“What?” I glance back.
Victoria, Rebecca, and Lori are headed in this direction.Oh, these bitches got the right one today, because I’m ready.
“We ordered this especially for you since it’s your kinds’ favorite food to eat.” Lori places a bucket of fried chicken in front of me.
“And here’s some watermelon for dessert.” Rebecca puts the clear container beside the bucket. “Do enjoy.”
“Let’s not forget cherry Kool-Aid to wash it all down.” Victoria dumps the cold drink over my head.
“You fucking bitch!” I yell, jumping up.
I sucker punch Victoria square in the face, sending her crashing to the floor. She screams, clutching her bloody nose.
“Damn, bitch went down,” Jamal crows.
Lori and Rebecca help their fallen leader to her feet.
“You dumb whore!” Victoria shrills. “You broke my nose.”
“You’re lucky that’s the only thing I broke, skank.”
The trio scurry from the cafeteria.
“Bravo.” Kate claps her hands. “You’re my freaking hero.”
“No one has ever stood up to Victoria before.” Lucy’s eyes widen in awe.
“Yeah, well, it was long overdue.” I’m a sticky mess. I have to take out my braids, shower, and wash my hair before my first tutoring session this afternoon. “I better get home and clean myself up. See you guys tomorrow.”
I arrive at Montgomery Preparatory ten minutes early. Luckily, I took out my braids and had my hair shampooed in two hours flat. I generously applied curl-defining cream to my soft tresses, simply styling my hair in a classic wash ’n go.
My cell phone dings, and I pull it from my purse.
Jake: My party is this Saturday. You coming?
Finally, I can let loose and dance my ass off. Jake being hot is a bonus. I wouldn’t mind hooking up with him.
Cocoa: Sure, text me the address.
I dial my mom.
“Hi, sweetie,” she answers. “Are you here?”
“Yep. Where should I go?”
“Just come inside. I’ll be down in a sec.”
“Okay.” I slide out of my car and meander across the parking lot.
The layout is similar to Montgomery Academy, though it’s much smaller. My mom waits for me by the entrance.
“Why did you take out your braids so soon?”
I shrug. “I needed a change.”
She didn’t see me this morning, so probably thinks I took them out last night.
“Why aren’t you wearing your uniform?”
