A Heart Like Mine

By Terrijane Russ

This short novella is the first of a book series:Keeping It Real. Kalena takes on a school bully, Samantha. She is determined to witness to Sam but finds herself in over her head as she discovers that the bully scheme belongs to a drug ring. Kalena's faith is tested as her life is endangered. The Keeping It Real series will feature novels addressing the challenges of being a teen in today's world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terrijane Russ
• Release date: Jul 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301586394

Terrijane Russ

Terrijane Russ is an exceptional needs specialist who teaches middle school in South Carolina. She is also the youth leader at the church she attends. She is a single mom with four children. She loves to write and is hoping her passion will fund her daughter's college tuition.

Book preview

A Heart Like Mine

By Terrijane Russ

Copyright 2013 Terrijane Russ

Smashwords Edition

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A Heart Like Mine

Chapter 1

The alarm buzzed at 6:10 just like any other morning. Only Kalena knew that this morning was different. She knew before her feet hit the floor that things would be difficult-- to say the least. So, she prayed, Dear Heavenly Father, You know better than I do what I am up against today. You know my heart and you know the plans you have for me. Please guide me today. Help me to say and do things that will honor and glorify you. For in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Kalena headed for the shower and her morning routine. She chose to wear her favorite pair of jeans- the one with the slight tear in the knee, and she threw on her favorite Carolina hoodie. She was hoping it would make her feel more relaxed. Kalena brushed through her long hair. She had let it grow past her shoulders and people were always asking her about what salon had done her highlights. Kalena’s blond highlights were natural in her brown hair. She decided to wear her down. A ponytail would be easy to pull. No earrings, she thought. They may be too easy to grab. By the time she got into her mom’s Traverse with her two siblings, she felt worn out.

Kalena, it is my day to sit up front. Her little sister who was ten was already making demands.

Raylee, you sat up front Monday and Lucas sat up front yesterday. Today is my day, she said. Then she turned up the radio.

First block went by in a blur. She barely heard two words Mrs. Dejoto said about rises and slopes. When the bell rang, she took a deep breath and sighed. Andrea glanced her way and gave her that look. Andrea had given her that look in times like this since third grade. The one that said what are you getting yourself into now? She would have to face the music sooner or later and she was ready to get it over with. She thought, Lord, here we go. Guide me, please. She stepped out in the hallway trying to act as if nothing was different. She glanced over at Andrea and asked, Did you do your Biology homework? It took me a good hour to finish it last night. I had to hurry up before… She didn’t even get to finish her sentence.

Samantha and her entire crew of followers stopped in front of Kalena and Andrea. Look, I’m not even going to talk about this with you, Samantha said with gritted teeth. Sam wasn’t tall or strong. In fact, compared to Kalena she was no threat at all. But Sam’s large fanfare held a different view. Samantha always had the last say. And when she couldn’t get Kalena to react yesterday or online, Kalena knew she would bring it to school, again.

Fine, but I’m not going to fight you either, Kalena replied. Samantha stood and glared at her waiting for her to make the first move.

Fighting is exactly what you asked for on Nextlook. A war. Isn’t that what you called it?

I never declared war with you, Sam. What I said on Nextlook had nothing to do with you personally. If you took it personally, then I’m sorry. Kalena had tried to stay out of this battle, but the underdogs pulled her back in. She was their voice.

The small crowd trying to pass by Sam’s crew began to slow down and gather around. A good fight was always worth being late to class.

Well, what you said was personal. Some of those stunts and pranks were mine. Then you go and make it seem like I was being rude and degrading to others. It was all done in fun. Can’t you take a joke, Kalena? No one else complained till you spoke up. Now there is a whole blog—pages and pages—calling me the loser.

I didn’t mean for you to be considered a loser. And when I said war, I meant against bullies in general. Not just you, Samantha.

Oh, so now you’re calling me a bully to my face, she yelled, stepping a foot closer to Kalena.

Kalena thought it divine intervention as two teachers pushed their way through the crowd at the same time and