NowComment
2-Pane Combined
Comments:
Full Summaries Sorted

[4 of 5] The Hate U Give - Parts 2, 3, & 4 - Sixteen to Twenty-One - by Angie Thomas (2017)

Author: Angie Thomas

“Part 2: Five Weeks After It," "Part 3: Eight Weeks After It," "Part 4: Ten Weeks After It" - "Sixteen to Twenty-One.” The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas, Balzer & Bray/Harperteen, 2017, pp. 280-367.


0 General Document comments
0 Sentence and Paragraph comments
0 Image and Video comments


PART 2

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 1 0
profile_photo
Nov 30
Jessica H Jessica H (Nov 30 2022 11:17AM) : Add as many Notice & Note comments and replies as you can as you read & listen to Sixteen to Twenty-One. Watch this GIF (1 min 20 secs) to see 6 reasons to pause your reading, double-click on a sentence or paragraph & comment using the sentence starters. [Edited] more
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 1, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

FIVE WEEKS AFTER IT

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 2 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 2, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

SIXTEEN

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 3 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 3, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Ms. Ofrah arranged for me to do an interview with one of the national news programs today—exactly a week before I testify before the grand jury next Monday.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 4 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 4, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s around six o’clock when the limo that the news program sent arrives. My family’s coming with me. I doubt my brothers will be interviewed, but Seven wants to support me. Sekani claims he does too, but really he’s hoping he’ll get “discovered” somehow with all those cameras around.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 5 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 5, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 5, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 5, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 5, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My parents told him about everything. As much as he gets on my nerves, it was sweet when he gave me a handmade card that said “Sorry.” Until I opened it. There was drawing of me crying over Khalil, and I had devil horns. Sekani said he wanted it to be “real.” Little asshole.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 6 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 6, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 6, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 6, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 6, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 6, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 6, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We all head out to the limo. Some neighbors watch curiously from their porches and yards. Momma made all of us, including Daddy, dress up like we’re going to Christ Temple—not quite Easter formal but not “diverse church” casual. She says we’re not gonna have the news people thinking we’re “hood rats.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 7 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Damian V Damian V (Nov 19 2020 9:11PM) : This is shocking since the place they live is not known to have limos in the neighborhood
profile_photo
Dec 15
jade B jade B (Dec 15 2020 12:32AM) : Chris and Starr are so similar in their values. Yet they light years different culturally.
profile_photo
Jan 9
Harlyn L Harlyn L (Jan 09 2023 12:58PM) : i guess people just want to see her as a person more

people just want to see as her

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 7, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 7, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 7, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 7, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

So as we’re walking to the car, she’s all, “When we get there, don’t touch anything and only speak when somebody speaks to you. It’s ‘yes, ma’am’ and ‘yes, sir,’ or ‘no, ma’am’ and ‘no, sir.’ Do I make myself clear?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 8 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 8, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 8, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 8, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yes, ma’am,” the three of us say.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 9 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 9, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“All right now, Starr,” one of our neighbors calls out. I get that just about every day in the neighborhood now. Word’s spreading around the Garden that I’m the witness. “All right now” is more than a greeting. It’s a simple way people let me know they got my back.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 10 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 10, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 10, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 10, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 10, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 10, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The best part though? It’s never “All right now, Big Mav’s daughter who works in the store.” It’s always Starr.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 11 0
profile_photo
Mar 8
Ville J Ville J (Mar 08 2021 1:12AM) : People are beginning to see her as more of an individual, rather than just as "Big Mav's daughter".
profile_photo
Mar 10
Rumeysa Y Rumeysa Y (Mar 10 2021 8:22PM) : It's a good thing that she is not known just because of her father. Even if she does people don't say hey look she's Big Mav's daughter but instead they just call Starr.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 11, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 11, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 11, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We leave in the limo. I drum my fingers on my knee as I watch the neighborhood pass by. I’ve talked to detectives and the DA, and next week I’ll talk to the grand jury. I’ve talked about that night so much I can repeat it back in my sleep. But the whole world will see this.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 12 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 12, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 12, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 12, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 12, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 12, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My phone vibrates in my blazer pocket. A couple of texts from Chris.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 13 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 13, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 13, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My mom wants to know what color your prom dress is. Something about the tailor needs to know ASAP.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 14 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 14, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 14, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Oh, shit. The Junior-Senior Prom is Saturday. I haven’t bought a dress. With all this Khalil stuff, I’m not sure I wanna go. Momma said I need to get my mind off things. I said no. She gave me “the look.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 15 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 15, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 15, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 15, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 15, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 15, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 15, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 15, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

So I’m going to the damn prom. This dictatorship she’s on? Not cool. I text Chris back.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 16 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 16, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 16, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 16, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 16, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Uh . . . light blue?

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 17 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 17, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He responds:

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 18 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 18, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

You don’t have a dress yet?

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 19 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 19, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’ve got plenty of time, I write back. Just been busy.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 20 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 20, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 20, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s true. Ms. Ofrah prepared me for this interview every day after school. Some days we finished early, and I helped out around Just Us for Justice. Answered phones, passed out flyers, anything they needed me to do. Sometimes I listened in on their staff meetings as they discussed police reform ideas and the importance of telling the community to protest not riot.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 21 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 21, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 21, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 21, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 21, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 21, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I asked Dr. Davis if Just Us could have a roundtable discussion at Williamson like they do at Garden High. He said he didn’t see the need.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 22 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 22, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 22, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris replies to my prom text:

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 23 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 23, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Okay, if you say so Btw Vante says sup.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 24 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 24, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

About to kill him on Madden

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 25 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 25, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He needs to stop calling me Bieber tho

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 26 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 26, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

After all that “white boy trying to be black” shit DeVante said about Chris, lately he’s at Chris’s house more than I am. Chris invited him over to play Madden, and all of a sudden they’re “bros.” According to DeVante, Chris’s massive video game collection makes up for his whiteness.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 27 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Zuleika M Zuleika M (Nov 17 2020 12:44AM) : its nice that devante and chris are getting along
profile_photo
Dec 9
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 09 2020 4:10PM) : I agree that is a good things that are getting friend since they live in the same neighborhood
profile_photo
Nov 19
Damian V Damian V (Nov 19 2020 9:28PM) : This is good, at least they are getting along
profile_photo
Nov 21
Cyrus E Cyrus E (Nov 21 2020 9:55PM) : It's great that they are getting along
profile_photo
Dec 14
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 14 2020 12:42PM) : This is really good they are getting together as friends now
profile_photo
Mar 10
Rumeysa Y Rumeysa Y (Mar 10 2021 8:24PM) : it sounds good that DeVante and Chris are getting along and becoming close/good friends.
profile_photo
Jan 9
Harlyn L Harlyn L (Jan 09 2023 1:02PM) : its good they are getting along
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 27, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 27, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 27, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I told DeVante he’s a video game thot. He told me to shut up. We’re cool like that though.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 28 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 28, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 28, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 28, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We arrive at a fancy hotel downtown. A white guy in a hoodie waits under the awning leading up to the door. He has a clipboard under his arm and a Starbucks cup in his hand.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 29 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 29, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 29, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 29, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Still, he somehow manages to open the limo door and shake our hands when we get out. “John, the producer. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He shakes my hand a second time. “And let me guess, you’re Starr.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 30 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 30, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 30, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 30, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 30, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 30, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yes, sir.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 31 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 31, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Thank you so much for having the bravery to do this.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 32 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 32, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

There’s that word again. Bravery. Brave peoples’ legs don’t shake. Brave people don’t feel like puking. Brave people sure don’t have to remind themselves how to breathe if they think about that night too hard. If bravery is a medical condition, everybody’s misdiagnosed me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 33 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 10:31AM) : She feels like her nervous reactions doesn’t make her brave when she’s allowed to be nervous cause she’s in a tough situation
profile_photo

I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)

Oct 27
Paul A

I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)

Paul A (Oct 27 2020 10:34AM) : Have you ever been in a similar situation where people see you as stronger than you feel inside?
profile_photo
Nov 19
Damian V Damian V (Nov 19 2020 9:30PM) : She is nervous since she will be talking to the jury and everyone knows that Starr is the witness
profile_photo
Mar 8
Ville J Ville J (Mar 08 2021 1:23AM) : She feels like an imposter, she doesn't feel brave even though everyone is telling her she is.
profile_photo
Mar 10
Rumeysa Y Rumeysa Y (Mar 10 2021 8:27PM) : since Starr will be talking to the juries, she doesn't feel brave or strong enough rather she feels like her legs are shaking and she also feels like a somewhat betrayer.
profile_photo
Jan 9
Harlyn L Harlyn L (Jan 09 2023 1:05PM) : i feel like she is just nervous people know who she is
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 33, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 33, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 33, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 33, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 33, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 33, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

John leads us through all of these twists and turns, and I’m so glad I’m wearing flats. He can’t stop talking about how important the interview is and how much they wanna get the truth out there. He’s not exactly adding to my “bravery.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 34 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 34, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 34, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 34, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He takes us to the hotel courtyard, where some camera operators and other show people are setting up. In the middle of the chaos, the interviewer, Diane Carey, is getting her makeup done.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 35 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 35, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 35, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s weird seeing her in the flesh and not as a bunch of pixels on TV. When I was younger, every single time I spent the night at Nana’s house she made me sleep in one of her long-ass nightgowns, say my bedtime prayers for at least five minutes, and watch Diane Carey’s news report so I could be “knowledgeable of the world.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 36 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 36, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 36, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hi!” Mrs. Carey’s face lights up when she sees us. She comes over, and I gotta give the makeup lady props ’cause she follows her and keeps working like a pro. Mrs. Carey shakes our hands. “Diane. So nice to meet you all. And you must be Starr,” she says to me. “Don’t be nervous. This will simply be a conversation between the two of us.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 37, Sentence 9 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The whole time she talks, some guy snaps photos of us. Yeah, this will be a normal conversation. “Starr, we were thinking we could get shots of you and Diane walking and talking around the

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 38 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 10:34AM) : They just want publicity
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 38, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 38, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 38, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

courtyard,” John says. “Then we’ll go up to the suite and do the conversations between you and Diane; you, Diane, and Ms. Ofrah; and finally you and your parents. After that, we’ll be all set.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 39 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 39, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 39, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 39, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

One of the production people mics me up as John gives me a rundown of this walk and talk thing. “It’s only a transitional shot,” he says. “Simple stuff.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 40 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 40, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 40, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 40, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Simple my ass. The first time, I practically power-walk. The second time, I walk like I’m in a funeral processional and can’t answer Mrs. Carey’s questions. I never realized walking and talking required so much coordination.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 41 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 10:35AM) : This is a new experience for her
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 41, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 41, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 41, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 41, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Once we get that right, we take an elevator to the top floor. John leads us to a huge suite—seriously, it looks like a penthouse—overlooking downtown. About a dozen people are setting up cameras and lighting. Ms. Ofrah’s there in one of her Khalil shirts and a skirt. John says they’re ready for me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 42 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 42, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 42, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 42, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 42, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 42, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I sit in the loveseat across from Mrs. Carey. I’ve never been able to cross my legs, for whatever reason, so that’s out the question. They check my mic, and Mrs. Carey tells me to relax. Soon, the cameras are rolling.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 43 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 43, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 43, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 43, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 43, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Millions of people around the world have heard the name Khalil Harris,” she says, “and they’ve developed their own ideas of who he was. Who was he to you?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 44 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Damian V Damian V (Nov 19 2020 6:33PM) : And just like that, the interview begins
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 44, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 44, Sentence 2 0
profile_photo
Nov 22
Owen G Owen G (Nov 22 2020 6:45PM) : This is important because Starr now has a platform to tell the world about Khalil as a person, not just as a thug or a drug dealer.

More than he may have ever realized. “One of my best friends,” I say. “We knew each other since we were babies. If he were here, he’d point out that he was five months, two weeks, and three days older than me.” We both chuckle at that. “But that’s who Khalil is—was.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 45 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 45, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 45, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 45, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 45, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 45, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 45, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Damn. It hurts to correct myself.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 46 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 46, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 46, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“He was a jokester. Even when things were hard, he’d somehow find some light in it. And he . . .” My voice cracks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 47 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 47, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 47, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 47, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 47, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 47, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 47, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I know it’s corny, but I think he’s here. His nosy ass would show up to make sure I say the right things. Probably calling me his number one fan or some annoying title that only Khalil can think of.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 48 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 48, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 48, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 48, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I miss that boy.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 49 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 49, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“He had a big heart,” I say. “I know that some people call him a thug, but if you knew him, you’d know that wasn’t the case at all. I’m not saying he was an angel or anything, but he wasn’t a bad person. He was a . . .” I shrug. “He was a kid.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50 0
profile_photo
Dec 14
jade B jade B (Dec 14 2020 9:28PM) : Could the author be implying that everyone wants to look at a situation from a all or nothing perspective. For instance the assumption that everyone thinks he bad cause he dealt drugs. In reality it was a lot more complicated.
profile_photo
Mar 10
Rumeysa Y Rumeysa Y (Mar 10 2021 5:32PM) : According to others' assumptions Khalil looks like a bad kid for some reason but when people get to know him, he is just an innocent angel/kid but nothing else. [Edited]
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 50, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She nods. “He was a kid.” “He was a kid.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 51 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 51, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 51, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 51, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“What do you think about people who focus on the not-so-good aspect of him?” she asks. “The fact that he may have sold drugs?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 52 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 52, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 52, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Ms. Ofrah once said that this is how I fight, with my voice. So I fight.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 53 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 53, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 53, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I hate it,” I say. “If people knew why he sold drugs, they wouldn’t talk about him that way.” Mrs. Carey sits up a little. “Why did he sell them?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 54 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 54, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 54, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 54, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 54, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I glance at Ms. Ofrah, and she shakes her head. During all our prep meetings, she advised me not to go into details about Khalil selling drugs. She said the public doesn’t have to know about that.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 55 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 55, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 55, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 55, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But then I look at the camera, suddenly aware that millions of people will watch this in a few days. King may be one of them. Although his threat is loud in my head, it’s not nearly as loud as what Kenya said that day in the store.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 56 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 56, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 56, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 56, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Khalil would defend me. I should defend him. So I gear up to throw a punch.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 57 0
profile_photo
Dec 15
jade B jade B (Dec 15 2020 12:22AM) : This touches on a theme throughout that the kids in this neighborhood have solid values and are morally on high ground in spite of their challenges in their neighborhood
profile_photo
Mar 8
Ville J Ville J (Mar 08 2021 1:30AM) : She thinks throughout the interview as it was a boxing match, where she has to fight with her words.
profile_photo
Mar 11
Rumeysa Y Rumeysa Y (Mar 11 2021 12:30AM) : She feels like she should be loyal to Khalil because that's what he would do. Help Starr out because they are friends. She thinks that she owes him
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 57, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 57, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 57, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Khalil’s mom is a drug addict,” I tell Mrs. Carey. “Anybody who knew him knew how much that bothered him and how much he hated drugs. He only sold them to help her out of a situation with the biggest drug dealer and gang leader in the neighborhood.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 58 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Damian V Damian V (Nov 19 2020 9:38PM) : I wonder if she would get hurt after this, is this considered snitching?
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 58, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 58, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 58, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Ms. Ofrah noticeably sighs. My parents have wide eyes.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 59 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 59, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 59, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s dry snitching, but it’s snitching. Anybody who knows anything about Garden Heights will know exactly who I’m talking about. Hell, if they watch Mr. Lewis’s interview they can figure it out.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 60 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 60, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 60, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 60, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But hey, since King wants to go around the neighborhood lying and saying Khalil repped his set, I can let the world know Khalil was forced to sell drugs for him. “His mom’s life was in danger,” I say. “That’s the only reason he’d ever do something like that. And he wasn’t a gang member—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 61 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 10:42AM) : She’s willing to stand up for Khalil and clear his name even if it meant snitching on someone dangerous, someone who shouldn’t even be roaming the streets
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 61, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 61, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 61, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 61, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“He wasn’t?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 62 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 62, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No, ma’am. He never wanted to fall into that type of life. But I guess—” I think about DeVante for

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 63 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 63, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 63, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 63, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

some reason. “I don’t understand how everyone can make it seem like it’s okay he got killed if he was a drug dealer and a gangbanger.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 64 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 64, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 64, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

A hook straight to the jaw. “The media?” she asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 65 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 65, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 65, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yes, ma’am. It seems like they always talk about what he may have said, what he may have done, what he may not have done. I didn’t know a dead person could be charged in his own murder, you know?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 66 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 66, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 66, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 66, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The moment I say it, I know it’s my jab to the mouth.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 67 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 67, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Mrs. Carey asks for my account of that night. I can’t go into a lot of details—Ms. Ofrah told me not to —but I tell her we did everything One-Fifteen asked and never once cussed at him like his father claims. I tell her how afraid I was, how Khalil was so concerned about me that he opened the door and asked if I was okay.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 68 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 68, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 68, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 68, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 68, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So he didn’t make a threat on Officer Cruise’s life?” she questions.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 69 0
profile_photo
Mar 11
Rumeysa Y Rumeysa Y (Mar 11 2021 12:34AM) : I feel like they are almost on a level to charge Khalil in his own murder.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 69, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No, ma’am. His exact words were, ‘Starr, are you okay?’ That was the last thing he said, and—” I’m ugly crying, describing the moment when the shots rang out and Khalil looked at me for the last time; how I held him in the street and saw his eyes gloss over. I tell her One-Fifteen pointed his gun at me. “He pointed his gun at you?” she asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 70 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Damian V Damian V (Nov 19 2020 10:06PM) : The truth had everyone shocked
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 70, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 70, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 70, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 70, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 70, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yes, ma’am. He kept it on me until the other officers arrived.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 71 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 71, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 71, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Behind the cameras, Momma puts her hand over her mouth. Fury sparks in Daddy’s eyes. Ms. Ofrah looks stunned.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 72 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 72, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 72, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 72, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s another jab.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 73 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 8:57PM) : Starr more

She’s a good speaker. She knows that what she says will help Khalil’s case. When she talks about the “jabs” I think of this interview as a counter to the officer’s dad’s interview, and she is breaking it apart with her words.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 73, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

See, I only told Uncle Carlos that part.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 74 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 74, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Mrs. Carey gives me Kleenex and a moment to get myself together. “Has this situation made you fearful of cops?” she eventually asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 75 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 75, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 75, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I don’t know,” I say truthfully. “My uncle’s a cop. I know not all cops are bad. And they risk their lives, you know? I’m always scared for my uncle. But I’m tired of them assuming. Especially when it comes to black people.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 76 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 10:44AM) : Even though not all cops are bad there are some that are and that’s dangerous in a line of work where they are able to take someone’s life and get away with it
profile_photo
Dec 14
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 14 2020 12:43PM) : I agree they are only a little among of good cops and a lot of bad cops that are doing the job for a reason not to make the world a better place.
profile_photo
Nov 18
William S William S (Nov 18 2020 6:23PM) : This is important because it discusses the assumptions cops make about people
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 76, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 76, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 76, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 76, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 76, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 76, Sentence 6 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Amber W Amber W (Nov 17 2020 9:20AM) : This is true.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 76, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You wish that more cops wouldn’t make assumptions about black people?” she clarifies.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 77 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 77, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Right. This all happened because he”—I can’t say his name—“assumed that we were up to no good. Because we’re black and because of where we live. We were just two kids, minding our business, you know? His assumption killed Khalil. It could’ve killed me.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 78 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Matthew Z Matthew Z (Nov 17 2020 9:55PM) : Purpose more

this shows that assumptions of them was the reason why officer one fiveteen killed khalil

profile_photo
Nov 19
Damian V Damian V (Nov 19 2020 10:25PM) : The statement is very true
profile_photo
Nov 21
Cyrus E Cyrus E (Nov 21 2020 9:57PM) : This the problem in society with how cops perceive all black people.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 78, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 78, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 78, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 78, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 78, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 78, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

A kick straight to the ribs.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 79 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 79, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“If Officer Cruise were sitting here,” Mrs. Carey says, “what would you say to him?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 80 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 80, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I blink several times. My mouth waters, but I swallow. No way I’m gonna let myself cry or throw up from thinking about that man.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 81 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 81, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 81, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 81, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

If he were sitting here, I don’t have enough Black Jesus in me to tell him I forgive him. Instead I’d probably punch him. Straight up.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 82 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 82, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 82, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 82, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But Ms. Ofrah says this interview is the way I fight. When you fight, you put yourself out there, not caring who you hurt or if you’ll get hurt.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 83 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 83, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 83, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

So I throw one more blow, right at One-Fifteen. “I’d ask him if he wished he shot me too.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 84 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 10:45AM) : She’’d ask this because now she’s letting the truth out and this could hurt his reputation and cost him his job
profile_photo
Nov 17
Zuleika M Zuleika M (Nov 17 2020 12:53AM) : she had to do that
profile_photo
Dec 14
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 14 2020 12:45PM) : I agree with her she had two do it she didn''t have a option
profile_photo
Nov 19
Ammaar k Ammaar k (Nov 19 2020 9:59PM) : thoughts more

know that the truth is coming outs he wants to know whether or nor he would have shot her too

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 84, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 84, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

SEVENTEEN

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 85 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 85, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My interview aired yesterday on Diane Carey’s Friday Night News Special. This morning, John the producer called and said it’s one of the most-watched interviews in the network’s history.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 86 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 86, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 86, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

A millionaire, who wishes to remain anonymous, offered to pay my college tuition. John said the offer was made right after the interview aired. I think it’s Oprah, but that’s just me because I’ve always imagined she’s my fairy godmother and one day she’ll come to my house saying, “You get a car!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 87 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Mazda N Mazda N (Nov 17 2020 8:26AM) : Summary more

Her interview got so popular to the point where people are basically offering her money.

profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 8:32PM) : This a good offer! I wonder if she accepts it?
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 87, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 87, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 87, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The network’s already got a bunch of emails in support of me. I haven’t seen any of them, but I received the best message in a text from Kenya.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 88 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 88, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 88, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Bout time you spoke out.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 89 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 89, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Don’t let this fame go to your head tho.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 90 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 90, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The interview trended online. When I looked this morning, people were still talking about it. Black Twitter and Tumblr have my back. Some assholes want me dead.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 91 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Matthew Z Matthew Z (Nov 17 2020 10:02PM) : connection more

I think she will be in a similar situation like Mr Lewis when he spoke out about garden heights

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 91, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 91, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 91, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 91, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

King’s not too happy either. Kenya told me he’s heated that I dry snitched.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 92 0
profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 8:33PM) : I wonder what will King do Starr since she "snitched"?
profile_photo
Dec 14
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 14 2020 12:46PM) : I want to know what happened to Starr because she snitched the first rules are to not snitch ever on anyone.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 92, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 92, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The Saturday news programs discussed the interview too, dissecting my words like I’m the president or something. This one network is outraged by my “disregard for cops.” I’m not sure how they got that out the interview. It’s not like I was on some NWA “Fuck the Police” type shit. I simply said I’d ask the man if he wished he shot me too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 93 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 93, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 93, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 93, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 93, Sentence 4 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 8:59PM) : Foreshadows what happens later in the riots
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 93, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I don’t care. I’m not apologizing for how I feel. People can say what they want.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 94 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 94, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 94, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 94, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But it’s Saturday, and I’m sitting in a Rolls-Royce on my way to prom with a boyfriend who isn’t saying much of anything to me. Chris is more interested in his phone.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 95 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 95, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 95, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You look nice,” I tell him. Which he does. His black tux with a light-blue vest and tie match the strapless tea-length gown I have on. His black leather Chuck Taylors are also a good match to my silver sequined ones. The dictator, a.k.a. my mom, bought my outfit. She has pretty good taste.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 96 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 96, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 96, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 96, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 96, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 96, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 96, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris says, “Thanks. You too,” but it’s so robotic, like he’s saying what he’s supposed to and not what he wants to. And how does he know what I look like? He’s barely looked at me since he picked me up from Uncle Carlos’s house.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 97 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 97, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 97, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 97, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 97, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I have no clue what’s wrong with him. Things have been fine between us, as far as I know. Now, out of nowhere, he’s all moody and silent. I would ask the driver to take me back to Uncle Carlos’s, but I look too cute to go home.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 98 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 98, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 98, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 98, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 98, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The driveway at the country club is lit with blue lights, and golden balloon arches hang over it. We’re in the only Rolls-Royce among a sea of limos, so of course people look when we pull up to the entrance.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 99 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 99, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 99, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The driver opens the door for us. Mr. Silent climbs out first and actually helps me out. Our classmates whoop and cheer and whistle. Chris wraps his arm around my waist, and we smile for pictures like everything’s all good. Chris takes my hand and wordlessly escorts me inside.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 100 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 100, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 100, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 100, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 100, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 100, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Loud music greets us. Chandeliers and flashing party lights light up the ballroom. Some committee decided the theme should be Midnight in Paris, so there’s a huge Eiffel Tower made out of Christmas lights. Looks like just about every junior and senior at Williamson is on the dance floor.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 101 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 101, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 101, Sentence 2 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Amber W Amber W (Nov 17 2020 9:17AM) : This is good imagery.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 101, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 101, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Let me say it. A Garden Heights party and a Williamson party are two very different things. At Big D’s party, people Nae-Naed, Hit the Quan, twerked and stuff. At prom, I honestly don’t know what the hell some of them are doing. Lots of jumping and fist pumping and attempts at twerking. It’s not bad. Just different. Way different.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Matthew Z Matthew Z (Nov 17 2020 10:07PM) : compare and contrast more

Starr is comparing the party at Williamson to the party at Garden Heights which are way different.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 102, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s weird though—I’m not as hesitant to dance here as I was at Big D’s party. Like I said, at Williamson I’m cool by default because I’m black. I can go out there and do a silly dance move I made up, and everyone will think it’s the new thing. White people assume all black people are experts on trends and shit. There’s no way in hell I’d try that at a Garden Heights party though. You make a fool of yourself one time, and that’s it. Everybody in the neighborhood will know and nobody will forget.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 103 0
profile_photo
Nov 16
Eric G Eric G (Nov 16 2020 5:10PM) : Purpose more

Another example of how Starr at Williamson and Garden Heights are different; she lives 2 lives that she can change instantly

profile_photo
Nov 19
Ammaar k Ammaar k (Nov 19 2020 10:04PM) : thoughts more

she has to be cautious of how she acts in garden heights and its different in Williamson

profile_photo
Dec 14
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 14 2020 12:48PM) : I agree you have to care full when you are in the other neighborhood you have different rules and have to care full by some people.
profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 8:54PM) : Seems she has to be two different people, different people are around, different backgrounds and I guess more innocents people at Williamson
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 103, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 103, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 103, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 103, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 103, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 103, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 103, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

In Garden Heights, I learn how to be dope by watching. At Williamson, I put my learned dopeness on display. I’m not even that dope, but these white kids think I am and that goes a long way in high school politics.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 104 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 104, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 104, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 104, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I start to ask Chris if he wants to dance, but he lets my hand go and heads toward some of his boys. Why did I come to prom again?

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 105 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 105, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 105, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Starr!” somebody calls. I look around a couple of times and finally spot Maya waving at me from a table.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 106 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 106, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 106, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Girl-lee!” she says when I get there. “You look good! I know Chris went crazy when he saw you.” No. He nearly drove me crazy. “Thanks,” I say, and give her a once-over. She’s wearing a pink knee-length strapless dress. A pair of sparkly silver stilettos gives her about five more inches of height. I applaud her for making it this far in them. I hate heels. “But if anybody’s looking good tonight, it’s you. You clean up nice, Shorty.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 9 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 10 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 11 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 107, Sentence 12 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Don’t call me that. Especially since She Who Must Not Be Named gave me that nickname.” Damn. She Voldemorted Hailey. “Maya, you don’t have to take sides, you know.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 108 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 108, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 108, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 108, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 108, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 108, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“She’s the one not speaking to us, remember?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 109 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 109, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Hailey’s been on some silent treatment shit since the incident at Maya’s house. I mean damn, I call you out on something, so I’m wrong and deserve the cold shoulder? Nah, she’s not guilt-tripping me like that. And when Maya admitted to Hailey that she told me why Hailey unfollowed my Tumblr, Hailey stopped speaking to Maya, claiming she won’t talk to either of us until we apologize. She’s not used to both of us turning on her like this.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 110 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 110, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 110, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 110, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 110, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 110, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Whatever. She and Chris can form a club for all I care. Call it the Silent Treatment League of Young, Rich Brats.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 111 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 111, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 111, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 111, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’m in my feelings just a tad. I hate that Maya got pulled into it though. “Maya, I’m sorry—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 112 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 112, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 112, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 112, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No need,” she says. “Don’t know if I told you, but I brought up the cat thing to her. After I told her about Tumblr.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 113 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 113, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 113, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 113, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Really?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 114 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 114, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah. And she told me to get over it.” Maya shakes her head. “I’m still mad at myself for letting her say it in the first place.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 115 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 115, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 115, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 115, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 115, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah. I’m mad at myself too.” We get quiet.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 116 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 116, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 116, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 116, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Maya nudges my side. “Hey. We minorities have to stick together, remember?” I chuckle. “Okay, okay. Where’s Ryan?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 117 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 10:53AM) : Their able to relate more to each other because they go through similar situations of discrimination
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 117, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 117, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 117, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 117, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 117, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 117, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Getting some snacks. He looks good tonight, if I say so myself. Where’s your guy?” “Don’t know,” I say. And don’t care at the moment.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 118 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 118, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 118, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 118, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 118, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 118, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The beautiful thing about best friends? They can tell when you don’t wanna talk, and they don’t push it. Maya hooks her arm through mine. “C’mon. I did not get dressed up to stand around.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 119 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 119, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 119, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 119, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 119, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 119, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We head for the dance floor and jump and fist-pump along with the rest of them. Maya takes those heels off and barefoots it. Jess, Britt, and some of the other girls from the team join us, and we make our own little dancing circle. We lose our minds when my cousin-through-marriage, Beyoncé, comes on. (I swear I’m related to Jay-Z somehow. Same last name—we have to be.)

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 120 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 10:34PM) : Music more

This book has a lot of music references, I think the author did this on purpose to appeal to younger people and make things relatable. Also the author is right in that music often has a lot of meaning behind the words. It’s like poetry.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 120, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 120, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 120, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 120, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 120, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 120, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We sing loudly with Cousin Bey until we almost go hoarse, and Maya and I are really into it. I may not have Khalil, Natasha, or even Hailey, but I have Maya. She’s enough.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 121 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 121, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 121, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 121, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

After six songs, we head back to our table, our arms draped around each other. I carry one of Maya’s shoes, and the other one dangles from her wrist by the strap.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 122 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 122, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 122, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Did you see Mr. Warren do the robot?” Maya asks between laughs. “Did I? I didn’t know he had it in him.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 123 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 123, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 123, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 123, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 123, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Maya stops. She looks around without looking at anything at all. “Don’t look, but look to the left,” she mutters.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 124 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 124, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 124, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 124, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“The hell? Which one is it?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 125 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 125, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 125, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Look to the left,” she says through her teeth. “But quickly.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 126 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 126, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 126, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Hailey and Luke are arm in arm in the entrance, posing for pictures, and I can’t even throw shade— with her gold-and-white dress and his white tux, they’re cute. I mean, just ’cause we’ve got beef doesn’t mean I can’t compliment her, you know? I’m even happy she’s with Luke. It took long enough.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 127 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 127, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 127, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 127, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 127, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Hailey and Luke walk in our direction but brush right past us, her shoulder a couple of inches away from mine. She flashes us stank-eye. This chick. I probably shoot one back. Sometimes I give stank-eyes and don’t realize I’m giving them.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 128 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 128, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 128, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 128, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 128, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 128, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah, that’s right,” Maya says to Hailey’s back. “You better keep walking.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 129 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 129, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 129, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Lord. Maya can go from zero to one hundred a little too quick. “Let’s get something to drink,” I say, pulling her with me. “Before you hurt yourself.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 130 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 130, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 130, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 130, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 130, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We get some punch and join Ryan at our table. He’s stuffing his face with finger sandwiches and meatballs, crumbs falling onto his tux. “Where y’all been?” he asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 131 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 131, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 131, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 131, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Dancing,” Maya says. She steals one of his shrimp. “You didn’t eat all day, did you?” “Nope. I was about to starve to death.” He nods at me. “What’s up, Black Girlfriend?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 132 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 132, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 132, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 132, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 132, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 132, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 132, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 132, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We joke around about that whole “only two black kids in the class are supposed to date” thing. “What’s up, Black Boyfriend?” I say, and I steal a shrimp too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 133 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 133, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 133, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 133, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

What do you know, Chris remembers he came with somebody and walks over to our table. He says hey to Maya and Ryan, then asks me, “You wanna take pictures or something?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 134 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 134, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 134, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

His tone is all robotic again. On a scale of one to ten on the “I’m done” meter, I’m at about fifty. “No thanks,” I tell him. “I’m not taking pictures with somebody who doesn’t wanna be here with me.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 135 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 135, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 135, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 135, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 135, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He sighs. “Why do you have to have an attitude?” “Me? You’re the one giving me the cold shoulder.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 136 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 136, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 136, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 136, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 136, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Dammit, Starr! Do you wanna take a fucking picture or not?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 137 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 137, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 137, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The “done” meter blows up. Ka-boom. Blown to pieces. “Hell no. Go take one and shove it up your ass.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 138 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 138, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 138, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 138, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 138, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 138, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I march off, ignoring Maya’s calls for me to come back. Chris follows me. He tries to grab my arm, but I snatch away and keep walking. It’s dark outside, but I easily find the Rolls-Royce parked along the driveway. The chauffeur isn’t around, or otherwise I would ask him to take me home. I hop in the back and lock the doors.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 139 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 139, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 139, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 139, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 139, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 139, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 139, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris knocks on the window. “Starr, c’mon.” He puts his hands against the window like they’re binoculars and he’s trying to look through the tint. “Can we talk?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 140 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 140, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 140, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 140, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 140, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Oh, now you wanna talk to me?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 141 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 141, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You’re the one who wouldn’t talk to me!” He bows his head, pressing his forehead against the glass. “Why didn’t you tell me you were the witness they’ve been talking about?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 142 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 142, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 142, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 142, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He asks it softly, but it’s hard as a sucker punch in the gut. He knows.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 143 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 143, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 143, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I unlock the door and scoot over. Chris climbs in next to me. “How did you find out?” I ask.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 144 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 144, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 144, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 144, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 144, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“The interview. Watched it with my parents.” “They didn’t show my face though.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 145 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 145, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 145, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 145, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I knew your voice, Starr. And then they showed the back of you as you walked with that interview lady, and I’ve watched you walk away enough to know what you look like from the back, and . . . I sound like a pervert, don’t I?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 146 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 146, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 146, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 146, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 146, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 146, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So you knew me by my ass?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 147 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 147, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I . . . yeah.” His face goes red. “But that wasn’t all. Everything made sense, like how upset you got about the protest and about Khalil. Not that that wasn’t stuff to get upset about, ’cause it was, but it—” He sighs. “I’m sinking here, Starr. I just knew it was you. And it was, wasn’t it?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 148, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I nod.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 149 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 149, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Babe, you should’ve told me. Why would you keep something like that from me?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 150 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 150, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 150, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I tilt my head. “Wow. I saw someone get murdered, and you’re acting like a brat ’cause I didn’t tell you?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 151 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 151, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 151, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 151, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 152 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 152, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“But you think about that for a second,” I say. “Tonight you could hardly say two words to me because I didn’t tell you about one of the worst experiences of my life. You ever seen somebody die?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 153 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 153, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 153, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 153, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 154 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 154, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I’ve seen it twice.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 155 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 155, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“And I didn’t know that!” he says. “I’m your boyfriend, and I didn’t know any of that.” He looks at me, the same hurt in his eyes like there was when I snatched my hands away weeks ago. “There’s this whole part of your life that you’ve kept from me, Starr. We’ve been together over a year now, and you’ve never mentioned Khalil, who you claim was your best friend, or this other person you saw die. You didn’t trust me enough to tell me.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 156 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 156, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 156, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 156, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 156, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 156, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 156, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My breath catches. “It’s—it’s not like that.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 157 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 157, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 157, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Really?” he says. “Then what is it like? What are we? Just Fresh Prince and fooling around?” “No.” My lips tremble, and my voice is small. “I . . . I can’t share that part of me here, Chris.” “Why not?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 9 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 10 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 158, Sentence 11 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Because,” I croak. “People use it against me. Either I’m poor Starr who saw her friend get killed in a drive-by, or Starr the charity case who lives in the ghetto. That’s how the teachers act.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 159 0
profile_photo
Mar 8
Ville J Ville J (Mar 08 2021 1:46AM) : She's worried about being judged if she talks about certain things.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 159, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 159, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 159, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 159, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Okay, I get not telling people around school,” he says. “But I’m not them. I would never use that against you. You once told me I’m the only person you could be yourself around at Williamson, but the truth is you still didn’t trust me.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 160 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 160, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 160, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 160, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 160, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’m one second away from ugly crying. “You’re right,” I say. “I didn’t trust you. I didn’t want you to just see me as the girl from the ghetto.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 161 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 161, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 161, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 161, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 161, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You didn’t even give me the chance to prove you wrong. I wanna be there for you. You gotta let me in.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 162 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 162, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 162, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 162, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

God. Being two different people is so exhausting. I’ve taught myself to speak with two different voices and only say certain things around certain people. I’ve mastered it. As much as I say I don’t have to choose which Starr I am with Chris, maybe without realizing it, I have to an extent. Part of me feels like

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 163 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Matthew Z Matthew Z (Nov 17 2020 10:24PM) : purpose more

She uses code switching when she’s in 2 different environments

profile_photo
Dec 14
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 14 2020 12:49PM) : In paragraph 103 that is what in said and I agree with you on that you have to switch how you act In different neighorurhood
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 163, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 163, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 163, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 163, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 163, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 163, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I can’t exist around people like him.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 164 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 164, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I am not gonna cry, I am not gonna cry, I am not gonna cry.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 165 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 165, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Please?” he says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 166 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 166, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

That does it. Everything starts spilling out.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 167 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 167, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 167, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I was ten. When my other friend died,” I say, staring at the French tips on my nails. “She was ten too.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 168 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 168, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 168, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 168, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“What was her name?” he asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 169 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 169, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Natasha. It was a drive-by. It’s one of the reasons my parents put me and my brothers in Williamson. It was the closest they could get to protecting us a little more. They bust their butts for us to go to that school.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 170 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 170, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 170, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 170, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 170, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 170, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris doesn’t say anything. I don’t need him to.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 171 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 171, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 171, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I take a shaky breath and look around. “You don’t know how crazy it is that I’m even sitting in this car,” I say. “A Rolls freaking Royce. I used to live in the projects in a one-bedroom apartment. I shared the room with my brothers, and my parents slept on a fold-out couch.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 172 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Matthew Z Matthew Z (Nov 17 2020 10:28PM) : context more

Shows how her life was when she was living in Garden Heights

profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 9:12PM) : The reality of what she goes though
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 172, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 172, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 172, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 172, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 172, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The details of life back then are suddenly fresh. “The apartment smelled like cigarettes all the damn time,” I say. “Daddy smoked. Our neighbors above us and next to us smoked. I had so many asthma attacks, it ain’t funny. We only kept canned goods in the cabinets ’cause of the rats and roaches. Summers were always too hot, and winters too cold. We had to wear coats inside and outside.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173 0
profile_photo
Mar 8
Ville J Ville J (Mar 08 2021 1:53AM) : She is finally sharing details about her past with Chris, and is able to open up to him more.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 173, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Sometimes Daddy sold food stamps to buy clothes for us,” I say. “He couldn’t get a job for the longest time, ’cause he’s an ex-con. When he got hired at the grocery store, he took us to Taco Bell, and we ordered whatever we wanted. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world. Almost better than the day we moved out the projects.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 174 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 174, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 174, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 174, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 174, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 174, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris cracks a small smile. “Taco Bell is pretty awesome.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 175 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 175, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 175, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah.” I look at my hands again. “He let Khalil come with us to Taco Bell. We were struggling, but Khalil was like our charity case. Everybody knew his momma was a crackhead.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 176 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 176, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 176, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 176, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 176, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 176, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I feel the tears coming. Fuck, I’m sick of this. “We were real close back then. He was my first kiss, first crush. Before he died, we weren’t as close anymore. I mean, I hadn’t seen him in months and . . .” I’m ugly crying. “And it’s killing me because he was going through so much shit, and I wasn’t there for him anymore.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 9 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 177, Sentence 10 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris thumbs my tears away. “You can’t blame yourself.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 178 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 178, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 178, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“But I do,” I say. “I could’ve stopped him from selling drugs. Then people wouldn’t be calling him a thug. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you; I wanted to, but everybody who knows I was in the car acts like I’m made out of glass. You treated me normal. You were my normal.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 179 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 179, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 179, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 179, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 179, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 179, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 179, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’m an absolute mess right now. Chris takes my hand and pulls me onto his lap so I’m straddling him. I bury my face in his shoulder and cry like a big-ass baby. His tux is wet, my makeup is ruined. Awful.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 180 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 180, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 180, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 180, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 180, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 180, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I’m sorry,” he says, rubbing my back. “I was an ass tonight.” “You were. But you’re my ass.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 181 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 181, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 181, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 181, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 181, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I’ve been watching myself walk away?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 182 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 182, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I look at him and seriously punch his arm. He laughs and the sound of it makes me laugh. “You know what I mean! You’re my normal. And that’s all that matters.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 183 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 183, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 183, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 183, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 183, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 183, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“All that matters.” He smiles.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 184 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 184, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 184, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I hold his cheek and let my lips reintroduce themselves to his. Chris’s are soft and perfect. They taste like fruit punch too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 185 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 185, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 185, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 185, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris pulls back with a gentle tug to my bottom lip. He presses his forehead against mine and looks at me. “I love you.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 186 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 186, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 186, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 186, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The “I” has appeared. My response is easy. “I love you too.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 187 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 187, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 187, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 187, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Two loud knocks against the window startle us. Seven presses his face against the glass. “Y’all bet’ not be doing nothing!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 188 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 188, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 188, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 188, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The best way to get turned all the way off? Have your brother show up.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 189 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 189, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 189, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Seven, leave them alone,” Layla whines behind him. “We were about to dance, remember?” “That can wait. I gotta make sure he’s not getting some from my sister.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 190 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 190, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 190, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 190, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 190, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You won’t get any if you don’t stop acting so ridiculous!” she says. “I don’t care. Starr, get out this car. I ain’t playing!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 191 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 191, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 191, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 191, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 191, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris laughs into my bare shoulder. “Did your dad tell him to keep an eye on you?” Knowing Daddy . . . “Probably so.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 192 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 192, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 192, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 192, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 192, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 192, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 192, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He kisses my shoulder and his lips linger there a few seconds. “Are we good now?” I peck him back on the lips. “We’re good.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 193 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 193, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 193, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 193, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 193, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Good. Let’s go dance.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 194 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 194, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 194, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We get out the car, and Seven yells about us sneaking off and threatens to tell Daddy. Layla pulls him back inside as he says, “And if she push out a little Chris in nine months, we gon’ have a problem, partna!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 195 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 195, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 195, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Ridiculous. Re-damn-diculous.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 196 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 196, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 196, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The music is still bumping inside. I try not to laugh as Chris really does turn the Nae-Nae into a No-No. Maya and Ryan join us on the dance floor, and they give me these “What the hell?” looks at Chris’s moves. I shrug and go with it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 197 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 197, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 197, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 197, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 197, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Toward the end of a song, Chris leans down to my ear and says, “I’ll be right back.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 198 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 198, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He disappears into the crowd. I don’t think anything of it until about a minute later when his voice comes over the speakers, and he’s next to the DJ in the booth.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 199 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 199, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 199, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hey, everybody,” he says. “My girl and I had a fight earlier.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 200 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 200, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 200, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Oh, Lord. He’s telling all of our business. I look at my Chucks and shield my face.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 201 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 201, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 201, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 201, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“And I wanted to do this song, our song, to show you how much I love you and care about you, Fresh Princess.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 202 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Zuleika M Zuleika M (Nov 17 2020 1:19AM) : aw its cute to see how many start means to chris [Edited]
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 202, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

A bunch of girls go, “Awww!” His boys whoop and cheer. I’m thinking, please don’t let him sing. Please. But there’s this familiar boomp . . . boomp, boomp, boomp.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 203 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 203, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 203, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 203, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 203, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 203, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down,” Chris raps. “And I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there, I’ll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 204 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 204, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 204, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I smile way too hard. Our song. I rap along with him, and mostly everyone joins in. Even the teachers. At the end, I cheer louder than anybody.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 205 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 205, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 205, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 205, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 205, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 205, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris comes back down, and we laugh and hug and kiss. Then we dance and take silly selfies, flooding dashboards and timelines around the world. When prom is over, we let Maya, Ryan, Jess, and some of our other friends ride with us to IHOP. Everybody has somebody on their lap. At IHOP, we eat way too many pancakes and dance to songs on the jukebox. I don’t think about Khalil or Natasha.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 206 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 206, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 206, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 206, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 206, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 206, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 206, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s one of the best nights of my life.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 207 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 207, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

EIGHTEEN

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 208 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 208, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

On Sunday, my parents take me and my brothers on a trip.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 209 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 209, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It seems like a normal visit to Uncle Carlos’s house until we pass his neighborhood. A little over five minutes later, a brick sign surrounded by colorful shrubs welcomes us to Brook Falls.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 210 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 210, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 210, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Single-story brick houses line freshly paved streets. Black kids, white kids, and everything in between play on the sidewalks and in yards. Open garage doors show all of the junk inside, and bikes and scooters lay abandoned in yards. Nobody’s worried about their stuff getting stolen in the middle of the day.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 211 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 211, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 211, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 211, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 211, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It reminds me of Uncle Carlos’s neighborhood yet it’s different. For one, there’s no gate around it, so they’re not keeping anyone out or in, but obviously people feel safe. The houses are smaller, more homey looking. And straight up? There are more people who look like us compared to Uncle Carlos’s neighborhood.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 212 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 212, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 212, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 212, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 212, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 212, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy pulls into the driveway of a brown-brick house at the end of a cul-de-sac. Bushes and small trees decorate the yard, and a cobblestone walkway leads up to the front door.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 213 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 213, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 213, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“C’mon, y’all,” Daddy says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 214 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 214, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We hop out, stretching and yawning. Those forty-five-minute drives aren’t a joke. A chubby black man waves at us from the driveway next door. We wave back and follow my parents up the walkway. Through the glass of the front door, the house appears empty.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 215 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 215, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 215, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 215, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 215, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 215, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Whose house is this?” Seven asks. Daddy unlocks the door. “Hopefully ours.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 216 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 216, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 216, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 216, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 216, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

When we go inside, we’re standing in the living room. There’s a strong stench of paint and polished hardwood floors. Two halls, one on each side, lead away from the living room. The kitchen is right off from the living room with white cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 217 0
profile_photo
Nov 16
Jennifer M Jennifer M (Nov 16 2020 7:21PM) : Maverick wants his family to be safe especially since Starr is being targeted because of the interview
profile_photo
Nov 21
Cyrus E Cyrus E (Nov 21 2020 9:59PM) : Shows how different her two sifferent worlds are
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 217, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 217, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 217, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 217, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“We wanted you guys to see it,” Momma says. “Look around.” I can’t lie, I’m afraid to move. “This is our house?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 218 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 218, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 218, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 218, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 218, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Like I said, we hope so,” Daddy replies. “We’re waiting for the mortgage to be approved.” “Can we afford it?” Seven asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 219 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 219, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 219, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 219, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 219, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma raises an eyebrow. “Yes, we can.” “But like down payments and stuff—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 220 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 220, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 220, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 220, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Seven!” I hiss. He’s always in somebody’s business.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 221 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 221, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 221, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 221, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“We got everything taken care of,” Daddy says. “We’ll rent the house in the Garden out, so that’s gon’ help with the monthly payments. Plus . . .” He looks at Momma with this sly grin that’s kinda adorable, I gotta admit.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 222 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 222, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 222, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 222, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 222, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 222, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 222, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I got the nurse manager job at Markham,” she says, smiling. “I start in two weeks.” “For real?” I say, and Seven goes, “Whoa,” while Sekani shouts, “Momma’s rich!” “Boy, ain’t nobody rich,” Daddy says. “Calm down.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 223 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 223, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 223, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 223, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 223, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 223, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 223, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“But this helps,” says Momma. “A lot.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 224 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 224, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 224, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Daddy, you’re okay with us living out here with the fake people?” Sekani asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 225 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 225, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 225, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Where you get that from, Sekani?” Momma says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 226 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 226, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 226, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Well, that’s what he always says. That people out here are fake, and that Garden Heights is real.” “Yeah, he does say that,” says Seven.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 227 0
profile_photo
Mar 8
Ville J Ville J (Mar 08 2021 2:00AM) : Maverick has a change of opinion, he no longer thinks living in the suburbs makes people fake.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 227, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 227, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 227, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I nod. “All. The. Time.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 228 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 228, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 228, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 228, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 228, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma folds her arms. “Care to explain, Maverick?” “I don’t say it that much—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 229 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 229, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 229, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 229, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah, you do,” the rest of us say.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 230 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 230, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“A’ight, I say it a lot. I may not have been one hundred percent right on all of this—” Momma coughs, but there’s a “Ha” hidden in it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 231 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 231, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 231, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy glares at her. “But I realize being real ain’t got anything to do with where you live. The realest thing I can do is protect my family, and that means leaving Garden Heights.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 232 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 11:02AM) : Moving to a safer place to keep his family Protected because they are what’s most important
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 232, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 232, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 232, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“What else?” Momma questions, like he’s being grilled in front of the class.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 233 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 233, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 233, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“And that living in the suburbs don’t make you any less black than living in the hood.” “Thank you,” she says with a satisfied smile.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 234 0
profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 9:30PM) : Mom is putting Maverick in check. LOL
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 234, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 234, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Now are y’all gon’ look around or what?” Daddy asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 235 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 235, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 235, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven hesitates to move, and since he’s hesitant, Sekani is too. But shoot, I want first dibs on a room. “Where are the bedrooms?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 236 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 236, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 236, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 236, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma points to the hall on the left. I guess Seven and Sekani realize why I asked. The three of us exchange looks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 237 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 7:01PM) : Classic sibling battle more

What a relatable moment. Anyone who has moved with siblings knows that this really does happen.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 237, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 237, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 237, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We rush for the hall. Sekani gets there first, and it’s not my best moment, but I sling his scrawny butt back.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 238 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 238, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 238, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Mommy, she threw me!” he whines.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 239 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 239, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I beat Seven to the first room. It’s bigger than my current room but not as big as I want. Seven reaches the second one, looks around, and I guess he doesn’t like it. That leaves the third room as the biggest one, and it’s at the end of the hall.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 240 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 240, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 240, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 240, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 240, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven and I race for it, and it’s like Harry Potter versus Cedric Diggory trying to get to the Goblet of Fire. I grab Seven’s shirt, stretching it until I have a good enough grip to pull him back and get ahead of him. I beat him to the room and open the door.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 241 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 241, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 241, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 241, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

And it’s smaller than the first one.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 242 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 242, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I call dibs!” Sekani shouts. He shimmies in the doorway of the first room, the biggest of the three. Seven and I rock, paper, scissor it for the second-biggest room. Seven always goes with rock or paper, so I easily win.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 243 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 243, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 243, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 243, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 243, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 243, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy leaves to get lunch, and Momma shows us the rest of the house. My brothers and I have to share a bathroom again. Sekani’s finally learned aim etiquette and the art of flushing, so it’s fine, I guess. The master suite is on the other hallway. There’s a laundry room, an unfinished basement, and a two-car garage. Momma says we’ll get a basketball hoop on wheels. We can keep it in the garage, roll it in front of the house, and play in the cul-de-sac sometimes. A wooden fence surrounds the backyard, and there’s plenty of space for Daddy’s garden and Brickz.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 244, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Brickz can come out here, right?” I ask. “Of course. We aren’t gonna leave him.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 245 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 245, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 245, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 245, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 245, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy brings burgers and fries, and we eat on the kitchen floor. It’s super quiet out here. Dogs bark sometimes, but wall-rattling music and gunshots? Not happening.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 246 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 246, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 246, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 246, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 246, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So, we’re gonna close in the next few weeks or so,” Momma says, “but since it’s the end of the school year, we’ll wait until you guys are out for summer to move.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 247 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 247, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“’Cause moving ain’t no joke,” Daddy adds.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 248 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 248, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hopefully, we can get settled in before you go off to college, Seven,” Momma says. “Plus it gives you a chance to make your room yours, so you can have it for holidays and the summer.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 249 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 249, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 249, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Sekani slurps his milk shake and says with a mouth full of froth, “Seven said he’s not going to college.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 250 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 250, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy says, “What?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 251 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 251, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven glares at Sekani. “I didn’t say I wasn’t going to college. I said I wasn’t going away to college. I’m going to Central Community so I can be around for Kenya and Lyric.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 252 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 252, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 252, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 252, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 252, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Oh, hell no,” Daddy says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 253 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 253, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You can’t be serious,” says Momma.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 254 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 254, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Central Community is the junior college on the edge of Garden Heights. Some people call it Garden Heights High 2.0 ’cause so many people from Garden High go there and take the same drama and bullshit with them.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 255 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 255, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 255, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“They have engineering classes,” Seven argues.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 256 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 256, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“But they don’t have the same opportunities as those schools you applied to,” Momma says. “Do you realize what you’re passing up? Scholarships, internships—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 257 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 11:05AM) : They don’t want him giving up a chance at a more better and successful life just because his mom makes bad decisions and can’t keep her own family safe
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 257, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 257, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 257, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“The chance for me to finally have a Seven-free life,” I add, and slurp my milk shake. “Who asked you?” Seven says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 258 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 258, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 258, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 258, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yo’ momma.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 259 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 259, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Low blow, I know, but that response comes naturally. Seven flicks a fry at me. I block it and come this close to flipping him off, but Momma says, “You bet’ not!” and I lower my finger.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 260 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 260, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 260, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 260, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Look, you not responsible for your sisters,” Daddy says, “but I’m responsible for you. And I ain’t letting you pass up opportunities so you can do what two grown-ass people supposed to do.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 261 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 261, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 261, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“A dollar, Daddy,” Sekani points out.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 262 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 262, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I love that you look out for Kenya and Lyric,” Daddy tells Seven, “but there’s only so much you can do. You can choose whatever college you want, and you’ll be successful. But you choose because that’s where you wanna be. Not because you trying to do somebody else’s job. You hear me?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 263 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Matthew Z Matthew Z (Nov 17 2020 11:02PM) : Maverick explains to Seven that he has to do what he wants to and not force himself to stay
profile_photo
Nov 18
William S William S (Nov 18 2020 6:26PM) : i like the idea this puts forward about doing what you want and not what other people tell you to do
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 263, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 263, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 263, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 263, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 263, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah,” Seven says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 264 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 264, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy hooks his arm around Seven’s neck and pulls him closer. Daddy kisses his temple. “I love you. And I always got your back.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 265 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 265, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 265, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 265, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 265, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

After lunch we gather in the living room, join hands, and bow our heads.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 266 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 266, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Black Jesus, thank you for this blessing,” Daddy says. “Even when we weren’t so crazy about the idea of moving—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 267 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 267, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 267, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma clears her throat.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 268 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 268, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Okay, when I wasn’t so crazy about the idea of moving,” Daddy corrects, “you worked things out. Thank you for Lisa’s new job. Please help her and continue to be with her when she does extra shifts at the clinic. Help Sekani with his end-of-the-year tests. And thank you, Lord, for helping Seven do something I didn’t, get a high school diploma. Guide him as he chooses a college and let him know you’re protecting Kenya and Lyric.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 269 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 269, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 269, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 269, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 269, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 269, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 269, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Now, Lord, tomorrow is a big day for my baby girl as she goes before this grand jury. Please give her peace and courage. As much as I wanna ask you to work this case out a certain way, I know you already got a plan. I ask for some mercy, God. That’s all. Mercy for Garden Heights, for Khalil’s family, for Starr. Help all of us through this. In your precious name—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 270, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Wait,” Momma says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 271 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 271, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I peek out with one eye. Daddy does too. Momma never, ever interrupts prayer. “Uh, baby,” says Daddy, “I was finishing up.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 272 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 272, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 272, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 272, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 272, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I have something to add. Lord, bless my mom, and thank you that she went into her retirement fund and gave us the money for the down payment. Help us turn the basement into a suite so she can stay here sometimes.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 273 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 273, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 273, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 273, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No, Lord,” Daddy says. “Yes, Lord,” says Momma. “No, Lord.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 274 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 274, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 274, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 274, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yes.” “No, amen!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 275 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 275, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 275, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We get home in time to catch a playoffs game.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 276 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 276, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Basketball season equals war in our house. I’m a LeBron fan through and through. Miami, Cleveland, it doesn’t matter. I ride with him. Daddy hasn’t jumped off the Lakers ship yet, but he likes LeBron. Seven’s all about the Spurs. Momma’s an “anybody but LeBron” hater, and Sekani is a “whoever is winning” fan.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 277 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 277, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 277, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 277, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 277, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 277, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 277, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 277, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s Cleveland versus Chicago tonight. The battle lines are drawn—me and Daddy versus Seven and Momma. Seven jumps on that “anybody but LeBron” bandwagon of hateration too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 278 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 278, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 278, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 278, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I change into my LeBron jersey. Every time I don’t wear it, his team loses. Seriously, I’m not even lying. I can’t wash it either. Momma washed my last jersey right before Finals, and Miami lost to the Spurs. I think she did it on purpose.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 279 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 11:08AM) : They do fun things as a family and are competitive
profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 9:51PM) : A competitive family
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 279, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 279, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 279, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 279, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 279, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 279, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I take my lucky spot in the den in front of the sectional. Seven comes in and steps over me, putting his big bare foot near my face. I smack it away. “Get your crusty foot outta my face.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 280 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 280, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 280, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 280, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 280, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“We’ll see who’s joking later. Ready for a butt whooping?” “You mean am I ready to give one? Yep!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 281 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 281, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 281, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 281, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 281, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma peeks around the doorway. “Munch, you want some ice cream?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 282 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 282, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 282, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I gape at her. She knows I don’t eat dairy products during games. Dairy gives me gas, and gas is bad luck.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 283 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 283, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 283, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 283, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She grins. “How about a sundae? Sprinkles, strawberry syrup, whipped cream.” I cover my ears. “La-la-la-la-la, go away, LeBron hater. La-la-la-la-la.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 284 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 284, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 284, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 284, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 284, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 284, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 284, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Like I said, basketball season equals war, and my family has the dirtiest tactics.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 285 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 285, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma returns with a big bowl, shoveling ice cream into her mouth. She sits on the sectional and lowers her bowl into my face. “You sure you don’t want some, Munch? It’s your favorite too. Cake batter. So good!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 286 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 286, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 286, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 286, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 286, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 286, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 286, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Be strong, I tell myself, but damn, that ice cream looks good. Strawberry syrup glistens on it and a big dollop of whipped cream sits pretty on top. I close my eyes. “I want a championship more.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 287 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 287, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 287, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 287, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 287, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Well, you aren’t getting that, so you may as well enjoy some ice cream.” “Ha!” Seven goes.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 288 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 288, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 288, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 288, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“What’s all this smack up in here?” Daddy asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 289 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 289, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 289, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He takes the recliner on the sectional, his lucky spot. Sekani scurries in and sits behind me, propping his bare feet on my shoulders. I don’t mind. They haven’t matured and funkified yet.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 290 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 290, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 290, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 290, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 290, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I was offering Munch some of my sundae,” Momma says. “You want some, baby?” “Heck, nah. You know I don’t eat dairy during games.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 291 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 291, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 291, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 291, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 291, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

See? It’s serious.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 292 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 292, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 292, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You and Seven may as well get ready for this butt whooping Cleveland ’bout to give y’all,” says Daddy. “I mean, it ain’t gon’ be a Kobe butt whooping, but it’s gon’ be a good one.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 293 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 293, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 293, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Amen!” I say. Except the Kobe part.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 294 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 294, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 294, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 294, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Boy, bye,” Momma tells him. “You’re always picking sorry teams. First the Lakers—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 295 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 295, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 295, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 295, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Ay, a three-peat ain’t a sorry team, baby. And I don’t always pick sorry teams.” He grins. “I picked your team, didn’t I?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 296 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 296, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 296, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 296, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 296, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma rolls her eyes, but she’s grinning too, and I hate to admit it but they’re kinda cute right now. “Yeah,” she says, “that’s the only time you picked right.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 297 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 297, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 297, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Uh-huh,” Daddy says. “See, your momma played for Saint Mary’s basketball team, and they had a game against Garden High, my school.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 298 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 298, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 298, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“And we whooped their butts too,” Momma says, licking ice cream off her spoon. “Them li’l girls ain’t have anything on us. I’m just saying.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 299 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 299, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 299, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 299, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Anyway, I’m there to watch some of the homeboys play after the girls’ game,” Daddy says, looking at Momma. This is so adorable, I can’t stand it. “I got there early and saw the finest girl ever, and she was playing her ass off on the court.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 300 0
profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 9:54PM) : Memories of how mom and dad met. How cute
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 300, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 300, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 300, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Tell them what you did,” says Momma, although we know. “Ay, I was trying to—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 301 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 301, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 301, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Nah, nah, tell them what you did,” she says. “I tried to get your attention.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 302 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 302, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 302, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Uh-uh!” Momma says, getting up. She hands me her bowl and stands in front of the TV. “You were like this on the sideline,” she says, and she kinda leans to the side, holding her crotch and licking her lips. We crack up. I can so see Daddy doing that too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 303 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 303, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 303, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 303, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 303, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 303, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 303, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“During the middle of a game!” she says. “Standing there looking like a pervert, just watching me.” “But you noticed me,” Daddy says. “Right?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 304 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 304, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 304, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 304, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 304, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“’Cause you looked like a fool! Then, during halftime, I’m on the bench, and he’s behind me, talking about”—she deepens her voice—“‘Ay! Ay, shorty. What’s your name? You know you looking good out there. Can I get your number?’”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 305 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 305, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 305, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 305, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 305, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 305, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 305, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Dang, Pops, you didn’t have any game,” Seven says. “I had game!” Daddy argues.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 306 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 306, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 306, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 306, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Did you get her number that night though?” Seven says. “I mean, I was working on it—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 307 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 307, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 307, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 307, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Did you get her number?” I repeat Seven’s question.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 308 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 308, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 308, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Nah,” he admits, and we’re hollering laughing. “Man, whatever. Hate all y’all want. I eventually did something right.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 309 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 309, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 309, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 309, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 309, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah,” Momma admits, running her fingers through my hair. “You did.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 310 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 310, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 310, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

By the second quarter of Cleveland versus Chicago, we’re yelling and shouting at the TV. When LeBron steals the ball, I jump up, and bam! He dunks it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 311 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 311, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 311, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 311, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“In yo’ face!” I yell at Momma and Seven. “In yo’ face!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 312 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 312, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 312, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 312, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy gives me a high five and claps. “That’s what I’m talking ’bout!” Momma and Seven roll their eyes.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 313 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 313, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 313, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 313, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I sit in my “game time” position—knees pulled in, right arm draped over my head and holding my left ear, and my left thumb in my mouth. Don’t hate. It works. Cleveland’s offense and defense is on point. “Let’s go, Cavs!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 314 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 314, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 314, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 314, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 314, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 314, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Glass shatters. Then, pop, pop, pop, pop. Gunshots. “Get down!” Daddy yells.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 315 0
profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 9:59PM) : The moment was ruined. Coincidence that Starr is going to testify and there's a threat? not so much
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 315, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 315, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 315, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 315, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 315, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’m already down. Sekani comes down next to me, then Momma on top of us, and she wraps her arms around us. Daddy’s feet thud toward the front of the house and the hinges on the front door squeak as it

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 316 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 316, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 316, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 316, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

swings open. Tires screech off. “Mothaf—” Gunshots cut Daddy off.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 317 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 317, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 317, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 317, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My heart stops. For a split second, I visit a world without my dad, and it doesn’t seem like much of a world at all.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 318 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 318, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 318, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But his footsteps rush back in. “Y’all a’ight?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 319 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 319, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 319, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The weight on top of me lifts. Momma says she’s okay, and Sekani says he is too. Seven echoes them. Daddy’s holding his Glock. “I shot at them fools,” he says between heavy breaths. “I think I hit a tire.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 320 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 320, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 320, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 320, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 320, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 320, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 320, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Ain’t never seen that car before.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 321 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 321, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Did they shoot in the house?” Momma asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 322 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 322, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 322, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah, a couple shots through the front window,” he says. “They threw something too. Landed in the living room.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 323 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 323, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 323, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 323, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I head for the front.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 324 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 324, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Starr! Get back here!” Momma calls.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 325 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 325, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 325, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 325, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’m too curious and too hardheaded. Glass shards glisten all over Momma’s good sofa. A brick sits in the middle of the floor.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 326 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 326, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 326, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 326, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma calls Uncle Carlos. He gets to our house in half an hour.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 327 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 327, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 327, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy hasn’t stopped pacing the den, and he hasn’t put his Glock down. Seven takes Sekani to bed. Momma has her arm around me on the sectional and won’t let go.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 328 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 328, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 328, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 328, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Some of our neighbors checked in, like Mrs. Pearl and Ms. Jones. Mr. Charles from next door rushed over, holding his own piece. None of them saw who did it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 329 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 329, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 329, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 329, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Doesn’t matter who did it. It was clearly a message for me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 330 0
profile_photo
Mar 8
Ville J Ville J (Mar 08 2021 2:06AM) : She feels like she might never be free from the repercussions of being their that day with Khalil.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 330, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 330, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I have this sick feeling like I got when I ate ice cream and played in hot weather too long when I was younger. Ms. Rosalie said the heat “boiled” my stomach and that something cool would settle it. Nothing cool can settle this.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 331 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 331, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 331, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 331, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Did you call the police?” Uncle Carlos asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 332 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 332, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 332, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hell nah!” says Daddy. “How I know it wasn’t them?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 333 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 333, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 333, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Maverick, you still should’ve called,” Uncle Carlos says. “This needs to be recorded, and they can send someone to guard the house.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 334 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 334, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 334, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Oh, I got somebody to guard the house. Don’t worry about that. It definitely ain’t gon’ be no crooked pig who may have been behind this.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 335 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 335, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 335, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 335, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“King Lords could’ve done this!” says Uncle Carlos. “Didn’t you say King made a veiled threat against Starr because of her interview?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 336 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 336, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 336, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I’m not going tomorrow,” I say, but I have a better chance of being heard at a Drake concert.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 337 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 337, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“It ain’t no damn coincidence that somebody’s trying to scare us the night before she testifies to the grand jury,” Daddy says. “That’s some shit your buddies would do.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 338 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 338, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 338, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You’d be surprised at how many of us want justice in this case,” says Uncle Carlos. “But of course, classic Maverick. Every cop is automatically a bad cop.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 339 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 339, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 339, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 339, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I’m not going tomorrow,” I repeat.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 340 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 340, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I ain’t say every cop is a bad cop, but I ain’t gon’ stand here like a fool, thinking that some of them don’t do dirty shit. Hell, they made me lay face-down on the sidewalk. And for what? ’Cause they could!” “It could’ve been either one of them,” Momma says. “Trying to figure out who did it will get us

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 341 0
profile_photo
Nov 18
Matthew Z Matthew Z (Nov 18 2020 2:55AM) : This is a flashback moment where the police made maverick lay down on the sidewalk
profile_photo
Mar 8
Ville J Ville J (Mar 08 2021 2:10AM) : Their only options for protection are the police or gangs, and they can't trust either.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 341, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 341, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 341, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 341, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 341, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 341, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

nowhere. The main thing is making sure Starr is safe tomorrow—” “I said I’m not going!” I shout.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 342 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 342, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 342, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 342, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

They finally hear me. My stomach holds a roiling boil. “Yeah, it could’ve been King Lords, but what

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 343 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 343, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 343, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 343, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

if it was the cops?” I look at Daddy and remember that moment weeks ago in front of the store. “I thought they were gonna kill you,” I croak. “Because of me.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 344 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 344, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 344, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 344, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 344, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He kneels in front of me and sits the Glock beside my feet. He lifts my chin. “Point one of the Ten-Point Program. Say it.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 345 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 345, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 345, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 345, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 345, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My brothers and I learned to recite the Black Panthers’ Ten-Point Program the same way other kids learn the Pledge of Allegiance.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 346 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 346, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“‘We want freedom,’” I say. “‘We want the power to determine the destiny of our black and oppressed communities.’”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 347 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 347, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 347, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Say it again.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 348 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 348, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“‘We want freedom. We want the power to determine the destiny of our black and oppressed communities.’”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 349 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 349, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 349, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Point seven.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 350 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 350, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“‘We want an immediate end to police brutality,’” I say, “‘and the murder of black people, other people of color, and oppressed people.’”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 351 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 351, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Again.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 352 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 352, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“‘We want an immediate end to police brutality and the murder of black people, other people of color, and oppressed people.’”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 353 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 353, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“And what did Brother Malcolm say is our objective?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 354 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 354, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven and I could recite Malcolm X quotes by the time we were thirteen. Sekani hasn’t gotten there yet.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 355 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 355, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 355, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“‘Complete freedom, justice, and equality,’” I say, “‘by any means necessary.’” “Again.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 356 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 356, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 356, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“‘Complete freedom, justice, and equality, by any means necessary.’” “So why you gon’ be quiet?” Daddy asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 357 0
profile_photo
Oct 27
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 27 2020 11:14AM) : He wants her to take this opportunity to speak up
profile_photo
Mar 12
Ville J Ville J (Mar 12 2021 3:15AM) : Maverick is encouraging her to speak up this time and stand up for those values.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 357, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 357, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 357, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Because the Ten-Point Program didn’t work for the Panthers. Huey Newton died a crackhead, and the government crushed the Panthers one by one. By any means necessary didn’t keep Brother Malcolm from dying, possibly at the hands of his own people. Intentions always look better on paper than in reality. The reality is, I may not make it to the courthouse in the morning.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 358 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 7:07PM) : Ten point program more

She’s got a point, but I wouldn’t say that their program didn’t work. They made a big impact on the civil rights movements.

profile_photo
Dec 14
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 14 2020 12:51PM) : I agree she has a great point I say her program did impact I little bit on the people but not like she really wanted it to work.
profile_photo
Mar 12
Ville J Ville J (Mar 12 2021 3:16AM) : She's feeling discouraged because she doesn't know if these efforts are working. They have to continue to fight for many of the same things today.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 358, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 358, Sentence 2 0
profile_photo
Nov 22
Owen G Owen G (Nov 22 2020 9:47PM) : Starr feels discouraged that many efforts put in place so many years ago still need to be fought today.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 358, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 358, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 358, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Two loud knocks at the front door startle us.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 359 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 359, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy straightens up, grabs his Glock, and leaves to answer. He says what’s up to somebody, and there’s a sound like palms slapping. Then a male voice says, “You know we got you, Big Mav.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 360 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 360, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 360, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 360, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy returns with some tall, wide-shouldered guys dressed in gray and black. It’s a lighter gray than what King and his folks wear. It takes a hood-trained eye to notice it and understand. This is a different set of King Lords.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 361 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 361, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 361, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 361, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 361, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“This is Goon.” Daddy points to the shortest one, in front with the ponytails. “Him and his boys gon’ provide security for us tonight and tomorrow.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 362 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 362, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 362, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 362, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Uncle Carlos folds his arms and gives the King Lords a hard look. “You asked King Lords to guard the house when King Lords may have put us in this position?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 363 0
profile_photo
Nov 16
Jennifer M Jennifer M (Nov 16 2020 7:23PM) : Uncle Carlos doesn’t like the idea of King Lords protecting their house, and that begins an argument between him and Maverick
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 363, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 363, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“They don’t mess with King,” Daddy says. “They Cedar Grove King Lords.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 364 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 364, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 364, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Shit, they may as well be GDs then. Sets make all the difference in gangbanging, not colors. The Cedar Grove King Lords have been beefing with King’s set, the West Side King Lords, for a while now.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 365 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 365, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 365, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 365, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You need us to fall back, Big Mav?” Goon asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 366 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 366, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 366, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Nah, don’t worry about him,” Daddy says. “Y’all do what y’all came to do.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 367 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 367, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 367, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Nothing but a thang,” Goon says, and gives Daddy dap. Him and his boys head back outside.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 368 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 368, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 368, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Are you serious right now?” Uncle Carlos yells. “You really think gangbangers can provide adequate security?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 369 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 369, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 369, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 369, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“They strapped, ain’t they?” Daddy says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 370 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 370, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 370, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Ridiculous!” Uncle Carlos looks at Momma. “Look, I’ll go with you to the courthouse tomorrow as long as they aren’t coming too.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 371 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 371, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 371, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 371, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Punk ass,” Daddy says. “Can’t even protect your niece ’cause you scared of what it’ll look like to your fellow cops if you’re working with gangbangers.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 372 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 372, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 372, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Oh, you wanna go there, Maverick?” Uncle Carlos says. “Carlos, calm down.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 373 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 373, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 373, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 373, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No, Lisa. I wanna make sure I got this right. Does he mean the same niece I took care of while he was locked up? Huh? The one I took to her first day of school because he took a charge for his so-called boy? The one I held when she cried for her daddy?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 374 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 374, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 374, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 374, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 374, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 374, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 374, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He’s loud, and Momma stands in front of him to keep him from Daddy.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 375 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 375, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You can call me as many names as you want, Maverick, but don’t you ever say I don’t care about my niece and nephews! Yeah, that’s right, nephews! Seven too. When you were locked up—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 376 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 376, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 376, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 376, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 376, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Carlos,” Momma says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 377 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 377, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No, he needs to hear this. When you were locked up, I helped Lisa every time your sorry-ass baby momma dropped Seven off on her for weeks at a time. Me! I bought clothes, food, provided shelter. My Uncle Tom ass! Hell no, I don’t wanna work with criminals, but don’t you ever insinuate I don’t care about any of those kids!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 378 0
profile_photo
Nov 20
Mazda N Mazda N (Nov 20 2020 3:44PM) : Summary more

Here, we could see that Carlos is very annoyed with Maverick. He is annoyed because Maverick always gossips about Carlos. And Carlos is tired of this because all he wants is to protect Starr and he wants what’s best for her.

profile_photo
Nov 21
Damian V Damian V (Nov 21 2020 10:05PM) : Carlos is feed up with Mavericks remarks and I guess puts him on check too? Carlos showing his love for the kids even though they aren't his. That is very good of him
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 378, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 378, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 378, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 378, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 378, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 378, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy’s mouth makes a line. He’s silent.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 379 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 379, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 379, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Uncle Carlos snatches his keys off the coffee table, gives my forehead two pecks, and leaves. The front door slams shut.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 380 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 380, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 380, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

NINETEEN

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 381 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 381, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The smell of hickory bacon and the sound of way too many voices wake me up.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 382 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 382, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I blink to soothe my eyes from the assault my neon-blue walls are giving them. It takes me a few minutes lying here to remember it’s grand jury day.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 383 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 383, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 383, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Time to see if I’ll fail Khalil or not.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 384 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 9:05PM) : She puts so much pressure on herself. Really, it should be the justice system that brings Khalil justice, but she knows that they wont do that.
profile_photo
Mar 12
Ville J Ville J (Mar 12 2021 2:49PM) : She is putting the pressure on herself, wondering if she is going to fail Khalil when it isn't up to her at this point.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 384, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I put my feet in my slippers and head toward the unfamiliar voices. Seven and Sekani are at school by now, plus their voices aren’t that deep. I should be worried about some unknown dudes seeing me in my pajamas, but that’s the beauty of sleeping in tanks and basketball shorts. They won’t see much.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 385 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 385, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 385, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 385, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 385, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The kitchen’s standing-room-only. Guys in black slacks, white shirts, and ties are at the table or standing against the wall, shoveling food in their mouths. They have tattoos on their faces and hands. A couple of them give me quick nods and mumble “S’up” through mouths full of food.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 386 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 386, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 386, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 386, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 386, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The Cedar Grove King Lords. Damn, they clean up nicely.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 387 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 387, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 387, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma and Aunt Pam work the stove as skillets full of bacon and eggs sizzle, blue flames dancing beneath them. Nana pours juice and coffee and runs her mouth.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 388 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 388, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 388, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma barely looks over her shoulder and says, “Morning, Munch. Your plate’s in the microwave. Come get these biscuits out for me, please.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 389 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 389, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 389, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 389, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She and Aunt Pam move to the ends of the stove, stirring the eggs and turning the bacon. I grab a towel and open the oven. The aroma of buttery biscuits and a heat wave hit me head-on. I pick the pan up with the towel, and that thing is still too hot to hold for long.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 390 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 390, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 390, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 390, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 390, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Over here, li’l momma,” Goon says at the table.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 391 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 391, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’m glad to put it down. Not even two minutes after I set it on the table, every last biscuit is gone. Goddamn. I grab my paper towel–covered plate from the microwave before the King Lords inhale it too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 392 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 392, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 392, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 392, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 392, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Starr, get those other plates for your dad and your uncle,” Aunt Pam says. “Take them outside, please.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 393 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 393, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 393, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Uncle Carlos is here? I tell Aunt Pam, “Yes, ma’am,” stack their plates on top of mine, grab the hot sauce and some forks, and leave as Nana starts one of her “back in my theater days” stories.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 394 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 394, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 394, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Outside, the sunlight’s so bright it makes the paint on my walls seem dim. I squint and look around for Daddy or Uncle Carlos. The hatch on Daddy’s Tahoe is up, and they’re sitting on the back of it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 395 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 395, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 395, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 395, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My slippers scuff against the concrete, sounding like brooms sweeping the floor. Daddy looks around the truck. “There go my baby.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 396 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 396, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 396, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 396, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I hand him and Uncle Carlos a plate and get a kiss to the cheek from Daddy in return. “You sleep okay?” he asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 397 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 397, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 397, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Kinda.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 398 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 398, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Uncle Carlos moves his pistol from the space between them and pats the empty spot. “Keep us company for a bit.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 399 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 399, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 399, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I hop up next to them. We unwrap the plates that have enough biscuits, bacon, and eggs for a few people.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 400 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 400, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 400, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I think this one’s yours, Maverick,” Uncle Carlos says. “It’s got turkey bacon.” “Thanks, man,” Daddy says, and they exchange plates.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 401 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 401, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 401, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 401, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I shake hot sauce on my eggs and pass Daddy the bottle. Uncle Carlos holds his hand out for it too. Daddy smirks and passes it down. “I would’ve thought you were too refined for some hot sauce on your eggs.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 402 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 402, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 402, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 402, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 402, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You do realize this is the house I grew up in, right?” He covers his eggs completely in hot sauce, sets the bottle down, and licks his fingers for the sauce that got on them. “Don’t tell Pam I ate all of this though. She’s always on me about watching my sodium.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 403 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 403, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 403, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 403, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 403, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I won’t tell if you won’t tell,” Daddy says. They bump fists to seal the deal.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 404 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 404, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 404, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I woke up on another planet or in an alternate reality. Something. “Y’all cool all of a sudden?” “We talked,” Daddy says. “It’s all good.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 405 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 405, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 405, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 405, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 405, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 405, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yep,” says Uncle Carlos. “Some things are more important than others.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 406 0
profile_photo
Mar 12
Ville J Ville J (Mar 12 2021 2:54PM) : The two of them have come to an agreement and have stopped fighting with each other as they realized that Starr and family is more important.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 406, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 406, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I want details, but I won’t get them. If they’re good though, I’m good. And honestly? It’s about damn time.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 407 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 407, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 407, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 407, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 407, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Since you and Aunt Pam are here, where’s DeVante?” I ask Uncle Carlos. “At home for once and not playing video games with your li’l boyfriend.” “Why does Chris always have to be ‘li’l’ to you?” I ask. “He’s not little.” “You better be talking about his height,” says Daddy.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 408 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 408, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 408, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 408, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 408, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 408, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 408, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 408, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Amen,” Uncle Carlos adds, and they fist-bump again.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 409 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 409, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

So they’ve found common complaining ground—Chris. Figures.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 410 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 410, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 410, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Our street is quiet for the most part this morning. It usually is. The drama always comes from people who don’t live here. Two houses down, Mrs. Lynn and Ms. Carol talk in Mrs. Lynn’s yard. Probably gossiping. Can’t tell either one of them anything if you don’t want it spread around Garden Heights like a cold. Mrs. Pearl works in her flower bed across the street with a little help from Fo’ty Ounce. Everybody calls him that ’cause he always asks for money to buy a “Fo’ty ounce from the licka sto’ real quick.” His rusty shopping cart with all of his belongings is in Mrs. Pearl’s driveway, a big bag of mulch on the bottom of it. Apparently he has a green thumb. He laughs at something Mrs. Pearl says, and people two streets over probably hear that guffaw of his.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 9 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 10 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 411, Sentence 11 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Can’t believe that fool’s alive,” Uncle Carlos says. “Would’ve thought he drank himself to death by now.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 412 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 412, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 412, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Who? Fo’ty Ounce?” I ask.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 413 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 413, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 413, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 413, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah! He was around when I was a kid.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 414 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 414, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 414, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Nah, he ain’t going nowhere,” says Daddy. “He claims the liquor keeps him alive.” “Does Mrs. Rooks live around the corner?” Uncle Carlos asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 415 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 415, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 415, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 415, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 415, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yep,” I say. “And she still makes the best red velvet cakes you ever had in your life.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 416 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 416, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 416, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Wow. I told Pam I have yet to taste a red velvet cake as good as Mrs. Rooks’s. What about um . . .” He snaps his fingers. “The man who fixed cars. Lived at the corner.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 417, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Mr. Washington,” says Daddy. “Still kicking it and still does better work than any automotive shop around. Got his son helping him too.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 418 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 418, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 418, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 418, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Li’l John?” Uncle Carlos asks. “The one that played basketball but got on that stuff?” “Yep,” says Daddy. “He been clean for a minute now.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 419 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 419, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 419, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 419, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 419, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 419, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Man.” Uncle Carlos pushes his red eggs around his plate. “I almost miss living here sometimes.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 420 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 420, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 420, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 420, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I watch Fo’ty Ounce help Mrs. Pearl. People around here don’t have much, but they help each other out as best they can. It’s this strange, dysfunctional-as-hell family, but it’s still a family. More than I realized until recently.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 421 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 421, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 421, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 421, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 421, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Starr!” Nana calls from the front door. People two streets over probably hear her like they heard Fo’ty Ounce. “Your momma said hurry up. You gotta get ready. Hey, Pearl!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 422 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 422, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 422, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 422, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 422, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 422, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 422, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Mrs. Pearl shields her eyes and looks our way. “Hey, Adele! Haven’t seen you in a while. You all right?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 423 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 423, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 423, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 423, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 423, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hanging in there, girl. You got that flowerbed looking good! I’m coming by later to get some of that Birds of Paradise.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 424 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 424, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 424, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 424, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“All right.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 425 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 425, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You not gon’ say hey to me, Adele?” Fo’ty Ounce asks. When he talks, it jumbled together like one long word.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 426 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 426, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 426, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 426, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hell nah, you old fool,” Nana says. The door slams behind her. Daddy, Uncle Carlos, and I crack up.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 427 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 427, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 427, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 427, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The Cedar Grove King Lords trail us in two cars, and Uncle Carlos drives me and my parents. One of his off-duty buddies occupies the passenger’s seat. Nana and Aunt Pam trail us too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 428 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 428, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 428, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 428, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

All these people though, and none of them can go in the grand jury room with me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 429 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 429, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It takes fifteen minutes to get to downtown from Garden Heights. There’s always construction work going on for some new building. Garden Heights has dope boys on corners, but downtown people in business suits wait for crossing lights to change. I wonder if they ever hear the gunshots and shit in my neighborhood.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 430 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 430, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 430, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 430, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 430, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We turn onto the street where the courthouse is, and I have one of those weird déjà-vu moments. I’m three, and Uncle Carlos drives Momma, Seven, and me to the courthouse. Momma cries the entire drive, and I wish Daddy were here because he can always get her to stop crying. Seven and I hold Momma’s hands as we walk into a courtroom. Some cops bring Daddy out in an orange jumpsuit. He can’t hug us because he’s handcuffed. I tell him I like his jumpsuit; orange is one of my favorite colors. But he looks at me real seriously, and says, “Don’t you ever wear this, you hear me?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 431, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

All I remember after that is the judge saying something, Momma sobbing, and Daddy telling us he loves us as the cops haul him off. For three years I hated the courthouse because it took Daddy from us.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 432 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 432, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 432, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’m not thrilled to see it now. News vans and trucks are across the street from the courthouse, and police barricades separate them from everybody else. I now know why people call it a “media circus.” It seriously looks like the circus is setting up in town.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 433 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 433, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 433, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 433, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 433, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Two traffic lanes separate the courthouse from the media frenzy, but I swear they’re a world away. Hundreds of people quietly kneel on the courthouse lawn. Men and women in clerical collars stand at the front of the crowd, their heads bowed.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 434 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 434, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 434, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 434, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

To avoid the clowns and their cameras, Uncle Carlos turns onto the street alongside the courthouse. We go in through the back door. Goon and another King Lord join us. They flank me and don’t hesitate to let security check them for weapons.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 435 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 435, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 435, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 435, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 435, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Another security guard leads us through the courthouse. The farther we go, the fewer people we pass in the halls. Ms. Ofrah waits beside a door with a brass plate that says Grand Jury Room.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 436 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 436, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 436, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 436, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She hugs me and asks, “Ready?” For once I am. “Yes, ma’am.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 437 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 437, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 437, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 437, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I’ll be out here the whole time,” she says. “If you need to ask me something, you have that right.” She looks at my entourage. “I’m sorry, but only Starr’s parents are allowed to watch in the TV room.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 438 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 438, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 438, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 438, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 438, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Uncle Carlos and Aunt Pam hug me. Nana pats my shoulder as she shakes her head. Goon and his boy give me quick nods and leave with them.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 439 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 439, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 439, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 439, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma’s eyes brim with tears. She pulls me into a tight hug, and it’s at that moment, of all the

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 440 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 440, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 440, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

moments, that I realize I’ve gotten an inch or two taller than she is. She plants kisses all over my face and hugs me again. “I’m proud of you, baby. You are so brave.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 441 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 441, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 441, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 441, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 441, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

That word. I hate it. “No, I’m not.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 442 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 442, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 442, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 442, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah, you are.” She pulls back and pushes a strand of hair away from my face. I can’t explain the look in her eyes, but it knows me better than I know myself. It wraps me up and warms me from the inside out. “Brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared, Starr,” she says. “It means you go on even though you’re scared. And you’re doing that.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 443 0
profile_photo
Oct 28
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 28 2020 9:20AM) : Feeling Fear doesn’t make you weak when your still planning on doing what’s right [Edited]
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 443, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 443, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 443, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 443, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 443, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 443, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 443, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She leans up slightly on her tiptoes and kisses my forehead as if that makes it true. For me it kinda does.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 444 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 444, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 444, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy wraps his arms around both of us. “You got this, baby girl.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 445 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 445, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 445, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The door to the grand jury room creaks open, and the DA, Ms. Monroe, looks out. “We’re ready if you are.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 446 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 446, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 446, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I walk into the grand jury room alone, but somehow my parents are with me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 447 0
profile_photo
Mar 12
Ville J Ville J (Mar 12 2021 3:32PM) : She feels really isolated and alone walking into the room, even though her parents are with her.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 447, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The room has wood-paneled walls and no windows. About twenty or so men and women occupy a U-shaped table. Some of them are black, some of them aren’t. Their eyes follow us as Ms. Monroe leads me to a table in front of them with a mic on it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 448 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 448, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 448, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 448, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 448, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

One of Ms. Monroe’s colleagues swears me in, and I promise on the Bible to tell the truth. I silently promise it to Khalil too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 449 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 449, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 449, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Ms. Monroe says from the back of the room, “Could you please introduce yourself to the grand jurors?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 450 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 450, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I scoot closer to the mic and clear my throat. “My name—” My small voice sounds like a five-year-old’s. I sit up straight and try again. “My name is Starr Carter. I’m sixteen years old.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 451 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 451, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 451, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 451, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 451, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 451, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“The mic is only recording you, not projecting your voice,” Ms. Monroe says. “As we have our conversation, we need you to speak loud enough for everyone to hear, okay?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 452 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 452, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 452, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yes—” My lips brush the mic. Too close. I move back and try again. “Yes, ma’am.” “Good. You came here on your own free will, is that correct?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 453 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 453, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 453, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 453, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 453, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 453, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 453, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yes, ma’am.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 454 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 454, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You have an attorney, Ms. April Ofrah, correct?” she says. “Yes, ma’am.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 455 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 455, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 455, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You understand you have the right to consult with her, correct?” “Yes, ma’am.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 456 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 456, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 456, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You understand you’re not the focus of any criminal charges, correct?” Bullshit. Khalil and I have been on trial since he died. “Yes, ma’am.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 457 0
profile_photo
Mar 12
Ville J Ville J (Mar 12 2021 3:34PM) : Even though Starr is not the focus of any charges, she feels like she and Khalil have both been on trial since his death. She needs to constantly defend him.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 457, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 457, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 457, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 457, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Today, we want to hear in your own words what happened to Khalil Harris, okay?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 458 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 458, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I look at the jurors, unable to read their faces and tell if they really want to hear my words. Hopefully they do. “Yes, ma’am.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 459 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 459, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 459, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 459, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Now, since we have that understanding, let’s talk about Khalil. You were friends with him, right?” I nod, but Ms. Monroe says, “Please give a verbal response.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 460 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 460, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 460, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 460, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I lean toward the mic and say, “Yes, ma’am.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 461 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 461, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Shit. I forgot the jurors can’t hear me on it and it’s only for recording. It doesn’t make any sense that I’m so nervous.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 462 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 462, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 462, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 462, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“How long did you know Khalil?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 463 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 463, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The same story, all over again. I become a robot who repeats how I knew Khalil since I was three, how we grew up together, the kind of person he was.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 464 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 464, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 464, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

When I finish, Ms. Monroe says, “Okay. We’re going to discuss the night of the shooting in detail. Are

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 465 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 465, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 465, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 465, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

you okay with that?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 466 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 466, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The un-brave part of me, which feels like most of me, shouts no. It wants to crawl up in a corner and act as if none of this ever happened. But all those people outside are praying for me. My parents are watching me. Khalil needs me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 467 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 467, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 467, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 467, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 467, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 467, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I straighten up and allow the tiny brave part of me to speak. “Yes, ma’am.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 468 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 468, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 468, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

PART 3

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 469 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 469, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

EIGHT WEEKS AFTER IT

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 470 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 470, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

TWENTY

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 471 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 471, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Three hours. That’s how long I was in the grand jury room. Ms. Monroe asked me all kinds of questions. What angle was Khalil at when he was shot? Where did he pull his license and registration from? How did Officer Cruise remove him from the car? Did Officer Cruise seem angry? What did he say?

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 472, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She wanted every single detail. I gave her as much as I could.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 473 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 473, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 473, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s been over two weeks since I talked to the grand jury, and now we’re waiting for their decision, which is similar to waiting for a meteor to hit. You know it’s coming, you’re just not exactly sure when and where it’ll hit, and there ain’t shit you can do in the meantime but keep living.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 474 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 474, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 474, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

So we’re living.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 475 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 475, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The sun is out today, but the rain fell in sheets as soon as we pulled into the parking lot of Williamson. When it rains like that while the sun’s out, Nana says the devil is beating his wife. Plus, it’s Friday the thirteenth, a.k.a. the devil’s day, according to Nana. She’s probably holed up in the house like it’s doomsday.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 476 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 476, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 476, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 476, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 476, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven and I dash from the car into the school. The atrium’s busy as usual with people talking to their little cliques or playing around. The school year’s almost over, so everybody’s goof-off levels are at their highest, and white-kid goofing off is a category of its own. I’m sorry, but it is. Yesterday a sophomore rode down the stairs in the janitor’s garbage can. His dumb ass got suspension and a concussion. Stupid.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 477 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 477, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 477, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 477, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 477, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 477, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 477, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 477, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I wiggle my toes. The one day I wear Chucks it decides to rain. They’re miraculously dry.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 478 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 478, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 478, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 478, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You’re good?” Seven asks, and I doubt it’s about the rain. He’s been way more protective lately, ever since we got word that King’s still pissed I dry snitched. I heard Uncle Carlos tell Daddy it gave the cops another reason to watch King closely.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 479 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 479, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 479, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 479, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 479, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Unless King threw the brick, he hasn’t done anything. Yet. So Seven’s always on guard, even all the way out here at Williamson.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 480 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 480, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 480, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 480, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah,” I tell him. “I’m good.” “All right.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 481 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 481, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 481, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 481, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He gives me dap and goes off to his locker.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 482 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 482, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I head for mine. Hailey and Maya are talking at Maya’s locker nearby. Actually, Maya’s doing most of the talking. Hailey’s got her arms folded and rolls her eyes a lot. She sees me down the hall and gets this smug expression.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 483 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 483, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 483, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 483, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 483, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 483, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Perfect,” she says when I get closer. “The liar is here.” “Excuse me?” It’s way too early for this bullshit.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 484 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 484, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 484, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 484, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 484, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Why don’t you tell Maya how you flat-out lied to us?” “What?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 485 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 485, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 485, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Hailey hands me two pictures. One is Khalil’s thugshot, as Daddy calls it. One of the pictures they’ve shown on the news. Hailey printed it off the internet. Khalil wears a smirk, gripping a handful of money and throwing up a sideways peace sign.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 486 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 486, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 486, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 486, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 486, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 486, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The other picture, he’s twelve. I know because I’m twelve in it too. It’s my birthday party at this laser

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 487 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 487, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 487, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 487, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

tag place downtown. Khalil’s on one side of me, shoveling strawberry cake into his mouth, and Hailey’s on my other side, grinning for the camera along with me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 488 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 488, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 488, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I thought he looked familiar,” Hailey says as smugly as she looks. “He is the Khalil you knew. Isn’t he?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 489 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 489, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 489, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 489, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I stare at the two Khalils. The pictures only show so much. For some people, the thugshot makes him look just like that—a thug. But I see somebody who was happy to finally have some money in his hand, damn where it came from. And the birthday picture? I remember how Khalil ate so much cake and pizza he got sick. His grandma hadn’t gotten paid yet, and food was limited in their house.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 490 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 490, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 490, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 490, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 490, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 490, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 490, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 490, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I knew the whole Khalil. That’s who I’ve been speaking up for. I shouldn’t deny any part of him. Not even at Williamson.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 491 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 491, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 491, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 491, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 491, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I hand the pictures back to Hailey. “Yeah, I knew him. So what?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 492 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 492, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 492, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 492, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Don’t you think you owe us an explanation?” she says. “You owe me an apology too.” “Um, what?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 493 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 493, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 493, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 493, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You’ve basically picked fights with me because you were upset about what happened to him,” she says. “You even accused me of being racist.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 494 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 494, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 494, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“But you have said and done some racist stuff. So . . .” Maya shrugs. “Whether Starr lied or not doesn’t make it okay.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 495 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 495, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 495, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 495, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 495, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 495, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 495, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Minority alliance activated.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 496 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 496, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So, since I unfollowed her Tumblr because I didn’t wanna see any more pictures of that mutilated kid on my dashboard—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 497 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 497, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“His name was Emmett Till,” says Maya.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 498 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 498, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Whatever. So because I didn’t want to see that disgusting shit, I’m racist?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 499 0
profile_photo
Oct 28
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 28 2020 9:30AM) : She’s has no respect
profile_photo

I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)

Oct 28
Paul A

I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)

Paul A (Oct 28 2020 10:41AM) : Wait. Really? You think she is being disrespectful because she doesn't want to see that trauma?
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 499, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 499, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No,” Maya says. “What you said about it was racist. And your Thanksgiving joke was definitely racist.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 500 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 500, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 500, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 500, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Oh my God, you’re still upset about that?” Hailey says. “That was so long ago!” “Doesn’t make it okay,” I say. “And you can’t even apologize for it.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 501 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Halimah M Halimah M (Nov 19 2020 12:04PM) : Just because it was a long time ago, doesn't make it okay.
profile_photo
Nov 29
Ammaar k Ammaar k (Nov 29 2020 3:06AM) : thoughts more

she doesn’t want to admit to the wrongs she did and says everything was a joke even though it wasn’t. She seems really ignorant in the way she talks

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 501, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 501, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 501, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 501, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 501, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I’m not apologizing because it was only a joke!” she shouts. “It doesn’t make me a racist. I’m not letting you guys guilt trip me like this. What’s next? You want me to apologize because my ancestors were slave masters or something stupid?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 502 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Halimah M Halimah M (Nov 19 2020 12:06PM) : The fact that she had the audacity to bring up slavery and how she basically said that she didn't care, truly upsets me.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 502, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 502, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 502, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 502, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 502, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Bitch—” I take a deep breath. Way too many people are watching. I cannot go angry black girl on her. “Your joke was hurtful,” I say, as calmly as I can. “If you give a damn about Maya, you’d apologize and at least try to see why it hurt her.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 503 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 503, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 503, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 503, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 503, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 503, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“It’s not my fault she can’t get over a joke from freaking freshman year! Just like it’s not my fault you can’t get over what happened to Khalil.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 504 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 504, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 504, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So I’m supposed to ‘get over’ the fact he was murdered?” “Yes, get over it! He was probably gonna end up dead anyway.” “Are you serious?” Maya says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 505 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 505, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 505, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 505, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 505, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 505, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“He was a drug dealer and a gangbanger,” Hailey says. “Somebody was gonna kill him eventually.” “Get over it?” I repeat.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 506 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 506, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 506, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 506, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 506, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She folds her arms and does this little neck movement. “Um, yeah? Isn’t that what I said? The cop probably did everyone a favor. One less drug dealer on the—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 507 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 507, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 507, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 507, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 507, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 507, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I move Maya out the way and slam my fist against the side of Hailey’s face. It hurts, but damn it feels good.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 508 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 508, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 508, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Hailey holds her cheek, her eyes wide and her mouth open for several seconds.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 509 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 509, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Bitch!” she shrieks. She goes straight for my hair like girls usually do, but my ponytail is real. She’s not pulling it out.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 510 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 510, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 510, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 510, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I hit at Hailey with my fists, and she slaps and claws me upside my head. I push her off, and she hits the floor. Her skirt goes up, and her pink drawers are out for everybody to see. Laughter erupts around us. Some people have their phones out.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 511 0
profile_photo
Nov 17
Eric G Eric G (Nov 17 2020 5:53PM) : Key Event more

Starr and Hailey have a fight after Hailey was being insensitive

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 511, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 511, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 511, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 511, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 511, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I’m no longer Williamson Starr or even Garden Heights Starr. I’m pissed.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 512 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 512, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 512, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I kick and hit at Hailey, cuss words flying out my mouth. People gather around us, chanting “Fight! Fight!” and one fool even shouts, “World Star!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 513 0
profile_photo
Oct 28
Brendaly N Brendaly N (Oct 28 2020 9:35AM) : She deserves that for all the awful things she did
profile_photo

I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)

Oct 28
Paul A

I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)

Paul A (Oct 28 2020 10:42AM) : I guess, but how is this going to help Starr?
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 513, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 513, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 513, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Shit. I’m gonna end up on that ratchet site.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 514 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 514, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 514, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Somebody yanks my arm, and I turn, face-to-face with Remy, Hailey’s older brother. “You crazy bi—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 515 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 515, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 515, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Before he can finish “bitch,” a blur of dreadlocks charges at us and pushes Remy back. “Get your hands off my sister!” Seven says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 516 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 516, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 516, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 516, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

And then they’re fighting. Seven throws blows like nobody’s business, knocking Remy upside his head with several good hooks and jabs. Daddy used to take both of us to the boxing gym after school.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 517 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 517, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 517, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 517, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Two security guards run over. Dr. Davis, the headmaster, marches toward us.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 518 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 518, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 518, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

An hour later, I’m in Momma’s car. Seven trails us in his Mustang.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 519 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 519, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 519, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

All four of us have been sentenced to three days’ suspension, despite Williamson’s zero-tolerance policy. Hailey and Remy’s dad, a Williamson board member, thought it was outrageous. He said Seven and I should be expelled because we “started it,” and that Seven shouldn’t be allowed to graduate. Dr. Davis told him, “Given the circumstances”—and he looked straight at me—“suspension will suffice.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 520 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 520, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 520, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 520, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 520, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He knows I was with Khalil.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 521 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 521, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“This is exactly what They expect you to do,” Momma says. “Two kids from Garden Heights, acting like you ain’t got any sense!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 522 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Halimah M Halimah M (Nov 19 2020 12:08PM) : People always like to assume and label all black people as "ghetto" or "crazy"
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 522, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 522, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

They with a capital T. There’s Them and then there’s Us. Sometimes They look like Us and don’t realize They are Us.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 523 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 523, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 523, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 523, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“But she was running her mouth, saying Khalil deserved—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 524 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 524, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I don’t care if she said she shot him herself. People are gonna say a whole lot, Starr. It doesn’t mean you hit somebody. You gotta walk away sometimes.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 525 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 525, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 525, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 525, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 525, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You mean walk away and get shot like Khalil did?” She sighs. “Baby, I understand—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 526 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 526, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 526, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 526, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No you don’t!” I say. Nobody understands! I saw the bullets rip through him. I sat there in the street as he took his last breath. I’ve had to listen to people try to make it seem like it’s okay he was murdered. As if he deserved it. But he didn’t deserve to die, and I didn’t do anything to deserve seeing that shit!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 527, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

WebMD calls it a stage of grief—anger. But I doubt I’ll ever get to the other stages. This one slices me into millions of pieces. Every time I’m whole and back to normal, something happens to tear me apart, and I’m forced to start all over again.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 528 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 528, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 528, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 528, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 528, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The rain lets up. The devil stops beating his wife, but I beat the dashboard, punching it over and over, numb to the pain of it. I wanna be numb to the pain of all of this.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 529 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 529, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 529, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 529, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Let it out, Munch.” My mom rubs my back. “Let it out.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 530 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 530, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 530, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 530, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I pull my polo over my mouth and scream until there aren’t any screams left in me. If there are any, I don’t have the energy to get them out. I cry for Khalil, for Natasha, even for Hailey, ’cause damn if I didn’t just lose her for good too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 531 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 531, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 531, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 531, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

When we turn on our street, I’m snot-nosed and wet-eyed. Finally numb.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 532 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 532, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 532, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

A gray pickup and a green Chrysler 300 are parked behind Daddy’s truck in the driveway. Momma

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 533 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 533, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 533, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

and Seven have to park in front of the house.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 534 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 534, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“What is this man up to?” Momma says. She looks over at me. “You feel better?” I nod. What other choice do I have?

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 535 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 535, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 535, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 535, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 535, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 535, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 535, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She leans over and kisses my temple. “We’ll get through this. I promise.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 536 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 536, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 536, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 536, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We get out. I’m one hundred percent sure the cars in the driveway belong to King Lords and Garden Disciples. In Garden Heights you can’t drive a car that’s gray or green unless you claim a set. I expect yelling and cussing when I get inside, but all I hear is Daddy saying, “It don’t make no sense, man. For real, it don’t.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 537 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 537, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 537, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 537, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 537, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 537, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s standing-room-only in the kitchen. We can’t even get in ’cause some guys are in the doorway. Half of them have green somewhere in their outfits. Garden Disciples. The others have light gray on somewhere. Cedar Grove King Lords. Mr. Reuben’s nephew, Tim, sits beside Daddy at the table. I’ve never noticed that cursive GD tattoo on his arm.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 10:47PM) : Meeting more

Why do the GD’s trust Mav? Maybe Tim talked to them?

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 538, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“We don’t know when the grand jury gon’ make their decision,” Daddy says. “But if they decide not to indict, y’all gotta tell these li’l dudes not to burn this neighborhood down.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 539 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 539, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 539, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“What you expect them to do then?” says a GD at the table. “Folks tired of the bullshit, Mav.” “Straight up,” says the King Lord Goon, who’s at the table too. His long plaits have ponytail holders on them like I used to wear way back in the day. “Nothing we can do ’bout it.” “That’s bullshit,” says Tim. “We can do something.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 540 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 540, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 540, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 540, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 540, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 540, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 540, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 540, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“We can all agree the riots got outta hand, right?” says Daddy. He gets a bunch of “yeahs” and “rights.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 541 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 541, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 541, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Then we can make sure it doesn’t go down like that again. Talk to these kids. Get in their heads. Yeah, they mad. We all mad, but burning down our neighborhood ain’t gon’ fix it.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 542 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 542, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 542, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 542, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 542, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 542, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Our?” says the GD at the table. “Nigga, you said you moving.” “To the suburbs,” Goon mocks. “You getting a minivan too, Mav?” They all laugh at that.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 543 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 543, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 543, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 543, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 543, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 543, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy doesn’t though. “I’m moving, so what? I’ll still have a store here, and I’ll still give a damn what happens here. Who is it gon’ benefit if the whole neighborhood burns down? Damn sure won’t benefit none of us.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 544 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 544, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 544, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 544, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 544, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 544, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“We gotta be more organized next time,” says Tim. “For one, make sure our brothers and sisters know they can’t destroy black-owned businesses. That messes it up for all of us.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 545 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 545, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 545, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 545, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“For real,” says Daddy. “And I know, me and Tim out the game, so we can’t speak on some things, but all these territory wars gotta be put aside somehow. This is bigger than some street shit. And honestly all the street shit got these cops thinking they can do whatever they want.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 546 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 546, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 546, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 546, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 546, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah, I feel you on that,” says Goon.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 547 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 547, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Y’all gotta come together somehow, man,” Daddy says. “For the sake of the Garden. The last thing they’d ever expect is some unity around here. A’ight?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 548 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 548, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 548, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 548, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 548, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy slaps palms with Goon and the Garden Disciple. Then Goon and the Garden Disciple slap palms with each other.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 549 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 549, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 549, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Wow,” Seven says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 550 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 550, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s huge that these two gangs are in the same room together, and for my daddy to be the one behind it? Crazy.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 551 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 9:10PM) : We didn't really know Mav was this good at bringing people together. He really is looking out for the neighborhood's best interest
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 551, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 551, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He notices us in the doorway. “What y’all doing here?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 552 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 552, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 552, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma inches into the kitchen, looking around. “The kids got suspended.” “Suspended?” Daddy says. “For what?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 553 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 553, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 553, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 553, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 553, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 553, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven passes him his phone.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 554 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 554, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“It’s online already?” I say. “Yeah, somebody tagged me in it.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 555 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 555, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 555, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 555, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy taps the screen, and I hear Hailey running her mouth about Khalil, then a loud smack.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 556 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 556, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Some of the gang members watch over Daddy’s shoulder. “Damn, li’l momma,” one says, “you got hands.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 557 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 557, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 557, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You crazy bi—,” Remy says on the phone. A bunch of smacks and oohs follow. “Look at my boy!” Daddy says. “Look at him!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 558 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 558, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 558, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 558, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 558, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 558, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I ain’t know your li’l nerdy ass had it in you,” a King Lord teases. Momma clears her throat. Daddy stops the video.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 559 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 559, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 559, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 559, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“A’ight, y’all,” he says, serious all of a sudden. “I gotta handle some family business. We’ll meet back up tomorrow.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 560 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 560, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 560, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 560, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Tim and all the gang members clear out, and cars crank up outside. Still no gunshots or arguing. They could’ve broken out into a gangsta rendition of “Kumbaya” and I wouldn’t be any more shocked than I am.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 561 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 561, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 561, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 561, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“How did you get all of them in here and keep the house in one piece?” Momma asks. “I got it like that.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 562 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 562, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 562, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 562, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma kisses him on the lips. “You certainly do. My man, the activist.” “Uh-huh.” He kisses her back. “Your man.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 563 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 563, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 563, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 563, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 563, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 563, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 563, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven clears his throat. “We’re standing right here.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 564 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 564, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 564, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Ay, y’all can’t complain,” Daddy says. “If you wouldn’t have been fighting, you wouldn’t have to see that.” He reaches over and pinches my cheek a little. “You a’ight?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 565 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 565, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 565, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 565, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 565, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The dampness hasn’t left my eyes yet, and I’m not exactly smiling. I mutter, “Yeah.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 566 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 566, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 566, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy pulls me onto his lap. He cradles me and switches between kissing my cheek and pinching it, going over and over in a real deep voice, “What’s wrong with you? Huh? What’s wrong with you?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 567 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 567, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 567, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 567, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 567, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

And I’m giggling before I can stop myself.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 568 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 568, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy gives me a sloppy, wet kiss to my cheek and lets me up. “I knew I’d get you laughing. Now what happened?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 569 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 569, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 569, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 569, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You saw the video. Hailey ran her mouth, so I popped her. Simple as that.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 570 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 570, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 570, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 570, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“That’s your child, Maverick,” Momma says. “Gotta hit somebody because she didn’t like what they said.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 571 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 571, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 571, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Mine? Uh-uh, baby. That’s all you.” He looks at Seven. “Why were you fighting?” “Dude came at my sister,” Seven says. “I wasn’t gonna let him.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 572 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 572, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 572, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 572, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 572, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 572, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 572, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 572, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

As much as Seven talks about protecting Kenya and Lyric, it’s nice that he has my back too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 573 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 573, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy replays the video, starting with Hailey saying, “He was probably gonna end up dead anyway.” “Wow,” Momma says. “That li’l girl has a lot of nerve.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 574 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 574, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 574, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 574, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Spoiled ass don’t know a damn thing and running her mouth,” says Daddy. “So, what’s our punishment?” Seven asks.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 575 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 575, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 575, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 575, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Go do your homework,” Momma says. “That’s it?” I say.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 576 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 576, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 576, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 576, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You’ll also have to help your dad at the store while you’re suspended.” She drapes her arms over Daddy from behind. “Sound okay, baby?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 577 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 577, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 577, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 577, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He kisses her arm. “Sounds good to me.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 578 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 578, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 578, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

If you can’t translate Parentish, this is what they really said:

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 579 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 579, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma: I don’t condone what you did, and I’m not saying it’s okay, but I probably would’ve done it too. What about you, baby?

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 580 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 9:13PM) : They are trying to teach their kids to be good, but you can tell that they are slightly proud of what Starr and Seven did.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 580, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 580, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy: Hell yeah, I would’ve.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 581 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 581, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I love them for that.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 582 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 582, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

PART 4

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 583 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 583, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

TEN WEEKS AFTER IT

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 584 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 584, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

TWENTY-ONE

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 585 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 585, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Still no decision from the grand jury, so we’re still living.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 586 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 586, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s Saturday, and my family is at Uncle Carlos’s house for a Memorial Day weekend barbecue, which is also serving as Seven’s birthday/graduation party. He turns eighteen tomorrow, and he officially became a high school graduate yesterday. I’ve never seen Daddy cry like he did when Dr. Davis handed Seven that diploma.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 587 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 587, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 587, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 587, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The backyard smells like barbecue, and it’s warm enough that Seven’s friends swim in the pool. Sekani and Daniel run around in their trunks and push unsuspecting people in. They get Jess. She laughs about it and threatens to get them later. They try it once with me and Kenya and never again. All it takes is some swift kicks to their asses.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 588 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 588, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 588, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 588, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 588, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 588, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 588, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But DeVante comes up behind us and pushes me in. Kenya shrieks as I go under, getting my freshly done cornrows soaked and my J’s too. I have on board shorts and a tankini, but they’re new and cute, meaning they’re supposed to be looked at, not swam in.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 589 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 589, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 589, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 589, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I break the surface of the water and gulp in air.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 590 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 590, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Starr, you okay?” Kenya calls. She’s run about five feet away from the pool. “You not gon’ help me get out?” I say.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 591 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 591, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 591, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 591, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 591, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 591, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Girl, nah. And mess up my outfit? You seem all right.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 592 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 592, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 592, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 592, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Sekani and Daniel whoop and cheer for DeVante like he’s the greatest thing since Spide-Man. Bastards. I climb out that pool so fast.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 593 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 593, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 593, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 593, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Uh-oh,” DeVante says, and the three of them take off in separate directions. Kenya goes after DeVante. I run after Sekani because dammit, blood is supposed to be thicker than pool water.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 594 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 594, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 594, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 594, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Momma!” he squeals.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 595 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 595, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I catch him by his trunks and pull them way up, almost to his neck, until he has the worst wedgie ever. He gives a high-pitched scream. I let go, and he falls on the grass, his trunks so far up his butt it looks like he’s wearing a thong. That’s what he gets.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 596 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 596, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 596, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 596, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 596, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya brings DeVante to me, holding his arms behind him like he’s under arrest. “Apologize,” she says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 597 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 597, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 597, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No!” Kenya yanks on his arms. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry!” She lets go. “Better be.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 598 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 598, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 598, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 598, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 598, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 598, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

DeVante rubs his arm with a smirk. “Violent ass.” “Punk ass,” she snips back.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 599 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 599, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 599, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 599, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He flicks his tongue at her, and she goes, “Boy, bye!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 600 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 600, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

This is flirting for them, believe it or not. I almost forget DeVante’s hiding from her daddy. They act like they’ve forgotten too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 601 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 601, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 601, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 601, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

DeVante gets me a towel. I snatch it and dry my face as I head to the poolside loungers with Kenya. DeVante sits beside her on one.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 602 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 602, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 602, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 602, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Ava skips over with her baby doll and a comb, and I naturally expect her to shove them into my hands.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 603 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 603, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She hands them to DeVante instead. “Here!” she tells him, and skips off.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 604 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 604, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 604, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

And he starts combing the doll’s hair! Kenya and I stare at him for the longest. “What?” he says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 605 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 605, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 605, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 605, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

We bust out laughing.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 606 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 606, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“She got you trained!” I say.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 607 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 607, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 607, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Man.” He groans. “She cute, okay? I can’t tell her no.” He braids the doll’s hair, and his long thin fingers move so quickly, they look like they’ll get tangled. “My li’l sisters did me like this all the time.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 608 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 608, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 608, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 608, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 608, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 608, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 608, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

His tone dips when he mentions them. “You heard from them or your momma?” I ask.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 609 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 609, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 609, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 609, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah, about a week ago. They at my cousin’s house. She live in like the middle of nowhere. Mom’s been a mess ’cause she didn’t know if I was okay. She apologized for leaving me and for being mad. She want me to come stay with them.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 610 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 610, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 610, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 610, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 610, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 610, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 610, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya frowns. “You leaving?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 611 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 611, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 611, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I don’t know. Mr. Carlos and Mrs. Pam said I can stay with them for my senior year. My momma said she’d be okay with that, if it means I stay outta trouble.” He examines his handiwork. The doll has a perfect French braid. “I gotta think about it. I kinda like it out here.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 612 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 612, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 612, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 612, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 612, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 612, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 612, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 612, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It” blasts from the speakers. That’s one song Daddy shouldn’t play. The only thing worse would be that old song “Back That Thang Up.” Momma loses her damn mind when it comes on. Really, just say, “Cash Money Records, takin’ over for the ’99 and the 2000,” and she suddenly becomes ratchet as hell.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 613 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 613, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 613, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 613, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 613, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 613, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She and Aunt Pam both go, “Heeey!” to Salt-N-Pepa and do all these old dance moves. I like nineties shows and movies, but I do not wanna see my mom and auntie reenact that decade in dance. Seven and his friends circle around them and cheer them on.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 614 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 614, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 614, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 614, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven’s the loudest. “Go, Ma! Go, Aunt Pam!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 615 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 615, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 615, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 615, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy jumps in the middle of the circle behind Momma. He puts both hands behind his head and moves his hips in a circle.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 616 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 616, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 616, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven pushes Daddy away from Momma, going, “Nooo! Stooop!” Daddy gets around him, and dances behind Momma.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 617 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 617, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 617, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 617, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Uh-uh,” Kenya laughs. “That’s too much.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 618 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 618, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 618, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

DeVante watches them with a smile. “You were right about your aunt and uncle, Starr. They ain’t too bad. Your grandma kinda cool too.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 619 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 619, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 619, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 619, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 619, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Who? I know you don’t mean Nana.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 620 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 620, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 620, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah, her. She found out I play spades. The other day, she took me to a game after she finished tutoring me. She called it extra-credit work. We been cool ever since.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 621 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 621, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 621, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 621, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 621, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 621, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Figures.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 622 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 622, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris and Maya walk through the gate, and my stomach gets all jittery. I should be used to my two worlds colliding, but I never know which Starr I should be. I can use some slang, but not too much slang, some attitude, but not too much attitude, so I’m not a “sassy black girl.” I have to watch what I say and how I say it, but I can’t sound “white.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 623 0
profile_photo
Nov 18
Eric G Eric G (Nov 18 2020 2:43PM) : Purpose more

Starr talks about her two versions of herself again; how she always has to switch which personality of her she has to be depending on where she is.

profile_photo
Nov 18
William S William S (Nov 18 2020 6:30PM) : this idea of constantly changing personalities/ways of acting is an ongoing theme.
profile_photo
Nov 19
Halimah M Halimah M (Nov 19 2020 12:09PM) : This is one of the important ideas in the book where she has to literally switch personality's depending on where she is.
profile_photo
Nov 20
Mazda N Mazda N (Nov 20 2020 3:57PM) : Idea more

I think that she should try to be herself and not care what her friends think. She might be overthinking it.

profile_photo
Nov 29
Ammaar k Ammaar k (Nov 29 2020 9:50PM) : thoughts more

She has to be cautious of how she acts since Chris and Maya came. she cant let them see how ratchet she is but at the same time cant sound too “white”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 623, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 623, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 623, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 623, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Shit is exhausting.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 624 0
profile_photo
Nov 29
Ammaar k Ammaar k (Nov 29 2020 9:50PM) : purpose more

we can see it taking a toll on her making her very tired of having to switch back and forth

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 624, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris and his new “bro” DeVante slap palms, then Chris kisses my cheek. Maya and I do our handshake. DeVante nods at her. They met a few weeks ago.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 625 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 625, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 625, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 625, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 625, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Maya sits beside me on the lounger. Chris squeezes his big butt between us, pushing both of us aside a little.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 626 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 626, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 626, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Maya flashes him a stink eye. “Seriously, Chris?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 627 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 627, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 627, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hey, she’s my girlfriend. I get to sit next to her.” “Um, no? Besties before testes.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 628 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 628, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 628, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 628, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 628, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya and I snicker, and DeVante goes, “Damn.” The jitters ease up a bit.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 629 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 629, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 629, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So you’re Chris?” Kenya says. She’s seen pictures on my Instagram. “Yep. And you’re Kenya?” He’s seen pictures on my Instagram too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 630 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 630, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 630, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 630, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 630, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 630, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 630, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“The one and only.” Kenya eyes me and mouths, He is fine! Like I didn’t know that already.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 631 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 631, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 631, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 631, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya and Maya look at each other. Their paths last crossed almost a year ago at my Sweet Sixteen, if you can consider that path-crossing. Hailey and Maya were at one table, Kenya and Khalil at another table with Seven. They never talked.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 632 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 632, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 632, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 632, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 632, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Maya, right?” Kenya says. Maya nods. “The one and only.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 633 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 633, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 633, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 633, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 633, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya’s lips curl up. “Your kicks are cute.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 634 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 634, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 634, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Thanks,” Maya says, checking them out for herself. Nike Air Max 95s. “They’re supposed to be running shoes. I never run in them.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 635 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 635, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 635, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 635, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 635, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I don’t run in mine neither,” Kenya says. “My brother’s the only person I know who actually runs in them.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 636 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 636, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 636, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Maya laughs.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 637 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 637, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Okay. This is good so far. Nothing to worry about. Until Kenya goes, “So where blondie at?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 638 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 638, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 638, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 638, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 638, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris snorts. Maya’s eyes widen.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 639 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 639, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 639, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Kenya, that ain’t—that’s not her name,” I say.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 640 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 640, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You knew who I was talking about though, didn’t you?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 641 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 641, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yep!” Maya says. “She’s probably somewhere licking her wounds after Starr kicked her ass.” “What?” Kenya shouts. “Starr, you ain’t tell me about that!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 642 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 642, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 642, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 642, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 642, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 642, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 642, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“It was, like, two weeks ago,” I say. “Wasn’t worth talking ’bout. I only hit her.” Only hit her?” Maya says. “You Mayweathered her.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 643 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 643, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 643, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 643, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 643, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 643, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 643, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris and DeVante laugh.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 644 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 644, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Wait, wait,” Kenya says. “What happened?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 645 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 645, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 645, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

So I tell her about it, without really thinking about what I say or how I sound. I just talk. Maya adds to the story, making it sound worse than it was, and Kenya eats it up. We tell her how Seven gave Remy a couple of hits, which has Kenya beaming, talking about, “My brother don’t play.” Like he’s only her brother, but whatever. Maya even tells her about the Thanksgiving cat thing.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 646 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 646, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 646, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 646, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 646, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 646, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 646, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I told Starr we minorities gotta stick together,” Maya says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 647 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 647, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So true,” says Kenya. “White people been sticking together forever.” “Well . . .” Chris blushes. “This is awkward.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 648 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 648, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 648, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 648, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 648, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 648, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 648, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 648, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You’ll get over it, boo,” I say. Maya and Kenya crack up.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 649 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 649, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 649, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My two worlds just collided. Surprisingly, everything’s all right.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 650 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 9:19PM) : It's nice to see this code switching issue that Starr has been stressed about turn into relief.
profile_photo
Nov 22
Owen G Owen G (Nov 22 2020 9:50PM) : This is a super important part of Starr's story, because basically the things that she spent so long trying to keep separate finally came together, and it didn't end horribly.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 650, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 650, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The song changes to “Wobble.” Momma runs over and pulls me up. “C’mon, Munch.” I can’t dig my feet in the grass fast enough. “Mommy, no!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 651 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 651, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 651, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 651, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 651, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 651, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hush, girl. C’mon. Y’all too!” she hollers back to my friends.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 652 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 652, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 652, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 652, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Everybody lines up on the grassy area that’s become the makeshift dance floor. Momma pulls me to the front row. “Show ’em how it’s done, baby,” she says. “Show ’em how it’s done!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 653 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 653, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 653, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 653, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 653, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I stay still on purpose. Dictator or not, she’s not gonna make me dance. Kenya and Maya egg her on in

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 654 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 654, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 654, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 654, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

egging me on. Never thought they’d team up against me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 655 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 655, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 655, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Shoot, before I know it, I’m wobbling. I have duck lips too, so you know I’m feeling it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 656 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 656, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 656, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I talk Chris through the steps, and he keeps up. I love him for trying. Nana joins in, doing a shoulder shimmy that’s not the Wobble, but I doubt she cares.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 657 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 657, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 657, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 657, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The “Cupid Shuffle” comes on, and my family leads everybody else on the front row. Sometimes we forget which way is right and which is left, and we laugh way too hard at ourselves. Embarrassing dancing and dysfunction aside, my family’s not so bad.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 658 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 658, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 658, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 658, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

After all that wobbling and shuffling, my stomach begs for some food. I leave everybody else doing the “Bikers Shuffle,” which is a whole new level of shuffling, and most of our party guests are lost as hell.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 659 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 659, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 659, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Aluminum serving trays crowd the kitchen counter. I stack a plate with some ribs, wings, and corn on the cob. I scoop a nice amount of baked beans on there somehow. No potato salad. That’s the devil’s food. All that mayonnaise. I don’t care if Momma made it, I’m not touching that mess.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 660 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 660, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 660, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 660, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 660, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 660, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 660, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 660, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I refuse to eat outside, too many bugs that could get on my food. I plop down at the dining room table, and I’m about to go in on my plate.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 661 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 661, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 661, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But the damn phone rings.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 662 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 662, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Everybody else is outside, leaving me to answer. I shove a chicken wing in my mouth. “Hello?” I chomp in the other person’s ear. Rude? Definitely. Am I starving? Hell yeah.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 663, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Hi, this is the front security gate. Iesha Robinson is asking to visit your residence.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 664 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 664, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 664, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I stop chewing. Iesha was MIA at Seven’s graduation, which she was invited to, so why did she show up to the party she wasn’t invited to? How did she even find out about it? Seven didn’t tell her, and Kenya swore she wouldn’t. She lied and told her momma and daddy she was hanging with some other friends today.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 665 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 665, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 665, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 665, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 665, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 665, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I take the phone outside to Daddy because, shit, I don’t know what to do. I go out at a good time too. He’s trying—and failing—to Nae-Nae. I have to call him a second time for him to stop that atrocity and come over.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 666 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 666, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 666, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 666, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 666, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He grins. “You ain’t know your daddy had it in him, did you?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 667 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 667, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 667, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I still don’t. Here.” I hand him the phone. “That’s neighborhood security. Iesha’s at the security gate.” His grin disappears. He plugs one ear and puts the phone to the other. “Hello?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 668, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The security guard talks for a moment. Daddy motions Seven to the patio. “Hold on.” He covers the receiver. “Your momma at the gate. She wanna see you.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 669 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 669, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 669, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 669, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 669, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 669, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 669, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven’s eyebrows knit together. “How did she know we’re here?” “Your grandma’s with her. Didn’t you invite her?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 670 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 670, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 670, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 670, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 670, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yeah, but not Iesha.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 671 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 671, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Look, man, if you want her to come back for a li’l bit, it’s cool,” Daddy says. “I’ll make DeVante go inside so she won’t see him. What you wanna do?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 672 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 672, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 672, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 672, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Pops, can you tell her—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 673 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 673, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Nah, man. That’s your momma. You handle that.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 674 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 674, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 674, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 674, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven bites his lip for a moment. He sighs through his nose. “All right.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 675 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 675, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 675, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 675, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Iesha pulls up out front. I follow Seven, Kenya, and my parents to the driveway. Seven always has my back. I figure he needs me to have his too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 676 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 676, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 676, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 676, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 676, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven tells Kenya to stay back with us and goes toward Iesha’s pink BMW.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 677 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 677, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Lyric jumps out the car. “Sevvie!” She runs to him, the ball-shaped ponytail holders on her hair bouncing. I hated wearing those things. All it takes is one hitting you between your eyes and you’re done.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 678 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 678, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 678, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 678, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 678, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 678, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Lyric launches into Seven’s arms, and he swings her around.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 679 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 679, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I can’t lie, I always get a little jealous when I see Seven with his other sisters. It doesn’t make sense, I know. But they share a momma, and it makes things different between them. It’s like they have a stronger bond or something.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 680 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 680, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 680, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 680, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 680, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But there’s no way in hell I’d trade Momma for Iesha. Nope. Seven keeps Lyric on his hip and hugs his grandma with one arm.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 681 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 681, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 681, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 681, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Iesha gets out. A bob haircut has replaced her down-to-the-ass Indian import. She doesn’t even try to tug her hot-pink dress down that obviously rode up her thighs during the drive. Or maybe it didn’t ride up and that’s where it always was.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 682 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 682, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 682, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 682, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 682, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Nope. Wouldn’t trade Momma for anything.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 683 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 683, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 683, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So you gon’ have a party and not invite me, Seven?” Iesha asks. “A birthday party at that? I’m the one who gave birth to your ass!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 684 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 684, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 684, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 684, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 684, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven glances around. At least one of Uncle Carlos’s neighbors is looking. “Not now.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 685 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 685, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 685, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 685, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Oh, hell yes now. I had to find out from my momma because my own son couldn’t be bothered to invite me.” She sets her sharp glare on Kenya. “And this li’l fast thang lied to me about it! I oughta whoop your ass.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 686 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 686, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 686, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 686, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 686, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 686, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya flinches like Iesha already hit her. “Momma—”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 687 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 687, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 687, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Don’t blame Kenya,” says Seven, setting Lyric down. “I asked her not to tell you, Iesha.” “Iesha?” she echoes, all in his face. “Who the hell you think you talking to like that?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 688 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 688, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 688, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 688, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 688, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

What happens next is like when you shake a soda can real hard. From the outside, you can’t tell anything is going on. But then you open it, and it explodes.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 689 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 689, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 689, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 689, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“This is why I didn’t invite you!” Seven shouts. “This! Right now! You don’t know how to act!” “Oh, so you ashamed of me, Seven?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 690 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 690, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 690, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 690, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 690, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 690, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 690, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“You’re fucking right I’m ashamed of you!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 691 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 691, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Whoa!” Daddy says. Stepping between them, he puts his hand on Seven’s chest. “Seven, calm down.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 692 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 692, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 692, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 692, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 692, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Nah, Pops! Let me tell her how I didn’t invite her because I didn’t wanna explain to my friends that my stepmom isn’t my mom like they think. Or how I never once corrected anybody at Williamson who made the assumption. Hell, it wasn’t like she ever came to any of my stuff, so why bother? You couldn’t even show up to my graduation yesterday!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 693 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 693, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 693, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 693, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 693, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 693, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Seven,” Kenya pleads. “Stop.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 694 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 694, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 694, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“No, Kenya!” he says, his sights square on their momma. “I’ll tell her how I didn’t think she gave a damn about my birthday, ’cause guess what? She never has! ‘You didn’t invite me, you didn’t invite me,’” he mocks. “Hell no, I didn’t. And why the fuck should I?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 695 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 695, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 695, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 695, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 695, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 695, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 695, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Iesha blinks several times and says in a voice like broken glass, “After all I’ve done for you.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 696 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 696, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“All you’ve done for me? What? Putting me out the house? Choosing a man over me every single chance you got? Remember when I tried to stop King from whooping your ass, Iesha? Who did you get mad at?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 697 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 697, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 697, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 697, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 697, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 697, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 697, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Seven,” Daddy says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 698 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 698, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Me! You got mad at me! Said I made him leave. That’s what you call ‘doing’ for me? That woman right there”—he stretches his arm toward Momma—“did everything you were supposed to and then some. How dare you stand there and take credit for it. All I ever did was love you.” His voice cracks. “That’s it. And you couldn’t even give that back to me.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Halimah M Halimah M (Nov 19 2020 2:52PM) : You can literally hear the pain in his voice if you actually imagine it. I think he has buried all that pain for years and at this point, he just cracked.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 9 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 699, Sentence 10 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The music has stopped, and heads peek over the backyard fence.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 700 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 700, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Layla approaches him. She hooks her arm through his. He allows her to take him inside. Iesha turns on

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 701 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 701, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 701, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 701, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 701, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

her heels and starts for her car. “Iesha, wait,” Daddy says.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 702 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 702, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 702, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Nothing to wait for.” She throws her door open. “You happy, Maverick? You and that trick you married finally turned my son against me. Can’t wait till King fuck y’all up for letting that girl snitch on him on TV.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 703 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 703, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 703, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 703, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 703, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 703, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My stomach clenches.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 704 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 704, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Tell him try it if he wants and see what happens!” says Daddy.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 705 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 705, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

It’s one thing to hear gossip that somebody plans to “fuck you up,” but it’s a whole different thing to hear it from somebody who would actually know.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 706 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 706, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

But I can’t worry about King right now. I have to go to my brother.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 707 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 707, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 707, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya’s at my side. We find him on the bottom of the staircase. He sobs like a baby. Layla rests her head on his shoulder.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 708 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 708, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 708, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 708, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 708, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seeing him cry like that . . . I wanna cry. “Seven?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 709 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 709, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 709, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 709, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 709, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 709, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

He looks up with red, puffy eyes that I’ve never seen on my brother before. Momma comes in. Layla gets up, and Momma takes her spot on the steps. “Come here, baby,” she says, and they somehow hug.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 710 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 710, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 710, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 710, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 710, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy touches my shoulder and Kenya’s. “Go outside, y’all.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 711 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 711, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 711, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya’s face is scrunched up like she’s gonna cry. I grab her arm and take her to the kitchen. She sits at the counter and buries her face in her hands. I climb onto the stool and don’t say anything. Sometimes it’s not necessary.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 712 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 712, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 712, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 712, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 712, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 712, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

After a few minutes, she says, “I’m sorry my daddy’s mad at you.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 713 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 713, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

This is the most awkward situation ever—my friend’s dad possibly wants to kill me. “Not your fault,” I mumble.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 714 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 714, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 714, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I understand why my brother didn’t invite my momma, but . . .” Her voice cracks. “She going through a lot, Starr. With him.” Kenya wipes her face on her arm. “I wish she’d leave him.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715 0
profile_photo
Nov 19
Julian S Julian S (Nov 19 2020 10:49PM) : Foreshadowing for when King gets arrested?
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 715, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Maybe she afraid to?” I say. “Look at me. I was afraid to speak out for Khalil, and you went off on me about it.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 716 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 716, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 716, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 716, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 716, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I didn’t go off.” “Yeah, you did.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 717 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 717, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 717, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Trust me, no, I didn’t. You’ll know when I go off on you.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 718 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 718, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 718, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Anyway! I know it’s not the same, but . . .” Good Lord, I never thought I’d say this. “I think I understand Iesha. It’s hard to stand up for yourself sometimes. She may need that push too.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 719, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“So you want me to go off on her? I can’t believe you think I went off on you. Sensitive ass.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 720 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 720, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 720, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 720, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

My mouth flies open. “You know what? I’m gonna let that slide. Nah, I ain’t say you need to go off on her, that would be stupid. Just . . .” I sigh. “I don’t know.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 721, Sentence 9 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I don’t either.” We go silent.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 722 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 722, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 722, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya wipes her face again. “I’m good.” She gets up. “I’m good.” “You sure?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 723 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 723, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 723, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 723, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 723, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 723, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Yes! Stop asking me that. C’mon, let’s go back out there and stop them from talking about my brother, ’cause you know they’re talking.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 724 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 724, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 724, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 724, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She heads for the door, but I say, “Our brother.” Kenya turns around. “What?”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 725 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 725, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 725, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 725, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Our brother. He’s mine too.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 726 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 726, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 726, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I didn’t say it in a mean way or even with an attitude, I swear. She doesn’t respond. Not even an “okay.” Not that I expected her to suddenly go, “Of course, he’s our brother, I’m extremely sorry for acting like he wasn’t yours too.” I hoped for something though.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 727 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 727, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 727, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 727, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 727, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 727, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Kenya goes outside.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 728 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 728, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven and Iesha unknowingly hit the pause button on the party. The music’s off, and Seven’s friends stand around, talking in hushed tones.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 729 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 729, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 729, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Chris and Maya walk up to me. “Is Seven okay?” Maya asks. “Who turned the music off?” I ask. Chris shrugs.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 730 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 730, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 730, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 730, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 730, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 730, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 730, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I pick up Daddy’s iPod from the patio table, our DJ for the afternoon that’s hooked up to the sound system. Scrolling through the playlist, I find this Kendrick Lamar song Seven played for me one day, right after Khalil died. Kendrick raps about how everything will be all right. Seven said it’s for both of us.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 731 0
profile_photo
Nov 18
Matthew Z Matthew Z (Nov 18 2020 5:10PM) : Flashback to what Seven did to help Starr out
profile_photo
Dec 14
Sandeep A Sandeep A (Dec 14 2020 12:54PM) : she is having flashbacks for what seven did to help her
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 731, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 731, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 731, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 731, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

I hit play and hope he hears it. It’s for Kenya too.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 732 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 732, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 732, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Midway through the song, Seven and Layla come back out. His eyes are puffy and pink but dry. He smiles at me a little and gives a quick nod. I return it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 733 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 733, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 733, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 733, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 733, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Momma leads Daddy outside. They’re both wearing cone-shaped birthday hats, and Daddy carries a huge sheet cake with candles lit on top of it.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 734 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 734, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 734, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Happy birthday to ya!” they sing, and Momma does this not-as-embarrassing shoulder bounce. “Happy birthday to ya! Happy birth-day!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 735 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 735, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 735, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 735, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven smiles from ear to ear. I turn the music down.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 736 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 736, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 736, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy sets the cake on the patio table, and everybody crowds around it and Seven. Our family, Kenya, DeVante, and Layla—basically, all the black people—sing the Stevie Wonder version of “Happy Birthday.” Maya seems to know it. A lot of Seven’s friends look lost. Chris does too. These cultural differences are crazy sometimes.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 737 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 737, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 737, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 737, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 737, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 737, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 737, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Nana takes the song way too far and hits notes that don’t need to be hit. Momma tells her, “The candles are about to go out, Momma!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 738 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 738, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 738, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

She’s so damn dramatic.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 739 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 739, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Seven leans down to blow the candles out, but Daddy says, “Wait! Man, you know you don’t blow no candles out till I say something.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 740 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 740, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 740, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“Aww, Pops!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 741 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 741, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“He can’t tell you what to do, Seven,” Sekani chirps. “You’re grown now!”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 742 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 742, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 742, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy shoots Sekani an up-and-down look. “Boy—” He turns to Seven. “I’m proud of you, man. Like I told you, I never got a diploma. A lot of young brothers don’t get theirs. And where we come from, a lot of them don’t make it to eighteen. Some do make it, but they’re messed up by the time they get there. Not you though. You’re going places, no doubt. I always knew that.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 7 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 8 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 9 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 743, Sentence 10 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“See, I believe in giving my kids names that mean something. Sekani, that means merriment and joy.” I snort. Sekani side-eyes me.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 744 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 744, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 744, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 744, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 744, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

“I named your sister Starr because she was my light in the darkness. Seven, that’s a holy number. The number of perfection. I ain’t saying you’re perfect, nobody is, but you’re the perfect gift God gave me. I love you, man. Happy birthday and congratulations.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 745 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 745, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 745, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 745, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 745, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 745, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 745, Sentence 6 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Daddy affectionately clasps Seven’s neck. Seven grins wider. “Love you too, Pops.”

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 746 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 746, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 746, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 746, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

The cake is one of Mrs. Rooks’s red velvets. Everybody goes on and on about how good it is. Uncle Carlos pigs out on at least three slices. There’s more dancing, laughing. All in all, it’s a good day.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 747 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 747, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 747, Sentence 2 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 747, Sentence 3 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 747, Sentence 4 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 747, Sentence 5 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

Good days don’t last forever though.

New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 748 0
No paragraph-level conversations. Start one.
New Thinking Partner Conversation New Conversation
Paragraph 748, Sentence 1 0
No sentence-level conversations. Start one.

DMU Timestamp: September 03, 2020 08:33

General Document Comments 0
New Thinking Partner Conversation Start a new Document-level conversation

Image
0 comments, 0 areas
add area
add comment
change display
Video
add comment

Quickstart: Commenting and Sharing

How to Comment
  • Click icons on the left to see existing comments.
  • Desktop/Laptop: double-click any text, highlight a section of an image, or add a comment while a video is playing to start a new conversation.
    Tablet/Phone: single click then click on the "Start One" link (look right or below).
  • Click "Reply" on a comment to join the conversation.
How to Share Documents
  1. "Upload" a new document.
  2. "Invite" others to it.

Logging in, please wait... Blue_on_grey_spinner