After the Shooting

Chapter 10

       "Why was I called here, Mr. Spear?" Asks mom.
       "Well, Mrs. Parker,' sighs Mr. Spear,' your daughter thought it would be a good idea to skip class."
      "Okay, I did not skip class! I was in class!" I yell.
      Mom puts a hand on mine.
      "It's okay." She mouths to me.
       "Mr. Spear, I would like to say something. It is not considered cutting class if the kids were in their classes." Says mom.
      "Well, it is considered cutting in this school to just walk out of class like that. It's disrupting, Mrs. Parker!" Says Mr. Spear.
"Okay, if that is considered cutting in this school, Naomi and I will accept it. What do you want to do to her?" Asks mom.
I look up at mom. Accept it? I will not accept getting in trouble for following my right. She puts a hand on me again.
"I got this." She assures me.
"Well, Mrs. Parker, a cut usually results in three ISS's. But since this is Naomi's first offense, we'll let her off easy. She'll walk away with a three day suspension." Explains Mr. Spear.
"Does this three day suspension include weekends? Today's Friday, so I'm just a little confused with the suspension policy." Mom says.
"Yes, they do. You should know that, Mrs. Parker. Didn't you read the handbook given out in the beginning of the year?" Asks Mr. Spear.
Mom bursts out laughing. I can't believe this. She's laughing and I'm over here getting in trouble for standing up for my rights and safety?
"What's so funny?" Asks Mr. Spear.
"With all do respect, Mr. Spear, do you really believe anyone reads that handbook?"
Mr. Spear pauses. Then cracks a small smile.
"My daughters bring home those handbooks at the end of the summer! I don't read them either!" He laughs.
Suddenly, this office turns into a comedy show.
"Can ya'll shut up?" I exclaim.
Mom gives me a look. Mr. Spear does too.
"Right, sorry Naomi. Hopefully you come back Monday with a better attitude." Apologizes Mr. Spear.
In the car, my mom talks to me about that awful awkward business.
"Why so moody in there?" Asks mom.
"Oh, let's see,' I say,' I'm getting in trouble for standing up for my rights and you're just over there laughing it up with Mr. Spear? How does that help me, mom?"
"If I let his guard down, he'll just be more comfortable and relaxed. I mean, studies show it. So, I figured that if I could laugh it up in there, he'll trust me and take you off of punishment. And it worked! You aren't even in trouble! Plus, I could tell he wanted more of your momma and that's always a good thing in these teacher meetings!" Mom smirks.
    "Mom!" I gasp.
    "What? It's true." She smiles.
    "What about dad? I thought you were so happy with your beautiful chocolate man." I tease her.
    Yes, that's actually what she said about my dad on their anniversary.
    "See? It does calm people down." She says.
    "Yeah, yeah, whatever. So,' I sigh,' am I in trouble?"
    "What do you think?" Mom asks.
    "I don't know." I shrug.
    "Of course you're not in trouble! You didn't do anything wrong, Naomi." She assures me.
    "I know I didn't. I just wish the school would see that too. I mean, we were one of the schools that got shot. I lost my brother and I almost lost my sister too." I explain.
     "I know, baby." Says mom.

                                  8:00 That Night
This needs to stop. We have to put an end to gun violence. Today, I got suspended for peacefully walking out. Do you know how mad I am? The gunman at Washington Heights High killed my twin brother and another gunman almost took the life of my older sister. Our children are dying. Some of them, like myself and some of you reading this post, might not even get to finish getting our education. If this problem doesn't stop, how are we supposed to have a future?
      I post on my Instagram. Almost immediately, I'm getting flooded with likes and comments. Then, Georgia face times me. The first thing she does is an ear-splitting scream.
"Nice to see you too, Georgia." I laugh.
"You walked out! I can't believe you did it! I've never been prouder to call you my little sister!" She exclaims.
"Thanks." I smile.
"Oh, relax,' she says,' I'm only kidding. So, how do you feel?"
"Alive,' I shrug,' just good. I'm happy that I took a stand."
"I am too! So what happened? Did you get in any trouble?" She asks.
"Well, I got suspended but mom's not mad so that's a good thing." I say.
Her roommate comes in.
"What do you want, Dakota?" Sighs Georgia.
      "Dude, you didn't hear? Serenity's throwing a sick ass party!" She exclaims.
      Dakota is a major party girl from what Georgia tells me.
     "So?" Responds Georgia.
     "Are you stupid? Let's go! You coming or not?" She asks.
     "I have to study." Sighs Georgia.
     "C'mon, just for a few hours?" Begs Dakota.
     "In a minute, let me just hang up." Says Georgia.
     "Alright, hurry up!" Demands Dakota.
     "Have fun at the party." I sigh.
     "Thanks, I'll try." She sighs.
     When the FaceTime call ends, I have a text from Ethan.
E- come to Scar's.
     Me: to Scar's? Why?
    E: to hang out.
    Me: sure, I'm on my way.