Curves and All (On Hold)

Chapter 2

Tiana Smith

I decide that I will talk to my crew after school. I really don't want drama in school. Its just not the time and place. I really go by the motto that we come here to learn, not socialize. I know I sound like a nerd but to me, new york has a lot to offer. You cant just depend on the setting though.

Its sad that I don't have at least one friend on my lunch. I resolved that issue by eating in the photography room with my teacher, Mrs. White.

I like photography. It takes me to another world because a camera cant judge. It wont judge. Its like you are free to pose and be silly. To live!

"When you finish up, I need you to go to the library and get me my camera stand. Its pretty big and heavy." I nod and finish lunch. I get up and walk out to the hallway, making my way to the library.

My school is dull. Beige walls with beige lockers and few bulletin boards. They never post anything recent and no one cares.

This school sucks.

Been going to school with these people since sixth grade. I dreaded when we moved here. No, im not from here. Im from a very little town in Tennessee. Population: 500. I was surprised that we were even on a map.

Thats why I wasnt used to the term "fat." Why be mean or rude when everyone knew everyone. We had to move because Dad's job promoted him and wanted him up North. I was excited at first. I didn't like our little small town. I took it for granted for its size and its people. My mindset was on being in a new city, with new people and a new start.

When we actually got here, the script was flipped. It felt like too many people. The fast pace setting and lights and cars. It was just too much. I got to the school and was quiet, not wanting to draw attention to myself.

Flashback

I walk inside the school and see all the kids talking and laughing with their friends. I tighten my grip on my shoulder bag and make my way to the office. My mom had walked ahead of me and had already got my class number. She walks over to me and bends down.

"You are in class 3R. The R stands for red so look for the teacher yelling 3R and a red card in her hand, ok?" I nod as she kisses my head and whispers I love you. She gets up, dust herself off and walks away.

I turn around and see kids still talking with their friends. I go and sit on a bench outside of the office. I look around and observe my settings. I guess im just like that. To see what im getting my self into. I hear a whole bunch of synchronized clapping and then everyone is quiet. I get up to see what is happening.

I walk over and see two men and two women. They must be the teachers. The oldest one steps up and clears her throat.

"I am Ms.Givenchi, and I am the teacher for class 1B." She holds up her card and kids scurry her way. She gathers her group and step back.

A man who looks to be my dad's age steps up. "I am Mr.Dohoval and my class is 2G." He holds up a green card and the process repeats.

My teachers name is Ms.Lanely and she is younger than the rest of the teachers. You can just tell. We walk into to class and she just begins discussing beginning of the year stuff. She walks to her desk and grabs this ball.

"So! We are going to be playing a game! I will throw the ball at you and you will give me your name, age, favorite food, and something special about yourself. I will start with...you!" She tosses the ball to a black girl with long hair. The girl stands up popping her gum.

"Well! My name is Tiffany. Im eleven years old. My favorite food is sushi and im special because im daddy's little girl!" She giggles and flips her hair, making alll the little boys stare. She tosses the ball back as Ms.Lanely nods.

The ball tossed and tossed around the room, some interesting and some not. I learned though that these kids are RUDE! Like it is horrible! They comment like grown people and Ms.Lanely just tells them to be nice. After Tiffany, she made us come to the front of the room.

"How about you miss lady." She looks at me and tosses the ball. I catch it shrug my shoulders. Hearing what they said before has really no affect on me. I get up and and walk to the front. All eyes are on me.

"My name is Tiana Smith and I am eleven years old. My favorite food is-"

"Everything." This boy in the front row says, interrupting me. The kids snicker and giggle as Ms.Lanely hushes them.

"As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted,"Everyone oohs as my attitude kicks in."my favorite food is strawberries. What makes me special is that-"

"You a fat ass! Oh lard ass with your jelly swinging-" The boy at the front said getting up. My eyebrow arched as my attitude and anger kick in. I raise my arm and throw the ball right at his face!

BAM!

His head flys back and he grabs his nose. Ms.Lanely grabs both of our arms and drag us to the office. The little boy nose was bleeding and I am satisfied. You do NOT mess with Tiana Smith!

Flashback over

I sigh as I dawn on the past. What happened to that Tiana. I did run home and tell what happened, about what he said and what I did. My momma said I did the right thing and she boosted my confidence. My attitude use to get the worst of me. Yes, me Tiana Smith has, well had, a very bad attitude. The day I hit that boy had everyone on my case. That boy being Brandon. Can you believe it?

That whole year, no one tried me. Im not gone lie and say I didn't think I was all that. I just didn't show it. I was knocked off my pedestal the next year though. I was walking home from school by self. As I was walking I heard huffing and mumbling. I had turned around to see Tiffany behind me. She was giving me a stank look but I just rolled my eyes and kept walking. I was NOT scared of her at all.

I heard shuffling behind me and before I could investigate, they had grabbed me and dragged me into alley. I socked someone in the face, I did know that. I heard clippers and felt my long natural hair being chopped. It went from my large fro to this uneven cut. They had clawed at me and cut my clothes. They took my books and lit them on fire.

When all was done and they were satisfied they ran away laughing. I didn't even cry because I knew I was stronger than that. I walked home as strong as I could. But when I made it into the house and saw everyone look at me, I broke. My mom rushed to my side, my dad got up slowly, and my sister and brother just awwed in shock.

"What happened!! Tiana what the hell happened." I wiped my tears and calmed down.

"Some girls at the school jumped me. They cut my hair, cut my clothes and burned my books." The fire in my moms eyes could light the way for Jesus.

"Who was these little shits?" It just rolled off her tongue with hate. Y'all may say im a snitch for telling but they didn't have any loyalty to me so oh well.

The next day, my mom and dad walked into school with me and went to the office. When they told what happened to me, they was on top of their game...until we told who did it. The whole office went into chaos bringing up loads of excuses on why nothing could be done.

They pulled my parents to the side trying to have "adult talk" like kids don't ease drop. I learned something that day.

It was that the office feared their lives if they tried to help me. That most of these kids belonged to parents of the streets. It was ridiculous to go against them. That my family could loose their lives too because I told.

That sentence put guilt on my shoulders. From that day on, I shut Loud and Rowdy Tiana Smith away and became the new me. No problems needed.

So hear I am today. Problem less and happy. By problem less I mean not having death hanging over me and my family.

I finally make it to the library though it seems like it took me a lifetime. I walk to the back and I tell Ms.Rocker that I was picking up the tripod stand. She wheels it over and I thank her. I walk out rolling the stand. I look at my nails and huff. I really need a manicure like this is-

BOOM!

I fall on my my butt and groan. I really just ran into someone. Hopefully no one to important. A hand is in my vision and I look up to see Chris. He smiles at me as I look at him. Gosh is he fine.

"You gone sit there all day admiring me or are you going to let me help you up?" I get out of my daze and shake my head. He isn't suppose to help me.

"And why not?" I said that out loud? Might as well explain. I get up completely avoiding his hand.

"Because you are who you are. You don't help people such as myself. Im actually suppose to be apologizing so im-"

He starts laughing and I frown. Whats so funny. "What do you mean you suppose to be apologizing ma? When did I start running you?" He smiles at me but looks confused. Only he can pull this face off, I swear.

"The day you were born to the parents you have. You run this school, I hope you know that. Its just-"

"So because of my dad, I run this school and everybody. Are you serious?! This is crazy and stupid ass hell." He shake his head laughing as I stand there. I mean I agree but thats how it goes.

"Well thats how it is. I shouldn't even be talking to you. If the school saw, I would be in deep trouble. This isn't allowed-"

"So I cant choose who I talk to! Are you nigga's serious around here? If I want to talk to you I will talk to you. Whats your name?" He crosses his arms and looks me in the eyes.

"Im telling you we shouldnt-"

"Whats your name? Thats all-"

"Bruh! If you do NOT stop interrupting me!" He stops talking and looks at me surprised. I cover my mouth, looking around. How the heck did old Tiana just slip out?! This hasn't happened since seventh grade. "Im sorry, I have to go. We just cant talk, k? Not allowed and thats just the way it is. Bye uhh Chris." I grab the tripod and walk off as quickly as possibly.

He just doesn't understand. A nobody doesn't talk to someone in the upperclass. They just don't, k? K! He's making it difficult but I think I got through to him. Tomorrow he will be with his class and I will be in mine.
__________________________

I sat in the gym of Devante's school waiting for him to finish basketball practice. I don't walk to or from school by myself since that day so I'm waiting on him to finish up. I have been texting Isabella about the whole thing Brandon said. She was all hysterical getting emotional. She was like how could I believe him and she would never.

I know she wouldn't. Brandon just always wants to get in my head. He has said that every single one of my best friends said something about me yet we still cool and he hasn't said anything.

I really aint worried about that anyways. Im worried about why Chris is still on my mind. He brought out the Tiana I buried away years ago and his simple consistent interrupting just did something to me. Brandon goes way father and yet, I've always kept my cool.

"Aye, tatter tot? You ready to go!?" I roll my eyes and groan at Devante. I get up and make my way to him.

"Call me that again D and Im gone bust you in your kneecaps. I dare you try playing basketball again." Yes y'all heard me right. Only time I be me is around family.

"Girl try me. Your weave gone be scattered from one end of the court to the other. Try me boo boo." My brother took his shirt and tucks it in the front, arching his back. Basically getting ratchet!

I stifle my laugh. Try to be serious Tiana. "Boo boo you wish you had hair like this. No tracks here unlike you trying to be on you Amber Rose mess. Boo you look like Mr.Potato head." All the boys ooed. The team came over as they spilt. Some on each of our sides. The boys on my brother's side replicated his wardrobe and start to get ratchet.

"Hold me back y'all! Hold me back." We start acting a fool until we hear someone clear their throat. We look to see the coach. We all fix ourselves as he shakes his head and smiles.

"You always make our day Tiana."

"I try."

"Alright! Gone on home now. Pratice in the AM!" He blows his whistle and we shuffle out. Ugh! Practice in the AM meant getting up way earlier than usual. Great!
__________________________

I walk with Devante with my heels in my hand. I had almost forgot yesterday that today would be business attire day for one of my classes. I had on a floral sheer shirt with a white tank top underneath. I tucked it into my black body con skirt that hugs my body. I lotioned my legs and added a little Vaseline for a little shine.

My makeup was the same except for a nudish pink lip. My hair is pulled into some elegant hair style with the side pieces hanging loose.

I did the usual with Devante and got to my school. Nobody was here, like usual. I walk in and go to the office, sitting down. Like they care. Minutes go by as I had already pulled out some homework to review.

"Aye." That voice. Not today. This was established..."Helloo." I drag my head up slowly and look at him.

"Yes?" Hopefully he just wants to say hello and thats it.

"Come walk with me and take your stuff to."

"I think-" He bends over gently grabbing my chin and silencing me.

"You said I run the school, right Ma? Then im not asking." He got up and walks out. I get up and grab my bag and shoes walking out. I catch up to him as he walks down the hallway.

"Why do you-"

"Whats ya name?" He looks at me waiting on an answer.

"Tiana."

"So Tiana, why you wont let me talk to you. Don't even include that bullshit about my position in this school."

She shook her head sighing. "Thats just it. If you were like me or below, I would be because I talk to everyone. My class and below."

"But I want to talk to you. Since im me, we gone talk. Im forcing you to be my friend." I couldn't help but laugh at that. I am about to catch hell now. I see my locker and we stop. I open it and put my stuff away. I take off my black converse and put on my black pumps.

I hear something and the locker next to me is open. I look around the door and frown. He smiles and laughs.

"Whaat? I told them I wanted a locker next to you." I turn my head, blushing. I jump when I feel his hand on my hip and his mouth by my ear. "Aww, a nigga got you blushing."

I turn around and lightly push him laughing. I grab my first period stuff and close my locker. We walk into our class thirty minutes early since school hasn't started yet.

"Why do you wanna be my friend. You embarrass me on day one and saw how people treat me. Are you sure you want to be seen with me?" He grabs my arm suddenly and puts me on his lap. I try to get off but no use.

"I should be saying, aren't you happy to be talking to me. You may be blinded by this whole "system" shit but I know somebody else down there. I saw it when ole dude was pushing your buttons, when I was pushing your buttons, and when I constantly interrupted you. When you blew up, my accusation were confirmed. Im digging for that other chick." He brought his mouth to my ear again as my mouth drops. "And I will find her."

I get up and clear my throat as he laughs. "You are really wrong. I was stressed yesterday. Thats all." I sit down and pull out my phone hoping all convos between us are done. I feel my phone being snatched. I look up as I see him type away. He then took a picture and gave me my phone back. I look at it and try not to blush. He named himself "MyBaby<3."

"Why put this when we don't date?" He just winks at me and smiles, sitting down. He pulls out his headphones and puts them in, closing his eyes. I roll my eyes and get in my seat behind him.

The class finally pours in everyone immediately starts whispering when they walk in. I was reading my book so I try to ignore them. I hear desk screech and people sit. I hear footsteps and then my book is pushed off the table. I just sigh and look to see Tiffany and Brandon. The power couple.

"I bet you was in here sucking his dick wasn't you?" Everyone turns to look like always.

"No I was not Brandon." Every time we talk, my voice is monotone.

Who you all dressed up for? Nobody is looking at you fat ass! That skirt probably screaming at the seams. Probably building up sweat with them bird wings! Hair looking like a crackhead did your hair! Ole flat ass, back fat-" he stops when he sees me look at my nails bored. Heard it all before. He grunts and slaps my desk. I slowly look up from my nails at him.

Tiffany walks over and grabs my hair. I just sigh and look at him again. "Yes Brandon?"

"So you growing balls of a sudden bitch!? Bitch, I will-"

"Back the fuck up." Everybody quiets down as I see Chris get up and step up to Brandon. Chris has height and muscle. Brandon has muscle but still. Brandon laughs and steps back, holding his hands up in surrender.

"Didn't know this was your hoe bruh. My bad. She must suck your dick good to be defending her stupid ass." I roll my eyes and Tiffany yanks my hair harder.

Calm down Tiana. Calm down...

"She not my hoe, she didn't suck my dick, but she is my friend. Let either one of y'all or anybody else touch her again and your ass is popped. Period." Tiffany let go of my hair and scurries to Brandon side. I pick up my book and pat my hair down.

I look up and see everyone looking at me. I look at Chris and give him monotone to. "Thanks." He nods and sits down. Every girl starts grunting, huffing, and pouting. I hear the comments already.

Really? Her fat ass?

Must have sucked his dick.

She so ugly with that nappy ass head she calls "natural".

Watch when we see her, bitch gone get it.



I just sigh and keep reading. I have to stop this now. I cant go all year being a wanted target because he wants to be buddy buddy. Why be buddy buddy with me when he doesn't know me.









We aren't meant to be anything. No relations at all.

________________________


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