To Coral Jean: A Novel by Demetria Patton

Author:Demetria Patton [Patton, Demetria]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: United States, Christian, Urban, Urban Life, Teen & Young Adult, African American, Genre Fiction, Literature & Fiction
Amazon: B00TPCXK7Y
Publisher: Demetria S. Patton
Published: 2015-02-16T05:00:00+00:00

***

By the time I made it to Mrs. Rustin’s class everyone knew about my attack, or at least, every teacher. And every student that didn’t know was promptly informed at the beginning of each class. I became privy to the latter when Mrs. Rustin told the class she had an announcement to make before we lined up for lunch.

“Listen up.” Mrs. Rustin closed the door and sat on the edge of her desk in front of the class. “Yesterday a student was brutally attacked during lunch.”

I didn’t understand why Mrs. Rustin didn’t just say I was the student who was attacked. Everyone in class glanced in my direction after Mrs. Rustin spoke the first sentence. Trying to keep my identity a secret was counterproductive and futile. Everyone knew I was the “student” that she was referring to when they saw my face.

“I want you all to know that any form of violence and bullying is unacceptable. If you are being bullied or if you see another student being bullied, it is your duty to tell a teacher or an adult. If you are caught bullying someone or putting your hands on someone, you will get in trouble.”

My body grew hotter and hotter as Mrs. Rustin continued to speak. I sat in my seat with my head down staring at the permanent vulgar messages carved into my desk.

“If any of you saw something that look like a fight or someone being hit, please don’t be afraid to tell me or an adult. And to the students in this room who bully or hit other students, you have been warned. If I see anything that even remotely looks like bullying, I’m not going to ask any questions. You will be immediately sent to the principal’s office. Do you all have any questions about what I’ve just said?”

“Mrs. Rustin,” said Savannah raising her hand.

“Yes.”

“I’m worried about my safety and the safety of my fellow students. Do they know who did it?”

“I’m not sure about that.”

Mrs. Rustin pointed behind me. “Yes Annie.”

“So the student who was beat up told someone what happen?”

“Yes. That student was brave enough to tell someone what happen and I want you all to have the same courage.”

“Sounds like a snitch to me.” Annie mumbled underneath her breath. “Do you know what happens to snitches Clara?”

I could feel the heat of Annie’s breath on the back of my neck. “Do you?”

As she asked the question, I felt what I thought was a pen being repeatedly jammed into my neck.

“If there are no more questions, let’s line up for lunch.”

Students bolted from their seats to the front of the class, hoping to be the first in line. I remained in my seat hoping I could be the last.

Annie walked pass my desk. “Here you go snitch.”

I slowly opened the folded piece of paper Annie tossed on my desk.

Hey Snitch,

Can’t wait to see you at lunch. This time I’ll punch you where no one can see.

“Come on Clara,” said Mrs. Rustin waving her hand.

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