by AnDerecco
ZESHAWN
I apologize. I didn’t mean to offend you.
KEIRA
You didn’t. (Sigh) Oh boy. I have got to get myself together.
Keira got herself off the ground and dusted her pants off.
ZESHAWN
Do you feel like talking?
KEIRA
What do you want to talk about?
They started to walk but to no real destination.
ZESHAWN
Tell me about yourself.
KEIRA
I moved here a few weeks ago to live with my dad. My mom and brother died in a car wreck.
ZESHAWN
I am sorry to hear that.
KEIRA
Yeah thanks. This is my senior year. I used to live here years ago but my parents divorced and my dad stayed here. This is his hometown. So what about you?
ZESHAWN
Well…what can I tell you? This is also my senior year. I have a twin brother. I am president of the student council. I am on the cheerleading squad. I like to read a lot. I love music. I want to travel to every major city in the States. I love to talk. And I have big goals and dreams.
Zeshawn and Keira talked for about thirty minutes. They found themselves sitting in the park discussing more about the present and the future.
Friday, August 24
The day of the first game all of the football players wore their jerseys. The booster club sold player cards of each of the players on the team. They quickly sold out of Demarcus’ cards during first block.
At the pep rally during fourth block the band begin to play “Work Hard, Play Hard” by Wiz Khalifa as the team exploded into the gym. The students cheered and screamed as they entered. Coach Thomas picked up the microphone after all the players had taken their seats. He announced each player, their number and their position. When he came to Demarcus the crowd stood and roars went across the gym for about three minutes. He was excited by this action. Security had to catch a few girls from running onto the floor.
The coach told everyone that he hoped that everyone would come out and support the team. The cheerleaders began to do their routines. Zeshawn was very good at his cheers. He picked up several of the girl cheerleaders and held them by their feet as they cheered in the air. Never once did they lose their balance.
Fifteen minutes into the pep rally the cheer squad threw plastic footballs and t-shirts into the audience. Zeshawn made sure that he found Rayshon and Keira to throw them items.
Alexis was sitting beside Cameron doing the pep rally. Not once did he stand to cheer for the team. Not even his boy, Demarcus. His mind was on the baby that Alexis was carrying. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He took it out and noticed that he had a text. As he was reading it he felt Alexis looking at his phone.
CAMERON
Damn, can I read my own phone?
ALEXIS
Who is that?
Cameron ignored her question. She tapped him on his leg and asked him again. Cameron looked over at her and rolled his eyes. She snatched his phone from him and threw it across the gym towards the goal. Cameron stood up and before he could put his hands on her he thought about it for a minute. He knew that his actions would cause him to be suspended from school. Not only did he not want that but he didn’t want to hear anything from his father. He quickly sat down. Sweat began to pop on his forehead. Alexis tried to wipe it off but he pushed her hand away.
As they dismissed from the pep rally, everyone began to go to their bus or their vehicles. Alexis walked with Cameron to his truck because he was going to take her home. Demarcus called out to Cameron before he could get into his truck. Cameron stopped and turned. Demarcus raced over to him.
DEMARCUS
Dude, are you coming to the game tonight?
CAMERON
You know it. This is the first game. You know that the seniors have got to represent.
ALEXIS
I don’t think that I want to come to the game. I really want to go to see the new Tyler Perry movie.
CAMERON
Well take your ass on. If you leave now I am sure that you can get a great seat.
Alexis was fuming from Cameron’s statement. She slammed the door on his truck. Cameron turned to Demarcus and laughed.
CAMERON
Man I will see you tonight. Let me take this girl home.
Demarcus and Cameron gave each other handshakes. Demarcus walked towards the field house as Cameron drove off.
ALEXIS
Why do you have to disrespect me?
CAMERON
What are you talking about?
ALEXIS
You know damn well what I am talking about! If you don’t want to be with me tell me.
CAMERON
I don’t want to be with you.
ALEXIS
You know what Cameron…after you drop me off you won’t have to worry about me anymore. Take your ass and be with all those other heifers that you don’t think I know about, like that new girl Keira. But I tell you this; you will be on child support. Your spoiled little ass will pay for this baby. So tell your mama and daddy to get ready.
CAMERON
Lexie, I think that it would be best if you stop while you are ahead. I still owe you for throwing my phone.
ALEXIS
Forget you and that phone. You just mad because those hoes can’t text or call you now.
Cameron was driving sixty-five miles an hour to get Alexis out of his truck. He was trying his best not to hit her.
After pulling up to her house, Alexis just sat there. Cameron propped his head over to the window.
CAMERON
Are you getting out? You are going to be late for your movie.
ALEXIS
Why do I put up with you? (She starts to cry) You know that I love you. You treat me like I don’t matter. And for you to tell me that you don’t want me. That hurts. I am carrying your baby. This baby was made out of love.
CAMERON
That baby was made because of a quickie.
ALEXIS
I can’t stand your black ass.
Alexis got out of the truck and slammed the door. Cameron’s wheels on his truck spun as he tried to get home and get ready for the game.
As soon as Cameron walked into the house he called for his parents. No one answered. He walked into his bedroom and opened his closet. He pulled out a pair of Tommy Ton neon colour pants with a light blue dress shirt. He reached into his drawer and got a bowtie. He immediately undressed and hopped into the shower.
After a ten minute shower he toweled off and moisturized his skin. He dressed and put on some Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Cologne. He checked himself twice in the floor length mirror. His loafers didn’t quite fit the look that he was going for. He pulled out another box and found a pair of asphalt suede loafers. Now he was ready.
As he was walking out of the door his father, Charles was coming in. They exchange friendly gestures and Cameron mentioned that he had to go buy a new phone. He gave his dad the short version of what happened to his phone. His dad gave Cameron his credit card and told him to go and purchase a new phone. He hugged his dad and jumped into his truck.
During the half-time show Cameron was walking to the concession stand. Keira was standing in line waiting on her nachos and coke. Cameron walked up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder. Keira turned around and saw Cameron with a huge smile on his face.
CAMERON
Why didn’t you tell me that you were coming to the game?
KEIRA
I didn’t know that I had to tell you my every move.
CAMERON
Well now you know. What you want to order? I got it for you.
As soon as Cameron finished his statement, the server was passing her the items.
KEIRA
Thanks but I am a big girl.
CAMERON
I see. Let me get my things and we can walk back together.
Cameron placed his order and turned around every
five seconds to make sure that Keira was waiting on him. After receiving his food he walked over to Keira. As they were walking back to the stand Cameron continued to flirt with her. She would smile and answer but not give in to his advances.
KEIRA
Aren’t you going to get in trouble?
CAMERON
Naw. My mom and dad both know that I am at the game.
KEIRA
I am talking about Alexis.
Cameron sat beside Keira in the stands.
CAMERON
Man, bump that girl. We broke up today.
KEIRA
I am sorry to hear that. What are you going to do about the baby?
CAMERON
I don’t know what she is going to do.
KEIRA
See that is the reason why I don’t trust guys. You can lay down with us but as soon as that hyperactive little sperm reaches my quiet resting egg, you want to change your story.
CAMERON
I don’t want to hear all of that.
KEIRA
Umph.
CAMERON
What are you doing after the game?
KEIRA
Zeshawn and I are going to the Waffle House.
CAMERON
Cool, we should have fun.
Keira looked at him, stunned that he had invited himself. Cameron put a nacho in his mouth and gave her a wink.
After the game, Cameron caught up with Demarcus. He talked Demarcus into going to the Waffle House with him. Demarcus didn’t want to go because he was tired. Cameron told him that he would pay for his meal if joined him.
Arriving at the Waffle House, Cameron could see Keira through the window. He and Demarcus walked into the restaurant and spoke to Keira and Zeshawn.
DEMARCUS (toward Zeshawn)
I know you. You are the president of the student council.
ZESHAWN
That’s right. What’s up?
CAMERON
Keira, you are not going to offer a brother a seat?
KEIRA
I didn’t know that you wanted to join us. Have a seat.
CAMERON
Now you want to act like we didn’t talk about this at the game.
KEIRA
Boy you are a mess.
CAMERON
Oh Demarcus this is Keira. She is from Vegas.
DEMARCUS
Man I know. But it is nice to finally meet you
KEIRA
Same here. Good game you played.
CAMERON
Yeah my boy got skills. He will be attending the University of Kentucky next fall.
DEMARCUS
I am hoping to be attending there.
CAMERON
Man that is in the bag and you know it. (Looking at Zeshawn) You have a twin brother, right? Zeshawn.
ZESHAWN
Yes I have a twin but I am Zeshawn he is Rayshon.
CAMERON
Cool. I wished I had a brother or sister.
ZESHAWN
You got it made. Your parents are professionals. Ya’ll got that big ass house. You get whatever you want.
CAMERON
Yeah but it ain’t all cracked up to be.
KEIRA
You sound lonely.
CAMERON
I am…sometimes. That is why I need you in my life.
Keira laughed at Cameron and reminded him of his “baby’s mama”.
Tuesday, September 4
Cameron woke up to the sound of arguing. He stepped out of bed and walked into the hall. The sound was coming from his parents’ room. He shook his head and walked downstairs into the kitchen to fix him something to eat before school.
When he sat at the table Teresa came and sat in front. Her face was puffy from crying. Charles entered the kitchen and sat down.
CHARLES
Cam we have something that we want to tell you.
CAMERON
I already know that you two are getting a divorce.
TERESA
How did you know?
CAMERON
Come on ma. I am not slow. I hear you two fussing all the time. I knew it would be sooner or later.
TERESA
Did you give Alexis that money?
CHARLES
What money?
CAMERON (reluctantly)
Mom gave me money to give to her for an abortion.
CHARLES
What the hell? That won’t happen. She will have the baby and you will take care of your responsibility.
CAMERON
See ma why did you mentioned that money.
TERESA
Because I want to make sure that you are doing what is best for you. I don’t see why you with that nappy head girl anyway. She is not on your level. She is just using you for what you have.
CHARLES
How do you know that?
TERESA
Look where she comes from.
CAMERON (getting up from the table)
I am going to school. I don’t have time for this.
CHARLES
Sit your ass down.
TERESA
Let that boy go. He knows that he doesn’t want a baby.
CHARLES
See that is what is wrong with him now. You allow him to get away with any and everything. You have him spoiled. I am telling you he is going to make you cry one day.
TERESA
Like you have made me cry. Cheating on me and getting another woman pregnant. You made her have an abortion.
Charles just sat in silence. Cameron looked at his father in total shock and then he turned to his mother. He got up from his chair and pushed in it and placed his plate in the sink. Off to school he went.
Mr. Wansley was at his desk grading paper when Zeshawn walked in. He looked up at Zeshawn.
MR. WANSLEY
What is going on early this morning? We didn’t schedule a student council meeting.
ZESHAWN
Mr. Wansley, I need to talk to you about something.
Mr. Wansley put his pen down and gave Zeshawn his full attention.
MR. WANSLEY
OK, what is it?
ZESHAWN
I have been having these dreams that have really been bothering me.
MR. WANSLEY
OK.
ZESHAWN
I don’t know how to say it.
MR. WANSLEY
Just come on out with it.
ZESHAWN
I think I am gay. What a minute…I know I am gay.
MR. WANSLEY
OK. Now was that so hard to say? Now to be honest with you, I think that you need to talk with your parents or a counselor about this.
ZESHAWN
I can’t talk to them.
MR. WANSLEY
What about your brother?
Zeshawn cocked his head over and looked at Mr. Wansley.
ZESHAWN
Mr. Wansley…my brother? Yeah ok.
MR. WANSLEY
Have you tried?
ZESHAWN
No. I respect my brother. I know what he has said to me in the past about gay guys and stuff. No. I can’t do it.
MR. WANSLEY
Have you talked to anyone else about this?
ZESHAWN
No sir. You are the only person that I feel comfortable to talk to about this. I think my mom knows but she hasn’t said anything.
MR. WANSLEY
What do you want her to say? I think that you like for people to bring things to you and then you will discuss it but if not, you leave well enough alone.
ZESHAWN
True that. But I hear about people who open up about things like this and are disowned or bullied. Even people who have killed themselves or have been killed because of coming out. I am already on the cheerleading squad. I don’t want to be another statistic.
MR. WANSLEY
There are plenty of male cheerleaders, especially in college. You can even get scholarships for being a male
cheerleader.
ZESHAWN
I know.
MR. WANSLEY
How do you feel about yourself?
ZESHAWN
I am very secure in who I am. It doesn’t matter to me what others say.
MR. WANSLEY
What do you want me to say?
ZESHAWN
I guess I needed to hear myself say it. I had to be honest with myself. (Standing up and reaching out his hand for a shake from Mr. Wansley) Thank you Mr. Wansley for being a soundboard.
MR. WANSLEY
That is one reason why I am here.
Zeshawn walked out of Mr. Wansley’s room feeling very good about himself. When he stepped out of the door he ran into Demarcus.
DEMARCUS
Hey what’s up?
ZESHAWN
Nothing just headed to class.
DEMARCUS
That’s what’s up. What did you think of the game the other night?
ZESHAWN
I really don’t get to see the game. My attention is on the crowd.
DEMARCUS
True. But I am quite sure that you turned and looked every now and then.
ZESHAWN
Not enough to see the plays. Plus basketball is more of my sport.
DEMARCUS
I would have never thought that. So, you are not going to cheer during basketball season?
ZESHAWN
Nope. I have got to watch the game.
DEMARCUS
Well you know that the season starts in December.
ZESHAWN
Thanks. (Sarcastically) I didn’t know that.
Demarcus looked into Zeshawn. They both started to walk towards their next class.
During lunch Cameron sat with his head on the picnic table. Alexis walked up behind him. She gently placed her tray on the table and sat down. She put her hand on his back but Cameron never raised his head.
ALEXIS
What’s wrong sweetheart?
CAMERON
My parents are getting a divorce.
ALEXIS
I am sorry to hear that. Is there anything that I can do?
Cameron raised his head and looked her straight in the eyes.
ALEXIS
No…I am not getting rid of “our” baby.
Cameron placed his head back on the table. Demarcus spotted Alexis sitting with Cameron. He walked over and sat on the opposite side.
DEMARCUS
What’s going on?
ALEXIS
Cam is upset that his parents are getting a divorce.
Cameron raised his head.
