Hustlin' Read Online Free PDF

bell has already rung and neither of us wants to be late. I wish I had more time to kick it at lunch or break this week, but I have to work on my English portfolio before our AP meetings this week, and I still have to finish my government paper on Queen Califia, not to mention the mandatory drama rehearsal. I guess I won’t be enjoying any free time this week if I want to stay on my A game.
    It’s a clear, crisp morning and everyone’s dressed for the cold in his or her own way. Some of these beach folks are even wearing shorts and skirts. I know they have to be cold because I’m feeling the chill for them. The view of the ocean is unobstructed, tempting even me to go to the beach this morning. If only life was that simple.
    â€œGood morning, Miss Jackson,” Mr. Adewale says, turning into the Language hall as I enter right behind him.
    As always, the bell for Spanish is about to ring above my head and I know Mr. Donald is going to have some shit to say if I’m late again. I don’t have his favorite quarterback on my arm this morning because Nigel’s off somewhere with Mickey. As long as I make it inside before the bell stops ringing, I should be cool with or without an escort.
    â€œGood morning, Mr. Adewale. What brings you to South Bay High this Monday morning?” I ask my favorite substitute teacher, speed-walking to my classroom at the far end of the long path. I don’t want to rush off, but I have to. In an alternate reality me and Mr. A could sit down over coffee and chat about life and all of our experiences, but not now. If I were only a little older, I’d make him my man for sure.
    â€œYou know I can’t stay away for too long,” he teases as we approach my room. “Good game Sunday, wasn’t it,” he says, making small talk as he walks me to class. I feel so honored to be in his presence. It’s not every day I get ushered through the halls by a fine teacher.
    â€œYes it was, especially because my boys won. It was an unexpected surprise to see you there,” I say, giving him my biggest smile to date. I know he thinks that I’m just some corny teenager who has a crush on an older guy. But I’m actually interested in him on a whole other level, no matter how silly I may come across to him.
    â€œI was a little surprised to see you yesterday too, given all the work you have on your plate for your research paper on Queen Califia, and the school play.”
    He looks at me curiously like he wants to ask me more questions, but stops himself just as his mouth forms the query. I guess he doesn’t want to overstep his boundaries. I wish I could get it across to Mr. A just how open a book I am willing to be if he would only ask me what he wants to know. But it’s like Ms. Toni said, the young brother will have enough drama just being at South Bay as it is. I don’t want anyone to misconstrue our friendship as anything else. This isn’t De-grassi: The Next Generation and my name ain’t Paige.
    â€œYeah, well you know the boys need cheerleaders,” I say, raising my hands in the air like I’m frantically waving two pom-poms.
    Mr. A. laughs at my team spirit as he opens the heavy door, letting the cold air from the stark classroom hit us both in the face. Mr. Donald isn’t at his desk and the bell’s ringing, which means I could have been late without too much of a consequence, or so I think.
    â€œGood morning class,” Mr. Adewale says. “I’ll be your substitute this week while Mr. Donald is at a coach’s convention.” He places his black leather computer bag on the near-empty desk before continuing. The class perks up at the announcement of having a sub all week. I know only about ten percent of the students will show up after today.
    â€œWhat’s up, Jayd,” China says, speaking out of turn and pissing our sub off as I take my backpack off and set it on the floor. Mr. A gives