Kya & Xavier: It's Always Been You (Life As We Know It Book 1) (18 page)

“I can’t make peace with it when he’s
always there complicating things. It just makes me hate him even more.”

“You don’t hate him baby. You’re just
angry and maybe one day you can get past that but for now just try not to let
it get to you, you’re too young to have such a heavy heart.”

I did hate him. More than she would
ever know but it was pointless to argue with her about it. She was too
forgiving and wanted the best for everyone. Even that drunken old man who had
ruined his life and thrown away his family.

“Let me know if you need anything.” I
said deciding to drop the subject.

“We’re fine baby. Don’t you worry
about us.”

“Make sure that Leigh knows that her
debit card won't work until they get this figured out.”

“I will. She'll be fine.”

“Okay well I’ve got class so I’ll
talk to you later. I love you.”

“I love you too and Xavier…” she
paused.

“Yeah.”

“He does love you baby. Just not the
way he should.”

“I have to go auntie.”

Yeah he loved me alright, so much so
that he had sent me to the hospital more times than I care to remember with
countless numbers of broken bones, so if that’s love then I guess he was an
expert on it.

Chapter 12

Kya Renee

I was excited about the game tonight because
I hadn’t really spent much time with Xavier and I seriously missed him. I
complained all the time about him randomly showing up at my dorm but now that
he didn’t have time to it actually made me sad that he wasn’t around as much.
For the first time in forever he had a morning class three days a week on top
of his coach changing their conditioning from late afternoon to early morning so
he rarely ever stayed the night anymore but tonight I was staying with him
since I only had lab on Fridays and it was canceled. After the game me, Xavier,
Toni and Ethan were going to eat and then hanging out since we hadn’t gotten
the chance to since New Year’s. Toni was in the same boat that I was in with
Ethan and we were both dying for some time with them.
 

“What are you wearing tonight?” Toni
asked and then flopped down on my bed.

I looked down and my clothes and then
back at her. “Uh no boo, you need to do better. You haven’t seen your man in
almost a week so jeans and a hoodie will not do.” She said.

“He doesn't care about all that and
beside he’ll be more focused on getting me out of my clothes so he darn sure
will not care what I’m wearing.”

“Well boo, I care. We will both be on
point tonight so that all those little Spartan groupies will not have to
question why they are with us. The writing will be on the wall. We are showing
up stunner style tonight.”

“Girl please, it’s too cold to be
trying to dress cute.”

“It’s never too cold to make an
impression. What on earth would you do without me?” She said and then rolled
off my bed, walked over to my closet and opened it.

“Let’s see.” She said and then began
moving clothes around in search of god knows what.

“Whatever you find better go with my
Uggs because I’m wearing them no matter what you say.”

“You make my life so complicated
sometimes but I love you anyway.” Toni said and then returned to searching my
closet.

She finally settled on a pair of dark
skinny jeans, a grey long sleeved v-neck, and a multi colored fringed infinity
scarf and then hung the outfit on the hook that was on the back of my closet
door.

“Will you please consider wearing
these she said and held up my honey colored lace up combat boots that kind of
reminded you of little house on the prairie.

“I’ll think about it.”
 

“My work here is done.” She said
feeling satisfied.

“What about you?” I asked before she
left my room.

“Black leggings, black boots, grey
and black Aztec cardigan.” She said with a smile and then swiped her bangs from
her face.

“The one you got for Christmas?” I
asked remembering one of the sweaters that Toni had gotten as a present from
her sister.

“Yes ma’am.” She said and now I’m off
to study for my History exam so that I can enjoy my night guilt free.

“Game’s at seven what time are we
leaving?”

“Six fifteenish I guess.” She said over
her shoulder and the sashayed of in her usual diva manner.

It was almost 3:00 so I sent Xavier a
text to tell him good luck tonight and that I couldn’t wait to see him later. I
liked to send my game text early so that I knew he would get them before the
game. I had been doing this since high school and aside from a few moments when
we weren’t speaking because he had done something stupid I rarely ever missed
sending them even when he was with someone else. It was our thing and I really
didn’t care how anyone else felt about it.

Good luck tonight. I’ll be there
cheering for you. Do your thing out there tonight two-two. I love you!

I plugged my phone in so that it
would be charged for tonight and then decided to follow Toni’s lead and try to
study until it was time for us to leave. I sat at my desk for about twenty
minutes but my bed was calling so studying quickly transformed into a nap and
before I knew it my eyes were closed and I was drifting off, so much for that.

Xavier Lee

We had just finished our team dinner
and were sitting around the locker room chilling until game time. I was already
dressed so I was stretched out on the floor with my headphones on listening to
music. Most of the guys were laughing and joking around but I usually just
chilled before games. I needed to get my head right and most of the team knew
my routine by now so they just left me alone. I had my eyes closed and the
music was so loud that I couldn’t really hear anything that was going on around
me so when Trey kicked my foot to get my attention it startled me.

I turned the volume down on my phone
and pulled my headphones off my ears. “What’s up Trey?”

“Coach is looking for you. He’s in
the hall.”

“What does he want?” I asked and then
extended my arm towards Trey for him to help me up.

He pulled me from the floor and I
adjusted my uniform.

“Not sure he just asked me to get
you.” Trey said and then turned to walk off.

I walked outside and saw Coach
standing by the door writing something on his clipboard and when he saw me he
looked up and smiled but I could tell something was up because he looked
nervous. His face and top of his head were flaming red and he looked stressed.

“What’s up coach?” I asked and then
crossed my arms.

“Your dad’s here at will call asking
for a ticket. He told them that you were supposed to leave one for him, do you
know anything about that?”

“No and I didn’t. So he can just
leave.” I said feeling annoyed.

“I figured, but I just wanted to
check with you to first.” Coach said looking me right in my eyes attempting to
read my mood. “Alright, I’ll take care of it. Get your head in the game this is
a big one tonight. He said and then slapped me on my shoulder.”

“I’m good coach.” I said, “Is that
it?”

“Yeah that’s it, you go get ready and
I’ll handle this.” He said.

“As I walked off I heard him on the
phone telling someone that there wasn’t a ticket waiting and then I walked back
in the locker room instead of waiting to see how the rest of the conversation
went. I wasn’t in the mood for Johnny’s bullshit tonight and I really didn’t
care what happened at this point.

Chapter 13

Kya Renee

The arena wasn’t as packed as usual
even though this was a big game for them but I was sort of glad. Their fans had
a tendency to get really loud and crazy so I was hoping that the seats around
us would be empty. When Toni and I stepped inside the first thing I noticed was
Ethan’s parents at one of the concession stands so we walked over to speak.

“Hello girls.” Ethan’s mother said as
soon as she noticed us and then took turns hugging Toni first and then me. “You
girls look so pretty tonight.” She said and smiled.

“Thank you.” I said.

She searched both of us from head to
two again and then said. “I love those boots Kya. You think an old lady like me
can wear those or are they strictly for you younger girls?”

“No ma’am you could definitely were
them. I think you should get some.” I said with a grin and she could she
dressed better than I did.
Well now
anyway since college had transformed me into a jeans and leggings kind of girl.

“Some what?” Ethan’s dad asked after
he finished paying for their drinks and then joined us.

“Some of those cute little boots that
she wearing.” Ethan’s mother said pointing towards my feet.

“For you?” He asked with a puzzled
look on his face.

“Yes sir, she could definitely rock
those.” Toni said and then smilled at Ethan’s mom.

“I don’t know honey, you might want
to leave that to these pretty young ladies.” He said playfully.

“Says the man wearing distressed
jeans and a baseball cap.” She said and frowned.

He did look like a slightly older
version on Ethan with the way he was dressed all the way down to the loosely
laced sneakers that he was wearing which reminded me of Xavier.

“I’m just kidding honey. You can wear
whatever you want and you’ll look absolutely beautiful in it.” He said and then
kissed his wife on the cheek.

“Good save.” Toni said and then
laughed.

“Where do you think my son gets it
from?” He said and then winked at Toni.

“Enough of this.” Ethan’s mom said
and then smiled. “Let’s go find our seats, you girls are sitting with us.” She
said linked her arm with Toni’s and then proceeded to walk off.

“Honey they can’t just sit in someone
else’s seats. We’ll have to see where their tickets are.” Ethan’s dad said
clearly being ignored by his wife.

“You just sit with us until someone
has a problem with it and then they’ll have to deal with me she said to Toni
and then smiled at me.

They lead us to their seats which
happened to be a couple of rows behind the team and lucky for us no one was
sitting in the four seats next to them so we all took our seats and watched the
team who was in the process of doing their warm up. Twenty minutes later the
game began and Xavier was doing his thing on the court.

The game had been really intense and
with about a minute left before the half they were tied at 58. There had been
so many fouls called including two technical fouls that both teams were in the bonus
and every player on the floor was in attack mode. I had been watching Xavier
play since our freshman year so I knew a lot about basketball and I had even
more knowledge about how to read him while he was on the court. He was aggravated
and getting to the point where he was playing with more frustration than skill.
He and Ethan were the main shooters on the team and the entire half they had
been guarded so closely that they barely had twenty points between the two of
them with the majority of their points coming from the foul line.

 
The clock had run down to about 20 seconds and
Ethan had just inbound the ball to Xavier who caught it and immediately sent it
right back to Ethan. The only way either of them could free themselves for was
shot was to keep the ball in rotation. Xavier ran out wide and planted himself
at the top of the key which prompted Ethan to send the ball back to Xavier without
really looking at him hoping to get it to him without the opposing team
realizing what he was doing. As soon as Xavier caught the ball he attempted to release
it for a shot but just as it left his hands for a three pointer one of the
other players nailed him right in the chest which sent him flying backwards
with so much force that he landed on his back with his head forcefully hitting
the floor. I jumped up and threw my hands over my mouth.

“He’s fine Ky. Calm down.” Toni said
and stood up next to me.

“Look sweetheart he’s getting up,
he’s okay.” Ethan’s mom said and then stood up next to Toni.

Trey and Ethan each grabbed one of
his hands and then pulled Xavier to his feet. He stumbled a little before he lifted
his arms above his head, grabbed his right wrist with his left hand and then lowered
them both on top of his head. He turned his back was to us with Ethan and Trey
both in front of him talking. Xavier nodded his head as if agreeing to
something but he seemed okay so I took a deep breath and sat back down.

“It doesn’t get easy does it?” Ethan’s
mom said and then squeezed my hand.

“Oh they’re tough they can handle
it.” His dad said and then winked at me. “You girls worry too much.”

Xavier took his place on the foul
line and while he waited for the ref to throw him the ball he grabbed the side
of his chest where the player plowed into him. I figured that he was hurt but
he would never sit out of a game unless his coach or trainer forced him to.
Thank goodness it was almost halftime.
Xavier made all three of his shots before he set up at half court next to Trey.
The other team inbounded the ball and a few seconds later the buzzer sounded
for halftime so I sat patiently waiting not really focused on anything around
me.

Toni and Ethan’s parents were deep in
conversation about her class load this semester and I occasionally joined in
but for the most part I just listened and worried about whether or not Xavier
was okay. When the team finally resurfaced out of the locker room Xavier immediately
sat down instead of shooting around like he usually did but he seemed okay. The
second half started and it was even more intense than the first but Xavier’s
team managed to pull out a win, I was just glad it was finally over.

“Well ladies we have to be getting
home. We've got an hour’s drive ahead of us so we're going to say hello to
Ethan really quick and then head out. I'm sure you girls have plans for later
so we'll get out of your way.” Ethan's mother said before she hugged Toni first
and then me.

“It lovely seeing you girls again.”

“You'll have to come visit us at the
house sometime soon.” His father said. “It'll give me a chance to use my new
grill.”

After we all made our way to the
floor Ethan’s parents said a quick hello to their son and a few of the other
players. They both had a quick chat with Xavier about his collision and then
left before the team disappeared into the locker room while Toni and I planted
ourselves in the floor seats near the locker room entrance and waited for them
to shower and change. About forty five minutes later we could see some of the
team entering the arena but decided to stay seated until we saw Ethan and
Xavier. Ethan was the first one out walking with Trey while Xavier was just
behind them moving extremely slowly.

“You okay?” I asked when he reached
us.

“Yeah, just sore, they think I broke
a rib.” He said and then placed his arm around my shoulder opposite the side
that he had been hit.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah but they’re not sure though. I
have to get an X-ray.”

“We still hanging? Ethan asked as he
placed his arm around Toni’s shoulder and then walked over to where we were
standing.

“I think I’m just chillin’ tonight. I
feel like I just got hit by a bus.” Xavier said.

“Did you drive?’ Ethan asked Toni.

“Sure did.”

“Okay good so Ky can go with Zay and
I’ll ride with you. I’m starving so I need to eat before we head back.”

“What’s new?” Toni said.

“Shut up, you eat just as much as I
do.” Ethan said and then playfully tighten his arm around Toni’s neck to simulate
a headlock which she was not thrilled about so pulled away and then nailed him
in the arm. He dropped his gym bag and then grabbed her from behind causing her
to lean over as he pulled her into a bear hug and began kissing her on the side
of her face.

“You okay with just heading back to
my room?” Xavier asked. “I just need to lay down for a while.”

“Don’t let him go to sleep, he might
have a concussion.” Ethan said now standing behind Toni leaning over so that he
was resting his chin on her shoulder.

“You know he doesn’t sleep. Insomnia
at its finest.”
 

“Your right.” Ethan agreed.

“I’m good but I have a headache from
hell.” Xavier said.

“You want us to bring you back
something.”

“We’re good we can order something.”
Xavier said and then looked down at me for approval to which I gave with a nod.

“Alright bruh just call me if you
change your mind.” Ethan said and then turned to Toni, “Where did you guys
park?”

“In the front.”

“Let’s roll then.” Ethan said.

Xavier and I left out of one of the
side doors near the back of the arena since Xavier had parked in the back while
Toni and Ethan climbed the stairs to leave from the front. When we stepped
outside it was dark and the air was crisp and cold so Xavier moved close to me
and put his arm round around my shoulder and I could feel him cringe from his
injury. When we reached his Jeep there was a car parked next to him which was
running with its park lights on but neither of us really thought much of it. He
already had his key in his and so he pressed the bottom to unlock the doors.

“Do you want me to drive?” I asked
and then carefully pulled away from him and gently touched his injured side.

“No I’m good.” He said even though I
could tell that he was in pain. He lifted the handle of the rear door, pulled
it open and then tossed his bag inside before he closed it again. Just as I
walked around to the passenger side to open the door I could see someone get
out of the car that was parked next to us and move towards Xavier. It took me a
minute before I recognized that it was Johnny so I walked back around the rear
of the Jeep but Xavier stopped me before I could get to where he was.

“Get in.” He said and pointed towards
the door.

It was clear that he wasn’t in the
best mood so instead of challenging him I just turned and walked back to the passenger
side, got in and closed the door. This was definitely not going to go well.