Pride

Chapter Ten

Jay Ellis

"I hate people that feel entitled...Oh, you important? You the moral of the story, you endorsing? Motherfucker, I don't even like you."

-Kendrick Lamar, SZA; All the Stars

"Take some fuckin' notes!"

I sucked my teeth softly as I walked up on John, who'd given me dap. He'd just made a beautiful lay-up against DeMarcus. The twosome had been playing a one-on-one game the whole time. I wasn't even sure how John and DeMarcus got along, considering he and Lichelle made it their business to jump on each other's throats whenever the mood pleased them. More so it was DeMarcus that got on Lichelle's nerves. I assumed since John was present DeMarcus would be on his best behavior.

I just hoped it'd be a good round myself. He wasn't my friend however we should be able to co-exist without unnecessary drama.

As it was, the rest of the guys came in just as DeMarcus threw an insult back at John who'd only shrugged him off, as cocky as ever. The rumors were already floating around that scouts were coming to the school to check John out for their schools. I somewhat wondered how Lichelle felt about it, seeing as they were together since the year before. The separation would be anything but easy.

"Ladies, let's get these teams right!"

Kofi showed up with Broderick and Louis. I winced a little at the fact that Louis' face was swollen a little bit. I'd told Shakyra that he barely caught a scratch but I had to account for how many hits he took before we all jumped in at one point. I hadn't stayed in that fight too long however. My mind clicked when I saw Shakyra's face in the crowd, her anger apparent as she put two and two together. The fire had to be put out before it caught and I knew it'd be a bigger mess if my girl decided to start a fight with Tinashe. Far as I was concerned, as much as I didn't like that my man got jumped over some sucker style mess, he had to take that L. If he took it the whole fracas could die and we could all move on. The last thing I wanted in the near future was to have to fight some other dude because my girl wanted revenge.

She wasn't wrong for her feelings, however.

Back to the present though. We broke up into teams. My team included Louis and Kofi. John, Broderick and DeMarcus made for the other squad. I had to guard Broderick, Louis guarded John and Kofi took on DeMarcus. It wasn't really the best match up but for obvious reasons I wasn't guarding DeMarcus although I probably should've. I barely wanted to come to the courts and I knew this was Kofi's way of trying to get everybody to make nice. Either that or he honestly just wanted to take advantage of the beautiful day. I was doubtful of that much but I'd enjoy the time and then dip out with my girl.

We started playing. The game was cool. It didn't hurt that our girls were there, looking beautiful and doing their cheerleader thing when they weren't gossiping amongst themselves. Really, that was between Shakyra and Ketara. Really, only Shakyra was cheering me on. Ketara hadn't really acknowledged Broderick and when I think about it, he hadn't acknowledged her either, even when we took breaks. Lichelle was a true basketball fan and it showed.

"John, what the fuck?! Guard your fuckin' man!"

I chuckled as Louis made a shot that John could've easily blocked. I saw DeMarcus look up with his face frowned up as he took her in.

"Aye yo, shut the fuck up! Nobody wants to hear your mouth!"

"Nobody was talking to you! You need to take notes yourself matter of fact! How is Kofi getting past you, Doofy!?"

DeMarcus moved to make his way over when I stepped in the way, "Yo, we not here for that. Let's just play ball."

"Move out of my way and mind ya fuckin' business. Matter of fact, mind the business that likes your corny ass."