Southern Loneliness (The journal of Layla N. Pendergass)

Chapter 2

I just want you to be aware that there is racist slurs and actions in this book. If you get offended by that, plz don't read it. I mean, this story takes place in 1891. Racism is everywhere in this time period. But other than that, I hope you like it.

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Chapter 2

It was never easy walking to school. I had to go through a scary neighborhood everyday. Last time I saw one of my classmates get kidnapped. Kidnapped! I won't dare say anything. The Tops ain't never like my kind.

I squeezed my books to my chest, partly hideing them. I speed walked from car to car until I ran into my classmate. We snuck past the neighborhood together and off to school. Only a few people were here when we got there.
" Must be early".

The bell rang as everyone took their seats. The teacher stood up and pointed at the board
" Can anyone read this?"

Kyle slowly raised his hand. Everyone shot glances at him. He was always doing weird things n'had odd ways.

The teacher nodded his way and he shifted out of his seat. " Wel- c- come t-to the sec-on-d gr-gra-de grade."

Everyone chuckled at him. Everyone but me. I don't get what was so funny bout the way he's readin'.

" Stop children!", spat the teacher, banging on her wooden desk with a ruler. " Thank you Kyle."

He gave a quick smile and sat down. For the rest of class we played name games. I always hangs out with my cousin Samantha. She's in the other second grade class.

Ding! " Lunch time!", sang Miss. Stumpful. We all rushed outside. I ran for the tree with my brown lunch paper bag. Samantha soon joined me under the tree. " What in the name are you wearin'?"

" You like'm. The're called trousers." She was wearing blue trousers with a plain plad shirt.
" My mama would clout me dumb!"

" Shhh. Keep it down. Now eat or I'll eat for you." I opened my bag and pulled out my sandwich. Nothing like a cheese and spinach sandwich.

Once we finished eating, the bell rang again. The masterful class came running down the stairs. Masterful meant in every term known. We try to avoid them as much as possible. Two boys started walking towards us.
" Hey. Hey you two." Samantha sat up straight and smiled,
" They are coming. How's my hair. Do I look okay?", she whispered.

" Your gross." How can she be so girly and dress so weird. What boy likes a girl who wears pants.

I turned away from her as they came. " Hey, Why are you wearing trousers?"

" It's a new style. You like?" She seemed proud of her buckles.

" Anyway, someone wants to meet you after school, so you better be infront of the school after the bell."

They then turned around and walked away.
"What, was that?", Samantha asked.

" I don't know. But what I do know is to not be infront of the school after the bell."

" Come on Layla! Why can't we at least stay for a little while? Please!" I stood up and dusted off my dress.

" No. The middle kids come after the bell. You know.... 6th and 7th. You know how weird the are. With hair all on their face n'all their kissy facen."

" Still isn't fair", Samantha pouted.

" Pouting gives you wrinkles", I reminded. She quickly made a blank face. Silly Samantha, I smiled, shaking my head.

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