Even worse, an anonymous troll infiltrates the game, threatening to sue Kiera for anti-white discrimination.
EW can report that an announcement is expected soon.
Morris has shared with EW an exclusive preview of her book.
Credit: Kariba Photography
At night, I turn into the Nubian goddess most people know as Emerald.
The second the bell rings, Im out of my desk seat and bolting through the classroom door.
I absolutely cant miss it.
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Cicada:You watching the tundra semifinals tonight?
Me: Wouldnt miss it.
comes Harpers voice, startling me from my thoughts.
I slip my phone into my back pocket and put on my besthappy to see youface.
Steph says with a grin, brushing her bangs out of the way of her lime-green glasses.
Each one is going to have an inspirational word at the top in huge bubble letterslike Endurance and Perseverance.
Were going to have the players sign them and put them up in the halls around school afterward.
Plus, Mom said shell take me out later tonight to get more permit hours.
Wanna walk with me?
Harper chimes in before I can answer.
Actually, Steph, says Harper, I wanted to talk to Kix for a second.
Need to ask her advice about something.
Thats what she calls me.
Or like the shoes.
I cant tell and never bothered to ask.
Steph and I look at each other.
We both know whats coming.
Well, now Im curious, says Steph.
I sigh and nod at her to just ask the question already.
She didnt used to be like this.
Okay, fine, says Harper when it becomes apparent Steph isnt going anywhere.
I was thinking about changing my hair.
Something fun and new, but like, with bohemian vibes.
Theres one style I really want to get, but I need to ask you about it first.
Steph and I exchange looks again.
But I let her finish her question.
Am I allowed to get dreadlocks?
Oh, what a question.
Is sheallowedto get dreadlocks?
Thatd make a great question for theWeekly!
Nobody would guess by their looks that Harper and Wyatt are brother and sister.
, I begin, looking to Steph.
Shes always better with these kinds of situations than I am.
Seriously, Kiera, can I interview you about this?
Wyatt asks with that big, toothy grin.
I can see it now:Black People Dont Mind White People Wearing This ONE Hairstyle.
you could interview me!
offers Steph, and I cant help but smile a bit.
Theres no way Wyatts going to go for that.
Steph is an expert debater who gives airtight answers to any question you ask her.
We all know what you think about white people doing things, Steph, says Wyatt.
You tell us all the goddamn time.
Steph punches his arm so hard, he flinches and holds it close to him.
Steph, I say, shaking my head.
Shes talking too loud in this hallway, and people are looking at us now.
The last thing the only two black girls at Jefferson Academy need is to be seen as theloudones.
I just want to go home.
Without having to answer Harpers question.
Okay, she says, obviously disappointed, folding her arms over her chest.
Oh, were still on for math at eight tonight, right?
But I do need the money.
Thats sixty bucks down the drain if I cancel this week.
Uh, I begin.
When I say I absolutely cant miss the Tundra Semifinals today, I mean it.
I need to be there.
The game gets bugs sometimes.
Weird stuff starts happening when people attempt to hack in coins or trade new weapons.
Because Im the game developer.
Not even my family.
Not even my boyfriend, Malcolm.
Pretty sure my queen is busy tonight, comes a familiar voice from behind me.
I cuddle up under his arm.
Aaaand, thats my cue to go!
announces Steph, turning on her heel and heading swiftly for the front door.
I have to physically concentrate on not rolling my eyes.
Steph and Malcolm hate each other, and its for the pettiest reasons.
Steph thinks men have no business telling women what to do.
That leaves me in the chasm in the middle, agreeing with both of them.
Harper and Wyatt exchange glances.
They always get quiet around Malcolm, the kid who got expelled from Belmont High on the south side.
Soooo, just let me know about the interview, okay?
I look up at Malcolm, whose thick eyebrows have sunken slightly.
Wyatt wants to interview me for theJefferson Weekly, I say quickly, hoping Wyatt catches my hints.
Its about black hair.
I think Wyatts trying to give diverse opinions some visibility in the paper.
Malcolm motions to Wyatt with his chin and says, Bout time we had more diverse opinions in theWeekly.
Okay, Wyatt, I see you.
Which means, in Malcolm-speak, well done.
Tutoring some other time, Harper, okay?
Im sorry, but I really am busy tonight.
Well meet next week.
Ill let Harper and Wyatt think I want a night alone with Malcolm.
Ill let Malcolm think I have homework.
Thanks, I say to him once Harper and Wyatt have turned and walked halfway down the hall.
You were doing it again, he says, pulling his arm from around me and opening his locker.
I roll my eyes.
Thats the only voice I have.
Then he pauses, and his expression softens.
He leans in and kisses my forehead before pressing his forehead against mine.
I want you to be yourself around me,andaround them.
I smile up at him now.
I step up on my tiptoes and kiss that scar.
Malcolm and I left Belmont together after freshman year, Steph along with us.
But I can see the whole conversation now.
Im sorry, I admit.
If I was doing the telephone voice, I didnt mean to.
