Twisted Nerve

Manou • Episode 1

• Manou •
/pronouns/

1. Maa-nuu
2. Ma-aa-nuh

Episode 1

If there was one thing Manou Mubarak knew it was that she couldn't trust her luck.

Being the only Muslim from a predominantly white high school was already tough but being black added the spice. She was like the jalapeño in the Mexican restaurant. The one that gringos hate to taste.

In the hot humid heat of April, she was the only one in her high school dressed and covered from head to toe. Her style consisted of a long overcoat that covered her waist to an undershirt polka dot dress that licked the floor whenever she step.

To make matters worse. She just couldn't avoid her bullies. Although the school was predominantly white it was mostly controlled by Hispanics who made up 20 percent of the population out of the total 90.

Within the top of the food chain was one sinister bastard. Chalino Donatello.
If one were to ask she'd swear he was the reincarnation of dajjal. He had it out for her since the first day she transferred.

The devil works hard. But Chalino Donatello worked harder to make her immigrant life miserable.

The school hated her for being Muslim, hated her for being black. And then there was Chalino. For reasons unknown-well knows but chooses to ignore targeted her.

She would've assumed her race or religion but his hate came stronger. It was as if the two interlinked and become one. He hated her for all her intersectionality.

Chalino Donatello was a menace. To avoid him would be a good day. But unfortunately, her luck was never great.

The moment she walked to her locker the opened doors were slammed shut. Her heartbeat quickened. She could feel him behind her. With his 6 five height, he loomed above her five four-figure.

Even without the obvious figure, she could always tell it was him. Every time he'd come to her he would whistle a tune. It was not the kind man who gave women to catcall.

Chalino Donatello whistles twisted nerve. A tune so sinister she was conditioned to flinch at the sound.

"Not even a good morning"

After playing his tune he whispered close to her ears. Over her head were the hands on her locker preventing her from taking her books. Behind was his massive weight. If she ducked what would happen? She wondered.

"Don't even think about it"

She flinched. Never knowing how well he reads her mind.

"I missed you Friday"

"I...h-had ss-some family issues. So I couldn't come."

She had ditched.

He looked at her. She knew. He knew. She was lying.

"Such a shame". He said.

Not really. She thought

"We could've had so much fun."

Doubtful.

"Anyways"

He reached her shoulder and turned her to face him.
"We have a lot of catching up to do. Isn't that right mi príncipe."

She flinched when he touched the cheek of her jawline. She never liked body contact. But he made clear he'd be the exception.

The bell sounded.
"I-I still need my books...aa-and c-class..."
She was telling him she didn't want to go with him. But her words were full of fear.