Well, they met the right one.
“Maverick’s the big honcho here and whatever he says goes.” He pauses for dramatic effect. “Crossing him is akin to self-slaughter.”
Maverick is a racist pig on a power trip and can choke on a dick.
“Phoenix is laid-back, but don’t be fooled by his calm demeanor. I’ve seen him knock a guy unconscious with one hit. His father practically owns every property in a fifty-mile radius. Demetrius is short-tempered and moody, but I’d love to glide my hands all over his forged-by-the-gods body.” Jamal sighs dreamily. “Both of his parents are lawyers. They’re the richest kids in town.”
“Whelp, I’m on their shit list.”
“They’ll leave you alone, eventually. Just learn to ignore them,” Lucy advises.
When pigs fly.
I change the subject. “Who can I talk to about writing for the school newspaper?”
“Me. I’m editor-in-chief,” Kate informs me proudly. “Lucy handles graphic design and photography. We could use an extra person.”
I point at myself. “I’m your girl.”
“We’re actually meeting after school today. Are you free?”
“How long? I have to be to work at six.”
“Twenty minutes, tops.”
“That’ll leave plenty of time. Where at?”
“Second floor, the room next to the girls’ bathroom.”
“I’ll be there.”
The bell rings.
I gobble down the last bite of my lasagna. “I have AP Lit next.”
“Me too,” Kate states, gathering her trash. “We can walk together.”
I walk into P.E. ecstatic the day is finally coming to an end.
“Hey, girl,” Jamal chirps.
“Eek,” I squeal and sit beside him on the bleachers. “I’m so happy we have this class together.”
“I hope your day has gotten better.”
“It has, actually.”
“Uh-oh, trouble,” he whispers.
I spoke too soon.
The three Wicked Witches of the East strut by, giving me the stink eye.
I return the gesture in kind. The teacher, Mr. Williams, instructs everyone to change into the standard-issued gym attire and meet outside, pronto. Twenty minutes later, the class is running laps on the track. Suddenly, I’m pushed from behind and sent barreling to the rubber top. I roll to my back and clutch my whirling head. Jamal is at my side in an instant and helps me stand.
“Are you okay?” he asks, concern etched on his face.
“I think so,” I groan.
