DOWN FOR YOU!

Hello, this is my first book so bare with me and the few mistakes you may see. I can promise that this is a story you don't wanna miss. Please vote and feel free to comment that'll determine if I continue to update, thanks in advance.

        In my mind love didn't live, breathe, or exist. So why was my name Lovely James? Simply because I was named by the nurse who delivered me.

"Lil' Bitch come here" called my mom.

"Yes ma'am" I replied.

"Run my bath water and after that go to the corner store and get my shit" my mom yelled.

        I just up and left everyday. It was the same routine; go to school and come home to take care of her. I guess my love and faith in God is what got me this far. I'm considered a simple girl. I make good grades and didn't have any friends, well except for my bestfriend, Kandy who was pretty popular amongst the guys in our school. You would think since I'm a brown-skinned girl with a flat stomach, and full hips that lead to a plump behind and hazel eyes people would notice me. Yea, well beauty means nothing if you can't afford the clothes to fit in and lived in the projects. Walking to the store I turned the corner to see Clay and his crew.

        "Hey poor ass, I mean po po what your drunk ass momma getting today? Gin or maybe a beer for her poor ass!" said Black.

         Everyone burst into laughter except Clay. He never laughed just always stared, and they kept with their jokes while I kept walking saying a prayer to myself. I learned early on that only God can keep me sane,  so he became my confidant. Clayton “Clay” Jewels was 6”1 tall brown-skin, low cut with big pretty eyes that stared into your soul. And a smile that belonged in a magazine, not to mention he was a star in football and basketball and the son of the mayor. He had it made and everyone wanted a piece of the pie. I dreaded the walk back home. I became accustomed to telling myself every day that it's almost over after graduation...I would get far away from here, go to college, and meet new people and experience real love. Walking in the house I could hear my mom throwing up with tears forming in my eyes. I walked to the bathroom to check on her; she simply asked for her liquor and as I turned to walk away I was kicked in the back to the ground and  all I heard was

"Next time don’t take so long!"

        I knew then to quietly go to my room. Anything else would make it worse, and tears were not an option. I’m glad that this time it was on my back. That bruise would be easy to cover up. I pulled out my bible and began to read Psalms 23 until I drifted off to sleep. Our class presentations were due tomorrow in school and mine was on Zora Neale Huston.

        The day was a little chilly so I wore a size too big, black, long sleeve shirt with black pants that looked more like capris because they were too short. All of my clothes were either too big, too short, too tight or ripped and came from the Good Will. My shoes were another story and should’ve been thrown away. Thank God for my friend Kandice, "Kandy" as I like to call her. She was tall, dark-skinned and shaped like a model with long hair, big full lips and a dress code that would kill, and she never had a problem in the dude department. She just has a lot of friends because she messed with everyones' man so of course I became a breath of fresh air, plus she always said it's good I’m not out there and she needs someone level headed with God in their life, so I became her friend when she needed me. The good thing about it, no one picked or talked about me when she was around so it worked for me. Many   girls feared her because she could fight. I linked up with Kandy before class as she told me about how hard she dissed Black that morning and wanted his friend walking with him. She is a trip! The bell rang and I walked to Mrs. Greene's class ready to present my presentation. As the class filed in, Clay's walk into the class came with a presence that demanded attention. I was due to present first and as I prepped my things while Mrs. Greene called my name, the chanting and snickering began and Tammy aka Clay’s "friend with benefits" and head cheerleader was behind it all; she was the main reason I hated high school, but as usual Mrs. Greene shut her down with one statement.

        “Ms. Tammy, since you find it relevant to bother Ms. Lovely... how about you find it relevant to pass my class!” The class became silent.

        After my presentation I knew I would get an A. I’ve made straight A’s since I've started school. The bell rang after Clay presented, and I waited to leave class so no one would trip orbother me while I walked out so I normally waited until they left first plus Mrs. Greene asked me to wait after class for a few as well as Clay. We both sat confused then Mrs. Greene finally spoke.

"Mr. Clay meet your new tutor, Ms. Lovely."

“What?!” he exclaimed.

        "Yes, your grades in my class and two other classes are falling behind and your mom is concerned, so we came up with a plan since I didn’t have the time, and you have college around the corner and sports that require good grades to play so meet your tutor." 

        "I know I’m springing this on you Ms. Lovely but this will look good on your college applications as well as a referral letter from the mayor’s wife, so what do you say?"

        I looked at Clay who stood and said, “Hell naw, I’m not with this and I'll deal with my mom later. I can’t be seen with her, no disrespect sweetheart I know your smart but you don’t exactly fit in” and with that he walked out.

“It’s okay, he’ll come around. Give him some time and know that you are beautiful”, said Mrs. Greene.

         As I walked out of class, I had a million things running through my head...excitement, fear, sadness, confusion,but I was determined so I said a simple prayer and left for home. That night while home my mind stayed on Clay no matter how much my mom nagged, fussed or called me out my name my head was gone and in the clouds, and I don’t know what your doing here God just cover me. The next day in school was a blur until Mrs. Greene's class. I made up my mind that I was gonna help him whether he accepts it or not. When the bell rang after everyone in the class had left out, I noticed Clay was moving very slowly to leave class, so I just went for it, I slammed my books on his desk and said, “look, we barely know each other I know that, and I may be nothing like your usual crowd but when it comes to my grades I don’t play. Now, I was asked to help you and I intend to do just that. You may be worried about your image but I gain to lose my letter of recommendation for a top college to get away from ignorant and petty high school students like you CLAY, now here is my house number and we can go over the details on what fits you best when meeting up, now have a nice day Clay!”

        All I remember was a smile spread across his face as I walked away and was greeted at the door by Tammy.

“Was this dish rag just talking to you Clay?" Tammy asked.

“Naw she straight leave her alone!" I heard clay yell.

        I knew he’d see things my way thank you God. At home that night I received a call, of course it was Clay at 12am.

 "You really think I’m petty and ignorant?" was all I heard after saying hello.

“No, I mean yes, I mean I don’t know” I said.

“Naw you were right no one has ever talked to me like that. I appreciate you for that and I’m not that bad of a person you know and I can show you, so what do you say Ms. Tutor can we start over?"

"YES!" I replied.

 "We'll meet at my house after school and we can study in my house library."

"Ok see you then" I replied smiling. After hanging up I went to bed happy as ever saying a silent prayer.

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