Courtin' Jayd

by L. Divine

  “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 o
ne 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.

  “The devil knows the Bible better than anyone,” Misty says, stepping in front of KJ like she’s his protector. That would be cool if he were hers right back, but since he’s not, it just makes Misty look more like the desperate trick she really is but doesn’t have to be. I can’t believe I ever felt sorry for her.

  “Are you really going to stand there and defend this jackass after he let you take the blame for catching some shit from him? Misty, even you can’t be that stupid.” Misty’s eyes burn with rage as she takes a step toward me like she’s going to reach up and slap me across the face. “I wish you would,” I say, crossing my arms and bracing myself just in case she does work up the nerve to throw the first blow. KJ and his boys stand behind her but don’t attempt to hold her back, which they really should. Before she can do anything, Rah’s other ex walks into the gym, ready to cause a scene of her own.

  “You still kill chickens in your backyard with your grandmother and shit or have y’all moved on to bigger and better things?” Sandy steps onto the court like she owns the joint. She’s always had a way with guys. I don’t know why. She’s as big as any of them, just in a miniskirt.

  “You ain’t fooling nobody Jayd. I know you did something to Rah to make me not stand him but you’re not going to get rid of me that easily. I’m going to stick around until whatever you gave him wears off. And then we’ll see who has the real power around here.” All I need is another friend turned enemy on my case telling what little she knows about my lineage to anyone that will listen. It’s time to get out of here for real.

  “Yeah, it’s not going to work on me either,” Trish says standing next to Sandy, with Tasha by her side. War makes even stranger bedfellows than politics. Chance, Rah, and Jeremy stand next to me, ready for whatever goes down next. Mr. Adewale’s watching the whole thing go down, ready to jump in if it gets too serious.

  “Trish, shut up. You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rah says, but I’m ready to come clean with everyone about who I really am. “Anything Jayd does she does because I ask her to, not because I’m so stupid I can be tricked.” Jeremy looks at me and I know he’s wondering what Rah’s talking about. I’m glad Rah stands up for my heritage and his role in it.

  “Rah I didn’t mean it like that. You don’t know what you’re saying and it’s not your fault. Sandy told me what this girl is really like and it explains everything. I knew there was a reason I didn’t like you doing his hair,” Trish says to me and I’m about to blow her head wide open with my truth. Misty nods in agreement, ready to jump me with her newfound posse backing her move. She thinks she’s got me cornered but nobody bullies a Williams woman.

  “You know what? You’re right about me. I do have powers and I can influence people’s lives, so does that make me more or less dangerous?” Surprised by my approach, both Sandy and Trish take a step back to let my words sink in. Everyone but Misty looks surprised at my confession. Misty looks both satisfied and scared, but of what?

  “Let’s go, Misty,” KJ says with the rest of their followers walking away from the scene. Mr. Adewale grabs his bag and heads out, congratulating my boys on his way out the door but I know he wants to grill me more about what I just said.

  “Are you okay?” Jeremy says rubbing my shoulder. His touch feels good but I stop him because I don’t want to start anything with Rah being right here. It’s rude and I wouldn’t want Rah to do the same thing to me.

  “I’m fine. You played your ass off, Mr. Weiner,” I say teasing him. I knew they could win if they put their minds to it.

  “I have a feeling you had something to do with our win.” Instead of arguing or agreeing I simply let the truth sit for a moment before Rah and Nigel come over to check on us.

  “Sorry about all that. Y’all want to grab something to eat? It was a good game, man,” Rah says, giving Jeremy his overdue props.

  Maybe they can be cool with each other after all but I’m not going to push it. I’ll be happy if they simply allow the other to exist in my world without hating on one another. But who am I kidding? I’ll have to balance the two of them delicately. But I think I’m up for the challenge.

  Epilogue

  “You’re all up in my head Jayd. No one’s ever had me off my game like that before,” Rah says on our way back to Compton. We went to Pann’s for our victory meal and everyone had a good time. Nellie and Mickey managed to avoid talking to each other the entire time and so did Rah and Jeremy. Why can’t Rah be more open-minded and accepting of my friendship with Jeremy? Even now after I’ve been fronted by not one but two of his ex-girlfriends, he still wants to possess me fully and I can’t t
ake that. One is the magic number for me and I’ve got to honor that.

  “I know and I’m sorry about that. I was trying to slip up KJ, not you. But you rose to the occasion anyway,” I say patting his shoulder while he cruises down Crenshaw toward the 105 Freeway. We have to pick up Kamal from his grandmother’s house before heading back to Mama’s. At the last minute, I decided to ride with him instead of Mickey.

  “Jayd I’m serious. Let’s work on you and me, to hell with everyone else.” If it were only that easy. I’m not done with Jeremy and Rah’s got so much baggage he could open his own luggage store.

  “If you really wanted that to happen, the potion would have worked,” I say and Rah is silent. He knows I’m right and I’m tired of him trying to hustle me into his harem. He didn’t want the potion to work and it’s not as effective as it could have been. I followed the directions for the tea and I watched him drink all of it. What did I do wrong?

  “You didn’t separate yourself from the outcome, Jayd. How many times have I told you you can’t be attached to your emotions when trying to honestly help others? That’s why I couldn’t master my powers.” My mom always has a way of creeping in at just the right time. Rah’s a human being, Jayd. He makes mistakes. He’ll have his weak moments and yes, he will be confused just like you are about Jeremy.” How did she know about that?

  “Jayd, are you okay?” Rah looks at me like I just had a stroke. His phone vibrates and I can see Sandy’s name on the screen. Just the thought of them together vexes me but my mom’s relentless in her approach.

  “Where else are you going to find a friend who you can be your total self with, powers and all? Don’t be so quick to give up on him, Jayd.” My mom’s right. I need to listen to Rah. I know he doesn’t intentionally mean to hurt me, but it still burns.

  “Do you still love her?” I ask him flat out. He flips the phone open, ignoring her call, and returns it to its spot on the dashboard.