Woke

19.)

Kiara:

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

Principal Karr finished taking a swig of his coffee, beckoning me forward. "Yes, yes, come in!"

I stepped all the way inside his office, shutting the door behind me. I sat down in the chair on the other side of his desk. I'd gone through this process numerous times, but this was the first time I actually felt nervous. I usually knew why I was being called in, but this time I had no clue. I sent up a silent prayer that he hadn't found out about Chris and I skipping the week before.

"Your teachers have noticed a remarkable improvement in your attitude." He said. "They come to me about it everyday."

"Th-they do?"

He nodded. "And Coach B said she thinks you're a wonderful asset to the cheerleading squad."

"She did?" I was dumbfounded. 

"Yes. I've also spoken with Mr. Marks about your interactions together, and he had nothing but good things to say about you. He also unintentionally noted that you two have recently formed a very special relationship." I felt my face heat up when my principal wiggled his eyebrows. "So given the exceptional work you've done throughout this month, I have decided to give you a clean slate. We're removing all past disciplinary infractions from your school record."

I felt my heart leap with excitement. "Are you serious?"

"Indeed I am." When I started to thank him, he held a hand up. "There's no need, Miss Washington. You've earned it. Which also reminds me... Mrs. Greene has requested that you apply to join the Student Ambassadors Club next semester."

"Mrs. Greene wants me?" I shook my head. "Sir, I don't think--"

Principal Karr stopped me again. "Before you say anything about working with Mrs. Greene, I want you to know that none of your teachers ever disliked you. This entire school sees such a bright light within you-- you're very smart and talented-- you just needed a bit of time to grow and come into yourself. We can't wait to see where you go in life. We're very proud of you."

"I... wow. Thank you."

"If you don't mind, see Mrs. Greene before the end of the day for an application." I dazedly nodded, and he smiled. "Great. You can go on to gym now. Here's your late pass."

I took it and thanked him again, still in shock. As I walked down the hall towards the gymnasium, I was trying to process what the hell had happened. My teachers actually liked me? Principal Karr was proud of me, and Chris was talking highly of me to other people. I couldn't have felt better. 

I went into Coach Hughes' office to give him the late slip, of which he absentmindedly nodded and instructed me to dress out. I ran into the girls' locker room to put on my gym clothes. I was the only girl in the gym class, which I liked because Coach didn't enforce the gym dress code. I slipped on my favorite red sports crop and leggings set with black Nike's. I pulled my hair up in a ball before taking my jewelry out and setting them in a pocket on my book bag. I walked out of the locker room to see all the boys playing basketball.

"And one, bitch!" Chris exclaimed, coming down from his layup. Devon cursed, being the one to have caused the foul. Chris sent the ball into the basket with ease, earning the foul point.

"Yo, Keeks!" Devon yelled. At the sound of my nickname, Chris turned around. I couldn't even stop the smile that formed on my face as his eyes lit up when he saw me. I bit my lip and jogged over to them.

"You better stop calling me that whack ass name, bruh." I jokingly punched Devon.

"Hey, babe." Chris said to me. "Everything good?"