Read Online Keysha's Drama by Earl Sewell - Free Book Online Page A

secondhand. The metal desks and filing cabinets were all pea green. The setup reminded me of a police station. The floor plan was wide open, and you could see exactly what everyone was doing.
    â€œCome sit over here,” Maggie said, directing me to another desk. “Once I get you processed, we’ll go over some general rules and then I’ll give you a tour of the place.”
    â€œRules?” I said. “I’m not following any rules.”
    â€œThe rules are for your safety. If you break the rules there will be consequences.”
    â€œYeah, whatever,” I said, completely unafraid of consequences.

    Thirty minutes later, Maggie gave me some basic rules for living in the group home.
    â€œBoys are not allowed in this facility. There is a curfew of 6:00 p.m. on school nights and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. If you violate the curfew rule you will be placed in a secured facility. You must treat the staff here with respect. They’re here to help and listen to you, as well as help you work through any problems you may be having or going through. Stealing will not be tolerated. Drug usage will not be tolerated. Fighting, inappropriate language or dress will not be tolerated.”
    â€œWhat can you do up in here?” I asked.
    â€œBetter yourself,” Maggie said. I didn’t respond to her comment because I wasn’t sure exactly how I was supposed to do that.
    â€œIt will take me a day or two to get your school records and have them transferred to the high school in this area.”
    â€œWhat? I can’t go to my old high school?”
    â€œNo. Each morning everyone will get on our school bus, and you’ll be driven to school as well as be picked up.”
    â€œYou’re kidding, right?”
    â€œNo. I’m not,” answered Maggie. “Come on. Let me give you a tour of the place and show you where you’ll be sleeping.”
    The basement of the home had a small cafeteria and a common area with one television, a pool table, a combination bookshelf and magazine rack and three large tables, which were used for studying and doing homework. The main floor was where the sleeping quarters were. Everyone got a thin mattress and one small dresser with two drawers, and that was it. The main floor was also where the showers and bathrooms were located. After Maggie showed me the shower facilities, I followed her to another area where there was a group of lockers.
    â€œThis one is yours,” she said as she handed me my combination lock. “Don’t give your combination to anyone. You can keep your personal hygiene products and any other valuables you may have in here.” I opened up the small, rusty locker and was immediately assaulted by an odor.
    â€œWhew,” I said aloud as I closed the door.
    â€œI’m sorry about that. I’ll have one of the janitors spray some disinfectant in there for you,” Maggie said as I followed her back to the sleeping area. “Here is your cot,” she said. “I’ll let you get settled in. I’m sure the other girls will be along shortly to meet you.”
    â€œWhen are you going to make the phone call to that dude?” I asked. All I had was hope that my biological father was a decent man who wanted a troubled girl like me. I didn’t want to stay in here any longer than I had to. In my mind, anyplace was better than where I was.
    â€œI’ll do it first thing in the morning,” Maggie said.
    â€œWhy can’t we do it now?” I asked. “I mean, can’t you just call him up and say, ‘Hey, did you ever have a sexual relationship with a woman named Justine from Chicago?’”
    â€œIt’s a little more complicated than that. You’re in the state system now and certain protocols have to be followed. It’s going to take a little time.”
    â€œI don’t have much time. I want to leave here.” I was feeling crazy.
    â€œI’ll do