“All the boys keep jocking, they chase me after school/ What you know ’bout me?” —LIL’ MAMA I’ve been thinking about Jeremy’s comment since third period, and Lord knows I didn’t need any more distractions to keep me from concentrating in my math class. I’m just glad that’s over and I can get a break at lunch. I wish I could spend lunch alone or in Ms. Toni’s office, but here comes one of my girls. Now there’s no way to duck for cover. “Hey Jayd,” Nellie says as I put my books into my locker. “How’s our champion academic?” she says, putting her arm around my shoulder as I close my locker and walk with her toward the main quad. I guess we’re chilling in South Central today. Otherwise we’d be headed in the opposite direction. “Don’t try and butter me up, because you know I can’t save you from Mickey. Where’s your boy toy?” I say, referring to Chance. I hope she’s not using him out of convenience. But, just like with Mickey and Nigel, I’m going to try and stay out of their relationship as much as I possibly can.
