The Conversation Continues [Book Two In The Hello Series]

Chapter 28- I Know I Can

T.C.C Ch.28

Early November 2014

Artemis

The Monday after Roc got shot and the Karr verus Landry-Walker, I drove everyone to school with a shaky hand.

I guess I was still jumpy from almost being sexually assaulted by Ijay, but I still wanted to drive to school. I want to act like it never happened.

I sighed when I parked the car in the school parking lot. I jumped when Prince put his hand on my shoulder, then let out a deep breathe when I realized it was just him.

"Guys, go ahead. We'll be in there in a minute." Prince told Isis, Roc, and Juno as he looked at me. They nodded and got out-- Isis helped Roc out carefully since he was sore.

"Jacob, I'm fine. Really. I'm fine." I said as I looked straight ahead through the windshield.

"Look me in my eye and tell me you're fine." He said. I cringed inside because he can always tell how I feel by looking into my eyes-- contacts or not.

I slowly looked into his eyes as tears filled mine.

"Mi amor, no. Don't." He sighed softly before the tears fell.

"I'm scared, Prince. Never have I ever been this scared in my own city. I never thought it would happen to me, or at least almost happen. I'm so afraid that it might happen again and next time someone might actually succeed." I sobbed as he held me.

"No one will be able to hurt you because I will be there, okay? I'm here, mi amor. I'll be there for you. I'm here." He whispered. He wiped my tears from my face before kissing my forehead. "Let's go inside."

I nodded before taking a deep breathe and getting out of the car with Prince. I locked the door as we went through the metal detectors.

"Miss Williams and Mr. Perez, hold on." Mr. Clay stopped us with his wry smile. Ray, Isis, Roc, Prod, Jari, Brittany, and Juno were with him. He wants something.

"Yes sir?" I smiled.

"First, I want to say I'm terribly sorry that something like that happened to you and Mr. August this weekend, Miss Williams. I'm upset that a Karr student could even have done something as horrible as that." Mr. Clay said. We're getting closer to the question.

"Thank you, sir." Roc nodded.

"Now, I have a question for you, young ladies and gentlemen. Will you please speak to the students today about life, education, and success?" Mr. Clay asked. And there it is.

"Of course, sir. We'd be delighted to talk to the students." Ray nodded.

"Great. You nine are excused from your first periods to prepare something to say. All of you may speak if you want to, or only one. You decide." Mr. Clay nodded before leaving us alone.

I sighed before shaking it off. Today is just a normal day.

"Artty!" Yulissa yelled when she saw me as I walked outside.

"Hey Yuli." I smiled as she hugged me.

"Are you okay?" Maya asked.

"Girl, I am fine. Ain't no nigga gonna keep me down. Especially with Roc walking around the house like he wasn't shot." I smiled.

"Man, they don't call me Roc for nothing. I'm strong and tough. I'll live." Roc smiled widely. "Just gotta get Coach to let me play next game."