Chapter 55: I Am Because of Her

“Nicole McZeal, please report to the front office.” All eyes in my AP English Literature class turned to me as I slid out of my seat. As I passed by the door, TJ snickered, “What it is THIS time?” Ignoring her, I made my way down the long hallway to the front office. The walk this particular day seemed to last forever.

My heart beat so loudly (I swear it could be heard outside my uniform shirt) as I saw my grandmother waiting for me inside. “What is it, Granny?” Mrs. Cate, my principal, asked me quietly, “Where is your backpack? Your grandmother is here to pick you up early. I’ll go and get it from your classroom so you can speak with her.” With that, she disappeared.