Brooklyn, New York
30 years ago

 It was nearing two in the morning and Eli Johnson was standing on the last step of the staircase in their family home. No tears of anger or sadness were in his eyes as he looked on at the scene before him. He was practically standing guard at the foot of the stairs for any signs of his siblings. They couldn't witness this. 

"How can you do this? They are your kids too. We've been married for years and now you decide you want a new life," his mother nearly shrieked. His father stood tall and unbending. His work suit was disheveled, his brown hair messed up, and light stubble on his defined jaw. From his position, he can see the bright red lipstick on the man's neck and smell the strong perfume on his body. He knew his mother noticed it all but being the strong woman she was, she ignored it all and fought for her children. 

"And it has been a piss hell of a loveless marriage. Don't stand there and pretend you're fighting for this shit. I finally found my way out. You and I both know it was over when the last brat went to preschool. Who knew you could have pushed out so many. Five good for nothing kids," his father shouted. 

At sixteen, Eli knew how to take care of his siblings and mother, even putting food on the table. He may not be the athletic wonder kid his father wanted to cash out on but he knew someday he will take care of his family without his father's help. It seems like it was now.

"Lower your voice," Emily Johnson hissed.

"Oh shut up. Like I care if they hear, it will toughen them up for sure. What are you looking at, you fucking freak," his father shouted at him. Eli stood his ground and stayed silent. It wasn't anything new. His father always called him confidence-breaking names because of his love for technology and drawing. 

"He isn't such a thing. How can you say that to your own son," Emily cried. 

"Babying him as always. Fucking disgrace all of you. Maybe my next kid can actually show you lot how to make your father proud," he said with a disgusting laugh. His mother paled and stumbled back into a chair. 

"We're rooting for a boy. He will be the perfect son for me. Three sons and they are all failures, useless. Don't call me or text me, just make sure and sign those papers in twenty-four hours. My fiance is getting impatient," he said with a sneer before leaving the house with two suitcases in his hand whistling fucking dixie. The door swung shut thanks to the brisk wind from the outside, shutting out his unfaithful and cruel father and closing in a now single mother with five mouths to feed. His mother was still seated on the chair staring blankly at the wall across from her. A creak up above alerted him of one or all of his siblings. Looking over his shoulder he spotted his brother Eric calmly sitting on the top stair with an expressionless face. Green eyes all three boys inherited from their deadbeat father pinned him to his spot between him and their mother. Eli slowly placed a finger to his lips, silencing his brother not only to avoid waking the others but what was said from their father's mouth. Loyal to his older brother, Eric gave him a firm nod and retreated to their shared room. 
Slowly Eli approached his mother and simply sat beside her. It wasn't long before she broke down in the arms of her firstborn. He didn't cry. He didn't sympathize. He only made a promise to her to take care of their family. Emily Johnson believed her son, his confidence gave her strength, she had a family to care for. It will be had but they will survive.

                                                                                           ******

It was August when the man they called father, left them all, and Eli became the man of the house. He was lucky to have a reasonable-paying part-time job with a construction company to help put food on the table and get school supplies for him and his siblings. Their mother had to find a job, after being a housewife for fifteen years, she had to rely on her high school diploma and community college degree. Five mouths to feed, school necessities and clothing, utilities, mortgage, and a car that's on its last turn, she had to make do on her administrative job at a local office building and her night job as a call center clerk.

Sitting at the kitchen table, Eli was balancing the house bills and creating a chore schedule for them all. "Eli, there's something here for you," his sister Elise called out.

"What is it?" he asked distractedly. 

"A large envelope with a symbol on it," she answered coming closer to him. Writing the last check for the lights and gas bill, he dutifully made a note of it on the secondhand desktop one of the older guys at the construction company gave to him. On it was everything pertaining to the house, copies of medical records, school schedules, everything he will need to help his mother. 

"Thanks, Elise. Place it here, please," he voiced. Checking the balance after another month of bills paid, he smiled when he saw enough money to give his sisters a couple of outfits and new shoes for the new school term. Eric and himself didn't care about the latest style, their sisters and mother were their focus. 

"How about we go school shopping tomorrow, you and Ellen. Eamon needs a new jacket and shoes, I think we can squeeze him in the budget," Eli announced. Elise's squeal of excitement lasted for a few seconds before she sobered. "Are you sure? I can always wear my old clothes," she asked with apprehension. She sat beside him with her hazel brown eyes focused on him. At twelve, she understood what was happening and did her part in making things easier for her mother and big brothers. Herself, Ellen, and Eamon were the babies. Ellen was seven, with Eamon coming in at five, the last two still questioned their father's whereabouts even after the simple discussion of him no longer being part of the family.

"Yes, little sister. I'm sure. Let me worry about everything else. Now let's see what I got in the mail," he said brushing away his now lengthy brown hair from his face. Reaching for the thick white envelope, he read the return address and sender over and over again. 

"St. Lawrence Prep," he whispered. Hurriedly he broke the seal and emptied the contents on the table and immediately picked up the two-page letter above the other reading material.

Elise tried reading over her brother's shoulder but he was such a fast reader and was already turning the page. "What is it? What does it say?" she whined.

"I won! Elise, I won!" he exclaimed.

"Won what? Tell me, Eli!" she whined louder. Ignoring her protests, he picked her up in his arms and spun her around, overcome with excitement. Elise didn't care anymore, she too got caught up in her big brother's happiness. 

"I won an all-inclusive academic scholarship for St. Lawrence Prepatory. I won! Oh my god! Sophmore year in a new school," he exclaimed showing her the letter. Eli was bursting with happiness as he skimmed through the school's rule book, the subjects they offer, and the school's history.

"It says here the next two years are paid for in lieu of maintaining your incoming grade point average. Free uniforms and meals, transport is to be negotiated. Wow! When did you apply?" she asked in awe.

"My counselor did. Wow. This is so surreal," he said with the widest grin on his face.

"Wait till you tell mom. She will be so proud," Elise said gleefully.

"Yeah!" he said in a daze reading over the acceptance letter. Eli prayed for a path to help his family out of this part of town and the scholarship was going to be a great start. With his excellent grades and love for technology and math, he can enter any career path but he found himself leaning towards construction. His dream is to join the three to not only help the rich but also the low class like him. Going to St. Lawrence Prep, they can help him with the A-class materials they offer for each student.
 He can do this. 

                                                                           **********

Manhattan, New York

"AGAIN! Stop slouching, Janine. You look like a fucking retard! Why can't you walk right like your sister."

"Cuz I don't have a fucking stick up my ass," she muttered under her breath. Turning around and trekking up the winding front staircase in four-inch heels, Janine Carlisle was cursing the man who created heels and the woman she calls mother who forced her to wear them. It took everything in her not to act like the uncultured black girl they said she was as she practiced once again how to descend a staircase like a lady. Who the hell watches for the perfect walk? Her mother that's who.
Going down the stairs, she eyed her mother carefully, the woman had eyes like a hawk and everything had to be perfect. From the tailored suit, she wore to her three children. Cora Carlisle came from old money and knew, more like, felt she has the right to flaunt it to the world, well society. Janine didn't care too much for the title and the riches she was born into, she was a simple girl with big dreams. She loved her parents dearly but sometimes they were too much. It was Saturday morning and here she was practicing a silly princess walk. It may help that it was her debut at the African American Young People annual ball. Every sixteen-year-old of the black high-class society debuts at this ball, it's a moment for their parents to show off their perfectly groomed kids like show ponies and brag about the colleges they will all attend. Janine wasn't even sure which college she wants to attend, nor did she know the career she wishes to pursue. Her picture-perfect smile drooped a bit but she corrected herself quickly. Her parents already chose the colleges she should attend and also the career she should follow. Janine didn't dare voice her opinion, the guilt speech will be told twice as long. It was better to be the quiet obedient daughter.

"Better. Much better. When you reach the last step, you slowly reach out to Trevor and wait for him to lead to the center of the ballroom," her mother said giddily. Clenching her teeth, she gave her a soft nod and quietly waited to be dismissed. Another part of her life they also ruled was her teenage love life. Apparently, the union of her and Trevor Norman will be the talk of the town. Two highly respected and predominantly black families joining in a future marriage will be perfect for their reputation. To Janine, Trevor wasn't the one. Call her childish or fanciful but she believed in being with someone you actually liked and wish to be around. It won't hurt that the person you choose to start a relationship with turns out to be the person you meant to marry. Janine had dreams of being in love after reading the romance novels she found at the school and local library. It made her mind wander a bit. Finding love, a guy who loved everything about her, one who doesn't tell her what to do or make her uncomfortable in front of their friends, a guy who actually listens to her worries. 

She wanted that. Sixteen may be young but isn't it at that age one should know what they want out of their future love life. 

"Now go to your room. The hairstylists should be here in a few minutes to tame that birdnest. The tailors are waiting for you, You need new uniforms, I thought the diet will help you lose some of that fat in your thighs. You had to inherit my mother's body type. Disgusting," Cora Carlisle said aloud. 

"Mother, can I try a style with my natural hair? It will be like a new trend. I saw in a magazine..."

"No!  No daughter of mine will embarrass me by looking so..so..ghetto. Now, go," Cora said cutting her off immediately. 

"Yes, mother. My apologies,"  she said softly before going back up the stairs. Reaching her room, she angrily threw away her Essence magazine including the hairstyle she printed online. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she questioned the gods above why she didn't look like her brother and sister. Compare to them, she had more of an exotic look than the slender beauty of her older sister and the graduate handsomeness of her brother. No one really believed she was the little sister of Janice and Julius Carlisle at St. Lawrence prep. Her popularity actually stemmed from her older siblings' popularity and her 'relationship' with Trevor. Her parents saw her popularity as a stepping stone so she simply stuck with the group of friends she had. Sitting at her vanity, she pushed all her wants and needs aside and focused on what was set in stone for her. 

A knock on the door startled her. "Miss Janine? It's Althea and Freddie, may we come in?"

"Yes, please do," she answered. Composing herself, she said seated on her chair, back straight with her hand delicately folded on her lap, and quietly waited for her visitors to settle in. Althea and Freddie were sorts of her friends, she found herself to be more outspoken and bubbly with these two. The last time they visited, her mother caught them in raucous laughter-filled conversation, only for her to admonish her and send her friends away. 

"Young ladies must be seen and not heard." The mantra was drilled into her, silencing her in social situations and sometimes home situations.

"How are you?" Althea asked kindly.

"I'm fine. I'm a bit tired though but all is well," Janine said with a forced smile. Freddie was about to step forward and say what was on his mind but Althea stood in his way to prevent any more dealings with Mrs. Carlisle directly. It wasn't their place to voice their opinions upon her raising of her child. They came to do a job and that's what they will do, no matter how downtrodden and distant the teenager looked. Althea can practically hear Freddie grinding his teeth in frustration but her loyal business partner placed the fakest smile on his face and stepped forward. They both watched as Janine rose from her seat woodenly and stood at the center of the room. 

"I will like new pairs of trousers, three blazers tailored to school code, new shirts and I have two polo t-shirts I need to be monogrammed," she said politely.

"No skirts? We can design and tailor it to suit your curves. What do you think? It's a new school year, one step closer to being done with high school," Freddie said with a genuine grin. He considered Janine a little sister who definitely has a lot of shine in her. 

"No thanks, Freddie. Mother suggested that I stick to trousers, it isn't right to show much skin. I don't have a slim figure to be wearing skirts or shorts. Thanks for the offer though," Janine answered as she stepped onto their portable platform. The two took her measurements in silence, only speaking to relay information. It was awkward to all three, they all had a good repertoire of having fun and talking about styles and other random stuff. 

"Your dress for tonight's ball is in the hall. You ready to see it?" Althea said excitedly. Janine forced a smile and gave the woman a nod of yes. This part of the day was the part she was dreading. She overheard her mother giving the two tailors specific instructions on how she will like to have Janine's dress made. The most stressed request Cora made, was for the dress to make Janine look slim. Her excitement for a dress wasn't there at all but it will make her mother happy and the fact that she will be the one in the limelight for once. Freddie rushed out her room door and came back faster than she can think of an excuse to not see it. By the grin on his face, her apprehension eased a bit. Hanging the garment bag on her closet door, he slowly slid the zip down revealing glimpses of the dress. Through the slit, she can see jewels glimmering under the room lights, the color gold caught her eye next. Curiosity filled her, her mother demanded slimming dark colors for the dress, not such an eye-catching color. Someone knocked on the door, ignoring the person she opened the garment bag wider reverently touching the bejeweled bodice under Freddie's watchful eye.  The design was made to be demure and elegant, the bodice of the dress had thin gold lace dotted with a flattering design of diamond and rose gold pieces that trailed between her cleavage to make the subtle belt around the waist. The skirt of the dress was layered in the same gold chiffon in two different shades. Feeling how soft and light the material was, she knew she won't be uncomfortable all night. 

"Do you want to try it on?"

"Yes!" she readily answered. A warm hand led her to her closet, with her gingerly holding her personally designed dress.  Catching the whiff of citrus lotion, she knew it was Althea. Slowly she was helped into the dress and couldn't believe how perfect it felt on her, she can breathe and also she felt gorgeous. Walking to the floor-length mirror she discovered the hidden slits on the sides of the dress, giving anyone a peek of her ankles all the way to her knees. "Oh my god," she breathed out.

"Beautiful. Freddie designed this just for you," Althea said with a catch in her voice. The belt cinched her small waist and accentuated the curve of her hips. She shivered when she felt the cold breeze of the AC on her back. Turning around she saw the modest cut of the dress, the thin gold lace was sewn to cover her shoulders and leaving her back open to the elements. "I love it," she gushed before rushing back to her room. Throwing her arms around Freddie she thanked him over and over, new voices complimented her on how great she looked reminded her of the knock at the door. Turning to them, she smiled at the three stylists whom she knew since she can climb into a styling chair. The three began by voicing the perfect style to put her hair in and they didn't consist of weaves or damaging chemicals. They wanted her to rock her natural 4C hair, ignoring all her mother's demands. 

The act of rebellion bloomed in Janine, she had the most unlikely people behind her, she trusted their words and sincerity. She was curvy and beautiful, though the insecurities were there clawing to take over, Janine wanted one night to wear what she wanted.

One thing Janine was thankful for, was her parents' need to make an entrance at any event. To make a wow factor for their peers, her first reveal of the night will be on the platform of the banquet hall. A dressing room was made for the debutantes in the backroom to put final touches on their look and to finally get dressed. Sitting at the last vanity, she took in the mayhem of the other eleven girls, rushing around trying to get that perfect look down. Janine did her own makeup and was very comfortable with the natural look. Her skin tone was considered deep mocha but to society, her skin was dark, though it had skin tones darker than hers. Not one for constant makeup she tends to keep it all-natural, her skin was smooth and the problem with acne never affected her.
Hair still wrapped, suitable undergarments, and matching heel on, Janine was ready to get this thing over with. 
"Aren't you going to do your make-up? You can use more color," a girl besides her commented.

"No thank you. I did my makeup already," Janine returned. The girl looked at her, scrutinizing her makeup before pulling a disgusted face and scoffing at her. Swallowing the hurt by the brush off, she placed her attention on her walkman. 

"Five minutes, ladies," a matronly woman practically sang by the doorway. Mrs. Woodbridge was an etiquette teacher, she's the headmistress of the Woodbridge Charm and Charisma school. The school catered to both boys and girls teaching them all the finer things of life, sad to say most of the lessons flew right over Janine's head but she can totally fake it when needed.
Rising from her seat, she carefully packed her wrist purse and got dressed. She couldn't get over how perfect the dress was on her. As expected, she wore the right amount of makeup, not wanting to overpower both looks. Taking a deep breath, she unwrapped her hair slowly to reveal her intricate hairstyle of twists and braids all styled into a formal yet unique updo decorated with diamond-designed hairpins. Natural and beautiful, that's who I am. Natural and beautiful, she said to herself. Securing her large handbag with her clothing, she turned around only to find the whole room looking at her. Feeling self-conscious, she gave them a nervous smile and walked out of the room with her head held high. Waiting in the designated area, it didn't take long for the others to join her. Snickers and muffled talk reached her eyes, she knew who it was and didn't care. "Wasn't doing your hair in your budget? Didn't daddy dearest give you enough?" a girl said aloud.

"You could have asked Janice to help you out. She would have definitely deal with that mess of hair you tried to style," another said. 

Janine didn't say a word, she kept her head high and eyes forward. This wasn't new. She's always compared to her sister, why she may never know? Janice's aim in life is to be a trophy wife like their mother but that did appeal to Janine. She wanted something but was not too sure what it was as yet.  The distinguished voice of the night's master of ceremonies brought all the girls to silence. They all remembered to be the polite, demure young ladies they were taught to be. 
One by one their names were called, as they got closer to hers, Janine Carlisle grew nervous. Standing in the shadows of the hall, she can hear the soft music of the live band, the polite laughs, chatters of business or potential brunch dates, exclamations of the girl before her then her escort. Her stomach churned as a million and one butterflies fought and made her anxious. She was about to publicly snub her mother by doing something she liked. The hair, makeup, and dress wasn't a Cora Carlisle style nor was it a page from Janice Carlisle's book, this was all Janine Carlisle. 

One night only.

Maybe, a little voice said inside her head with a chuckle. Shaking her head slightly, a smile bloomed on her face, amused by the rebellious side of her. 

"Miss Janine Carlisle. Daughter of Reginald and Cora Carlise. She's the current student body president of St. Lawrence Preparatory, a member of the debate team, and on the honor roll. Please welcome, Miss Carlisle."

Taking a deep breath, she elegantly stepped out of the shadows, taking the hand of the MC as he led her to the balcony. Giving the audience a steady bow and smile, she made her way down the staircase, cameras were flashing, thunderous applause deafened her ears, her smile grew larger when she heard surprising flattering comments, Janine was in her own spotlight. On the last staircase, her smile faltered a bit when she spotted her 'boy who is a friend to her' but boyfriend in their circle. His eyes roamed up and down her body, stayed at her hair for a second before focusing on her face. Taking her hand, he led her through the crowd and played the proud man to be by her side. His grip tightened on her hand, she tried not to wince and kept the happy smile on her face. Through it all, she knew he wasn't it, there's more out there and she needs to capture it. 
The crowd dwindled before she knew it, Trevor escorted her to her family along with two other couples. "Reginald, you have a gem on your hands, Tell me your guard dogs are doing their job," one of the older men said aloud. 

"Good evening everyone, thank you for coming and supporting our debut," she said politely.

"Oh! So sweet. I love your hair. So many of our young girls are turning to chemicals damaging their beautiful locks." This was said by a woman probably in her fifties, slender with caramel skin one can tell she was a beauty back in her day and still was. The man at her side had his arm around her waist yet still held her hand delicately. What mesmerized her was the woman's salt and pepper dreadlocks beautifully styled and not taking away her beauty.

"Janine!" Cora hissed. She didn't realize a conversation began, she was trying to figure out just how long the woman's hair was.

"Oh, sorry, mother. I love your hair. How long did it take you to grow it that long?" she asked the woman, ignoring her own family.

"Twenty-two years and counting," the woman's husband answered for her. Janine practically sighed at the way he kissed his wife's cheek before they shared a moment. Her parents never had those looks, probably when they're alone, after all, they have three kids. "Excuse my husband, but he's right. I'm Marisol and this is my husband, Shem. I started my journey with these locks when I was pregnant with our first child, Xavier. I found tending to my hair tiring so I started. Five kids later and I still love the style."

"Wonderful!" Janine voiced. Marisol stepped forward and took her hand away from Trevor, closing it in with both of her own. "Cora, allow me to get to know your daughter better. I need some inside information," she said.

"Oh. Sure, Mrs. Cayde," her mother answered nervously. Looking over her shoulder she met with the warning eyes of her mother and sister, her brother looked bored and her father was lost to them all as he spoke to the other couple.  
Marisol led her to a table a good distance away and motioned for a waiter to join them. After ordering meals for the night's dinner, her husband joined them moments later with drinks for them both. "From what I heard, you're the student body president and on the debate team, very impressive. St. Lawrence is a very prestigious school, aimed at helping future scholars in their formative years. Tell me, Janine, what do you really enjoy at St. Lawrence," Shem asked. 

"Uh. Well, I enjoy the debate team," she answered. It was a lie and they knew it, she was never a good liar. The couple glanced at each other and chuckled. "Do you know who you remind me of?" Marisol asked with a mischievous grin.

"No. ma'am."

"Me. I remember my debut at sixteen. The grown-up conversations, the perfect son in law for daddy, the catty girls who are your friends but only want your man. Though they thrust you out to society as a young woman, you're still a little girl to them. Every whim they ask of you, you do until you begin to lose yourself," she continued giving Janine a sympathetic smile. Wanting to deny it all, she sat straighter and did just that when in reality it was all true, she was doing it all for their acceptance of her. 

"My wife and I attend this ball every year like clockwork. Not because we are the hosts but for the young black girls we support who can't afford the world we live in. The proceeds from the balls are invested in the programs we have for them. We approached your parents during your entrance because we believe you will be a great candidate for a new after-school outreach program at St. Lawrence," Shem explained. Janine hid her shock well after being told she was sitting with the couple her parents envied. Her father always grumbled of not being able to acquire any of the Caydes multi-million dollar portfolios at his bank. No wonder her mother gave her a warning look. 

"What outreach program?" she questioned after getting over her shock. 

"It's a project our late son started before he.... and we wish to honor his ventures. It will mean a lot to us if you help us with this. Our Cordelle had a big heart, he believed that every child deserves a fair education and a guide to adulthood before being made to go out on their own. The project has two parts, a scholarship offer where the students' determination is tested and the best of both worlds part. The second part is where you come in. St. Lawrence accepted five students with different backgrounds who showed us that they want to succeed. For two days of your week, I want you to be their student counselor, be their sound bound, help them fit, and learn from each other.," Marisol answered.

"M-Me? I.. I.. don't even have much confidence to talk to new people, I stay in the background and do what I'm told. How can I help these kids? Miss Marisol, Mr. Shem I-I think you chose the wrong girl," Janine stuttered.

"No, we didn't. We chose the right girl. Trust us. Also, I think this will benefit you also. You have so much to offer, I can see it in your eyes."

Janine's heart was thumping so loud she couldn't think straight but the trusting and sure looks in the Caydes eyes made her fold. Taking a deep breath, she gave them her answer. 

"I'm in."

                                                                                              *******

Nerves and excitement was Eli's push out of the house this morning. After leaving a note for his family and preparing their lunches, he made his trek to Lower Manhattan where his new school was situated. His mother was overjoyed with his news a few weeks back that she went shopping for him to start the new school term right. Though it made a dent in their savings, his mother eased his worries stated the money was spent on a need not a want. His siblings all celebrated with him and peered over the school's booklet with much enthusiasm as him. Ellen his youngest sister boasted that she will be going to St. Lawrence just like her big brother. Eric, the quiet one of the bunch made him a promise that he will look after the little ones while he goes to his dream school. He was thankful that his family was supportive, he was still worried about finances but he had to do this. This was not only for him but for them too.

Walking the last block to the school, he slowed his steps and took in the vintage architecture of the school, the building itself was deemed historic after being a boarding school for many years, educating the minds of few of the country's finest. Students in colors of burgundy, navy blue, and khaki bustled around him. Kids were being dropped off by either their parents, cab drivers, or school bus, all chattering in delight after seeing their friends after so long. Following the signs, he made his way through the front gate after being checked by security and was given instructions on where to proceed. Dressed in his new khaki slacks and a white t-shirt, Eli could easily be one of the present students but his face was new to them all. Curious looks followed him but he paid them no attention, he was more interested in the school itself. There were two places he wanted to visit right away and they were their IT lab and the rooftop garden and eating area. That will have to wait till after his orientation. Finding the administrator's office after asking a friendly student, he made his way and approached the buzzing office. 

"Yes, sweetie. Can I help you?"

Eli spun around to find a matronly lady with a head full of white curly hair looking at him over her circular spectacles. He grinned her way before answering, she reminded him of those sweet little meddling old ladies that are always in Christmas movies.

"Good morning ma'am. I'm Eli Johnson, a transfer from East Jefferson," he stated clearly and handed her his folder with his information.

"Oh! The Cordelle Cayde scholarship winner, well one of them. You arrive just in time, three already arrived, we're waiting on one more then your orientation will begin. Take this," she said as they made a trade-off. His folder for a clipboard. "Go back out this door, turn right, the second class on your left. Room 104."

"Thank you," he said cheerfully. 
Stepping back into the now busy hall, he navigated through the students, mindful of bumping them with his backpack. He was near room 104 when someone bumped into him harshly. His backpack fell to the floor after the harsh jarring, not noticing the person who bumped him was still standing there he reached for his bag and made a step towards his own path.

"No apologies? That's new," a voice shouted behind him. He was confused by the person's deduction and turned to the person. 

"You bumped into me which is understandable due to the hall being full. I should be the one expecting an apology from you but it's fine. Mistakes happen," Eli returned. The tall, slender build caramel-colored boy stood with his arms crossed over his chest. He had two other guys with him, one being more heavy set than the other but both were of the darker complexion.

"Listen here snowflake, you need to know who you're talking to and when you should speak...." the guy began.

Eli impatiently checked his watch and took a deep breath. "I have no time for this," he grumbled and returned to his original path. A few low laughs surged through the area he was chatting with the guy but he didn't know why. 
Arriving at room 104, he knocked twice before entering. Seated at different desks, were the other three scholarship winners, they greeted him with nods and smiles then had to do so once more when the last student came in. Getting rid of the first day at a new school nerve, they all learned each other's names and where they were from. Sitting at their desk, they filled out the forms given to them and waited for their orientation leader. 

It wasn't long before the door opened, they were all expecting the principal or another teacher but a teenager, that was coming to a stand before them.

Eli was a goner. 

The brown-skinned girl in front of the class was simply divine. His neighborhood had its share of beautiful black girls from teenagers to grown women but the girl before him doesn't compare. He was undeniably lost. The khaki slacks she wore showed her already womanly curves, a burgundy cardigan over her fitted white shirt, her natural hairstyle made him think of the Nubian queens he read about in a black history book. Her smile made him smile, even more, he can tell she was nervous but she got over that when she took a deep cleansing breath. She glanced his way for a moment then did a double-take. A blush burned his cheeks when she held his gaze and shyly turned away.

"Good morning everyone. Welcome to St. Lawrence Preparatory and winning the Cordelle Cayde scholarship. My name is Janine Carlisle and I was personally chosen to be your student counselor. I'll be your concierge, in somewhat of a sense, and your guide for the next two years. The clipboard you just filled out asked about measurements and food preferences and so forth. St. Lawrence caters to everyone's personal likes so you may see your favorite snack or meal at least once in the school lunch hall. Measurements will be for your school cardigans and blazers plus slacks, by the end of the week you will receive them.  Your class schedule is attached to the clipboard along with a map of the school. We will take the first and second periods today to do a thorough tour of the school and a little get to know each other chat. Twice a week we will be meeting here after school as a little get-together, don't think of it as a mandated meeting, think of it as a time to de-stress from the school day. I've been attending St. Lawrence since freshman year and I will tell you it's tough on your energy levels. There's still the whole hierarchy grouping, bullies, and petty behavior but the school work is where you must focus. You've given your best to win the scholarships you received, now it's time to keep that up or go higher. After your first week, we will talk about school clubs. In the welcome package, there is a list you can choose from."

The first warning bell rang, notifying the students to get busy and to their homerooms. 

"Alright. Let's begin the tour which will end at my favorite spot. Now, I know your names but I wish to put a face to them. Kiara Marsh."

A brunette sitting a few desks away from Eli raised her hand and waved Janine's way. "Bryce Harold." A blonde slim boy slouching in his seat with large glasses on his face shyly gave her a wave. "Gerri Lansing." Another brunette waved Janine's way with a bored expression on her face. "Walter Charles." Behind Eli, the heavyset dark-skinned guy voiced his hello to her in a tone that irked him for some reason. "And Eli Johnson." He didn't need to wave his hand or voice his hello, Janine's attention was fully on him. Again he felt his cheeks burn, to him she was a queen, and found himself crushing on his student counselor. Janine smiled his way, warning herself not to smile too much which will give away how she was truly feeling at the moment.

"Hi!" she breathed out nervously.

"Hi!" he returned clearing his throat, feeling how thick the air became. Meeting Janine Carlisle was now the best highlight in coming to St. Lawrence. Somehow they both knew a sort of connection was formed between them but were unsure what will happen on both sides.

Let's see how this goes.