Darkness Before Dawn Read Online Free PDF Page B

understand that I need time to adjust. I used to visit them every summer, but living here instead of New York is going to take some getting used to.”
    â€œI’ve lived here all my life”—I laughed—” and I still haven’t got used to it!”
    â€œNew York City?” Rhonda asked.
    â€œYeah, right in Manhattan.”
    â€œHere’s Room 199,” Rhonda said as they climbed the steps and turned to a hall on the second floor.
    â€œIt’s on the second floor?”
    â€œNobody knows why. Maybe just to confuse new kids,” Rhonda shrugged her shoulders. “What’s your name?”
    â€œI’m Jalani,” the new girl replied.
    â€œThat’s a pretty name,” I remarked. “Sounds Indian or something.”
    â€œIt’s Nigerian—Ibo to be exact. My mother was from Nigeria. It means strong and mighty, but I don’t feel very strong or mighty today. It’s hot and confusing, I miss myfriends, I miss New York, and I really miss my mom.” I could tell she was trying not to cry.
    I touched Jalani’s arm. “I know where you’re coming from. We know about pain around here.”
    â€œJalani, why don’t you come with me and Keisha to the mall after school? I’ve got to get some new shoes. My mother doesn’t understand, but I have
nothing
to wear with that new blue outfit I got.”
    Jalani brightened up. “Now, shoes I understand! When we moved here, I packed six boxes just for shoes! My mom never understood either.” She sighed.
    The bell rang then, and me and Rhonda hurried down the hall. As Jalani slipped into Room 199, Rhonda yelled, “Meet us by the main office after school!”
    By the end of the day, the temperature outside had soared to ninety-five degrees. Inside the school, despite the open windows and useless fans, the students sweltered through that first day. Classroom temperatures had to be well over one hundred degrees. The building was old and impossible to air-condition.
    I was first to reach the main hall after school. I sat on a bench, exhausted from the heat and the routine of the day. Gerald strolled over and sat next to me. “Rough day?”
    â€œYeah, it’s hot, and I feel so alone. I miss Andy. Remember last year when he hooked up the janitor’s hose and soaked everybody as they came out?” Gerald smiled, remembering. “Then he pointed that hose up to the sky, and let the water fall down on him and everybody around him.We were dancing and screaming and then Mr. Hathaway came out.”
    â€œAndy almost got Hathaway wet, but he did have a
little
bit of sense!” Gerald chuckled.
    â€œLuckily, somebody warned Andy that Hathaway was coming around the corner,” I said.
    â€œIt was Leon Hawkins—that silly dude with the good voice.”
    â€œOh yeah, I had choir with him last year.” I said. “He’s crazier than Andy was.” I sighed. “We could use a little Andy right now. When will this feeling go away, Gerald?”
    â€œIt will always be there, Keisha, but you’ll learn to lock it away. If you don’t, you’ll let the pain eat you up.” Gerald was surprisingly understanding.
    I gave Gerald a hug to thank him. We saw Angel in the crowd and waved to her. Angel looked confused at first, then smiled as she realized she had found her way to the main hall and found her brother. Gerald whispered to me, “Speaking of pain eating you up, look at Angel. She’s so thin. I worry about her.”
    â€œShe’s a dancer, Gerald. She’s supposed to be thin. I wish I had her figure.”
    Angel wore pale pink shorts and a matching top. Her large almond-shaped eyes seemed to fill her small face. Her waist was tiny, her legs sturdy but thin. She walked like a dancer.
    â€œHow was your first day?” Gerald asked. I could tell that he was proud of her—she was pretty and dainty, and I knew he would