Federie

ch 4

Amryl

I ended up in my room on the phone when I heard Jaye knock on the door.

"Baby sister. I have a surprise." He looked really happy.

"I'll call your guys back." They murmured but hung up.

"I found Sel and I a house. I also got a better paying job."

I had told him that Sel needed to feel safe with him, in a conversation months ago. She was depending on him as her husband. He told me how smart I sounded at just 12 years old. I cut my eyes at him because I know I'm young, but obviously I'm ahead of my time.

He thought about what I said and tried his best to provide like dad did for us coming up. I was happy to hear his news. I just smiled as he continued.

"It's a 4 bedroom 3 bath. Plenty of yard. A large dining area, a large kitchen, a den." He continued. "I want you to come see it." I agreed to go with him. He had just paid off his G wagon. Sel wasn't too happy when he first got it. She quickly changed her mind when he let her drive it. He had bought it 5 years ago and she just found out they are pregnant again. He drove to the new location. It was on Melrose Dr. We went in and looked around. It was huge to me. The bedrooms were a nice size. All of them could have their own room, but Jaye said he would put the boys in the same room to have an extra room for me. I told him he didn't have to do that. He insisted.

We got back and I started picturing how they would decorate. I pulled out my IPAD and sketched how they should make the living room. Jaye told me what a good job I had done. He liked my designs and said he was sure Sel would too.

_

The next day at school I knew Sel wouldn't be there to walk with me so I brought my headphones to keep me company on my 10 minute walk home. I saw this group of girl huddled. I didn't pay it any attention as I walked passed them to my locker. Up first my favorite, math. I grabbed my Calculus book and notebook. Placing my bag into my locker I closed it and headed to class.

Last year I decided I would try out for sports at the high school level. I played little leagues outside of school. Basketball volleyball and even cheered. I luckily made the cheer team. It kept me busy Wednesday thru Friday. Today was Monday so no practice.

By lunch time I was glancing at my phone reading the messages my girls had sent me. They would be entering high school next year and wanted to know what to expect. I told them I'm sure it would be different for them as everyone was their age. They didn't ask anymore questions. They were however excited I made cheer.

After lunch I headed to the gym for cheer clinic. The girls were pissed at first when coach announced I was captain this year. She said I had great leadership skills and was willing to help out with anything whenever needed. They grew to  love me, all except Olivia. She hated me from day one!!

Oh look it's the half breed captain, Olivia said as I walked up dressed in the required shorts and shirt with tennis shoes on.

Ha ha very funny I snipped back. I didn't bother to entertain her. I know what she wanted. I started warming us all up.

I looked over during an 8 count to see Amari talking to a guy who had to be his brother or cousin because he favored him a lot. He looked at me smiling and I returned the gesture directing my eyes back to my team. We finished practice on a good note. I was packing up my things when Amari came over with his look alike.

"Hey Am," he said sweetly. I turned around and blushed a little. I could feel my cheeks turning colors. Hey, what can I help you with, I said softly.

"This is my brother," He said. "I was hoping you wouldn't mind helping me with my math homework again after school. If it is cool with your parents we can go to my house."

Amari was in advanced math class and from time to time asked me to help him better understand his assignments. I helped him with all his classes if needed. He was the first person to make me feel welcomed here and I appreciated him for it.

Now that I was cheer captain, he tried not to bother me as much. I could tell he really needed my help and after some prying I discovered if he failed this Friday's exam he wouldn't be able to play in the Friday night football game. He was the quarterback and a good one at that. I didn't announce to everyone I was helping him and neither did he. Not to hide it, but he didn't want anyone to rag on me. I was thankful.

His brother blurted out his name was Omir. Amari and I laughed. I said hello and hugged him. He smelled so good!

I agreed to help Amari with his homework. His brother stared at me. I asked what grade he was in? He said eighth grade that he was just coming with his brother for today, their mom needed a witness he was getting the needed help. I said okay.

He was sweet. His eyes never left me. I felt him looking at me. If I was in my correct grade I too would be in eighth grade. He was a year older he blurted out and Amari laughed. I told him my birthday was towards the end of the school year, May 10th. He told me his birthday was February 12th. I felt my cheeks still red as Amari and I continued talking.

After school I phoned daddy and told him I was heading to Amari to help with homework. His mom and Nana would be home with us. I did not mention he had another brother. Amari and my brother Jaye were good friends, even though he was much older.

After we finished homework, I phoned my dad to come and get me. He couldn't make it so he sent mom. I felt my stomach sink to my feet.

Looking worried I packed up and Amari asked if I was okay. I said yes and he let it go. Omir, however did not. I learned his real name was Aryan Omir. He stumbled over his name only spitting out Omir at the school. He said you look afraid quietly. I felt his eyes on me. I didn't say anything.

He came over and stood next to me. I could tell he wanted to hug me. I was about to let him, when I heard a horn. I quickly went out the door. I didn't even get in the car good before she started. Amari and Aryan waved as we drove off. I turned and forced a smile and waved goodbye.

_

Amryl

Senior year was coming to an end. My girls continued to tease me about Omir after I told them the first half of the school year about him. I didn't mind because I did like him. I didn't mind helping Amari with his work if it meant I would get to see his brother. I didn't call him Aryan like everyone else. He allowed me to call him Omir.

I had told the cheer coach I would not finish the season after Olivia and I got into a fight. I beat her a** for calling my mom a w***e. She announced to the whole gym that the milk man was my real dad. I pushed her down the bleachers before I knew it and kept beating her a** until I felt a strong hand pulling at me. It was Amari.

He and Olivia had been sleeping together and he asked her several times to let up on me. She refused. She hated that he even talked to me. Usually I would let her comments slide.

She landed one good lick on my forehead, slicing it open. Me seeing the blood made me go APE on her! The principal phoned my parents and for some reason dad was at home and answered the phone.

I spoke with your father and he is on his way, Mr Juelz said. I was still fuming. I didn't allow myself to question why he was home. Mom would have come in yelling from the car to the office. I was happy daddy came.

Olivia's parents arrived first and made her apologize. She wasn't too happy. Her parents knew I was only 12 years old and felt like since Olivia was 18, she should've had some will to not bully me. I felt myself wanting to cry at their desperate attempt to assure me that she knew better. They waited for my dad to arrive. When he did they gave him a questioning look, but still greeted him. Hello Dr Federie, we do apologize they said almost simultaneously in sync, as if they rehearsed it.

Daddy! I just want to go home, I managed to say before I allowed myself to start crying. He just held me and spoke with the principal. I overheard Mr Juelz tell him how he didn't want to suspend me as I was the valedictorian and I had a perfect record.

Even though I am way younger, the rules are in place for a purpose. He was just doing his job. I was suspended for three days. Olivia on the other hand got seven days and counseling.

I later found out dad had lost his job after my mom went to his job about one of the nurses flirting with him while they were on the phone. She threatened to beat her dead if she looked at my dad again. This was no surprise. Mom had anger issues and she turned down dad trying to send her to therapy.

Over Christmas break I went to visit my mom's parents. Grammy gave me more on mom's upbringing and her accusations against uncle Derrick. Pop Pop was not having it, he left as Grammy started to tell me. I couldn't believe Grammy didn't do more for mom. I understood a little more why she was so angry with aunt Lisa and I.

Before leaving them they congratulated me and told me how proud they were to have such a smart grandchild. They told me they would be there for graduation. I loved going to my grandparents, both of them.

Daddy looked tirelessly for a new job. He found one at County Memorial Hospital. His hours changed and since I was graduating he didn't mind. He was home during the day and this really made me happy.

I spent my three day suspension getting ahead on my collegiate work. I somehow had gotten slightly behind. I think spending more time to help Amari graduate, so I could see Omir, was the cause.

I returned to school on a Thursday and everyone applauded as I entered the school. Olivia terrorized a lot of students. She was just a mean girl. Lexi, also a senior, my only high school friend, thanked me for rocking her world. Mr Juelz quieted the applause and summoned me to his office. I went and told Lexi I'd speak to hear later.

He just wanted to officially inform me that I had gotten a perfect score in all my classes. He checked with the local college and saw that I excelled there as well. I would graduate in less than two months as valedictorian with a 5.05 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

The college courses really boosted my gpa. I was glad I had decided at the end of sophomore year to take them. I would also be graduating with my associate's degree in pre medicine. I was excited to tell daddy!

I thanked him and went to class. Shortly after, he announced overhead that I was valedictorian of the class of 2021. Romi Uzi was salutatorian. Everyone cheered. They may not have spoken to me, but they were friendly to me. I guess they all considered me a baby sister. Mr Juelz also let everyone know the valedictorian would be receiving her associate's degree in pre medicine.

I told daddy once I got home and he was overjoyed. I am almost positive he started to cry. Mom said well good. I'm just glad you focused. Daddy told her she could have been more enthusiastic in congratulating me. I still said thank you.

I phoned to tell my friends...