Why Are You Obsessed with My Race?

Why Are You Obsessed with My Race? Chapter 1

L

ife is rough, and at times, it can be so hard being—me. Every single day I find myself battling demons that are not in my mind, but more so, the way of the world that is full of judgmental people. School is the most unpredictable and complex place that takes up most of my time. To be honest, I could be doing something better with it. However, I am here. Sitting at my desk, twirling my pencil in my hand, and watching the second-hand tick on the stainless-steel clock on the white brick wall. The bell finally rings for dismissal. We were supposed to be heading to our next class, but for some reason, we have an assembly to attend. This place suffocates me. Every time I walk the halls, the air is dry and heavy, as all eyes are on me.

Far in the distance, I see Brooklyn. She's walking with Olivia and Montana; the four of us are the best of friends. The gym is crowded with so many people. I stood in place, waiting on them to walk my way. Last year, we sat together during chemistry lab, and our friendship took off from there. We've been inseparable ever since.

Olivia, she is too much at times. She thinks all of the boys like her—as we call her, she's a 'pick me girl.' I mean, well, most of them like her, but she thinks evvvveryone likes her. There she goes walking in the gym like she owns the place. I like her pink beachy sweatshirt with the shorts to match, her long slim, perfectly tan legs taking causal steps as if she is in a fashion show. Her blond hair seems like it is moving in slow motion as she flips her hair and turns to talk to Brooklyn. Brooklyn is laughing at something Olivia just said. She has on the same outfit as Olivia, but instead of pink, it is orange. She has her braids pinned up in a cute messy bun. Her chocolate skin is glowing! Montana is walking into the gym, looking like she knows that all eyes are on her. She has on a plain hoodie like mine, but mine is light purple and yellow. Her curly hair is bouncing as she walks with such confidence. As they came closer to me, I walked towards them, "Well... well... well the..." Olivia cut me off and hugged me, "Girl, we missed you yesterday."

"I know... I know. I had to help my mom get everything together for the week."

Montana flashes her fingernails, "Yeah, girl, we got our nails did."

Brooklyn joined in the conversation, "... and our toes did as well."

Olivia flipped her hair again, "The best part was the tan!" She looked at the girls, "We had our girl time and..." all of them said at the same time, "...our girls chat!"

I nodded my head, slightly rolled my eyes, and put my hand in my hoodie, "I am more than sure you all have a lot to chit-chat about."

Olivia put her arms around me. "So, what is the plan this afternoon?"

I smiled because I already knew what she had in mind. We all said at the same time, "Ice Coffee in the sun!" Olivia played with my messy bun, "Honey, what are you going to do with all of this?"

Montana laughed, "Girl, you and your messy buns."

I raised my eyebrows, "Well, I am fine with how my hair looks."

Troy walked by and waved. We all waved, but Brooklyn, on the other hand, was in a daze. She has had a crush on Troy since forever. Troy is low-key, but he is a player. I think all of the dudes in our school think they are a player. I never understood why Troy licks his lips all the time. Maybe because they are always chapped and ashy, but I mean, that is an easy fix. I think it is so gross and very unattractive. Brooklyn deserves and can do better. When I tell her, she just brushes what I say to the side. She asked me to support her feelings, and I am doing just that. Maybe, I am wrong about how I feel; maybe he is a good guy. Who knows? "Why don't you go over and talk to him?" I asked, walking backward with my hand in my hoodie.