by L. Divine
Advance Praise for L. Divine and the DRAMA HIGH Series
“Move over Sweet Valley High and Gossip Girls. Drama High has it all—cute boys, backstabbers, and a smart, tough-as-nails heroine that all girls can look up to. Drama High is fun, fast and highly addictive. L. Divine writes authentic, compelling fiction. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop. L. Divine creates a strong, inspiring heroine in Jayd, whose life is anything but simple. Drama High offers a rare mix of compelling, authentic and fast-paced storytelling.”
—Cara Lockwood, bestselling author of I Do (But I Don’t) and Wuthering High: A Bard Academy Novel
“Following Jayd was so exciting. She was such a true, down-to-earth person. In many of the scenes I found a little of myself in Jayd. The drama she stayed in led to so much anticipation that it was hard to put the book down. This was a great start for the Drama High series.”
—Ashley Freeman, Tucker High School, Tucker, Georgia
“When I was reading the book I didn’t expect some of the things to happen that did. That’s why I really liked it. I’m waiting for the other book to come, so I can see what happens next. I really liked this book because nowadays girls think that you have to give your body to keep the boy, and that really isn’t true and this book is an example. More girls need to read this book. L. Divine did a great job. Keep up the good work.”
—Bianca Edwards, age 17, Glen Burnie, Maryland
“With such limited options for African American teenagers, Drama High: The Fight is a refreshing addition to teenage fiction. L. Divine did a wonderful job capturing the true essence of real teenagers and their life experiences. I read the book in two days. Can’t wait to share this new series with the many teens I know who are seeking age-appropriate reading material.”
—Lisa R. Johnson, Sistahs On the Reading Edge Book Club
“L. Divine is a brilliant author. Her novel Drama High captures the imagination and keeps the reader wanting to turn the page to see what happens next.”
—Candice Sewell, age 12, South Holland, Illinois
“L. Divine’s novel Drama High: The Fight was awesome. Drama High is just like most of the schools everywhere. Every school has characters just like South Bay High a.k.a. Drama High. For instance Jayd, the chill-and-laid-back chick that has no problem saying what she feels; Misty, the school’s yap mouth and drama maker; and KJ the school’s hottie and athlete that everyone wants to be with.
When I continued reading the book I realized that Drama High is a lot like my school. They both have so much in common. From the Caucasian population and even down to the “imma-whoop-your-butt-for-messing-with-my-man” scenario. That’s why every girl should read this book. So that they can put themselves in Jayd’s position and learn how to take the mature and reasonable way out of any situation, physical or verbal. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Drama High: The Fight. I can’t wait to read the next two novels.”
—Tirsheia Spriggs, age 15, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Drama High, Vol. 3
JAYD’S LEGACY
L. Divine
Dafina Books for Young Readers
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
Table of Contents
Advance Praise for L. Divine and the DRAMA HIGH Series
Title Page
Dedication
Prologue
1 - New Territory
2 - Process of Elimination
3 - Damage Control
4 - The Brothas at Westingle
5 - Endgame
6 - Reality Sucks
7 - Misery Loves Company
8 - A History of Hatin’
9 - A Slice of Beef
10 - Solo
11 - Visible Evidence
12 - Whose House
13 - Hate Mail
14 - Mama’s Magic
15 - Coming Home
16 - One Two Step
17 - Social Session
18 - Boy Friends
Epilogue
Drama High, Volume 3: JAYD’S LEGACY
Teaser chapter
START YOUR OWN BOOK CLUB
Copyright Page
Dedication
To my Ori; my grandmother Dorothy Jean; my mother, Dorothy Lynette; my Yeye, Iya Songo Eniola Kalimara, Sharron Robinson, Enola Gay, Omidayo Rochelle, Sheila Hite, Jane Demian, Sheila Rollins, Lana Brown, Theresa Ross, Mrs. Kirkwood, Mrs. Moore, Natam Laurent, Grace Hall, Toni Crowe, Khisna Griffin, Valerie Roane, and to all of the other powerful women’s legacies in the making. Keep on keeping on....
Prologue
The smell of freshly cut grass permeates the crisp night air. The crowd is cheering loudly and my heart’s beating fast. I don’t know why, but I feel like something’s about to go down.
As I get up from the bleachers and start walking toward the football field, the coronation has already begun. The parade of fancy cars starts to cross the football field, each carrying candidates for homecoming queen and princess. Nellie’s sitting in the passenger side of Chance’s classic Chevy Nova, looking like a queen with the Drama Club’s other candidates seated in the back. As the cars stop in the center of the field, Nellie’s car is second in line and very close to the people in the bleachers.
I come down the bleachers as quickly as I can, trying to reach Nellie and Chance. But it seems with every step I take I’m farther and farther away from the scene.
As Chance gets out of his car to let the ladies out, three people in hooded jackets rush the football field, causing a stir. As Nellie steps out of the car, three people step out from under the bleachers and take out what appear to be big water guns from underneath their jackets and attack Nellie at full force. It turns out that they’re not water guns but paintball guns. Chance, trying to protect Nellie, leaps in front of her but gets taken out by the gunman instead.
“Jayd,” Bryan says, peeking his head through the bedroom door. “Get up or you’re going to miss your bus, sleeping ugly,” he says before slinking back to the bathroom, leaving me to worry about my dream. I hope I’m way off on this one because Nellie’s too excited about being the first Black homecoming princess for South Bay High.
“Did you hear your uncle? Get up, girl,” Mama says. I jump at the sound of her voice.
“Alright, Mama, I’m up,” I say, stumbling out of my bed toward the door. Bryan has been picking up early shifts to make more money. I hate when he beats me to the bathroom. It’s never a good start to my morning.
“Don’t forget about your homework for me, it’s due tonight, Jayd. I’ll be waiting for you when you get home,” Mama says from beneath the covers.
“OK, Mama. I’ll see you when I get home,” I say. As I head into Daddy’s room to retrieve my morning necessities, Bryan opens the bathroom door and cuts in front of me.
“Excuse me,” he says, practically pushing me out of his way.
“It’s a little late for that now,” I say, referring to the stench he’s left for me in the bathroom.
“Just thought I’d freshen it up for you before your morning shower, Queen Jayd,” he says, reaching up to the top bunk where he sleeps and grabbing his deodorant from under the pillow.
“Next time please don’t do me any favors,” I say as I locate my toiletries in one of my oversize Hefty garbage bags in the cramped closet, before leaving Bryan to his morning routine. I don’t have time to deal with his bull today. After Jeremy dropped me off at the bus stop last night, he made a point to tell me that from now on he would be picking me up from the bus stop in the mornings when I reach South Bay. I want to look extra cute this morning, being that it’s our first official day as a couple at Drama High. I’ll worry
about Nellie later. As with all my dreams, it’ll come to pass one way or another. I just hope I can learn to control them sooner than later with Mama’s guidance. Until then, I’m just going to go with the flow and enjoy my man and my friend’s turn at catching a little drama of her own.
1
New Territory
“In the middle of the madness/ Hold on.”
—SADE
I love Jeremy’s new habit of picking me up at the bus stop by school every morning. Last night while driving me back to Mama’s, he insisted on starting this morning and I don’t mind at all. It’ll give my feet a well-deserved rest and keeps me from dealing with the uncomfortable stares of the neighbors. It also gives me a few private moments with my baby before the impending drama of the days begins. After last night’s dream, I can only imagine what’s coming our way.
“Nellie doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into,” Jeremy says, practically shouting over the loud music as we slowly cruise toward campus.
“I know. I told her to be careful. These folks around here will smile in your face and be all happy for her publicly. But, when the shit hits the fan, they’ll scatter like roaches,” I say, recalling my personal moment of betrayal when I first joined the Associated Student Body.
“Ooh. Sounds like a sore spot. I’m intrigued,” Jeremy says. The base from Jeremy’s car is so smooth, the people walking around outside with their spoiled dogs can’t even complain about the loud reggae bumping from his speakers. He turns down the volume slightly, ready for my story. I readjust myself, straightening out my red Apple Bottom cuffed Capri jeans and matching red shirt as I turn to face him.
“It’s not funny,” I say, playfully socking him on the arm. “It was a very painful experience, having the entire Associated Student Body ostracize me for speaking up against the favoritism the cheerleaders, athletes, and ASB members receive during the monthly student senate meeting.” Almost veering off the road, Jeremy looks at me, shocked.
“When did this happen?!” he exclaims, almost laughing. I’m not surprised he doesn’t know. Mickey and Nellie wouldn’t have known about it either if they weren’t my friends. The athletes and cheerleaders are a tight-lipped clique, even when they’re hating. I guess it’s bad for their rep if they air their dirty laundry around school.
“Last spring. And, it’s not funny,” I say, again socking him in the arm, this time a little harder. “I was really hurt when they all turned on me.”
“I’m sorry I laughed. It’s just I don’t understand why you would join an organization and then speak out about the perks, especially during a meeting where the principal and teacher sponsor are present. But, I’ve got to give it to you, baby. You’ve got guts. So, then what happened?” Jeremy asks as he slows down in front of the main parking lot, really interested in my story.
“I resigned and joined the Drama Club,” I say. “I was already enrolled in the class and played Lady Macbeth in the drama festival. So, I already knew everyone.”
“It just goes to show you how ridiculous these people are up here. Nellie doesn’t even know what she’s getting herself into, especially running against ASB.”
“I’m with you one hundred percent, baby. I know how these cliques up here work and I’d never run for anything just because I know how vicious they can get,” Jeremy says as we join the long line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot. The first bell hasn’t rung yet and students are already hanging out all over the place.
“Has she ever run for anything before?”
“Not that I know of,” I say, not really sure. She went to another high school for freshman year, just like me and Mickey. So, I don’t know much about her life before South Bay High.
“Well, the competition ain’t pretty. During homecoming week, the opposition can be very dirty,” Jeremy says, finally pulling into a parking spot and barely missing a squirrel.
“Jeremy, did you see that poor squirrel?” I ask, reaching into the backseat for our backpacks.
“Poor squirrel? You mean that oversize, rabies-infected rat?” he says, grinning at my sensitivity toward small animals. I can’t even stand to kill a roach, let alone a small animal. It gives me the creeps.
“Well I’m just a damn riot to you this morning, ain’t I?” I ask, stepping out of his ride. As if I hadn’t said a word, Jeremy takes my hand and backpack in one quick motion.
“Did I mention how good you look in those jeans?” he asks, eyeing my goodies like he wants to take a bite right now.
“No, you didn’t. But, I can tell by the look on your face you meant to.” And, he’s right. These are my favorite pair of jeans. They fit perfectly and feel good, just like the two of us together.
“Not that I need to remind you, but you always look good, girl. I’m glad you stopped being so stubborn and decided to take me up on my offer,” Jeremy says, slipping his arms around my waist and pinning me up against his Mustang. He kisses me softly and makes me forget all about the squirrel. I could stay here all day, but the school day calls.
“Come on, Jeremy,” I mutter in between pecks. “I have to catch up with my girls before the bell rings.”
“OK, just one more kiss,” he says, pulling me in closer. I wish we could ditch class. His kisses are so worth the unexcused absence in Spanish.
“OK, you two. Break it up,” Chance shouts from the top of the stairs leading from the parking lot to campus, completely ruining our flow. “There are young, impressionable minds here. Keep it moving,” he says, gesturing his arms like a traffic control officer, drawing even more attention from the nosy onlookers all around.
“Don’t you have other happy couples to harass?” Jeremy asks, wrapping his right arm around my shoulders and leading me toward campus.
“Yeah, Chance. Can’t you see we’re busy?” I ask.
“Jayd, you’re never too busy for your boy,” Chance says, kissing me on the cheek and falling into step with me and Jeremy while the other students rush past. “And, did I hear you say couple?” he asks.
“Yes, which means no more free kisses,” Jeremy says, pulling me slightly away from Chance.
“Hey, just because you’re my man don’t mean my cheeks, or any other part of my body for that matter, belong to you,” I retort, as sassy as ever. I do like Jeremy’s newfound possessiveness. It’s kind of sexy, as long as he doesn’t get too carried away.
“Hey, dude,” Matt says as he and Seth walk up to us. “Chance, Jayd.”
“What’s up, dude,” Chance says, giving Matt and Seth dap.
“Well, don’t you two make a picture-perfect couple?” Seth says as Jeremy and I stop and lean up against the bicycle racks next to the science building.
“How’s Nellie handling the nomination?” Matt asks.
“I think she’ll be fine,” Chance says, looking around the buzzing campus. “Do you know if she’s here yet?” he asks, taking his cell phone out of his pocket and flipping it open to check the time.
“No, but I’m about to find out,” I say. “I have to get to my locker before the bell rings. I’m sure I’ll catch up with her then,” I say, reluctantly rising from my comfortable position next to Jeremy.
“Could you please tell her we need to talk?” Chance says. “She needs to know how to handle the nomination, know what I mean?”
“Yeah. Tell her we’ve got her back if any shit goes down,” Matt says.
“Yeah, I can’t wait until Reid gets wind of our nomination. He’s going to be so pissed,” Seth says, looking like he’s been waiting for this moment all his life.
“Why did y’all nominate Nellie?” I ask. I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m hating because I’m not. Why they’re now her personal cheerleaders is what I don’t get.
“Honestly, Jayd, we think she can win. She has that princess quality about her that gives her the competitive edge necessary for full domination,” Matt says. It sounds like he gave this a lot of thought.
“And also, she’s just enough of a bitch to instil
l fear in all the other candidates, which is exactly what we need to win,” Seth adds.
“Don’t be calling my woman a bitch,” Chance says, punching Seth in the chest. I knew he had a thing for Nellie.
“Your woman? Did I miss something?” Matt says.
“Nah, you didn’t miss nothing. My boy’s just got it bad for Nellie and she could care less,” Jeremy says, rising from his spot on the bike rack to walk me to my locker.
“I’ll relay all the messages,” I say, instinctively taking Jeremy’s hand and leading him up the walkway toward the Main Hall.
“I’ll catch up with y’all later,” Jeremy says, leaving his crew behind.
“Later, you two,” Chance says. “And, tell Nellie if she needs anything at all, hit me up.” Poor Chance. He’s picked the wrong Black girl to have a crush on. Although, I think it would be cute if he and Nellie became a couple. Then, we could all hang out together and start our own crew. But, I’m sure Mickey would have a serious problem with that. She’s already not feeling hangin’ out with the White side of campus. If Nellie crossed over, she’d be liable to leave us both behind.
When we reach my locker, Nellie and Mickey are already there waiting for me to arrive.
“Hey, girl. What took y’all so long? The bell’s about to ring and we haven’t even had a chance to catch up,” Nellie says, reaching out to give me a hug.
“Sorry. It was my fault. We ran into my friends, a.k.a. your fan club,” Jeremy says.
“Her fan club? What are you talking about?” Mickey asks. She’s already on the phone with her man, I assume, and I’m sure they just saw each other. He comes to her house every morning before he goes to work, bringing her fresh doughnuts from Randy’s Doughnut Shop. They are too cute.