Project Short: Farmer Jiff

Project Short: Story 2

This story is  based on an incident that actually happened!! 

Farmer Jiff

He lived on a farm. 

He went to my school. 

He was on the wrestling team. 

He was good. 

We all called him Jiff, even though with a flick of his hand he could have sent us flying. I don’t know where the nickname started, but “Jiff” was already a legend, even before the incident. I was there the day it happened though. Anthony Hodges hated Jiff, almost with the same intensity that Martha hated cinnamon. (But that’s another story for another day.) Anyway, it was Thursday, and Jiff was headed home to finish his chores on the farm. The rest of us guys were warming up for a workout, all of us except Anthony, that is. Jiff watched Anthony out of the corner of his eye as he put his uniform in order for the coming match on Saturday. Anthony stopped suddenly and tilted his head to the side, a sneer distorting his face. 

“Aren’t you gonna workout with the rest of us?”

Jiff answered slowly, casually, like he hadn’t heard the challenge and sneer in Anthony’s tone. 

“Can’t. I have to finish up some work on the farm.” 

It wasn’t unique to that night; Jiff never worked out with us, and nobody questioned it. He was our best wrestler. 

Anthony walked closer to Jiff, and Jiff straightened imperceptibly. 

I stepped forward casually, pointed at two apples that happened to be balancing on the table. 

“Jiff, show us how strong you are.”

Jiff tipped his head at me, acknowledging my suggestion. Slowly he reached for the apples, and squeezed. Apple oozed through his fingers, applesauce and juice where two apples had just been. Jiff tipped his head at me again, glanced at Anthony, and walked out. No one ever messed with him again.