“I’m not talking about you.”
“You’re talking into my ear.”
Students began slowing around them.
Scarlett smiled toward her friends.
“See what I mean?”
“What?”
“She always needs an audience.”
Jada almost laughed at the absurdity.
“You followed me.”
Scarlett rolled her eyes.
“Of course.”
“Everything is racism.”
Jada stared.
“I didn’t say race.”
Scarlett stepped closer.
“You were thinking it.”
“No.”
“I was thinking you’re obsessed with me.”
A few students reacted.
Scarlett’s smile disappeared.
Jada continued.
“You talk about my scholarship more than I do.”
“You talk about being Black more than anybody.”
Jada’s eyes narrowed.
“I have literally never brought my race up to you first.”
Scarlett pointed toward her.
“There.”
“That attitude.”
The cafeteria around them had become noticeably quieter.
Someone started recording.
Jada saw the phone.
So did Scarlett.
That changed the energy instantly.
Scarlett straightened and smiled slightly.
Jada understood.
She wanted content.
Evidence.
A reaction that could make the months of harassment look like mutual hostility.
Jada picked up her tray.
“I’m leaving.”
Scarlett stepped sideways.
“Go ahead.”
Jada moved the opposite direction.
Scarlett mirrored her.
“Move.”
“Why?”
“Because I asked.”
Scarlett leaned closer.
“What are you going to do if I don’t?”
Jada should have stopped there.
She knew that later.
She could have put down the tray.
Called a teacher.
Waited for Keene.