“Hey baby, how are you?’ She said cheerfully when she heard my voice.
“Hey auntie, what are you guys up to?”
“Just getting ready for tonight. Your sister’s got a house full coming.”
“No hot dates for your tonight?” I said and smiled at the thought of my aunt dating.
“Oh no, baby I’m too old for all that. The only partying I’ll be doing tonight is with my sparkling cider and a sweet potato pie.”
“Good answer because I better be the only man in your life.”
“Always and forever, so what about you. You have big plans for tonight? Leigh told me you’re going to somebodies lake house.”
“Yes ma’am, one of my teammates is having a party at his parent’s lake house tonight.”
“Well you guys better be safe. No drinking and driving”
“Come on auntie you know I know better than that.”
“Still needs to be said, you can never be too safe. Well I need to finish cooking for later so have fun tonight and I love you.”
“I will.” I paused “Auntie.”
“Yes baby?”
“I think I messed up.”
“Messed up how?” She asked now sounding concerned.
“I did something stupid.”
“Xavier tell me what’s going on.” She said sternly.
“There’s this girl at school and we kind of kicked it for a while but, well she’s pregnant.”
“Oh baby, I thought you knew better than that.” She said sounding a little disappointed.
“Auntie I swear I don’t think it’s mine, but there’s nothing I can do to prove it. I haven’t been with her in forever and she all of a sudden tells me she pregnant.”
“All you can do is wait. Once she has it you can get a test to know for sure but for now all you can do is wait.”
“But I know it’s not mine. It can’t be. She’s just pissed because she found out about Kya and then all of a sudden she’s pregnant.”
“I've told you about playing with girls hearts like that. A woman scorned is a dangerous thing. Well there’s nothing you can do until that baby gets here. How far a long is she.”
“I don’t know haven't talked to her but if it’s mine she’d have to be at least three or four months.” I totally ignored the part about playing with hearts. My aunt had been through to many situations with girls that I had strung along in high school showing up at our house angry or crying over my lack of commitment to them. My aunt always took the time to talk things through with them even when I refused to, so there was no point in me pretending I was totally innocent in this.
“And how does Kya feel about all of this.”
“She won't talk to me.”
“Can you blame her?”
“She won't even give me a chance to explain.”
“What's there to explain baby? You may or may not be a father soon. How do you expect her to feel about that? Just give her time and hopefully things will work out but for now you have to respect her decision. I know it's not what you want but you made that bed and as for this other girl, you need to be there for her no matter how you feel about her. That baby didn’t ask to be here so you be a man and be responsible until you know for sure.” Not happening!
“Are you disappointed?” I knew she was I could hear it in her voice.
“I don't think you're ready to be a father. You need to live first baby but if it happens to work out that way then we'll deal with it. I love you no matter what so try not to worry about it too much until you actually know for sure. I'll be praying about this and you need to also.”
“Trust me I have, and I love you too.”
I hung up and checked the time. I needed to be leaving soon so it was time for me to get dressed. Ethan said we would be outside so I put on a long sleeve shirt, my North Face jacket and my fleece lined bucket hat before I left my room. It was extremely cold this time of year so I wanted to be prepared. The dorms were quite since almost everyone had gone home for winter break and most of the team had left hours ago for Ethan's lake house. When I got outside the cold air sent chills through me faster than I expected so I unlocked my doors, tossed my bag in the back and then started my jeep with the heat on high. The party was just outside of Raleigh and I already had the address in my GPS so I pulled out the parking lot and cranked up the radio prepared for my hour drive.
When I arrived at the house I turned off my Jeep and sat there for a minute before I got out. I wasn’t prepared to get in there and have Kya totally ignore me so I had to get my head right. There had to be at least twenty cars lining the street and about ten more parked in the yard. I was sure the entire team would be there along with most of the cheerleaders that they were dating but it seemed like way more than that was already here. I wasn’t really in the mood to party but I was hopeful about the chance at seeing Kya and it was pretty much the main reason why I was even there.
The oversized lake house was lined with white Christmas lights that made it glow and the reflection shimmered on the lake that sat below it. Ethan’s parents were loaded and you could tell with just one glance at this house. I opened the door to my Jeep, stepped out and adjusted my jeans before I slide my keys in my front pocket and my phone in my back pocket. Another car was pulling up as I made my way towards the walkway lined with florescent stars and then up to the front door. I rang the doorbell and a few minutes Ethan’s mom answered dressed like a magazine cover as usual. The light from the chandelier in the foyer shined through every diamond she was wearing making them sparkle like the lights that lined the house. Her jewelry was always subtle but you knew it was there and you knew it’s worth.
“Xavier.” She stepped towards me and initiated a loose one armed hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home. Where are your things? I hope you’re staying tonight.” She said and smiled.
“Yes ma’am my bags in the car. I’ll get it later.”
“Wonderful. Well welcome.” She said with a huge smile.
“Hey there’s our number one shooting guard.” Ethan’s dad said as he entered the room. “I’m glad you made it.” Although Ethan was adopted he and his dad looked similar. They were both tall with dark complexions, jet black hair and dark round eyes. Ethan’s dad was very fit and looked a lot younger than he really was. On many occasions he had hung with us on the court during pickup games that we played when I had gone home with Ethan to visit his family.
“What’s good Mr. E.” I said and then extended my hand towards him which he accepted and then initiated a quick hug. His parents were huggers which I wasn’t quite use to.
“You flying solo tonight Xavier.” His father asked noticing that I had arrived alone. He had never meet Kya but I knew from conversations with Ethan that his parents knew about us. Ethan said his mother was the match maker type so he had to tell her that I had someone in order to shut her down from to trying to set me up every time she saw me.
“Yeah, just chilling tonight.”
“Well there’s plenty of pretty girls here for you to kiss at midnight so I’m sure you’ll do alright.” He said and then smiled at me.
“Jonathan, leave this young man alone. He’s here to hang out with his friends not to make a love connection.”
“I know honey.” He said and then kissed his wife on the cheek.
“The kids are all over so make yourself at home and have fun. I think Ethan’s on the deck.” She said pointing to the back of the house.
I walked towards the back of the house where I could hear music blasting and saw a bunch of people grouped together on the oversized deck through the glass doors that closed it off from the rest of the house. When I stepped outside I recognized most of the faces but there were a few mixed in that I didn’t know which I figured were friends of friends. That’s the way most college parties went and Ethan was cool with just about everyone so he wouldn’t turn anyone away.
“What up Zay.” Ethan yelled and held his arms up in the air. He wa
s sitting on the rail that lined the deck with Toni leaning against his leg.
“Sup E.” I said and made my way towards him. I sent a few head nods and pounds to my teammates before I made it to him and Toni.
“You just getting here?” Ethan asked.
“I been here for a minute. I was talking to your parents.”
“Did my mom make you give her your keys?” He asked.
“Nah, what’s up?”
“She’s taking keys to make sure nobody does anything stupid tonight.”
“Nah, I told her I was staying though so that’s probably why.”
“Sup Toni.” I said when I noticed her staring at me.
“Xavier.” She said dryly.
I ignored her attitude. “She here?”
“Not yet, she wanted to drive just in case she didn’t feel like staying.” Toni said trying to let me know that I was the reason why Kya might not want to stay.
“She’s on her way right?” Ethan said trying to keep me and Toni civil.
“Yeah, she should be here in a few.” Toni said and then cut her eyes at Ethan.
I decided it was best to keep my distance from Toni for now so I decided to grab a beer and chill with some of my teammates. The deck was crowded with people even though it was December in North Carolina and freezing outside. Ethan's parents had several fire pits and outdoor heaters placed across the deck which were completely surrounded with only a few brave souls lining the deck or cuddle up tucked away in corners. I used the edge of the deck to knock the cap off my beer and slid it in my pocket before I turned the bottle up. The beer felt cold going down my throat which gave me a chill. The air was crisp and dry with a slight breeze coming off the lake making things worse.
“Hey stranger.” I heard someone say so I turned and saw Michelle standing behind me. She had on a red and gray hat with ear flaps and a ball on top of it with matching gloves and a scarf.
“What are doing here?” I asked.
“Well I'm glad to see you too.” She said with a disappointed look on her face. Which immediately made me feel bad when I realized how it came out.
“I just figured you would have gone home for winter break. Wherever home is.” I said realizing that I knew absolutely nothing about her.
“I did but Shaunie asked me to come to this with her so I came back early and here I am.” She said with a smile.
“You guys staying?” I asked, not really sure why because it didn't matter to me either way even though I knew she would read into it and think it did.
“Probably so.” She said and held up the cup she was holding. “What about you?”
“Looks like it.” I said and held up the beer I was working on.
“Good.” She said with a silly grin “Looks like my night just got promising.”
“I’ll have to see about that.” I said even though I had no interest in spending my night with her. I had no plans on doing anything with anyone that could possibly make my situation with Kya worse than it already was.
“Yes we will.” She said and the pushed past me purposely brushing up against me making sure her hand made contact below my waste. She looked back and with a seductive grin on her face but kept moving until she reached one of the fire pits.
I was most definitely going to keep my distance from her tonight. I had enough issues as it was and didn't need another situation complicating my life.
“Sup Zay?” Trey yelled as he walked up to me.
“We getting turnt tonight bruh?” He asked even though he clearly had a head start.
“Looks like you're already working on it.” I said.
“Nah I'm straight.” He said “Ethan's parents are fly as hell for this.” He said pointing to the crowd of people.
“Yeah they hooked us up.”
“You flying solo tonight?”
“Yeah I'm just chilling.”
“You might think you are but think Chelle has different plans for you.” Trey said and looked towards the fire pit that Chelle was standing in front of and she was indeed staring right at me.
“I'm not messing with her like that. She runs her mouth too much.”
“I feel ya bruh but you better watch your back and guard you jewels. That girls is on a mission and I don't think she's willing to take no for an answer. She's been asking about you all night.” Trey looked over at Chelle who was still watching us and waved. “Good luck with that. I'm about to go find me a warm body to get close to.”
Trey left me standing there and walked over to a girl that was standing in front of the fire pit where Chelle was standing and wrapped his arms around her. She wiggled free and then hit him on the chest. He threw his hands up and said something to her and then hugged her from behind again but this time she let him. I walked over to the cooler and grabbed another beer and decided to join a few of my boys who were grouped around one of the fire pits that was nowhere near Chelle. I didn't want to give her any ideas.
Chapter 10
Kya Renee
Good lord, I thought when I pulled up to Ethan's house. There were cars everywhere and I had no clue where I was going to park. I drove past the house and then turned around and made my way back down the street until I found an empty spot in the grass on the opposite side of the street. I parked and got out but decided to leave my bag in the car since I was still undecided about whether or not I was going to stay the night. I didn't drink so I knew that I would be fine leaving if things got uncomfortable. I just wasn’t thrilled about driving late at night and even tough Xavier and I weren’t actually speaking he would likely still put up fight about me leaving if it was too late and I knew it.
The house looked so beautiful, it was lite up sort of like something you would see on a Christmas card. As I made my way to the front door I recognized Xavier’s Jeep parked on the side of the house. And here goes nothing. I pulled my phone out my pocket and text Toni to tell her that I was here and to meet me at the front door but before I could make my way to it she was standing there in front of me. When I reached the top of the stairs she hugged me like she hadn't just seen me a week ago.
“I glad you came.” She said a little too excited.
“I told you I'd be here but no promises yet on whether or not I staying.”
“I'm just happy you're here. I thought you'd bail on me.” Toni said as I followed her inside. The house was beautiful which I expected based on the decorations outside. The layout was warm and welcoming nothing like I imagined. I had envisioned everything being white and shiny inside kind of like the type of layout where you would be afraid to touch anything but it was actually the complete opposite with lots of earth tones and comfortable fabrics that almost begged for your attention.
“Xavier’s here.” Toni said and then searched my face for a reaction.
“I know I saw his Jeep outside.”
And before she could say anything else a woman who I assumed was Ethan's mother walked in the room.
“Hello dear. Welcome.” She said held her arms open which I accepted, hugged her and then returned a smile.
“This must be Kya.” She said and turned to Toni.
“Yes ma’am Toni said cheerfully.
“Well dear thank you for coming.” She searched my body from head to toe and then focused on my face with a warm smile. “You are such a pretty girls. My boys are very lucky to have you two. Make yourself at home and enjoy yourself. Will you be staying this evening?” She asked with a soft smile that made me feel relaxed.
“I'm not sure yet.” I said and then glanced at Toni.
“Then I'm going to have to ask for your keys until you decide. I just want to make sure everyone is safe here tonight.” She said and extended an open hand towards me.
“Sure no problem.” I said and handed over my car key.
“Thank you dear. It may seem a little extreme but I could never forgive myself if something happened to any of you.”
“I understand.” I said and gave her a reassuring smile which she retur
ned.
“Okay ladies have fun and let me know if you need anything.” She said and then turned to walk away.
“She seems nice but obviously has no idea that I hate one of her boys right now.” I said.
“No need in spoiling her perfect image of her newly adopted son and thank god she actually likes me.”
“Why wouldn't she?”
“Who knows? Mothers and sons. You know how that goes.”
“True. So who all is here?” I asked as if I would actually know if she told me.”
“Pretty much the whole team and a few people I don't know.” Toni said as she grabbed my hand and led me towards what looked like an outside deck.
There were about thirty or forty people out there and most of them were grouped around several fires of some kind because I could see and smell the smoke. I immediately recognized Xavier but he hadn't seen me so I moved past him quickly hoping to avoid him. Toni led me to a corner where Ethan was sitting on a bench that was connected to a rail that lined the deck. He had a group of people around him and they were all laughing and talking. When we made it to the group Toni sat down on Ethan's lap wrapped her hands around his neck and snuggled up close to him.
“What's up Ky?” He said when he looked up and saw me. “Come sit down.” He said and patted the bench next to him which I did and then shoved my hands as deep in my pockets as they would go. I sat shoulder to shoulder with Ethan hoping to steal some of his body heat. The breeze coming from the lake below us was sending a chill through me and I didn’t do cold well.
“You’re staying right?” He asked.
“Not sure yet.”
“She's staying.” Toni said and then playfully glared at me.
Kya & Xavier: It's Always Been You (Life As We Know It Book 1) Page 13
