Ballin For Your Heart

The Cookout

Today the Ball family have their annual family cookout. All of their close family came and this is the first time I would attend. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon and I planned on going. I had just bought a new bathing suit and hell, I deserved some fun after this long ass week.

My parents had to work and well I didn't see a point in getting there any later so at around 11 I planned to leave. I got a hot shower, did my hair, and put on a minimal amount of makeup. I grabbed my beach bag full with my phone, towel, keys, etc and set off on my five minute journey.

As soon as I arrived at the Ball house the aroma of hamburger and hot dogs filled the air. You could hear LaMelo's loud ass jumping in the pool out back along with what seemed most of the Chino Hills basketball team. Great.

I casually walked to the front door and was greeted by a man in what looked to be about his 70's with facial hair white as snow and a caramel complexion. The Balls' grandad. I had been to many games and of those he was present for some. He was a gentle soul with a rambunctious presence, something like his grandson.

"Oh well look at this pretty young lady! C'mon in don't be shy we just put the food on the grill and the boys are out back" he explained, a smile never leaving his face.

"Thank you sir, it's good to see you again" I laughed.

He slightly smiled and nodded as he lead me out to the back. His wife slowly approached us, shaking her head.

"Now if you don't leave that girl alone," she said turning towards me "go outside sweety and eat as much as you can"

I nodded, silently thanking her before speed walking out back passing about 50 family members.

The backyard was filled with children of all ages either playing basketball or in the pool. LaMelo and the basketball team all in the pool messing around with each other until they saw me. It felt like the whole backyard just stopped and just stared me down.

Melo quickly hopped out the pool before rushing towards me, arms wide open.

"Kyla, you came! Guys, Kyla is here." Melo yelled as he wrapped his arms around me.

"Hi Melo, I see you have loads of company." I chuckled, observing the large amount of people that were roaming around the place.

"Oh yea you know how we get down. Well you can leave your stuff over there and then get in the pool with us if you want."

"Yea that's fine" I replied as I began to walk to the corner to drop down my stuff.

I took off my coverup and put all my stuff down. Melo was on the side of the pool smiling at me, clearly waiting for me to get in. All of the sudden, the cutest little baby with stubby legs and a two piece bathing suit walked herself right in front of me. She smiled at me and giggled, grabbing her hands at me like she wanted me to pick her up.

I looked to my right and noticed that a lightskin woman with a short curly hair walking towards me, laughing at the situation.

"I'm so sorry. I was going to take her in the pool in a second but she couldn't wait. I'm Nina and this is Kaylee. You must be Melo's friend. If you could take her in the water while I go and changed you would be a blessing"

"Sure, no problem." I reassured her as I picked Kaylee and proceeded towards the pool.

With Kaylee on my hip I slowly submerged into the pool. Melo looked at me and giggled as he saw his cousin in my arms.