Courtin' Jayd (16 page)

“I've got an idea. I'm going to sit this one out and if Jeremy beats you he's on the team. If you win you can bring your boy,” Nigel says. Now this should be very interesting. Rah looks at Nigel and laughs in disbelief. Jeremy looks anything but amused.

“What's up, man? Are we ballin' or what?” Jeremy runs up to Nigel, waiting for the ball. Rah shakes his head from side to side and follows suit, ready for the challenge.

“Whatever, man. It's your funeral,” Rah says as Nigel passes Jeremy the ball and Jeremy passes to Rah. Nigel joins us in the bleachers, ready to see his boys go at it.

“You see this hustle, baby? It was learned in the streets. Them Redondo Beach boys can't handle real ballin',” Rah says, shooting the ball over Jeremy's head and making the first basket. Jeremy catches the rebound and slams the ball into the basket for two points of his own. Rah's smile slowly fades as he realizes Jeremy really does have skills. Now the real game is on. This is what I'm talking about.

“I hope Jeremy wins so we can kick KJ's ass tomorrow. He and his boys will be no match for the three of us.”

“Now don't go getting too cocky,” I say, pushing Nigel on the shoulder causing him and Mickey, who's sitting in between his legs, to tilt to the left. They both look at me like they want to smack me, but they know better.

“What are you talking about? If your white boy has as much game as you think he does, then KJ, C Money, and Del will be no match against the three of them.” Mickey looks up at her boo and they kiss, causing Nellie to roll her eyes and hold Chance's hand tighter.

“You're forgetting that KJ and his boys are from Compton like the rest of us. I know it's hard to see but he got his game from the streets just like y'all did and can hustle with the best of them.” I hate to sound like a fan but I don't want Nigel to underestimate KJ for a second. It seems like everything he's lacking in good character he makes up for on the court, and then some.

“Damn, Jayd, if I didn't know better I'd say you were KJ's newest cheerleader. First you choose the white boy over Rah, now KJ over us all. Whose side are you really on?” Mickey says, outing me to the rest of the crew, except for Rah.

“What do you mean? Jayd chose Rah over Jeremy a while back,” Nigel says, not totally up to date.

“Well it seems the tides have changed since she and Jeremy spent the holiday together, ain't that right, Jayd?”

“But we were there and y'all didn't seem back together to me,” Chance says, smiling at me. He would love to rub it in my face if Jeremy and I got back together. Nellie looks shocked too but doesn't respond.

“So that's why you didn't say anything about Chance's knee when you had the opportunity,” Nigel says, putting it all together. I glare at Mickey, who rolls her eyes in return. She knows she didn't have to call me out like this but I'm not ashamed of anything. Rah and Jeremy are making each other work on the court. Why can't I use some of that competitive energy to my advantage?

“Nigel, I'm a big girl. Don't worry about why I do what I do,” I say, shocking everyone.

“I don't even know who you are anymore,” Nigel says as he puts his arm around my shoulders. “Girl, you are too much sometimes, you know that?” Nigel knows I have a right to be happy and that Rah's situations aren't going to go away easily. As my friend he wants me to be happy in the end just like what I want for him. We watch our boys hustling on the court. The entire crowd is into the game: that's when you know the players are good. The guys who lost the last game are still on the sidelines arguing with the opposing team. Their yelling is getting louder and distracting Rah and Jeremy on the court.

“Gun,” the sistah in the bikini yells. She blows her whistle and the crowd frantically rushes from the bleachers. Both Rah and Jeremy run over to where we are as we make our way through the panicked crowd. Just then five shots are fired and the crowd's running turns into a stampede. I hate getting caught up in shit like this.

“Jayd,” Rah screams, pulling my arm and rushing me off toward the parking lot with our friends right behind us. Jeremy helps Chance limp to safety with Nellie on his other arm. Mickey and Nigel are already at his car.

“Why niggas always got to be shooting?” Nigel says as we make it to safety. Since the shooting wasn't random we know we're not in any real trouble but decide to get out of Dodge anyway. No need tempting fate, as Mama would say.

“Because y'all are always getting into beef over your stupid egos,” I say, looking from Rah to Jeremy and back at Nigel. “So are y'all ballin' tomorrow or what?” Nigel looks at his boys and waits for one of them to make the first move.

“It was a tie,” Rah says. We all know that but I think Rah thinks he would've won had they been able to keep playing. “I think we should see if my boy's available.”

“What boy, Rah?” I say to him. I hope he's not talking about Trish's brother but I think that's the only other dude Rah balls with.

“What difference does it make? He can ball and that's all that counts. See y'all at school tomorrow. We should get some rest tonight.” Rah walks away from Nigel's car and toward his own. “Are you coming?” he says to me. I look at Jeremy, who now realizes that Rah and I are more than simply old friends. He smiles at me and I know he understands what's up. I need to make it clear to both of them right now.

“So, you can play with Trish's brother and rub my face in the fact that you're still dating her but you can't play with my ex-boyfriend? That's real mature, Rah.” Rah turns around and looks back at me.

“Do we have to have this discussion right now?” I look at Jeremy and back to Rah. I know he wants me to trust him on this one but I can't. And I'm tired of him expecting me to go along with the fact that he has two other chicks in his life that he can't let go of for one reason or another.

“Yes we do because I'm tired of your ego getting in the way. We all want to win, Rah; it's not just about you.” Rah looks defeated and tired. He turns around and walks to his car. I guess he's not ready to hear what I have to say yet. I just hope he comes around by tomorrow because I want more than anything for them to come together and serve a serious blow to my other ex's ego. I don't care how the job gets done, I just want the satisfaction of winning to be in my favor for once.

A
fter yesterday's game at the beach, Rah hasn't talked to me or attempted to call me. I guess he's still sore about Jeremy playing. I hope he gets over it by the time we get to Westingle. Nigel and Mickey picked me up from my mom's house to bring me to the game and will take me back to Mama's after she picks up her car from Nigel's house later this evening.

“So what did Rah say about the game?” I ask Nigel as he turns onto Manchester Boulevard headed toward the beach. It's a nice day to play ball. Not too cold or hot.

“He said he'd be there. He didn't say much else in his text. But Jayd, for real though. I know Rah's hurt you, but what do you see in Jeremy?”

“Me seeing Jeremy has more to do with me than with Rah. He's a good guy and he likes me. Why shouldn't I like him back?” And that I do. Jeremy and I talked on the phone for a little while last night and I assured him I wasn't backing down from more kisses in the near future. “I can't explain why I'm attracted to him any more than y'all can explain why you like each other.” He and Mickey look at each other and kiss before the light turns green. It sucks being in the back of the car with two lovebirds. I still haven't told Mickey about her man's pop-up at my house because she's been glued to Nigel the entire holiday, or so it seems.

“Well, that's easy. We love each other. You and Jeremy aren't anything like us,” Nigel says. This boy is really sprung. For his sake I hope he is the baby's daddy because I don't think he would take losing Mickey to her man very well.

“Jeremy loves me,” I say, shocking them both. I don't know if he loves me like Nigel loves Mickey, but I do believe he loves me like only he can.

“Yeah, but you don't love him and I know that for a fact and so does Rah.” Nigel's right. I wish I could say that I felt the same way about Jeremy as I do about Rah but I'm not in denial about that nor am I looking for that kind of love right now. I have too much on my plate to worry about being in a relationship. I want to focus my energy on becoming the best apprentice I can to Netta and on getting my license. Everything else is secondary at this point.

“Well, I'm not looking for all that right now. I just want to chill and enjoy the game. Can a sistah do that?” As Nigel pulls into the high school parking lot, I notice Mr. Adewale talking with Jeremy. What's he doing here?

“Cool, he could make it,” Nigel says under his breath. I don't care how he got here. I'm always happy to see Mr. A.

“You invited a teacher to the game? Why?” Mickey says, unbuckling her seatbelt and opening the door. She pushes her seat forward to let me out of the classic Impala.

“To be the referee. I have a feeling we're going to need one today. Besides, we had to have an adult supervise the game since it's on school property. He offered last time so when I saw him Wednesday morning I asked him and he said he'd be here if he could. Good thing too because we would've had to move the game to the park down the street and it's always packed there.”

“What's up man?” Jeremy says walking over to our car to greet Nigel. “KJ and his crew are already inside.” From the cars parked in the lot, it looks like all of South Central showed up for the game, as well as some other fans. Rah's not here yet but I'm sure he'll make his appearance soon.

“Hey man. Glad I could make it,” Mr. Adewale says, giving Nigel dap before winking at me. This game is going to be great, granted if KJ loses. Seeing Mr. A is the icing on the cake for me. “Are we ready to play?”

“We're just waiting on my friend but he's on his way,” Nigel replies as he looks out toward the street.

“Well, let's get inside and y'all can warm up before the game. I want to scope the place out before we start anyway,” Mr. A says. Jeremy looks at me like he wants to kiss me right now. Noticing the vibe, Mr. A gives me a confused look and walks away toward the gymnasium.

“Y'all coming?” Mickey says as she and Nigel follow Mr. Adewale. She looks at me like a disapproving mother watching her daughter go on her first date with the neighborhood thug. I guess that's how her mother felt when Mickey first started seeing her man.

“Actually Jayd, can I talk to you alone for a minute?” Jeremy asks. Our friends look at us and continue their trek.

“We'll be right there,” I say to Mickey, who's being anything but patient with me. I know she means well but she should be worried about Nellie, not me.

“Jayd, I saw these at the beach before I left yesterday and had to get them for you. I hope you don't think I'm trying to buy you back or anything like that.” All ready to protest his bad habit of giving expensive gifts for the wrong reason, Jeremy pulls out a dainty puka shell necklace, much like the one his brother's girlfriend always wears.

“Oh Jeremy. That's so sweet,” I say as he steps closer to me and fastens the sea jewelry around my neck. I can't be mad at him for this.

“You seemed to really like Tammy's so I thought you should have your own.” Jeremy bends down and kisses me on the lips, making me forget we are at a game where I'm expecting Rah, who pulls up just at that moment. Seeing me and Jeremy kissing in the lot, Rah's eyes glare through his driver's side window and I know we're in for it now.

“Let's get inside,” I say, leading Jeremy into the gymnasium where the opposing team and crowd are waiting to get this game started. To my surprise, Trish and Tasha are already inside. What are they doing here? I guess they feel it's at their school and they have a right to be here, even if they're not welcome. Rah walks into the gymnasium just as I join my girls in the bleachers. He stares at me hard and I know he's pissed but what can I say? It looks like we both have our other interests at the game.

“Alright, here's the game,” Mr. Adewale says, calling both teams to the scrimmage line. KJ and his boys step up to Nigel, Rah, and Jeremy, ready for battle. “The first team to make it to twenty wins the game. There's no pushing, pulling, kissing, or hugging, got that?” Mr. A says, making the boys unwillingly crack a smile. I wonder if he's going to be coaching while teaching at South Bay High. “Let's get started,” Mr. A says. And with the blow of his whistle, he throws the ball up in the air and the game is on.

After KJ caught the tip-off, he and his boys dominate the first half of the game, barely giving our team a chance to possess the ball, let alone make a shot. I feel partially responsible. I should never have let Jeremy kiss me when I knew there could be a chance that Rah might see us like he did. Rah's been off his game all morning and we're going to lose if he keeps it up. I have to help us out and fast.

I decide to concentrate on seeing Rah play like I know he can. I envision him swooping all over KJ like the air that he is to me. I envision Rah grabbing the ball from C Money and taking it to the hoop right over their heads. Feeling my gaze, Rah looks at me and I see the hurt in his eyes. I look back at him sorrowfully and mouth the words “I'm sorry” to him. I hope he understands. He mouths back “I love you girl” and I smile in recognition of the love. Seeing my reaction, Rah snaps back into the game with more light under his fire. That's the Rah I want to see playing in this game.

Stealing the ball from KJ, Rah runs up court, passing the ball to Nigel, who passes it back to Rah. KJ tries to guard Rah but it's no use. Before we know it, Rah does a three-sixty dunk on KJ's head, pissing KJ and his boys way the hell off. Rah's in rare form now and I'm feeding him all the positive energy I can, even with Trish and Tasha sending daggers of hate in my direction. I again focus all my attention on Rah. We are only six points behind and can catch up quickly as long as we're holding the ball.

I focus on Rah passing the ball to Jeremy for three. That will help us out a lot. Not exactly as I planned, Rah passes the ball to Jeremy, who's tripped up by C Money, and the rebound goes to Del. Not missing a beat, Jeremy steals the ball before they have a chance to head back down the court, shooting a perfect three-pointer.

“Hell yeah,” Mickey yells as the rest of the gymnasium goes wild. “Take them fools back to preschool.” Mickey loves a good game of street ball just like the rest of us. KJ looks at me like I'm the one punking his ass on the court. Maybe it's time for me to change my focus.

KJ catches my gaze and can't look away. I'm doing just like my mother told me to: I'm concentrating on the final outcome I want and not letting go until it happens. The game is going on around KJ, who shakes his head thinking that's going to set him straight, but not a chance. I focus intently on the shape of his peanut head and concentrate on its curves. The intricate hair design in his freshly cut head mimic a labyrinth, guiding me along the crooked path to my final destination where my boys win the game.

“Jayd, what are you looking at?” Mickey says, following my eyes to the court. “I know the game is good but it ain't that good.” No matter what anyone says to me right now I'm not letting go of my visual lock on KJ. He has to get knocked off his game and I'm just the player to do it. The only difference is he doesn't know how to play my game.

“Oh nothing. I'm just watching the game like you. Why aren't you concentrating on helping your man win?” I say to Mickey who's been giving me attitude ever since I got to the gym. I know she sees Tasha over there sweating her and that's who she needs to be sweating back.

“Why aren't you?” I ignore her last comment and concentrate all my thoughts on KJ slipping up. My boys are catching up now but that's not enough for me. KJ's too good for his own good but not invincible. Catching my sight, I notice Rah looking at me staring at KJ. Instead of my target slipping up, Rah does and earns a foul on C Money, who promptly returns the favor.

“Hold the ball, not each other,” Mr. A yells as he follows both teams up court. I feel bad for slipping up Rah but I'm not letting go of my lock. KJ's trying everything not to look my way but he'll give in and when he does, the game is ours. Jeremy goes for another three and makes it with little effort while his teammates guard the other team from obstructing his way.

“Alright, it's a tie,” Mr. Adewale says as the buzzer rings loudly through the auditorium. “Each team will pick one player and y'all get one shot only. Whoever makes the shot wins the game.” Damn, we all know who's going to end up playing one-on-one: KJ and Rah. Rah looks at Nigel and Jeremy, who each nod in agreement. They back up, leaving Rah on the court with Mr. A and KJ, whose boys sat down on the sidelines as soon as the announcement was made. They never challenge KJ's status as the best player on their team.

“Let's go,” Mr. A says, spinning the basketball on his index finger and leading the two players to the center of the court. The lower bleachers are filled with spectators, mostly neighborhood kids and us. With enemies like two of my three exes playing against each other, the heat's going to be on to get the ball first from Mr. A. I just hope they don't kill each other in the process.

Mr. Adewale blows the whistle indicating the tip-off and the final scrimmage begins—this is street ball at its best. Pinning the two best players against each other and watching them damn near kill each other to get the ball into the basket is a crowd-pleasing classic. Rah catches the ball and quickly moves up court with KJ hot on his trail. Me and my girls rise to our feet in excitement. I decide to focus all my energy on slipping up KJ. Rah can handle the rest on his own.

Again feeling my gaze on him, KJ looks my way and shoots back an evil stare. He then returns his focus to Rah, who's close to sticking his elbow dead in KJ's eye. KJ backs away from Rah but doesn't go too far. Rah reaches up for a layup but changes his mind and dribbles the ball back down court, making KJ run.

“Is he going to shoot or what?” Nellie says, finally getting into the game. Even haters can't help but get excited when there's a tiebreaker at stake. Granting Nellie's wish, Rah shoots the ball for three and the gym is completely quiet, waiting to see what will happen next. The ball enters the basket, followed by nothing but air and loud roars from the crowd. Even Trish and Tasha are on their feet cheering. It was a good game.

“That's game,” Mr. A says, blowing his whistle. Me and my girls rush to the court to hug our boys, with Chance and his crutches close behind. KJ looks vexed as he grabs his towel from Misty, who looks like she's feeling much better. Customarily, the losing team would greet the winning team to show good sportsmanship, but somehow I don't think that's why KJ's headed our way.

“Thou shalt not be a witch. I know it says that somewhere in the Bible and you are going straight to hell,” KJ says, causing his boys and Rah's girls to laugh hysterically. Misty and the South Central crew also get a kick out of his impromptu sermon. But I've got a few verses of my own to spew.

“
He's air, Jayd. Take the high road, always. Remember what Mama taught you about being proud of who you are, no matter what. You're a queen, Jayd, plain and simple. No one can take away your crown unless you give it to them
.” My mom's right. These punks aren't worth getting my head hot over anymore. But I can't let him misquote the Bible because that isn't the way I read it.

“‘Even if I bear witness of myself, my witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I came from and where I am going': The Book of John, Chapter Eight. Look it up,” I say, silencing the entire crowd with my revelation. Three years of private Christian school did some good. Nigel and Rah smile as I turn to walk back to my spot at the bleachers, ready to grab my stuff and roll. I know we're going out to eat after that win.