The Project

Brooklyn

A nerd, a misfit, a princess, a jock, the mysterious, and the outcast. All of us in an all white school. It all starts in History class. For me, in the only mix here. I'm white and Hispanic. I don't really pay attention to other people, or even friends during class time. Mr. Arnold Partners is all up into big groups. "First group, Brooklyn, Nate," Oh god, Nate? "Xavier, Zayne, and Alice." Mr Avery finishes. We all exchange the look on our face saying: Why us? Why ME?

We all meet at the library. Let's catch up first.

Nate Miller, A boy who's on probation for dealing drugs, I've known him since elementary. He deals drugs, sure. But he doesn't USE them. In elementary he used to try and piss me off, but it never worked. Zayne Hallaway and Alice St.Clair, Schools perfect people and perfect couple. Prince and princess. Xavier Goldstien, very mysterious. He always looks like he could pull out a gun any moment, always with a mask and glasses on. Then there's me, Brooklyn Navarro. The perfect girl next door, perfect family, perfect grades. The schools do-gooder. Not one mistake.

Ok, back to the project.

Nate

We all meet each other at the library after school. Everyone gets there at the same time. "So is everyone here?" Brooklyn asks. "Isn't there supposed to be one more chick?" I ask. Brooklyn gives me a cold stare. I remember in fifth grade, she had this special pencil she liked. I stole it to make her have a late start on the test. She didn't care and found a pink pencil on the floor, and used it. It wasn't dirty, it was in fact clean for her to make it useful.

"Yes, Her name is Mina Nguyen." Brooklyn says. "Well that doesn't sound like any white last name." Zayne mentions. "Who knows, maybe Brooklyn won't be the only non white person." I say, taking a seat at one of the big tables. Everyone else takes a seat. I'm in the middle of Brooklyn, sadly, and Xavier. Next to Xavier is the couple, and then one empty seat. Someone comes in and sits down. "Who are you?" Brooklyn asks. "I'm Mina." She introduces. "You don't look white..." Brooklyn says. "Brook." Xavier says. "Oh, it's cause I'm not." Mina smiles, trying to be polite as a first impression. Very preposterous...

"Then what are you?"

"Brooklyn. Stop." Xavier restrains her from asking something else.

"Sorry, I don't know anyone here but Nate." Mina mumbles. "You know Nate?" Brooklyn looks to me. "Middle school. Why, you jealous?" I grin at her.

"No, I just never knew other people would talk to people with a criminal record." She says.

I give her a stare, almost squinting my eyes at her. She can be very provoking.

"What's your name?" Mina asks Xavier. Rookie mistake right there. I'm surprised he hasn't snapped yet. "I'm bored, Zayne let's go." Alice says. Usually meaning to make out in a corner of the library. "Where are you going?" Brooklyn stands up. "None of your business." Zayne says. Pretty harsh for a girl like Brook. Brooklyn takes a seat. I run my hand through my hair and yawn. "Why do you wanna know my name? I'd rather not socialize with people like you." Xavier says.

I spoke too soon

"Xavier, chill a bit, let's just work on the project please?" Brooklyn asks. Mina sits there and just watches. Very Timorous.

"Why, Brooklyn? So you can bring your mommy a good grade? Face it. We all know you cheat on all your tests." Xavier snaps. He grabs his bag and storms out. I turn to every corner and don't see the couple anymore. Not even Mina, she's one sly girl isn't she. "I guess it's just us now." I say.

"You can go," she sounds flustered. "I'll just do all the work." And I can't stop looking at her lips.

"Fine." I groan. "I'll help you." I turn to a half grin.

We finish after an hour later researching. We stand at the street in front of the exit of our school as we wait for her ride. I have my own motorcycle so I'm just waiting with her. "Thanks for helping Nate, I appreciate it." She smiles at me. I look at her and then to the the ground. Fiddling with my phone. "It's nothing. You owe me." I say. "Definitely." She says. A white Mercedes-Benz pulls up into the schools driveway. "Bye Nate." She waves. I wave at her as she takes off.