LITMIR.BIZ

      My first two classes haven’t changed, and they went by without incident. But there was one mistake with my schedule. They registered me in a non-AP speech and debate elective when I should’ve been registered in the AP journalism class. They usually do this when there’s a class cancellation, but I’d rather make my own adjustments than have them made for me. I requested a meeting time to talk to my counselor, Mr. Adelizi, about the change, but as busy as it was in the main office this morning, I doubt I’ll get to see him today.

      While I was in the main office this morning, I ran into Ms. Toni, the ASB teacher, and gave her a quick hug before she had to run off to a meeting. She’s been so busy lately we haven’t had time to catch up on all that’s happened. I know she’s still a little pissed at me for participating in Mickey’s downfall, and consequently losing my part as Lady Macbeth, but there’s still love there for me and I can feel it. She also mentioned she wanted to talk to me about Nigel’s shooting.

      I’m sure Ms. Toni still has questions regarding Laura’s accusation about me choking her up with my special spray, and how I got my part back on opening night of the play. It is true: I did make a potion to get my crown back, but Laura can never prove it. Telling Ms. Toni about my powers isn’t an option, but letting her in on my lineage may be okay. Mama wouldn’t be happy to know that someone in the administration knows all about our work, but who we are is no secret. I have to tell Ms. Toni something when she asks, even if it isn’t the whole truth.

      “Can I walk the lady to class?” Rather than look for someone new to hang with at break, I’ve decided to chill in the library until further notice. I guess Jeremy figured this out and came looking for me, which is nice, but still not enough to make me forget about his non-reaction to my friends’ drama.

      “Okay, since we’re both going to the same place anyway,” I say. He takes my books from my hands and tucks them under his right arm. We walk in silence away from the media center where the library is housed and toward our government class. Jeremy looks down at me, waiting for me to say something, but if I speak first the words won’t be so nice.

      “What’s up with you this morning? Did I do something wrong?” I look up at Jeremy and realize just how clueless he really is. Who knew boys could be so naïve?

      “It’s not so much what you did as what you didn’t say.”

      Jeremy shakes his thick brown curls and gives an exasperated sigh. I know I’m a bit much for him sometimes, but no one said friendship was easy.

      “Okay, what was it this time?” The bell rings and students start to leisurely rise from their seats and join us in our trek to class. Third period is my least favorite, and will remain that way until Mrs. Peterson is gone permanently. I thought she was retiring at the end of last semester, but it seems the old crow’s going to wait out the rest of the school year. Lucky us.

      “Look, the last thing I want to do is argue with you, Jeremy. We’re just different people and I accept that. There’s no need to go into it any further.” I look around at a few students staring at us as we walk on by. They’re probably wondering if we’re back together. That’s how rumors start.

      “What the hell are you talking about? What could I have possibly done between now and the last time we talked two days ago?” He stops in front of our classroom, looks down at me, and puts my books behind his back as if he’s going to hold them hostage until I give him the information he wants. Of all the days to forget my book bag. Well, at least I only have to carry them to the car and not from one bus stop to another. That would suck. Papa Legba, my father Orisha, does have some mercy on me.

      “Can we get into this some other time? We have to get inside before the tardy bell rings. You know Mrs. Peterson would love to mark us both for being late while we’re standing right in front of her door.” I think she heard me because she looks up from her newspaper and scowls at me before taking a sip of her coffee. I wonder if her drink is as bitter as she is.

      “Jayd, I hate it when you do this. How can you give me the cold shoulder without telling me what I did to deserve it? That’s not fair.”

      “Fair? Who said anything about life being fair? One of my best friends was shot a few days ago while another one died, not to mention that I’ve lost both of my homegirls over some bull. And another one of my friends got his daughter and car jacked at the same time by his crazy-ass baby mama, who he was trying to help. Fair my ass,” I say, walking past Jeremy and into the classroom, leaving him standing in the doorway under the ringing bell. I know that was a lot of information to drop in his lap and he didn’t deserve all that, but he kept pressing me and I haven’t had much sleep lately. I was liable to snap any minute and Jeremy just happened to be the one there at the time to vent on.

      I feel slightly relieved letting it out, but not completely satisfied. Now I feel bad, especially with the look on Jeremy’s face from where he’s still standing with his mouth open. He can keep the damned books for all I care. I’m not feeling this day anyway and we still have three more classes to get through after this one. Hopefully, second-semester business will take up the majority of the day and I can skate through the remainder without having to pay it too much attention. I take my seat and start flipping through the new textbook.

      “Miss Jackson, did you hear me?” Mrs. Peterson asks as I turn around to face her. All eyes are on me as our teacher waits for my response.

      “Yes, Mrs. Peterson. I’m sorry,” I lie, because I didn’t hear a damned thing she said before she snapped me out of my thoughts a second ago. Jeremy looks at me and I can see the worry in his eyes. I guess now he’s coming to understand how serious it is when a friend gets shot. I didn’t even tell him it was Rah’s baby-mama drama that I was speaking of before because he wouldn’t understand that either.

      “Well then, why aren’t you moving? Come get your pass and go

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