12. Just One of Those Night's

Zaire Healy

UMCG, Groningen, Nederlands (Holland)
9:00 A.M, Friday

______________________

I am barely able to get any sleep. The pain I’m in is making me go crazy. I started chemotherapy. I puked here and there. That stuff is making me nauseous. I have to go again today.  My father’s staying with me most of the time; my mother just… stays away. I don’t understand. Why is she acting like this? Is she hiding something from me?

I woke up this morning to clumps of my long pink hair on my pillow. I screamed. No, I can’t be going bald! I ran my hand through my hair, and saw my hair on fingers. I cried and screamed myself into a temper tantrum. The nurses came, and tried to restrain me. It wasn’t working. I just kept fighting them. That went on for a good 5 minutes before I felt an all too familiar feeling. I puked up medication and blood while in a coughing fit. I was getting weaker.

After the nurses fed me and showered me, I took up my phone. I turned the camera towards myself and snapped a photo. I closed my eyes before sighing. I turned over the phone to see what I looked like. I couldn’t believe it. I looked like a zombie. I could see my scalp and my eyes have sunken in abit. I was thinner and my skin had this yellow hue to it. I looked nothing of my old self.  I just silently cried.

When the doctor came and checked on me, a question popped up in my mind. I couldn’t help it, I just needed to know.

“Hoe lang heb ik nog?” (How long do I have still?) I whispered to him. He looked at me with sad eyes.

“Rond een halve jaar, als het niet meer gaat. En hoe het er nu uitziet... Ik denk niet dat je het zal halen.” (Around a half year, if you don’t get any better. And how it’s going right now...  I don’t think you’ll make it.) he said sadly. I sighed and nodded. When he left the room, I cried. I couldn’t do it. I needed to speak to Gabriella. I picked up my phone and just held it before dialing the number. Wait, it’s 9 in the morning here which means it’s like 3 in the morning there. She might not answer. I was just going to hope for the best. The phone rang twice before someone answered.

“Hello?” the voice said groggily.

“Hi-I, I’m looking for Gabriella?” I said.

“Oh, well I don’t know what time you think it is, but uhm, everybody is sleeping. And Gabriella doesn’t live here with me anymore.” The voice said. As they said that, I knew exactly who it was. Her mother.

“Sorry, I think I have the wrong number. Uh… bye.” I said hastily, not even giving her the chance to reply.

I looked out the window until my father arrived. We talked abit before he went to the bathroom. He left his phone. I swiftly took it up and looked up Nicki’s number.  When I saw it, I clicked it without thinking. It rung about 6 times before I heard her voice.

“Yes?” an irritated groggy voice answered. I smiled abit. I was about to speak to Nicki Minaj once again.

Nicki Minaj
Hotel Suite, Dawn Beach, St. Maarten
3:30 A.M, Friday

______________________

I woke up to my phone ringing. Safaree grunted and turned over so I could get it. I answered without checking caller I.D.

“Yes?” I answered irritatedly.

“Uh… sorry to call so late. It’s Zaire.” A hoarse voice answered.

“Oh hey, how are you?”

“That’s the thing, it’s not so well..” she answered then took a breath. She told me everything. Not leaving a single detail out. By the end of it all, I was sobbing with Safaree rubbing my back.”Just please don’t tell Gabriella yet, I don’t want her to be worrying about me. Please, just do me that favor.” She pleaded then coughed. She wasn’t stopping. Soon I heard nurses come in and her gagging. Poor little girl. The phone then went dead.

I couldn’t sleep anymore. I got out of bed and changed into a sweater and sweat pants. I then went out to the balcony and sat. Safaree come out a few minutes later. He just sat next to me. No questions. I liked that, it was as if he knew when to ask questions. I sat there about 15 minutes before finally speaking.

“Faree?”

“Tell me.”

“I’m going to sleep by Gabriella until we leave. I just got news that I know she’ll never forgive me for if she finds out. I’m not going to tell you either, but I don’t want you to get angry with me please.” I said while looking into his eyes. He just stared back into mine and slowly nodded.

“Okay, just please don’t let it hurt her.” He said slowly. I sighed and nodded. I then got up and went into Gabriella’s room. She was sleeping funny. She seemed cold and the covers weren’t really covering her. As I was placing them on her, I saw her wrists. My eyes widened. They looked recent. But why? We were moving forward. Did she know about Zaire or so? I was going to ask her in the morning.

I climbed in next to her and held her. It was as if she knew I was there, because she automatically turned to me and curled up in my arms. Her head was in my chest. I soon fell asleep.

Zaire Healy

11. Making Up

Safaree Samuels
Hotel Suite, Dawn Beach, St. Maarten
7:45 A.M, Wednesday

______________________

I am honestly pissed with Nic pulling that stunt with Gabriella. Like seriously, why are you so stubborn? Can’t you see this sort of things take time? I slammed our door last night, and she took the hint as in ‘you’re not welcome here.’ I couldn’t really sleep last night. I could clearly hear Gabby crying, but I didn’t want to run into Nicki right then. I just tossed and turned. Played some games on my phone and check twitter. Talked to some of the Vaks and just thought.

I woke up this morning, and showered. I was going to take a jog around the area. I just needed to clear my head. When I walked out the room, I could see Nicki sleeping while holding Gabriella. They both seemed at peace. Their faces weren’t so swollen and red anymore. Guess she apologized to her. I just stared at them, then went into my room and took my phone. I snapped a picture of them and saved it as my wallpic. I know, I’m still angry, but if Gabby forgave her last night, then that doesn’t matter anymore. Well, not that much.

I jogged around the hotel and on the beach. After about an hour, I just sat by the bar near the pool and drank a smoothie. I was finally getting the relaxation I needed out of this vacation. We were leaving Sunday, but maybe I should stay another week. It’s just been too much, I want to be alert when Gabby needs me, but I feel full. I just want to be alone.

Gabriella Richardson

Hotel Suite, Dawn Beach, St. Maarten
9:00 A.M, Wednesday

______________________

I slowly stirred as beams of sunlight hit my face. It takes a split second before my eyes adjust on my surroundings. Nicki had a sort of tight grip on me, so it wasn’t easy getting out of bed without her waking. Then I caught myself. What time is it?!? I dashed into the main room. The clock read 9:05. I shrieked. I ran back into my room and accidentally slammed my bathroom door shut. I could hear that Nicki fell off the bed with a ‘thud’.

“OUWWWWW!” she wailed sleepily

“Sorry!” I yelled back.

I quickly showered and got myself ready. When I saw my face in the mirror, I stopped. My eyes were still red and puffy. I looked like a living zombie. I wasn’t going to school no matter how I thought about it. They would just tease me more. As soon as I thought about all of that, a tear slipped my eyes. I couldn’t do this, I needed something or someone to take the pain away. Someone? I doubt I would find someone, everyone I knew just left or was currently hurting me, or even hurt me already. So my mind went to something. What about cutting? “No dumb fxck, that will just make it worse.” My thoughts rang. But I decided to still try it. I looked for a razor. I put it near my wrist and let it slide. One cut became two. Two went on to being three and so on. At about 6 I stopped. It made the pain go away for just that time. I didn’t even cry. I watched my blood as it trickled down my arm. Those were my tears. I was done trying. Sorry Safaree, I just can’t.

I quickly cleaned up after about 10 minutes. I looked into my room to see if Nicki was still in my bed, she wasn’t. Good. I quickly picked out an outfit. I wore leggings and a sweater. I was gonna be hot. This isn’t the kind of weather for sweaters but I needed something to cover the cuts. My wristbands and bangles, I could like make my own style out of it, so Nicki and Safaree won’t suspect anything. Great. I rolled up my sleeves took out some bangles and wristbands. Now I looked normal, well like myself.

I walked into the main room to see Nicki in deep thought. A tear was falling from her eyes.  I walked up to her and gave her a hug, she hugged back.

“Morning Ladybug.” She said and gave me a small smile

“Morning mama.”

“You hungry?”

“Yeah.”

“Ait, I’ll get you something.” She said and called room service. Breakfast came up around 10 minutes later. We ate in silence. Once we were finished, I looked around. I haven’t seen Safaree yet.

“Uh ma, where dad?” I asked and then regretted it. Nicki just stopped and stood. The tears were flowing down her cheeks. I guess he’s not talking to her. I hugged her and listened to her cry. I didn’t know what to say to soothe her.

After her little crying session, she got up.

“I’m going back to bed. If Safaree asks for me, tell him I’m sick and want to be alone.

“Oh okay ma, love you.” I said placing a kiss on her cheek. She smiled small and retreated to her room. Guess I’ll head to mine and study or something.

Nicki Minaj
Hotel Suite, Dawn Beach, St. Maarten
10:30 A.M, Wednesday

______________________

I didn’t sleep. I just held the covers over me. It had Safaree’s scent. It was killing me softly that he hasn’t spoken to me yet, even though I deserved it. I just want him to hold me and tell me that he loves me. I really do like him and he makes me happy, but what is happening to us? I just cried and cried. Somehow I fell asleep.

I woke up around 12 to see him hovering over me. He had sadness in his eyes. And love. It made my eyes water once again. He wiped away the tears and lifted me out of the bed. And just held me. I took in his scent.

“Nic?”

“Mmhmm.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“And Nic?”

“Yes?”

“I forgive you. I was just upset that you would do something like that. We have to help her up, not break her down. I just want us all to be happy together. I’m spry I shutted you out last night. I shouldn’t have done that.” He whispered into my ears. I looked him in the eyes. I could see that he meant every word he’d just say. I kissed him softly. He kissed back. We deepend the kisses and it turned heated quickly.

I stopped him, before anything more happened. I smiled at him and he smiled at me.

“I love you Faree.”

“I love you more Nika.” He said and pecked my lips.

“Well, I don’t want to stay in here the whole day. So let’s go to the beach for the rest of the day. All three of us as a family.” I beamed and he laughed.

“Oh okay, I’ll get Gabby.”

We soon went down to the beach. Gabby loved the ocean and dove right in. Safaree and I watched her and held hands. This was the moment. We took photos and went out to lunch at the restaurant. The owners knew Gabby, so we just played it off. Gabby already told us not to tell anyone because new spreaded here like a wildfire. And we didn’t need that.

Look at us. One finally happy family. I was loving it.

10. Say Something

Gabriella Richardson
Milton Peters, South Reward, St. Maarten
12:45 P.M, Tuesday
______________________

I had tons of free periods so I’m out of school early. Normally I would wait on my parents to get me or go with Zaire. But none of those options were open. I would have to end up calling Nicki. I didn’t want to call her; she disrespected me, something that you just don’t do. I tried holding in my tears, but they fell anyway. I felt so hurt, I know what she said was right, but it doesn’t change the fact that they were my parents, even though I’m now in her care.

As I was sitting debating if I should call Nicki, a girl yanked my arm so I faced her.  It was Shamilah’s sister. I instantly froze up. She seemed so upset.

“I heard your ass is adopted now.” She said and smirked. I just kept my head down and stayed quiet.  She laughed. “That was always you, the one that couldn’t defend herself. You always needed that slut Zaire to have your back.” She yelled at me and people started looking. Again no one came to help. She shoved me before leaving. “It’s just goes to show, no one wants you.” She yelled at me.

“Ohhhh!” was all you heard people saying. I just held my head down. I couldn’t let them know that they got to me. The bell rung. I really just wanted to leave. I saw Gabe running towards the gate. He’s a kid in my class and lives near my parent’s house.

“Gabe wait!” I yell while gathering my stuff. He stops and looks at me. “Can I ride with you?”

“Shure, c’mon.” he says.

The whole car ride was silent. He dropped me at the house and I walked up to the front door. It was locked. Duh, no one’s home. I always kept a spare key out because I tend to forget mines inside. I open the door and look around.  Everything was left the way it was. Including my blood on the foot of the stairs. It brought back memories. I cried. Why was everybody I know hurting me?

I went into the kitchen and got the cleaning supplies. I cleaned off my blood. I didn’t like it. I went around the house looking for more blood stains. When I finished and went back into the kitchen and looked for snacks. Nothing much had spoiled, but I threw away the things that were. I wasn’t leaving here. This was home anyway.

Nicki Minaj
Hotel Suite, Dawn Beach, St. Maarten
2:00 P.M, Tuesday
______________________

It was getting abit late. I was expecting Gabriella to call at any moment. I felt so guilty. I couldn’t even look at Safaree when I came back. I just ignored him. He got fed up eventually and went down to the pool, so that leaves me here alone. I decided to call the school. Mrs. Scott answered.

“Good afternoon, Milton Peters College. Mrs. Scott speaking.”

“Uh, hi. It’s Miss Maraj.” I said abit unsure.

“Oh, yes?”

“It’s Gabriella, she hasn’t arrived home yet.”

“Oh, well she was seen leaving the premises what a boy from her class. He lives where her parent’s house is in Dawn Beach.”

“What?!?” I said and stayed quiet for a moment before speaking again. “Oh okay, thanks. Bye.”

I hung up without even having to hear what she had to say. I was pissed and hurt. She chose to go back to them instead of just speaking to me. Well, trying to speak to me. Did I really hurt her that bad? Because we both know what I said is true. I didn’t think she would take it to heart like that.

As I was weighing my options, Safaree walked in.

“Hey.”  I say to him. He just stays quiet. Well, guess he’s ignoring me as well.

He goes into our room to shower and change his attire. He comes out and it took every fiber of my being not to rip his clothes off right there and then. The shirt was kind of tight so you could clearly see his abs. I bit my lip and looked away.

“Uhm, where is Gabriella?” he asks me. I turn to him slowly. I had to tell him.

“W-well she’s ignoring me. I said something that was abit out of line. She didn’t call us but she’s at her parent’s house.” I said abit unsure. I was playing with my hands refusing to look him in the eyes. He lifted my chin to face him.

“What was it about?”

“Her parents.” I whisper. His whole expression changed. He was angry and it was my fault.

“How dare you.”

“I know and I’m sorry.”

“Sorry will not fix this! She is maybe in there bleeding to death because she self-harmed or something!” Why would you do that? They are still her parent’s! She spent 15 years with them. You can’t just pop up and change that!” he yelled at me. I just sat there and cried. I didn’t mean to upset anyone. Now my babies are mad. And may not come back.

“I’m going to get her. Don’t come. Just stay. When I reach back don’t speak at all. I don’t want to hear you. I can’t believe you right now.” He said before slamming the door shut. I just stayed where I was and cried.

Safaree Samuels
Dawn Beach, St. Maarten
4:30 P.M, Tuesday
______________________

When I arrived at the house, all was quiet. I walked up to the front door. It was locked. I walked to the other doors. Also locked. I then decided to call out to her.

“Gabriella!”

I saw a window on the first floor open. I saw a little puffy red face. She saw me and sobbed.

“What do you want?” she asks me through sobs. My heart was breaking for this little girl. All she wanted was to be loved and they just kept hurting her. I wasn’t going to do that.

“Ay, listen babygirl, can you please come down and talk to me?” I ask her. She shook her head ‘no’.

“Is ‘she’ with you?” she asked.

“No, I’m alone.” I say.

“I don’t believe you. Just go away.” She yelled and closed the window. I called out to her over and over again. She didn’t answer.  I just sat on the front steps and waited. I soon fell asleep.

At around 8, I felt a pair of little hands place a blanket over me. I slowly stirred. It scared her. She quickly got up and ran to the door. I ran after her. I was able to place my foot into the door so it wouldn’t close. She screamed and ran up the stairs to her room. She was able to lock that door before I made it. She sobbed louder and louder. I was feeling so bad for her. I suck down on the outside of the door. I listened to her.

After about 15 minutes, she stopped but then she started talking.

“You know in the bible said to honor your mother and your father. I always did. They just had it hard doing that to me after I was raped. I loved my parents and took my blows. I never complained. I was always humble. They would disrespect me and hurt me, but I still loved them. I remember that almost every year my parents would take me on vacation. It would be Holland or New York or even Puerto Rico. We had so much fun. We’d laugh and take courses. We were so happy. I want that again. Just to be happy. Is that too much?” she asked and sniffled.  I was in tears.

“W-well, I’m here. I know it may not be so convincing but I love you. From the moment I saw you, I fell in love with you. I felt the urge to protect you. Nurture you and teach you. I want to see you smile. I don’t want you to have to suffer anymore. Please Gabriella, please come out.” I said with emotion.  It took a few seconds before she opened it. I stood. She ran to me and cried into my shirt.

“I-I love you d-daddy.” She sobbed into my shirt. I rubbed her back. Sinds she’s about 4’3, I lifted her up and placed her legs around my waist. I continued to rub her back and hair. She cried for about 5 minutes. All that time I didn’t move.

My stomach and her stomach growled at the same time.

“I guess we should head back. We are both hungry.” I say.

“No!” she yells.

“Okay, well what are we going to do?”

“I’m going to cook. There are still edible things here. C’mon.” she said and I put her down so she could walk.

We walked to the kitchen. She opened a few cupboards and took out everything she needed.   

“What are you making?” I ask.

“Chicken Pasta. Want to help?”

“Sure.”

I helped and around 9:30 we ate. We talked and giggled abit. I saw her smile once again. I was happy. Happy to see her happy.  We ate quickly then washed up. We turned off all the lights. And locked all the doors. We left for the hotel.

Nicki Minaj
Hotel Suite, Dawn Beach, St. Maarten
11:00 P.M, Tuesday
______________________

It was late when they walked in. I stood up and opened the door. Safaree just brushed past me. Gabriella just looked at her toes. I stepped out of the way and she walked in.

“G-Gabby?” I say softly.

“NO! Don’t call me. It’s Gabriella to you.” She yells at me. I have had it.

“GABRIELLA, WE BOTH KNOW WHAT I SAID IS TRUE SO STOP IT!” I yelled back. She and Safaree looked at me in disbelief.

“IT DOESN’T CHANGE THE FACT THAT THEY ARE MY PARENTS. YOU JUST CAME. WHY ARE YOU THIS WAY? YOU WOULD FEEL THE SAME WAY IF IT WERE YOU. YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT HELD ME FROM THE MOMENT I WAS BORN. MAYBE IF YOU WASN’T TRYING TO FILL THEIR SHOES SO SOON, YOU’D UNDERSTAND!” she yelled back. I was taken aback. A tear rolled down her cheek. Then she ran to her room and slammed the door. Safaree just shook his head at me. And walked in our room slamming the door as well. I guess it’s the couch for me.

It was 1 in the morning. I couldn’t sleep and I could hear Gabby sobbing. I couldn’t do this anymore. I had to stop this stubbornness. I walked into her room. She had her back turned to me.

“Gabby?” I ask and got no reply just sobs. I walked up to the bed and crawled in. I put my arms around her, embracing her. I just let me. And cried harder. I cried too. I hurt her and it was hurting me.

“I-I’m so sorry.” I say through sobs.

“I-I know.” She said and I hugged her harder.

“I promise never to do that again. I guess I just really wanted to be your mother. So I could see you smile and show you the world.”

“Well all I want is to be happy and loved.” She said and cried. I soothed her. And sang to her. I sang ‘Say Something’ from Great Big World. She slowly fell asleep. Before she fully slept she whispered to me.

“I love you mommy.”

“I love you too ladybug. I love you too.” I say and fell asleep soon after.

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9. What?

Gabriella Richardson
Hotel Suite, Dawn Beach, St. Maarten
5:00 A.M, Tuesday
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 I automatically woke up at this hour because, I have school. Any normal teen my age should be in school. I rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom. I took a shower, brushed my teeth and so on. I then put on my uniform and packed my bag.  I walked into the dining room, turned on the light, and took up the phone to call room service, but then I hesitated. Would Nicki mind? I sighed and knocked on her door. No one answered. I didn’t want to barge in so I literally banged on the door. Still no answer. I started kicking the door. No answer. So I did something I never in my life did before. Zaire does it all the time to get her parents attention. I screamed. Immediately the door shot open, Nicki came out with a flat iron. Sinds it was dark in her room and she was squinting, when she swung it, it hit me directly in the face. The impact was so hard, I passed out.

“Gabby?... Gabriella?...” I was hearing someone call my name. I squinted then slowly opened my eyes. I looked around. I was in my room with an ice pack on my head and a worried Nicki infront of me.  I groaned. My head hurt. “Hey ladybug, are you alright? You like went out for like 10 minutes.” She said and giggled a little.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just a little headache. Next time please try to come to the door when I knock.” I said with a little attitude.  I got up slowly and went into my bathroom. My forehead was red, but thank God it wasn’t a bruise.

“Baby girl, do you need anything?”

“No!” I yelled. “Just go away.” I whispered to myself.  I was abit cranky. Why was I having so much bad luck? I quickly re-washed my face and made sure my uniform was right. I walked out to see Nicki sitting on my bed, looking at her hands. Did I hurt her? I walked up to her and moved hands. I pulled her up so that she was standing. Her eyes were glossy. Damn, I was abit harsh. I hugged her tightly. At first she didn’t hug me back but slowly she did. And she rested her head on top of mine.

“I’m sorry mom, I’m just abit upset. I didn’t mean to yell at you.” I said. It was abit muffled because my head was in her stomach. She giggled.

“It’s okay, I’m always here if you want to talk.” She said watching me in the eyes.  I nodded. I just wasn’t ready.

We ate breakfast and when I looked at the time, it read ‘6:40’.

“Oh my, I have to get to school!” I yelled and ran to get my bag. Nicki just looked at me confused.  “What?” I asked irritated.

“You just got out of the hospital, don’t you want to rest?”

“No, I don’t want to miss any more school.”

“Well, I’ll take you. I have to speak to your principal anyway.” She said casually before going into her room to get ready. She was pretty quick. She was dressed in a sweater that covered her tattoo and sweatpants. Her hair was down. No make-up.  And she had shades on.  It kind of reminded me of my mom. I shuttered. I have to stop thinking about them.

We went down to the lobby and she rented a white Range Rover. I directed her to the school. And I went in first. I waited for her to park and meet me. Meanwhile I received tons of hugs and ‘Welcome back’s’. It made me smile. Then I frowned. Zaire isn’t here. Nicki walked up to me and scared me abit.

“Hey babe. You ready?” she asks me while putting an arm around me. I nodded and smiled. Thank god nobody really noticed who she was. But ofcourse you had the immature boys that were whistling at her. She ignored it. I just shrugged.  I looked at the time. It said ‘7:23’.

“Uh ma, I have to go to class. Just ask the receptionist for Mrs. Scott.” I said while getting up.

“Oh okay.” She said and turned her head. I looked at her funny.

“What are you doing?” I asked and giggled alittle.

“Waiting on you to kiss me bye.” She said. I laughed and kissed her cheek just as the bell rang.

“See ya, mom!” I said and she smiled. Then I rushed to class. My favorite of all, History.

Zaire Healy
Airport, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
8:00 A.M, Tuesday
______________________

I’m here at the airport. A private jet was coming for me. I wasn’t feeling any better. Everywhere hurt. I miss Gabby. She’s probably depressed and it’s all my fault. I didn’t mean to but I didn’t want her to know. I just really wished this was all a dream. My parents look like Zombies. And they look as if they haven’t slept at all. Eyes puffy, nose red. I sighed.

“Dear God, please let me and Gabby meet again. I want this to be easy for her. I don’t want to let her down. Father I ask you to protect her. In Jesus name, Amen. “I prayed silently to myself.

“Ready to go?” the flight nurse asked me. I gave a small smile as my reply. I started to get sleepy. Am going to need a bed, this wheelchair isn’t cutting it.

Nicki Minaj
Milton Peters College, South Reward, St. Maarten
8:15 A.M, Tuesday
______________________

After waiting for over a half hour, my name was called. I walked down this Hall and into a room. There sat an older lady with long curly hair behind a desk. She gave me a warm smile before standing and introducing herself.

“Hello, my name is Reshelda Scott, but the students here call me Mrs. Scott. You must be Gabriella’s new guardian I take it in right?” she asked me while sitting down. I was abit shocked that she knew that already. Did she even see Gabriella yet?

“Uhm, yes I am. I’m Onika Maraj.” I stated and gave her a smile.

“Oh okay, so what’s the reason that we’re here today?” she asks, getting right down to business.

“Well, it’s Gabriella. But first I want it to be known that we are leaving Sunday to the States. I’m actually here on vacation. I was wondering if there would be any recommendations for Gabriella?” I asked abit uneasy. Mrs. Scott’s brow raised.

“Well, here’s the thing, we’re almost at the end of the first trimester. Test week is starting next week. Gabriella’s in the Dutch system and it wouldn’t be wise to pull her out and enter her in an English school.”

“Well, could I homeschool her with a Dutch teacher and you send up the work? Because I don’t play with education either.” I said. She looked abit more relaxed now. We talked abit before we closed that subject then I asked the question.

“Can you explain me why Gabriella was suspended last week?”

“Well, she fought someone.”

“Oh, but that’s not really like her.”

“I know, but rules are rules.”

“Do you maybe know why? Because I tried asking her but she keeps hiding it away.” I say abit worried.

“Well, now that it’s got my interest, we’ll find out now.” She said and made a few calls. About five minutes later, Gabriella knocked and walked in. She had the worried look on her face.

“Yes, ma’am?” she asks Mrs. Scott.

“Take a seat by your guardian please. I would like to speak to you.” Gabriella obeyed and sat next to me. She looked abit tensed. “Gabriella, I wanted to ask you something about the fight.” Gabby just looked wide eyed. She was scared. I held her hand, which was icy cold.

“W-what about it?” she says softly.

“Why did you fight her? Don’t worry, what’s said here stays here. I just want to get to the bottom of it.” Mrs. Scott said, looking directly into Gabby’s eyes. I looked at her as well and her eyes were brimming with tears. She took a breath before answering.

“W-well, we all know I have Spina Bifida and all the complications it brought. I was teased a lot and when I came to MPC, it was worse. People would trip me up. Boys would try to see if they could feel my butt and end up hitting my sensitive spot on my back.” She said, and then stopped.

“Sweetie can you show us where that is on your back?” I asked and she stood. She turned and lifted her shirt. This was the first time I was seeing this. It stung. This little girl had no control over this. Why were people so cruel? She quickly put down her shirt and sat down again. Then she continued.

“Shamilah was the worst of them all. She’d push me all the time. Steal my money at canteen and no one would stop her. She would curse me out. But just this time she took it too far for my liking. She called me a bitch and said that my mother was one too. I don’t care what all I went through with my parents, but you will not disrespect them.” She said and I was abit confused. I said something, without giving it a second thought.

“But Gabby, why do you care so much. Gabby she beat you and watched your dad beat you. They don’t deserve to be called your parents.” I said then put my hand over my mouth. Mrs. Scott just watched me amazed. Gabby, just watched me angrily then stood up.

“I’m going back to class Mrs. Scott, if we’re done here.” She says not even looking at me. I could literally feel the hurt she was. I messed up, and I don’t know how I’m going to make up for it.

I soon left after and went back to the hotel. Safaree was still sleeping. Good, I was abit tired still. I took off my sweater and replaced it with a t-shirt and took off my sweatpants. I needed to make things right. Why in the world did I say that?!?