Imagines (Beyonce x y/n)

My Ball 5

The Saturday sun beat down on Rowland's household, a relentless golden hammer against the already simmering tension.

"Can you go get us food?" Kelly pushed open my room door, her voice a sharp demand.

I didn't even bother looking up from my movie. "Kelly, you have a car."

"I can't leave my team here alone, and they look hungry." Her voice was laced with an urgency that probably only she believed.

"They should've came with their shit knowing Saturday is the hottest day in the week," I retorted, letting my eyes stay glued to the screen. My room, with its blessed air conditioning, was a sanctuary from the inferno outside.

"You're going to leave your best friend hungry?" Kelly's voice took on a falsely wounded tone.

"Gabby knows her way around," I countered, knowing full well Gabby was likely more comfortable in the kitchen than on the road.

"Okay then," she turned, leaving my door open – she really irks me – "I guess your new friend is going to faint from dehydration as well."

That last jab hit different. I paused my movie, a low growl escaping my throat. Rolling out of bed, I slid my feet into my slippers, the cool floor a welcome contrast to the rising temper. Heading to the backyard, I squinted against the glare.

Kelendria had these girls out in this hot ass sun doing drills, sweat glistening on their brows, looking like they were about to melt into puddles. My poor baby, Dimples – Onika – was giving Kelly a side eye everytime someone messed up, her usually cheerful face strained.

I took short clips of their practice, the sun reflecting off the mobile screen, posting it on my story with a sarcastic emoji. "Kelly, y'all take a break!" I announced, my voice cutting through the humid air just as she was about to yell at them to do it again.

Some of the girls shot me thankful eyes, their relief palpable. I waved Onika over, pulling her out of the direct sun into the sliver of shade cast by the back porch.

"Your sister has no heart," Onika mumbled, flopping down beside me.

"You're telling me? Try living with her." I pulled her down, so her head rested on my shoulder, oblivious to the stares.

"Why do you do this?" she rolled her eyes, but leaned into me anyway.

"What?"

"People think we're together."

"What people?"

"At school. I heard them talking yesterday."

"So let them talk."

"But we aren't," she insisted, a hint of genuine frustration in her voice.

"Once we know that, you'd get used to it with time, just like Gabriella did," I rest my head on hers, smelling the faint scent of sweat and sunscreen. "I actually wanted to know what you want to eat. Kelly came and told me y'all looked mighty hungry and your lips hella white."

"Barbeque Wings," Onika said immediately, her eyes lighting up.

"That's all you want?"

"I'm not going to eat plenty when football season is about to start."

"Look at you, staying fit to cheer for me," I teased, giving her a squeeze.

"I'm going to look for a man, not a boy," she retorted, a playful smile finally gracing her lips.

"Let me see any nigga tryna come at you," I threatened, feigning seriousness. "We'd have to talk." I felt the vibration of her giggles against my arm. "You laugh, but I'm deadass. I'd make sure you get a longer skirt reaching below your knees."