Chapter 16

         The loud blaring of Zay’s alarm clock erupted throughout his room, and he grimaced in his sleep as he pulled the comforter set over his head to mask the sound. That didn’t matter, as he knew his dad would be entering his room any moment from now to make sure he arose on time. He held onto his last few seconds of sleep, and right on time William came strolling into his room like a drill sergeant.

“Get up Isaiah, a strong man does whats needed, a weak man does what he likes. And as much as you like to sleep in, you are not afforded that privilege. Get up boy!”

“Dad, you can just say wake up” Zay shook his head tiredly, as he swung his long legs over the bed.

“I shouldn’t have to, you should be up at 0500! Not dragging your ass”

“Alright dad” Zay rolled his eyes, “Can I throw something on? I’ll be down in a second”

William gave his son a stern look before turning away, leaving him to get dressed for his early morning workout. And although Zay did the same routine every morning, he never got used to it; The 5am crack of dawn chilliness as he jogged around the neighborhood for a total of a mile, barely awake.

Following that, practice on the court to work on all aspects of strengthening his game. His father was adamant about that, due to the fact he wanted Zay to be the best. This was his last year in high school and that meant scouts would be sitting in at the game, and after three years of being Fels’s all star player, William didn’t expect anything less this year.

“Again” William repeated, tossing the ball back to Zay.

“I think that’s good time” Zay panted, his arm grasping the ball as he held his hips and caught his breath.

“I’ll tell you when it’s good time” William intensified his brow, “The season starts in December, giving you thirty six days to get mentally and physically where you need to be”

“I get that dad, but I have class soon”

William checked his watch, and realized his son was right. The once dark sky was now a light blue, and even the birds were chirping. He also had to be at work, so he decided to call an end to the practice. A relieved Zay returned to his room, and was grateful to catch a quick fifteen minute nap before getting ready.

However fifteen minutes quickly turned into thirty, and then a hour; The sound of his phone going off being the only thing to wake him.

“Hello?” He groaned, rubbing his eyes as he answered.

“Nigga where you at, class starting” Josh asked, and the sound of the bell causing Zay to hop up, “Anddd we gotta test, bro. I ain’t ready for this shit”

“Fuck” Zay cursed, “I overslept. And I ain’t either”
“Alright man, well get your ass down here”

Zay quickly disconnected the call, and then proceeded to hop in a quick shower to wake himself up. He threw on his uniform and sneaks for the day, and was out the door in an impressively fast timing.

He was grateful that he had a car and didn’t have to walk or catch the bus, due to times like this. His 2015 all black Mazda was his baby, and he hoped she would get him to school in good timing.

Hearing his phone ring once more, he reached into the passenger seat to grab it and answer.

“Yurpp” he picked it up without checking the ID.

“Hey, I think I just saw you ride past me” Shamira said, and sure enough Zay could hear the same fire truck passing in her background noise.

“Oh yeah?” He replied with a sarcastic smirk, “Well then I guess I’ll be seeing you at school soon”

“Seriously?” She sucked her teeth, “Turn around and get me”

“Oh so we’re on your time?” He chuckled handsomely.

He rolled his eyes but made a u-turn anyway, pulling up the 24 bus stop. Shamira smiled happily, next sprinting over to the car.

“You better had” she laughed, giving him a knowing look.

“Why? Ain’t you cuffed now?” He questioned, his eyes back on the road, “I’on think your little boyfriend is going to like you pulling up wit me”

“Me and Quan are not together” Shamira insisted.

“Sure” Zay responded, although he knew the truth.

Not that he was hurt, because at the moment he was overcapacity when it came to options. Most girls in school liked him, and while that was cool, he never really liked them back. Mainly because they spent most of their time trying to impress him, that they never showed their true selves.

Except one girl, and that was Lux Connelly. Not only was she a joy to look at, she was the exact opposite of any of the girls in Fels. She didn’t care to find popularity, or status, or even friends as she was always unamused with what the world had to offer her, but in a way to say she was completely fine in who she was. He really liked that about her, and the fact that she could bust jokes like the guys, and could be the last standing in a cypher. It was just his luck that she liked girls, and her choice had been Sasha and not him.

And while Sasha and Lux grew to be his very close friends over the past two months, the sting never did quite go away.

“We talk, but I wouldn’t say together” Shamira continued, “I’ve been waiting for you, but I’m hearing that you’re talking to Valencia now”

“Valencia, Monica, Taylor” Zay continued cockily, “I’m single. And you’re not, so don’t worry about it”

“You think that shit is cute? I’m surprised your dick not burning. You let all of those girls in Fels get a taste, but let a girl do that and we’re called hoes” she snarled, rolling her eyes.

“That ain’t my fault” Zay chuckled as he pulled into the school parking lot, “I’on make the rules, I just play the game”

“Mhh hmm, and I can’t wait til you find that one girl that shows you how jacked up you are” Shamira said as she followed behind him into the building.

Zay laughed out loud, and shook off the hex. After sliding his ID and getting his bag checked he was happy to attempt to rush off to class, however Shamira wanted to continue to talk.

“I gotta go” he cut her off as they turned the corner.
“I know, I was walking you to class”

“Yeah but I’m already late” he insisted, “But I’ll see you at lunch”

Before she could respond, he began to jet down the hallway. He didn’t have time to be held up any longer, and was relieved as he saw a glimpse of the African American Lit class.

“Sorry I’m late” he whispered to Mr. Reyes, who just handed him a test in silence. He tapped his watch to say time was winding down, and Zay rushed to his seat to complete it.

“Question one” he read in his head, “What is Charles Chestnutt’s dilemma in ‘The wife of his Youth’….you know this..you know this”

He twisted his mouth, and then began to search around the class to see how everyone else was doing. As always Sasha was finished first, and Lux was putting the finishing touches as she smiled satisfied at the test.

“Two” he mused, “What are some of the struggles that African American women experienced in both slavery and post slavery?”

Zay tried to find the words to answer that question, and attempted to think back on all of Mr. Reyes lectures. And while he participated from time to time, he never actually read the book. He also seemed to struggle on the test and quizzes, however he would get through.

For some reason this time he was fighting with his brain, so he decided to put his head down for a second. A second turned into five minutes, and five minutes into twenty and before he knew it the bell began to go off.

“Alright class, your test will be returned tomorrow and we’ll discuss the answers. Make sure that you are still working on your projects, as midterms are less than sixty days away. That sounds like a lot, but trust me it’s not when it comes to procrastinating”

Zay looked down at his paper and frowned, and knew that was another F. He scribbled down a few bullshit answers, and then took it up to the front just as the class began to empty.

“Zay, hold up” Mr. Reyes chuckled as Zay tried to rush out, “You can’t be serious, man”

“What you mean?” Zay asked, pretending to not knowing what he was talking about.

“What I mean is, you’re failing” Mr. Reyes said dropping his smile, “and it’s no wonder, as you’re always late or sleep”

“I’m sorry Mr. Reyes, the season is starting” he shrugged, “Double training is tiring. But I’ll try harder next time”

“No need to tell me that, it’s you that wants to play college ball. This class is worth four credits, and without it you can’t graduate” Mr. Reyes gave his student a knowing look.

Zay was a good kid as far as he could tell. However he spent most of his time occupied on everything but school, and while he thought popularity and girls would take him far, Mr. Reyes had news for him.

“Seriously? Mr. Reyes, I participate in the lectures. I understand it, I just can’t put it on paper” Zay shrugged.

“Well, you’re going to have to. Participation isn’t enough, you have to retain the information. How about you get a tutor? Sasha’s great, and you two seem to be friends” Mr. Reyes insisted.

Zay took a deep breath, and while he definitely didn’t need something else on his plate like tutoring sessions, he knew he had to graduate. His father was serious about two things, school and basketball. Although he didn’t realize that his own ways were one of the reasons his son was failing.

“Can’t I get like, extra credit or something?” He fussed, whereas Mr. Reyes’ decision was finalized.

“Extra credit isn’t going to save you, tutoring will”

Zay scrunched his brows, and knew his teacher was adamant. He figured maybe he could just ask Sasha to help him out, in hopes that would get Mr. Reyes off of his back. He made a note to ask Sasha at their lunch period, however at the moment he needed to rush to his next class.

“Damn bro, what took so long?” Josh asked the moment Zay finally left the class.

“Man, that nigga said I’m failing” Zay sucked his teeth as he threw his backpack over his shoulder.

“How, bro? The class is easy as shit” his friend shrugged.

“Well nigga why don’t you ever slide a nigga the answers” Zay shook his head frustrated.

“I would bro, but that nigga Mr. Reyes got six eyes. Four in the front, and two in the back of his head. Last time he gave Michael a zero for cheating”

Zay rolled his eyes, but knew Josh was right. Mr. Reyes was the type of teacher to walk around the class during the test, or just stare at everyone until they were done. He really took his job serious, and those type of teachers were the worst.

“Whatever bro…I’m about to head to class”

“Aiight, I’ll hit you later” Josh nodded.

The two separated and Zay proceeded to class. On the way he happened to get a text from his dad that he wouldn’t be coming home until Sunday morning, and Zay smirked to himself. That meant one thing, kick back at his house. He sent out a mass text to his closest group chat, and rushed off to class.

🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

“Man, everybody knows that Kanye is the goat. It’s no comparison, bro” B argued over the lunch table, as Josh and Reef disagreed.

Zay sauntered up to the table with his lunch tray in his hand, and Josh was so into his hand gestures he mistakenly knocked it over as Zay got closer.

“Damn, my fault bro” Josh covered his mouth as the chicken fingers continued to fall.

“Really bro? That shit was 2.50” Zay sucked his teeth as he tossed the empty tray.

While half of the table was laughing, the other half was the watching to see if Zay would lose his temper.

“I said it was my fault, these niggas just getting me tight” Josh shook his head, “Who in your top five bro?”

“Nigga those chicken fingers was in my top five, I’m about hungry as hell and the line closed” Zay spat, still angry about his friend’s mistake.

“Here bro, you can have mine. I didn’t eat it” Sasha offered her untouched chicken fingers.

Lux playfully rolled her eyes, “That’s cause you ate my food instead”

“Yeahh” Sasha said stroking her chin, “I should’ve gotten the sub”

“Thanks brodie” Zay nodded towards Sasha as he took over the lunch tray, “Ya’ll all get my text about the kick back later?”

“Yeah, we’ll be there” Sasha assured him, and he nodded in satisfaction.

“Ohh yeah, before I forget. Mr. Reyes said I should ask about you tutoring me? Supposedly I’m failing”

“Ten dollars a hour” Lux bargained.

Zay laughed, “Funny, I was talking to Sasha. Not Lux”

“We’re a packaged deal” she shrugged.

“Babe, let me handle this” Sasha playfully held Lux back, “Five dollars a hour, and, rides to school two times a week”

“But you only live up the street” Zay fussed, “You know what, fine. But I better get an A”

“You will, we’re the best” Sasha insisted.

“Yeah yeah, a real friend would just text me the answers” Zay snickered, “Or how about a cheat sheet”

“I’d pay for that” Reef added, “Sure as hell would save me a lot of time”

“How about no cheating, just studying” one of the cheerleaders laughed.

“Cheat or repeat” Reef gave her a knowing look and they all shared a laugh.

For the rest of the lunch period they all continued to sit around, mostly busting jokes or playing cards rather than eating quietly.

As always their table was the loudest, and from afar looked the most entertaining as Zay and his friends were the clowns of the school. And while usually that wasn’t a good thing, the cliche of sport jocks was a real thing and any typical teen would love to be in their exclusive circle.

After lunch, the day seemed to fly past and before Zay knew it he was pulling up to his dealer’s house after school. There wasn’t a party without bud, and Zay always made sure to cop enough to keep the L’s rolling. Hopping out of his car, he spotted the young boy on the porch who was deep into his phone. He immediately recognized him as Sasha’s brother Quan, as he had been serving from the Trap house amongst the other dealers for a while now.

“What up” Zay said, making his presence known as he walked up the steps.

Quan glanced up, and gave Zay a nod.

“What’s up, what you need?” He asked.

“What’s out?”

Quan scratched the patch of hair on his chin, in a thinking motion, “Sour D, Gorilla Glue, and Blue dream”

“Cool, let me get a QP of that Sour” Zay nodded, making up his mind.

He smiled to himself as he began to think about the night ahead, and Quan lifted from his seat to gesture Zay into the home. Zay took a seat on the beaten down sectional, and waited patiently as Quan began to weigh his order. Quan’s phone began to ring, and he placed it on his ear as he continued the job.

“What do you mean you can’t make it?” His brows furrowed as he spoke into the phone, “You’ve been beggin me to take you out Shamira, now that we have plans you’re canceling?”

Zay raised his brow as he listened to the convo, and knew better than to tell Quan she wasn’t the one.

“Alright, whatever” he shook his head frustrated.

The call ended just that quick, and he hurriedly placed the strong smelling buds into the ziploc bag.
Zay flipped out the bills from his pocket, and the two made the exchange.

“I’m having something later at the crib, by the way. It’s gonna be bitches, so” Zay shrugged, laughing, “A nigga gotta have options”

Quan snickered, and the two exchanged dap, “Yea, I see what time I get outta here”

“Alright, bet”

Zay nodded, and with that he left out of the bando. He made sure to conceal his order, next throwing it in his book bag. Hearing his phone go off, he looked down to see a text message pop up on his phone.

Seeing Shamira’s text, he laughed to himself before pulling off. Maybe he had spoken too soon on Quan’s invite, however it wasn’t a party at Zay’s unless things got a little interesting.

Shaking his head, he headed home to prepare for the night.

                        🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

“Ay, what up my guy!” Zay exclaimed as he dapped up one of his teammates as a crowd of them poured through the door.

The home was already filled to a small extent, and as always a small get together turned into more kids as each second passed.

However he didn’t mind, as the more the merrier and having a plethora of friends made up for the fact that Zay was his father’s only child. Sure, he had a sister on his mom’s side however he never met her due to the fact that he hadn’t seen his mother in years.

After his parents divorce, it was their decision that she would move across state to California, and while she promised she would always call and visit that never exactly happened. There were postcards, but even after a while those stopped coming. Zay always told himself that it didn’t bother him, as his dad had spoiled him enough that the materialistic things outweighed a genuine kid-parent relationship.

And since William was always gone on business trips, that also gave Zay the freedom to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Despite gruesome trainings, he wouldn’t ask for a better life.

After greeting a few more guests, Zay made his way to the kitchen. He smirked when he saw one of the girl’s he was occupying at the moment, Valencia as he hung by the drinks with her friends.

“Why you ain’t text me that you were here?” He asked, licking his lips before putting a drink to them.

“I figured you would see me eventually” she shrugged flirtatiously.

“That I did, you gon come chill with me?” He gestured towards his spot that was saved around his friends.

“I don’t know, you got a few of your lil friends around here I’on want no one to get crazy” Valencia smirked, pointing her finger around to no one specifically.

“I don’t know who you’re talking about, all I see is you” he shrugged.

He knew that would get her to shut up, and rightfully so she hooked her arm with his and let him lead her to his group of friends. They broke the circle, and he placed her on his lap as everyone continued to talk and smoke in the circle.

“I’on know bro, me personally I’ma tittie guy. Ass is nice, but I need somewhere to take a nap you feel me?” Josh laughed, slapping hands with a few of the guys.

“Man, I need a good proportion of both. I’on want my chick looking like a letter P” Kir, another friend added and they all doubled over in laughter.

“This is what ya’ll talk about?” Valencia snickered, trying to get used to the loud voices and crowd of people.

“Yeah, apparently” he laughed, “You comfortable? I see you being stingy with that lil ass butt” he winked.

She blushed, and pulled her dress down slightly as he pulled her back to sit his lap to his liking. His friend passed him the L, and he sat back smoking as he rubbed one hand along her thigh.

Valencia liked Zay, however she wasn’t into the whole popularity thing and it was clear that he was never alone. Still, this was Isaiah – the 6’2 athlete that any girl in Fels would give to get their hands on. And here he was, precisely placing her in his lap in front of all to see, even the girls he currently occupied as well who were steaming in their seats. That, definitely made her uncomfortable.

“Hey, I’ma go back over to my friends” she muttered in his ear as he continued to smoke.

“Why?” He asked, “You not having fun?”

“I am” she shrugged, knowing she was lying.

Zay connected his brows, but instead of granting her request he stood from the chair and gestured her to follow along.

“Where are we going?” Valencia nervously laughed as she followed him down the hallway.

“Upstairs, you wanted to get away from everyone right?” He smirked, placing his arms around her shoulders.

He knew how to read girls, or at least he thought he did. And he figured Valencia just wanted to get him alone instead of sharing him with this his friends. 
Valencia didn’t reject his theory, just followed behind as Zay led her to his room.

She was immediately met with the smell of Dove comfort men’s body wash, and it made her nose flare with pleasure. She noted that it was as clean as a guy’s room was gonna get, and marveled at the huge sneaker collection lined up on the floor.

“So, you don’t think you’ll get in trouble with the other girls you talk to?” Valencia asked, once again bringing his attention to the sprinkle of females he associated with.

He rolled his eyes, as Valencia was a pretty girl but she was just like the rest. All they did was worry about “the others” and not the fact that he was with them at the current moment. Hell, he was single – so it wasn’t like he was doing anything wrong.

“Trouble? None of them are my girlfriend” he snickered.

“Including me” she twisted her mouth.

“And how will that ever happen if all we talk about is other girls?” He asked, raising his brow.

Valencia figured that was a legitimate question, “Sorry” she sighed.

“It’s cool” Zay chuckled, patting the empty spot on his bed, “Come chill out”

She did as he said and popped a squat, and he pulled an already rolled L from the tuck of his ear.

“You smoke?” He asked, lighting it.

“No, I’m an athlete”

“I’m an athlete” he playfully mimicked her, “Is cheerleading really a sport”

“Uhh yeah, we need upper body strength and lower body strength, and flexibility” she school him.
“Don’t forget the cheers, it takes time to write those” he continued to joke and she rolled her eyes.

“Don’t get mad when they get stuck like that” he laughed, “here, take a puff you seem stressed”

Valencia playfully slit her eyes, and hesitantly took the weed from Zay. She never smoked, but the pressure of wanting to impress the guy you like was real. And while she was pretty, for some reason not many guys tried to talk to her at Fels.

Her friends told her it was because of her stuck up attitude, and while that was true even though she didn’t think so, Zay was never intimidated by a stank attitude. With a smile and his charm, he could usually break that down within record time.

After a few small puffs, Valencia let out a couple tiny coughs and Zay rubbed her back.

“Yeah, that’s not for me” she laughed after a few more hacks.

Zay laughed too, and decided to try something else.
“Come here” he told her, gesturing her to come closer.

She did so, and watched as he look a long pull from the L. He held her mouth slightly open with the his fingers gently grasping her cheeks, and covered her mouth with his. He let the smoke escape into her mouth, and once she she released it out of her nose he began to kiss her. Valencia resisted the urge to tense up, instead letting him take control as that was what he was good at anyway.

While at first she was enjoying it, she quickly was failing to keep up as he pushed his tongue down her throat. It was clear that he was experienced, whereas she was only a junior and had only gone as far as getting fingers before.

Zay moved his hands up her jersey dress, and without her permission his fingers began to raid her underwear. Her eyes widened at the feel of his fingers going inside of her, and she pulled onto his hand to stop.

“Wait, wait” she semi panicked, “That hurts”

“It hurts?” He raised his brow, “What’s wrong, you ain’t feeling it?”

“N-No, I just…just be more slow” she nodded with an uneasy chuckle.

Zay nodded, and attempted to try again. This time he did as she said, and slowed down a tad bit. This time he moved his hand to her breast, and she bit down on her lip when he flicked through the fabric and against her nipple.

Even though she was a virgin, Valencia was glad she at least had kissing experience. Zay was tonguing her down feverishly, and he even began to pull her dress up and over her head.

It didn’t even occur to him that Valencia would be hesitant, as that’s all girls wanted once they asked to be taken away from the party. Most of the time he didn’t even have to make the first move, and although this time he was the one to come to Valencia she wasn’t exactly saying no.

“Damn, you’re wet” he whispered, rubbing his thumb across her opening.

“I should probably tell you I’m a virgin” she blurted out, knowing this was her point to turn back now.

“Really?” Zay’s eyes widened.

Even in high school finding a virgin was hard, and he couldn’t believe his luck.

“Yeah” she nodded, “So…”

“So…you don’t want to do it? Or…your telling me so I should slow down?”

Valencia twisted her mouth, and wasn’t sure of her answer.

“I don’t know…will this change things between us?”

Zay knew what she wanted to hear, and just smiled to put to rest her insecurities, “I mean, that means I’ll be your first. And this’ll be mine, no other nigga in Fels better touch it” he gave her a knowing look.

“They won’t” she shook her head, “But what about you?”

Zay reached into his nightstand to grab a condom as the two continued the conversation, and Valencia’s eyes widened as this was legit happening.

“Like I said, all I see is you” he shrugged.

That was essentially all she needed to hear, and she watched as he pulled his pants down enough to reveal his package.

With only a few others to compare it to she believed it was a good size, and continued to watch as he rolled it on. There was definitely no turning back now, and she gulped as Zay climbed on top of her.

She was grateful that he took his time, and started foreplay before even entering her. She remembered reading somewhere that women needed at least thirty minutes of foreplay to be completely aroused, and that proved true as her mid began to soak as he covered her nipple with his warm mouth.

“You ready?” He asked her, looking down.

She nodded, and just before he could enter her a loud knock came at the door.

“Yoo Zay, they fighting down here” B shouted through the door.

Zay’s head dropped and he swore it couldn’t of been worst timing.

“Who fighting man, just break that shit up!” He said back, as he was a little occupied.

“That nigga Quan wilding out on Shamira, who invited his ass anyway?”

Zay sucked his teeth, and he couldn’t believe his lack of judgement had caused him the trouble. He jumped up from the bed, and Valencia began to cover herself with his sheets.

“Just…stay right here” he told her, as he pulled up his pants.

She nodded, and he hurriedly made his way out of the door.

“That shit crazy bro, Shamira was dancing on Kir, and bull just start T’ing off on him. He shot out” B continued to talk as Zay made his way downstairs.

The commotion was getting louder, and while the fight seemed to have ceased his father’s glass table was broken.

“Fuck” Zay cursed, running his hands over his face.
“Who the fuck paying for this shit?” He barked, looking around for the culprit.

“He’s the who who broke it” Kir sucked his teeth, pointing to Quan, “Little weirdo got mad cause his bitch was on my dick. Ain’t my fault we den all had her”

“Nigga fuck you!” Quan spat, “You know where to find me”

“Yeah nigga, selling those nicks on the corner to keep up with me and my niggas” the guy coldly scuffed.

“Alright, that’s enough!” Lux interjected, standing up with Sasha, “Quan, let’s go!”

“Nah, he wanna be big and bad let em get his ass whooped!” Quan continued.

“Nigga, look at your face. Who really got they ass whooped!”

Quan flagged the man, knowing he had him there as he had a small shiner on his eyebrow. He finally did as Lux said and turned away to leave, next gripping up Shamira on the way.

Zay shook his head, and knew being overly friendly bit him in the ass this time.

“Alright man, party over!” He shouted.

Everyone began to groan, and he frustratedly ushered everyone out of the home including his friends. Looking around, the house was trashed, and he grimaced at the sight of the table. He knew he would have to come up with a good excuse about that one, and figured he would deal with it in the morning.

Heading back upstairs, he sucked his teeth to see that Valencia was gone despite promising she would stay.

“Just my luck” he sighed, falling back onto his bed.
This one definitely be his last party for a while, and everyone could thank Quan for that.