Some people are meant to pass through your life while others are destined to stay. Art and I, we’re fated to be together. There’s nothing I could’ve done to avoid him. This is meant to be. I am his property.
My cell phone rings as I pull into a parking space at work. By the time Art took me home last night, my car had already been delivered.
“Hello.”
“The video of Art punching that guy is all over the internet!” Anneli exclaims.
“Oh no.”
“It’s going to be on the gossip news showWhat’s Poppin?tonight.
“This is a nightmare.”
“What the fuck happened?”
“Art saw us walking together.”
“That’s it?”
“And we were talking.”
“So what? Is that why the fight started?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you not allowed to talk to other men?”
“It’s a stipulation of our agreement.”
“That’s absurd!”
“Try telling Art that.”
“Are you at work?”
“I just got here. I’m totally going to get fired.”
“Maybe not. You can’t control the actions of another person.”
“But it never would’ve happened if it wasn’t for me.”
“Denise is an understanding person. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll talk to you later. It’s time to face the music.”
“It’ll be okay.”
I end the call, hoping Anneli is right.
My eyes roam over my surroundings. “Is it me or does this parking lot seem more crowded than it usually is?” I ask myself.
I take a deep breath before getting out of the car. My colleagues give me the side-eye, and students whisper as I walk towards the school. I’m transported back to Central High again—a memory that instantly increases my trepidation. The principal is waiting by my classroom.
“Good morning, Principal Joyner.”
“Ms. Belo,” she greets. “I would like to have a word with you in my office.”
“Absolutely.” Here we go.
