Don't Judge (Interracial)

6

Chapter 6

“Finding a man who speaks the truth is like looking for a dinosaur.”

-Big Boom

Tiana

The past few days have been hectic with getting things ready for homecoming, El coming to terms with his past, and tutoring Noah. Ever since he told me the only reason we speak during his sessions are when he has a question. What he said was cruel and he had no business digging in Elliott’s past no matter El said to provoke him to do so. It seems like Noah is impressed that I snapped the other day to his little friends. Like I said from the beginning he doesn’t know me but if he did he would not have been so surprised that I snapped. Normally I’m a kind, calm person but when I’m irritated I will let that person know. Especially when his little crew was acting like they knew me too. Seems like my tolerance from stupid, ignorant people has broken.

Everyday this week after school I’ve been either staying until like 7 or going to Noah’s school than coming back to work on our homecoming spirit wall like a president does. Today thankfully my vice president assured me that he had it covered so I can go home and relax. Tomorrow is going to be crazy because it’s the homecoming game and pep rally. Yeah right. Relax as in get caught up on all my homework and studying. Even though it’s spirit week it seems like the teachers are piling on the test like they are punishing us for school traditions. At least for about an hour I can chill, eat, and read. For today Stacey is going to try a few different styles on my hair so it can go well with my dress.

“Little sister, I think this is the one.” It’s in short little waves framed around my face and it’s totally adorable.

“Thanks, Stace.” Looking in the mirror at her, she smiles down at me.

“How’s Elliott?” Sighing I turn around in the chair as she sits on my bed.

“He’s...broken and I feel it’s my fault. I shouldn’t brought it up I mean what was I thinking? Obviously his past was hard.”

“Now you know it’s not your fault. The sick man that hurt him was released from prison and the system failed to warn him earlier. El took that has that man has been hunting him.”

“I hate seeing him so vulnerable but he masks it so well.”

“You know I’ve always admired both of you so much.” Confused I raise my eyebrows.

“Why?”

“You both went through so much at such a young age. Look at El he’s on his way to become a professional basketball player and you? Tiana, you are my hero. Whenever I feel down I think about how you are always so light and joyous. Of course there was time that you weren’t but that is what pain does. It’s not about what caused you pain but how you deal with the pain caused. I want you to know that. Things will get tough but know I will always be here for you.” She hugs me as tightly as she can with her belly before waddling out.

I chuckle walking over to my window but something catches my eye on my bookshelf. My Percy Jackson books are out of order and I would never do that. When I pull out The Titan’s Curse, a note falls on the floor. Quickly rearranging back in the right order, I pick the note up with a tissue because who knows what is on this paper. Carefully opening it the message inside gives me chills. It says:

What happened to your parents was not an accident.. Be careful the ones closest to you are harboring secrets. Start asking questions and I guarantee something big will happen.

What the heck? Who would send something like this? Putting the note into a baggy I put it in my desk drawer so I can give it to Elliot's dad later. I know he works in the Gang Unit but he said if I ever had any problems to come to him. Putting my headphones on I start my music up and pull a book out from my backpack to start history writing notes. Til the Casket Drops by ZZ Ward plays making me bob my head along to the lyrics. Pretty Little Liars is my show and I watch every episode.