"Leah, Olivia, Mia and I were all different. We all came from different backgrounds and had different stories but we were all each other had."
Relationships, friends with benefits, family, sex, cigarettes but most important they had each other.
School wasn't my strong suit. I hated it but it was the only thing that could get me out of my situation.
I wasn't talented like Olivia, wasn't rich like Liz and Leah could get any cooking internship she wanted. Sadly though she wouldn't leave her sisters and dad. They depended on her a lot.
"Not bad. With a few more practice you'll be able to get it," my favorite teacher, Mrs Kanes smiled showing me the worksheet I just spent two hours trying to figure out.
I smiled looking over the maths sheet she held up. 80%.
"Thank you."
She nodded placing down the paper before looking back at me with a serious face. "Have you applied for college?"
I shifted from my left leg to my right. My eyes trailed around the empty classroom rather than looking at her face. Since school started back she's been on my ass about applying for colleges, scholarships and even financial aids. I love that she's taken an interest in me and made me feel like I'm actually deserving of something, but it also sucks that she's pouring hope in me. There is nothing worst than having hope.
I looked back to the older lady. I wasn't sure how old Mrs Kanes was but my best guess was that she was in her late forties.
"You know I won't be applying."
"Salome," she started but I cut her off by shaking my head.
"Please don't Mrs Kanes. You know my background. Someone like me won't go to a college."
She frowned sitting back in her seat. "Where you're from doesn't define you. It's what you do about the situation that does."
I shrugged as the 16:30 bell rang. "I don't know but I have to go."
"THINK ABOUT IT!" She shouted as I slipped out the class.
Both Olivia and Leah had already left. Leah had to pick up her sisters and Olivia wanted to get started on her music school application.
I don't usually mind walking home. Sure the neighborhood surrounding our school is very sketchy but the walk is usually peaceful.
My mind drifted back to Mrs Kanes. She's been sending me college websites since probably grade ten. I'm not sure why she took an interest in me especially when I first met her I really didn't care much about school or anything.
I may not know why but I'm grateful for her. I slowed my pace and pulled out my cracked phone.
A bunch of notifications were from the group chat. I hummed and tapped it. Liz sent two pictures.
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