The Grove Chronicles

Chapter 49

Ezail sat in the family room, wearing a black and gold ( Bethel colors) track suit, with a fresh haircut, that was full of grease. Parade Magazine had came over to do the a small interview. Wandie sat next to him, smiling, proud of her young nephew. 

" So Mr. Harris, when did you fall in love with both sports?" asked the short, portly interviewer.  

" When I was 5, I used to watch the older dudes at the park football play for hours." " They would tackle each other so hard, I swore their bones cracked."  " I liked that however..." " Even though I was little, I could take a hit, and If I didn't want to get hit, I'd use my speed and quickness to avoid others." 

" At that point, football was my love." " At first I thought basketball was soft."   When I turned 9 one of my closest boys convinced me to play, and next thing I knew the game of basketball grew on me."  

" Awesome!" " What athletes do you look up to or model your approach? 

" Oh man Isiah Thomas is my guy." ' love Mike, but Isiah is crazy cool with the ball.." When the Pistons won back to back  I was so happy."  Isiah is so gifted and probably the best point guard I ever seen." " I try to play like him every chance I get on the court." " Also I heard great things about my uncle Maynard

" As far as football, Randall Cunningham is the best Quarterback ever." " I love how he can throw and run equally great." " Also I love Deion Sanders." " He's probably the best athlete in the NFL right now." " His charisma is what motivates me to play the game." 

" Nice!" "Nice!" " How has the recruiting process been so far? 

" It's been smooth.... at least for me." " My coaches has done a terrific job keeping grounded and not get stressed."  " Any school i choose, will be a great one, so no need to over think or worry."  

" Who are your top schools so far?" 

" Notre Dame and Uconn." " Notre Dame has a great football program and Uconn is rising in basketball."  " I believe I can bring some excitement at South Bend.' If coach Holtz can let me do my thing, I believe the Irish could be champions... same with Uconn." 

"What are your hobbies besides basketball and football?" 

" I love to play video games and fish. My uncles and I fish every now and then."  " Also I love to spend time with my boys and girl." " More importantly, I like to spend time with my daughter."  " There nothing like bringing a life into this world, and being proud." " You can call me a lot of bad things , as long as you call me a good father, that's all that matters."   

 "Where do you see yourself in 10 years son?" 

" I see myself in the NFL." " Football is my first sport, so it will be a dream for me to play for my favorite team, the Cowboys.." " Probably at QB if not DB." " Playing the NBA will be cool too, if I can play both, that'll be dope." 

"  Ok my man, that wraps up the interview!" " You did great!"  

" I appreciate you coming here baby." Wanda smiled shaking the interviewer's hand.  " No problem ma'am I was happy to be here!"  " Hey take care Ezail, I wish you luck my man!" 

" Thanks man, good to see you." Ezail replied smoothly.   

After, Wandie hugged Ezail, squeezing him tight.  " I'm so proud of you baby." " Having a plan to get out this crazy neighborhood is so wise."  " Lord knows these young boys don't have a plan for nothing nowadays."  

" Yeah I know, with Prince gettin killed and the blocks being hot, I definitely gotta have a plan B." Ezail nodding his head. 

Suddenly the doorbell rang. Wandie went to answer the door. Snuff was in the doorway chest puffed out feeling proud. " Speak of the devil." Wandie thought. " Hello Mr. Morgan."  " Hello Ms Wandie." Cone on in child." 

" How's your sister and grandmother doing?" Wandie asked. " Oh they fine..." " Grand moms is finally over the flu." Snuff added. " Hmmph that's nice..." " Well, I let you two have your mens talk." Wandie puffed walking out the family room. 

" Wadup superstar?!' Snuff screeched, giving his best friend dap and a hug. " Yo wasup Big Snuff?!"  " How the interview go?" " Ah,  it was smooth..." " All they did was ask me simple life shit." " Nothin major." Ezail shrugged 

" Oh word?" " On the street we doing major things though..." Snuff rubbing his hands grinning. 

Ezail's eyes widened. " Oh yeah?" " The package is that good?" " Nigga it's great!" " The youngins told me they all sold out by noon today!" Snuff still grinning. 

" Damn.."  " I mean,  more money for us, but probably more problems." " That faggot ass nigga Chauncey, got a connect out in NY tryin to move weight out here too." " More reason for Seville to stay on top."

Snuff nodded and frowned. " So i heard..."  " The sound of his name and Jab make me muthafuckin sick.'  

" Word." " Look big bro, I'm just in it for the money at this point." " I mean, I got a daughter to tend to, these colleges on my ass like flies on shit." " Hell I'm thinkin bout marrying Esmyra..." 

Snuff grimaced before busting out laughing. However Ezail was serious. " Whatchu laughin for?" " I don't say shit, when yo fat ass be stuffin them doughnuts in yo mouth." Ezail pointing his finger. 

" A'ight my nigga, chill yo."  "  So you tryna juggle two sports, hustling, now a marriage?" " Chuck I love you like a lil brother, but damn son....." 

Ezail sucked his teeth. " What?" " It ain't gotta be now, but right after I go to college." " I got it all planned out."  

Snuff shook his head. " My brother, can't always be the jack of every trade." " One day  it's gonna jack you..... in the worst way."  

Ezail starred in his friends direction for a moment. "  Nothin is gonna jack me..." " Best believe."