When we reached the practice gym I noticed a few other cars that belonged to our teammates so Ethan pulled in near them and parked.
“You know coach is about to run us to death.” I said referring to the group text we received at 5:00 that morning promising death since we decided to party after losing an “important” game. Hell, this is college you party if you win and you damn sure party if you lose to help you forget about it.
“Bruh, what! He is about to put it on us and I was barely even there. I was in my room most of the night with Toni.”
“Hell me either. I was in my room with Ky.”
“Let’s get this it over with.” Ethan said and opened his door.
We got out and made our way to the locker room where half the team was already there and dressed in their practice clothes.
“Has coach been in here yet?” I asked to no one specific before I sat on the bench in front of my locker.
“Not yet.” Trey said.
“I wonder how coach found out about the party.” James, one of the freshman said and then looked around at all of us.
We all looked at each other before me, Trey, Davis and Ethan said in unison, “coach knows everything.”
“You damn right I do, which is why for the life of me I don't understand why you continue to break my rules.” We all turned around to look at coach. His balding head and face were red and I couldn’t tell if it was because he was pissed or from the cold air outside but either way he didn’t look happy.
“Come on coach, we've gotta party every once in a while.” Davis said.
“You’re right and we're about to party right now.” Coach said. “So make sure your shoes are laced tight.”
“Dang coach, that's cold.” Trey said.
About ten minutes we were all on the court facing coach who was armed with a whistle, clip board and bad attitude. Let the torture begin.
Chapter 5
Kya Renee
“Ky wake up.”
I slowly opened my eyes to see Toni standing over me. The first thing I noticed when my eyes began to focus was that she was wearing a Spartan basketball sweatshirt that was about five sizes too big. I pulled myself up to a seated position and extended my arms above my head to stretch.
“What time is it?” I mumbled.
“9:30. We've gotta go.”
“Wait where have you been all night.” I asked looking around and realizing that I was in Xavier’s room and had left Toni and Ethan alone in the living room the night before.
“You abandoned me so I stayed with Ethan and before you go there nothing happened. We just chilled, talked and watched movies. They had practice at 8:00 so before they left I came up here with Ethan, crashed on the sofa and just woke up like ten minutes ago.”
I looked on Xavier’s desk expecting to see a note from him but all I saw was a book bag and his laptop. I reached for my phone which he had apparently plugged into his charger before he left for practice to check for a text from him. Nothing.
“Did you talk to Zay before they left?”
“About what?” Toni asked.
“Nothing, I was just wondering if he said anything before he left.”
“Like what Ky, are y'all straight?” She looked concerned.
“Yeah, we're good, we’re just supposed to be going home today to see Leigh play.”
“Nope he just told me to stay out of his fridge.” She said and then rolled her eyes.
I pulled the covers back, scooted to the edge of the bed and stood up to stretch. I had slept in my legging since Xavier had his room below freezing as usual so I sat on the foot of his bed to put on my boots. After I had them on I opened his closet, grabbed a washcloth off the top shelf and went into the bathroom to wash my face before we left.
An hour later we back at our dorm, I had showered and was currently laying on my bed stretched out on my stomach with my Chemistry notes scattered in front of me.
Xavier had texted me after he finished his first practice and told me that he would be there to pick me up by 1:00 so I had a few hours to get some work done. Toni had already provided the goods on what went down with her and Ethan so she was currently sleep in her room leaving our dorm quiet which made it easier to study.
Apparently it was a little too quite because after a while I dosed off and woke up to the sound of my phone vibrating next to my face.
“Hello.”
“You sound like you're sleep.” Xavier said sounding just as drained as I did.
“I'm up now.” I rolled over onto my back and bent my knees placing my feet flat on my bed.
“I'm about to shower and then I'll be on my way.”
“Okay I'll be ready text me when you get here and I’ll meet you outside.”
I threw my phone on the bed and opened my closet door. I found a pair skinny jeans, a blue off the shoulder slouch shirt and threw them both on my bed. After I wiggled my way into my jeans I open one of the drawers to storage units under my bed and got out a navy tank top, pulled off the t-shirt that I was wearing put it on and then my slouch shirt over it. I found a pair if no show socks and put one my navy Chucks.
I checked myself out in the full length mirror hanging on the back of my bedroom door and then reached up to release my hair from the ponytail that I had secured on the top of my head. I raked my fingers through my hair to gently release the tiny coils that had been formed from the double strand twist that I had been wearing. Once I was satisfied I grabbed a pink grapefruit body spray and sprayed it on my body, neck, and wrist a few times before returning it to my dresser and then hopping back onto my bed to wait for Xavier.
I picked up my notes and attempted to try studying again and about forty five minutes later I was standing in front of my dorm while Xavier pulled into the parking lot in his black Wrangler Jeep. As soon as he reached the curb I walked up to the passenger side but he got out.
“You feel like driving?” He asked.
“Is that the only reason you wanted me to go.” I asked.
“Coach found out about the party last night and tried to kill us today. We ran for literally two hours straight and then scrimmaged for the last hour.”
That's what you get.” I said as walked around to the driver’s side of the Jeep and Xavier got into the passenger’s seat. He pushed the seat back as far as it would go, leaned it back and propped his arms up behind his head.
“You better be glad I love you.” I said and the started the Jeep.
“You can blame my coach. He literally tried his best cause us physical pain today and believe me when I say mission accomplished.”
“That's your fault. Throwing a party the night you lost a big game wasn’t really the smartest thing to do.”
“Hell I wasn't even at the party. I was in my room with you.”
“Guilty by association.” I said and laughed “Aren’t ballers all about that one team on win crap.”
“I was until I had to run today and I can't feel my legs because of it.”
“You owe me and you're driving home.”
“You know I got you.” He reached over and rested his hand on my thigh.
“You better.” I replied.
“Always, you know that.” Xavier reached forward, turned up the volume on the stereo and then leaned back again but this time he closed his eyes while I settled in for my hour long drive.
After what felt like forever I finally pulled into Xavier’s aunt’s neighborhood and parked his Jeep along the curb in front of her town house.
“Wake up big head. We're here.” I said as I shook Xavier’s shoulder.
He opened his eyes and extended his arms over his head and then behind him to stretch before he pulled the lever on the side of his seat to raise it up again.
“You're welcome.” I said with a smile.
He leaned over and kissed me on the neck. “Thank you.”
We both got out and walked up the stairs to the front door of the townhouse and Xavier used his key to unlock the fron
t door and stepped inside. The smell of something sweet hung in the air and I smiled knowing that there was literally always something baking in this house. It made me think about high school when I would spend hours in the kitchen while she taught me all of her cooking secrets. My mother was a master at ordering out and Xavier had no interest in anything remotely related to cooking aside from him sampling the finished product. It was a win win situation for both me and his aunt because she wanted to teach and I wanted to learn. Xavier hated it because it took time away from him but I loved his aunt and it was always fun cooking with her.
“Hey baby. “ Xavier’s short round aunt moved passed him and placed her hands on the sides of my face before she leaned into me offering a tight welcoming hug. I immediately noticed that she had lost weight and looked tired even through the huge smile on her face.
“What a great surprise.” She announced cheerfully. “We weren't expecting to see you today. This is just lovely.” She stepped back, looked me over and smiled at me.
“Well I'm glad to see you too.” Xavier said sounding a little put off.
“Oh baby. I'm always glad to see you but this lovely young lady I haven't seen in a while.”
“Exactly.” I said and stuck my tongue out at him. “I missed you too.” I smiled at her and then hugged her again.
“Let me get my coat and we can go. Leigh is already at the school, she rode with a friend so that I could wait for you.”
She left the two of us standing there and disappeared down the hallway.
“She loves me more than you.” I whispered to Xavier displaying an evil grin.
“Not even close, she's just being nice.” He whispered back.
I cut my eyes and him before I responded with, “Jealous much?”
“Okay babies lets go so we don't miss the start.” His aunt said she pulled on a black fleece jacket. She wrapped a gray knitted scarf around her neck and made her way to the door. The three of us piled into Xavier’s jeep with his aunt insisting that I sit up front with Xavier so she wouldn’t interrupt us “young folks” as she put it. Fifteen minutes later we arrived at our old high school and walked towards the gym.
Xavier held the door open and the three of us stepped inside. Both teams were in the middle of their pre-game warm up so when Leigh noticed us she smiled and threw up a quick wave before completing a three pointer. She was wearing her brothers number as always twenty two. Xavier’s little mini me. We took our seats and waited for the game to begin.
Everything was going smoothly until just after halftime when I heard a familiar voice which caused Xavier and I to both turn towards the gym doors. This made me immediately turn to look at Xavier knowing that his entire mood was about to change. Johnny had just entered the gym, talking loudly and stumbling towards the bleachers. He was what you called a functioning alcoholic so he managed to keep his balance but you could clearly tell that he had been drinking because of the way he was moving and how loud he was talking.
I placed my hand on top of Xavier’s hoping that it would keep him calm. His fist was clenched tightly and I could tell that he was beyond angry. Every time he heard Johnny’s drunken slurred words he glared at him but when he went on a rant after Leigh was fouled and sent to the free throw line I could tell that he'd had enough.
“That's my baby. You better watch it and keep your hands off my girl.” Johnny yelled from the stands. He stood and stumbled down the bleachers until he was standing on the floor so that he could continue his embarrassment with a full audience.
“Leigh, you okay baby. You need me to talk to somebody. Hey man you need to control these girls out here.” He pointed to the floor as he yelled at the sideline referee.
“Sir if you don't sit down I'm going to have to ask that you leave.” The referee said calmly.
“Leave! You can't make me leave.” He yelled pointing his finger in the refs face.
Xavier stood up and stormed down the bleachers towards him with me close behind. I didn’t exactly know why I followed but I felt like if I was at least near him that things wouldn’t get out of control. Xavier was extremely protective over Leigh especially when it came to Johnny and I knew that it could get real ugly really fast. When he reached Johnny he moved in close to him. “You need to leave now!” He said sternly.
I looked around the gym and all eyes were on us. Leigh was standing on the free throw line balancing the ball on her hip with a horrified look on her face.
“Awe son you see what they did. They’re cheating your sister out there.”
“I'm not going to say it again! Leave now or I promise you'll regret it.”
“Oh so you're a man now. You think you can tell me what to do?”
“I’m more of a man than you'll ever be and if you want to find out just try me.” Xavier was about a foot taller than Johnny and his lean athletic frame threated Johnny’s out of shape pudgy frame. A body that displayed years of unhealthy habits and bad decisions but that didn’t faze Johnny. He leaned in towards Xavier as if he was still that scared little kid that used to hide from him in his closet or behind his mother.
“Please little boy, your ideal threats don't intimidate me because I know deep down inside that you're just a scared little shit that doesn't know his head from his ass.”
“What I know is that you’re causing a scene. Look at her.” Xavier said and pointed to his sister. “If you care at all you’ll leave. She doesn't want you here and I damn sure don’t want you here so be a man for once in your life and just leave.”
Johnny didn’t budge he just stared at him like he was about to say something else but Xavier didn’t’ give him the chance to speak. “Leave! Now!” Xavier shoved him in his chest and Johnny stumbled backwards. He looked at his son and could tell from the look in his eyes that this was not a battle that he wanted to fight. He eyed him again briefly as if trying to decide whether or not he wanted to try his luck before he retreated, turned and walked away. He pushed through the gym door with so much force that it swung wide open before it slowly closed behind him.
Xavier grabbed my hand and sat on the bottom row of bleachers near the doors as if was anticipating Johnny’s return. Please don’t let this idiot come back in here.
Leigh took her first shot and missed. She looked over at her brother who smiled and nodded his head towards the basket. She still looked like she wanted to cry but his words relaxed her a little. “Free money. You got this squirt.” He said calmly.
“She squatted low dribbled the ball twice and then stood slowly releasing it into the air. It fell through the net and the crowd cheered. Several parents and teammates sang in unison, “Way to go Leigh.” “Good job two-two the coach yelled from the bench.”
Leigh looked over at us and smiled as if requesting reassurance from her big brother who nodded and smiled before she took off down the floor to set up with her team.
When the final buzzer sounded Xavier stood up and waited while his sister celebrated with her team and then had a brief talk with her coach. His aunt was still in the stands chatting with some of the parents undoubtedly about the scene that had occurred with Johnny.
It was a small town where everyone knew everyone which meant that their family troubles were public knowledge. After a few hugs and high fives Leigh ran over and mildly tackled me. I loved her like she was my own little sister, I mean hell she practically was. My years of entanglement with Xavier and granted me access to a little sister and being an only child I welcomed that, I almost needed it. Leigh had been a part of my life since she was eight years old and I had watched her grow up so she was my family as much as she was Xavier’s.
“What are you doing here?” She asked with a huge grin on her face.
“Your brother begged me to come and I felt sorry for him.”
“You know better than that.” He said.
“I'm kidding. You know I have to come support my hoop star whenever I can.”
“Well I'm glad you're here.” She hugged me around the waist w
ith her left arm.
“I guess I'll just leave then.” Xavier pretended to walk away but Leigh grabbed his arm.
“Nooooo. I'm glad you're here too.” Leigh jumped on her brothers back and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck while he placed his arms underneath her to hold her in place. “You feeding me?” She asked.
“You guys go ahead and I'll ride with Jaycee.” Xavier’s aunt said as she came thumping down the bleachers. “Good game baby. You did real good out there. Looking more and more like this one every day.” She patted Xavier on the shoulder who was still holding his sister on his back even though she had far out grown piggy back rides from him.
“Thanks auntie.” Leigh said and smiled.
“So what do you think about this little firecracker. I’m thinking first round pick for the All-Star team.” Leigh’s coach walked up and extended a hand towards Xavier. He shook it and smiled.”
“No doubt.” Xavier said.
“What about you? Season going well?”
“Not too bad, we had a slow start but we’re making up for it.”
“Very good. This one here is working hard but she better speed up that shot a little. I keep telling her they’ll block her every time if she keeps waiting for the perfect release. Quick release.” He winked at Leigh.
“She’ll work on. Right?” Xavier leaned his head back towards his sister.”
“Yes sir.” She said and half smiled at her coach.
“Glad to see you Xavier.”
“You too coach.”
“School tomorrow, don't keep her out late.” His aunt smiled at him and then patted his shoulder one last time.
“We won't. We have to get back anyway.”
“Don't be a stranger.” She said and smiled at me. “You’re welcome anytime baby, so don't wait on this one to come visit.” She said nodding at Xavier
Kya & Xavier: It's Always Been You (Life As We Know It Book 1) Page 7
