Street Soldiers Read Online Free Page B

fool?” KJ asks, taking Misty by the arm like a pimp mad at his main chick.
    “KJ, I’m warning you. Let go,” Misty says, glaring at her boyfriend.
    This little scene between Misty and KJ is surprising to all of us, mostly KJ. He’s used to having Misty under his thumb and her loving it, but not anymore. Misty’s transformation from being the cute, around the way girl with a bit of Latin flavor to the dark, near-Goth chick she’s become is proving to be a bit much for the most popular basketball player at South Bay. I only dated KJ briefly, but I never thought he was capable of physical abuse.
    “What the hell’s going on over there?” Mickey asks, walking over to Maggie and I with Nellie by her side.
    I want to ask Mickey if she got my messages last night about her ex being arrested for murder, but I already know that she did. I’ll drill her about why she’s avoiding the topic later.
    I notice Nigel and Chase enter the campus through the parking gate barely on time, as usual. Nigel’s temporarily staying with Chase and they’re becoming more like brothers every day. Mickey glances in Nigel’s direction hoping for some sort of acknowledgement he’s softening from their argument at her and Nellie’s birthday celebration this past weekend, but it doesn’t look like he’s in a very forgiving mood.
    “KJ’s having a moment,” Maggie says. “Hasta luego, chica. And don’t forget I need my braids hooked up. Mario loves it when I wear my hair like yours,” Maggie says, touching my cornrows.
    “I got you.” I hug Maggie and decide it’s time for me to get to class as well, even if I don’t want to miss the drama. Lucky for me there’s always more right around the corner.
    “Or else what, Misty?” KJ says, tightening his grip. “Your little boy toy here’s going to kick my ass?” KJ says, causing his main homie, Money, and a newcomer to their athletic clique, Brandon, to laugh.
    “I don’t need Emilio to fight my battles for me, although he can,” Misty says, placing her free hand on her hip while popping her gum.
    Oh, no she didn’t. KJ looks like he’s about to blow a gasket he’s so pissed. It’s one thing to flirt with another dude in front of your man, but to shame him in the presence of the other dude and a crowd is crossing the line.
    “Misty, if you don’t stop hanging out with this square ass punk we’re over.” KJ tightens his grip on Misty who smiles wickedly at her man.
    I don’t know if the spell Misty put on KJ last year after he broke up with me and his ex crazy side chick, Trecee, is taking a turn for the worse, or if making him have a Chris Brown moment was all a part of the plan, but this isn’t a good look. Not that I care all that much about my ex, but it’s our senior year and KJ can’t afford any blemishes to his otherwise pristine school record. College recruiters look at the total package and he needs his to stay intact if he wants a full ride.
    “Damn, she looks like she’s about to get her ass beat,” Nellie says, as other students began to clear out in an effort to beat the late bell.
    I’m torn between intervening in what I know is none of my business and dealing with the wrath of Mrs. Bennett’s mouth if I’m late.
    “Good,” Mickey says, unsympathetically. “Some bitches need a good beat down to act right.” Mickey looks pleased at the demise of Misty’s relationship. We’re all surprised it lasted this long, but I don’t want anyone to get hurt over the shit.
    “Y’all are so wrong,” I say, shocked at my girls’ lack of compassion for another female. I don’t care what Misty’s done, there’s never a good excuse for a man to put his hands on a woman.
    “And so are you, always trying to save stray dogs. You need to let a bitch be, Jayd. Misty brought this on herself.” Mickey’s right—sort of—but I can’t stand here and watch this insanity continue.
    “KJ, let go of her arm,” I say, walking over to the scene of the