Chapter 4 Junoir High Lust

Grant Middle School,

1st Day of 8th Grade

Sade’s Point of View

The first day of eighth grade felt like stepping into a whole new world. The hallways were louder, the classes were bigger, and everything seemed to scream, “You’re almost in high school!” Sade walked through the bustling halls of Grant Middle School with Isla by her side, clutching her schedule.

“Switching classes, new teachers, and gym at the end of the day?” Sade thought, shaking her head. “Yeah, this is going to be a ride.”

At 13, Sade had grown into herself more. She wasn’t the shy kid she used to be. Her hair, now free of the braids and extensions she used to wear, was a crown of thick, springy curls her mom had finally taught her how to style. Her mom had also let her start wearing light makeup—just enough to bring out her eyes and add a little shine to her lips.

“Okay,” Isla said, pulling out her schedule as they walked. “Four classes together this year. That’s pretty good, right?”

Sade nodded. “Not bad. Except…” She leaned over to peek at Isla’s schedule again. “Looks like you got Crabby Patty for science again this year.”

Isla groaned. “Don’t remind me. She’s so mean and still annoying.”

“Speaking of annoying, I just saw Marco. Let’s just say he has changed,” Isla added with a roll of her eyes.

Sade laughed. “Maybe. But he’s definitely not the same scrawny kid from back in fifth grade.”

That much was true. Marco had gone through a growth spurt over the summer. He wasn’t the short, skinny kid he used to be. At 5’9” and 145 pounds, Marco was now taller than most of the guys in their grade. His hair had grown out into soft curls, and while Sade hated to admit it, he wasn’t as awkward-looking as before.

“Let’s just hope he’s less of a pain now,” Sade thought, though she wasn’t holding her breath.

By the time they reached gym class—the only class they shared with Marco—Sade felt more comfortable. The day had gone smoothly so far, and she was ready to breeze through the last period.

The locker room was loud with chatter as everyone changed into their gym uniforms. Sade pulled on her gym shirt and sighed. She wasn’t going to admit it out loud, but switching to middle school gym class had her feeling a little nervous.

“Girl,” Isla said, glancing over at Sade, “are your boobs ever going to stop growing?”

Sade froze for a second before laughing it off. “I don’t know! I’m already in a C-cup. Do you know how annoying that is? I can’t even wear some of my favorite shirts anymore!”

Isla laughed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Meanwhile, I’m over here looking like I just started fifth grade. Life ain’t fair.”

Sade walked over and gave Isla a playful nudge. “Stop. You’re perfect the way you are. And besides, you’ve got a face that can stop traffic.”

Isla gave a small smile, grateful for the encouragement. They headed out to the gym, ready for whatever activity was planned.

As they joined the other students, Sade spotted Marco jogging over. His smile was a little too confident, and before she knew it, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close.

“Yo, Sade,” he said, leaning in a little too close. “When you gon’ quit playin’ and let me be your man?”

Sade blinked, caught off guard for half a second, then pushed him back. “Boy, if you don’t back your thirsty ass up…

Marco’s grin didn’t fade. “We’ll see. You’ll come around, love.”

Sade planted her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes. “Keep dreaming, Marco. You’re not as smooth as you think.”

Isla burst out laughing as Marco shrugged and walked off to join his friends.

“That boy’s got nerve,” Sade muttered.

“Nerve and no shame,” Isla added, still laughing.

The gym teacher blew the whistle, calling the class to order. As the girls lined up, Sade couldn’t help but glance at Marco. At the same time, he glanced back at her and started making kissy lips, laughing with his friends. Sade overheard his friend Dre say, “Homie, she got some big ones.”

Next thing she knew, Marco punched Dre in the arm snapping back with, “Shut the fuck up, bro!”

Sade shook her head, rolling her eyes. He was still annoying, but at least he wasn’t pulling braids or popping straps anymore. He actually seemed more grown up.

“Eighth grade is already off to a wild start,” she thought, shaking her head with a grin.