The Most Beautiful Bully (Summit Middle School)
Page 6
The girls would fantasize about what life would be like if they were able to make their own decisions. They couldn’t wait to turn eighteen. They both agreed they would go to the same college. They would always be there for each other, no matter what. High school graduation was many years away. So for now, they just had to deal with their father’s rules.
Mai studied the massive school hallway as she headed to her locker. She searched for her friends but couldn’t find them. She was disappointed. She was looking forward to the moment when they would reunite.
She was about to give up. Go to class. Then she saw a mane of curly red hair coming her way. Emma. It couldn’t be anyone else. Emma’s face lit up when she spotted her friend. Carson was at Emma’s side, waving like crazy. Mai smiled.
“There’s Mai!” Emma yelled. They were an unlikely trio. But maybe that’s why they clicked. Mai, with her exotic features and long black hair. Carson, with her natural hair, twisting and turning into a regal African updo. And Emma, with a mass of dancing curls framing her face. They were very different. But they were drawn together by the knowledge that they were meant to be best friends.
Carson and Emma wore their feelings out in the open. First they hugged Mai. Then they blew air kisses. For Mai this was a first. Emotions were not meant for public display according to her father. His face was always unreadable. In public or private.
No way would Mai ever give up her girls. This was the first time a classmate had missed her. The first time anybody searched for her after a long break. And the first time she felt like she was actually a part of Summit Middle School. She needed it. Like air. She truly needed their love and friendship.
About the Author
Shannon Freeman
Born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, Shannon Freeman is an English teacher in her hometown. As a full-time teacher, Freeman stays close to topics that are relevant to today’s teenagers.
Entertaining others has always been a strong desire for the author. Living in California for nearly a decade, Freeman enjoyed working in the entertainment industry, appearing on shows like Worst-Case Scenario, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and numerous others. She also worked in radio and traveled extensively as a product specialist for the Auto Show of North America. These life experiences, plus the friendships she made along the way, have inspired her to create realistic characters that jump off the page.
Today she enjoys a life filled with family. She and her husband, Derrick, have four beautiful children: Kaymon, Kingston, Addyson, and Brance. Their days are full of family-packed events. They also regularly volunteer in their community.
Freeman’s debut series, Port City High, is geared to high-school readers. When asked to write for middle school students, she knew it would be a challenge, but one that she was up for. Summit Middle School is the author’s second series. She hopes these stories will reach students from many different backgrounds. “It is definitely a series where middle-grade students can read about realistic life experiences involving characters just like them. Middle school can be a challenge, and if I can help students navigate through that world, then I have met my goal.”
Freeman loves writing a series that her children and numerous nephews and nieces can enjoy.