BLACK-ISH

Old Grudges

As summer’s end draws near, the first day of school arrives with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I wake up early, determined to let Mom sleep in for once. She’s been working tirelessly to settle us into our new life, and she deserves a break.

Quietly, I slip out of bed and move through the house, checking on Malik and Nia. Their rooms are still dark, so I gently knock and nudge them awake. “Come on, you two. It’s time to get up. Mom needs her rest, so I’m taking care of breakfast.”

Nia stirs first, blinking sleepily. “Are you serious? It’s so early!”

“Yep,” I reply with a grin. “But we’ve got a big day ahead. Let’s get moving.”

Malik groans in response but eventually gets up. I head downstairs and start preparing breakfast—pancakes, bacon, and eggs. The aroma fills the kitchen, and soon my siblings are joining me at the table, groggily rubbing their eyes but clearly hungry.

As we eat, I steer the conversation to keep the mood light and positive. “So, how are you both feeling about your new schools?” I ask, trying to gauge their feelings and keep the lines of communication open.

Malik shrugs, his mouth full of pancakes. “I guess it’s okay. I’m just hoping I can find my way around without getting lost.”

Nia, her face brightening with a hint of enthusiasm, chimes in. “I’m excited! I heard there’s a cool art program at my school. Plus, I already saw a few kids I think I’ll get along with.”

I nod, relieved that they seem to be adjusting well. “That’s great to hear. I know it’s a lot to take in, but we’ll all figure it out together.”

Once breakfast is finished, I help clean up and then head to the car with Malik and Nia. “Let’s get to school,” I say, trying to sound upbeat despite my own nerves.

The drive to Valley Prep Academy feels long as I mentally prepare for my first day. When we pull up to the school, I can’t help but feel a surge of anxiety. The private school is impressive, with its manicured lawns and stately buildings.

I park the car and get out, feeling a swarm of eyes on me as I make my way to the entrance. The students, already gathered in groups, stare at me with a mix of curiosity and admiration. I try to walk with confidence, though the attention makes me self-conscious.

Just as I’m about to enter the building, I spot her—the girl from the gas station. She’s standing by the lockers, and our eyes meet. For a brief moment, I can see the recognition in her gaze.

Before either of us can say anything, the school bell rings sharply, signaling the start of classes. I quickly turn away, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. I find my way to my first class, Math, which is, unfortunately, my least favorite subject.

I slip into the classroom and find a seat, trying to settle my nerves. Moments later, the door swings open, and the girl from the gas station walks in. She heads straight for the desk next to mine—her assigned seat, I assume.

She sits down, her gaze momentarily meeting mine before she looks away. I feel the tension from our previous encounter lingering in the air. I focus on the front of the room, trying to push away the unease and concentrate on the upcoming class.

As the teacher begins to speak, I steal a glance at the girl beside me. She’s fidgeting with her notebook, her posture rigid. Despite the awkward start, I remind myself that it’s just the first day. I have to make the best of it and focus on settling into this new chapter of my life.

------------

During a break in the lesson, I shift slightly, catching her eye. “Look, I said I was sorry at the gas station. What more do you want?” I whisper, unable to hold back my frustration.

She looks back at me, her eyes flashing with annoyance. “You think saying sorry is going to fix everything? My sweater is ruined, and I had to deal with a mess that was completely your fault.”

I wince at her words, feeling a fresh wave of anger. “It was an accident. I didn’t do it on purpose. Can’t you just let it go?”

“Let it go?” she repeats, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You ruined my clothes. It’s not something I can just forget about.”

The conversation is getting more heated, and I can feel the eyes of other students starting to shift toward us. The last thing I want is for this to turn into a scene, but the tension between us is palpable.

As the bell rings to end the period, I grab my things quickly, my face flushed with embarrassment and frustration. I can’t believe I’m starting my first day with this kind of drama. I shoot one last look at the girl, who is still glaring at me, before hurrying out of the classroom.

I head to my next class, feeling the sting of our confrontation lingering. Today is supposed to be a fresh start, but it seems like the past is determined to follow me here. As I walk through the hallways, I remind myself that I need to stay focused and not let this animosity derail my day. I have to find a way to navigate this new environment, even with the old grudges still hanging in the air.

1221 words