Woke

36.)

Chris:

I sprayed some cologne onto myself, before leaving my bathroom. After going into my room to grab my wallet and keys, I ran downstairs to my car. Just as I shut the front door to my house, Kiara stepped out of hers. She looked stunning and professional in a tan colored pantsuit and black heels. 

As she walked across our yards to get into my car, I gave her a playful once-over. "Is that your mom's?

"Shut up," she groaned, "I had nothing to wear."

"You look great." I leaned over and pressed a small kiss on her temple. The ride was mostly silent, but understandably so. I knew Kiara was scared-- I was honestly a bit nervous myself. It was the first day of our hearing for the sex tape leak, and I was praying it'd work in our favor. I wanted this to be over so badly. I was the brunt of all the jokes in the basketball group chat, especially since they knew better than to disrespect Kiara with me right there. She had finally confided in me about all the troll accounts that were attacking her in her comments and DMs, which really pissed me off. She didn't deserve that, especially when the tape was a mutual decision.

"What's gonna happen if we get expelled?" Kiara asked, when we finally pulled into a parking spot.

"We won't."

"Chris... we have to consider that we might."

I could hear the stress in her voice, and though I was feeling it too, I fought to stay calm. "I think that's a bridge to cross when we get there. We've gotta focus on what is, not what may be. Regardless of the outcome, we're gonna get through this together."

She tried to give me a brave smile, but I knew my words did very little to soothe her. I reached over and gave her hand a quick squeeze, then got out of the car. After opening the car door for her, I interlaced our fingers and started to walk towards the building. Walking through the glass doors, I let out a heavy breath. Meeting a police officer and explaining what we were there for, Kiara and I were then lead towards a room.

Upon opening the doors, the atmosphere immediately felt cold. Adult eyes scrutinized my girlfriend and I as we made our way down the ramp and towards seats in the front.

The setup was pretty expected. A small table was set up in front of an extended podium that held five chairs. Kiara and I sat down at the table. A few minutes later, our parents came in. My mom and dad sat on my right, while Ms. Angela and Edward sat on Kiara's left. Principal Karr and Deputy Chapman were seated at a table beside us. There were chairs sat behind us, and I could see Monica, Tiana, and Devon nervously watching us. Behind them were Mrs. Chambers, my coach, all of our other teachers, and a few more people I couldn't see. Who the fuck invited all of these people? I never let go of Kiara's hand, as we waited for the hearing to begin.

Right at 7pm, a side door opened and out stepped five members of the school board. There were three men and two women, all of which were old and white. I noticed one of the man's eyes flashed down to our intertwined hands.

"God, we are so screwed." Kiara whispered, only to hiss in pain at what I assumed was her mother stepping on her foot.

"Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance." The officer that escorted us in announced.

Everybody stood up to face the flag, though I could hear Kiara mumbling something about "some lying ass cult pledge." I personally never said the pledge at school, but I had a weird feeling that if we didn't, it wouldn't go unnoticed.

Kiara must've sensed that too, because as the entire room in unison said the words to the pledge, I could see Kiara's mouth moving but not hear her voice.