" ɪᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛʀɪᴘᴘɪɴ' ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴀ
ᴍɪᴅᴅʟᴇ sᴄʜᴏᴏʟᴇʀ. "
𝑀𝑖𝑐𝑎ℎ 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑠
_________________
[ 2019 ]
"Micah Williams!"
Larry yelled through the mic, and I ran out from the back. The LED club- like lights, shined all around the room as music blared from the speakers.
A wide smile was on my face as I high-fived numerous of people that had there hands held out in the mist of the tunnel we had to run through.
When I made it to the end, I jogged onto the court, and over to the Sky, Nik, and Jah who's all in my group. "Bro I'm ready! We coming as the underdogs.. no one thinks we about to win this!" I smiled wide, and gave Sky a dap up as he's smiling wide from ear, to ear.
"I'm saying. I can't wait until it's our turn, I swear we not finna' disappointment!" Nik eagerly rubbed his hands together.
All the groups stood in there own section just like yesterday when our teams were announced. The music dyed down a little, as Larry came into the cut with his SnapBack to the back. "As y'all know this is the biggest night of the weekend because one of these teams is going home with a championship!" He held as all our groups got hype along with the crowd. "Aye' give me team 1, and give me team 2! We finna' hash this out the right way!" Larry shouted.
Afterwards the music filled the room once again and the lights dimmed allowing the LED light to shine over the court. Our team went to go sit court side until it's our turn. "Who you think winning this game?" I glanced up at Nik.
He glanced over at me with a hooded stare. "Who you think? Larry knew what he was doing when he put Mikey, Kyree, Zaire and all em' on one team. I bet if Jalen was in good shape he would've squeezed on that team too." He sent a knowing gleam.
I sent him a side smile. "Man, you act like we're not a super team too. As far as I'm concerned no one's stopping you at the rim, and Sky and I are shooters. As for Jah? He's a defensive problem." I knowingly shrugged.
"Okay let me find out little squirt been doing her homework." He patted the top of my head, although I dodge out of his reach seconds later.
"It's natural knowledge, yo'." I chuckle, and tug at one of his twist atop of his head. "No homework done over here." I stubbornly folded my arms.
"Yeah, you talking good. You make sure you talk is the same on the court, squirt. I don't got time to be carrying no team." He side eyed me.
The crowd got rowdy around us whenever Kyree shoved Addison, leading into an extra explosive dunk. I smack my teeth. "Say less, you obviously don't know who you talking to." I snorted, in which Niven began cracking up in reaction.
The game's pretty much over from the looks, and surprisingly Mikey's team is the one's that's loosing. My eyes followed Mikey as he jogged the ball up the court, when Sky's knee nudge into me. "Aye' from the looks we got Jalen's team next. Who you got?" He asked.
My lips swished to the side in thought but it wasn't long before I made up my mind. I pointed towards Julian who'd just pulled up and splashed a three. "I want Julian, I'm still not done with him from yesterday." I raised my brows.
"Ight'... you know he quick on his feet right? Julian may be short, but he's a tough one to guard- well he might be right up with your height." Sky squinted his eyes.
"Shut up, I'm taller then Julian." I shoved my shoulder into Sky's as he started laughing. "He's not about to do all of that half court shooting, I promise." A determined smile surfaced my face.
"I hear you, I got Mal then." Sky said.
"Jah!" I shouted, past Sky to Jah who was sitting beside him. He met my gaze and a smile quivered my face. "We up next. You holding down the paint with Niven?" I shouted over all the extra noice for him to be able to hear.
A smug smile came on Jah's face as he constantly nodded his head. "You already know what I'm finna' do!" He shouted in return.
"Bet!" I shouted, and looked back at the game. A smile rested on my face, I got a good feeling my team finna' go off as the under dogs.
One of the refs blew there whistle calling a foul that Mikey commented on Julian. I poked my lips out in displease. "Ugh, they calling that wack foul." I said full of annoyance.
"Nah remember. They are going to 1v1 now." Sky explained.
Right on cue, Larry called all the players off the court besides Julian and Mikey. He handed Julian the ball and announced how they're going to three. This is a whole mismatch, Mikey is about to do him dirty. My tightened in a knot, fully locked in on this short 1v1 about to go down.
Mikey nonchalantly checked up the ball. Julian did one of his very quick dribble moves but went absolutely nowhere with it. Mikey snorted and went into a defensive stance. Seconds later Julian bounced the ball on Mikey's head then pulled up for a three after the fact. The music cut at an instant, and all everyone heard was a tight *swish* from the net.
The crowd went crazy in reaction. From beside me Niven grabbed ahold of my shoulder. "Damnn, I'm telling you. People be sleeping on that man but he lowkey nice." Niven laughed with his fist covering his mouth, in amazement.
I rolled my eyes as they got back to the tournament with both team's players on the court. How's twin going to let Julian Newman beat him like that. Now I gotta guard him and put on for the both of us. "Yeah, I got Julian." I nodded.
The game ended as Jalen dribbled out the ball, and Mikey, Zaire, and them took the L. As they walked off the court, I met Mikey half way since my team's coming on the court. "You down bad for taking two L's in one game, Williams." I teased.
Mikey rested his hands along both his hips, and leaned in towards me. "Man.. you buggin', he took that lucky ass bootleg The Professor typa' shot." Mikey frowned full of attitude. "Ian' got time for him, go ahead and finish my light work."
"Light work must not be so light, big fella'." A mischievous smile quivered my face, and I patted him along his chest.
"Squirt!" Nik shouted, and I looked over to see him motioning for me to come onto court with them.
Since when did 'squirt' become my name. I went along with it anyways, and sent Mikey a brief smile before jogging onto the court. Of course I'm at the point guard position and all the way on the other side of the court, Julian's at the same position.
Niven won tip, and the ball passed back to me. Let's do this. No coaches, no plays, just all freestyle. I'm about to go crazy. I allowed the ball to roll almost to the half court line when I picked it up, and our 24 second shotclock started counting down.
I dribbled in a slow pace up the court, numerous things going through my mind as to what I should do. Out of anticipation I bit down on my bottom lip and did an easy fake of a crossover but instead, drove left where there was an open lane. Using my body, I stiff armed Julian and flew past him. Addison who was at the forward position went to intervene and cut the lane.
One step ahead of him, I euro stepped and lifted the ball over my head- also out of his reach. In my peripheral vision Niven motioned for me to throw the lob since Addison left him completely open. I threw it up, and Niven did the finishing touches of connecting the ball into the rim. He swung a few times on the rim then landed back on his feet.
"Aye!" We all shout, and I dap Niven up.
Jalen threw the ball in to Julian and granted, I fell back because for one this isn't a real championship competition to be playing heavy defense, and two.. I'm not trying to get caught lacking while playing defense on Julian out of all people.
Julian jogged to the end of the logo where he paused and his eyes lightened up while looking at the rim. Knowing all too well that he's a shooter, shooter, I raised a hand up to contest. Julian pump faked me then side stepped, pulling up for a clean three. I gave him that one because it was a nice move. Although the next few plays ended with him scoring these long distance threes on me. I'm not going to lie, he has me messed up.
"That's your last time scoring." I promised Julian while we stood beside one another, watching his ball hit the rim and then fall into the net.
Niven tossed the ball in to me. I groomed the bottom of my Custom Harden's, before picking up the ball up and dribbling it down the court. Niven went to put a screen on Julian but I motioned for him to fall back.
A mischievous grin was on Julian's face as he stood in defense mode. I dribbled a few steps back, standing in the center logo area. "Shoot it." Julian aggressively clapped his hands.
"I don't listen to you." I chuckled small. After words I pressed right then hit a hesi in the mist of the move. Julian's defense stance fell to the right just as I had planned for him to do so. "Keep up." I chuckled, seconds later I drove right however once his foot moved, I pulled back into a step back.
Julian tried to contest but it wasn't any need. I pulled up for a three and a dramatic affect fell through the air, as Julian stumble onto my side. The ball went in, and I reached down placing two fingers on my shoe before raising up three fingers into the crowd.
A shove came from behind me and I turned around, to see it was Sky. We dapped up as the crowd went wild. I chuckled that one shot bringing even more energy to the game for me. I held my word up to Julian even though he didn't make it easy that's for sure. I dropped a few buckets but, this a team game and I can't eat by myself so I dropped a few dimes to the guys, and allowed Sky to dominate the ball as well for a few positions.
So for the first game as I knew my squad would; we came out with the dub. I rolled up my shorts at the hip while Julian walked by. "Aye' I told you, I'm not one you can just step on. Good game though, you didn't make it easy either." I grinned small.
Julian lended his hand out for a dap up and I collided my hand into his, dapping him up for a brief moment. "Respect." He said. Music to my ears, all I ask for is the respect.
We won the last match so we got the court, and are up to play Mikey's team next. I met up with the boys, all huddled up and discussing our next strategy for this game.
I knelt down in order to tie my shoe while Sky spoke barely over whisper in order to keep everything in our little group. "Jah, keep Aiden out on the perimeter as much as you can, and when he gets the ball... let him shoot." He lectured.
"And I got Kyree.. I can handle him." Niven said.
I stood to my feet, while stomping my feet onto the floor to build friction, and grip- that's the only thing about new hooping kicks. "I got Mikey," I nonchalantly said, earning stares from all three of them. "What? That's my brother.. I know his play style." I frowned at all there doubtful gleams.
Damn, talk about teammate trust. "Ight, we trusting you, squirt. You know yo' brother can easily drop a forty- fifty ball in this bitch." Niven shook his head, sweat falling down his face from the previous game we just played.
"You just worry about Kyree, and you worry about Adain, and you worry about Zaire." I sent all three of them pointed stares. We laughed at that and had small talk until the next game was ready.
The ref blew his whistle and threw up the ball. Adain won tip then chucked the ball back to Mikey. I met my brother at half court, ready for this Williamson on Williamson competition we're about to bring out. I know Mikey isn't about to make it easy on me, and I'm sure as hell not going to make it easy on him.
This game's closer then last game, scoring wise and the defense was starting to pick up. It's clear that neither teams wanted to end with a L. Zaire brought up ball and I met him at half court. Zaire lifted his hand and motioned for a screen. Kyree set the pick which caused us to do a switch.
Sky switched over to Zaire, and I'm now on Kyree. "Ball!" Kyree shouted and did a push off on me. Caught my ass all the way off guard. Zaire passed him the ball just when I ran into defense mode and placed my hand along his hip. "Fall back lil girl." Kyree said, knelt down cradling the ball.
"Yeah right, old man." I swatted for the ball.
Kyree pushed off aggressively once more. I stumbled on my toes because dude's a whole 'nother strength. He forcefully drove left and I managed to stay with him. As Kyree pulled up for a spot up jumper I jumped up to contest his shot. His body merged into mines in order to embrace the contact and next thing I know, there goes the whistle.
I sighed as Kyree's larger figure purposely nudged into me. "I said fall back for a reason." He talked his shit being cocky per usual.
"Wow, so you gotta foul that you purposely drew." I muttered talking my own shit, as Larry hyped up the 1v1 we're about to do. "Sound pretty weak to me." I nudged my shoulder purposely into his.
Larry passed Kyree the ball when the both of us got up to the top of the key. I groomed the bottom of my shoes however, soon as Kyree chucked the ball to my stomach I released a small caught off guard grunt. "I'll show you.. this isn't your cute little AAU team. I'm about to show you what playing with niggas is really like." He mischievously chuckled.
I aggressively bounced passed the ball back over to him and went into my defensive stance, wearing the most fearless face I could muster. "Come on then, you doing too much talking for me." I sassed, holding my hand up to his face.
Kyree laughed again then did the most disrespectful thing in the books. He turned his back against my arm and started posting up like someone's dad trying to play ball. I fought to keep him from pushing back however, Ky had the higher hand when it came to strength.
"And 1!" Kyree shouted, flexing his muscles into the crowd who hyped him up whenever he pushed his big ass to the paint, for the easy post hook.
My chest heaved up and I held it there for a second before I released the massive breath of air. I'm down bad if I let him jail ball his way into a win.
"Let's go!" Kyree yelled with an angered expression, his hand aggressively slapping the leather hugging the ball.
I'm not about to let him win, I just gotta' play good defense for one possession then it'll be my turn and I'm taking the W.
Kyree followed the same tradition as last time while laughing and talking his shit. From the side Mikey and the rest of them was yelling tips however, all of it was going in one in and out the other. In concentration I watched as he continued dribbling the ball with his left while pushing back.
I placed my heels on breaks in order for his movement to stop then become irregular. Kyree's dribbling became sloppy, and I smacked in and stole the ball. Sirens went off around the court, and I couldn't help but to grin from successfully getting out of the sticky situation.
I dribbled back to the three point line where Kyree met me aggressively clapping his hands. "Ky, will you take this dance?" I dryly chuckled, and Ky went to do a hand check however, I swatted at his hand.
Spinning off of him, I hesi' moved to the left but in actually crossed over to the right. I swung the ball behind my back, seconds later pulling up for a three point shot. "Game!" I called seconds before the ball even flawlessly fell into the net.
The crowd grew loud as people held their phones on the sidelines, yelling there own comments and such. "Nah- win by two- win by two!" Kyree held, while holding up two fingers.
At first I wasn't with it but fine, my shots like that. Another three shouldn't be too hard. My defense is still getting there but offense? That's where all the hype comes from. Kyree was borderline hacking me as he stood only inches away from me.
I tucked the ball beneath my armpit then extended a hand out towards him. "Good game." I said with a straight face, meaning that I'm about to end this.
Kyree's smile said it all that he's not taking me serious not one bit. "Good game." He calmly said and shook my hand.
After the fact I knelt down feeling one of Kyree's hands on the center of my back, while the other guarded near my face. In one swift movement I used my head to bring space between the two of us then pulled up for a fully contested three. Some would say that was a bad shot, and maybe it was- but I'm nice like that.
Kyree and I stumbled together and the dramatic affect fell in. The both of us leaned along with the ball as it bounced, and rolled around the rim for a dramatic affect. For what seemed like a long fifteen minutes but in actually it was a short fifteen seconds, the ball finally fell into the rim.
I climbed up to my feet and started yelling, flexing my own arms, knowing good and well I'm repping these fresh Spongebob arms but- it's the adrenaline, and the fact that I just beat a top player like Kyree Walker in a 1v1 challenge.
Sky jogged over and pointed up to the ceiling numerous times. I ran full speed and jumped when we neared another. Our sides collided in the mist of the jump. "That's what I'm talking about!" Sky said with excitement, and we dapped up shortly after.
When it went back to both teams playing and not just Ky and myself, it's like me winning that 1v1 was all the energy our team needed. At first Adain was bullying Jah in the paint but that's not even happening anymore- we playing with energy and have full control of the game.
Unexpectedly Larry intervened into the game just when Sky had scored, and Kyree was about to throw the ball in. Larry walked into the center of the court, mic in hand while our team held the lead up by ten. "The game's cracking down, and we're not going to just end this like any regular game! We going to 1v1 this one out!" He hyped up.
I looked up at Jah who stood next to me, sporting a confused gleam. "We all about to 1v1?" I asked my shoulders slumping as I rested my hands onto my hips. To be frankly honest, I'm too tired to do another 1v1- I don't think I can pull out another iconic one as early.
"...for the Championship win on what team will win this year's 2019 Overtime tournament- give me Kyree!" Larry shouted and pointed at Kyree who was sweating bullets but already holding his cocky smirk. As for myself, I bit my inner cheek in hopes he wouldn't call my name. "For this team, give me Niven!" He pointed towards Nik.
Thank God, I smiled for an entirely different reason- I'm mostly glad I don't have to 1v1 for the win. Nevertheless, I sent Niven encouragement as well as little pointers on how to guard Kyree. Of course since I was smaller Kyree tried to baby me however, considering Niven's around his height, size, and everything, the object of guarding him is just making him uncomfortable at all times.
What I wasn't expecting was for this 1v1 to be so toxic, and take long as it did. The refs weren't in this game which I thought was a little sketchy because Niven was very much using that to his advantage. Unlike Ky, it's clear that Niven done played a few games of jail ball with his uncles or someone.
In conclusion this tournament ended with Kyree having a bloody nose and of course... us underdogs coming up the victory. "How it feel to get beat by your little sister." I tease Mikey as I wrap an arm around his shoulder.
He bobbed his head to NBA YoungBoy song playing through the gym- trying to pull off that careless attitude. "You know if we run it up right now, I'm winning." Mikey lifted his brows however, humbled down and gave me a small dap up. "We all know who's the best Williams in the family."
I rolled my eyes at his cockiness. "Yeah, okay. You keep thinking that and watch how you get crossed up one day." I teased right back.
Afterwards I made my rounds to everyone, giving the team spirit or whatever. Jalen Suggs and I broke our contact from a quick dap up when my eyes connected with Kyree who held a tissue up to his nose. "Y'all going to get tired of sleeping on me." I folded my arms across my chest.
Kyree huffed, following a lazy eye roll. "See," He propped an elbow on the top of my head- and in reaction I sucked my teeth. "You made some dumb lucky shots, and yo' boy Niven just played boxing mixed with basketball-"
I shoved Kyree away. "Boy you down bad. You know good and well, I pulled up and splashed two threes on yo' old ass!" I did a pull up shot motion with my hands. "The last one had that extra dramatic effect which said it all.. Micah Williams man, that girls proof that these boys ain't nothing but babies." I sent him a sly smile.
"Man, get outta' here!" Kyree shoved me with his elbow. I chuckled stumbling a little to the side from his strong ass- I'm really finna' get into the gym. "You the only little kid on the court!" He teased, and shook the bloodie tissue near me.
A disgusted gleam quickly appeared on my face and I ducked out of his reach. "Eww!" I frowned with much discuss. "I don't want your hoe-cooties on me." I sent him a displeased side eye.
"Whatever, yo'..." Kyree and I's laughs dyed down shortly after he said that. "You chilling courtside with us to watch the females play?" He asked.
"You already know I have to show love to the girls." I sent him a sassy gleam.
"I hear." Kyreee chuckled. "Aye', I'll see you though I'm finna' go get a snack, you going to be sitting with Mikey and them?" He nodded small.
"Yeah, I'm going to change into some more comfortable shoes first, though." I pointed towards the locker rooms.
"Ight' bet that up then, I'll see you- lil girl!" Kyree dismissed our conversation. I squinted my eyes playfully at him, afterwards I maneuvered through the crowd of people on the court and went back to the locker room to change up the drip real quick.
From how Larry explained it, the girls tournament is about to go down just like ours did. I sat courtside between Mikey, Jalen Green and most of the other guys. A small few of the guys decided to go get food instead of staying back, but for me I knew that I had to stay and watch the girls for the love and to study competition.
Who knows, if I decide to run with Kobe this summer, I might run into one of these girls.
For now, the game hasn't started yet and I haven't got over how my boy Jalen's dressing. "Here me out though," I lifted my brows up to Jalen who rolled his eyes, a smile that showed he knew he was bound to get roasted. "My guy, what tea party are you late for? Like dude really got the pink, pink.. jacket tied around his neck."
"Micah.. kid don't make me get started on you.." The Filipino mixed, and lean Jalen motioned a hand out towards me. "-yo' Jersey hanging down so low it's past your knees.. look like you wearing a jersey dress." He chuckled, with the patch of bronze in his hair.
I threw my head back in laughter, clapping my hands together shortly after. "Jersey dress on and all, I still manage to whoop you and your boys asses." I sent him a confident smile.
"Watch your mouth." Jalen scolded.
"Yes sir I-" I paused from sentence although the smile remained on my face when Julian Newman approached us. "What's up, I bet-"
Once again my sentence was interrupted but this time my smile dropped into a gasp. Jalen muttered a damn when Mikey reached out and yanked at Julian's Jersey using his full strength. "That's for hitting that ball on my head, fool." Mikey said over the music.
"Mikey." I called his name with much disbelief.
"And for trying to show off with my sister." Mikey starred up at Julian.
I don't know Julian's history but the look Mikey was giving Julian, where we come from means he's standing his ground. Julian smiled it off and flexed his bicep in Mikey's face. He said something but from the excessive noise around I couldn't here what he said.
"Imagine getting punk'd by someone younger then you." Jalen leaned over and quietly spoke near me.
Piercing my lips together, I sent him an 'I know you're not talking' glare. "And let me get back to you! My guy, did your great auntie or your grandma pick out this 'outfit'?" I threw shots at him.
_____________
I hungrily bit into the pizza while holding the medium sized box. Mikey, Zaire, and I, decided to grab something to eat since we were just chilling around in our rooms.
Mikey pointed at the sauce that I already knew was on the corner of my mouth, considering I could feel it. "Clean ya' mouth yo'. You can't tell me you was that hungry." He arched a brow.
"I'm mad how you couldn't even wait until we made it up to the room." Zaire laughed lightly, glancing back at me as I walked behind the two of them.
We stepped onto the fancy elevator in order to go back upstairs to our floor. Too unbothered by their comments, I finished chewing my food. "I'm mad how y'all are all in my business. You guys eat 24/7, I can't even remember eating today." I winced in thought.
"That sounds like a you problem." Mikey smartly remarked, and the next thing I knew he was taking the pizza box from me. "Give me this before you eat the whole box. It ain't our fault you like to run on a empty stomach. That's why Kyree was bodying you.." Mikey bent down shortly after he burst into a fit of laughter.
"Wow, it's funny that an old head like Kyree who's going to be in the league in a few seasons can body me." I sent him a glare, so he can see how stupid he sounds right now.
"..you a light weight." Mikey said in the mist of his laughs.
I bit into another bite of my pizza glaring at his immature ass, my free hand resting along my hip. Zaire exchanges glances between the two of us during the encounter. "I'm glad I don't gotta' worry about this with my sisters." He said.
"Shut up!" Mikey and I both said in sync, it's as if our true twin instincts kicked in, if not just for that second that it had lasted.
Zaire raised both of his hands in surrender, softly laughing after words. Mikey pressed the button on the elevator, and I immediately frowned. "My guy, that's wrong... we're not on that floor."
"Yeah, we're definitely on the third floor." Zaire pressed the number three even though the five that Mikey pressed was still lit, along with the three now.
Mikey smacked his teeth together. "Micah, don't act like you a genius or something. I bet you don't even know your birthday off the top of your head." Mikey lifted his chin, puckering his lips out with a doubtful gleam. I opened my mouth to reply however, he interrupted me. "-Shut up!"
He really not going to hush me like that. I swung at him, ignoring Zaire protest as he stood between the two of us. "Wait, don't hit the-" My hand hit Mikey's head and before I let go, I clawed my hands into his curls then seconds later released. "-Welp, looks like we're going to the lowest floor."
Mikey grabbed my wrist about to fight me off however he didn't even have to considering, the both of us paused in order to see what Zaire was talking about. Zaire pointed at the buttons to the button on the last row which was an upper case B.
Mikey released me from his grasp, and adjusted the pizza he was holding with one hand. "I'm not going to the lowest floor, I'm getting off at level three." He said with a hint of attitude.
"Scared?" Zaire teased.
"Hell nah." Mikey scoffed but knowing my brother, that was a cover up for; Hell Yeah.
I ate the last bit of my pizza while spectating the now third option lit up on the elevator. "How you know that's the lowest level?" I asked.
Mikey smacked his lips together as if my question was done; No question is a dumb question, first off. "Whatchu' think the B stands for? Bottom, dummy."
"That definitely stands for Basement." I corrected, as the initial meaning came to mind, just at that instant. "Dummy." I returned the nickname back to Mikey.
The elevator dinged, as the doors opened to the third floor. Mikey started to walk out although Zaire nudged his arm. "C'mon.. if y'all not scared let's see what the last floors about." He wore a convincing smile and shortly after shrugged.
My lips swished to the side. I don't do scary but, I don't want to look soft either. My shoulders nonchalantly shrugged. "Ain't nothing down there but staff.. why not? Let's go." I said.
Mikey was the last one to reply. He smirked for a while and just tugged at his curls. "Man... why not, let's go." He playfully rolled his eyes. "I can't believe I'm agreeing to this... I'm ready to eat too."
"You can't tell me you that hungry." I mimicked his words that he said to me earlier.
The elevator dropped and the three of us standing on each side all quieted down. The same pizza I just finished eating, I felt twirl in my stomach as the elevator quickly went down. It slowed down as we mist was close. "Shut up.." Mikey lately replied, as the elevator door dinged, and the doors slid opened.
"This is not what I thought I would see." Zaire jumped up and down, cradling himself in the corner that he stood in.
"Bro, chill out.. it's not even.. nothing." Mikey chuckles, holding the bottom that kept the doors to the elevator opened.
In front of us was almost like a horror movie. My tongue was definitely held at the moment because I was scared of the dark, and just spooked in general. It was dark, and everything in here looked abandoned as if if they had something useless.. it came down here.
I held the rail, not trusting my surroundings no more then Zaire did. "Shit, you must not be seeing what we're seeing." I said.
"What? Darkness... don't tell me you scared, Moe. You scared that the hash- slinging- slasher is going to get you, Micah." Mikey mocking laughed in a teasing manner. "Man... I'll go all up in there, ain't nun' in here."
I pierced my lips together, and rested my hands along my hips. See, once upon a time Mikey was the biggest scaredy-cat, I'm talking being scared of something simple as a chihuahua. "Oh really? Go in there then... and longer then five seconds." I tested.
Mikey lended the pizza of to Zaire who's still giving off his panic comments in the corner. "Bet." He nonchalantly shrugged.
That's exactly the opposite response I expected from him. My glare dropped when he actually left the elevator which was pretty much the only light source. "Mikey... Zaire go with him." Worry surfaced my face when I could no longer see him.
"What? Do you not know there's a reason why a lot of times black people are not the main characters in horror movies- we avoid scary shit." Zaire rested his hand on his chest. I released my lips into a pouty baby expression. Zaire sucked his teeth and side eyed me. "...Fine." He gave in.
Before Zaire completely left, I grabbed ahold of his shoulder. "Wait! Let me get the pizza." I shouted, and from the look on his face, I can tell I startled him a little. "Sorry, if y'all get got.. doesn't mean I gotta' keep starving and miss out on some good New York pizza." I said to my defense.
With the pizza in hand, I also held the bottom which Zaire made sure to make clear; Don't let go of that damn button. Which, if I had good intentions.. I would've gladly listened to but.. that's not the case for this situation. A mischievous smirk curled my face and I released the button.
"Oops." I took a step back, allowing the doors to shut along with the ding of the elevator. I cover my mouth in disbelief with my own self because before the elevator took off, I heard the boys yell something. That's what they get. I burst into a fit of laughter at the fact, no more jokes on Micah because the last joke ended on them.
Even though there's no way they could've made it to the third floor when I did. I stumbled over my feet while trying to run quickly as I could out of the elevator. The pizza slid in the box from side, to side, as I ran to my door and unlocked the door. When I got in, I slammed the door shut and released a large breath of as I leaned against the door full of adrenaline.
Popping something random on Netflix, I ate another slice of pizza before I went to get dressed in order to go out tonight. Dior hit me up earlier and said how he wanted to link up one more time before he left New York. I don't know whether to feel Dior or not, but I feel like he's genuine.
By the time I took a quick shower, and slipped on a cute- but casual outfit, I heard constant knocks from my door along with my name being yelled. I adjusted my top, while walking over to the front door with a clever grin on my face.
• Micah's Outfit •
"Micah!" Mikey yelled my name, merging in with the constant knocks on the wooden door.
I pinched down on my bottom lip, holding onto the top lock of my door. When I came back in here, I locked the top and bottom, even though the door automatically locks by itself. "What?" I tried to hold in my laughs.
The both of them were yelling stuff however, I managed to hear. "Open the door!" From Zaire.
My plan to simply crack the door open was short lived whenever it came flying open. I stumbled back and Zaire, and Mikey came flying in. I squealed surprised as fuck to see the two of them.
"No!-" I started to protest whenever Mikey wrapped his arms around me. I knew what was coming and when my feet left the floor it was only confirmation. Mikey lifted me up and was walking mad fast with me. "Ah- Uh, put me down before you drop me!" I yelled, holding onto his shoulder for support.
It wasn't until my body slammed down onto the couch that Mikey actually put me down. "Pull some shit like that again, leaving us down there in that weird ass place." He scolded.
My eyes clenched while I took the long minute to get my laughs out. It feels good to for once not be on the end of the stick, so to speak. I sat up on the couch my brow arching when I saw they somewhat got comfortable. "Um, excuse me. I hope y'all don't think this is a lounge, I'm about to go." I sassed.
Mikey propped his leg on the armrest of the sofa, disregarding everything I literally just said. "Where you going?" He nosily asked.
"Non' ya'!" I shouted, and went back to my room that mostly consumed of the large queen mattress. Digging in my suitcase, I pulled out my white hat that'll go well with my outfit. Before leaving out of my room, I grabbed Dior's coat. Out of all the jackets and coats that I brought here with me- Dior's managed to be most warm when going out into that New York weather.
When I went back into the living space the guys didn't say anything but I felt their eyes on me. I adjusted my hat, and the damp curls hanging beneath it. "You know, it kinda is our business because you're supposed to let someone know when you go out by yourself." Zaire broke the silence.
The marvel movie playing on the TV made dramatic noise effects as Ironman went flying across the screen. "Someone does know, I told Jah." I said in with a 'For your information' tone.
"So you'll tell Jah over your own blood. Jah family and all but he's not blood." Mikey tested.
A sigh left my lips full of annoyance, as I texted Dior that I would be be on my way in a few. "Oh my gosh, I'm going to see Dior.." I rolled my eyes.
Mikey scoffed, only making me even more annoyed at this point. "You really talking to him? He's just playing you.. I heard about him before." He said.
"Who said we was dating?" I eyed the both of them since Zaire wanted to add his two cents in by nodding at what Mikey said. "He's in New York.. I'm in New York, we going to link." I simply said, and put his large bubble jacket on.
"And who's coat is that because it's twice yo' size and you don't own any off white." Mikey sent me the same glance dad be giving, as he rested his hands onto his knees.
"It's Dior's." I slickly said, and untucked my hair from out of the coat. After that I gathered all my things that I'm taking with me. "C'mon.. I have to go and I don't trust you guys here in my room." I motioned towards the door.
"And I don't trust you going out with Dior." Mikey stubbornly said.
"I second that." Zaire once again applied his two cents to the conversation.
"I second- get out!" I mocked Zaire's words while grabbing ahold of Mikey's arm. In one hard tug I pulled at his arm in attempt to make him stand up- again, when I make it back home, I'm getting in the gym.. it's a must at this point.
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I sipped on the slender red straw planted into my cup, watching as people walked past the window. Dior and I decided to come to Chick Fil A for what I'm guessing would be our last time seeing one another before the summer- that is, if I decided to run with the Blue Chips again.
"Whatchu' thinking about?" Dior brought my attention back to reality. I turned and watched as he popped a fry into his mouth. Hair cut fresh, and hairline only complementing the fact.
I smiled small, and rested my cup back onto the table. "Nothing really.. I guess I'm just a lil' tired from all that's been going on with Overtime." I admit to him.
"Is that right?" Dior sent me an innocent smirk, side eyeing me down in the process. "I saw a few clips on IG.. you was doing yo' thang out there. I'm not going to lie, I'm ready for this summer when we all link up as a team." He continued to eat.
My smile flattened a bit for obvious reasons. "Yeah.. I haven't really told anyone yet but- I'm having second thoughts on whether or not I want to run with the Chips this summer." I admit, shaking the ice around in my cup.
"I know." Dior said, and I sent him the most confused gleam. "I can tell, I'm not stupid. Every time I bring it up your entire mood change, and your cute lil' smile fades away." He teased, and seconds later I felt his finger brush my cheek near my lips.
Out of instinct my cheeks heated from Dior's touch, and my eyes connected with his. "How come you never said anything until now? Like you kept talking about this summer as if you didn't know."
Dior's jaw clenched, and unclenched as he briefly chewed the food in his mouth. "Hoping that I might can convince you that it'll be worth your buck if you stay." He lightly laughed, grooming a tissues over his lips. "Like I said, I'm not stupid. I know Bronny and your bro ran the show but I heard yah' bro not even coming back, and as far as Bronny? Dude is a resource more then a threat to stealing the show."
I paused for a moment and tried to wrap my head around what Dior was trying to say. I took a swig of my drink and pierced my lips together, taking in the taste of the sweat tea. "What do you mean?"
"He's just a role player right now, no hate just facts. Yeah he may get a few threes, and or a dunk but that's about it." Dior shrugged. "No hate but real talk answer this; Would Bronny be Bronny, if he wasn't Lebron's son?" He arched a brow.
"Obviously not, he's Lebron's Jr, their's no Bronny without Lebron." I said with a 'duh' tone. Dior sent me a flat glance from my sarcasm. "Talent wise? I feel like he's worth the hype.. he hit a few game winners, and averaged almost twenty last AAU season."
"And you're taking up for him and in denial. Which means that your home screen and all that doesn't just make y'all friends.. y'all obviously more then that." He bit into his sandwich.
"You being mad toxic right now." I shook my head because in reality Bronny and I haven't spoke- by his choice. Yeah I'm feeling some type of way, but I'm not going to call him trash either. His game is developing still, duh- all of ours is. The moral of it all is, Bronny's not trash at basketball. "Bronny and I aren't like that-"
"-It's cool, Shawty." Dior cut me off, in the mist of lifting his hand for me to stop right there. "It's cool I'm not even trippin'. I know we been talking for a lil' minute and I think you mad cute but, ion' know if I'm ready for things to go any further."
"Because I'm not about to bash Bronny?" I asked.
"That's one of the reasons, yeah." Dior paused from eating and nodded in all seriousness. "But I'm not trippin' too much over a middle schooler. My main reason is because.. I just ain't ready, I'm not where I want to be in life right now- why drag my girl in that too?" Dior frowned.
"So what's with the little flirt lobs you be throwing, and like yesterday when you pissed me off and took my phone?" I asked, genuinely wanting to know.
"To be real.. it's hard not to flirt with your little cute self. It's cute how you tough on the court but, when I do some small as touch your cheek- you blushing." He softly chuckled. "I ain't say I was done flirting anyways.. call me a lil' flirt because I'm feelin' you at the end of the day. Whether that's a good, or bad thing." He smoothly laughed side eyeing me.
I chuckled along with him and pushed his shoulder. "Boy, shut up! I swear you think you're the smoothest criminal in the world!" I playfully rolled my eyes. "Besides, I'm not worried about you like boys at the end of the day." I said.
"Yeah... Sound good." Dior teased.
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"Micah, Mikey, Ubers here!"
Jah shouted to the both of, already starting to walk out with his suitcase rolling behind him.
The weekend's finally over and it was fun to say the least. I pulled the hood over my head and looked over the lobby full of male, and female, basketball players all of us waiting on our ubers to get out of New York and go back to our hometowns.
"I'll see y'all again." I smiled, lifting up the peace sign to the few who I'd been known before this weekend, and others who I just met over the weekend.
We said our goodbyes and afterwards, I shook the handle to stand taller on my suitcase in order to roll it out to the car. As I was doing so, a voice caught my attention. "Aye'!" I looked up to meet Zia Cooke wearing a smug grin. "I'm mad how you thought you was too good to run with us girls, and then I don't get no goodbye."
I chuckled, and dapped her up as our shoulders briefly collided before our touch broke. "Man, I don't discriminate that's what my message is all about. I'm just trying to send out a word that girls and boys do mix and nah, dudes don't always win." I tucked my hands into my coat pockets. "As far as my goodbye? I thought I made my round and spoke to everyone so you must was ducking from the smoke." I showed off my braces while lightly laughing.
Zia laughed as well, and balled her knuckles into the palm of her other hand. "I like that, somebody had to do it, right?" She grinned, and I nodded in agreement. "Look, all I'm saying is don't sleep on us girls. We like that too."
"Don't you think I know that? I mean you are looking at what?" I dropped my gaze to my presence, a clever grin on my face.
"Of course, of course." She chuckled. "But aye' I'll see you around.. I'mma be up in LA when AAU start up with this team imma run with. You still on that stacked lil' middle school squad."
I swished my lips to the side, and turned my vision elsewhere. Damn, Dior was right; I just need to go ahead and decide and get this off my chest. "'Nah- I mean, I might.. it's really a pending answer. I haven't decided what I wanna do yet." I finally spoke the truth about my AAU situation.
Zia's expression turned to interest as she cocked her head to the side. "Say that. Yo' my team always down for some extra talent pieces. If you thinking of re- joining a girl squad let me know. Shit, once you run with the big girls you'll be done with all that boy team shit. Come run with the top of class high school girls. Keep your little girl shoes at home though." She said with a hint of sass at the end.
I playfully rolled my eyes at her comment but recovered that with multiple nods. "You know what, I'll take that under consideration- by the way, these not little girl shoes." I corrected, showing that I'm a lot taller and more brave then what my age, and grade, may can explain.
"I like that." Zia chuckled, eyeing me. Her hand lended out for another dap up seconds later in which I gracefully accepted. "Aye' you know it ain't nothing but love though, Williams. Let me know where you stand... don't leave me hanging."
"I got you."
I reassured.
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Thoughts...