Can Anybody Hear Me?

Chapter 1

Key'Ani Skye Blackwood (Key)

As I sit at my desk writing my final words down on the paper, I wonder why.. why won't anybody help me.. why can't anybody hear me.. why can't anybody see me? Why? When will somebody stop and say to me, "I see you".

To understand what I'm saying, I must take you back. Back to when it all started. Back to Ms Birds class

Wednesday 8:15 am (Ms Birds class)
My best friend Harmony and I were sitting in the back of class chatting, while Ms Bird was at the front of the class teaching. "Can somebody in the class repeat to me what I just said" Ms Bird said pausing her teaching and staring daggers at Harmony and I. "Key'ani, can you take a stab at that?" She said to me and the whole class turn to look my way.

"No ma'am i can't" I said dropping my head in defeat.

"Pay attention please" she said as if she didn't just embarrass me. After some time class ended and as I made my way to the door Ms bell stopped me.

"Key'ani, there's been a recent decline in your grades lately.." she started off by saying. "Can you tell me why that is?" She asked with a concerning tone.

I didn't know how to answer because truth is, I don't know. I have to keep my popularity status, I have to remain a cool kid and lost focus on my grades. I know they are slipping but I cannot receive a call home.. I can't upset my mom.

"Hello.. keyani?" Ms Bird said snapping her fingers. I  was so deep in thought I forgot her question.

"Im sorry could you repeat the question?"

"I said why are your grades slipping Key"  she asked once more.

"It's too hard " I replied.

"I have to lie, she cannot know the truth, I cannot get a call home" I thought to myself.

"Key.. 8th grade is almost over and 9th grade will not be so kind to you. I am going to need you to need to focus up." She said to me as I held my head low. There was a brief silence, and then Ms Bird spoke up again. "I'm going to have to make a call home and let mom know. We need a meeting to talk about your grades and tutoring opportunities" she said as she started to click on her keyboard

My head perked up. "Please Ms Bird, Please don't call her. I can focus on my work, I can do it but please do not call my mom" I pleaded and begged but to no avail.

Ms bird had me step outside so she could make the call. The was quiet chatter coming from Ms Birds room.

"I'm done for" I thought to myself quietly. Ms Bird opened her door and looked around for me

"Ahh there you are , the parent teacher conference will happen tomorrow after school. You may go down to lunch now" she said dismissing me and closing the door before I could even speak up.

"FUCK!!" I said as I headed down to lunch.

The rest of the day at school was dreadful, all I could think about was the punishment awaiting me at home. I couldn't live without my phone and I just know my mother was gonna take it away.

The end of the school day arrived and I walked towards my bus dreading stepping into my home. These 2 boys named Darius and Marlon got on the bus, they always make me the butt if their jokes and I laugh it off but deep down.. they attack my insecurities. They point out the fact that I over sweat under my arms.

"Key-" Marlon began to say but I cut him off "not today please? Just leave me alone" I said putting on my headphones and ignoring the ruckus around me. We approached my stop and I got up to get off.

"Bye fatty" Darius said as the whole back section of the bus started laughing. I hate him so much.

I walked into my house and there my mom was waiting on me.

"I received a call today from school" she said "I know mama" I replied back avoiding eye contact

"Hand me your phone and you're not getting it back until you learn to prioritize school" she said as I handed over my phone. I went into my room and shut the door making sure to not slam it.

I hate her.