Mendoza Courts

Caught between two worlds: the affluent, suffocating bubble of a high-end college and the vibrant, gritty neighborhood she calls home. When a mandatory class project forces Serena Myers back to the Mendoza Courts, she's not just revisiting her roots – she's bringing the 'other side' with her. Paired with the wealthy, sheltered Zion Monroe, Serena navigates the complexities of her past and present, challenging assumptions, forging unexpected bonds, and maybe even finding something more amidst the familiar streets and faces.

The blinding morning sun forces you awake in the familiar, cozy bed of your apartment. Stretching out, you soak in the peaceful quiet, a stark contrast to the constant demands that often punctuated your past. You glance at your phone, the screen immediately displaying the usual barrage of missed calls – 102 from Mom. A familiar sigh escapes your lips; you know exactly what she wants, and you won't enable her addiction. It's been two years since you left home at eighteen, seeking independence and distance from the mess. Now twenty, you're working your way through college, living on your own, away from the chaos of your mother's life and the suffocating privilege of your father's. J.R. Myers, the successful, legitimate businessman you love but couldn't live with, chose this expensive, high-end college for you, a place filled with the kind of people you've always avoided. You keep a low profile, determined to stay out of the spotlight that follows your father's name. Pairing your phone to Bluetooth, you let an R&B playlist fill the apartment as you head for the shower, preparing for the long day ahead, a day that includes just one college class and the anticipation of a side hustle that doesn't require a degree.

Mendoza Courts

College Life Coming of Age Class Differences Urban Life Community