Dance Into Destiny by Sherri L. Lewis Read Free Book Online Page A

know there were two people in the middle of that circle either cussing at each other and getting ready to fight, or already rolling around on the ground trying to kill each other. Who was it this time?
    When the first few kids noticed her, they got quiet and stepped back. As they cleared away, she could see Lakita with her hands on her hips, neck winding in a circle, braids swinging and eyes rolling as she told off whoever her victim of the day was. As Shara got closer, she noticed today’s prey was an equally troublesome teenager who had also been a thorn in her side. Shanique had her hands on her hips and was rolling her eyes and popping her gum with every curse word flying out of Lakita’s mouth.
    Lakita stopped mouthing off when the circle broke up and some of the kids whispered, “Miss Shara, Miss Shara.”
    Shara put her hands on her hips and tried to keep her voice calm. “What is going on here?”
    Lakita and Shanique tried to explain themselves. “Well, she said . . . well didn’t nobody tell her to . . . she think she so special . . . all she do is talk about people . . . ain’t nobody thinkin’ ’bout her . . .”
    Shara massaged her temples. “You know what, I don’t even care. I’m not in the mood for this today. I just finished a week of exams and don’t have the time or energy for any foolishness.” She looked around at all the kids. “You should be almost done with a mile by now. Instead I find you fighting?”
    They protested, but she held up her hand. “I would think by now I could trust you all to do what you know you’re supposed to do. Why does an adult have to be around for you to act like you got some sense?”
    They all got quiet, shuffled their feet and looked at the ground.
    â€œSorry, Miss Shara.” Davon was the first to speak up. He turned and started a slow jog around the track. After a series of mumbled, “Sorry Miss Shara’s,” they all headed off to do their laps.
    Shara heard Lakita say under her breath, “Run, run, run. All we do is run. Don’t nobody feel like running around no boring track all the time. I’m quittin’ this stupid program.” She headed toward the track, but defiantly walked around instead of jogging like the others.
    Tangee walked up to Shara. Her complexion had a yellow-green tinge to it. “Sorry I’m late, Miss Shara. Can I still run today?”
    â€œYeah, we’re just getting started. You okay?”
    â€œI’m fine, Miss Shara.” Tangee walked toward the track.
    â€œTangee?” Shara called after her.
    She came back. “Yes?”
    â€œDid you tell your mother?”
    Tangee looked at the ground. “Yes, Miss Shara. I did what you said.”
    â€œWhat did she say?”
    Tangee kept her eyes on her shoes. “You were right. She was mad at first, but then she say we gon’ work it out.”
    Shara patted Tangee on the shoulder. “You see? I told you it would be all right. Now don’t you feel better that you told her?”
    Tangee nodded and started off toward the track again. Shara watched her struggling to lift her feet. She’d have to make sure Tangee saw a doctor soon.

Chapter Six
    S hara pulled into the parking lot at the restaurant Keeva gave her directions to. She looked at the sign— Spice . It looked really posh from the outside. Shara knew any Midtown restaurant was going to be pricey. She hoped this wasn’t one of those fancy spots where they charged twenty dollars for a plate nicely decorated with pretty food that didn’t fill you up.
    Keeva drove up beside her in a black BMW convertible. She took off some expensive looking sunglasses, put them in a black, leather case and tucked it into the glove compartment. She refreshed her lipstick, fluffed her hair and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Shara rolled her eyes.
    Keeva got out of the car. She looked Shara up and