they do anything?

How can they have you fired and take away college and do all of the things that I keep being told they can do?

It doesn’t make any sense. It’s too harsh. There are too many sensitive cry babies that wouldn’t let that happen. Even if they don’t like you, they still give you ten thousand chances and fight for your rights and freedom of speech.

The front door just opened.

Okay, there’s Susie. She looks scared. Why is she waving so hard as if she hasn’t seen me in a month?

Good Lord. Why is he inside the house? Why did she let him come in?

Agent Black came out of the front door and stood next to Susie. Smiling and rubbing his hands together.

He’s not as tall as I thought he would be. And he looks happier than I think he should. Why does he look so damn happy? Why did she let him go into the house?

Okay, I’ll just apologize, look sad, regretful and tell him that I’m going to delete all of my social media and be a good person from now on.  See it’s that easy. This won’t take more than ten minutes.

 

I got a text from Becky.

 

Text:

Becky -“You’re so fucked.”

 

Wow, I hate teenagers.

Photo courtesy of @darius.krs

BULLIES – part 8

Okay, I’m out of the building. I just need to get to my car and get the hell out of town.

I need to stop and get a little gas, cash, and food.

Lot’s of people leaving. Even my good old bro dude Chris is heading out. Well, won’t Cheryl to be upset to find out that I’m not the only person leaving early on a Friday afternoon. The snarky bitch.

I’ll pull into the gas station that I usually pass by on the way to work. I don’t want anyone to recognize me.

Thank God it’s quiet here. I’ve been looking around to see if I recognize anyone. I don’t know why I feel like a fugitive. I’m being “investigated” for being a “bully’.

I haven’t gotten any more texts or phone calls. That’s a good sign. Maybe, it’s not as bad as I’m thinking.

 I’ll just drive around for a little while and think of what to say. I can come up with questions that he might ask and have my answers ready.

Yes. I’ll just drive around for a little while. And if I accidentally drive onto the highway, heading due north…

Okay, let me just get some gas. Just in case.

The display on the gas pump said, “DECLINED. TAKE CARD INSIDE.”

Why won’t the machine take my card? I KNOW my credit card works. It always works.  I pay my cards off every month. It has to work.

Maybe, there’s something wrong with the pump.

I walked inside the gas station. I hate going into these places. I’m always sure it’ll be getting robbed by some thug. You know the type.

Too lazy to work so they come and steal from hard-working innocent people.

“Fill up on number six,” I said.

“It says declined sir,” said the sad-faced long greasy-haired idiot.

“Try it again. There’s nothing wrong with my card.”

“It declined again sir,” stupid said.

“Try this card then. Maybe something’s wrong with it,” I said with a bit too much aggression.

“It’s declined to sir.”

“What the fuck. It can’t be declined! Try this one! I yelled” Making him jump a little.

Stupid took my third card, with a shakey hand and put it in the machine.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s declined too,” he said. AGAIN!

I grabbed my card and left.

I’ll go and drive to the bank and use the ATM and get some cash.

It’s already almost 4:30. How is the time going so f’ing fast!?

I won’t get out. I’ll go through the drive-thru ATM.

I put my card into the machine. The screen lit up and said, “CARD HAS BEEN CONFISCATED. PLEASE GO INSIDE OF BANK.”

What the absolute…

Okay, I have some cash in my wallet. I wanted more. But, it’ll have to do. I’m just going to drive around for a while and think. Highway five is just around the corner. I’m just going to get on it and drive for a bit and think.

My phone is ringing. Who’s calling me now?

Incoming call: Agent James Black

It’s not 5:50! I’m not late! I don’t have to be home yet!

Okay, I’ll answer and sound relaxed. I’m not a fugitive for f’s sake.

“Hello,” I said.

FBI, I hate those initials, Agent Black said, “Hello Frank.”

“Yes. What do you want?” I asked. Like I keep saying, I’m not a damn fugitive. And it’s not even five yet.

Black continued, “We’re still on for 5:30 correct?”

“Yes, why?”  I asked.

“Because you’re on highway five going the opposite direction of your lovely home. You have half a tank of gas and won’t get that far.” Black said.

I asked, “How would you know where I am and how much gas I have?”

He said, “You’re under investigation Frank. You stopped at the gas station on 5th and Howe and all of your cards were declined. You went to the drive-thru ATM at Pacific Bank. Your card was confiscated. We have blocked all access to your money. You drove onto highway five. Heading out of town.”

Seriously, it’s not as if I’m a murderer on the run. As I said, I’m not a fugitive.

“Frank are you there?” Black asked.

“Yes. Of course, I’m here.”

“Good. Please, take the next exit and drive home. I and your lovely family will be waiting for you.” Agent asshole said.

“If not, you will be considered a fugitive.”

Sweet Mother of…

..

BULLIES – part 7

4 PM

 

In an hour and a half, I’m supposed to be meeting with agent Black. I don’t want to meet with Agent Black. I want to go home, eat dinner, pretend to listen to everyone speak to me, watch my shows, check my groups and chat. Well, chat with people that I want to chat with.

Maybe, I’ll leave work and leave town. Go somewhere that they can’t find me? We have a cabin about four hours away from here. I could stop, get some gas and keep on driving. Since I’m the only one that works at home, it’s technically all mine.

I know this would be the wrong thing to do. But, at this moment in time, I kind of don’t give a shit. This is the only time I’ve ever been afraid of another grown man. To be honest, it’s not the fact that he’s another man. It’s the fact that he has his initials. Not J.B. for James Black. It’s the F.B.I. letters all together that I’m afraid of.

 

4:15 PM

 

Let’s go.

 

4:16 PM

 

As I left my office, Cheryl walked up to me asking me where I was going?

I said, “Home. It’s Friday and I am going home to be with my family Cheryl.”

I swear she smirked at me.

Cheryl said, “Oh. I was just asking. Seeing as that it’s not 5 o’clock yet.”

I said, with my own smirk, “Cheryl, I’m a husband and a father. Sometimes, I like to go home and see my wife and children before 5 o’clock. My wife, something that you aren’t, a wife that is, likes to see her husband, something that you don’t have, a husband that is, sooner than 5 o’clock.”

“Wow”, said Cheryl.

“Yes. Wow”, I said. Her lack of social skills and knowledge of big words is maddening.

As I said goodbye to everyone, whom I’ll let you know were also packing up to head out early, I looked walked by Cheryl’s desk. I mostly certainly heard her say, “Asshole.”

I walked back to Cheryl’s desk, smiled, leaned in as close as I could, without appearing to look aggressive and whispered, “Bye Bitch.”

She looked scared.

That made me happy. And that’s how I like to end a work day. Happy.

BULLIES part – 6

3:00 PM

 

I had to pretend to work for a while. Cheryl came in to see if I needed anything. I don’t think she cared. She had a slight smirk on her face when she asked me if I was okay. She said that I looked a little warm. I told her that I was possibly coming down with a cold or something.

Chris also stopped by to see how I was doing.

Chris asked, “How are you doing in here bro?”

What the what..bro? Seriously, he called me bro.

Chris said, “I heard a yell earlier.”

 He said that he heard me yelling earlier. Seriously that was hours ago. If he was that damned concerned he would have been by already.

I said, “Well bro I was just speaking to my mother and she gets a little dramatic sometimes.”

Chris said, “Well if you need anything just let me know. Sometimes, we men need to talk and get our feelings out. It’s not healthy to keep everything inside.”

 Fuck your feelings, BRO!! I wanted to say. But, I didn’t.

 I just said, “If I find some feelings to talk about I’ll come and find you.”

He laughed and walked away. I could swear I heard him say, “And that’s why you’re in trouble.”

Everyone seems to have a lot to say under their breath today.

I’m going to call Susie and see what’s happening at home. I waited a while because I didn’t want to hear any hysterics. She always overreacts to everything.

 

3:15 PM

 

“Hello! Thank God you called back!!!” Susie said frantically.

“What’s happening and why does Becky hate me?”

Susie said, “Frankie the police and FBI were here this morning. Becky’s school called and said she’s going to be expelled and every college she’s applied to has sent her text messages saying that they may have previously said she sounded like she was going to get in. But, ow they’re going to all have to review her status due to a bullying alert that went out to them!”

How can colleges even know that I’m supposed to be a bully? How do these people even know who I am?

What the absolute F!!?

“Where is Becky now? What did they ask you and what the hell did you say?”

Susie said, “She just got home from school. She ran into her room and slammed the door shut. She won’t come out. She said you’re a bad man. I’m paraphrasing actually.”

Susie continued, “They asked me what organizations you belonged to, how long have you been a bully, do you bully me and the kids, when did I realize you were a bully, why did I knowingly choose to marry a bully?”

Dear God, Jesus and Virgin Mary I’m not sure who else to add to the list.

“And what did you say to all of those questions?”

Susie said, “I told them that you don’t belong to any organizations because you hate most people. Well, you hate anyone that’s not like you. I told them that you don’t bully me and the kids. You’re just a bit harsh when you give constructive criticism. Like when you tell me I’m too fat for my favorite dress. When you tell David that he needs to stop crying and man up. When you told Becky, after she cut her hair, she looked like a lesbian. Which wasn’t nice. But, I know you are just well you’re just like that. I said I chose to marry you because you were pleasant most of the time and very smart.”

Damn. Pleasant? All of the other stuff was true. But, pleasant? I’m a nice guy. She couldn’t do any better. And she is too fat for that dress.

“What types of organizations do they think I belong to?”

“They showed me some of your messages, from all of your social media accounts, it sounds as if you are, as the kids say, a total hater,” Susie said.

“Who the hell am I hating on?”

Susie said, “Umm, everyone that’s nothing like you.”

 

Holy Hell.

 

But, hey, that’s normal. Like attracts like.

“No one wants to play with David anymore at school. They found out that the police and FBI came by and that you’re a bully. So, they think he’s a bully too.” Susie said.

I yelled, “I’m not a BULLY!!”

Chris ran into my office.”Bro are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m still fine Chris, Bro, Dude, Man.”

 

Holy Holy.

 

I swear if I hear the ‘B’ word, not that one,  one more time. I swear I’m going to punch someone.

“I’ll be home as soon as I get off work.”

Susie said, “Okay, Frank. Agent Black said he was coming back tonight. Oh and Frankie.”

“Yes?”

Susie asked, “Why do you belong to a private group called, “Ho Ho Hoes?”

Oh, here’s one I just thought of…

 

Holy Fuckity Fuck!!

 

Picture courtesy of www.johnyrebel.photography.com

BULLIES part – 5

1:30 PM

 

I’m still a bit numb. Okay, completely numb. I’ve never been afraid to leave work and go home in my life.

Except when Susie’s parents came to stay a couple of years back. But, that was mostly just feeling annoyed. They’re as stupid as she is sometimes.

I called my mother. She may be a bit calmer than my dad, at this moment.

 

“Hello, sweetie.” My mother said. “How are you?”

She doesn’t sound as if anyone is about to have a heart attack, stroke or even a mild case of acid reflux.

I said, “I’m returning your call. How are you and dad?”

My mother said, “Well sweetie, the police were here, this morning, asking about you.”

I asked, “And what did they ask?”

She said, “Well, they wanted to know if you have anger issues and what organizations you belong to?”

“And you told them what exactly?” I asked.

Mom said, “I told them that you’ve always been highly excitable and I wasn’t sure what organizations you belonged to. That you’ve always been outgoing and new a lot of people,but you aren’t a joining, as it were, type of person.”

I said, “You told them that I’m highly excitable?”

Well, that should help me. They think I’m a highly excitable bully. That sounds awesome.

Mom continued, “They asked your father the same questions and looked at our phones. At first, your father said that he knew his rights as an American citizen.”

I asked, “What did they say then?”

She said, “That’s when a man walked up from behind the nice police officer and started talking to us.”

Oh my Lord, “What man and what did he say?”

Mom said, “At this moment the only rights you have are the ones that I give to you. And, because you’re the parents of an adult bully, your rights are to tell me everything I want to know. And then your dad kind of fell into his lounge chair and said he was going to have a heart attack. He didn’t even see the dog was already sat on the chair. The man said, “You won’t have a heart attack until I say you can. Stay seated sir.”

 

Oh, my sweet Jesus. “What was his name?”

“Agent James Black. I’m sure his first name isn’t agent. But, you never know. Some of these parents are calling their children some silly names.”

 

I have to steady myself with my arm on my desk. I won’t fall far since I’m seated. But, I just feel a bit dizzy.

I didn’t want to know but, I still had to ask what else he told them. So, I could be ready when I get home.

 

I asked, “What else did he say?”

 

Mom said, “He told us that there is a new bullying law that was passed. Because you’re a bully..”

I yelled into the phone, “I’m not a bully!!”

Everyone stopped and looked up at me from their desks. I’m sure I heard a giggle.

My mother continued, “Sorry sweetie, but I’m just repeating what Agent Black said. He said that because you’re a “B-word…

 

I don’t think she knows exactly what that actually means.

 

She was still talking, “Because, you’re the B-word and we’re your parents we are just as in trouble as you are. Because, we raised you to be the ahem ummm, now I’m just going use the exact words he used sweetie so don’t get angry at me.”

 

I said, “Just tell me what he said, mother.”

Honestly, why are women so stupid?

 

Mother said, “Because, we raised you to a complete asshole we’re in trouble too. That due to our shitty parenting skills after they are finished with their interviews and investigations, we’ll probably lose our pensions. Your father will have to go back to work and I’ll have to take in laundry to make ends meet. So, we better have saved up a few coins. After he said that your father asked them to call 911.”

 

Oh, God.

 

“And did they call?”

Mom said, “No. He said we really won’t be able to afford the ambulance bill after they’re finished with us.”

 

Oh God and Jesus.

 

Mom said quietly, “I think I’m going to just hang up sweetie. Your dad has started drinking after 10 years of sobriety and I feel a slight stroke coming on. Love you!”

 

God, Jesus and Holy Virgin Mary.

 

Picture courtesy of Steph Munden

BULLIES – Part 4

Sweet Jesus! What’s wrong with all of these people?

I called Matt. I could have called Susie or my parents first. But, they’re all so damn dramatic.

 

I’m not even sure if the phone rang once when Matt answered.

Matt said, “What took you so long to call me? Do you know how much trouble you’re in and everyone that knows you is in?”

 

I asked, “What kind of trouble? I’ve got you, Susie and Becky texting me. Becky apparently hates me. And, as for my parents, I should be inheriting everything in both of their wills this time tomorrow. haha”

 

Matt said, “None of this is funny Frank. I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown today. The FB fucking I came to see me.” They walked into my work and came straight up to me. They KNEW WHO I WAS!!”

Matt continued, “He knew who I was. I almost couldn’t even remember English for a minute. I was trying to figure out how in the hell these people knew who I was. But, they walked straight up to me and said, “Hello, Matt Jones. We would like to speak to you.”

 

I asked, “What else did they know about you? Why did they come? What’s it got to do with me?”

Matt said, “It has EVERYTHING to do with you! They asked to see my phone. I told them that I didn’t have to show them my phone. Because I know my rights.”

 

I agreed, “Yes you do.”

 

Matt continued, “He said, “I bet you do. Let me see your phone. You can show it to me here, or you can show it to me at the facility.” “I’m like, what is a facility?” “He just looked at me and said, “Facility.”

 

I asked, “Did you give him your phone?”

 

Matt yelled, “Of course I did! It’s the FBI.” “I told them the password and they looked through it. They started touching the screen and opening apps. I realized it was only social media apps.” 

 

I asked calmly, “Why? Which particular apps?”

 

Matt yelled, “They said that they’re a new law about bullying. They said it’s gotten out of control. People are scared and some are even harming themselves, due to people bullying them online.”

 

I said, “So, people get bullied every day. We can’t help if someone’s so weak that they can’t take a little criticism. Sometimes you have to tell someone they’re stupid, or ugly or fat. Or all of the above. hahah

What kind of law can they pass about stating facts online?”

 

Matt continued to yell, “There’s no WE! I don’t do any of that. The apps that you go on Frank! The ones that you are friends with me on. The ones that you go on and tell everyone what you think about everything and everyone.The kind of law that holds people accountable for the things that they are saying online. The kind of law that sends out texts and emails to the people that bullies know.  They looked at all of your messages and my responses to you. The messages that you have told people what needs to be done with them if they don’t think or look the same way that you do. The messages that where you tell people what you want to do to them.The ones that you go to and BULLY PEOPLE ON!”

 

To be honest, I’m feeling a  bit light headed. I think I might lose my appetite.

 

I asked Matt, “So what happens when people send out messages, that are considered bullying?”

 

Matt explained, “Big brother is watching all of us, Frank. I told you this before. As soon as the app realizes what you’ve said, it sends a signal out. The signal goes to the police and the FBI. After someone reads it they then find you. They FIND YOU! They also find your phone. They contact the phone carrier and tell them to send them all your contacts and texts. With your contacts, they figure out who’s family and friends. Somehow, they’re able to locate exactly where everyone is. They know where your friends and family members live and work. I asked, what if I’m in the Bahamas on vacation. They said, they would find me. They said they’re everywhere! They find out where everyone works and contact their employers. They contact their family members. Everyone gets in trouble.”

 

I swear I may lose my appetite any second.

 

I was getting a bit scared. But, I had to ask, “What happens to the people in the contact lists? What happens to the people that I know?”

 

Matt’s voice sounded shaky. He said, “They contact all of our phone carriers and find where we all work and if you have kids where they go to school. They come and find all of us. And because we choose to know you, we get in trouble. We are in trouble because of you, by default. The big mean one looked down at me and said, “If you knowingly choose to be best friends, someone who bullies others, that means you must be a bully too. Like attracts like and all.”

 

Matt continued, “And because I’m your best friend they came to my work. I can lose my job because I’m friends with you. If you have kids in college or want to go to college, they will make it so that they can’t go. Because they’re kids of a bully. Your parents can lose their pensions! They can’t even retire Frank! They said, they’ve tried to combat internet bullying for years and it’s gotten so bad that they are now going to punish..wait for this…not just the bully. They are going to punish EVERYONE the bully knows.”

 

I just got a text from a James Black. I don’t know anyone with that name. How in the hell did someone that’s not in my contact end up in my contacts?

 

I said, “Hold on a second Matt. I have a text from someone that I don’t know.”

 

1 PM -James Black:

Looking forward to meeting you at home at 5:30

 

I asked Matt, “What’s the name of the mean agent?”

 

Matt said, “James Black.”

 

I think I’ve lost my appetite. For the next five years.

 

picture courtesy of Adrianna Calvo

BULLIES – Part 3

 

12:16 PM     

TEXT MESSAGES:

TEXTS:

 

9:31- Matt: THE F’ING FBI CAME TO MY JOB!!

9:31- Matt: THEY ASKED ME WHAT I KNOW ABOUT YOU AND HOW LONG I’VE KNOWN  YOU, WHAT ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG AND WHY DO I KNOW YOU?!!! 

9:32- Matt: I CAN’T BELIEVE THE FBI CAME TO MY JOB!! MY BOSS TOLD ME TO COME TO SEE HIM WHEN I GET OFF AT 5!!!

 

I’m not sure what the hell is wrong with Matt. He’s never this upset about anything, except when sports are on or someone gets things that they don’t deserve.

I’ve got so many damn text messages and missed calls. I’ll check my phone messages first. One from my mom and one from my dad.

 

PHONE MESSAGES:

 

9:25 – Mom: “Sweetie, the police have been here.  I think I’m going to have a stroke. And I’m pretty sure you’re dad will have a heart attack, before the end of the day. Call me when you get this message. Love you.”

9:27- Dad: “Son, the police have been here, asking about you. Call me when you get this message. If I don’t answer then call your mom. It means I’ve had a heart attack. If your mom doesn’t answer it’s because she’s had a stroke.”

 

Sweet Jesus these two are dramatic. If my mother had a stroke for every time she said she was going to have a stroke she would have been stroked out by now. My dad has never had a heart condition. He’s as healthy as he is mean. I’ll call them after I’ve spoken to Matt.

Let me check all the rest of these texts.

TEXTS:

8:52- Susie: Hurry and call me as soon as you get this message!!!

8:52- Susie: Hurry up and call!!

9:00- Susie: Why is it taking you so long? You need to come home!!

9:15- Susie: I told you to watch the things you write on social media. But, you NEVER LISTEN TO ME!!!

9:16- Susie: YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ANYONE BUT YOURSELF!!!

9:30- Susie: Your parents called! Your mother says she’s sure she’ll have a stroke and your dad will have a heart attack, before the end of the day!!

11:00- Susie: The kid’s schools have both called. Becky sent me a text and said the principal came to her class and called her into the office. They checked her phone and told her to come back to the office after school. David sent me a text and said none of the other kids are speaking to him and wouldn’t play with him at morning recess!

 

Seriously, who cares if some damn kids won’t play with him at recess. They’re mostly from bad homes anyway. They got bussed in to go to a nice school in a good neighborhood. I kept telling him he would catch something, playing with them.

 

11:15 – Becky: I HATE YOU!!!!!!!

 

Picture courtesy of @kat.loves.steve

BULLIES – Part 2

10 AM

The day is dragging. After I spoke to Dan I just plugged in and got to work. I still haven’t been able to check on all of my feeds. There’s just too much to do. I even had to have my coffee at my desk. I had Cheryl bring it to me.

I peeked outside of my office and said, “Cheryl, hun, bring me a coffee. Two creams and one sugar.”

Cheryl said, ”Um okay.” And said, under her breath, “Hun?” “What the actual.” “It’s not like I’m working on actual work.”

Frank asked, “What did you say?”  And whispered, “You stupid little mouse.”

Cheryl yelled from across the room, “I said Okay!”

Frank yelled, “Don’t yell!”

Cheryl brought in my coffee. It took too long.

Cheryl handed me my coffee and said softly, “Here’s your coffee.”

As she walked away, out of earshot, continued,” I hope you get diabetes.”

 For a second she acted as if she was a bit too uppity to fetch me a cup of coffee. She’s such a little mouse of a female though, so I knew she would bring it in the end. Of course, I had to let her know that it was too sweet. Maybe, I’ll get it myself the next time. To make sure it’s done right. No, I’ll make sure she just keeps fetching it for me. What’s the fun in doing things for yourself, when you’re the manager?

10:58 AM

I finally had a chance to look down at my phone. My best friend Matt had sent me some texts. Actually, a LOT of text messages. I also had app notifications, from all of my feeds. They were totally blowing up! Ha! I knew when I called that little punk, a nice keyboard lashing, it would get tons of traction. People, are loving it. I also had about 20 texts from Susie and a few from Becky. They can wait. But, my meeting cant.

11:05 AM

The meeting was being led by Chris. He’s a good guy. A bit soft. Always wanting to be the nice guy. At first, I thought it was a ploy. To make sure everyone felt as if they were “needed” and “wanted”. Because there’s no “I” in “TEAM.”  But, he actually means it.

We went over the second half of the years projected, hopefully, projected outcome. The more the company makes, the more I make. And I plan on making even more, by the end of the year. My team, that, me, myself and I, lead, is doing well. The one thing that I make sure of, when I hire, is that they all NEED jobs. They make sure to produce results. When they actually need the job to live, not under a bridge, that keeps them on their toes. And they’re always scared of getting fired. And that makes them scared of me. I like when people are scared of me.

The first time I noticed how much I liked people being afraid of me was when I was 10. I was at school, on the playground. I wanted to be able to play third base. I liked the idea of knocking someone to the ground when they thought they were going to make it home. Billy Smith thought he should play third base. Since he was on an actual little league team.

I picked up one of the bats and followed Billy to the bathroom and had a short chat with him.

Frank said, “ I’m going to play third base today. Actually, every day.”

Billy said, ”Sorry, but I always get to play it. Besides, I’m on an actual team.”

And with that, I picked up the bat and swung it at his right arm. It’s hard to play third base when you can’t lift your arm.

Did I get in trouble? Yes. Did I care? No.

 From a very young age, my dad used to say, “Frank, to take what you want. Consequences are for other people. People like us will always win.”

The meeting finally got out at 12:15. 12:15 damn it! 

 I got back into my office and laid out before me was my lunch. I had Cheryl order my favorite from Lucky’s café.

I sat back, took a bite of my caesar salad with steak, washed it down with of soda and grabbed my phone.

I was finally able to have a look and see what fun was awaiting me. And what the hell Susie wanted. She just doesn’t stop texting. As if I won’t see the damn woman after work.

But, first Matt. As they say, “Bro’s before hoes.”  Not that Susie is a hoe. She’s far too boring to be a hoe. From what I gather, online, hoes seem to be much more fun.

Anyway, I grabbed my phone, clicked on, the messaging app that said, “Bro”.

Texts:

9: 30 AM- Matt:  WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE?!!!!

BULLIES – Part 1

 Definition: noun: bully; plural noun: bullies

A person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable.

 CONSEQUENCES  Definition: A result or effect of an action or condition

   FRANK:  Male, 45, has been working at the same company since leaving college and hates almost everyone he works with, lives with Susie, spouse of 25 years and two children; 16-year-old Becky and 10 year old David. 

Frank: 7:30 AM – Drive to work

   It takes me about 30 minutes to get to work, with no traffic. I work the regular 8 to 5, Monday through Friday.  I always leave early on Fridays. Of course. I hate work. But, I get paid well and I don’t work with too many idiots. I made sure to get rid of the last person that thought they knew more than me. She may have. But, I won’t be made to look like I don’t work harder or smarter than anyone! I’m the manager and everyone will RESPECT ME. No matter what. I’ve worked for too long and far too hard at this company to not be respected. By EVERYONE.

8:01 AM

I got to work a minute late. I walked in and said hi to all of my subordinates, some may call them colleagues. If you’re not my equal, you’re my subordinate. I have a meeting at 11:00. Hopefully, we can get through this before lunchtime. I left home too late and didn’t have time to check all of my social media. I’m quite popular on some threads. I don’t take any shit and it’s my right to tell people what I think of them and how things should be. So many people are weak and too scared of “repercussions” if they have an opinion. The things I say aren’t opinions. They’re straight FACTS. People have spent so many years being “politically correct” when they need to just say what they mean. And sometimes people need to be told in a certain manner to get it. It’s usually the ones that are, let’s say, nothing like me.

9:30

Dan Moran walked into my office. You can tell by his last name why he was hired.

Frank fake cheerfully shouted out, “Hey Dan buddy how’s it going?”

Dan said, “It’s going fine. Just a regular Friday. Working hard and making lists of things to get done around the house this weekend.”

Frank, bored but pretending today said, “I know what you mean. Man’s work is never done.”

Dan said, “I think the saying is, “woman’s work is never done.”

Frank reiterated and said, “No, man’s work is never done. Susie, my lovely wife, is a housewife. She’s lucky she has me, so she doesn’t have to do any real work. What does she actually work at? Go shopping, lunch with friends, take care of kids, that basically can take care of themselves now? Her mother, that old bat, fell and broke her damn hip. She was laid on her living room floor for 3 hours before the husband came home. I’m sure she was laying there crying, like a baby. How’s that for an “I’ve fallen and can’t get up!?”

Frank started laughing hysterically. “I’m sorry. It’s just so damn funny. Anyway, Susie has to go and make her food and make sure she’s got everything she needs. So, as I said before, man’s work is never done.”

Dan, looking embarrassed for Susie, lied and said, “She’s lucky she has you.”

Frank agreed, “Yes she is. Yes, she is.”