The Reason Why Read Online Free PDF Page B

delicately against his high cheekbones and masculine jawline. He was dressed in a Karl Kani jean outfit. Her heart fluttered briefly.
    â€œHey, I’m Erik.” He extended his hand. Pam gave him a blank look. “I’m in this class.” She searched her memory again but still didn’t recognize his face or name, and her face told it all. “You’re in sociology, right?”
    â€œOh, yeah . . . Hi. I’m in this class.” She looked at him quizzically again. “What did you say your name was again?”
    Erik thought he was tripping. He thought he had seen Pam in his class, but the way she reacted to him, he was now uncertain.
    â€œWell, damn, I can see that I really made a good first impression on you,” Erik said playfully. “And again, my name is Erik.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Erik, my mind is somewhere else.” Pam smiled, but only to be polite.
    â€œC’mon,” Erik said as he began to talk toward the class. Pam followed; she didn’t want to be late. When they reached the classroom, Erik opened the door and kindly extended his hand. “After you, my lady.”
    Pam rolled her eyes and stepped inside. Erik laughed and followed her in.

    â€œSo, when we consider what is ‘normal’ or what is ‘abnormal,’ we have to evaluate the standards in regards to accepted and rejected, or ‘taboo,’ behavior. Understand that African tribes operate at a completely different level of behavioral standards than—” The professor was cut off abruptly by a series of rapid beeps, signaling that class was over.
    â€œEesh, already? All right folks, remember that our exam review is next Wednesday, and don’t forget that your research papers are due Monday. Oh, and I won’t be in my office tomorrow. I have a seminar to attend. See you next week!”
    Pam collected her things and walked out of the lecture hall. “Hey, what did you think about that lecture?” Erik asked, trailing behind her. “I think he was on point about what’s considered normal versus abnormal. The rituals in other countries that are considered customs are barbaric and—”
    â€œWhat are you saying?” Pam asked, continuing to walk.
    â€œYou weren’t listening? Girl, you trippin’. Hey wait up! How could you not pay attention to that mind-blowing shit?” he asked sarcastically.
    Pam laughed and slowed down a bit so Erik could match her pace. The stream of students that burst through the building’s front doors were met with a fierce wind.
    â€œWhere you goin’ next?”
    â€œMy dorm room.” Pam kept walking.
    â€œI’ll walk with you,” Erik offered, hunching his shoulders against the cold.
    Pam stopped and turned toward him, shielding half her face from the wind with her scarf. “Look, Erik, I know what you’re doing, but I have a man.”
    Erik looked at Pam, threw his hands up, and smiled. “Hey, I’m just tryin’ to make new friends. No harm intended.”
    Pam tilted her head to the side to evaluate his personality. Erik looked away and back at Pam.
    â€œHey, why don’t we get together and study for this damn test?” he asked her. “You know you’ll be needing some help because you didn’t hear a thing dude said the entire hour.”
    Pam laughed and thought for a second. He was right. She knew her grades were about to go down the shitter, and agreeing to a study session would at least make her feel obligated to hit the books.
    â€œYou know what?”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    â€œI need all the help I can get at this point,” Pam answered. “Let’s go.”

Chapter 8

Straight Ballin’
    â€œF ace, nigga!” Chino shouted, as he swooshed the ball into the basketball net.
    â€œFouling-ass nigga!” Rock shouted.
    â€œThat wasn’t no foul!” Chino shouted back. “Quit crying. You doing all the