Chapter 1: No place like new home
Tap…Tap…Tap. That’s what the rain sounded like hitting the windows to our escalade.
“Ma can we stop by a gas station. I think I’m going to die of bladder load” RJ said moaning as we cruised on the highway.
“You see a gas station, dummy were on I13” Rashad said as RJ hit him playfully.
“RJ, were almost in Brooklyn. I have to watch the gas” Dad replied fixing his glasses as the windshield wipers wiped away the drops of rain.
I could hear Rashad’s rap music from the back and I sighed.
It had been hours on the road and I wish I could’ve been in my bed in Atlanta right now, but instead we were on the way to Brooklyn for a new damn life.
6 months ago my dad surprised up that his Truck driving business was locating him and 5 other people to Brooklyn, New York. At first I played it off with a joke. I never saw my family moving. ATL was the business for us and all of our family and friends were there. But when he put a for sale sign in our yard, I had to realize that my life was over.
I loved my life. Good grades, amazing school with a food court cafeteria, and great friends who had my back. But what I missed the most was Dex, my ex who broke up with me when he found out I was moving. Now sadly, it was all disappearing in front of my eyes like the windshield was wiping away the rain. I sighed and tilted my head on the windshield. Drake came on my IPod and I instantly thought of the last day of 10th grade year. Little did I know I would be saying a final goodbye to everyone.
“Chantelle, will you please take RJ to the bathroom?” Mom asked flipping an Essence magazine page.
“Sure why not” I said in a monotone voice getting out the car.
It felt good to stretch and smell anything but Rashad’s cologne. I zipped up my hoodie and waiting for RJ.
“Damn Chantelle look at that chick” RJ said as I hit him.
“Since when did my 14 year old brother start cussing? Better not let dad catch you,” I said as he sighed.
“Yeah cause he won’t” RJ said eyeing the girl.
“Your such a player. What happened to Lisa?” I asked as we walked into the gas station filled with trinkets and candy.
“Lisa from the block or Lisa with long teeth?”
“Both” I said as he smiled.
“Lisa from the block goes with Tyrone and Lisa with long teeth, let’s just say she’s moved on from boys” He said as I nodded.
“Interesting, now don’t take to long boy. I’ll be out here and don’t leave without me,” I said as he sighed.
“Ok mom” He said.
“And oh remember to pee straight” I said as he held his fist to me.
I wrapped my arms around my body. Fall in New York was different from in Atlanta. I approached the candy section shivering and tried to find a Payday my favorite.
“Thanks” I said to the cashier as she handed my bag.
“Your welcome” she replied closing the register.
“Where is RJ?” I said to myself noticing we’ve been in here for a while.
“RJ” I called looking throughout the store. I panicked a little seeing a hobo come inside with yellow teeth, as I still couldn’t find my bro.
I looked outside and saw him talking to a girl and sighed. This doggone boy didn’t know how to listen.
“So where did we leave off?” He said to her as she smiled.
“Oh Eugene, your ointment is in this bag” I said to him as the girl laughed.
“Ointment?” She asked.
“Yeah, he gets spots everywhere” I said as RJ bit his lip turning purple from his usual dark chocolate complexion.
“I don’t even know her” RJ spat out glaring at me.
“Uh cool. Look I just remember I have to be somewhere other than um here…” She said walking away as RJ held his hand out.
“C’mon Eugene” I said laughing as he bumped me.
“I got you C, ruining my Mack like that,” He said.
“Ok” I said sarcastically getting in the car.
10 minutes later we arrived an area in Brooklyn Heights, which many people referred to as Browning because of all the tall brown buildings.
I put my picture book away and looked at all the tall buildings.
“Welcome to your new home” Mom said smiling at us as I smiled back weakly. I wasn’t digging this and neither was Rashad who thought blasting music was more important. RJ on the other half was already calling hangout spots.
My dad drove slowly so we could take it all in playing jazz music softly, his favorite.
“Look there’s a Wal-Mart, its so tall” RJ said as mom nodded.
We turned a street to find a row of Brownstones with flowers and big black doors. It was labeled King Lane and some kids were drawing chalk. It was nicely kept.
For some reason I started to get excited as we pulled in front of one with a 400 on it.
“Here it is, what should we name it?” dad said referring to a joke we’ve always had. When Rashad was little, he named our house Bernie. Rashad didn’t listen though but just kept listening to music.
“How about Donde?” RJ asked as I looked at him crazily.
“How bout Roger” Mom said turning around.
“That’s reminds me of the annoying boy off of Sister, Sister” I said as RJ laughed as we sang the theme song.
“Ok names later, but let’s go ahead and fill this place up. I came here in the spring so that’s why some of our stuff is already here” Dad said getting up from the car.
He opened the trunk and we all grabbed a box.
“Welcome new neighbors” A woman my mom’s age said waving as mom waved back to smile. “Thank you”.
I held a fragile box and looked to our new place. I smiled a little thinking to just make the best of this.
I went up the brick steps taking my time. The first room was the entry, which had a door labeled 400A and a stairway with a door labeled 400B.
“We’re A” Dad said coming near the door getting his keys out.
“Thanks” I said as he held the door open for me. He hugged me and shot me a warm smile. I smiled back knowing things were going to be ok.
When I went through the door, our home was half full. Or half empty. However you would want to put it. The first room was the kitchen and it was a cool light yellow with a bar and a table.
Dad already had mom’s cookbooks and the steel fridge and other appliances were working.
I sat down the box on the table and went to look through the rest of the house.
Next was the living room, which was there when you left the kitchen. It was medium size and was a light brown. There was a fireplace with a TV on top and black leather seats and leather sectional. Dad already had his old stereo and record player set in a corner with his old Motown records and there was a bookshelf. There was a red dining room on the other side of the living room. Then there was a hallway with 4 rooms.
“Called it,” RJ said brushing beside me to the one across from the bathroom.
“Have fun with that” I said going to the one at the end of the hallway. The room was small but bigger than a box.
I set down a big box with my comforters and pillows and sat on the wooden floor trying to picture me in here. There was a big window on one wall and it showed some other brownstone window. I turned my IPod on and sat on the wooden floor trying to hold tears back.
“Welcome home” I said to myself adjusting with everything. It was going to be hard but I had to make it.
Chapter 2: Long Distance relationship with Atlanta
I played Do it to it by Cherish as I started unpacking around my room. Music always motivated me.
I filled my dresser with most of my clothes but decided to take a break for a while. Luckily it was 7:45 so I could catch a bit of 106 and Park.
“The pizza is 10 dollars” I heard someone say as my eyes lit up. After all this work, girls got to eat.
I slid on the wooden hallway floor in my fuzzy socks and saw the guy holding the pizza. He had on a red shirt and his hat on backwards. He had pretty eyes and kept them on me.
“Here you go sir,” My father said in his deep regular voice.
“Sure thanks,” He said eyeing me as he left.
As he left, my dad looked at me. “What was that about?”
“I don’t know him daddy,” I said sitting down in a swirly chair about to dig in.
“Uh wash your hands” Mom said as I got up.
“I was about to” I said going down the hallway.
After making sure my hands were squeaky clean I knocked on Shad’s door.
“Its me” I said after he ignored it.
“I’m busy,” He said under some loud music, which seemed to be his saver lately.
“Pizza is here,” I said through the door cracking it.
He opened the door quickly. “Didn’t I say to not come in?” He scolded harshly as I pulled my head back.
“Shad it’s your favorite, meat lovers. Plus what is your deal?” I asked as he shrugged closing the door on my face.
“Your so nice bro” I said loudly.
He came back out and went past me.
“Honestly Shad, I understand you don’t want to be here trust me I don’t either, but acting stank isn’t going to magically take us back to ATL” I said as looked at me.
“Chan you don’t understand shit ok?” He said pulling my ear.
“God, when will you stop doing that?” I asked snatching my ear away. It was something he’s done since we were toddlers and it was so annoying.
“I’m going to be a senior, seniors rule the school. How am I going to do that being the new kid?” He asked with pain in his voice.
“Shad people like you…”
“Chan try being in my place ok?” He said madly.
He then stopped and looked at me.
I hugged him and felt him sniff a little.
Are you crying I wanted to ask but just kept quiet I never saw Shad break down like this. He was so tough and mature, to see him cry was like seeing a train in the sky.
Weird allusion, I know.
“It’s going be ok, I sure do miss my friends,” I said wiping my watery eyes.
Here we were 2 teenager siblings 17 and 16 hugging in the hallway. How weird was that?
“Sorry Chan, its just life ain’t fair,” He said.
“Tell me something I don’t know,” I replied softly as mom called for us to eat. Instead of looking at Shad acting like a spoiled brat about the moving situation I saw him going through a tough time taking this all in.
We all were deep down.
It was Saturday morning and mid august. I was happy to get things in my room finally together. I had a TV, dresser, clothes and shoes in my closet, an almost finished bed, pictures on my wall which was now lavender and nightstand.
“Chantelle want to ride to the store with me?” Mom asked wearing her sweatpants from Zumba dancing.
“Yeah sounds good,” I said setting my lamp in the right place.
My medium length black brown hair was curled as I put on a school shirt and my phone vibrated.
I saw Tiffany my best friend pop up and smiled.
“Hey girl! ATL’s been fallacious since you’ve left. Eric and Erin wanted me to tell you hey,” She said happily.
My mouth opened from corner to corner picturing my ever so fab best friend from the south, “What’s good Tiff and tell the crazy twins I said hey. Since when did you start using big words?”
“Since my momma made me go to summer school. Shoot, I really should’ve not slept in Mr. Piety’s class”
“Ha Tiff, I told you so. I miss Atlanta so much. I still think I’m on vacation or something”
“Well come back! How is the big city anyway?”
“Well we haven’t been to Manhattan if that’s what you’re referring to but Brooklyn’s aight for now. Hey I’ll call you back later, we’re running to the store,” I said as my mom pointed at her watch.
“Ok girl ” She said as I clicked the phone.
“Mom why aren’t we getting in the car?” I asked.
“Girl the stores right over here, no one drives in Brooklyn,” She said as I sighed. I was a bit lazy, no lie.
Walking through the city felt cool, and I knew it was going to be my lifestyle now. Everybody seemed in a rush even though it was a Saturday.
I looked in a barbershop seeing a bunch of men talking and smiled at a little boy dancing.
“Good morning” A homeless looking guy said pushing a shopping cart.
“Hello” My mom said as I waved.
We crossed the street and arrived at the Wal-Mart, which looked like nothing, I’ve known.
I grabbed a basket and sat in it.
“Chan you are too big for that” Mom said smartly as I laughed.
I pushed it then got on it to ride while mom got all her coupons together.
“So Chantelle did you meet any boys?” Mom asked slyly as I tossed paper towels in the cart.
My mom was a gossiper, she wanted all the juicy news, and sadly she now wanted to know what was up with the love life I have that now, well doesn’t exist.
“I’m in a long distance relationship with Atlanta” I replied confidently as she laughed.
“You want you a northern boy?” She said as I laughed.
“Yeah not like down south where all they say is shawty,” I said getting my twang back.
After shopping for groceries and school supplies mom told me to follow her to the next block.
“Mom all I see is a closed building,” I said as she nodded.
“Also my future work place!” She said happily as I opened my mouth.
“Say it ain’t so,” I said hugging her.
“Now your really sounding like your Grandma Pie” Mom said giggling.
I was happy my mom was getting her own. For the longest she’s always been a hair stylist but I knew she was opting to start her own business.
“Go mom it’s your birthday!” I sang to her as we went home carrying paper brown bagged groceries.
RJ was on the steps dribbled a ball as I went past him to open the door.
I looked at the calendar and noticed summer was basically over. In a week, school would start. An apprehensive feeling struck me as I got some chips.
I always saw new girls and felt bad but never did I thought I would be one. I wasn’t going to trip but I ran my school. I knew everyone, everything. Even the small set of stairs leading to that botanical garden.
Later that day, I went to sit on the front steps. I checked my phone and Tiffany texted me 2 times.
I shook my head and smiled. Tiffany Burke and I had been friends since 3rd grade and we used to do everything together. Right about this time, we would be talking about how we would rock junior year and both be on the step team. We would probably be listening to Lil Wayne in her bedroom dancing and trying on new cute clothes. I crouched down and looked at the black sky. Life ain’t fair.
“Coming in soon? I baked some butter rolls,” Mom said sitting beside me.
I shrugged as she put her hand around me.
“You haven’t been yourself lately” She said.
“I know; I just don’t see how I can live up here. Can I stay with grandma?” I asked as she looked at me with a frown.
“Grandma is getting old. I’m not sure she can handle a 16-year-old,” She said as I laughed.
“Yeah your right ma” I said.
“Chantelle, your so friendly and cool. I know you’ll make friends,” Mom said.
“And it never hurts to try” Mom added hugging me tightly. A mother’s touch always helps.
Before going inside I looked around my new neighborhood. Kids were riding bikes while a man was trying to fix his car. I sucked in air and went inside.
“Dang Chantelle I didn’t know you could dance like this” Shad said as I beat a level on Just Dance.
“Whatever Shad, just because you can’t move your body doesn’t mean no one else can,” I said as he threw a pillow at me ruining my groove.
“I’m home,” Mom said opening the door getting our 3rd round of groceries.
I paused the game and went into the kitchen to help her and RJ unload.
“Ok so RJ and I also stopped by Redmond” mom said giving Shad and I folders.
“What’s Redmond?” Shad asked, as I looked confused.
“Your future high school” Mom said shocked.
“Oh yeah…When does school start?” I asked looking at the calendar squinting.
“Next Monday, you know I find this funny no one knows a lick about there school when your dad and I showed you everything about it” Mom said putting her hand on her hips.
“Ma that was in July, my brain can’t keep up with too much irrelevant stuff,” Rashad said as I laughed.
“He is pretty stupid mom” RJ said as Shad knocked him upside the head.
“Ok boys calm down. And how bout you use all your energy to clean this place up. Ya’ll already have this place looking like Bernie” Mom said as I laughed.
“Rashad you were a dumb child” I said as he pulled my ear.
I hit him back and picked up my earring the fell out. He was such a punk sometimes, but I loved him.
Chapter 3: Threat
Sunday’s were always my favorite day of the week. We would go to church, and then usually have a good brunch filled with corn, chicken or any meat, rice, and rolls. But this Sunday was different.
I crept down the hallway to see my parents still sleeping. They looked so funny because my dad was a big man and he was wrapping my petite 5’4 mom in his arms.
I looked at the mirror and I had on my bug’s bunny pants and a tank top. My black hair was in a high bun and my face was fresh looking from just waking up.
Brooklyn was getting cooler by the minute as August was soon to end. After showering, I put on dark jeans and a Polo shirt then I slipped on my favorite high tops. I went outside to feel the fresh air. I missed the days when I would walk outside my Atlanta house “Bernie” and have a big front yard with green grass and a long driveway. Now it was just a concrete jungle. Our place reminded me just like the place off of the show Everybody Hates Chris. I wonder if I would spot Risky around the corner.
I stepped down from the porch and decided to walk around a bit. I plugged in my IPod and let the music guide me.
“I got your ear” Rashad said from behind me tugging it.
“Dang Shad” I said as he laughed.
“I’m tired of sitting on my ass in our new boring house. C’mon we still have time to escape to ATL. Briggs can get us,” Rashad said as I rolled my eyes thinking of his old friend Briggs who my mom hated us hanging out with. Briggs stuck to the motto, “I got a car! I ain need to license”.
And that’s why he was incarcerated last Christmas.
“You forgot school is tomorrow?” I asked him as he laughed.
“I’m serious Chantelle. Let’s run it,” He said as I sighed.
“I don’t know Rashad. For some reason, I’m kind of excited for tomorrow” I replied as he checked my forehead.
“Lil sis, you need to go to a clinic. Tomorrow is going to suck. You know how hard it is being a new kid? Where are you going to sit at lunch huh? Or talk to during class?” he said as we sat on a bench.
“Rashad can you ever just have a good attitude with stuff?” I asked getting up.
“Whatever Chantelle, miss your chance. I’ll tell Tiffany you ditched her,” He said.
“-If you leave,” I said as he went back to the house.
I looked at Facebook on my IPhone and saw all of the pictures from my old friend Sean’s party. Everybody looked like they were having a good time. People wrote on my wall about how they would miss me and how cool it would be to live in the big city, ha.
Living in NY looked exciting to all my friends but try not knowing anyone when you get there. Not a stroll in the park.
I finished ironing my pants for tomorrow watching the some good ole’ Proud Family. RJ was on the terrace with Shad while Dad and Mom were having a financial meeting. It was quiet so I decided to spark things up. I got on Skype.
(Finish this part)
“Wake up honey!” Mom said into my ear as my room suddenly went from pitch black to light purple.
“Mom how bout I not but say I did?” I said getting up.
I felt like I only got 3 hours of sleep. Shoot me now.
“Oh your just tired because of jitters” Mom replied as I got up and looked at my half open face in the mirror.
I glanced at the time. “Mom its 5:20!” I said hopping back in my bed.
“Chan, you got to walk to school remember?” Mom said as my mouth hung open. No way were these brown legs going to function early this morning.
“I’m so tired” I whined getting up.
My mom mocked me as I went to my closet.
“Be ready in a few to eat,” She said leaving my room as I pulled out my outfit.
I put on a pink tank top and a black 3-quarter jacket over it then a long necklace. I put on my white jeans -that accentuated my slim but curvy body- before Labor Day would come (Yes it was still a fashion statement in my book) and topped it off with my jeweled sandals.
I brushed my hair and curled it then headed to get my grub on.
Rashad was already cleaning off his plate of Eggs, Ham, and Hash browns.
“Well the boy can eat,” I said.
“Ay stay out of my business Telly” He replied rubbing his fork on my shoulder.
“Ew” I yelled slapping him playfully as mom came in with her apron on I got her last Christmas.
“Ya’ll need to stop and get ready,” She said as I smirked at Rashad.
After eating, brushing my teeth, and getting everything together it was 5:50. Even though I hated waking up early, my mom was right at the end. Mom’s know what there talking about.
“Remember to give your lunch lady to the money,” My mom said as Rashad and I laughed at her.
“Momma maybe you should sit down” Shad said.
“I love you mom. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine” I said to her as she hugged us.
“Ok babies come home safe and have a good day. You have my cell” she called out as we closed the door.
“Ok so I have a map to Georgia…”
“Shad, give it up” I said smiling.
“You know I’m just joking. Plus mom would have her belt on me if I ever left. She couldn’t live without her star child” He said all cocky.
“Psh ok” I said skipping down the steps.
It was August 22 and the NY weather was cooling down.
“Ok Shad, mom said we need to walk to the corner of the next block right in front of Chippy’s then ride a taxi to the school” I said as he blasted David Banner.
“Yeah yeah I got you,” He said reading a magazine.
Ok so maybe walking to school seemed cute for the first 5 minutes but after that, it’s no joke.
I breathed deeply.
“I swear that was more than one block,” I said as Shad was far behind me.
“Come on Boy!” I said as he ran.
“Taxi…taxi” I called softly needed water. It was true; I had the oxygen of a fat kid.
The taxi just kept going and I tapped my foot.
I waved my hand in the air. Fail.
Suddenly I heard a whistle behind me and turned around. Before I could turn back around, there was a yellow cab in front of me.
“Ay thanks” I said to the girl. She was short and stocky with a funky haircut, which went in every direction possible. She had on a dress and was holding a Gucci purse. I already envied her style.
“No prob” She replied as we got in the car. “I know your not from here if you don’t know how to call a taxi” The girl said as the driver drove smoothly.
“Bingo. I’m new here, Chantelle Judson” I said holding my hand out.
“You sound southern. And I’m Tatiana Moore” She said shaking it.
“Ha, it’s coming back out? I moved here from Atlanta a few weeks ago” I said as she nodded.
“Oh I know you hate it here then. This side of New York, nothing big happens. It’s all in Manhattan,” she said as I agreed.
“But there are many teen clubs and cool spots” She added.
“So where are you headed?” I asked wondering why in God’s name anyone would want to be up this early. I guessed she was a college student by her looks and how she acted.
“High school, you thought I was a college student didn’t you?” She said fixing her Baby Phat glasses as I shook my head quickly.
“No girl” I said as she sighed.
“You’re lying. Its ok, I mean I look like it don’t it? I’m so big” She said in her funky New York accent.
“No your not” I said as Rashad bumped his head to his music. That boy was on a roll.
“Yeah I am! Look at me. Its Andre’s fault” She said, as I looked confused.
“Andre?” I repeated as she nodded like a bobble head.
“I’m a mom,” She said showing me pictures on her phone, like a momma would.
I was shocked, a mom?
“Oh wow he’s cute,” I said as she smiled.
“Yes he is, he’s 2. Even though he caused me stretch marks and cellulite,” She said.
Damn I thought. If he was 2, she had to have him around freshman year. I could tell this girl has been through a lot.
“You’ll love Redmond High School. We’re known for our hyped basketball team. Ever heard of Mario Jetts?” she asked.
“Doesn’t ring a bell, why?” I asked as the sun came out.
“He is one of the top basketball players, he’s cool” She said like he was the king of the school.
“Cool” I said laughing at her daydreaming.
“Ay who’s the Denzel in the front seat?” She asked.
Excuse me but was she talking about my rude, bi-polar acting brother?
A big fat lie.
“That’s my brother Rashad,” I said giving her a crazy look.
“He’s cute,” She said softly eyeing him. They caught eyes and he looked back at the window. I couldn’t help but laugh. He must have heard her talking about her cellulite.
“He’s into me. I can see it by his motions” She said patting me as I laughed shaking my head.
It felt good making a friend. Looks like I wouldn’t be sitting alone.
We pulled in front of a big brown building with kids all over hanging out, taking pictures, dancing and just talking.
Everyone looked so happy and excited to see each other. A sign read: Welcome RHS Students! Go stallions.
“You’ll love it I promise, plus your so pretty and you got swag, who ain’t gonna love you?” Tatiana said as we got out the cab.
“Thanks” I said smiling, “Go ahead and go Tatiana. I’m going to stay with Shad,” I said holding his hand as he snatched it.
“Ha ok” She said waving to him.
“What is her deal?” Shad asked walking as far as he could from me.
“You” I replied as we went up the steps to school. Even though we were early, I wanted to get a feel of this place.
The hallways were clean and had red and black stripes on the floors and walls. Pictures of all last years’ sport teams were on the walls and so was a big clock. There was a staircase and halls going in every direction.
“This is dope,” I said as Shad looked at the basketball statics.
“Dang that girl wasn’t lying. Five times in a row winning state” He said as I nodded.
“Well I’ll see you later partner” Rashad said heading to a hallway.
“Later, have a good day boo boo” I said laughing as he sucked his teeth at me leaving.
I looked at my schedule and headed up the steps, this was it. No turning back, no catching a car to ATL to start my first day back their. I smiled just thinking of how boss my first day down there would be. But I was here.
Room 420 was my homeroom and 1st period. I went to my locker and opened it within a minute. No biggie. I knew the day would go smoothly. I looked in the mirror checking my curls and applying lip-gloss.
Later, kids started filling the halls chatting and catching up over summer. New York teens looked so different from ATL teens. Different swag and style. What was famous last year seemed to just catch the hallways up here. Everyone said “Yo Son” and had a northern accent. I cleared my throat and closed my locker.
The classroom was empty but that was ok. At my old school, I always was the last one to come in. They wouldn’t believe Chantelle made it 10 minutes early! On the speaker, Principle Romano was mumbling something about lunch and lockers. A girl with a deep tan looking just like she came from Jersey Shore came in and talked to a slim guy rocking chucks.
I sat in the back of the classroom and doodled hearts.
“Don’t play with me son” A Hispanic pretty girl with long dark hair said to a dark skinned boy wearing an artist’s hat and sweater as they sat in front of me.
“I swear Maria it was a joke, I keep shit real” He said back as she rolled her eyes checking her nails. More kids arrived in each wearing something different.
The bell rung as a big black man came in wearing formal wear and prince looking heeled shoes.
“Alright, settle down” He said but kids kept talking.
“Yo Quiet!” A girl said in a deep northern accent as he continued.
“Welcome juniors to your homeroom and first period, calculus” He said erasing the chalkboard. Chalkboard? This school definitely needed some type of upgrade. A girl behind me was working her jaw too much chewing that gum.
“Is anyone new here?” He asked firmly as I looked around the room.
I quietly raised my hand as everyone stared at me.
“Welcome to Redmond, in a second we will go over many rules” He said as I put my hand down.
“Hey chica, I’m Maria” The Hispanic girl said to me analyzing me, “Your pretty, anybody told you you look like Meagan Good?”
“Hey I’m Chantelle and um no,” I said friendly as she laughed.
“Did I say anything funny?” I asked as she shook her head.
“I love your accent that’s all” She said as I smiled.
“Maria you’re so weird, I’m Jaleel baby, future million dollar artist,” The guy with the artist hat said on holding his hand out.
“Nice meeting you Jaleel” I said shaking it. He seemed like one of those charismatic guys with suave. He seemed old school and definitely cool.
After class, which was a bore, I headed to History but I couldn’t shake Maria who let me know everything I needed to know. Jaleel stayed by her side to so I guessed they had a thing for each other.
“I have the prefect match for you” Maria said yet again for maybe the 5th time as we walked in 2nd period. An old lady was sitting in the front as I sighed. Another boring class.
“Today is going to be a waste, all we will do is go through procedures” Maria said.
We sat beside each other and I couldn’t help but ask her.
“You and Jaleel mix?” I asked as she laughed.
“Na bro. He’s just like a …friend,” she said slyly.
“Aw ok” I said.
“I’m serious,” She said as I laughed.
The class filled up and Mrs. Barkley closed the door.
“Welcome” She said fixing her glasses.
There was a big knock on the door that almost knocked her off her socks.
It took her a minute to get to the door but when she did, everyone got excited.
“Hey teach, what’s good?” The boy said as everyone waved to him.
“Mario…I remember you from detention last year. Good to see you” She said sternly.
“Same with you, I’ve changed you know” He said as everyone laughed.
I eyed him smiling; it was something about that boy.
I suddenly remembered this was the guy Tatiana was talking about. She was right; he was smooth. And every girl seemed to smile at him.
“I know. I can’t wait to see you on the courts” She said trying to sound cool as he looked at himself up and down like he was the shit. He had something nice about him though.
“Sit by this fine lady” She said to him pointing to the only empty seat, beside me.
“Oh your lucky” Maria said blowing a bubble gum.
I held my necklace as he gave all his homies daps.
I opened my binder and copied the standard down.
“Do you have a pencil?” He whispered startling me.
“Oh yeah, I need it back after the period” I said handing him one. We caught each other’s hands.
“You know that kind of defeats the purpose of me needing one,” He whispered back as I smiled. He was being difficult.
“Have it then” I said ending the conversation.
“I don’t want to except a strangers gift. What’s your name?” He asked as I looked at him. Was he playing?
I breathed deeply ignoring him and wrote down some notes.
“I’m serious,” He said as I just ignored him.
“Ok Chantelle” He replied as I put my pencil down.
“How do you know my name?” I asked as he pointed to my earrings.
“Oh” I said stupidly touching them.
“Mario, since you seem to think that your conversation is more important then my lesson, how about you tell it to me” The teach said pointing to a chair beside her desk as people snickered.
“Oh, see teacher, Chantelle agreed to help me in this class. So I need to sit by her,” He said as everyone looked at me. I looked at Mario and rolled my eyes.
Was he serious?
“Ok Mr. Jetts” She said as he smiled.
“Pst. Mario, here’s my number. Call Me,” A girl said behind him smiling.
“Thanks” He said looking at me for no reason.
For the rest of the class, I kept feeling Mario looking at me. And whenever I would see him, he would act like he was never looking at me. And then when I moved my foot, he would touch it. He was annoying me for no reason, but I loved it.
The bell rang and I got up quickly. After he dunked that girls number in the trash can perfectly, Mario tried to block me but I put my hand on his chest for him to move.
“Dang Chantelle you walk fast” Maria said running to catch up with me. “What was that all about?”
“Mario is so annoying” I said opening my locker.
“How do you know him and no he’s not,” She said.
“I don’t know him but he acts like we do. He was eyeing me the whole period,” I said spotting him walking with his arm around a girl.
“Girl you know how many chica’s want him to do that?” She said as I smiled.
“Ha ok but I’ll see you later. I have art,” I said as she nodded.
I eyed Mario dribble a basketball as my mind played it in slow motion. He was cute, well actually hot. Damn, the boy was really fine and he was muscular too.
Art was fun. Jaleel and I were cracking up the whole time. He seemed chill and had a shy buy funny personality.
After art was Lunch, my favorite.
I caught up with Maria and Jaleel, we all headed to lunch.
“Isn’t the cafeteria over here?” I said pointing to the big doors where people were.
“The rounds always sit out here,” Maria said grabbing my hand as I followed.
“Sounds good,” I said even though I hoped not to mess up my hair. What were the rounds anyway?
I suddenly remembered that nice girl in the cab, Tatiana.
“Do any of you 2 know a girl named Tatiana?” I asked as we sat down after getting pizza.
“Oh yeah, she’s one of our friends. She eats with us,” Maria said as Jaleel sketched some drawings.
“That is so weird how that happened. Because I met her earlier, Jaleel can I see what your drawing?” I asked as he put his head up.
“Yeah sure” He said handing me his sketchbook.
It seemed to look like hands praying.
“This is fly, Jaleel you got to get an agent of something,” I said smiling as he shrugged.
“He should” Maria repeated hugging him tightly.
PDA I thought. They had to be more than friends; I don’t care what she said.
Suddenly Tatiana sat down and she gave me a look. I then explained to her how cool it was that I met her friends and she then smiled.
“Well welcome to our group. Where’s H-George?” She asked unwrapping a burger.
“Right here” A tan girl with long brunette hair, said wearing long earrings.
She gave Maria dap and smiled at me.
“Who is this here?” She asked.
“Chantelle Judson, new chick” Tatiana said as I smiled.
“Well welcome girl, I’m Hailey George,” She said.
Hailey George had an accent like she was from the Bronx or something. She was definitely one of those white girls that could hang.
After we had a good talk, I saw Mario come outside with a face as if he was looking for someone. He had on a plaid shirt and pants with high tops on. He rocked it so good.
“Mario! He’s back eh?” Hailey said seeing him.
“Yeah, I wonder if he’s still going to chill with us” Jaleel said feeling odd being the only boy.
Some girls rubbed their hands over his abs trying to get his attention. He stood by a light skinned tall boy with a basketball jacket on.
“That’s Mario Jetts and Will Vincent” Hailey said to me smiling as he signed some girls arm.
“Nice” I said still looking at him. I didn’t mention I already had a connection with Mario and hopefully Maria wouldn’t either.
After eating, I went with Maria to the bathroom.
“Yo Mario” She said stopping in front of him. I turned around knowing they were going to talk.
“Hey girl” He said smiling.
“You didn’t eat with us,” She said as he put his hand on her shoulder.
“I know, I was busy but I promise I’ll catch up with my rounds,” He said in that amazing voice.
He was apart of this so-called “rounds” too? I couldn’t believe it. Everyone I was meeting had a certain bond. Now this meant he was my “friend” too.
“Hey you” Mario said tapping my shoulder as I spun around.
“Oh nice to see you again” I said cheerfully walking past him.
“Same” He called back as I sighed.
“Chantelle, you must be from a different planet. You see Mario right?” She asked as I nodded.
“I see him loud and clear” I replied.
“Well then obviously he has something for you. Mario is never like that around his ‘groupies’” Maria said as I smiled a bit. I did like how he was treating me in a weird way. It felt good getting attention from the popular boy.
“You like him?” She asked noticing I couldn’t stop smiling.
“No…I just met him. He could be a jerk if all I know” I said brushing my hair.
“Chantelle, I’ve known Mario since baby days. He’s one of the sweetest most-coolest boys ever. He could be a jerk if he wanted to because he’s so big and bad but instead he’s nice” She said as I looked away.
“Ok Chantelle” She said as a girl came out the bathroom stall. It was weird because I didn’t hear anyone in here before.
“Hey new girl who are you?” A girl wearing a short tight black skirt and a cleave ledge revealing pink shirt said. She had on loud makeup and she had long weave going down her back.
“Go away Jasmine” Maria snapped.
“How bout you mind your damn business! Now what’s your name? I don’t know you,” She said as Maria clenched her fists leaving the bathroom.
“Chantelle” I said washing my hands. I caught her rude vibe and I didn’t like it. I wasn’t no pushover.
“Oh, I’m Jasmine. So I hear you like Mario” She said suddenly jumping on my back.
“No…I don’t know him,” I said as she cut me off.
“Good Chantelle, trust me even if you knew him. You would know he is a low life loser and you’re not worth him,” She said quickly.
“Oh really” I said nodding knowing she was sketchy. Mario was no low life loser. He seemed to be at the top of the popular pole.
“Yeah, now new girl, I would avoid Mario. He’s not the guy for you,” She said nicely in a fake way leaving the bathroom.
I gulped and left the bathroom. What was she talking about? Something weird was about her.
After lunch was English, which was honors, filled with super smart people so I didn’t really socialize much. Then was Science.
I entered the classroom and saw Mario around a circle of people talking making everyone laugh.
He stopped talking when I sat in the seat closest to the classroom. I felt him behind me looking and slouched a little.
The bell rung and everyone put their desks back as a young black woman entered looking like a newscaster.
I was relieved he didn’t sit by me and I just copied the notes.
“I have a note that you’re new here, welcome to RHS,” the teacher, Ms. Red said smiling.
“Thanks” I said looking up.
“Where do you come from?”
“Atlanta, Georgia. My dad had a move in his job” I said as she smiled warmly.
“Well I hope you have adjusted to it so far,” She said.
After class, I got up and left the room.
“No stop Jasmine” I heard Mario say as I stood by my locker.
“Look Mario, just kiss me” She said as I peeked at them arguing.
“Break it up!” a teacher said as Jasmine stormed off.
Mario gave her stank look and walked away.
“Hey Chantelle?” I heard an unfamiliar voice say behind me. How did everyone know my name?
“Yes?” I said closing my locker.
“I’m going to put this very clear, stay your ass from Mario,” the mixed girl said harshly.
“What the hell are you talking about?” I asked.
“You know what I am talking about, I’m Christa Jasmine’s best friend. Mario and Jasmine are together and your getting in the way” She said as I looked at her crazy.
I had a big mouth and usually I would say what I felt but I couldn’t argue like this on the first day.
I just turned back around and she finally left.
Was I was just threatened on the first day of school?
Chapter 4: Fighting fire with fire
At the end of the day I grabbed my book bag not really in the mood to wait or talk to anyone. Shad would just have to find his way back home.
Since I still didn’t have my taxi calling skills full out yet, I decided to walk to a bus stop.
I kept repeating what that girl said back and back in my head. Heck, she didn’t even know me. No one really did.
I tripped over a rock on the road and didn’t fall but stumbled dropping my binder. I tied my shoe and wiped my pants off.
“You ok?” Mario said picking it up for me.
I stared into his brown eyes, “Yeah, I’m aight,” I said thanking him.
“Are you usually this quiet?” He asked as I stopped walking.
“No, actually never. The funny thing is I already have haters though so I guess I’m doing something wrong” I said quietly.
“Who?” He said defensively walking beside me.
“It doesn’t matter,” I said not walking to talk about it. I guess he could tell so he kept quiet even though I knew he wanted to ask about it.
“Why do you care so much about me anyways,” I said bluntly, the words just coming out of my head.
I realized it was a dumb question and felt stupid, as he was quiet.
“I mean you’re new and I know how tough it can be,” He said as I looked at him.
“You know?”
“Ok maybe I don’t but I don’t know you just stand out,” He said quietly.
I looked at him and smiled to myself. “How?”
“For one thing your not all over me. I mean I’m not trying to put myself on a pedestal but a brother can never get alone time sometimes” He said as I kept on smiling.
“Can I walk you home?” He asked as I nodded.
“You don’t have to babysit me though,” I said as he shrugged.
“I know,” He said looking around.
I looked at him when he wasn’t looking. Mario Jetts was special and I think I had something for him. I know we didn’t know each other but he was so sweet and what Jasmine said about him, wasn’t true. I wondered why he was with her though.
We got on the bus and he sat beside me. I looked out the window to avoid confrontation.
As we hit a sharp turn I fell on Mario’s lap.
“Sorry” I said embarrassed as he just laughed. Shoot, I just started laughing too.
When we got by the corner in front of my house, I noticed maybe this wasn’t a good idea. I didn’t know Mario but somehow I felt safe with him.
I walked halfway and stopped.
“I got it,” I said softly holding my books.
“Aight girl. See you around” He said as I stood there awkwardly.
When he left, I waited to see him leave a corner and then went home.
I kept thinking about him.
“How was school?” Mom said happily as Shad was watching TV.
“Really good” I said lying and my mom could tell.
“Hun, don’t lie to your momma,” She said motioning me to sit down.
“Mom I want to move back. It was ok but I just don’t see how I can last here” I said putting my hair in a high bun.
“Chantelle please just give it one more try. You might find someone there really special,” She said as I thought about Mario.
“Ok Ma” I said sitting by Rashad.
“Hey you” I said as he nodded.
“Why did you not ride the taxi?” He asked.
“I didn’t know how to call it,” I said as he laughed at me.
I snatched the remote as he snatched it back. We were classic siblings.
Suddenly my phone played Drake and I knew it was Tiffany.
I got up as Shad tried to trip me and got my phone of the coffee table.
“Hey trick” She said happily.
“Hey hoe, how was the first day of school?”
“Amazing, wonderful, the best” She said as I took every word in.
“Oh” I said softly going to my room.
“So how about you?”
“Um…Great. I met some people”
“Any cute boys? I heard them northern boys got swag,” She asked briefly. Tiffany was always boy-crazy so of course that’s the number 1 question she’s looking for.
“Yeah, Mario Jetts” I said softly as I heard her gasp. I mean boy, he was cute but I knew I had some lying to do.
“Oh girl he sexy? Good smile? Does he have abs? Any tattoes?”
“Ok Tiff slow your roll and he is pretty sexy. He has white teeth and a dimple on his right cheek and he has a whole army of abs!” I said surprising myself of how much I knew about him already.
“Send me a picture! Does he like you?”
“See now I don’t know about all of that, but Tiff, he has a girlfriend so its not that it matters”
“Wait what!? The man has a girlfriend?”
“Yeah and she looks like a fake ghetto slut”
“Already hate the bitch”
“Tiff she is! And she got one of her girls to confront me about Mario, like I know him that much. But he did…”
“Did what!?”
“He walked me…home”
“Aw Chantelle how old are you? I thought you were going to say something worth waiting for”
“Tiff I just met him and I’m not sure I really like him”
“Whatever Chan, just update me on this boy Mario, will ya? Now I got to go, bye,” She said into the phone.
“Ok bye” I said then hanging up.
I turned the TV down and looked out the window. Someone was playing Superhuman by Keri Hilson in the next Brownstone. I saw an image of a girl and a boy kissing in the window and smiled.
I went to my bed and pulled out my scrapbook. I took pictures everywhere I went in Atlanta. I laughed at the pictures of me and Tiff when we were 8 dressed up as Kid and Play on Halloween. I flipped the book and found pictures of our 8th grade trip to Washington DC. I remembered that trip like it was yesterday. Tiffany flirting with the hotel bellboy, us all running around the long hallways of the hotel, getting lost in the white house and even having my first kiss.
I saw more pictures from 8th grade graduation, cookouts, sleepovers, concerts, and just acting crazy with my home girls and homeboys.
I sighed and put my book away. How was I ever going to make close friends like I did in Atlanta? I pictured the rounds and I hanging out but it wasn’t the same. Nothing was the same. And getting a threat on the first day of school wasn’t convincing me that I would like it.
Chapter 4: Making progress
I closed my locker. It was Wednesday, and thankfully the 1st week was almost over. I had avoided Jasmine and the other girl because simply I had better things to do.
It was lunch period and I saw Tatiana coming up to me wearing a funky dress and heels.
“Hey” She said.
“Hey girl, wanna head to lunch?” I asked as she nodded.
“Nice bracelet” Tatiana said noticing my woven one.
“Thanks, they’re popular in Atlanta,” I said as she laughed.
“What?”
“Your accent, I love it. I might marry a southern guy,” She said as I smiled.
“You need someone to call you shawty eh?” I asked as she laughed even more.
“Oh my gosh, Shawty is so southern. You couldn’t find a boy up here saying that to his main” She said as I laughed even more.
We went outside to the table where all the rounds sat. I haven’t really been social today so I wonder how lunch would turn out since I haven’t talked to anyone really that much yet. The good thing was Mario wasn’t here today but deep down, I really wanted him to be.
Maria sat down with a homemade Mexican enchilada and a soda.
“I’m starved,” She said as Hailey sat right beside her admiring her journal.
“What in T-pain’s name is on your book?” Tatiana asked.
“Eminem, my love. He can spit and he has the looks,” Hailey said as Maria snickered.
“Wow Hailey, he’s all over this,” I said as she nodded.
“One day I’ll be Mrs. Slim Shady go head and hate,” She said as Maria busted out laughing.
“Hailey, the only thing ya’ll have in common is you both think you are black,” Tatiana said as we all laughed.
“Like I said go head and hate,” she said as Jaleel sat beside Maria. They spent minutes embracing each other as we all looked at them.
“So are they really just friends?” I whispered to Tatiana as she shook her head.
“Yeah if friends make out, kiss each other every day and have sex” Tatiana replied as Maria threw a napkin at her.
“Hey boo, I’m a virgin so don’t play” Maria said as even Jaleel looked at her shocked.
She smiled and kissed him getting up.
“Ok, I’m going to run to the store with Jaleel” She said as they hugged.
“Don’t come back with a baby,” Hailey said as Maria rolled her eyes at her.
As they left, I saw Jasmine and the other girl eye me as they went back in the building.
“What the hell is their prob?” Hailey asked.
“Their bitches, what isn’t there problem?” Tatiana said as I agreed.
I decided to not tell them about how they confronted me. It wasn’t worth it.
“Look who decided to show up” Hailey said as Mario walked up the steps to the school.
He gave some boys dap and smiled at some Hailey.
“That nigga is so fresh” Tatiana said in a breath as I turned around. He was wearing a white shirt and basketball pants with slides. He did look fresh.
“Hm, his mom and dad knew how to create a perfect child,” She added as I looked at her crazy.
“I’m going to call him over Ma…”
“No don’t do that!” I said pulling down her hand.
“What…why?” She asked waving him to come over.
I felt like sinking in my seat as he sat right beside me giving Tatiana dap.
“Hey brother” Hailey said rubbing his head as he gave her a crazy look.
It was awkward as I felt him staring at me.
“Hey” we both said at the same time as Tatiana gave us a look.
It was silent again as Hailey and Tatiana laughed at each other.
“Hey Tati let’s go get some buttered bread” Hailey said as they got up.
“Can I come?” I asked as Tatiana and her ran away.
I sighed, as Mario didn’t get up.
“Yo, did you get home safely?” He asked as I nodded.
“Yeah, did you?”
“Of course. I know these streets,” He said proudly as I smiled.
“How long have you lived here?” I asked trying to start conversation.
“For my whole entire life, my dad used to play for the New York Knicks” He replied as I nodded.
“Pretty cool” I said as he smiled at me.
“Your from ATL?”
“How’d you know?” I asked quickly feeling like everyone knew too much about me.
“Your accent. The way you present yourself. I think it’s cute,” He said as I giggled. Cute as in puppy cute or as in love cute? I wished he would be more specific.
“I get it all the time,” I said staring into his brown eyes.
“Well I’ll see you later shawty,” He said getting up as I wished he would stay longer.
“Ok” I said as he left winking.
“Shawty! Did he just call you shawty?” Hailey said as Tatiana and her jumped squealing.
“It was just a gesture…”
“Chantelle, that is so sweet” Hailey said as they cooed at me.
“Is that all he did to you?” Tatiana asked as if we were already the perfect two.
“He walked me home yesterday” I said as Tatiana squealed.
“That was strike 1; this was strike 2” Hailey said as I looked confused.
“Wait hold up what? We’re playing baseball?”
“No honey, up here we like to call it a love homerun and Mario just needs to do one more thing. He has already showed he cares about you, already has shown that he’s likes you and is interested and that last thing you need is a kiss” Tatiana said sounding like a scholar in love.
“C’mon you two he has a girlfriend, Jasmine” I said as they sighed.
“That hoe is a liar. Mario and her had a thing in 9th grade and she can’t get over it. He’s on the market, its twitter official” Hailey said as I couldn’t help but smile.
“Now tell me this, out of all the girls in the school wanting to get at him, why would he pick a new girl who he knows nothing about?” I asked trying to calm them down.
“Because Mario knows what he likes and its you,” Tatiana said.
I sighed and nodded. “Whatever” I said as they sang.
“Mario’s in love, Mario’s in love and Chantelle is too” They chimed in together as Tatiana added some Aretha Franklin to it.
“I am not in love, quiet you guys,” I said as Jasmine came back outside with a not so nice look on her face.
“The trick is back,” Tatiana said getting quiet.
I held my guard up, I knew she wasn’t going to get to me; I just had to make sure my mind knew that.
She looked at me and shook her head like I did something bad. Then she left.
“Oh girl what did you do?” Tatiana asked.
“Nothing” I said getting up as the bell rung. “And honestly I don’t care”.
All next period, I thought about how maybe I should confront Jasmine. I didn’t know her much, and I wanted to know her beef.
As I got out of class, I eyed her by a water fountain looked at her long blue killer nails. I had second thoughts with images of her clawing my eyes out but I didn’t let that stop me.
“Ay, can we talk?” I asked as she looked at me up and down.
“I don’t have nothing to say to you” She replied walking away.
“Then why are you shooting me looks and getting people to threaten me as If you were too scared to?” I asked as she stopped in her tracks.
I crossed my arms and she bit her lip.
“Who do you think you are? Coming to this school like you’re all big and bad. Well lemme help you out. You might’ve been in ATL but this is Brooklyn Heights sweetie and I’m the boss,” She said firmly.
“Not one time did I try to ruin that,” I said knowing I would regret it. My blabbermouth was coming back.
“Yeah but trying to steal my man. The whole school is taking about how pretty and stylish you is and how you would look cute with Mario, I don’t think so” She said getting in my face, her nostrils flaring.
“Calm down Jasmine” Her friend, said looking at me.
I kept my eyes on her and didn’t flinch. She didn’t scare me one bit.
Jasmine backed down and pushed my books on the floor.
“Fall back into your place, new girl,” She said strutting away.
I laughed it off and picked back up my books.
“Damn Chantelle, you are going to regret that” Jaleel said as I shrugged.
“Then I guess I will”.
I walked into science and sat in the back this time beside Mario. I liked talking to him.
“Look who decided to be social” Mario said as I smiled.
“I am social, except around strangers,” I said.
“So now I’m a stranger,” He said as the bell rung. I just let him think about it as the teacher wrote some things to copy on the board. I sat my High-tops in the desk basket in front of me but before I could write, I saw a little note.
“You should let me walk you home again” I read in my head.
I looked back at Mario and right then the teacher decided to call my name.
“Chantelle, if both theories and hypothesis are explanations, what is the difference between them?” Mrs. Redd said as I flipped through my notes.
“A hypothesis
is a provisional or working explanation, assumed true only to guide experimentation or for the sake of argument. A theory is a well-established explanation,” I said as she smiled. I loved catching teachers off guard.
“Damn she smart and sexy” A guy said quietly as Mario looked at him.
“Man that’s not a way to talk to a lady” Mario said as the guy backed down.
After class, Mario did something that was too sweet. He waited on me.
“Honestly you don’t have to wait on me or walk me home” I said.
He stopped walking for a second and just laughed.
“You have a funny laugh,” I said laughing too.
“Hey Mario, looking good today” A girl with long braids said looking like Janet Jackson off poetic justice.
“Thanks” He said as I looked at him.
“What?” He said blushing.
“You know you look good don’t you?” I asked as she nodded.
“Don’t you think I do?”
I didn’t answer but kept walking.
“Chantelle wait” He said as I went to my locker.
I loved to see him frustrated.
“Ay Mario meet us at the field, we’re playing ball” A group of tall boys said.
“Aight Malcolm” Mario replied as I closed my locker.
“So you’re the star basketball player huh?” I asked as he smiled.
“Well I mean…you play any sports?” He asked.
“I was a cheerleader for a while, does that count?” I asked.
“Sure do. I’ve seen them compete. Boys don’t know what they talking about. They go hard with those splits and jumps,” He said. “Plus I have a sister Gabrielle and she would kill me if I ever said it wasn’t a sport”.
“Ha I see,” I said as I waved to Maria and Hailey who glanced at Mario and I.
“People are always going to think stuff ya know,” he said as we walked down the steps of the school.
“Till you die,” I added.
“Real talk”
“I thought you had to meet those boys at the field,” I said.
“They can wait,” He said bouncing a basketball.
I felt like oozing into brown liquid. I couldn’t believe he would put walking me home in front of playing sports. This man was a keeper.
“So tell me about you” He said dribbling the ball between his legs.
“My name is Chantelle Tara Judson, I am 5’6, I love Trey Songz, never had a pet in my life, dream of being a celebrity hair stylist, and I am currently single” I said.
“Dang, watch me remember all of that. Well I’m your boy Mario Daniel Jetts, got my first name from a video game character and my second name from the Bible” He said as I laughed.
It felt good to know we shared the same religion, and he had a since of humor.
“Anything else?” I said not trying to sound thirsty.
“If you catch the ball, then you get trivia,” He said as I sighed.
Mario was tall and had to be 6 foot or more so I knew it would be a challenge.
I jumped trying to kick the ball out of his hands but it didn’t move.
He tossed it in the air and I pushed his chest to get it. Dang the boy did have abs. I instantly felt a 6 pack.
“Mario Daniel Jetts, this isn’t fair,” I said as he laughed at me looking like a fool.
He held the ball right in front of it and I hustled to grab it. Finally when I got it, out of breath, he spoke up.
“I like this girl” He said as I froze.
I put my hair in a bun and felt my makeup smear. I wasn’t scared to get physical.
“Who is this girl?” I asked.
“Catch the ball,” He said as I sighed.
After I wrestled for the ball from him, I fell on the soft grass and called a time out.
He sat beside me with the ball in his hand and I tricked him into grabbing it.
“You might be a baller, but you aren’t hard to trick” I said as he sucked his teeth.
Suddenly I noticed the time and it was almost 4.
“Damn” I muttered getting up.
“Look and you made me ruin my jeans,” I said hitting him playfully.
For the rest of the walk, we walked by each other and he dribbled the ball.
“Chantelle I’m not going to stall or hide it, I like you a lot. Your chill, smart, pretty and funny” He said suddenly as I looked at him.
“I like you too” I said smiling at him.
It was silent after that. I couldn’t believe that just happened. He didn’t try to fake it or anything. He kept it real, and I did too.
When I saw Mario, I thought he was instantly handsome. His medium brown skin, nice smile with white teeth, tall and muscular frame, his eyes that you could look at forever and ever and still not comprehend. I looked at him and gushed. No one ever made me feel this way. Even though Mario was the it-boy of the school, and he could date any girl he wanted, he choose me.
When we arrived to my home, he hugged me and we looked at each other for a while.
“Bye Mario” I said softly as he nodded licking his lips.
I closed the door and put my back against it sliding down.
“He…likes me,” I said to myself as mom saw me.
“Baby, what took you so long? You had me worried,” She said sweeping around.
“Ma, I’m fine, well actually I’m amazing,” I said getting up still playing the moments over and over in my head.
“You like this boy” She said as I nodded. My mom knew anything about everything. One expression and BAM! She would go all Doctor Phil.
“Mario Jetts, junior, top school basketball player, Christian, funny, outgoing, handsome, tall, and…”
“Chan, breath for a second honey” Mom said as I smiled sitting down.
“Its my 3rd day of school, how could this happen?” I asked as she smiled.
“So I bet you want to stay now?” She asked.
“Yes ma’am” I said getting up. “I wouldn’t leave if Trey Songz told me too, well maybe” I said as she laughed.
“Go get washed up, we’re making some southern food,” She said as I agreed.
After dinner, I went to the steps that were kind of my new thinking spot. I tried calling Tiffany but she didn’t answer. I knew if I told any of my new friends, they would go HAM so I decided to keep this to myself.
“Hey” I heard a voice say.
“Mario” I said getting up as he was with another guy. They looked sweaty and both held basketballs.
“I’m Will,” The other boy said holding his hand out. I remember when Hailey pointed him out.
Before I could say hey back, Will started spitting a rap.
(insert a rap).
After he was done, he did a 360 spin and landed on his knees.
“Like I said welcome shawty, Mario told me you were from the south” He said as I smiled at Mario.
“What else did Mario tell you?” I asked as he scratched his chin.
“That you were the sexiest girl alive. JK but he probably wanted to” Will said as Mario gave him a noogee.
Will and Mario seemed so close. Like Kenan and Kel or Biggie and P.Diddy.
“So how do you like NY?” Will asked sitting beside me.
“It’s good, I want to see the big city though,” I said as his eyes lit up.
“We should all go!” He said as Mario calmed him down.
“Man how you saying that and you can’t drive?” Mario asked as I laughed giving him a high five.
“Shut-up. Ay man one on one again?”
“Naw I’m tired plus I know I’ll just win again” Mario said as Will sucked his teeth.
“Well nice meeting you Chantelle and Mario see you later dawg” He said as they did a monumental handshake.
“Wow” I said as he left dribbling the ball away. The sun was setting and surprisingly Mario stayed sitting beside me.
“Look Chantelle, sorry if I came out too strong. I just like to keep it at a hundred and that’s how I feel about you” He said.
“Its ok Mario and I admire that. To many shady guys out there. I just don’t think we can be…too close” I said getting up. I had to let him know what Jasmine was doing to me. If she found Mario and I, she would freak.
“What? Why?” He asked.
“Jasmine, since I got here, she’s been on my back. Because she thinks I’m ruining her and you. I’m just trying to be cool with everyone” I said as he stood up.
“Chantelle she’s just jealous because she has to buy her nails, hair, and face to think she’s pretty. I did have something with her in 9th grade but its over, why does it matter what she wants anyway?”
“It doesn’t, I just hate that I already have beef with just 3 days being at this school. Everything’s happening so soon,” I said.
“It’s not like I asked you to be my girl or anything,” He said.
“I know and its not you, its just I want some time to think about all of this” I said as he nodded.
“I understand you,” He said getting up giving me a hug.
He left and that was that.
The next morning, I wore a cute shirt and dark jeans with boots on. Everyday seemed to get colder by the hour.
“Morning” Mom said flipping her famous cheese eggs.
“Hello” I said as Rashad dove into them.
“Don’t kill it,” I said as he pulled my ear.
“You look pretty with your hair up,” Mom said as I smiled.
“Why thank you doll,” I said touching my long ponytail.
Tatiana was back with Rashad and I in the taxi and the whole time she stared at him.
“So um Chantelle, how is life,” He said trying to get her to back off. I thought it was pretty funny so I decided to make him even more miserable.
“How bout you ask Tatiana,” I said as she smiled giddy like.
“It’s rocking,” She said as he gave me a mad look.
When we got in the school, I saw Jasmine’s back up girl by some lockers like she was waiting for me.
“Hey are you ok?” She asked me as I kept walking. I didn’t have the time.
“Whatever just trying to reach out,” she snapped like she was bi-polar or something.
“Hey Chantelle, nice boots” A girl said coming up to me.
“Thanks” I said smiling.
“So how did you get that sexy boy Mario Jetts to date you after a day? It takes months for a girl to get him,” She said as I looked at her.
“We’re not together. Who told you?”
“Girl its all over the school. Your popular now girl” She said as I dropped my book bag.
“Hey boyfriend” I said to Mario as he finished talking to some boys.
“I didn’t know we were together,” He said turning around smiling.
“Then how come the whole school thinks that,” I said crossing my arms.
“Damn you sexy” A boy said to me.
“Who are you?” I asked madly.
“Ay son back up” Mario said defensively.
“No disrespect man, I’m sorry for messin wit yo girl, ay need condoms Rio?” He said putting his hands in the air.
“This was a bad idea,” I said making a scene.
“What? We never even kissed or anything” Mario said shutting his locker.
“Then how bout you tell everyone around the school that” I said grabbing my book bag.
He grabbed my hand but I snatched it back.
“Hey Mario” I heard Jasmine say trying to provoke me. I didn’t care she could have him. I liked him a lot but how could he do that? He must’ve fallen and bumped his head.
In Mrs. Barkley’s class, Mario didn’t speak to me and I didn’t each other.
Yo what’s going on a slip of paper said on my desk.
“We’ll talk later” I said to her as she nodded.
I put my head down and couldn’t think about what I did. It was only the first week and all of this was going down. I did Mario wrong and felt sick in the stomach. Jasmine was probably all up to this.
The bell rung and I got up quickly gulping.
“Mario” I called as he kept walking.
I shook my head and went to my next class. I messed up; I didn’t know how much Mario meant to me until he ignored me.
“Earth to Chantelle” Jaleel said at lunch tapping my head.
“She ain’t going to respond” Will said sitting down.
“Can you tell us what’s wrong?” Hailey asked.
“Ya need a big bear hug?” Will asked making me laugh.
I got up and wiped my face, which was probably imprinted by the table design.
Mario walked beside our table.
“Hey everyone, Will, Jaleel we need to talk” Mario said to him not looking at me.
“Yeah man” Will said as him and Jaleel got up as Mario left.
“He hates me,” I said softly.
“Oh no the long lived 4 day Chanio is over?” Hailey said as Maria and Tatiana laughed.
“Personally I liked Mantelle better,” Tatiana said as they all laughed.
“Laugh it off,” I said. “But we were not together and now we will never be” I said as Hailey hugged me.
“Chantelle, there’s other boys. And they all like you” Tatiana said making me not feel better like I should.
“I don’t care,” I said getting up.
“Chantelle come over here” Will said to me.
“Yes?”
“Mario’s dad is sick again and he’s bummed out, maybe you can talk to him” Will said.
“Wait what? Is his dad ok?” I asked.
“Not really, he had 2 strokes last year and the doctors are saying he ain gonna make it” Will said.
“Mario and I…”
“I know ya’ll are having issues but he really likes you” Will said as I nodded.
“You got this,” He added as I tried to find him.
“Mario” I said seeing him sitting behind the school.
He didn’t say anything.
“Look I went off on you earlier, for no reason. It was probably Jasmine’s fault and I screwed up. I’m so sorry about your dad, I’m here,” I said.
“No your not Chantelle, you just came because Will sent you” He said.
“But, well ok he did but if anyone sent me, I would come in a heartbeat” I said sitting by him.
“You don’t want any part of me and that’s ok” He said.
“I do…”
“No you don’t” He insisted.
“So its over?” I asked.
“It never began” He replied as I squeezed my jaw.
I got up and shrugged.
“Bye Mario” I said walking away.
I wiped my eye and went inside the school. I didn’t care about my lunch or anything. I went into the gym and sat on the bleachers.
“Oh I’m sorry Chantelle did he break up with you?” Jasmine said standing in the front of the gym.
“Don’t mess with me right now” I said as she rolled her eyes.
“How bout you just go back to your country town? Your not made for up here. I told you I was the boss,” she said as I got up. God, I know fighting is never the answer but I just can’t take this.
I went down the bleachers and got up in her face.
“Look trick, I don’t need you in my life. I’m sorry you haven’t gotten over Mario but he doesn’t want you. 9th grade is over” I said grabbing her shirt.
“Who the hell…” She said pushing me. I pushed her back to the ground as she pulled me back down.
“Let go!” She said as I held her hair.
“Fight, fight, fight!” some 12th graders said as I got up.
“You’re a bitch!” She screamed getting up madly kicking a soccer ball at me. Mario came in and stopped her from hurting me while Rashad grabbed me.
“Chantelle what the hell are you doing?” He said as the principle came in.
“Break it up girls! Both in my office!” Principle Romano said pointing his stubby fingers at us.
People became quiet as I hugged Rashad.
“Stay strong,” He whispered in my ear as I wiped my face. Tears of anger streamed my face as Jasmine pretended to limp.
“I am very mortally disappointed at you two. Starting a fight in the gym?” He said as we sat in his two chairs.
“Let me get this straight. Jasmine started the verbal part while Chantelle grabbed Jasmine’s shirt. They then pushed each other and fell to the ground with Chantelle pulling Jasmine’s hair” He said as we nodded.
“And I think I broke my leg” Jasmine added as Principle Romano looked at her.
“Jasmine if anything the nurse said you hurt Chantelle, sweetie is your hand ok?”
“Yes” I said quietly as Jasmine looked at me.
“I’m so sorry” She said trying to put on an act. I wasn’t stupid.
“I don’t accept,” I said roughly not looking at her.
“Look girls, the guidance counselor will deal with the emotional stuff, I will deal with discipline though. Chantelle your mother should be here and Jasmine you never gave me a guardian” He said as she sank in her chair.
“Um…My mom is at work she can’t come,” She said, as he nodded not 100 percent taking her seriously.
“As of now, you both can either take detention Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday or Suspension on Monday” He said.
“Um Suspension hello” Jasmine said quickly.
“My mom will let you know,” I said as she smirked.
“Jasmine quiet and ok Chantelle” He said as my mom came in. She looked disappointed by her eyes but wore a smile as she greeted the principle.
“Mrs. Judson please sit, Jasmine go to Mrs. Lee’s room,” He said as she got up letting my mom sit down.
“Any problem sir?” My mom asked even though I knew she knew I was in trouble.
“Your daughter Chantelle Judson got in a fight with fellow student Jasmine Richards” He said, as my mom looked at me her face turning sad.
He then let me explain to my mom the truth. I finally told her what was really going on with Jasmine including the Mario situation, the threat, her pushing my books down and confrontation. I knew my mom was upset I didn’t come to her about it. She then decided on the detention for my punishment.
“Chantelle since it seems like Jasmine did the damage, I will only count you detention on Monday and Tuesday instead” He said as I nodded.
“I will be right back to check on Jasmine,” He said leaving as my mom looked at me.
“Mom” I started to say but she didn’t take it.
“Let’s go home,” She said as I got up.
“Mom I need to talk to the guidance counselor” I said.
“Child, I’ll be your guidance character,” She said firmly.
After letting Principle Romano know, I went to my locker to pack up.
I saw Mario walk his way by me and just kept packing. It had been the worst day ever.
The ride home was quiet until my mom turned down her Anita Baker CD.
“Chantelle Tara, I can not believe you. Girl I will take your butt right out of that school and send it to remedial if you want to start fights” Is what I thought she would say but she didn’t instead she said this:
“Chantelle Tara, I am highly upset about what happened but why didn’t you tell me about it? It breaks my heart,” She said as a tear fell down my mad face.
“Mom how would I? Oh mom, yeah I’m getting bullied and it’s the first week of school,” I said.
“That would be better then just not saying anything. I can’t believe this. Over that boy huh?”
“Yeah who I am done with” I said even sadder thinking about it.
“Baby that’s it, I’m pulling you out of that school” She said making a sharp turn.
“Mom no” I said even though 10 minutes ago I would’ve praised danced.
She played gospel music softly to calm her down.
“Chantelle, this is bullying! I don’t understand,” She said as I nodded.
She pulled home and told me to go to my room to think.
I sat on my bed. What did I do wrong?
I laid my face in my legs and just thought about how my life was crumbling. What happened to the popular fierce Chantelle in Atlanta? Maybe Jasmine was right; I wasn’t made for up here.
I heard Rashad come in and run to my room.
“What happened sis? I was so worried” He said as RJ came in to.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said under my covers.
“Leave her alone” Mom said as they left.
“Chantelle?” Mom asked.
I got up and she showed me something on her laptop screen.
“Prescott High School is right outside of Brooklyn by your dad’s job. Let’s go by there,” She said as I shook my head.
“I can’t mom! They’ll think I’m a loser for backing out” I said as she hugged me.
“No you are not! This is for your safety and to make you happier now get up and let’s go see a movie,” Mom said.
I smiled a little and went to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and saw the face in front of me. It looked like the one from Atlanta, but the person was different. I remembered how strong I was and missed that. I wished I never met Mario.
I grabbed my coat and we left. As we rode there, I thought about Prescott High. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea.
That night I slept good, knowing Friday was tomorrow.
“Remember Chantelle, if anything goes wrong, just call me or your mother” Dad said as I felt bad everyone knew about it.
“I can handle it dad,” I said smiling. I had a new attitude and I knew today was going to be ok.