IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG.

chapter 1 [Amri]

I totally spaced on closing my blinds last night, and now the morning sun is blasting right in my face. There's nothing I hate more than being woken up by sunlight, especially when I'm trying to sleep in. I pulled the covers over my head, but it was no use. Ugh, fine! I might as well just get up.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and glanced down at the floor. I seriously don't feel like dealing with anyone today. Shuffling my feet into my cozy slippers, I dragged myself to the bathroom for my morning routine. I mean, I showered last night, but I really felt the need for another one. There's something about feeling fresh that I can't resist.

After a nice 15-minute shower, I slathered on some lotion, brushed my teeth, and fixed my hair. I don't wear much makeup-just some eyelashes and a bit of lip gloss. Once I was done, I headed over to my dresser to find something comfy to wear. Oh, snap! I remembered that cute purple jumpsuit I bought last week with Keshia at the mall. She got the pink one; I should check if she wants to wear hers too.

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Me
Hey girl, what are you wearing today?
Keshia
Not sure yet.
Me
I'm going to wear my purple jumpsuit-are you wearing that pink one?
Keshia
I was thinking about it anyway! I got you, girl...what time you pulling up to school?
Me
8:25. Need a ride?
Keshia
Nah, I'm good. I'll ride with Dray.
Me
Alright😒
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Ugh, I can't stand her boyfriend. They've been together forever, and from day one, he's been nothing but trouble. I've asked her a million times what she sees in him, and she gives me this long speech. But I bet if I asked him, he wouldn't even come up with a single word. My girl is amazing, but that's just how guys are. That's why I keep my distance. I've seen what my mom went through with different guys, and I promised myself I wouldn't ever let my kids grow up in a toxic environment like that.

I started drifting into memories, but I quickly shook those thoughts off-I don't have time to get all emotional this morning. As I walked into the kitchen and opened the bare fridge, I realized I really need to go grocery shopping. Sometimes I wish I had a parent to help with this stuff, but it's just me, so here we are. I know I'm going to be late for breakfast again. I guess I'll have to settle for a dry muffin, grabbing my keys and purse from the kitchen table before heading out the door. This day is definitely going to be a long one.

As I arrived at the school, I took a moment to reflect on my surroundings, feeling a deep disdain for the environment filled with individuals I deemed unworthy. I attempted to locate Keisha, who should have been here by now, scanning the area for Dray's car, but it was nowhere to be found. Frustrated, I realized I would have to enter the building alone. I despised walking in by myself, as the other students merely stared. After stepping out of my car, I applied some lip gloss and heard Tony call out to me. He always greeted me in the morning, and I returned his salutation while making my way to first period, heading straight to the back of the classroom. To my dismay, Keisha was absent. Confused, I pulled out my phone  Where you at? "Get off your phones!" Mr. Sam shouted, prompting an eye roll from me; I found him insufferable. I tried to focus on the lesson, but my thoughts were consumed with concern for Keisha. This was unusual for her; if she were absent, she would typically text me to inform me. As the class neared its end and I still had no response, my worry intensified, especially considering Dray's troubling behavior. As I had mentioned earlier, he was not someone I trusted, and the thought of him being with her made me mad My apologies, I forgot to charge my phone last night. So, where are you? You're not at school. I'm at Dray's house. Seriously? Yes, really. You know I adore him. I chose not to respond, feeling disgusted by her words. I hoped I would never have to understand her choices. When lunch arrived, I contemplated leaving to find something to eat but couldn't decide on anything, so I remained hungry, definitely unwilling to eat the school lunch. The clock struck 2:45, and I was eager to leave this place.