Caretaker | Urban

1.

Athena Kelly

"How would you interpret The Yellow Wallpaper?" Mrs. Harvey asked the class. If it wasnt for her loud voice, I would have definitely fallen asleep ages ago. AP Lit wasn't the easiest class but I still found myself carrying a solid A in it. Regardless of the strict, unfairness of the teacher.

No one answered her question. I shrunk down in my seat trying to avoid being called on. I didnt like attention but it always seems to latch onto me. Every teacher bragged about me without my permission causing all of my pupils to dislike me.

Call me stupid, but I was one that had to fake not knowing things in order to preserve myself.  In middle school, I could have shouted out my answer or proudly raised my hand and given a full explanation.

My freshman year of high school here at the worst school in the county managed to teach me that it wasnt the way to go. I had gotten beat up and jumped numerous times by students that felt intimidated by me. This was an F school and as the Principal liked to put it, I was the top student. That also made me the number one target. Everyone hated me.

"Miss Kelly.." my worst fear was brought to life when Mrs. Harvey called on me to answer. All eyes landed on me, including those of Boyd, a guy I had crushed on since my freshman year. He didnt like me though. He made it known when he started dating my sister. He made sure to ramble on to her about how unappealing I was to him.

I glanced around at everyone before my eyes focused back on Mrs. Harvey. I felt pressure building behind my eyes and my leg started to shake out of nervousness.

"Miss Kelly we only have five minutes left of class. You want to share your answer or not?" she said with her eyebrow raised. I knew she would be disappointed if I didnt answer, but I also knew the torment that would come about if I gave a good answer.

"Uhhh.." my voice got caught in my throat.

"Smart ass bitch know da' answer she just dont wanna say shit cause she know she uh get her ass beat" Jamina said. She was probably the person that has hated me the most all of these years. Her and her best friend had made it their mission to fight me every chance they got.

My sister would only help when we were in our neighborhood. If it was at school, she'd let anyone beat me black and blue to keep up her reputation. She was a junior, but was the most popular girl in school and loved for people to love her. In this case, it meant disowning me on campus so that was what she did.

I decided to go against answering the question. "I'm not sure, I didnt read it yet" I lied.

Mrs. Harvey chuckled. "Well, thats funny seeing as you were the only soul to turn in your homework assignment in which I asked the same question" she spoke in a matter of fact tone.

Everyone started laughing. The pressure build up in my head became stronger.