September 2023

Booker T Washington High School

Atlanta, Georgia

Zakayah's POV

I walked up the steps into the school, with my backpack on my back. The ambient chatter of every student filled the entire hallway, as I made my way towards my locker.

I opened my locker, and put my lunch money inside. I closed it, and right before my eyes stood Sarah Carter, the school bully.

"Hey, loser!" she sneered.

"Look, can you please leave me alone?" I asked. "I don't want any trouble.

"Look at your hair!" scoffed Sarah, wrinkling her nose. "Who did your hair? Your grandmother?"

"No, my cousin did my hair. She has her own hair salon.

"Let me fix that!" smirked Sarah. She started ruffling my hair.

"Stop it!" I begged.

"You listen to me, girl! If you cross my path, I will make your life miserable!"

"Back off, Sarah!" It was my friend, Juanita Cortez.

"I was just playing with her!" said Sarah, acting all innocent.

"Why don't you do something productive, instead of bullying her?" said Juanita.

"Sure, if that's what you want!" said Sarah. She shoved me into a locker, slammed it shut, and walked away.

"Help!!! Get me out!" I screamed, banging on the inside of the locker.

"Don't panic, I'll get you out!" said Juanita. She opened the locker, and I got out. "Buddy, you okay?"

"I think so," I said. "Why can't Sarah leave me alone?"

"Exactly," said Juanita. "We better get to our respective Homeroom, before the late bell rings. "See ya at lunch, buddy."

"See ya," I said. I walked upstairs to my Homeroom. When I walked through the double doors, someone tripped me, causing me to fall. Embarrassment washed over me, as I tried to avoid the stares of everyone.

"Did you have a nice trip, loser?"

A/N Hey, guys! What did you think of this first chapter? What do you think of Zakayah? What do you think of Sarah, and Juanita? And, who do you think tripped Zakayah? I hate bullying so much, so I had to write this story to raise awareness! Don't be a silent reader! Please show some love and support by voting, leaving feedback, and sharing this story with others! Thanks, guys! Love you all!! ✨❤✨❤✨❤✨❤