Player (A Bryshere Gray Story)

Chapter 21: Battle of the Exes

Flashback

I laid on my back staring at the ceiling. My mind was wandering seemed like I couldn't make my thoughts stop. I stood up spinning the ball around my fingers wondering how long I go hiding this big secret from my coach and a few drafters that were considering me. A few of my friends and teammates knew but a few didn't. I looked over at Tionne moving a little like she was uncomfortable. "Baby... you good? I asked.

"Mmmhmm he's just kicking" she mumbled adjusting herself. I wasn't surprised that's all he did. I couldn't wait to meet him but I was also scared. Scared of the consequences I would be getting. My grandmother interrupted.

"Boy if you don't put that ball down.. you'll never let her get some rest" she said. "Now I need you to help me put up these curtains" she said. I got up placing the ball down I walked into her room.

"You know your grandma is a short thing" she laughed. "Don't I know it" I said placing the rods through the curtains

"Bout time you changed the decor" I chuckled

"Yup it was on my time.. you don't sleep in here" she said.

"I know grandma; I'm just playing" I chuckled hanging them up. "Ummhm so what's going on with you? She asked

"I don't even want to talk about it" I said

"Well you're in my house so you're going to speak on it" she said. I sighed "I'm just stressed grandma with this whole baby situation" I explained

"Baby situation? She asked.

"Yes I'm stressed that I'm about to be a father at a young age. Not to mention my coach doesn't know and this may effect my career" she said

"You have to man up Rashad. You go to your coach first and tell him yourself. The baby isn't going anywhere, and if they have a problem with that forget them. Things happen... but that baby is not a mistake" she said.

"I know its not.. I just don't want to be judged you know. This is my dream and I don't want it to go down the drain" I explained.

"Don't you go in life worrying about if someone is going to judge you. You hear me... you'll get judged all your life but how people feel about you has nothing to do with you. Now your dreams may get postponed but nobody can take away your talent. It may be a dilemma honey but your dream doesn't have to stop" she said.

"Your right grandma. thankyou" I said

"You're welcome even though you still wont listen you won't pick up on till later. That's just how you young folks are" she laughing going in her draw. She handed me a 50-dollar bill.

"I need you to go to the store, I'm going to cook something so you can eat when you come from practice" she said.

"What do you want? I asked.

"No what do you want dear? She asked. I smiled "I want some fried chicken, string beans and mashed potatoes and peach cobbler" I smiled rubbing my belly.

"I meant something small not for the damn president" she laughed.

"Then what you give me the 50 for then grams" I said

"Go get the stuff and bring back my change. Your better bring back my damn change boy" she hollered.

"Wait can I at least put 10 in the tank? I begged. "Whew you sure can work my nerves ... go ahead" she said.

"Thanks grandma" I said walking out her room back to mine. When I made my way back in, I saw Tionne up bundled up looking like she was ready to go.

"Where you going? I asked.