On my way to class, another annoyance pins me down: Leo.
He dons a black hoodie with a white graphic of a tiger and the slouchiest jeans. His hands ball into the wide pocket of his hoodie. He catches me in the hall of my next class. Why is my morning becoming a family reunion?
‘Wait there.’
‘Freddy didn’t beat you up good last time?’
‘Don’t worry about Freds. Worry about yourself, scholarship.’
‘Not for long,’ I grumble.
He scans over me. ‘I can help you.’
‘What? She told you?’
He tenses slightly. My head shouts that he’s lying. ‘My aunt didn’t tell me anything.’
‘Oh?’ I probe.
He scowls at me and leans forward. I don’t lean back. I’m prepared to scream if he tries anything out of hand. ‘Watch your mouth.’
‘Do you want to talk or not, Leo?’
When he proves to himself that he can
