Something Unexpected

TWO: Carmichael Prep

December 16, 2015

I'm half a block away when I hear the tardy bell ring.

"Damn it!" I pick up the pace and hurry past the gates of San Paulo High. The sad part is that I was surrounded by bunch of dummies, assholes, junkies, and drug pushers-and there was more than one person who fell into almost every category.

There were only a select few people who understood that the key to a better life was going to school. They wanted to escape, and they knew that there was a possibility of something better. Those people, the ones determined to make something of themselves, were the ones in the Advanced Placement courses, and hung out together in library.

The security guards whistled loudly, ushering the herd of students towards the classrooms and out of the halls. I felt like I had been caught on the 405 freeway during rush hour which is an absolute nightmare-trust me.

I climb up a flight of stairs and rush towards my first period. Like always, everyone turned to look at me as I open the door and walk in.

"Miss Mitchell. You're late-again."

I quickly take my seat at the back of the classroom and pull out my notebook. Mr. Brewster, an old and extremely militant English teacher, narrows his eyes at me.

I stare back passively waiting for him to resume the lesson. I know he was waiting for an apology or some excuse, but I wasn't about to give him one. I could have explained to him that I had woke up at 5 AM to get me and my sisters dressed, clean up the pool of vomit my mother left in front of her door, and then get my sisters to school which was the next city over. But in my experience, teachers never cared about things like that.

"One more time Mitchell, and you're getting a referral and detention." Instead of rolling my eyes like I so desperately wanted to, I imagined him wearing rainbow glasses and an afro wig singing I Like to Move It.

Weird. I know.

But hey, that's how I kept a smile on my face in the times when I felt like cursing out people or beating them to a pulp.

School went as usual until fifth period when I was called to the counseling office. When I walk into Mr. Emmett's office, I immediately noticed that he wasn't alone. A blonde woman in an immaculate grey suit stood up and smiled.

"Alana, this is Mrs. Langston, she's a recruiter from Carmichael Prep."

"It's nice to finally meet the girl Mr. Emmett speaks so highly of."

"Thank you." Was all I could manage since my brain was too busy formulating an escape plan. I look at Mr. Emmett, who looked more like Santa Claus than usual, as he picked a piece of lint off of his red sweater casually.

"Have a seat please. I came here to talk to you about an incredible opportunity."

"Mrs. Langston, I don't mean to be rude but I'd hate for you to sit here and waste your time. I'm not interested in going to some Prep school with a whole bunch of entitled trust fund babies. I couldn't afford it, even with a scholarship. Plus, I have a part-time job and I have to stay close to home to help my family."

"Alana please. This is a once in lifetime opportunity." Mr. Emmett leans forward leaning in on his elbows and pressing his fingertips together.

"I understand, but I just can't. I'm sorry Mrs. Langston."

Mrs. Langston sighs at me then picks up a black drawstring bag. "I brought this for you. I'm sure you'll be able to make use of all of this even if you don't join us. But if you do happen to change your mind and you have any questions don't hesitate to give me a call. Carmichael Prep would love to have you, we're prepared to give you a full scholarship. But you have to decide soon, the rolling application period ends in April." I take the business card from her with a polite smile and stick it inside the drawstring bag.