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TODAY WASTHE first day back at school, and I felt utterly drained. It didn't really feel like the start of the school year; summer had been rather uneventful, and it felt incredibly short. I knew that maybe that was because I spent the majority of my time isolating myself at home, only venturing out to go to work. I've practically been hibernating for the past three months.
As I mentioned earlier, I felt drained and had no intention of coming to school today for that sole reason. That was until Brooklyn begged me to join her, even though she had plenty of friends to talk to.
Consequently, on this unexpected return to school, I found myself unprepared, unable to afford a new outfit since my next paycheck wasn't due until Friday. Instead, I scrambled to put on a clean shirt and spruced up some of my shoes to make them look presentable. The struggle is real, and I'm not ashamed to admit that my family's financial situation isn't the most stable.
With my airpods in, listening to music, Brooklyn's mom pulled up to the front of the school and turned her gaze toward us. I smiled, "Thanks for the ride, Ms. Reynolds. I really appreciate it." I stepped out of the car, and Brooklyn followed.
Brooklyn was one of my closest friends, whom I met through Halle back in gym class. Since then, we've been playfully teasing each other and offering advice, especially when it comes to relationships, even though neither of us has had a real one yet.
"You're welcome, baby. Let me take a quick picture of you two before y'all head off." Ms. Reynolds said, and I smiled, hugging Brooklyn. After she took the picture, we bid our goodbyes, and Ms. Reynolds drove off while blasting 'Bedroom' by Supahbadd.
"Damn, Brooklyn, we really bout to die." I remarked, arching an eyebrow. She responded with a perplexed expression, clearly taken aback by my comment.
"Boy what the fuck are you talking about?" She inquired, to which I simply shrugged, letting out a chuckle.
"This is our junior year, the most challenging one of all. I've heard it's like a cursed year, or something..." I said, sounding a bit nerdy, and Brooklyn shook her head.
"Chile, if you don't miss me with that bullshit. It's only going to be a curse year if you choose to make it one. Now, let's hurry up and get inside this school. I want to see all the fine niggas on their first day in their fresh outfits," Brooklyn said, speed-walking inside as I rolled my eyes and followed.
This year Brooklyn and I didn't have any classes together, but I did share some with other friends. Among my morning classes was AP Psychology, which left me pleasantly surprised at how I managed to get into it. While I don't label myself as the smartest, I certainly don't underestimate my intelligence either.
