“Mr. Okafor, we’ve been having some issues with Bella, lately. Her grades have declined, drastically, this semester. She’s failing almost every class. This is odd for her, because as you know, she’s had straight A’s until now. I’ve spoken to her teachers and they are all very concerned. You see, Bella is scoring in the 99th percentile on all standardized tests, so she knows the material, but she isn’t turning in any assignments. She’s also disrespectful in class, talking a lot while my staff is trying to teach, and today, we caught her and a group of girls skipping out of first period. They were behind the bleachers on the football field when they should have been in class. She’s in the sixth grade. She’ll be going to middle school next year. It’s important that we iron this out before then,” the principal said. “The choices you make, Bella, are starting to become more important. You’re a smart, young woman and I just want to help you work out whatever is bothering you. Is there anything going on at home? Any changes that we should know about here at school?”

Ethic waited for Bella to respond. He had no idea that she was falling behind in school, so he needed answers too. Bella provided none. He saw so much anger, as she sat there, refusing to look at him, refusing to speak at all. Ethic sighed and looked at the principal.

“I’ll speak to her and address the issue. It’s important to me that she stays focused. You will see an immediate change in her effort and attitude.” Ethic turned his attention to Bella. “Right?”

“Yes, sir,” she whispered.

It was in these moments that Ethic wished there was a woman in their lives to help him navigate through parenthood. He could reign over businesses, run illegal enterprises with some of the most dangerous people in the world, and run the streets of Flint with ease, but raising children alone was his greatest challenge of all. Morgan was still giving him a run for his money and she was grown now. It seemed Bella’s time for rebellion had come and he wasn’t prepared for it. Eazy was the only one cutting him some slack.

Ethic turned back to the principal. “I’m going to sign her out for the rest of the day. She’ll be back in class tomorrow,” he informed.