Junior POV
I had just finished putting on my suit and got set for the ceremony. He had already been gone for a couple days but it still didn't seem real to me. I was still trying to rap my head around the fact something had happened. He never wouldn't let anything bother him. Even in injury he still played. It didn't seem real. I had just fixed my tie and left the restroom in STAPLES Center. I am greeted by a very close friend of mine, Sabrina Ionescu. She has a sad look on her face.
Sabrina: Hey.
Junior: Hey.
That was all we were able to say. Silence. I had a hard time even looking her in the eye.
Sabrina: How are you holding up?
Junior: Doesn't seem real. He always seemed so unstoppable.
Sabrina: Mamba mentality.
Junior: Yeah.
More silence. I broke it this time.
Junior: Why are you here? Don't you have a tournament game?
Sabrina: It's later. I'll give my speech and then leave. Are you sure that you don't want...?
Junior: No. I have nothing to say even if I wanted to.
Sabrina: Not even a few things?
Junior: No and you should know why.
???: Because he's ungrateful for everything that was handed to him on a silver platter.
As soon as I heard that voice, I cringed. I looked at Sabrina who also had annoyed look on her face. I refused to turn around.
Sabrina: What are you doing here, Lonzo?
Lonzo: Can't a friend offer his condolences?
That set me off. I decided to turn and face the pain in my side named Lonzo Ball.
Junior: Because we aren't friends.
Lonzo: Of course, we are. We've been rivals our entire lives. Well...that was until you dropped the basketball and picked up a football. Now I'm the king of the court while you ride the bench.
Sabrina: You basically admitted that you only raised in popularity because he left.
Lonzo: Good girlfriends don't talk to their boyfriends like that.
Sabrina: We aren't dating.
Lonzo: The school thinks we are. Well half the school. The other half thinks I'm dating Paige. Apparently the rumor is that you're both fighting over me.
Junior: That's enough. Why are you here?
Lonzo: I already told you. To offer my condolences.
Junior: Well, you did. Now leave.
Lonzo: Okay. I'm going. See you later, Freq.
I just sigh. I turned back to Sabrina to see her messaging someone on her phone.
Junior: Paige?
Sabrina: Yeah. Apparently Lonzo spreading rumors is true.
Junior: I'm sorry. Want me to handle it?
Sabrina: Paige and I have it. Don't worry.
A buzzing sound was heard. I checked my phone. My mom told me that the ceremony was about to start.
Junior: It's beginning. We have to go to our places. Good luck up there.
I leave the room.
Sabrina: Thanks.
I sat down in my spot where I was supposed to. Everyone in STAPLE's was dressed in black it seemed. How fitting. I looked up and saw on the big screen: A Celebration of Life Kobe & Gianna Bryant
