where I came from.”
CHAPTER 15
A S THE DAYS went on, Laci felt more comfortable at school and with that, she began to trust others and gain more confidence in herself. Even though she had access to the cool million that her father left her, Laci continued to live as a regular college student, and unlike the South Bronx Bitches, the people around her didn’t feel threatened by her presence.
Laci’s Algebra class let out and she gathered her belongings to leave the room. Just as she began to walk out, someone called her name.
“Laci! Wait up!”
She turned around and saw two white girls and one biracial girl walking toward her. Instinctively, Laci’s heart began to race. What do they want with me? She continued to distract herself by gathering her books.
“Hi, Laci!” the tallest of the three spoke. “I’m Meranda, this is Gabrielle,” she pointed to the biracial girl, “and this is Samantha.”
“Hi!” Gabrielle and Samantha said enthusiastically, in unison.
“Hi,” Laci replied, although apprehensive. “It’s nice to meet you.” She noticed that each of the girls was dressed nicely. Meranda’s baby-blue and white Gucci track suit with the GGmonogram matched her blue and white custom Gucci sneakers, and the black Gucci purse she carried set off her style. Gabrielle wore a Liz Claiborne acid-wash miniskirt, with a red leotard and black Liz Claiborne riding boots. Samantha’s tight-fitting acid-wash Guess jeans and a white-collared long-sleeved shirt made her look immaculate, and a black belt showed off her small waist. She had on black Aigner riding boots and a black bag to match. Each of the girls wore diamonds in her ears.
“Hey, aren’t you in my Oral Communications class?” Laci asked Gabrielle.
“Yes I am,” Gabrielle exclaimed, glad that Laci recognized her. “Girl, the paper you read about self-reflections was the bomb!”
“Thanks.” Laci smiled, flung her backpack over her shoulder, and began walking.
“We’ve been trying to get at you for a few weeks,” Meranda confessed.
Laci looked up at her. “Why?”
“No reason, you just look cool. Not fake like most of these chicks around here.” The other girls nodded their heads. “So where are you headed?” Meranda asked. All of the girls began following Laci.
“Um, I was going to grab something to eat at the cafeteria. What were you all doing?”
“We were headed to the cafeteria too,” Samantha confirmed. “Do you mind if we go with you?” Each of the girls smiled at Laci, waiting for her answer.
They’re not the same kind of girls, Laci. It’s okay. Go ’head. Her inner self spoke and she had to trust her judgment. “No. I’d love the company and I’m starving!”
The girls chatted about what most eighteen-year-old girls talk about on their short walk to the cafeteria—shopping. It wasa far cry from what Tonette and her crew would talk about. Sensing that the girls had no ulterior motive, Laci began to let her guard down.
As they walked to the cafeteria, Laci saw Dink walking toward her.
“Hey baby,” she said as they met up. The girls looked on, wondering who Laci was talking to.
“Where you going, babe?” He looked at Laci and the girls that were with her.
“Lunch, but hey,” she looked at the girls then back at Dink, “let me introduce you to my friends. This is Meranda, Gabrielle, and Samantha.” She looked at the girls. “Ladies, this is my boyfriend, Daryl.”
“Hi Daryl!” they all said in unison, grinning from ear to ear, looking at him.
“Wassup.” He acknowledged them with a nod.
“You wanna join us?” Laci asked.
Looking at the girls, Dink thought against it. “Naw baby, I’ll just see you later.” He bent down and kissed Laci on her lips and walked away.
The cafeteria looked different to Laci—bright, clean, and not overwhelming. She and Dink often ate together and she sat while he got their food, but today, Laci was able to get her own and it felt good.
Once all of
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