Just Like Me: Jordan Poole

7

Destiny tapped her foot anxiously against the floor, feeling the need to empty her stomach. "I think I'm going to throw up."

Today was the day invitations went out and they were finalizing the final guest list. Their engagement party was later tonight where a lot of people would be invited. She even invited Jordan, whom she wasn't even sure would come. Not because he didn't want to but because the Warriors were preparing to take their bus down to Sacramento.

The Warriors were up two games over the Sacramento Kings. They played in both games in Chase Center with the most recent one being last night, where the Warriors took a close 118-116 win over Sac-Town.

"Destiny! We're ready for you when you're ready."

She smoothed out the front of her pants, finally walking downstairs. Everyone was here from her family and Christian and his parents were in attendance as well. Even Jalen was here, having taking the day from classes.

When Destiny came downstairs, only her siblings could pick up on the nervousness on her face. She inexplicably had a pen in her hand along with an index card, as she bit her bottom lip. Ryan and Jalen exchanged a look as Destiny slowly crept into the room.

Christian approached Destiny, pressing a kiss on her lips. "Hey. Baby. You ready for this?"

"Um..."

Jalen took a drink from his water bottle, slowly leaning forward. He didn't know if Destiny was actually about to say what he thought but as a brother, he just wanted her to be happy.

"What's wrong, baby girl?" Joe asked, as she glanced around the room.

Destiny made eye contact with Ryan, who gave her a nod. Essentially, that's all it took for Destiny to blurt out her thoughts. It was gonna sting but she had to be honest.

"We can't send those out, yet."

Janine gave her a look. "Why?"

"I don't know if I wanna do this." Destiny admitted, looking right at her father. "I'm having second thoughts."

There was absolute silence as she finally spat out the words and different reactions came from just about everyone.

Naturally, her mother was not only fuming in anger but she was embarrassed. Janine could've killed Destiny right there if they weren't in a room with so many other people.

Jalen wasn't surprised as he slowly stood to approach his sister. All he knew was no one was going to say anything wrong to her. Sure, the timing was awful but she was only 20 and no one could blame her for being unsure.

Ryan just stayed in her spot, hands clutched with her wife's hand as she looked around at the shocked reactions of everyone else. She was willing to play mediator when someone decided to spit something out. Anything at all.

Christian's parents just kept looking at one another as he looked back at them. Joe's reaction was about the same, just pure and utter confusion at the sudden proclamation.

That's to say nothing of Christian who was probably feeling every single negative reaction at a time. Not only was he sad, but he was very confused. He loved her too much to be angry but he felt like feeling anything else was justifiable.

"Um, baby..." Christian took her hands. "What?"

"I just..." Destiny looked at her sister for confirmation once again and Ryan subtly nodded towards Christian. "Can we talk in private Chris? Please?"

"Uh. Sure?"

Jalen took a step forward. "You gonna be good?"

"Yes. Thank you." Destiny slid her hand into Christian's. "Excuse me, everyone."