Under New Jersey

Monroe's News

I woke up to the sound of my phone's alarm clock song on my side table. I picked up my phone and read the time. My eyes widened as I realized I overslept. I sprung out of bed and immediately chose an outfit to wear. It was a denim sleeveless vest, a white thin strap shirt, and a hot pink skater skirt. I looked my outfit over in the mirror as I tucked the shirt into the skater skirt. Not bad, but it was missing jewelry. I grabbed my silver name plate necklace, which said "Alice" in cursive, off my dresser and put it on. I also slipped on a few bangles as well.

After that I went in the bathroom and brushed my teeth, washed my face, and put on my make up which consisted of: concealer, powder, mascara, and lip gloss. I took my satin scarf off and took my French braids out. The result was a shoulder length, fluffy, curly, afro.

I ran out the bathroom and searched the top of my dresser to find my basic hot pink headband and added it to my outfit. Then I grabbed my phone off the side table and headed for the door, which was closed.

As soon as my hand touched the door knob, someone knocked. I opened the door to see Monroe standing there smiling cheekily. She was wearing a black and red, button up, checkered shirt with black, leather, skinny jeans, and black converse. She had her long, thin, gold chain necklaces on and a black beanie which said "Dope" on the cuff. She, too, had a fluffy curly afro this morning. I admired her tomboy style since I was a girly girl. I meant to give her a compliment but the words, "Hey......Monroe." came out in an accidental confused tone.

"Hey Ali. Remember what I told you last night? I have something to tell you, but it can wait until we get in the car. Five minutes Alice. Hurry!" she said as she clapped her hands and ran down the steps.

I ran down the steps after her and slipped on my gray and hot pink vans to tie my outfit altogether. My hot pink crossbody purse and floral bookbag were also by the door, so I hurriedly put them on. I placed my phone in my purse and rushed to the back door. My parents were waiting by he door to say their goodbyes. I hugged and kissed them both and ran out to the car.

When I got into the car, I could tell that Monroe was impatiently waiting on me by the look on her face.

"Sorry I had you waiting. I overslept. You look pretty today." I smiled, trying to change the tension between us.

Monroe began driving her silver Toyota and started to talk. "So Alice, you know that boy, Oliver? I think he's Nero's friend, buddy, acquaintance?"

"Yeah, I know him." I giggled. Nero and Oliver played basketball together for years. Even though Oliver was older than Nero, they were still very close. Almost like brothers.

"Well, he asked me out yesterday after school, and all night I was thinking about what to say. I didn't want things to be awkward between us if this whole relationship thing didn't go well, but I decided to call him last night and tell him yes. I mean, we could at least try to give this a shot. Right?"

"That's great Monroe. I'm happy for you. So does that mean you guys are official now?" I asked.

"Yep. I'm so nervous but excited at the same time."

We pulled up to the large school building with the name Camden High on it and parked close to the building in the parking lot.

"Wish me luck sis." Monroe said. She then took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.

I smiled as I got out of the car saying, "Good luck!" , and followed behind her.