Page 35 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Thursday: The Feds—Lunchtime—Outside School

Only sixth-formers

are allowed out at lunchtime,

but Matt wanted to go

along with The Boys,

and I agreed because

I’m trying to figure out

if I’m into Kwesi,

and if Kwesi is into me.

On our way back to school

from the local shops,

I see two police officers approaching us.

“Feds,” whispers Abdi.

“Don’t be bait,” says Kwesi.

I’m tucked in the middle of the group.

The Boys are my bodyguards:

Nathan and Kojo are up front,

Matt and Kwesi are either side of me.

Abdi and Sam are at the back.

“Are you okay there?”

The white police officer speaks

directly to me somehow,

as if ignoring Nathan and Kojo.

“Me?” I ask, confused.

“Are these boys bothering you?”

I’m stunned to silence.

I’m the bait one.

This is happening because of me.

Nathan jumps to conclusions:

“You see one mixed-race boy

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