Pushin' Read Online Free Page B

for them months ago, is about as good as it gets. All the other teachers couldn’t give a shit about a hall pass when it comes to black male students roaming around campus.
    â€œI know you’re pissed about what happened last night and I’m sorry. What do you want me to do?” Rah asks, throwing his hands in the air like this bull isn’t his own making. “Sandy should’ve never seen us kissing, Jayd. I knew that would set her off, but she wasn’t supposed to be there, I promise.” I look from Rah to Chance, who looks shocked by Rah’s confession. Jeremy is Chance’s best friend, and I know he’s wondering if Jeremy knows about Rah kissing me—which he doesn’t, and I need to keep it that way.
    â€œFirst of all, you snuck in a kiss on the neck; I did not kiss you back,” I say, vindicating myself from his implication of joint responsibility. I want to make it very clear I had nothing to do with his affection. “And second of all, I’m more pissed at the fact you didn’t listen to me when I gave you a warning about your crazy-ass baby-mama.” I look around, noticing we’re causing a scene of our own.
    â€œOkay, I know you were worried about Rahima and I respect that, Jayd, really I do. But I have to be able to trust her own mother with her well-being—otherwise I’d go crazy worrying about baby girl all the time.” Rah looks around like he’s expecting the school security to come and grab him at any moment, as well he should. Hall pass or not, if we get too loud they’ll gladly snatch us all up.
    â€œAnd that’s fine with me because I couldn’t care less. I’m out of it,” I say, turning around to head back inside. We have a good twenty minutes left in fifth period and I want to use it productively, not out here arguing with Rah.
    â€œJayd, you don’t mean that. You know you’re Rahima’s godmother as far as I’m concerned, and she loves you, too.”
    â€œGood try, but I’m not falling for your bull anymore, Rah. I’m out.” Before I can get away, Rah takes my hand, forcing me to turn around. Chance looks up and sees what I see: Jeremy turning red at the sight of Rah and me holding hands. Oh shit.
    â€œWhat’s up, man?” Jeremy asks, stepping up to Rah and claiming my hand in his own. I’ve never seen Jeremy look so pissed before. How did he know what was going on all the way down here? Jeremy’s chemistry class is on the other side of campus in the science hall. Because the theater department is at the bottom of the massive campus, no one ever comes down here without intending to. Maybe that’s who Chance was texting a moment ago.
    â€œWe were just talking,” Rah says, reluctantly letting me go. He knows he has no right to claim me, especially not with my new man standing eye to eye with him, obviously ready to do whatever’s necessary to make his point clear.
    â€œPlease don’t let me stop you. What are we talking about?” Jeremy asks, holding my right hand in his while he wraps his left arm around my shoulder, completely engulfing me in his protective embrace. Nigel looks at us in disbelief. I bet he never thought he’d see the day Rah had to let me go to a white boy. Oh well. I’ve got ninety-nine problems and a fool ain’t one—anymore.
    â€œNever mind,” Rah says, backing down for the moment. He looks at the gold necklace and charm he planted on me last night and I instinctively begin to play with the heavy ankh. “I just wanted to reiterate how sorry I was that I missed your birthday and I hope you like your gift. Peace.” Rah nods his head in Chance’s direction and gives Jeremy a hard look, which Jeremy returns. They were never very fond of each other, but I was hoping they would at least be able to grow to tolerate one another. I think that ship has permanently sailed.
    â€œI’ll