Chapter 6: Triggered

 The other two football players look at Dante shocked. The first boy is wearing the school letter man jacket with a solid red t-shirt, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. He  has pale skin with dirty blonde hair that’s styled in a parted comb over with blue eyes. The boy next to him has ginger hair that’s styled in a messy mop cut with brown eyes. He is wearing a letter man jacket with a black long sleeve thermal shirt, a gray t-shirt and black tennis shoes. Delorian enters Dante’s personal space and looks him over angrily. Dante looks him fearlessly in his eyes.

“You’re going to pay for getting me detention!” Delordian shouts before shoving Dante into Yorkshire who grabs his arms and secures them behind his head.

 Delorian walks overt to Danate and starts punching him in his stomach. Dante grunts before hitting Yorkshire in his face with his head forcing him to be released. Dante then puts up his dukes and punches Delorian in both sides of his face. He sends him to the floor with one final punch to his nose. The other football players rush over and attempt to jump Dante but are soon bested in the same way Delorian was. Once they’re on the floor groaning Dante takes a few moments to wash his hands. Upon finishing he goes and squats beside Delorian.

“You wanted a faggot and that’s exactly what you got.” Dante says fiercely before standing up and looking at his reflection one.

“You’re still that shimmering sapphire girl.” Dante says with sass snapping his finger before leaving the bathroom.

 Natalee is sitting at a table alone writing in a notebook. She then starts laughing at what she’s writing when Kathy comes and sits down across from her. Soon irritation takes hold of her face.

 “What do you want Kathy?” Natalee asks annoyed closing her notebook.

 “I just came to check up on you. I saw you sitting over here all alone. You’re my sister and I want to make sure that you’re okay.” Kathy says concerned.

 “We’ve been over this Kathy, I’m fine! Now get on back to your boyfriend and best friend!” Natalee snaps looking Kathy in her eyes.

 “Natalee if you ever want to talk I just want you to know and remember that I am here.” Kathy says sweetly with a smile earning her a smile from Natalee.

 When she leaves Natalee reopens her notebook and resumes writing and laughing.

 Kathy returns to her table and sits down beside Algier. Algier looks at her concerned.

 “Is everything okay sweetheart?” Algier asks and Kathy sighs heavily looking in Natalee’s direction.

 “No. I’m worried about Natalee. I can’t say for sure what it is but it’s something serious.” Kathy says softly making Algier look over in Natalee’s direction.

 “Well you know she is a teenager and although I’m an only child from what I’ve observed multiple times teenagers don’t like hanging out with their siblings. Maybe you should give her some space.” Algier says before looking back in Kathy’s direction.

 “That’s the problem.” Kathy says worriedly looking up and over into Natalee’s direction.

 “Everything will be okay, I promise.” Algier says encouragingly before taking her hand into his and squeezing it.

 A little time later the bell rings and the students leave the cafeteria. Kathy, Tiffany and Algier are walking down the hallway.

 “So Tiffany who are you going to the homecoming dance with?” Algier asks curiously looking over at her.

 “No one. I don’t need a date to have a good time.” Tiffany says confidently with her hands in her pockets.

 “You’ve always been a loner. Hopefully that can change.” Kathy says glancing over at her.

 “I’m fine y’all. There’s no need to fret over me.” Tiffany says reassuringly grinning at them while giving them a thumbs up.

 Over at Lady Alpha Middle School Bossier and Tron are sitting in class listening to their teacher lecture at the chalkboard. The walls are white with black baseboards. To the far left are two rectangular windows with blinds that are pulled up revealing the neighborhood. On the walls are mathematic formula posters, posters of different literary genres and science posters. At the front of the classroom is a oak desk with a green cushion behind it. Behind the desk is a green chalkboard with math equations on them. Bossier and Tron are sitting beside each other in the middle row. Their teacher Mr. Wheatley is sitting at the front of the classroom behind the desk.

 Mr. Wheatley has fair skin with gray eyes and white hair. He is in late thirties. He is wearing a white collar shirt, black slacks and black dress shoes with a black tie. On his face is a pair of black rectangular eyeglasses. On his left wrist is a black watch.

Tron is wearing a brown long sleeve shirt, black jeans and black tennis shoes.

 “So are you still nervous about the audition?” Tron asks curiously glancing over at Bossier.

 “Absolutely but it’s a good nervous. I really hope I get the role. I have never been the female lead in any school production since I’ve been here. Hopefully this audition will change that. I’m sure Mr. Remington will make the right decision” Bossier says optimistically executing the math equation on the chalkboard.

 “Yeah I sure hope you get it. Maybe that could give us more time to spend together. I never get to see you outside of school. Your mother is really something else when it comes to me.” Tron says sadly getting Bossier’s attention.

 “She’s still stuck in her childhood mindset when it comes to skin color. You just have to give her time.” Bossier says coolly smiling at him.

 “I hope you’re right.” Tron says sweetly smiling at her.

 Lynn is in class sitting in the back row. She has tears streaming down her face as the events from earlier constantly replays in her head. She sniffles while reading a passage in her literature textbook. She wipes her eyes and resumes reading.

 “I have to do something about Daddy Vernon.” Lynn whispers to herself seriously.

 The day moves forward eerily and Dante is in Calculus when the P.A. comes on.

 “Dante McFarlin please report to Principal Sumpter’s office immediately.” a male voice says seriously and Dante’s classmates whisper while looking at him.

 Dante grabs his backpack and gets to his feet and leaves the classroom. When he gets to the administration office he goes to the reception desk. The walls of the waiting area are brown with black baseboards. The desk is gray and rectangular. Behind it is a male. He has pale skin with blue eyes. His gray hair is combed back. He has a mole on his left cheek.

He is wearing a white polo shirt, gray slacks and black leather dress shoes. When he sees Danate he is shocked by his appearance.

“I’m here to see Principal Sumpter.” Dante says and the receptionist picks up the telephone.

“Principal Sumpter Dante McFarlin is here in the waiting area.” the receptionist says seriously still looking at Dante.

“Send him back.” Principal Sumpter says in a Virginian accent.

“Yes sir.” the receptionist says before hanging up.

“Principal Sumpter says to go on back.” the receptionist says and Dante heads back and walks to the end of a hallway and turns left.

When he enters the office he sees the four boys who attacked him. He instantly becomes irritated while shutting the door.

Principal Sumpter’s office walls are gray with black baseboards. On the walls are degrees and certificates. In the middle of the office is a oak wood desk with his nameplate on it. Also on the desk is a black desk lamp, a utensil cup and a small potted plant. Behind the desk is Principal Rudy Sumpter. Principal Sumpter is in his late fifties with fair skin, green eyes and cold black hair. He is wearing a gray suit, a white business shirt, a black tie and black leather dress shoes. Dante goes and sits in the opposite black cushion chair across from the antagonistic quartet.

“I reckon you know what this office call is about.” Principal Sumpter says angrily clasping his hands together.

“I most certainly do sir and I just want to inform you that I did not provoke them. It was the other way around and the end result was self-defense. That’s why those boys look the way they do.” Dante explains glancing over at them.

They all are wearing looks of fear.

“From the bruises on their faces I’m having a hard time believing that. You have no superficial wounds to refer to this defense that you’re trying to sell me.” Principal Sumpter says unconvinced.

“Sir I was in the restroom washing my hands. When I finished throwing my paper towels away I turned around and there they were. I didn’t incite anything. Delorian and his friends were the instigators.” Dante says defending himself.

“I’m suspending you for two days.” Principal Sumpter says and Dante looks at him in disbelief.

“Understood loud and clear sir.” Dante says coolly before looking down at his lap.

“You knew today was celebrity day and you came dressed like this? Boys are supposed to dress like boys and girls are supposed to dress like girls. You doing this triggered them and that’s what ignited them to defend themselves.” Principal Sumpter says getting Dante’s attention.

“They were triggered?! I was a red target for these imbeciles and they’re the ones who get acquitted?! You know you’re right it is celebrity day. With that said there is no stipulation on who a student can or cannot portray. These jerks were looking for a one sided fight and got the surprise of their lives. Homosexuals are always ridiculed but today I was and will forever be the victor of my oppressors. I’m not apologizing for dressing like this nor will I apologize for defending myself. Now I will resume my school day and take my graced suspension.” Dante says seriously looking Principal Sumpter in his eyes who is speechless.

“You attacked these boys and an apology is most certainly due. Now please apologize or your suspension will be extended!” Principal Sunpter says authoritatively and Dante looks over at them enraged.

“I ‘m sorry.” Dante says neutrally before giving his attention back to Principal Sumpter.

“You all can return to class now.” Prinicipal Sumpter says and the five boys leave his office.

When they enter the hallway Dante heads back to Calculus fuming. As he walks Delorian and Yorkshire jog to opposite sides of him. Delorian is on his right and Yorkshire is on his left.

“How does it feel to know that normal people will always prevail?” Delorian asks tauntingly to which Dante ignores him.

“Just so you know Delorian’s not done punishing you.” Yorkshire says inches away from Dante’s ear. 

When they get to class Dante walks to Mr. Loughlin’s desk.

“Mr. Loughlin I will be suspended for two days after this. During that time I want to make sure I’m current on all of my classwork and homework.” Dante says dryly and Mr. Loughlin hands him four front and back page packets.

“You can turn them in after your suspension has been absolved.” Mr. Loughlin says and Dante nods his head.

“Thank you so much sir.” Dante says before walking to his seat. 

 He puts his assignments in his backpack while resuming his current assignment.

Letha is at work in her office going over some invoices. She is wearing a black short-sleeve dress with black pointed toe sling back heels. Her hair is styled in a flip. Her face is made up with powder, black eye shadow, black eyeliner and dark red lipstick. On her left wrist is a silver watch. As she’s comparing documents a knock comes on her door. When the door opens her boss Fletcher Whitestone comes in.

Fletcher is thirty-nine years old with caramel skin and honey brown eyes. His black hair is styled in a parted comb over. He is wearing a navy blue suit, a white business shirt, a black tie and black leather dress shoes. On his left wrist is a diamond watch.

“How can I help you Mr. Whitestone?” Letha asks formally looking him in his eyes.

“I just came to chat.” Fletcher says coolly closing the door and walking to her desk. 

“About what?” Letha asks curiously.

“There’s a murder case that will be relocated here soon. If you ask me I think that the boy should be exonerated. I mean New York is liberal but he’ s colored. There’s a taste of prejudice everywhere, no matter how progressive a state is especially in this country.” Fletcher says sitting down across from Letha.

“I agree. I am curious to see how this case turns out. I hope whoever is representing him will get him off.” Letha says hopefully clasping her hands together.

“That is if the prosecution doesn’t eat the defense alive.” Fletcher says piquing Letha’s curiosity.

“Who will the prosecution be?” Letha asks curiously.

“I think it’s going to be Savannah Lancaster.” Fletcher guesses and disgust takes over Letha.

“That white trash. All she cares about is getting colored people put away on heinous trumped up charges.” Letha says angrily.

“I’ve personally seen her in court. She only deals with facts. Skin color does not play a part in her brand of justice.” Fletcher says coolly.

“Well whoever the defense is I hope they’re ready for all the bullets she has to fire with.” Letha says worriedly.

“So do I. I also received word that someone visted you here recently.” Fletcher says invoking internal fear in Letha.

“Yes sir. It was basically a family matter.” Letha explains hoping Fletcher would buy it.

“Alright. You know I don’t mind personal visits as long as they don’t disturb my building.” Fletcher says seriously before standing up as does Letha.

“Absolutely sir. These invoices will be on your desk after lunch.” Letha says with equal seriousness.

“That’s what I like to hear.” Fletcher says before leaving her office.

 Letha exhales heavily before sitting back down and resuming her work.

 Algier is in biology reading a paragraph when a crumpled piece of paper lands on his desk. He looks to his right and sees Delorian looking in his direction.

“What do you want Delorian?” Algier asks annoyed.

“What the hell made you think dressing up as a mobster was for you?” Delorian asks smugly.

“Because I like what this one particualarly stood for. A better question is how did you get those bruises?” Algier asks and an angry expression covers Delorian’s face.

“You don’t worry about that colored ass. Oh and for the record I’ll be taking that sweet piece of vanilla waffer of yours to homecoming on Saturday.” Delorian barks back.

“She’s not interestd in you. You need to go with someone that matches your caliber.” Algier says calmly.

“Kathy St. James is of my caliber. You’re the one who doesn’t deserve her.” Delorian says angrily.

“No that’s where you’re wrong. I absolutely deserve her and she deserve me. You are just a boy who wants another notch under his belt. Well I’m glad to tell you that she won’t be on that disgusting list.” Algier says sharply before resuming to read.

Kathy and Tiffany are in biology listening to their teacher lecture when Tiffany looks over at Kathy.

“Hey Kat what are you going to wear to homecoming?” TIffany whispers curiously.

“Something beautiful and you?” Kathy whispers back curiously meeting Tiffany’s gaze.

“I’m not sure yet. I’m going dress shopping after school today.” Tiffany says softly and Kathy looks regretful.

“You dress shopping alone? I can’t wait to see what you conjure up. But yeah I need to be able to have an escape from that place.” Kathy whispers hopefully and Tiffany shakes her head undestandingly.

“I like getting dressed up sometimes and you’ll be glad to know I love dresses. As for your car I hope you snag a nice one.” Tiffany whispers seriously and Kathy raises her eyebrows nervously.

“So do I and I can’t wait to see your dress.” Kathy whisperes excitedly and the two teens resume working on their poems.

It’s twelve thirty and the student body is in the cafeteria. Kathy, Tiffany and Algier are sitting outside at their usual table. Kathy has a chicken salad with a bottle of water, Tiffany has a plate of nachos with a diet cola and Algier has slice of pepperoni pizza with two cinnamon sticks and a chocolate milk.

“So how’s your day going so far baby?” Kathy asks curiously before placing some salad in her mouth.

“It was frustrating in biology. Delorian Porter was going on about how he was going ot ask you to homecoming. I responded by telling him to be with someone of his own caliber. He then rebutted that you were of his caliber and that he deserved you. It was so nerve racking and blatantly disrespectful.” Algier says irritably and Kathy rubs his right shoulder and places her chin on his shoulder.

“You deserve me one hundred percent. Delorian Porter does not. He should be with someone like my sister Galleria. They both are arrogant and self-serving. They are perfect for each other.” Kathy says making Algier and Tiffany laugh.

“Oh by the way Al I was going to ask you if you could take me to a car lot. I was going to buy a car today after school.” Kathy says and Algier looks at her cleaning his mouth.

“Absolutely.” Algier says happily.

The trio then spend the remainder of lunch laughing.

Natalee is coming out of the girls restroom and is heading back to the cafeteria when she runs into Galleria and Linda. Linda is wearing an ice white leather beret, a long sleeve mint green turtleneck, a white wavy skirt and mint green leather go-go boots. Her hair is falling seamlessly down her back. Her face is made up with powder, black eyeliner and gloss. In her ears are silver diamond studs. On her back is a white backback.

“Watch where you’re going weirdo.” Galleria says rudely looking her in her eyes.

Natalee stares her down momentarily before resuming her trek. Galleria looks back at her disgustedly before she and Linda resume their walk.

“She seemed very troubled.” Linda comments as they enter the girls restroom.

“That girl is not troubled she’s an attention seeking whore.” Galleria says dismissively.

When they get to the middle sink they scream in horror.