The Children's Cry

   The word spread quickly around school. Devon and Jay was the topic on everyone’s gossip list. During the change of class, small groups gathered in the hallway discussing the incident. There were even talks about a sure fight that would come out of this and the possibility of the black boy reliving the beating of Derrick Jones all over again.

   It was funny how it all fit together. Devon had heard talks of this Jones kid before but he never paid it any attention until now. Many of the kids had pointed fingers at him during the first few months he started attending the school, declaring a remake of the episode, which occurred back in the seventies. At that time, Devon had no clue what they were talking about, but now, just like that, it was beginning to make sense.

   What Principal Harden was hoping would not happen seemed all too real. The bees were stirred.

   The remaining of the school day was full of pressure for Devon. Rock and T.J. harassed him with threats and stares. But for the most part Devon was confident they weren’t going to do anything without their leader Jay. The Sheriff department had accompanied Jay to his home on the request of Principal Smittey. Smittey was aware of the trouble that could arise out of this so he used every precaution necessary to prevent an altercation today. As for Rock and T.J., Smittey asked the sentry’s to pay close attention to their behavior, as he knew they were friends of Jay and would probably try to harm Devon first chance they get.

   After school dismissed, many were talking about the incident still and the upcoming party tonight. They wondered where the drugs were coming from now that Jay was on house arrest. But they were encouraged not to worry because some of the guys managed to get off school grounds before the search.

   The sheriff department continued to man the grounds until every student had left the premises. Thankfully, there were no incidents. Smittey noticed, however, that Devon was walking home and therefore instructed some officers to keep an eye on him indiscreetly.

   Nikki had small talk with Gary Evans right outside the school’s door. She ignored the strange and demeaning looks she got from several of the white female students as they passed them by. Gary assured her no harm would come to her, however. He even said that Devon would be safe, too, that it was all going to fly over real soon.

   “I’ll pick you up at seven sharp.” He said, exposing his white enamel behind a tight grin. “And listen. If it’s all possible, show some skin. You know what I mean. You got a great body and it will do you no service to keep it so covered up. Even if you have to sneak something out, you can change in my car . . . or at the party.”

   “Why should I have to dress that way?” She asked dismayed.

   “Hey.” He ran a hand through her silky hair. “If it’s a bother, no problem. I want you to feel comfortable. It’s just that most of the other girls are going to look tight and I don’t want you to feel out of place, that’s all. You know the deal, don’t you?”

   Nikki dropped her head just slightly. “I’ll see what I can find.” She said softly.

   “Great. Then it’s settled. “

   He looked around toward the parking lot. Many of the cars had left but a small group of students was bunched up together dilly-dallying around two other cars. Parked only a few yards in the rear of the lot Gary noticed the police car. “Well, it looks like they’re waiting for everyone to leave so we better get going. You walking?”

   “I don’t live far.”

   “Well, I would offer you a ride but I’m hanging with a bunch of nincompoops. And besides, it probably won’t look right you riding with us with the heat around here.”

   “It’s okay. I don’t mind walking.”

   “Well, I’ll see you tonight. Adios.”

   Nikki watched as he ran off and joined the group in the lot. In the back of her mind she felt as though Gary was only interested in one thing. Why was he so concerned about her dressing sleazy? Sure, she’d seen the way some of the other girls dressed, but that wasn’t her. It just didn’t seem right.

   Then again, maybe he was interested in her not feeling out of place. If everyone was dressing a certain way and she decided to be the odd ball, that would only ruin her chances of fitting in, and probably send a message to the other girls---a message declaring her to be better than everyone else which would only add to the already opened animosity. But what about that—the prejudice that was unmistakably in the air? What makes her think she would be accepted at the party? Certainly this was a bold statement. Perhaps foolish. But Gary would protect her. He promised her that.