Lean on me

one.

"Wake up it's time to get ready for school" I whispered to my brother as I gently shook him. I've been taking care of my 7 year old brother Kai since he's been in diapers because our mom decided that she loves the streets and her drugs more than her own flesh and blood. I've always said that a 16 year old shouldn't be taking on a mother role at such a young age, it just isn't fair.

"Kai hurry up before we both be late!" I always had to rush him, that boy moves slower than molasses. "I'm coming Alayna! I just have to get my backpack!" He yelled back. Before I headed out I took one last look in the mirror and thought to myself 'damn girl you look good.' Not to be conceited or anything but I'm a real cute girl! I'm about 5'3, light skin, nice body, some nice lips, and long curly hair, I get that from being mixed with black and Puerto Rican. I wore some Air Jordan Bred 11's with a plain white t-shirt, and my favourite Hollister jeans, just a simple and basic outfit for a boring Monday at school. "Kai I'm going to count to ten and if you're not out here I'm leaving you. 1....2.." Before I could get to three he came running from around the corner with his batman book bag around his neck. "I told you I had to grab my things." He said as he ran out the front door. I grabbed my purse and notebook and locked the front door.

We walked in silence for about 3 minutes then Kai started his daily questionare. "Alayna why do we have to go to school everyday?" He asked. "So you can go to college and get a good job so you won't be living on the streets" I replied. "Ohhh. Alayna?" "Yes Kai Martinez yes?" I was annoyed with the questions. "Why is mom never home?" He asked me sadly, I didn't know if I should sugarcoat it or tell him the truth. "Mommy is out looking for jobs so we can move out of these projects" I know that was far from the truth but he is too young to know the truth.

After I dropped Kai off at his school I headed to my high school, it was only a few blocks away. When I got there I did the daily routine of meeting my best friend Shanti at my locker. I've known Shanti since she moved on my block in pre-k, she really is my sister from another mister! "What's up girl!" shanti yelled before I was halfway down the hall, if you asked anyone to describe her they would say 'that girl is straight up ghetto!' But you have to love her. "Hey Shanti!" I laughed. "Did you hear about the new boy that came today? Girl I heard he was fineeeeee! If I wasn't with Rakim hoe ass then I would holler." Shanti always complained about her boyfriend of 5 months. I don't know why she still with him, she is crazy! "How do you find stuff out so fast? Plus you need to stop all that flexing, you know you're not leaving that boy" I told her. "Now you know I'm the ears and mouth of this school" that she was right about!

"Good morning class, turn your books to page 614" my human anatomy teacher Mrs.Alston yelled, I swear I hate this class and her. As soon as she said that I put my head down and fell asleep. 10 minutes later I hear Ms.Alston yell my name, "Ms.Martinez wake up!". I smacked my teeth and stretched, "ouch" said an unknown voice. I turned around and saw a new student holding his face, "I'm sorry" I stuttered, that had to be the new boy Shanti was telling me about. "Is that your way of greeting a new student?" He said jokingly. I laughed, "nah, I didn't know you were sitting there usually, that sit is empty." He smiled, "it's cool, my name is Malachi" his smile was the most beautiful thing on this planet. His had straight white teeth and a complexion to die for, he was perfect! "I'm Alayna", I finally managed to say. Just then the bell rang and 1st period was over. "I'll see you later Alayna" he winked at me and I blushed "bye."