How Do U Want It?

ii

1985
Compton, California

"Fat belly Bellaaa! What's crackin' girl?" One of my friends, Andre Young obnoxiously yelled from across the street. He was way older than me, a 7 year difference to be precise. I'm 13, and he's 20. But Dre was cool like that, he always talked to the children on the block. He gave us advice when we needed it, he wasn't like any other 20 year old in the mid 80's.

"Hey Dre!" I hollered back, giving a wave.

"Pops not taking you to school again?" Dre continued to yell.

"Yep, but it's cool. I ain't trippin'." I yelled as I locked the front gate to my home.

It was 7:50 am, and I was walking to school today. My dad had to work, so he couldn't take me like usual. This has been happening for maybe a week now, so I'm starting to think this may be permanent.

"You know I could take you, Ebelle!" Dre shouted back. Dre has taken me to school multiple times, no problem. He was very generous. But today, I decided to shoot down the offer. I wanted to walk the streets of Compton today.

"No thank you, Dre! I wanna enjoy this California weather!" I grin at him as I pad down my concrete driveway.

He simply laughed, "Whatever you say, Bella! Now go get ya ass some education!"

I giggled and gave him a thumbs up, and I was on my way.

My school was only 6 or 7 minutes away in walking distance. And the first period started at 8. It was no effort getting there.

Today, I pranced through the streets happily. Here in Compton, the gangsters never slept. As early as it was, you could see guys shooting dice in the front yard. Or blasting hip hop from their lowriders, waiting for the liquor stores to open so they can get themselves a 40 oz. to drink.

I had very few friends at school, most of my friends had dropped out, unfortunately.

I really didn't go to school to make friends though, even though it was beneficial. I went to school to learn, and get the day over with. I had plenty of time to make friends after school.

The muggy and sticky atmosphere started to grow annoying as I trudged to school. Damn, I should've took Dre's car ride.

During this time, I saw the same kids en route to school. But as of right now, one in particular stood out to me.

A boy, give or take, my age — he had on a black fitted, a plain white t shirt with blue jeans. He wasn't bad looking, I've just never seen him around before. Or if I have, then I sure don't remember him.

I gave him one more quick glance before turning my eyes to the sidewalk. But this time, the boy was looking at me. I was slightly embarrassed, my cheeks burned as I focused my eyes on the ground.

With about 3 minutes passing, I arrived at school. A huge, raggedy building in which I learn in. Graffiti adorned various places on the building and cracks in the bricks.

It may not have glamour but I recieved a good education here, which was very rare in this day and age.

"Hi Ebelle," my friend Faith tapped my shoulder as I walked through the hall.

"Hey Faith."

Faith was a bit younger than me, she's 12. And was really pretty, I call her 'butter' cause of her bright skin color. She laughed each time I did it. If Faith was older, all the boys would flock at the sight of her, no doubt.

"Are you gonna come over again today?" Faith asked me.

I nodded, "Yup. My dad ain't gonna be home til 9 again, he won't know I'm gone." We both smiled as we approached our lockers, in which were right next to eachother.