Just Listen

Chapter 26

KP's POV

I thought that going back to school things would be okay. But to my dismay, they went from 10 to a 100. I walked in the hallways after classes, disapproving, disgusted, pitying gazes were on me. I became the highlight of the day. Most probably the year.

"That's Uncanny's daughter."

"Didn't she say her dad passed away?"

"I saw him last week on the bridge, playing hero."

"I bet she lied to get attention."

"Yeah, new girl drama."

"I mean like, who does she think she is? Look at her hair.."

"Her skin."

The worst part, I heard them as they talked and pointed fingers at me. I guess I was the epitome of disgrace. Tears welled up in my eyes, yet I refused to let them fall. I clung on tightly to my backpack's buckles and continued heading to Lucrecia's dorm room. Sure I wasn't white enough, neither was I black enough. I don't even know what I am. Both my parents are different.

I sighed as I knocked on her door and open it. "Cece?" I mumbled. She was curled up in her sheets. I removed my backpack and sat next to her on her bed. "Hey, you okay? You weren't in class today. In fact, things seemed a little tense with your stepfather the other night."

Lucrecia sniffled, sitting up. She looked like she had been crying for weeks. "What's the matter?"

"Daddy's getting back together with mom..." her voice was strained.

Honestly, I wasn't shocked. I expected it sooner or later. I just didn't expect how she would react.

"Kamilah I loved him! I love him! Why would he do this to me?" She cried.

"How did you get to this conclusion?" I enquired, being picky with what I said.

She blew her nose and wiped her tears. "That night we came to pick you up, prior to it, I went to his place to surprise him. Ended up being the one surprised. I found him digging his tongue down her throat on the kitchen counter. Her dress was slightly above mid thigh, one shoulder was off and he stood in between. I knew exactly then that if I hadn't arrived, things would have escalated." She paused, casting her eyes down.

"And your mom?"

"She told me that she knew about us. That she loved him way too much to let a loose teenage girl...her own daughter, take away her man." She wailed.

Talk about competition.

I honestly didn't know how to comfort her. "Uhhh..."

"Like what the hell? Daddy likes them younger. He likes me more. I mean look at me. I'm quite an eye candy. Big breast. Nice booty and body. Good in bed...." She suddenly ceased talking.

"What's wrong?" I voiced confused.

"Kamilah, you're crying." Her statement confused me, until she scooted closer and gently wiped the tears off, I realized that during her venting I was occupied with my own thoughts.

"I am so sorry Kami. Here I am talking nonsense when you're here dying inside. Forgive me for being insensitive." She begged calmly, pulling me in a hug.

I let all my frustration out. "It hurts Cece. Never in my life have I ever been bullied."

Lucrecia pulled back gasping. Shock evident in her eyes. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You were absent in class, duh." I joked a little to light up the atmosphere.

"Those snobby girls call me names. Saying I lied about my dad so everyone would pity me and I'd fit in. I'd never do that. He lied to me." I cried.

"Oh girlfriend, what are you worrying about you're pretty." She gave me a hearty look.

"Pretty? I am too light for the black kids and yet too black for the white kids Lucrecia-"

"You're more than enough to me." She cut me off.

She took my hands in hers. "Kamilah Paisley Maeve, you're more than enough. I love your carefree spirit. I love those hazel eyes even though they are quite calculating. Your dark brown hair is beautiful. Your caramel skin is gorgeous. Rihanna's upturned eyes make you look like a doll." We both lightly chuckled. "Everytime you walk in the hallways, people can't stop staring, because you eminate power. They are jealous of you. You carry your crown with pride. They can't take that away from you. Own it! Differences make you unique." She wiped my tears off and I managed to pull up a smile. "There is power in your name, both Valley and Maeve. Don't let it be a stumbling block, rather stack up those blocks and climb to the top girl."

"Wow, you surprised me Lucrecia. You ain't just a pretty face."

She flicked her raven hair back, "Please, I once dealt with bullies. They ain got nothing on me." We both giggled. She turned out alright. A friend I can lean on. "So, how are you holding up with your dad who came back from the dead and mom, who tried to commit suicide?"

I heaved a sigh, "They are weighing me down real bad. I feel betrayed..."

Knock, knock.

Lucrecia answered and my aunt opened the door. "It's time to go," she shyly said. 

I rolled my eyes, hugging Lucrecia. "See you tomorrow."

_________________________________________

The car ride was silent, I was still not ready to talk to her. She betrayed me too. "Uhm-" I opened the car door and got out closing it before she could say anything.

I don't want yo hear any more lies. I got in the house and my eyes landed on my parents.

"I love you dammit!" Dad was shaking Uncanny violently as she cried. I rolled my eyes and walked past them. "Kami, wait." Dad called out. Giving Uncanny a kiss on the forehead and wiping her tears before he came up to me on the stairs. I fought the urge to not scream and shout. "Your mother and I-"

"You and Uncanny."

He sighed, "Have decided to give the press a statement." I folded my arms as my left eyebrow rose. "We want to announce that we are a family and..."

"Hold up. You come back from the dead and all you think about is that woman and the press? Where do I fit in this? Have you considered how this is affecting me?" Tears streamed down my cheeks. He infuriated me. "Where is the father who made me his number one priority?"

"Kami, your mother is also my priority too. She is just as important."

"Fine. You deserve each other." I spat, spinning on my heels and heading to my room. I got in and locked it. Fine if she is whom he cares about most, I'm moving out. I can't stand her.

I was about to start packing when I remembered the perks of Saint Xavior High preparatory. I grinned menacingly. No need to pack. Just gotta wait for the final element and I am out of here.