Hustlin' by L. Divine Page A

librarian says, passing me the piece of paper. If I hadn’t paid for it already, it would probably be in the trash, judging from her obvious disdain of the subject matter. It’s the bibliography from Mr. Adewale’s paper on voodoo queens. No wonder I didn’t miss it. I’m more interested in the content than the references, but it’s still good to have it all.
    Mrs. Bennett can’t help herself, glancing at the paper as I claim it. “Oh, researching more fiction, I see.”
    Mrs. Bennett is the snidest broad I’ve ever met. It should be illegal for teachers to be haters. But, like shoes, haters come in all colors and sizes.
    â€œThere’s nothing fictitious about voodoo,” I say, putting the fear of God in the librarian, but not in Mrs. Bennett. Her eyes glow as she smiles at me. Just like Esmeralda’s eyes, Mrs. Bennett’s give me the creeps.
    Before she can get another remark in, I walk away from the counter, claiming my backpack number and heading out.
    â€œSee you in rehearsal,” Mrs. Bennett says to my back.
    I can’t wait until this festival is over. I’ve always wanted a lead role, but not at this price. But, like Mama says, there’s always a sacrifice when we’re at the crossroads and dealing with Mrs. Bennett is mine.
    Today is the first time in weeks I don’t have rehearsal at lunch—well, at least not for the first half of it. The stage crew is performing a sound and lighting check for our first dress rehearsal. And Mrs. Sinclair won’t be back until lunch is almost over, so I’ll take this time to clean out my locker. Nigel and Mickey obviously don’t want to be found and Jeremy and Chance have a Hacky Sack tournament in the parking lot, so I have no excuse for not cleaning out this hot mess. No wonder my life is so hectic; I’m anything but organized these days.
    It’s tough keeping it all together when I have to move around so much. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a house with my own room. I could keep my letters and private notes in a box under my bed or in my closet, like normal teenage girls. My locker’s packed with all kinds of paper: half pieces with notes scribbled on them, fliers from ASB and other school organizations advertising various events, loose papers from teachers. Luckily we have a recycling program on campus. Otherwise all of the paper use would be a real disgrace.
    â€œWhat’s up, Jayd? Spending lunch alone?” Misty says, walking out of the girls’ bathroom with Shae behind her. I guess now that Misty’s not a virgin she’s cooler in Shae’s eyes, even if her first sexual experience was a public nightmare.
    â€œI thought you were afraid to look at me or something. Doesn’t that include speaking to me?” I ask, looking at her briefly before rolling my eyes and giving my attention back to my locker. I glance briefly at the trash can next to the bathroom door and walk over to retrieve it. Having the trash can next to me will make the process fly by. Just then, Laura walks out of the ASB room, crossing my path on my way back to my open locker.
    â€œYou know what, Jayd? You’re going to end up with no friends and everyone’s going to know just how strange you and your grandmother really are. Watch and see,” Misty says, sashaying her wide ass out of the main hall. Shae’s probably too high to make any smart-ass comments of her own right now, and that’s just fine with me. The less friction I have from them, the better. But Laura’s not leaving without a few words of her own, I’m sure.
    â€œYou know, Jayd, I must admit, you are a very talented actress,” Laura says, approaching my locker.
    Ms. Toni and Reid are in the drama room serving as witnesses to the sound check. I wonder what Laura’s doing up here all alone? That’s very unlike her. And, her giving me a genuine compliment is even more