The Streets Are Talking

Chapter 1: 6 Months Later

Girl, I can't believe it's been six months since Shanty died. My bestfriend De'kieanna said looking at her picture of her boyfriend Demond in her locker. We called him Shanty. Girl I know it seems so surreal to me, like it feels like a dream. I said closing my locker and waited for her to come on. Now what am I gonna tell Kiara bout her daddy? I mean she is gonna grow up without having a daddy. De'kieanna said before walking away. See Dee has a 6 month old daughter Kiara and when Shanti died De'kieanna was giving birth to Kiara. He was suppose to go be with Kiara but he got killed by a stupid bullet. Demond was a straight A student, captain of the football team and basketball team, he never hurt nobody. Why would they kill him. I must was thinking out loud cause Dee answered my question. It's because of these gangs! messing up our neighborhood,terrorizing our children! I'm tired of this, we need to make a stand Dymond. My boyfriend got killed, and he was innocent! Kae got shot and she is innocent, that baby have to roll around in a fucking wheelchair just because of Bones. He needs to be stopped! Dee said as we were walking up the stairs. I know girl, I got an idea. I said stopping at the girls bathroom. OK what is it? Dee said giving me all her attention. Ok, how about we start a petition where we can get all the students to sign it to stop the violence. We can ask the principle can we have a pep rally and we can just start from there. I said looking at De'kieanna to see if she likes the idea. Yeah, I think that's a great idea! Dee said hugging me. I know right, let's go plan this girl!!!!! Dee said pulling me to the library cause it's our free period.  We were still in the library working on a rally for gang and gun violence. When I felt my baby kick. Yes, I'm almost 7 months pregnant and  yes, its Omari's.  Girl, the baby again. Dee asked. Yes girl, he don't know when to quit. I said rubbing my stomach,  he stopped. Have you heard from Omari? Dee asked getting up to go get another magazine from the newsstand. No and its been 6 whole months! I said, wrapping up on my half of the poster.  Girl, he just scared. He don't want his kids to grow up like that so he left. You just can't give boys an ultimatum. Then they really gonna leave,  like look at Shaunie Coleman's boyfriend. Left her with a baby and an HIV. Knowing his ass was fucking around. Dee  said  gluing  pictures of guns on the half of her poster.  Dee, why you airing the girl's business out like that. I asked sipping on my apple juice I got from the vending machine.  Girl, we all told Shaunie that Jordan wasn't shit! Dee said grabbing her books and straightening up the area. I know but she in the room. I said getting up and putting my books in my bookbag. I make sure I carry light stuff because I'm pregnant and it really takes a toll on my back. Girl, as you can see.... I don't give 2 flying fucks! Dee said louder so Shaunie could here. Aww shit, it's about to go down! What you said about me hoe?! Shaunie said putting her Physical Science book down and walking up to where we were. De'kieanna wasn't nothing to play with and she hate disrespect. So as a good bestfriend and a mother, I politely pulled her back and told her it ain't worth it. Dee, you a mama, this ain't worth it. You know they charge now if you get into a fight. I said making her look at me. I know girl, but she been trying me since 6th grade let me handle her. I won't punch her in the throat, I promise. Dee said before walking off, I didn't even give her an answer. Listen Shaunie, I'm gonna be the bigger person and say.... you are stupid! How you gonna let that boy fuck up something that you had good. Dee said putting her hands on her wide hips. Yes, bestie bad asf!!!! But back to this situation. Says the girl who fucked the boy who was gonna make it out of this hell whole. Shaunie said doing the same gesture Dee just did. I know she didnt, ok, let's go Dymond. Dee said grabbing her stuff and walking out the library. I just looked at Shaunie and she looked at me rolling her eyes. I wanted to punch her in her face but I had to remember the little speech I had with Dee. Dee wait up, you know I'm pregnant as hell! I said wobbling, (my attempt to speed walk). I'm so pissed off!!! Dee said stopping at her locker. I unlocked my locker to put my posters and extra books in there. Don't need to be carrying all these books home. Girl, don't worry about Shaunie! She mad cause she didn't  have a man like Shanti. I said picking my bookbag up and getting my story journal out my locker. I write all my personal things in it. I know and the bad thing about the night when Shant died, he was fucking around with Shaunie. I knew but nobody thought I knew. Dee said  before wiping a stray tear out her eye. It's OK bestfriend. I'm just happy, you being strong through this. I know it's tough but baby you are strong. I told Dee, I gave her a big hug and we finished up with our lockers. Times like these I wish Omari would've just listened instead of being hardheaded.