So, my sister had ingrained in me this sport that we both loved. I wasn’t only out here trying to win a championship for me; I was trying to win a championship for her as well. There was no jealousy or envy in me for my blood. There never would be.
Regardless, the media liked to put people against each other, and I guessed this was their way of trying to get me to see myself as less than. Sure enough, my face shown on the television with sweat dripping from me. It was a replay of me making the game-winning free throw.
“While I like Pensacola for the championship, I’m not sure how they expect to go toe to toe with Chicago, who we all know will win their game tomorrow night and slide into the championship. Pensacola has to do a better job at defending the paint and staying out of foul trouble.”
“Yeah, DC, I agree with you. London has an incredible shot and can kill Chicago on the perimeter, but if her teammates aren’t doing what they need to in the paint, Chicago is going to run away from them.”
“Agreed, Quita. London needs to step it up in terms of getting her teammates to pitch in, or else, she’s going to look exactly how she did tonight—tired. She has to get them involved.”
“As far as Coach Kincade, she’s doing well for her first season. Even if she doesn’t win a championship, her efforts thus far have proven she’s a force in this league.”
I shut the television off and chucked the remote onto the bed. As much as I couldn’t stand commentators or analysts, the majority of them knew a thing or two about basketball even if they’d never actually played the sport. Still, that didn’t give them the right to act like every play or possession would be perfect.
Bothered by their take on my performance tonight, I grabbed my phone and went into the bathroom. I needed to talk to Mimi to clear my head. Zoo was in the living room, but he wouldn’t understand. Naomi would.
“Hey, boo,” she answered as soon as I sank into the tub. Zoo had the water piping hot, just how I liked it. And it smelled heavenly of something I didn’t own. It was floral yet sweet. The scent was amazing.
“Hey, boo,” I parroted.
“Sin, of course, didn’t let me watch the game, but he did tell me we won. Did you get my text?”
“Yes, I did. I haven’t read it yet. I’ll look at it when I get out of the tub.”
“Please do. I feel something in my spirit, so I sent you that message. You don’t even have to talk about it if you don’t want to because I already know.”
Tears sprung to my eyes. I sniffled and dashed them away.
“I’m sorry, Mimi,” I said. “I shouldn’t be worrying you with this.”
“Please,” she clapped back, “I am your sister. And you know I understand. Read my message, eat, and take yo’ ass to sleep. If I’m on this phone too long, Sin will confiscate it.”
I busted out laughing through my tears.
“How did you feel today?”
“Same, but I’m taking things one day at a time. I have a whole baby to grow, so I’m doing my best togrowhim or her.”
Again, I felt something in her words. Now wasn’t the time to bring it up though. I was upset, and I didn’t want to get her upset. The time would present itself soon.
“Alright. Well, I’ll finish my bath and let you go. Stop giving my brother-in-law a hard time.”
Mimi laughed.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” I said. “Love you.”
“Love you, too, boo. Read my message!”
“Bye.” I chuckled then hung up. I finished bathing, got out, dried off, and moisturized my body before dressing. Quickly, I did my face routine. By the time I joined Zoo in the living room, he had two plates waiting on the coffee table.
“Better?” he asked as his eyes cascaded down my body. I had on a cute pajama set that didn’t reveal any of my body, yet he made me feel naked. Plopping down next to him, I nodded.
“Very much so.”
He quickly prayed over the food and before I could dig in, I remembered to read Mimi’s message.
Mimi:I wish I could be tossing you those assists, but I can’t. Either way, my sister is the shit and regardless of what happens,she gon’ still be the shit. She gon’ still be the only one I choose to run the backcourt with me. I love you, boo!
I couldn’t even respond to Mimi. Sitting the phone aside, I discreetly wiped my tears, then picked up my plate to eat.
