Never the Black Girl

Chapter 4

When she reached Roland, she heard a low growl come from behind her.

"Lionel. Be nice." Tabitha said, intertwining her fingers in his hand.

"Hey, man. I've heard so FRIGGIN' much about you!" Lionel said, gritting his teeth.

"I trust that everything said was kind." Roland said, his eyes flickering over to Tabitha. Lionel grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards himself. He had seen Roland look at her, and had begun to growl again, louder this time.

"Woah!" She said, surprised.

"Sorry, I just don't want you around him anymore, okay?" He said, quietly.

"Well, I'll see you in Science class, Rollie." She said, waving. She looked up at Lionel, confused and a little irritated. Who was he to tell her she couldn't hang with a friend?

"Okay. Can't wait." Roland said, glaring at Lionel. Lionel moved forward, protectively pushing Tabitha behind him.

"I played nice, but don't test me." Lionel growled, staring Roland down.

"Lionel! Let's go!" Tabitha said, pulling him.

Even though he didn't move an inch, he allowed Tabitha to drag him away. When they got far enough away from people and listening ears, Tabitha spun around, a pissed off look on her face. "You don't own me, so you can't tell me who I can and can't hang out with." She said, crossing her arms. Lionel backed Tabitha into a locker, pressing himself on her, and placing both hands on either sides of her face. "On the contrary, I DO own you, and you WILL do what I say." He said, getting in her face. He bent down to kiss her, but she moved her head defiantly. Irritated, he grabbed her chin, and clenched his jaw. "You will NOT undermine my authority." He warned.

And with that, he was gone.

Tabitha gasped for breath. She grabbed her things, and scurried to her science class. When she walked through the door, everyone looked up.

"I'm so glad you could join us." Mr. Orang said, sarcastically.

"I'm so-"

"Take a seat, Mrs. Salvato." He said, staring her down. Obediently, she hurried to her regular spot next to Roland. "Hey, what happened earlier?" He asked, being nosy.

"Nothing. Just had to take care of some things with Lionel." She said, looking around.

"Ah, yeah. He's REAL possessive." He said, rolling his eyes.

"He is. Kind've annoying, isn't it?" She said, pulling out her experiment journal.

"It could potentially be. His bad-boy, black hair, long earring, type attitude kinda reminds me of......John Mayer." He said, chuckling to himself.

"Ew! John Mayer? He's cuter than that!!" She whispered/screamed, nudging him.

"I said his ATTITUDE. Not facial features." He corrected, chuckling.

"Oh." She said, blushing.

When class was over, Tabitha leaned over to Roland. "He's always by the door, after all my classes..." She whispered.

"Creepy. Just follow me, kay?" He said, beginning to walk towards the door.

"O-okay." She said, uneasily. She got up, following Roland.

"Where do you think you're going?" Lionel asked, stopping Tabitha. He towered over her, being so tall.

"She's with me." Roland said, standing between them.

"Stay out of this.." He warned, towering over him.

"Gotcha......" He said, stepping back.

"I'm hanging out with Rollie today." She said, smiling at Lionel.

"Rollie? Great, I'll accompany you!" He offered, grinning cynically.

"No. We want to be alone." She explained.

"Why is that?" He asked, clenching his jaw, looking at Roland.