Schooled

Lionel feels bad for forging his father’s signature. He feels conflicted about school, Jamar, and his father, and wishes that school were like basketball. 

He decides to ask his younger sister Kendra for help with the poem, which to him seems like a puzzle. He tells Kendra to read the poem aloud—that way, Lionel can memorize it.

In the afternoon, Denise, a colleague of Leroy’s visits the family. She brings lunch—a gesture to say thank you since she and Lionel’s father have been working a lot lately. Lionel feels uncomfortable and suspicious, especially when Leroy acts nervous around Denise. Later, Lionel questions his father, who explains that Denise is only a co-worker and apologizes for being frequently away, but he must work hard to support the household. Lionel has a sinking feeling, but his father does not notice.

On Monday at school, Lionel is still troubled about Leroy and Denise. Dontrell tells him that there is a viral video of his play with Steve. They see Malika and other girls watching the video on a phone, but Lionel remains distracted.

In English class, Lionel gives the letter with forged signature to his teacher. She then asks him to read the poem. Lionel is nervous but recites the poem naturally, pretending that he is reading.