' I'm trying to rekindle things with my ex. '
' Nah-kiya. ' T winces at the horrible pronunciation.
' Yes. '
' I been trying new things too. '
' Like ? '
' How to get away from this god forsaken hell hole.'
' Where are you going to go ? '
' Any place away from you is more than good . '
' I'm glad you brought that up. I have been thinking about someone to head my next project. '
' You cooking something ?.... '
Erik's return to Oakland has been sobering. It reminds him of what might happen if he is no longer useful to the King of Wakanda. It's time to plan for his exit. He's become too comfortable.
He goes around his old hood scooping it out. His hit by great pangs of nostalgia when he sees his old building, renovated and adorned with graffiti art. The old basketball court is old and worn down. Everything's changed. He feels like a foreigner.
He starts by counter checking out the paperwork for the building. Renovating the court. After spending an entire day hunched over his desk goes balling in the rundown basketball court with his protection detail, Shuma and Kwanele. He has to find a way to break bread with the folks. School must be out.
He sees a bunch of kids watching them. About ages 6-8. Hodies everywhere. School must be out. After their session ends. Erik sees a chubby boy in blue locs go and check out their ball left by the shooting rim. Baby sees a shadow fall over him as he crouches to pick up the ball.
' You like that ? '
He turns around to see who is speaking to him. He nervously looks at him, holding the tightly to his chest. Erik smiles, lil man wants that ball so bad.
' You can have it. '
' Thanks mistah. ' he mumbles.
The baby runs off with a smile to show off to his friends. Erik is glad that he spent a ridiculous amount for and1 custom ice cream basketball.
The next day the baby comes back holding his new ball proudly. With his friends.
' C'mere. '
' Know how to ball ? '
The baby nods his head in disapproval.
Erik is suprised that the baby doesn't know how to hoop, this new generation parents never let the babies out of the house.
He gives him a few pointers. His friends join in, some want to watch.
He teaches the baby how to dribble, flick a wrist, how to hoop. The babies are so cute,in how they react to Erik's swagger and skill on the court.
The next day Erik talks to Yazz about the center.
' Lil man, why you ain't checked out the new center ? '
' Ion like school. '
' You ain't wanna learn something new ? '
' Iono. '
'If I give you a twenty, will you go check it out. '
' 20 ? Maybe 60. '
' How about 40 ? '
' Ok. Just for an hour. '
He watches him go into the building.
He catches him in the afternoon with his take away snack in a brown paper bag.
' How was it ? '
' Not bad , mistah. '
' How bout I give you 40 everyday if you bring your friends. '
' 60 . '
' 50. '
Lil Yazz sticks out his fist.
' Bet. '
He watches the babies come in everyday. Five turn into ten and by the week they have...a good number. Yazz gifts Erik a friendship bracelet. It's been so long since he saw something like this. Erik's becoming fond of lil man.
Erik meets Yazz mother. After a short PTA meeting the casseroles start rolling in. Single mommies are aggressive constantly dropping hints about being available. Erik semi-owns a flower stand by now. It's only easier to turn away somebody with kindness. He sends Shuma to buy them a bouquet of flowers and see them get home.
