Through The Wire

Chapter 5: You Deserve Better

Destiny

We pulled up to the school and it was packed just like I thought it'd be. Everybody and their mama was in attendance for the big game tonight. The schools were longtime rivals and everybody wanted a ticket. Luckily Jahmel was able to park close because his brother made sure they saved him a spot, otherwise we would've still been walking. It was just a few minutes into the first quarter when we arrived.

We stepped into the gymnasium after going through security and my eyes bucked at how full the stands were. People were shoulder to shoulder in here. Jahmel lead us to the bleachers across from the entrance and as we went up a handsome older man stood up waving us over.

"Come on," Jah nodded at me and guided me up the bleachers in front of him. I knew right then that must have been his dad waving us down; they looked just alike. His warm hands brushed the small of my back as he stepped around me to greet his dad. "Wassup pops," they shook up and shared a quick embrace. "Pops, this my friend Destiny. Des, this my dad Elijah Reed."

"Damn fed! You ain't have to give the girl my whole name," he joked on Jah and I laughed watching him wave his dad off. "Just call me Eli. It's nice to meet you Ms. Destiny. You are very beautiful." Jahmel sucked his teeth and I laughed again.

I shook his hand that he was extending my way, now being able to get a good look at him. You could definitely tell the family resemblance: tall, strong eyes, handsome, and smooth talking. Like father like son. His father gave very much old school, street smart, real nigga energy. He didn't seem like the type to stand on the corner, but I could tell in his aura he wasn't one to fuck around with. You can see that he took care of himself so his age hasn't quite caught up to him yet. His wide cut arms were evidence he still worked out and his drip was still up to par. He had on a cream Gallery Dept Vintage Souvenir t-shirt with a pair of MX1 Flannel Rip/Repair looser fit Amiri skinny jeans. On his feet he rocked the classic Off White Sail Jordan 4s.

"Nice to meet you as well," I smiled and took a seat next to Jahmel.

He leaned over and whispered in my ear, "so you just gone flirt with my pops right in front of me huh?" I chuckled and pushed him away playfully, watching him act mad.

"I'm scared to meet your brother, it must be a Reed men thing to flirt with the ladies," I told him looking at a guy walk up the stairs with nachos. The extra cheese and fresh peppers made me regret not grabbing some on my way in.

"Yeah fuck all that, you definitely can't meet him. That lil nigga worse than me," he laughed and pointed to number 00 on the free throw line. "That's my brother Allen right there."

I followed his finger and smiled once again seeing his father's strong genes. I could only wonder what their mom looks like.

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The game was getting good, the guys were tied and you could definitely feel the tension in the air. I fit right in, trash talking right along with the other friends and family here to support. It was halftime now and I was making my way to the food stands partly because Bianca texted me and told me to meet her out here, but mainly because I couldn't stop thinking about those nachos from earlier. 

"I'm over here bitch," I heard her shout quietly from behind me. I shook my head walking over to her and pulled her in for a quick hug.

"What took you so long," I fussed at her and she squealed, making me shake my head already knowing what that meant. "Y'all nasty," I turned my nose up before laughing with her.

"Bitch that was him! I was just supposed to be sucking dick, next thing I know my clothes off. Come on I want some popcorn," she said dragging me over to the line with her.