The journey of two different individuals as they navigate the world of social media fame and professional basketball in, "The Influence."
Dearra Taylor x Klay Thompson
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
One In A Million - Aaliyah
Since Klay's surgery the days got longer and the nights felt darker. Klay didn't interact with the outside world, and instead spent the majority of his time sleeping. He deactivated his social media platforms due to all the negative attention. His comment sections turned into a madhouse and that wasn't good for his already deteriorating mental health.
Currently Klay was sitting in his living room reading a book. A lot of people didn't know reading was a hobby of his. He liked to expand his knowledge and capacity. A stronger mind allowed for the individual to pull more from the world.
"Alexander?" Klay heard his mother call out.
He threw his head back, already irritated before the interaction began, "I'm in the living room." he replied. Ever since the incident, his mother was everywhere and he couldn't get a break. He understood she was just trying to be protective and ensure her son was fine, but he didn't want to be hovered constantly.
She took a seat next to him, "How are you feeling?"
Klay felt the same most days, in pain. The medication for his knee was working fine most days, but his heart ached. Klay wouldn't be able to play for another year, and he was missing pivotal moments for his team. This injury was setting him back and putting a major hold on his career.
Instead of explaining this, he said, "I'm okay, ma."
"I'm in the process of finding you a physical therapist that'll come here, rather than you going to a facility." Klay nodded to show he was listening.
"Your dad and I are looking for flights back, we'll probably leave next week."
In a monotone voice he replied, "Just let me know and I'll pay for it."
Klay had an older sister, but she couldn't fly out because of working demands. She was a physician assistant and couldn't take off of work on short notice, because of doctor's appointments in the office. Klay and his sister, Kelcie, were very close even as adults. They had each other until the end, and Kelcie not being here now was tough on Klay.
Klay's mother noticed the lack of enthusiasm from her son, "You'll be fine Klay, just take this time to relax and focus on yourself. You'll be back on the court in no time." She stated, then left the living space as Rocco followed her.
Klay drifted off to sleep, but his buzzing phone halted the action. He unlocked his phone, realizing it was a group chat that JP started. He added Klay, Steph, Dray, and Dess to a group chat– then Dess added Dearra and Steph added Ayesha. This was the start of a group chat that didn't know when to hush.
Destiny: hey everybody! me and jordan are hosting taco tuesday at his place. pull up!
