The Only Exception

25

Letoya

My science test sat in front of me— every question answered but my anxiousness still flared heavily. Shawnette told me not to over think this shit but it didn't help my anxiety. Ignoring the urge to just go change ever answer, I wrote my name on it and stood up. Walking to the front, I handed it in before grabbing my bags and leaving.

As I walked back to my dorm, I spotted Kelly hanging with this girl named Beyoncé. Turning the other way, I kept walking just to be stopped. "Yo Toya!"

Turning around, I faced Kelly and saw that she and Beyoncé was walking up to me. My face flattened and I dropped my backpack to the ground as I got into that headspace. Damn, she really wanted to fight again on campus grounds? This girl just wouldn't stop.

Beyoncé's face furrowed as her Texas accent hit my ears. "What you dropping your bags for?"

"Nah. Why you two walking up on me is the question." I announced with an attitude.

Kelly's friend shook her head. "No, we didn't come to start trouble. Kelly here has something she wants to say though."

Beyoncé nudged Kelly and she began speaking. "Look, I'm sorry aight. I didn't mean to bring up Grayson and the last thing I wanted to do was fight. I'm really sorry Toya, it won't happen again. I'm sorry for choking you."

"Ok and I'm sorry for blacking your eye." I lied to walk away from her. Picking my bag back up, I turned on my feet and began walking away.

"Wait Toya!" She yelled which caused me to stop and look over my shoulder at her. "If we are cool again, then I'm not moving out."

"You don't have too." I replied as I turned and kept walking. "I am though!"

Grabbing my phone, I texted Jo.

Boss Lady ✨
I need a place to crash for a week or two. You mind if I stay at your place with you?

Jo didn't text back immediately and that led me to remember that she was at work and probably far away from her phone but I didn't need to be anywhere near Kelly or her friend Beyoncé. It just wasn't the energy I wanted in my life. Fuck it, I'm going to my sisters.

Essence 💜
I need a place to crash at for a few. It's cool if I come?

From: Essence 💜
You know it is. I'm not there right now but I'm on my way. Give me 10 and I'll be home.

Walking to my dorm, I opened the door and walked into my room. Grabbing all my duffels and suitcases, I began putting my clothes there. I cleared out my closet and the one dresser I fit in the room. Next I began pilling my collection of heels into my duffels. Going to the bathroom, I grabbed my hair products, tooth brush and makeup before putting it in the suitcase as well. I walked into Kelly's room and yanked all my shirts and jackets from her clothes closet. I'd be damned if I left her something I paid for.

I glanced at the best friend photo album I had on my dresser before shaking my head and leaving it. Taking as many bags as I could at a time, I filled my trunk and backseat with my things. When I was finished, I sat in my car for a second as I took a deep breath.

The urge inside of me told me to not do this, but the temper that was attached to my soul would burn this school down if necessary. Turning my car on, I pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards Essences' house.

As I drove my phone rang and I answered it without looking. Jo's voice flowed through my speakers loudly causing me to turn her down a bit. "What's wrong? Did she do something? Sorry I was in a meeting baby, but what happened?"