Chapter 1
Prequel to Residuals...
Detroit, MI:
Monica stood in front of the bathroom mirror, her fingers working quickly to pull her hair into a tight ponytail. The reflection staring back at her was one she had grown to recognize, a girl caught between the expectations of her family and the truth of who she really was. She forced a smile, trying to convince herself that today would be different, that maybe today she could forget about the argument that had transpired over the summer. She had been forced to stay in the house and away from the person she wanted to be around, the person that gave her happiness and the courage to be herself.
“Monica!” her mother’s voice cut through the air like a knife. “Get down here! We need to talk about your behavior!”
With a heavy sigh, Monica abandoned her hair and stepped out of the bathroom, knowing all too well what awaited her downstairs. Her parents were already in the kitchen, their expressions stern. The aroma of burnt toast filled the air, but it barely registered as she braced herself for the storm.
“Do you think this is a joke?” her father boomed, his voice reverberating off the walls. “If you go to this school, and think it’s okay to walk around liking girls or whatever it is you call yourself doing that’s it. Get your shit together or else.”
Monica felt her heart race, a mixture of anger and fear bubbling inside her. “I’m just trying to be myself!” she shot back, her voice trembling. “Why can’t you understand that? Y’all really want me to be miserable? I can’t control how I feel!”
“You can control everything if you put your mind to it, even your feelings. Suppress them or something the shit you feeling is abnormal.”
Her mother shook her head, a look of disgust crossing her features. “This is not who you are. This... this lifestyle, it’s not right. We have a reputation to uphold!”
“You mean your reputation,” Monica countered, her words dripping with defiance. “You want me to pretend to be someone I’m not just to make you happy?”
Her father stepped closer, towering over her, his presence suffocating. “You will do as we say, or don’t expect to have any support from us. You think we’ll let you live like this? You think we’ll support your... choices? You’ll be sorry.”
The threat hung in the air, heavy and real. Monica swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure. She had learned to suck it up, to hide her true self beneath layers of compliance and acceptance. But every time her parents used those words, “do as we say” or “you’ll be sorry”, she felt a little piece of herself die inside.
“Fine,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll act like a straight little princess who likes boys!” She shouted feeling herself being closed in and trapped.
“Find a boyfriend or something,” Her father said with a dismissive wave, her father turned away, and her mother’s eyes narrowed, assessing her with a mixture of disappointment and fear. Monica took a deep breath, the weight of their expectations pressing down on her as she stepped outside, determined to mask the turmoil that churned within her.
The sun was barely rising over the horizon, casting a pale light through the grimy window of Isabella’s small bedroom. She pulled the covers tighter around herself, wishing she could steal just a few more minutes of sleep. The shrill sound of her alarm clock cut through the early morning quiet, dragging her into the reality of another day. With a reluctant groan, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, feeling the chill of the wooden floor beneath her feet.
“Isabella! Get up!” her mother called from the kitchen, her voice layered with the exhaustion of a long night at work. “You don’t want to be late for your first day!”
“I’m up...” She grumbled, she was upset because she had to take 2 buses across town to some uppity high school instead of going to the high school where all her friends were from middle school. The only good thing about this is that Justin, her best friend had moved near the new high school so he would be going to the school with her, and of course she had cheerleading and different things she wanted to do that this high school offered versus the one closest to her house.
Isabella sighed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Today was supposed to be a new beginning, her first day in high school. The thought both excited and terrified her because she knew no one. Her parents expressed that they’d wanted her to have a better education She quickly dressed in a pair of jeans and a simple sweater, her fingers fumbling with the buttons as she fought against her nerves. She glanced in the mirror, pushing back a few errant strands of hair. Her dark brown eyes stared back, filled with a mix of determination and uncertainty.
After a hurried breakfast of toast and jam, Isabella grabbed her worn backpack, its straps digging into her shoulders as she stepped outside. The air was brisk, carrying the faint scent of autumn leaves, and she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the journey ahead. The prospect of taking two buses across town weighed heavily on her, but at least she wouldn’t be alone, Justin would be there.
The first bus was crowded, and Isabella found herself squeezed between a grumpy elderly man and a group of chatty middle schoolers. She focused on the passing scenery, the gritty reality of Detroit unfolding outside the window. The streets were lined with a mix of old brick buildings and modern storefronts, each corner holding echoes of stories long forgotten. She felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach as they neared the new high school, a place that felt as intimidating as it was unfamiliar.
The second bus ride felt endless, filled with the sounds of laughter and conversations from other students, a stark contrast to her own silent contemplation. Finally, the bus lurched to a stop in front of the school. Isabella stepped off, her heart racing as she gazed up at the towering brick facade. It loomed over her, a fortress of teenage dreams and dramas yet to unfold.
As she entered the building, the buzz of chatter enveloped her. Students hustled past, some stopping to greet friends, while others huddled in groups, laughter spilling out like music. Isabella felt like an outsider, her heart pounding as she clutched her schedule tightly. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, mentally repeating her plan: find Justin, stick together, and survive the day, “Ew girl what the hell do you have on? You need some new shoes.” A girl said pointing at Isabella’s shoes laughing and the girl’s group of friends laughed as well.
“Emily isn’t there a video of your mother going around and she’s fucking your boyfriend?” A girl said from her locker catching everyone’s attention. The whole hallway busted out laughing and Emily’s laughter stopped. “Leave her alone, gone on I’m pretty sure she could kick your ass.” The girl said as she stood next to Isabella waving for them to get on, and they did. “Emily’s a whore like her mother, don’t be intimidated by her. Hi, I’m Tory.” She said sticking her hand out, Isabella shook her hand.
“I’m Isabella, but everyone calls me Izzy.”
“Cute, girl you are cute forget about them.”
“Yo Izzy!” She heard that familiar voice call out she turned seeing Justin walking through the doors of the high school. “Moms got you these yesterday.” He said holding out a box of new shoes. “She said them joints just dropped and they in yo size.” He explained as she took them from him.
“I cannot wait to talk to her she is a life saver.”
“You know moms and pops always got you, hey I’m Justin.”
“Ladies and gentlemen!” A guy said at the end of the hall, he started playing a harmonica, “Make way for your new basketball star the one, the only, Ambrose Marvel!” The guy shouted before he played his harmonica again and there was a taller guy who had a cape on who began to run through the hallways like he was a super hero making everyone laugh.
“Ambrose, Austin! I told y’all to leave that behavior in the middle school, do y’all want detention on the first day?” Principal Nelson asked them and Austin got down off the top of the trash can and Ambrose stopped running through the halls.
“Girl what is this?” A darker toned girl asked Tory as she stood next to her.
“I don’t know my damn self, I was over here because Emily was trying to pick on her and then we got niggas in capes running down the hall now.” Tory replied making Monica, Izzy, and Justin laugh. “Y’all this is my best friend Monica, Mon this is Isabella and...” Tory pointed at Justin not remembering if she ever got his name.
“Justin.” He replied.
“Yeah.” Tory said nodding. “That’s his name.”
“Nice to meet you guys,” Monica said, her gaze flickering over Isabella, assessing her with a mix of curiosity and interest. There was a confidence about her that drew people in, and Isabella felt a blend of admiration and intimidation.
“Are you new here?” Monica asked, her tone friendly but direct. “I’ve seen everyone in this neighborhood before, but I’ve never seen you before.”
Isabella wasn’t paying attention, she was so busy staring at the guy with the cape tied around his neck. His smile, his eyes, his freckled face everything about him had her attention, “Who’s he?” She finally asked.
“That’s Ambrose Marvel, his mother is one of the wealthiest women in the world. He’s also arrogant, goofy, annoying and-”
“Cute.” Isabella said finishing Monica’s sentence.
“Sorry she’s just blunt.” Justin chuckled at their reactions.
“You gone go talk to him?” Tory asked.
“No.” Isabella chuckled, she may not have had a lot of money but she knew she wasn’t ugly. “He’ll come around.” Was all she said with a slight shrug.
“I love this girl already. You sitting with me and Monica at lunch right?” Tory asked, and Isabella nodded still staring at the boy down the hall.
“Let’s get to class people!” A teacher shouted after the first bell rang.
As she got to class, she realized she had her first class with Monica who sat next to her in the front of the class. “I ain’t never sat in the front of a class before, is you cool?” Monica asked making Izzy laugh.
“I need to make sure I catch everything. If I’m gonna go to Harvard front of the class is where I gotta be.” Izzy replied as everyone entered the room.
“Oh I see you changed your shoes.” Emily chuckled.
“You don’t know me sweetie, I suggest you not try me I’m not one of them.” Isabella gritted and Emily’s smirk dropped, but Izzy smirked in return and Emily went to her seat.
“Damn okay new girl.” Monica said nudging her. “You’re cute and don’t take no shit you gone fit in just fine. What you doing after school?”
“Cheerleading tryouts.”
“You’re going to try out? You know Emily’s sister is the captain of the cheer squad right?”
“I don’t care.” Izzy replied with a slight shrug. Izzy felt like there were more things in life to stress about and she wasn’t worried about no mean girls. Her parents lived check to check hoping to get all the bills paid so that they wouldn’t have to suffer, mean girls were the last of her concern. As much as Izzy didn’t want to be here, her parents sacrificed so that she could be here.
The hours passed in a blur of introductions, notes, and new faces. Isabella moved from one class to another, each time feeling a little more at ease. In her history class, she sat next to a boy named Daniel, who was friendly and chatty, sharing bits about the school and the teachers. Isabella listened intently, grateful for the distraction from her nerves. Finally, the bell rang for lunch, and Isabella felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. She gathered her things and met up with Monica and Tory outside the classroom.
“Ion know about y’all but I’m hungry as hell.” Tory said as they’d made their way to the lunch room. They were the first few students in the cafeteria so they grabbed the first table in the back away from everyone. Justin walked in and waved for Justin to come over to where she was.
Justin walked over to Izzy, and he was about to sit next to Isabella but his eyes rested on Monica, and he smiled. “Can I sit here?” He asked Monica who’d looked up at him, and his smile was contagious she returned the smile.
“Yeah, you can sit there.” She replied, and he sat next to her and Izzy smiled proud of her best friend he was always the shy type.
“This is my table. My sister sat here last year, I sit here this year.” Emily said and Isabella looked up at her.
“I can already tell what kind of school year it’s gonna be for us, girl move me.” Izzy said and Emily looked at her confused. Tory and Monica started laughing.
“Excuse me?”
“I said move me, Emily.” Isabella replied, and Emily scoffed rolling her eyes before she stormed away. “Who died and made her president?” Izzy asked confused by Emily’s behavior.
“You are hilarious dude.” Tory said in between laughter’s. As lunch went on the four of them laughed and got to know each other. If you were on the outside looking in you would think they’d all known each other their whole lives.
By the time the end of the day came, Isabella found herself in the crowded gym for cheerleading tryouts. The energy in the room buzzed with anticipation, yet she felt quiet and somewhat withdrawn. Monica, Justin, and Tory were off to the side, chatting animatedly and offering her encouragement, but the support felt distant against the backdrop of her anxiety.
She glanced around at the other girls lining up, each one seemed polished, their outfits trendy and their hair perfectly styled. Isabella tugged at her own shirt, suddenly feeling out of place in her simple top and jeans. A knot tightened in her stomach as self-doubt crept in. What was she thinking?
Just then, a confident voice broke through her thoughts. “You’re great, and I don’t say that often. Don’t worry about fitting in. Just be you, show your talents, and you’ll be just fine. Okay? I’m Emani.” The cheer captain’s words wrapped around Isabella like a warm embrace, dispelling some of her insecurities.
As Emani moved to the front of the girls, she projected authority and kindness. “Hey ladies! I’m your cheer captain, and I’m sorry I’m late. I like to stand off to the side and watch my ladies to see where your mindset is. You all look great so far, but let me be clear: not everyone is going to make it. We’ll start with some simple stretches, I’ll show you guys some routines, and we’ll practice. After today, I will cut five girls. It’s three days of tryouts, so if you’re still here after the third day, well, dammit, you made the team!”
A chorus of nervous laughter rippled through the group, but Isabella felt a flicker of determination ignite within her. Emani’s straightforwardness resonated; it felt like a challenge she was ready to accept.
As the girls began stretching, Isabella followed suit, her movements initially stiff as she fought to shake off the tension. Each stretch felt like a small victory against her anxiety. Then, Emani demonstrated a few basic cheer routines, simple but energetic moves that showcased the spirit of the team.
Isabella watched closely, committing each step to memory. When it was her turn to perform, she took a deep breath and stepped forward, adrenaline coursing through her veins. As she executed the routine, a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbled within her. She pushed herself to smile, letting the rhythm carry her.
After she finished, she glanced at the sidelines where her friends were cheering her on. Their support gave her a boost, reminding her she wasn’t alone in this new environment. As Emani called for the next group of girls to audition, Isabella felt a rush of exhilaration mingling with her nerves. She hadn’t expected to enjoy this so much.
Ambrose came into the gym with his cape in his hand, he didn’t want to go home. He would do whatever he could to drag out the school day, he’d rather practice here than at home with his father. It was just too much, and he wanted to have fun during high school not be dragged down by the thought of basketball all the time. “Darius gone say I’m not gone make the team, you see him over there being a damn creep. He think he can ball better than me.”
“Bro your cousin is a hater.” Austin, Ambrose’s best friend said as they entered the gym 10 minutes early for basketball practice.
“Only I can talk about my family bro, now who is that?” he asked, pointing at Isabella who was auditioning for a spot on the cheerleading squad. Ambrose loved the way she moved, she had the prettiest smile he had ever seen, and for some reason, his heart was ready to jump out of his chest.
“You talkin’ about Isabella? Man they said shorty been putting Emily in her place all day, you ain’t heard?” Austin asked, Ambrose shook his head.
“Okay ladies, that was the last audition meet back here 30 minutes after the last bell tomorrow to see who made the varsity team.” Emani the cheer captain said, the ladies dispersed, and Ambrose gave his Kobe Bryant signed basketball to Austin along with his gym bag and his cape before he crossed the gym approaching Isabella who was talking to Emani.
“You are so pretty...” He spoke mesmerized looking into Isabella’s eyes. Her light brown eyes had him feeling stuck, he reached his hand out. “I’m Ambrose.” He added not caring about the fact that she was holding a conversation with someone.
“I know...I’m Isabella.” She replied, placing her hand in his, and he kissed the back of her hand. His eyes never left hers.
“I know...wow...” He mumbled scanning over her features loving everything he was seeing. “Wow.” He said shocked again as he smiled.
***
