King (Ben Simmons)

10-Draft Day (part 2)

Ben smoothed his suit jacket down before opening the bedroom door to join Jada in the common area. It was only the two of them, per his request.

"You look great Benji."

He scanned her from head to toe. She was wearing a strapless black Michael Castillo gown that brought out her every curve. Her hair was in a slick ponytail and the makeup that covered her face highlighted her natural beauty.

"You look... edible," he said leaning down to steal a kiss. The two quickly become lost in one another, Ben grabbing the back her neck and pulling her closer him.

A knock on the door snapped them both back into the moment. As Ben went to open the door, Jada attempted to fix herself up.

"Damn took you long enough," Olivia said as she walked through the door.

"Ready little brother?"

He only nodded his head not trusting his voice at the moment. When they all met in the lobby, Jada noticed the worried look on her mother's face. Walking over to her she saw tears in her eyes.

"Mom what's the matter?"

"I haven't heard from your father since earlier."

"Mom he's probably still in the air. He'll call when he lands."

Felicia shook her head.

"He was supposed to have landed two hours ago."

Jada's heart dropped and her hand hand started sweating when her mother said that. To keep both parties calm she reached into her clutch and pulled out her phone.

"I'll see if I can reach him mom."

As the phone started to ring she searched for her younger brother but he was no where to be seen.

"Where's Carter?"

"He called from the airport. That's what has me so worried. He said your fathers plane never checked in. So he's staying to see if maybe there was some mix up."

The call went to voicemail so she tried again. After the fourth time and her not being able to reach her father, she started to panic.

"Maybe he's trying to surprise us."

"If Richard thinks this is funny he has another thing coming."

As mother and daughter walked out to the cars that were taking them to the draft she pushed all the negativity out if her mind. This was Ben's night and she wanted to enjoy it for him. He deserved it.

****
"The pick is in."

The entire arena buzzed with excitement, but Jada sat in the stands biting on her bottom lip as her world slowly started to crumble. Her father still hasn't returned phone calls. Carter wasn't taking her calls. To really make matters worse, neither were here. As Adam Silver walked out the stage she put on the happiest face she could muster.

"With the number 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft the Philadelphia 76ers select.. Ben Simmons from LSU."

Jada stood up and let the happy tears fall. She was so proud of Ben and everything else that had been building up from the day went away as she saw Ben walk on the stage and shake the commissioner's hand. She was proud of him and in this moment she realized just how much she loved and needed him. That revelation caused more tears to fall from her eyes.

****
The after party was in full swing and everyone was having a blast. Suddenly the doors opened and Carter walked into the room with his head up looking for someone. When he found his mom he walked over to her, it was obvious he had been crying. Her mom walked out with him and she observed how stressed her mom looked all of a sudden. She started to follow behind them, but Ben grabbed her arm and she smiled turning towards him.

"Hello Mr. number one draft pick."

"Hi," he smiled leaning down for a kiss.

She allowed him to do so then pulled away. She looked into his eyes and tried to understand why it has taken her so long to realize this was the man that she was destined to be with. No one else mattered to her in this moment. She knew that she was the one who wanted to take things slow, but she wanted him and only him.

"What is it."

"I have something to tell you."

"I'm all ears," he said.

She took a deep breath and opened her mouth but was cut off by an earth shattering scream.

"NO!"

She hiked her dress up and went as fast her and feet would allow her. When she reached the scene her heart broke. Her mother was on her knees shaking and crying while Carter rubbed her back.

"What's the matter?"

"It's dad."

"What happened?"

"His plane crashed."

"He's OK right?"

The look on Carter's face told her all she needed to know as hot tears rushed down her face.

"Oh my god," she said as she started to back away from her family.

"C'mon J I can't stand to see either of you cry."

He'd had this talk with his dad plenty of times. If anything were to happen to him, he was the man of the house and take care of his mother and sister. Being faced with the reality in the moment didn't ease the aching of his heart. The heaviness in Jada was too much for her and she almost hit the floor but strong arms grabbed her before Carter could reach her.

"It's going to be OK."

She feel into the folds of Ben's arms and cried until a thought dawned on her.

"Get off of me," she hissed.

Ben looked at her surprised as she pushed him.

"J-Lo."

"Stop talking to me! My dad maybe dead and it's your fault," she roared as tears rolled down her cheeks.  "Had he not been rushing to be here the plane would've never crashed and he'd be alive and healthy. I hate you! Stay the hell away from me Ben."

After she finished ranting she stormed out of the building and called the one person she never thought she'd have to again.

"Hello?"

"Scott. I need your help."