by L. Divine
Table of Contents
Copyright
Street Soldiers
Praise for Drama High
Other Titles in the Drama High Series
DEDICATION
* * *
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
THE CREW
Jayd’s Journal
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE: NO LOVE
CHAPTER TWO: NOT GUILTY
CHAPTER THREE: TOXIC
CHAPTER FOUR: PAPER
CHAPTER FIVE: THE WALKING DEAD
CHAPTER SIX: BLOOD TIES
CHAPTER SEVEN: DESPERATE MEASURES
CHAPTER EIGHT: IRREPLACEABLE
CHAPTER NINE: LETHAL WEAPON
CHAPTER TEN: YOU GOT ME
CHAPTER ELEVEN: HEAT
CHAPTER TWELVE: DEUCES
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: GOLDEN EYE
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: AT LAST
EPILOGUE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
* * *
Recommended Reading
START YOUR OWN BOOK CLUB
* * *
Drama High, volume 15, Street Soldiers
By L. Divine
Copyright 2012 by L. Divine
Cover Copyright 2012 by Ginny Glass and Untreed Reads Publishing
Cover Design by HotBookCovers.com
The author is hereby established as the sole holder of the copyright. Either the publisher (Untreed Reads) or author may enforce copyrights to the fullest extent.
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This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to the living or dead is entirely coincidental.
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Drama High, volume 15
Street Soldiers
By L. Divine
Praise for Drama High
“…Attributes the success of Drama High to its fast pace and to the commercial appeal of the
series’ strong-willed heroine, Jayd Jackson.”
—Publisher’s Weekly on the DRAMA HIGH series
“Abundant, Juicy drama.”
—Kirkus Reviews on DRAMA HIGH: HOLIDAZE
“The teen drama is center-court Compton, with enough plots and sub-plots to fill a few episodes of any reality show.”
—Ebony magazine on DRAMA HIGH: COURTIN’ JAYD
“You’ll definitely feel for Jayd Jackson, the bold sixteen-year-old Compton, California, junior at the center of keep-it-real Drama High stories.”
—Essence Magazine on DRAMA HIGH: JAYD’S LEGACY
“Our teens love urban fiction, including L. Divine’s Drama High series.”
—School Library Journal on the DRAMA HIGH series
“This book will have you intrigued, and will keep you turning the pages. L. Divine does it again and keeps you wanting to read more and more.”
—Written Magazine on DRAMA HIGH: COURTIN’ JAYD
“Edged with comedy…a provoking street-savvy plot line, Compton native and Drama High author L. Divine writes a fascinating story capturing the voice of young black America.”
—The Cincinnati Herald on the DRAMA HIGH series
“Young love, non-stop drama and a taste of the supernatural, it is sure to please.”
—THE RAWSISTAZ REVIEWERS on DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT
“Through a healthy mix of book smarts, life experiences, and down-to-earth flavor, L. Divine has crafted a well-nuanced coming of age tale for African-American youth.”
—The Atlanta Voice on DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT
“If you grew up on a steady diet of saccharine-Sweet Valley novels and think there aren’t enough books specifically for African American teens, you’re in luck.”
—Prince George’s Sentinel on DRAMA HIGH: THE FIGHT
Other Titles in the Drama High Series
The Fight
Second Chance
Jayd’s Legacy
Frenemies
Lady J
Courtin’ Jayd
Hustlin’
Keep It Movin’
Holidaze
Culture Clash
Cold As Ice
Pushin’
The Meltdown
So, So Hood
DEDICATION
To Trayvon Martin. May your soul rest in power.
* * *
When I first started writing Drama High it was all about Jayd, her crew, and how I could get their stories out to you. It was also about me, my students, and the drama that seems to carry over from one generation to the next. I love Drama High, probably more than I love any of my other projects (yes, I do write other stuff). And because of my affinity for Jayd’s drama, I will always be emotionally attached to this series.
When life goes awry I want to curl up in my bed, pull the covers over my head and drown out the rest of the world. But I can’t—at least not for too long. Not only because my children need to eat, but also because my readers get hungry, too. Borrowing from the wise words of the late Steve Jobs, I stay hungry and just foolish enough to keep on writing. I do it because of the sheer joy it brings me to know that my readers are feeling my words. I do it because as I’ve said many times before, as long as you keep reading I will keep writing. I won’t stop until the forty-fourth volume of Drama High is published.
In order to keep the series moving, you—the readers—must continue to voice your desires and support Jayd’s drama. This is the Harry Potter of the streets. This is the Gossip Girls of the hood. This is your Drama High.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thank you to my parents, Dorothy Haskin and Claiborne Logan, who have supported me and my children through this year-plus of not publishing. It’s been rough, but my mama and daddy have seen us through with their undying emotional, spiritual and financial support. I know it’s sometimes exhausting having an artist as a daughter, but you both keep the prayers coming and I am so grateful that God listens to your words.
A very special thank you to Mama Ingrid and Mrs. Fatimah for being a part of our village. And to my colleague, R. M. Johnson for giving me the push I needed to continue doing what I love. Thank you for your wise and timely inspiration.
THE CREW
Jayd
The voice of the series, Jayd Jackson is a sassy seventeen year old high school senior from Compton, California who comes from a long line of Louisiana conjure women. The only girl in her lineage born with brown eyes and a caul, her grandmother appropriately named her “Jayd”, which is also the name her grandmother took on in her days as a Voodoo queen in New Orleans. She lived with her grandparents, four uncles and her cousin, Jay and visited her mother on the weekends until her junior year, when she moved in with her mother permanently. Jayd’s in all AP classes at South Bay High—a.k.a. Drama High—as well as the president and founder of the African Student Union, an active member of the Drama Club, and she’s also on the Speech and Debate team. Jayd has a tense relationship with her father, who she sees occasionally, and has never-ending drama in her life whether at school or at home.
Mama/Lynn Mae Williams
When Jayd gets in over her head, her grandmother, Mama, is always there to help. A full-time conjure woman with a long list of both clients and haters, Mama also serves as Jayd’s teacher, confidante and protector. With magical green eyes as well as many other tricks up her sleev
e, Mama helps Jayd through the seemingly never-ending drama of teenage life.
Mom/Lynn Marie Williams
This sassy thirty-something year old would never be mistaken for a mother of a teenager. But Jayd’s mom is definitely all that. And with her fierce green eyes, she keeps the men guessing. Able to talk to Jayd telepathically, Lynn Marie is always there when Jayd needs her, even when they’re miles apart.
Esmeralda
Mama’s nemesis and Jayd’s nightmare, this next-door neighbor is anything but friendly. Esmeralda relocated to Compton from Louisiana around the same time Mama did and has been a thorn in Mama’s side ever since. She continuously causes trouble for Mama and Jayd, interfering with Jayd’s school life through Misty, Mrs. Bennett and Jeremy’s mom. Esmeralda has cold blue eyes with powers of their own, although not nearly as powerful as Mama’s.
Misty
The original phrase “frenemies” was coined for this former best friend of Jayd’s. Misty has made it her mission to sabotage Jayd any way she can. Now living with Esmeralda, she has the unique advantage of being an original hater from the neighborhood and at school. As a godchild of Mama’s nemesis, Misty’s own mystical powers have been growing stronger, causing more problems for Jayd.
Emilio
Since transferring from Venezuela, Emilio’s been on Jayd’s last nerve. Now a chosen godson of Esmeralda’s and her new spiritual partner, Hector, Emilio has teamed up with Misty and aims to make life very difficult for Jayd.
Rah
Rah is Jayd’s first love from junior high school who has come back into her life when a mutual friend, Nigel, transfers from Rah’s high school (Westingle) to South Bay High. He knows everything about Jayd and has always been her spiritual confidante. Rah lives in Los Angeles but grew up with his grandparents in Compton like Jayd. He loves Jayd fiercely but has a girlfriend who refuses to go away (Trish) and a baby-mama (Sandy) that has it out for Jayd. Rah’s a hustler by necessity and a music producer by talent. He takes care of his younger brother, Kamal and holds the house down while his dad is locked-up in Atlanta and his mother strips at a local club.
KJ
KJ’s the most popular basketball player on campus and also Jayd’s ex-boyfriend and Misty’s current boyfriend. Ever since he and Jayd broke up because Jayd refused to have sex with him, he’s made it his personal mission to annoy her anyway he can.
Nellie
One of Jayd’s best friends, Nellie is the prissy-princess of the crew. She used to date Chance, even if it’s Nigel she’s really feeling. Nellie made history at South Bay High by becoming the first Black Homecoming princess ever and has let the crown literally go to her head. Always one foot in and one foot out of Jayd’s crew, Nellie’s obsession with being part of the mean girl’s crew may end her true friendships for good if she’s not careful.
Mickey
Mickey’s the gangster girl of Jayd’s small crew. She and Nellie are best friends but often at odds with one another, mostly because Nellie secretly wishes she could be more like Mickey. A true hood girl, Mickey loves being from Compton and her on again/off again man, G, is a true gangster, solidifying her love for her hood. She has a daughter, Nickey Shantae, and Jayd’s the godmother of this spiritual baby. Mickey’s current boyfriend, Nigel, has taken on the responsibility of being the baby’s father even though Mickey was pregnant with Nickey before they hooked up.
Jeremy
A first for Jayd, Jeremy is her white, half-Jewish on again/off again boyfriend who also happens to be the most popular cat at South Bay High. Rich, tall and extremely handsome, Jeremy’s witty personality and good conversation keeps Jayd on her toes and gives Rah a run for his money—literally.
G/Mickey’s Man
Rarely using his birth name, Mickey’s original boyfriend is a troublemaker and hot on Mickey’s trail. Always in and out of jail, Mickey’s man is notorious in their hood for being a cold-hearted gangster and loves to be in control. He also has a thing for Jayd who can’t stand to be anywhere near him.
Nigel
The star-quarterback at South Bay High, Nigel’s a friend of Jayd’s from junior high school and also Rah’s best friend, making Jayd’s world even smaller. Nigel’s the son of a former NBA player who dumped his ex-girlfriend at Westingle (Tasha) to be with Mickey. Jayd’s caught up in the mix as both of their friends, but her loyalty lies with Nigel because she’s known him longer and he’s always had her back. He knows a little about her spiritual lineage, but not nearly as much as Rah.
Chase (a.k.a. Chance)
The rich, white hip-hop kid of the crew, Chase is Jayd’s drama homie and Nellie’s ex-boyfriend. The fact that he felt for Jayd when she first arrived at South Bay High creates unwarranted tension between Nellie and Jayd. Chase recently discovered he’s adopted, and that his birth mother was half-black—a dream come true for Chase.
Cameron
The new queen of the rich mean girl crew, this chick has it bad for Jeremy and will stop at nothing until Jayd’s completely out of the picture. Armed with the money and power to make all of her wishes come true, Cameron has major plans to cause Jayd’s senior year to be more difficult than need be. But little does she know that Jayd has a few plans of her own and isn’t going away so easily.
Keenan
This young brotha is the epitome of an intelligent, athletic, hardworking black man. A football player on scholarship at UCLA and Jayd’s new coffee shop buddy, he’s quickly winning Jayd over, much to the disliking of her mother and grandmother. Although she tries to avoid it, Jayd’s attraction to Keenan is growing stronger and he doesn’t seem to mind at all.
Bryan
The youngest of Mama’s children and Jayd’s favorite uncle, Bryan is a deejay by night and works at the local grocery store during the day. He’s also an acquaintance of both Rah and KJ from playing ball around the neighborhood. Bryan often gives Jayd helpful advice about her problems with boys and hating girls. He always has her back, and out of all of her uncles gives her grandparents the least amount of trouble.
Jay
Jay is more like an older brother to Jayd than her cousin. He lives with Mama and Daddy, but his mother (Mama’s youngest daughter, Anne) left him when he was a baby and never returned. Jay doesn’t know his father and attended Compton High School before receiving his GED this past school year. He and Jayd often cook together and help Mama around the house.
Jayd’s Journal
It all feels like a dream, but I know I’m standing in front of my grandparent’s house staring at the gruesome scene. I can still hear Pam’s raggedy sandals click-clackin’ up the block asking for Mama in her quiet, raspy voice. Mama says we have to dedicate three shrines to Pam and feed them daily for the next forty days. She also says that Pam’s soul will not rest until her true murderer is brought to justice, but I don’t think that’s true. I believe it’s Mama’s soul that won’t rest until we catch whoever—or whatever—committed this heinous act. Granted, Esmeralda most likely put one of her loyal legion members up to it, but her hands are just as dirty as if she held the murder weapon herself. Either way I know it wasn’t Mickey’s ex no matter what the police think.
I’m no fan of helping Mickey’s former man, especially after all the hell’s he’s caused, but I can’t let the wrong person go to prison. I know once the shock of the gruesome murder is numbed a bit Mama will focus on bringing Pam’s killer to justice, come hell or high water. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later because the cops don’t look interested in pursuing any other leads. I’m sure they have their reasons for wanting dude off the street, as do we all. But we have to put the right person away for this, if for no other reason than because Esmeralda’s power grows stronger every minute she thinks she’s gotten away with murder.
Esmeralda’s brood has been very quiet next door since the cops started questioning Mickey’s ex about his whereabouts this evening, waiting like the rest of us to see what’ll happen next. There’s apparently some link between he and Pam that I’m
not aware of. More than likely she was his client at one time. I don’t know what he sells, but I know it’s more than weed—whatever Pam was on the last time I saw her was the highest I’ve ever seen her. She never looked good, but she looked worse than usual, almost as if she were slowly becoming vacant inside.
Mama could always find the soul behind the addict Pam had become, which is why Mama’s taking her death so hard. No doubt Esmeralda knew that and used it to her advantage, adding the personal touch of having Pam slaughtered in our driveway. Earlier, when I was literally running away from Esmeralda’s canine beasts for my life, she said she had a gift for the queen—a sacrifice were her exact words. What better way to get Mama’s attention than to kill one of her own godchildren? I hope Esmeralda enjoys her victory while it last because as with all things this, too, shall fall apart.
PROLOGUE
The south side of Gunlock is the only street in our neighborhood that bends at the corner on the east side, while the shorter of the two sides stops before the bend. Mama and Netta gave a white, seven-day candle with a small amount of palm oil and a penny on top to each neighbor. The entire block is softened by the soft glow from the dancing flames and the flashing lights from the squad car.
Pam’s only been dead a few hours and already the police are convinced they have the only suspect in custody. What happened to in-depth investigations like on Law and Order? Where’s the forensics team, or at least a cop with a fingerprint duster—something? What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
“Sir, I’m going to need you to put your hands above your head and assume the position,” the black officer says.
Mickey’s ex looks truly shocked that he’s being arrested for this crime. I wouldn’t call him innocent, but he certainly didn’t slice Pam up.
“For what? I didn’t do shit,” Mickey’s ex says, but the cops aren’t buying it.