Montgomery, Alabama

July, 2023

Janet's POV

The smell of southern style mac and cheese wafted through my nostrils, as my mother was cooking it. Alongside, were collard greens, and corn bread. I loved my mother's cooking so much. Things really haven't been the same, since my father died. He was killed by a bunch of white dudes, in a nightclub. Word was, they were white supremacists. Alabama wasn't really an ideal place to live, due to the history of racist killings, but it will always be my home.

"Time to eat," said my mother. "Fix yourself a plate."

I got some mac and cheese, corn bread and collard greens. The only thing missing, was the sweet potato pie. I tasted the cheesy goodness of this mac and cheese all over my mouth. "Do we have any Louisiana hot sauce around here?" I asked.

"Naw, but I'mma go to the supermarket, and get some more," said my mother. "When you're done eating, I want those dishes washed, hear?"

"Yes, Ma'am," I said.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you this," said my mother. "We're moving out of Montgomery soon."

My jaw dropped as I heard those words. "Why?" I asked.

"For one thing, too much crime in this city, and I got a new job, so we will be moving to this town, Leewood. Not too far from the Mississippi border. Right along Interstate 10."

"But what about my friends?"

"You'll be making some new ones," said my mother, drinking her Pepsi. "Go on, finish your food. We don't waste food around here."

I finished my food, and got to work, washing the dishes. The hot Alabama sun was cooking things outside. It was a steamy 97 degrees. But, moving to Leewood was on my mind. That town has a huge white population. And, I have to go to a new school. One thing was for certain.

I would be the only black person there.

A/N Hey, guys! What did you think of this prologue? What do you think of Janet and her mother? Will Leewood be a lot different from Montgomery? And, since she will be the only black girl in Leewood High, how will everyone react? 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! 💚💜💙💛