Behind Closed Doors: My Life As Ke'Ladriah Wallace

4.

I was alone as I started my 4 block walk to the place called school that I hated so much. Washington Elementary. I walked in to the building and as soon as I did all eyes fell on me. Some went back to doing whatever they was doing. Others must've forgotten who I was so they kept staring. "Aye! Y'all got eye problems. What y'all looking at! I'll give y'all something to look at." After I said that then everyone looked away. Some of the girls added teeth kissing and eye rolls. Walking by I heard constant whispers but that don't phase me. If you can't say it out loud then I don't need to stress. Everyone knows I don't do all that arguing. If I feel like I need to put my hands on you then I will right then. I heard people talking about what I did to get suspended. Most of the stories were lies. I just continued walking to class. I walked into my classroom after assembly just so my teacher can give me that fake warming smile. "Welcome back Ms. Wallace." I just sat down. This woman knows she hates me. I put my head down and she started teaching
"Okay class it's time for a little group work." I just rolled my eyes because I hate this type of work. "Jada, Rebecca, Carly and Ke'La-" she looked at me to make sure she was about to say it right. "Ke'Ladriah" she nodded her head and she finished. "I want you all to sit together today so get your things and move to a group." Rebecca huffed her hot breath. "I don't wanna sit by her!  What if she steals our stuff!" Rebecca looked at me and Mrs. Jefferson then smiled knowing she'd earned a few laughs. "Rebecca sit next to Carly then!" I cleared my throat and Mrs. Jefferson already knew what was about to happen. "Listen here! I ain't got to steal from you! If I wanted to I would've done it. You ain't got nothing I want and it ain't nothing in Brooklyn I can't go out this door and get for myself." I thought she'd sit down like a smart girl but I know she's dumb. "Did I say you wanted to steal my stuff? I said what if! And I seen you steal supplies before! Thief!" All I thought about was this morning. I jumped up from my seat and grabbed her hair from across the desks pulling her toward me and punching her three times and just yanked her hair between each word I had said. "I need help! They're fighting!" Ms. Jefferson ran out of the class. "Now who" "you" "calling" a"  "thief'' two teachers pulled us apart and took out the door where the principal was. "Ke'Ladriah what's gotten into you! You just got back." I snatched away from the teacher's grip as I watched Rebecca fix her ponytail. I did what I'd do in any situation I didn't want to be in. Run. I held in my tears until I got to the swing on the playground outside. Its been two years since my daddy pushed me on a swing. I hoped and prayed nobody looked for me because of my usual rough exterior but someone did. I looked up. "Carly?"