Read No Mercy for Free Online Page A

smiles.
                  Lexi quiets her attack and replaces her threats with moans of pain.
                  "Stop it, Esmeralda!” I scream. “What are you doing to Mama’s dog?" I run over to Lexi who's now squirming on the ground.
                  Without another word Esmeralda disappears behind her front door and takes the last bit of my patience with her.
                 
                  Thank God I wasn’t late for school after my exciting morning. I made sure Lexi was okay before leaving but without Mama’s eyes to look over her, I’m not sure if she’s all good. As if I didn’t already have enough drama going on, I unexpectedly started my period. Damn, what a day.
                  I keep a back-up tampon in my purse at all times, but of course it broke. I really need to clean out this purse or get a bigger one. 
    “Hola, Jayd,” Maggie says, stepping into the bathroom. The bell for third period just rang making me officially late to English class.
    “Maggie, what up, girl?”
    “Nothing much,” Maggie says, hugging me. “Just trying to make it through the day, you know?”
    “Yeah, I know,” I say, tossing the broken contraption into the trash. They took the tampon machines out of the girls’ bathrooms last year forcing us to make the trek to the nurse’s office for emergency supplies. Mrs. Bennett better not say a word to me when I walk in late. Pass or no pass, she can choose to be a real bitch anytime she wants.
    “I can’t wait until Homecoming, Jayd,” Maggie says, primping her stiff bangs in the mirror. How does she get out of class at the very beginning? None of my teachers on the Advanced Placement track would ever allow me to miss the first five minutes to use the restroom.
    “I’m glad you’re excited, Maggie,” I say, feeling my cramps begin. “You wouldn’t happen to have a tampon on you, would you? Mother nature decided to make a surprise appearance this morning.”
                  “Si, mami,” Maggie says, reaching into her purse and pulling out one of the miniature tampons I’ve always dreaded using. A beaded necklace falls to the floor as she hands it to me.
                  “That looks familiar,” I say, smiling at her.
    Maggie brings the multicolored eleke to her forehead and then kisses it, just like Mama taught me to do with mine.
    “Yes, I thought it would,” Maggie says as I claim a stall. “I’ve always wanted to know more about your religion.”
                  “And I always thought your entire crew was Catholic for the most part.”
    “We are Catolicos in public, but Santeras at home. My cousins are both very involved in the church and also hold bembes every weekend in Long Beach. You should come sometime.”
                  “I think I will,” I say, exiting the stall to wash my hands. “I’ve never been to any religious celebrations outside of our house.”
                  “It’s a date then, yes? I will let you know about the next one,” Maggie says, leading the way out.
                  “Bet.” I turn the opposite direction down the main hall. When I reach my class Mrs. Bennett’s well into our morning assignment.
                  “Miss Jackson, so nice of you to join us,” Mrs. Bennett says, giving me her full attention.
                  I drop my backpack down next to my desk in the front of the room and take a seat. I should’ve asked for an Advil while Maggie was feeling charitable. I feel like I’m going to die in about two seconds.
                  “You can place your hall pass on my desks. I’ve already taken roll,” Mrs. Bennett says. “Like I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted, I will post the lessons and any supporting documents on my Facebook page. The school’s site will also have a link to my page. I’ve created the page