You have to want it more than anyone else
~ ~ ~ ~
I submitted my Common Application to University of Southern California and Xavier University of Louisiana and I got some extra money from my grandma so I can finish my applications for all the other schools.
It's now Monday and I'm already ready to go home when school hasn't even started yet. I get to my locker and put all of my things in there and take all my books out for my first 3 periods.
"Izzy!" I turn to see Mya running towards me with tears in her eyes. She was still in her pajamas and her hair was half done. I set my books on top of my locker and rushed to her, "He was in a car accident Izzy, and they said me might not make it."
My heart dropped after hearing what she said, "Oh my god." I mumble.
"I don't know what I'll do without him Izzy, he's my everything. I lo- I love him." She says the last part lowly, but I still heard it.
I pulled Mya into a hug and she immediately broke down. I held her tighter as she cried in my chest.
"How did you find out?" I ask softly rubbing her back.
She took a deep breath and calmed down before speaking, "His friend called me this morning when I was getting ready. He said the accident happened last night not Saturday when I was texting him."
"Wait then what happened?"
"They were leaving a party, and Rodney was driving, but he wasn't drunk and he swerved off the road because he saw a deer standing in the middle of the road."
"Damn," I mumble, "Nobody died right?"
"No, everyone was injured though. Rodney just got the worst of it."
I sighed as I felt tears rolling down my face. I prayed silently that Rodney would be okay because I don't know what I would do without my favorite cousin either.
Mya and I are still at my locker and we're on FaceTime to Rodney's friend, Derrick.
"He's outta surgery, but they still won't let us see em. But they said he broke his arm, got a mild concussion, and some swelling in his neck."
"Oh my god," Mya mumbles, "Well when they finally let you in can you call me immediately?" she asks.
"I gotchu shorty." He said winking at her, "I'll talk to y'all later though."
We said our 'goodbyes' and Mya hung up the phone. She went back home, because she wasn't going to be able to think straight if she stayed here the rest of the day. I got my things off the top of my locker and headed to first period.
"Bella!" I scrunch my face up at the name and turned to see Kado practically skipping towards me. He wraps his arm around my neck.
"Ew bruh no I hate that name." I say turning to him, trying to pry his arm off of me.
He studied my face and frowned, "Have you been crying?"
Crap, I wipe the rest of the tears off my face, "Nope." I say.
"Girl don't lie." Kado pulled me closer to him, "C'mon, talk to daddy." I laughed.
"I'm just having some family problems right now." I said. It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the full truth either. It's not that I don't trust him, I just don't know Kado like that.
"Well, if you need someone to talk to, you got me." He said smiling, "Oh yea, how was your tournament?" He said changing the topic.
I raised my eyes in surprise; I can't believe he remembered, "We did pretty good for our first tournament, we got second but it's better than third, so I'm not complaining."
"That's pretty cool. I spent my whole weekend training for basketball season. I'm just hoping I get scouted this year. I know a few coaches were looking at me last year, but I'm at a different school now, and I don't know how that stuff works."
"Well, I'm pretty sure they keep track of all the players they're looking at, and if you're worried about all that just make yourself noticeable."
"How do I do that?"
"Email 'em, record yourself during your games, make a portfolio and send it to the schools. I promise you it helps."
"Ight cool. You think you could help me record when I go to my private practices during the weekends... oh and when the season starts?"
My mind immediately went to my tournaments, "Um, if your practices aren't in the morning then yea, I can... But, I think I can definitely help out at the games."
"Ah yes! Thank you!" He said squishing me in a hug.
I took this moment to inhale his scent. I almost melted when I smelled his Versace cologne.
"You sniffing me?" Kado said chuckling.
I felt my face heat up as I backed away from him, "I-um. sorry."
"Nah, you good." He said laughing.
The bell then rang, signaling that we have five minutes to get to class. I looked to see that Kado didn't even have his books yet.
"C'mon lil boy so we won't be late." I say dragging him to his locker.
"But you know what ain't little? This di-"
"Okay, I didn't ask" I say interrupting him.
"Man, you don't even know what I was gonna say!" He said pouting.
"And I don't wanna know, now can you please open your locker so we won't be late?" Just when I said that, the bell rang, "Kado." I whine.
"Why does it even matter that you're late, it ain't like they gon call your parents or something." I sigh in defeat.
"Fine. Can you just hurry up please?"
"Can you not rush me please?" I huff and roll my eyes, "and I hope them eyes get stuck in the back of yo head too."
"Boy, shut up." I heard him huff, and he began opening his locker. He pulled out his books, and shut it.
We began walking to homeroom in a comfortable silence. That was until Kado decided to ruin it.
"So, is that all of your hair?" I then felt a strong pair of hands running through my hair roughly.
My eyes widen and I jerk back and raise a fist, "What the he- Boy, you better back the hell up 'fore you get hit."
Kado stared at me for a second, then busted out in laughter.
"I don't see what's funny." I say crossing my arms as I mugged him.
He was still laughing, but he was starting to calm down, "It's just," He started, "You're a girl." He started laughing again.
I still don't find anything funny. I gently placed my books on the floor and walked up to Kado. I slowly raised my fist and punched him in his side as hard as I can.
He immediately stopped laughing and groaned in pain as he clutched his side where I hit him.
"Damn man, why you do that?"
"Told you not to mess with me." I said, smiling at him.
"You ain't even say that."
I didn't?
"Hm, I was probably thinking it then." I say picking up my books and walking to class.
*
"So what are you gonna do for your birthday this year?" Miracle asked me as she sat down on my couch with a bag of hot fries. I narrowed my eyes at her. I know she know that my momma don't like nobody sitting on her couch eating.
Since Fred ended practice super early today, everyone except Carter, decided to come to my house for some reason. I personally don't mind because I need some company anyways since my parent went to Abu Dhabi for 3 weeks. I just don't know what time everyone is leaving.
"Girl, if you don't get off my momma couch eating them chips." She huffed and stood up from her seat and sat on the floor. "And I really don't know. What y'all think?" I asked
"I don't care as long as it's better than last year." Ali mumbled. I ignored her comment and looked at everyone else for suggestions.
"Surprise party?" Kailah suggest.
"The purpose of a surprise party is for her not to know about, so no." Mya says and everyone agrees with her.
"Girls night out?" Miracle suggest.
"But I would wanna bring Adam." Ali complained. I rolled my eyes and turned to her.
"Well, when it's your birthday then you can invite him." I say, crossing my arms. She rolls her eyes and sits back on the couch.
"Exactly, and you invite that boy everyone we go and I'm tired of seeing his ass 25/8. Shit, it's bad enough I have to see his ass during school." Liana ranted.
"Nobody asked for your commentary Liana, so you can shut the fuck up." Ali said getting a little loud.
"Honey, you ain't have to ask for my commentary, God gave me a mouth and I'm going to use it freely. Punta." Liana was getting louder, and I really don't need this right now.
"How about y'all both shut the hell up?" I finally say.
The house is now quite and I still don't have any ideas for my birthday. I check the clack on my phone. It's 7:34pm.
After what seemed like a long silence, Marcey finally speaks up, "What about Six Flags?" She suggest.
I thought for a moment, "Actually, that's not a bad idea. I have a season pass, and since my birthday is in October we'll be able to go to Fright Fest!" I said getting excited, "Marcey, that's perfect!"
"Who here has a season pass?" I asked. Everyone raised their hands except for Kailah.
"Damn girl, you're that broke?" Ali snickered. I looked over at Kailah and it looked like she was ready to beat the shit outta Ali... And I honestly don't blame her, but I really don't need anything broken in this house.
"Okay Ali, you need to leave." I say pointing to the door.
She smacked her lips, "What? You know it's true." I think that was her last straw because all I saw was Kailah get up from her seat and lunge towards Ali and grab her throat.
Kailah began throwing punches left and right and they were all hitting Ali. Truthfully, I can't feel bad at all because Ali deserves a good ass whoopin'.
I looked at Mya, who looked at everyone else. I know what they were thinking. Should we stop it?
After a few more seconds of them fighting, Miracle finally gets up and pulls Kailah off of Ali. Kailah only had a few scratches, while Ali had a busted lip, and a semi-black eye.
"Momma ain't raise no bitch." Kailah spat as she steps over Ali.
You damn right.
After Ali went to go fix herself up in the bathroom, she decided to leave. Finally. I love Ali, but she doesn't know how to shut up sometimes.
"Sorry about Ali." Marcey says.
Kailah waves her off, "You good, she just need to learn to keep that mouth shut."
I nodded my head and the room fell silent. Just as I was about to say something, my doorbell rang.
I sighed and got up from the couch. I opened the door to see Carter standing there looking tired and irritated.
"Hey. What are you doing here?"
"Hey," Carter rubbed her hands through her wavy hair, "I just needed to get away from Destiny and Chasity for a while." She then pointed behind her, "Oh, and I saw Ali leave and she looked mad, is she okay?"
I stepped aside and let her in, closing the door behind me, "Eh, she will be. Her and Kailah just got into it." I explain while leading us into the family room.
"How come?"
"Ali talking shit." I say simply. Carter just nodded her head, "Look who's here!" I say to everyone.
Everyone greeted Carter with a 'hey'.
"Whatchu doin' here girl?" Mya asked.
As much as Mya didn't use to like Carter, they're becoming really close now.
"Didn't feel like being around Destiny and nem'."
"I feel you, every time they're around I always wanna choke her. Especially Chasity, ooo that bitch get on my damn nerves. How do you deal with them?"
Carter shrugged, "I guess I'm used to it." She said simply, "So what y'all up to?" She said taking a seat next to me.
"Izzy's birthday. We're tryna go to Six Flags..." Liana says
"Yup. Ooo, do you wanna come?" I asked turning to her, "We can use this as some type of team bonding."
"Yea that'll be cool, I have a season pass too."
"Damn, do everybody got a pass but me?" Kailah asked.
Carter laughed, "Don't worry, you can use me to get a discount at he door." She says. That was nice of her to do.
"Oh Iz, when's your birthday?" Kailah asked.
"October 25, but I don't want to celebrate it on the day of Halloween because I know it's gonna be hella people there, and ain't nobody got time for that." I say.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
*
After about 2 more hours of talking and hanging out, everyone finally left, except for Mya of course.
It's now currently 11 and we're in my room. We're supposed to be watching the Avengers, but we're both on our phones, not paying any attention to it. I was even tempted to turn it off.
"They said he woke up, and they're letting people visit him now." Mya said referring to Rodney.
"Call that boy to see if you can talk to 'em." I suggest.
"His name is Derrick and he's about to call now."
Right when she said that Derrick's name popped up and he wanted to FaceTime. Mya quickly slid the button to answer, and Rodney's face popped up. A smile grew on Mya's face.
"Wassup lil' mama." His voice was hoarse
"Hey, what happened to your phone?"
"It broke in the accident, but imma buy a new one as soon as I get out." He furrowed his eyebrows, "Who house you at? Izzy's?"
"Yup."
"Aye, tell ha ass I said wassup." I laughed then put my head in the camera.
"Boy, I'm right here. How you feeling?"
Rodney smacks his lips, "Mannn, like shit."
"Awwn, so sad. Well, imma let y'all love birds get back to talking." I say getting back up.
"It ain't even like that tho!" He yells out.
"Mhmm." I say walking out of the room to go to the kitchen.
I go into the freezer and get a grape flavored popsicle. I open the wrapper and stuff it in my mouth and throw it away.
"Sup Iz." I jump at the sound of the voice and turn around, holding my chest.
It was Kado... In my house... What the hell is he doing in my house? How did he even get in my house?
He smirked at me. I raised my eyebrow, and he pointed to the popsicle that was still in my mouth. Lil' nasty.
I rolled my eyes and removed it from my mouth, "How the hell did you even get in my hou-" I stop as soon as I realize what he's eating.
In his hand is a bag of Hot Fries... My Hot Fries... I set my popsicle on the table and stomp over to him and snatch the bag out of his hand. I'm seriously ready to slap the crap out of this boy, "Why are you eating my bag of chips, boy are you crazy?" I half yell. I almost forgot Mya was upstairs.
"What? I just saw them sitting on the table." He shrugged.
"Look, okay, I don't even care about the chips right now, I just wanna know, how you found my address and who let you in?" My mind was everywhere at the moment.
"Marcey said she was coming from your house, and I wanted to stop by to say 'hi'." He smiled then waved at me.
I stared at him, but I couldn't help but smile, "Hi... But, can you at least warn me next time?" Kado laughed, "No, I'm serious. My older cousin likes to stay over sometimes, and he don't play that." I say.
"Okay, okay." He hopped on the counter, "So, how was practice?"
"Eh, it was okay. My coach let us out early today which was pretty good. Did you work-out today?"
"Yea, I went to this place called the Kroc, or something like that, and I met a couple'a people there and hooped a little bit."
"That's cool. Just lemme know when you want me to film." I say. I look at the clock on my phone and it's almost midnight, "Aren't you supposed to be at home?"
He shook his head, "Nah, my parents are out of town and they won't be back until next week, so I'm on my own."
"Hm, no siblings?"
"I have an older sister, but she lives in Cali now. I talk to her every once in a while."
"Cool, I'm currently an honorary only child myself, so that's why I always have Mya around here." Speaking of Mya, I totally forgot she was upstairs. I turn back around to Kado, "How long are you staying?" I didn't want to stay up that late since we have school tomorrow.
He shrugged, "I dunno. Can I spend the night with Mya?"
"Do you-."
"I have clothes in my car." He interrupted me.
I rolled my eyes and sighed, "I guess it's fine."
Kado smiled wide, "Yay!" He said jumping up and down.
I chucked and grabbed his hand, taking him upstairs. Once we got to my room Mya was still on the phone with Rodney. Love birds. I cleared my throat and she turned around with an irritated look on her face.
"Look who's here." I smile and Kado waves at her.
"The hell he doing here?" Mya says as she eyes him.
I shrugged, "Ion know, he just showed up and he wanted to spend the night, so that's what he's doing." I say.
"Hm, okay, well he's sleeping on your couch." She turns back around and continues to talk to Rodney.
Kado takes off his shoes and sits on my bed. I go in my dad's room and found a pair of sweats, and threw them at him.
After he changed, I turn on Hulu and turn to Law & Order: SVU.
Kado leans back on my bed and I lay on my stomach at the bottom of my bed, while Mya is passed out next to me. While in the middle of the episode, I hear light snoring. I turn to see Kado knocked out under my blanket.
I chuckle and turn off my TV. I grab my phone and set my alarm for 5:30am and set it on my side table. I go to the bathroom to empty my bladder and wash my face. I quickly moisturize my hair and put it in 10 bantu knots, put my bonnet on, and head back to my room. I look to see that the spot that I left in between Kado and Mya is still there, so I turn off my light and climb into bed, immediately falling asleep.