ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ
𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞

🏀

Houston, Texas
Thurs. Nov. 28th, 8:50 am
"Give Thanks to Family Promises"

Four Years Ago...

The bell rung and all the students emerged from their seats. Shai popped up from his seat and tossed his bag on his back. Exiting the classroom and into the crowded halls, Shai walked with his head lowered. He recently realized how common it was for him to do that since moving to Houston. Being the new student in an area he knew nothing of wasn't the gag his family thought it was.

It was the worst decision his parents could come up with but there was nothing he could do. He was already here. Shai walked out the building behind a few students. His head was still down that he didn't notice his folks were here.

"Shai!" He heard someone call his name. He lifted his head up to see his Uncle William leaning on his car.

Seeing him confused Shai for a second since he never was picked up from school before. There was no reason to do so when his aunt house wasn't too far from the school. His stomach started bubbling and that only happened when he knew something was up. He blew out a breath, prepping himself for what to come. Walking to his uncle, William opened the passenger door for him.

"I'm going to assume something happened." Shai mentioned. William didn't answer verbally but his face said it all.

Shai nodded his head and got into the car. There was always something. After shutting his door, William walked around the front and got in the driver side. Shai took off his bag and rested it where his feet were and stayed quiet during the ride. Though he didn't know what was going on, he made sure to keep his opinions to himself when he did. When pulling up to the purple house, Shai's stomach started bubbling again.

"Here we go," he thought. He was hesitant on getting out the car, especially when he saw the limousine sitting in front of the house. He knew it was either his mother or father that was here.

And he knew it was most likely his mother. That was the only parent that made the decision to have him come down here.

"You wanna go for a ride?" William broke the silence, turning his attention to Shai. Shai looked at him with a confused expression on his face.

"My mom is here so I'm sure she has to tell me something." Shai mentioned.

William nodded his head, "I'm aware but we can drive around to stall a little bit." he told him. Shai thought about his uncle's offer and didn't take it. There was no reason to wait this out for no reason.

"No, I'm cool." He answered. William nodded his head then cut the car off.

Shai grabbed his bag and got out the car with his uncle. He placed his attention on the limo and saw his mothers driver, Dion, sitting inside. The older black man gave Shai a head nod and he returned one. Following after his uncle up the stairs, they entered the house to arguing. It was his mother and his aunt as usual. William glanced back at Shai who look at him. They both could read each others expression. Shai was regretting not taking that ride around the block.

It was too late now since Allison ended up seeing Shai. "There he goes now, so let's ask him. Come in here!" She ordered, waving Shai into the kitchen. He tucked in his lips and doing as told.

"Allison, I want you to know it's going to say a lot about your parenting if you do this." Susan remarked, crossing her arms.

Allison ignored her sister, placing her attention on her son. "Your father has apologized for his actions and want us back home tonight." she told him, Shai scrunching up his face.

"You see." Susan exclaimed, shaking her head. "He's not going back, Allison."

"Susan, please. I'm not talking to you." Allison yelled at her sister.

"Well, I'm talking to you! You cannot just send Shai down here to keep him safe but turn around and take him back because of some weak ass apology. Sean will never learn from his actions and I'm not allowing my nephew to be in a toxic atmosphere." Susan continued speaking.

Allison scoffed, "I think you're missing the key word there, Susan. He's your nephew not your son! I decide what I want to do with him not you and I need you to understand that. Just because you're unable to have your own child doesn't mean you can take mine." Allison remarked, hitting below the belt.

The kitchen went quiet. Shai turned to look at his aunt who stood there. He couldn't read her expression at all but figured his mother's statement was disrespectful. Susan scoffed, looking away from all of them. Shai turned towards his uncle who was making his way over to Susan.

"I'm fine. I'm fine." Susan said, raising her hand to stop William was coming over.

"She's fine because she knows I'm right. You need to lean how to stay in your place, Susan." Allison commented.

She turned to Shai, snapping her fingers to grab his attention. He turned to her, Allison crossing her arms. "Shai, I need you to pack your bags so we can head back home. Come on, we don't have much time. I have a meeting I need to get to."

Shai ignored what his mom said and look back at his aunt and uncle. He already knew what he was going to do. He wasn't going back home. He couldn't go back home. He still had the bruise on his face from when his dad hit him. His mother was bruised as well but it was covered with makeup. That's how easy Allison could walk around like it was nothing. She could hide her bruises.

Shai couldn't.

"Shai!" His mother yelled, snapping her fingers. "Let's go!"

He shook his head, keeping his attention on his aunt and uncle. "No." he told her.

Allison squinting her eyes. "Excuse me? Look at me when you're talking!" She shouted, Shai turning to look at her.

"No. I'm not going back." he answered.

"I can't go back."

Shai took a deep breath as he stared at his old high school. He did not miss the mess that came along with this school. But, he did miss the people he met along the way and making history as the first black student to score forty points in a game. He was sure his picture was still hanging up in the trophy case at the entrance of the school. He smiled to himself at that memory. He couldn't wait until basketball started at school so he could get back into his groove.

He needed to.

Ending his memory journey, it was time to head back to the house. Shai took a deep breath then began running again back to the house. He woke up early just to get some exercise in before eating all that food being cooked. He look both ways before running across the street and reaching the neighborhood. He waved at a few neighbors who were outside getting their lives together.

Reaching the purple house, he stopped running to lean over and catch his breath. Shai wiped the sweat off his forehead then headed up the driveway where his uncle was tending to his truck. William turned his head to look at him, Shai giving him a head nod.

"Had to do your morning run?" William asked.

"Yeah, all this food is gonna be a lot." Shai answered, pulling his shirt up and using it to wipe his face.

"Good. Everyone is going to go all out tonight with the food. We'll have leftovers for months." William remarked, shaking his head. He wasn't exaggerating either.

Susan had started her cooking last night and it was already too much. Two pans of mac n' cheese, turkey, ham, collard greens, and pecan pie. He also knew his family was going to bring more stuff along with them. After dinner, the responsibility of cleaning everything up was going to be put on him. Like always.

Hearing about everyone else reminded Shai of his question. He was curious to know who all was coming to dinner for many reasons. He wasn't trying to be disrespectful but he didn't see himself hanging with anyone that's not his age. He also didn't want to hang with anyone older that might know his family issues. In  all honesty, he didn't want to be around anyone during dinner. All he wanted to do was eat his food and move on. That's it.

"Uhh, question...who all coming?" He asked, William turning to look at him.

He came up from the hood, wiping his hands clean. "You're grandparents are supposed to be coming, but I highly doubt that'll happen." he began, looking up as he tried remembering who else was attending.

"My grandparents? Does that mean my parents are coming too?" Shai asked out of curiosity. He knew that was going to be a no but it didn't hurt to ask.

"I wouldn't expect it. But, my parents will be coming as well. Along with my siblings and their kids, and their friends if they decide to come." William continued answering Shai's first question.

Shai nodded his head. "Are any of them my age by any chance?"

William cleaned his hands again and leaned back on his car. "My oldest nephew is your age and if he brings friends then they'll be your age as well. You do know you don't have to hang around them if you don't feel comfortable. I understand this is a family dinner but you don't have to deal with us." He informed him with a small chuckle.

"Yeah, I know that. It's just disrespectful of me to not do so." Shai mentioned, William slowly nodded his head.

"Hmm, what folks consider disrespectful nowadays is completely different from me." William mentioned, turning back around and going underneath the hood. He went back to fixing his car, Shai watching him and taking in what he said.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said. Things your aunt may consider disrespectful, I just don't. That woman and I do not always agree with things." William answered.

Shai nodded. "Yeah, I noticed that. Yesterday...with the moving situation-"

"That has nothing to do with me, Shai." William cut him off, coming up again.

"Don't take that as me saying I don't care for you son because I do. I love you to death and will do whatever I need to make sure you're well. However, I don't have any type of guardianship over you, therefore, I can't make decisions in regards to you. If I could then I would, but I'm only related to you through marriage, Shai. That's why I try my best to stay out of your family issues and remind you that you have choices. Don't ever think you don't." He continued, keeping it real with Shai.

Shai didn't take it to the heart and knew his uncle was being helpful. It was the only person in his family that was on Shai's side. He appreciated it.

"Right..." Shai paused, slowly nodding his head. "That's all understandable and I appreciate it. Thanks unc."

"No problem. Now, get in there and take a shower boy. Your breakfast is in the microwave." William told him. Shai smiled, hearing about food. He was starving his behind off.

"Aight. When I'm done I'll come out to help you." Shai told him, William nodded his head.

"Take ya time boy."

"Fa sure."

🏀

"Okay, but check out the fit!"

Shai licked his lips, watching as Dess spun around to show her whole outfit. Sitting in his bedroom, Shai had to call Dess to prepare himself to see his family. He was not trying to talk to these folks or look at them. He really wanted to stay in his room and be on the phone with Dess the whole time. But, she had a family to see and so did he. He was taking in the moment he had.

"Do you like it?" Dess asked, grabbing his attention. She spun around again so Shai saw the full outfit. She was wearing a lime green dress with a long cardigan to match. Shai nodded his head to her question, staring at her with thoughts roaming around his head. He desperately wanted to be with her.

"Mhm, you look good as hell. You should do it for me one time." He said, smiling hugely. Dess chuckled, knowing what he was asking for. She figured since they were away from each other, she give him a little show.

She turned around, moved her sweater out the way, and shook her ass a little. She started laughing, fixing herself "Lemme stop before my grandma whoop my ass." She said, Shai snickering.

"Anyway, how's Houston? Have you seen any horses?" She changed the subject onto him.

"No. What makes you think I'll see a horse?" He retorted, his eyebrows raised as that weird question.

"Uhh, because it's the south and my favorite bitch is from there." Dess answered.

"And who is that?"

"Miss Megan thee Stallion!" She exclaimed her answer, sticking her tongue like the artist. Shai shook his head, knowing who she was talking about.

"Oh, her. Gotchu. No, I haven't seen any horses babe but if I do then I'll let you know." He told her. Dess clapped her hands excitedly like a child.

"Mhm, please. Anyway, Houston? How is it down there?" She asked again wanting to know what was up. She was not liking being apart from him even if it was for six days.

Shai shrugged, "It's basic. Nothing is really going on. I'm up in my room right now when I'm supposed to be downstairs. Everyone too loud." He replied.

"Boy, you're dead wrong for being in your room right now." Dess told him. "It's family day. You need to be downstairs."

"I do not like them people downstairs, Dess." Shai said truthfully, leaning back on his bed. He look back at the clock to see the time then back at his phone.

Dess let out a snicker before covering her mouth. "That's not funny. Babe, you don't have to speak to them but you do need to get your food right? It's not that deep."

"You say it's not deep but-"

Shai's sentence was cut off when the bedroom door was swung open. Susan stood at the door, an annoyed look on her face.

"Boy, if you don't get ya behind down here. You will not be isolated in this room. Let's go." She demanded, giving him a look that she wasn't playing.

She walked out the room, leaving the door open. Shai smack his lips, looking back at his phone. Dess had her hand covering her mouth, hiding her laugh. Shai smacked his lips again, deciding to deal with her later.

"I'll deal with you when we get back to school, believe that." He told her, Dess quickly tightening up. She wanted no problems.

"Calm down." She said, putting her hand up.

"Yeah, aight. I'll call you later princess."

"See you!" Dess exclaimed, waving at him. She blew a kiss before their call ended.

Shai blew out a breath. He was really about to do this. Getting up off his bed, he exit his room and made his way downstairs. He already heard laughter and overlapping conversation from everyone downstairs. Once he was down the stairs, Shai saw all his family members either sitting or standing around. Everyone was having their own separate conversations, making the house incredibly loud. He was not feeling it at all.

Kids ran by him, stepping on his shoes. He smacked his lips, looking down at his shoes then up at the random kids that were here. He was confused on who they were. He didn't think anyone in his family had any kids younger than a middle school aged. Then again, he doesn't know these people to begin with so he doesn't know who was who. His stomach started growling as he smelled the aroma of the delicious food.

Practically starving, Shai made his way into the kitchen. The crowded kitchen. He saw his aunt and uncle, a dark skin woman with curly hair, and a boy that resembled William all too well. It damn sure wasn't his son but Shai didn't know much about his own people. Literally nothing.

"I'm telling you now..." the dark skin woman stopped talking and started laughing. That created a ripple effect and everyone else started laughing. Shai stood there unaware of the joke. Or if there was a joke to begin with. "...this boy gave me a heart attack over nothing. I thought there was something going on and he asking if I could send him some damn noddles."

Everyone started laughing again. Shai tucking in his lips since he was trying to ease his way into getting himself a plate. But, he stayed off into the corner and waited. His stomach growling more.

Susan shook her head, "These boys are ridiculous I tell you girl. I just had to tell Shai to get out his room and come down here.  This is family baby, we're not staying in our room." Susan said.

"Mhm, where's that boy anyway?" The dark skin asked, looking around. Her attention landed on Shai and she smiled hugely.

"Well, hello there mister." she greeted. Everyone turning to look at Shai, making him tuck in his lips. All eyes on him...he did not like that.

"It's good to see you." She continued talking to him.

"Nice to see you too." He replied, despite not knowing the woman.

"He's confused as hell, Sharron. Shai this is William's sister, Sharron." Susan introduced them to each other.

Shai gave her an awkward wave. "Hello."

"He's just like his name...shy and a cutie." Sharron complimented him.

"Jesus, mom that's weird." The boy that resembled William spoke up. Shai and him look at each other, sharing a head nod.

"It's not weird to compliment him. He's a cute." She repeated, the boy shaking his head.

"That is a little weird." William spoke up, Sharron smacked her lips.

"Y'all are making it weird because I didn't mean it like that. Get on somewhere." She waved them off then shoved the boy.

Susan chuckled then put her attention on Shai, "I hope you're done on the phone with whoever and came in here to eat." she said and Shai nodded his head.

"Good. Come on now boy." She waved him inside.

Shai entered the kitchen and quickly grabbed two paper plates. He allowed them to engage in conversation  while he made his plate. His eyes widened soon as he opened that first pan, revealing the cheesy mac n' cheese. He scooped him a good amount and went off to the next pan and the next and the next until food was on top of each other. No, he wasn't the type of person that cared about his food touching. He was going to eat all of it anyways, so it didn't matter.

After he was done, he found himself a corner and started eating. He was in his own little world like always while he stuffed his face. He wasn't paying all that much attention since he didn't notice everyone had left the kitchen.

"You fuckin' that shit bruh." He heard, making him look up. Shai saw the teenage boy again, now sitting on the counter.

"It's good as hell." Shai replied, the big laughing.

"Nah, foreal. Jayson, by the way." Jayson told his name, going on his phone.

"Shai." Shai responded with his name. He went back to eating since indeed the food was good as hell.

"Yo, you tryna ball afterwards?" Jayson questioned out of nowhere. Shai glanced back at him then shrugged his shoulders.

"Sure."

Jayson nodded his head, going back on his phone. Shai nodded his head too and went back to eating. Maybe he wouldn't have an issue being out here.

🏀