I’m not crazy. I know I can’t opt out of her being my mom. But I want out of See Us and out of the activist life. I’ve done more than my part. Now, I just want to be normal. My reading list may be advanced, but my social life is so far behind that I’m not sure I even qualify as a teenager anymore.

Most the girls I know are dating, and some are already having sex. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not really trying to get down like that, but damn, I’m almost fifteen. I should have been kissed already, right?

Okay, to be fair, I did get kissed one time, but it didn’t count because it was really fast and the guy did it on a dare. His name was Keith Hightower. Keith was hesitant because, like many guys in our school, he’s kind of afraid of me. Why? One word:

Afro.

My Afro makes guys think I’m a badass. Like I’m the younger version of Angela Davis and I don’t take no mess. But really, I’m not a badass. I’m more of a “measured” ass. And even though I’d like to say I don’t take no mess, the truth is, I take it.

When I go into the CVS Pharmacy on my block, the manager Donna tries to put her hand in my hair. I have to find a way to dodge her probing fingers. Someone should have told me that putting my hair in an Afro would repel guys while attracting curious white women with no boundaries.

According to the unwritten rules of wearing an Afro, I have to put Donna in her place. And also, according to the rules of being Rosalie’s daughter, I have to let Donna know why her actions are offensive. But I’m opposed to confrontation. That’s why I go to a different CVS, five blocks out of my way, to avoid Donna and her looming fingers of curiosity.

Yeah, I know. I’m a disappointment to badasses everywhere.

When class is over, I tell Naija to hurry so we can go before Mr. Gunderson asks me anything else about my mom. We almost make it.

“Ayo, can I see you for a moment?” he asks. Naija gives me a sympathetic shrug and says she’ll wait for me outside. I sigh and put on my best bargain-basement smile as I approach my mom’s fanboy.

“Yes, Mr. Gunderson?” I reply as everyone else leaves the room.