Under The Gun

Chapter Eighteen

    Of course, August wasn't at school. My mind kept drifting from my Mom to what happened this morning. It seemed like school went EXTRA slow. I was sitting in math class doodling (Of course) A piece of paper appeared before me. It was all folded and such, I looked around, Seeing where it came from, I scoffed. You remember that girl-from Chapter One? Yep...Her Name is Kiah. After our little clash, We basically avoided each other. I mean, She avoided me, I'm not scared of anyone, So I have no reason to avoid anyone. She looked away, Signaling that I needed to read whatever was on the piece of paper on my desk. I slowly unfolded the paper. I began to read the note:

             I know you're with August, He's trouble. I know you don't like me, I don't like you, But I don't want to see you fall in with him-He's no good. You haven't been around long enough to know, And you fell into his trap just like so many have before you-get out before it's too late.

             I was confused, Who did she think she was? I looked at her, I made sure she seen as I crumbled up the paper. I balled it up and threw it into the trash can. "D*mn, Lil' Mama Can throw" Someone said. I looked to see a guy approach me. He sat down next to me. "You Hoop?" He asked curiously. He was quite tall and had an exceptional build. I'd seen him around the school and also around the neighborhood. "No" I said, Not eager to start a conversation with him. I'm not very friendly toward strangers. "Aye, C'mon, I'm just tryna make conversation" He said, He gently stroked my hand. I pulled my hand away from him. Just as I did, The bell rung. I got up and made my way out of the classroom. The rest of the day went on as usual. Finally, It was time to go home. I was making my way out of the building toward Ricki's car which was parked around the side-Surprisingly. Suddenly, I was jerked in the opposite direction. I was pinned against the wall. I looked up to see that kid from Math. "Move" I commanded, Trying to push him away from me. He was taller then me-And of course stronger. He pressed his body against mine. "Stop!" I said loudly. "Get away from me!" I spoke harshly. "Your little boyfriend gonna help you? Doubt it"-Suddenly, He was pulled off of me. There was a flash of who I recognized to be Chad. Then it was a blur of both of them fighting. I felt a tug of my arm, Instinctively, I jerked away. "Hey" A familiar voice spoke-It was Ricki. He'd obviously seen what happened. He led me to the car and went to tend to the fight. But Chad had it all under control. The guy didn't even get a lick in, Chad was on point. I was so grateful.

              I explained the story to Ricki as he drove me home. "Where is everybody?" I asked, noticing the silence as we rode. "Oh, They're helpin' somebody with somethin' " He said, being vague. We pulled up to the house. There was a truck in front of the house with stuff in the back. "What is this?" I asked curiously. Ricki had already gotten out of the car, Leaving me still curious as to what exactly was happening. I got out of the car. As I got to the door, Toni and Avery were carrying out Ricki/Maria's stuff. "Ricki!" I called, Catching sight of him. "What's going on?" I demanded. Ricki sighed. "We're movin' " He revealed. I had to swallow to NOT scream. "What?" I questioned, Not sure if I'd heard him right. "Maria wants t'move up wit' her family"-"No, Ricki" I protested. "Look, I'm sorry-But"-"You said you'd never leave!" I said, anger growing as I thought more about it. He looked guilty, Almost sorry.

             " You're gonna leave us, Your FAMILIA! For some hoe are you"-I felt a hot stinging sensation in my right cheek as it jerked to the side. I gasped at what had just taken place. I stepped back, Unsure of how to react. Avery entered, seeing what'd just happened. "Tasha" Ricki spoke, reaching for me. I jerked away. I ran out the front door. I needed to get away...