Her Story: October Ivory

7

The next day when I woke up I did the same routine and missed the bus...again. So I had to walk...again. And when I got to school there was a long line for breakfast which confused me. We only had 15 minutes left before the bell rung but the line was moving so slow that I didn't get my breakfast until the bell rung. And I knew why the line was so long, it was green egg and ham day...yeah, okay.

I didn't get that I just got dry cereal and a fruit.

Since I was already at school before 8:20, I didn't get a late pass so I had to just walk in without one.

"October is late?" Ms.Johnson questioned with surprise.

"There was a long line in the cafeteria. Sorry."

"Don't worry about it. I won't mark you tardy."

I smile weakly. "Thank you." I avoided looking at Lee as I sat in her seat since she was sitting in mines. She was talking to her friend and they were laughing. She probably told him about what happened. I just ate my cereal as I tuned them out. My life is gonna be ruined.

A tap on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts. I look at Lee.

She looked different.

She wasn't looking at me in disgust. She clears her throat before leaning in close to my ear. "You aight?" I nod. "I ain't gone tell nobody about what happened at yo house." I nod again, a small smile forming on my face. She moves away and I look at her.

"Why are you being nice to me?"

She chuckles. "I low key feel bad for you."

"But I thought you thought I was a bad daughter."

She just shrugs. "Nah, no offense but your mom seem like... she like that fa no reason."

I could've burst into tears. Somebody's finally on my side. And who knew it would've been Lee.

After school I made sure that I was outside for the bus so I didn't miss it.

"October!" My head snaps to the right and it was Lee. No one was with her and she was smiling while waving me over. I couldn't help but smile back and walk over to her.

"Hi."

"Wassup. We can work on the project at my house. My mom insisted. She'll cook dinner and stuff."

"My mom doesn't allow me to go to other peoples houses."

"Give me her number and my mom will call her."

I wasn't too sure about this but I gave it to her.

"Come on we gone go to my house now."

You gonna let me in your car?"

She smiles. "Duh how else you gone get to my house?"

I laugh and she unlocks the door before both her and I slip in. She played rap music during the drive, which I only hear during school hours or when I'm riding the bus. My mom doesn't like music like that.

Somewhere down the road, I got this bad feeling. "Hey Lee? If you don't mind, can you take me home before we go to your house? I should let my mom know that I'm gonna be with you."

She nods. "That's cool." She made a U-Turn and when we got there, I hopped out of the car.

"Give me a second."

I walked up to my porch and unlocked the door. My mom was sitting in the living room as always. She was furious and as soon as she saw me she shot up.

"I've been calling you!"

"My phone broke—"

"How the hell did that happen?! See this is what I be talkin' about. I do all of these things for you and you go and ruin them. You're ungrateful and careless as fuck!"

I felt a pang in my chest. "It wasn't my fault."

"Then who's was it. Huh?"

I say nothing. Even though Lee wasn't the one at fault I felt like she would still get in trouble somehow if I snitched on her Zay.

"Exactly. Take your lyin' ass to your room and you not getting another phone!"

"But my friend is outside. We have to work on our project."

"What did I say?!"

"Go to my room," I respond quietly.

"Bye." I walked passed her and she pushed me causing me to stumble. I went to my room and shut the door before sitting on the floor.

A few minutes later I heard her talking to someone but I tuned her out, going deep into my head.

"October!" I slightly jump before leaving my room.

"Yes?"

"You didn't hear me calling your name?" My mom was standing at the front door with her arms crossed and Lee next to her.

"No...sorry."

"I spoke with her mom so gone. And you better not go over there acting a fool you hear me?"

"Yes ma'am."