Hope ?

Chapter 44

Imani POV

A few days later...

I was on my way to the court after Coach texted in our group chat with him that he had something important to tell us. I was a bit nervous, but Simone helped calm me down and assured me that everything would be fine.

I've been feeling kind of weird since the party, but I haven't said anything because I don't want Simone to worry. I'm sure it's nothing, maybe just a small cold or something.

I pulled up to the court and hesitantly got out of my car as everyone was walking inside. Taking a deep breath, I walked in too as we gathered around Coach.

" Good morning girls, today is a special day... well not really. I'm drug testing y'all niggas so line up to pee inna cup for me ight ? The faster we do this the better," Coach said as most of our eyes got big since almost all of us smoke.

" Ummm Coach you finna be real mad when we all fail... " Ana mumbled what we were all thinking as Coach laughed.

" Oh, if it's weed ion care, y'all do know I smoke too right ? No, it's for heavy drugs don't worry girls, " He reassured as we sighed of relief and he laughed again. We than began to line up, still not wanting to pee in a fucking cup tho.

After about 20 minutes we all finished and Coach said he would have all the results ready in a bit. In the meantime he said we could just shoot around and practice some drills, even Nya and I.

" Has anyone ever actually failed one ? " I asked as I passed the ball to Q and she made a three.

" Not since I've been here, but I heard Coach's wife overdosed on crack some years back, so he don't play about that shit, " She replied as I rebounded the ball.

" Damn that sucks, no wonder Nya is so bitter, " I said more to myself but Q laughed.

" Gotta chill Mani, " She shook her head as I smirked.

" My man my man my mannnnn, " Rayleen yelled for everyone to hear as we all groaned.

" Here she go y'all..." Sarah said rolling her eyes.

" I'm finna get fucked sooo good tonight nobody text me, " Rayleen squealed as she stuck her tongue out.

" We wasn't planning on it wit yo goofy ass, " Q replied as we all laughed.

" Sassy ass... that's why yo girl left you for a white boy," Rayleen smirked as Q started to chase her and she yelled, making us laugh again.

" Man I missed y'all, " I said more to myself as Coach walked back in, not looking too happy.

" You good Coach ? " One of my other teammates, Lisa asked.

" Imani you're off my team, " Coach said as we all stopped what we were doing.

" What ? " We all said at the same time.

" Get the fuck out, I never wanna see you again, " Coach spat as I started to panic.

" Coach what happened ? " I asked, genuinely confused.

" You do crack nigga that's what happened, I'm not gonna ask you to leave again. You are on a scholarship Imani, so I would go to the financial aid advisors to see what your next move is, " He said, shaking his head.

" Coach I only smoke weed, the test has to be false or a mix up ! " I pleaded as I felt tears start to form.

" I said get the fuck out, now leave before I call the cops, " He challenged.

" Coach-"

" Do you wanna be next Quaniyah, " Coach snapped at Q as she shook her head, defeated.

Seeing I had no other choice, I grabbed my stuff and headed for my car.

How the fuck did this happen ?

Simone POV

I haven't heard from or seen Imani in hours and was starting to get worried. I tried texting, but her phone is either off or dead and Cam isn't answering me either.

My thoughts were interrupted as there was a knock at the door and I got up to open it, revealing Nya.

" What are you doing here ? " I asked as she looked me up and down, since I only had on a big shirt and a thong.

" I was dropping the last of Imani's things from her locker off here, " She said casually as I furrowed my brows.

" Why ? "

" Oh has she not told you ? Figures, I'd be embarrassed too if I got caught doing crack and lost my scholarship all in one day, " She shook her head as my jaw dropped.

" W-what ? " I nearly yelled.

" Yeah, my dad called us in to drug test us and well... she didn't pass, " She explained as my head started to spin.

" You're telling me... my girlfriend does crack ? " I questioned.

" Aye those tests don't lie ma, I'm sorry you had to find out like this since she wanted to go MIA, " She said as she took a step closer to me.

" It's fine... thanks for telling me, " I breathed as she nodded.

" I'll give you some space, here's her things, and text me if you need to talk alright ? " She said, handing me her stuff as I nodded.

I closed the door and sat on my bed as a million thoughts ran through my mind. How did I never know this until now ? Why wouldn't she tell me that ? I thought our communication was getting better...

As if I summoned her, Imani walked through the door, looking like she'd been crying for days.

" Hey ma, " She mumbled as I just stared at her and she rose a brow. "What's wrong ? "

" You do crack Imani ? " I blurted out as she froze.

" No... who the fuck told you that bullshit tho ? " She asked as her jaw clenched.

" Nya stopped by..." I started.

" I fucking knew it, it all makes fucking sense now, " She said more to herself as I furrowed my brows.

" Huh ? "

" Imma kill her Simone I don't care, " Imani replied as she started to pace and I got up to sit us down.

" Baby calm down... what's going on ? " I asked as she licked her lips and looked me up and down.

" You so fucking sexy, " She whispered as she caught me off guard and lifted me onto her lap to straddle her of course.

" Imani... "

" I think Nya drugged me... I don't know how but that's the only explanation, " She said as she started to rub on my booty.

" Why tho ? " I asked.

" I don't know... think about it tho; she's been out to get me since day one, then I made a fool out of her multiple times, and now she just tried to turn my team and you against me, " She started. "On friday she did hug me for a minute and then my drink tasted funny after and I've felt awful ever since, maybe she somehow slipped it in then."

" Drugs tho ? That's a bit far don't you think ? " I questioned as she shook her head.

" I honestly wouldn't put anything past her, Nya has an off vibe to her, we've all said it before. I just don't know how I'm gonna prove this shit to Coach or my teammates, " She sighed.

" I don't know baby, we'll figure it out together tho I promise okay ? " I reassured as she nodded.

" As long as I have you by my side ma, " She said as she leaned in to kiss me and I held onto her.

I'm not sure how we're gonna prove this, but I knew I believed Imani. Not because she was my girl and I love her, but Nya did have an off vibe to her, kind of like...

Rita...