Tales of the Underground: Blinded - 7. Tryouts

It’s funny, everyone always goes on and on about how great teachers are…about how they open the door for their students…and yet all these teachers have done is stare at me. Every single class I went to I kept getting the same response, the same judgmental stare and dismissive sigh. It’s like from the first words I spoke, from my very first breath in their presence that they’d given up on me. Every one of them rolled their eyes as I told them my name was Cy not Riley. To them I extended the same courtesy, I think I spent more time sleeping than I did actually listening, if they’re not gonna give me a chance why should I give them one?

I felt the same judgmental eyes dawn on me as I entered the lunch room. I kept the heavy bag slung over my shoulder and my head down. I carefully scanned the room until I saw the familiar sight of my foster brother…I’ll never tell him, but from the second I heard I was in junior lunch I couldn’t help but feel relieved…I mean I don’t want to eat alone…I’d rather not eat at all.

“Is everything okay?” Aaron worriedly asked moving over to make room for me at the table.

I kept my head down as I slid onto the chair “Yeah, this is my lunch time.”

“No way!” Aaron smiled “Why don’t you have sophomore lunch?

“My schedules all over the place.” I shrugged with a sigh.

“Oh great.” Owen sneered clearly disturbed by my presence “Do we really want a sophomore at our table?”

“I’m fine with it.” Noah piped up in my support.

Owen rolled his eyes and stared him down “Shut up Noah, you’re vote doesn’t even count.”

“I’m cool too.” Carter shrugged trying to end the conversation “You’re literally the only one out of us who has a problem with Cy.”

“And you guys are the only ones in school that don’t have a problem with him.” Owen mumbled keeping his attitude.

I saw the same mischievous grin from before begin to grow on Carter’s face “That’s not true.” He giggled “Hey! Nicole!” he yelped to a foreign table.

The same girl from gym quickly popped up and made her way over “Hey guys.” She smiled “Hey Cy.”

“What’s good?” I sighed not giving her much attention.

She giggled and leaned against the table “We never got to finish our conversation from before.”

“I think we did.” I muttered digging through my bag for my food.

“Ouch.” She teased “You might hurt a girls feelings talking like that.”

“Wouldn’t want to play you like that now would I?” I led on, fuelling her hope.

She took the seat at the end of the table and began to stare “How do you want to play me?”

“Oh please!” Owen yelped breaking up the moment “Why would a girl like you ever want to be near a boy like him?”

“Cause I’m real.” I sneered “You, you’re faker than sweet and low.”

“Sorry I don’t want to live my life in this scripted world like you do Owen.” She spit with some fire “Besides did you hear what he just said? That’s pretty clever.”

“That’s Childish.” I corrected. She shot me a confused look and tried to figure out what I meant “Like Childish Gambino, the rapper, that’s a line from one of his songs.”

“Oh, I’ve never heard of him.” She smiled “You’ll have to show me his music one day.”

I clicked my teeth and started digging through the brown bag “Go back to your table.”

“Fine.” She giggled “but you owe me a song.”

“Sure thing girl.” I muttered pulling out the big fancy sandwich Mrs. James had packed me.

I felt all 3 pairs of eyes shoot to me “Where did that come from?” Aaron laughed as Nicole left sight “I had no idea you could talk to girls like that!”

“Well you just learned more at lunch then you’ll learn all week.” I mumbled trying to eat slowly.

“You can’t possibly think that was good? He was a total douche! He spoke to her like she was nothing!” Owen exclaimed.

“Sometimes you gotta be a dick.” I shrugged “Make em chase you. Of course the girls who want you don’t do much runnin.” I jabbed taking a shot at him.

I couldn’t help but smirk as anger overtook his face “Sorry I don’t judge people by their appearances.” He recovered trying to take the high road “You hate gay and out of shape people? That’s messed up.”

“I don’t hate out of shape people.” The smirk on my face slowly began to grow “After all me and your mom got it on last night.”

Owen went to speak but Aaron and Noah’s laughter filled the air before he could “So immature.” Carter let out in a small laugh

“At least my mom’s not a drug addict.” He sneered trying to find a weakness.

“Xanax is just as much a drug as heroin.” I let out starting to find more confidence “It’s only legal because white rich people like it.” I nodded my head and smiled “I guess we finally have something in common.”

His angry stare began to narrow in on me as much as he could manage “My mom doesn’t do any drugs.”

“Shit maybe if she did your parents would be stayin together.” I giggled remembering the conversation from when I had first met them.

“Fuck you!” He exclaimed standing up “If we weren’t in school right now you would be eating those words.”

I quickly moved my hands up and flashed him a quick gang sign “Any day any time cupcake.”

He slammed on the lunch tray in front of him and grabbed onto his backpack “I didn’t expect you three to be such fair weather friends.”

“You started the fight.” Aaron pointed out “Cy took some low blows but it’s not like you didn’t tempt him.”

Carter swayed his head “You opened a can of worms the second you took a shot at him. Stay in your lane.”

“Are you serious Carter?” he shouted “He made a divorce joke! When your parents got divorced you cried for months! You’re still not over it!”

Carter took a breath and bit his lip. Sadness slowly began to engulf his face as he drifted off into his memories “Yo don’t talk about other people’s parents.” I defended with a shit eating grin “That shits not kosher.” Noah shot me a confused look and I giggled to myself knowing full well how much of a hypocrite I was being.

Owen rolled his eyes and walked away, frustrated with what had occurred. “You’re such a jerk.” Carter sighed, yet the smile on his face didn’t match his words.

“I just love pissin people off.” I giggled “guess it’s my hobby.”

“Well that’s not very mature Riley.” He teased taking a quick shot at me.

“Man I told you that’s not my name!” I yelped swatting over Aaron to try and lightly slap Carter.

Carter lightly grasped my hand and shoved it back “Careful, His name is sensitive subject.” Aaron giggled

“Wait Riley, you don’t like when I call you Riley?” Carter taunted seeing how far he could go.

I tried my best to get serious but felt myself struggling “Im’ma merk you.”

“You’re going to what?” Noah interrupted making a weird face.

“Kill.” I clarified “Man you guys need to learn English.”

“You call that English?” Aaron laughed “They’re barely words!”

“He just threatened to kill me and you guys are talking about his vocabulary?” Carter exclaimed laughing along.

“He threatens to hurt everyone.” Aaron shrugged pushing through his lunch. “Where did you learn his first name anyway?”

“Gym class” Carter sighed “He, Noah and I are all together. Coach Dom almost killed us today! We literally ran all class!”

“Aw does poor Carter need a break?” I mocked “Do you need to go home?”

“Just wait until try outs, then you’ll see who needs a break?” He shot growing a little serious.

“Guess we will” I let out as the bell rang. Aaron quickly stood up and started wandering towards the door “Wait!” I called out “I need you for somethin.”

“Carter or Noah can help you.” He quickly replied “They know just as much as me!”

“Yo Noah…” I began

“What do you need?” Carter slid over with a smile. Noah giggled and quickly left before I could bother him.

With a shaky hand I reached into my pocket and pulled out my schedule “Man never mind, I’ll figure it out.”

“No it’s okay, I can help.” He warmed reached out.

I let out a deep breath and pointed to the square after lunch “What’s that?”

“Excuse me?” he giggled

“What’s that?” I repeated growing a little frustrated.

“Your next class?” He offered not understanding.

I bit down on my lip and felt my heart begin to beat faster “No man, like what class is that.”

“You tell me.” He smiled “You have to learn how to figure it out.”

I let out another deep breath and began to play with the distances until the letters pulled apart “B-Bi-Bio…” I fustratedly shoved it back into my pocket and stood up “Forget it, I can figure it out.”

“You can’t read that?” He poked quickly joining me.

“Mind your business.” I uttered trying to get space between us.

He bucked shoulders with me and smiled “It said Biology.”

“Da Fuck?” I let out not knowing what that was.

“It’s your science class.” He exhaled “The study of life and things like that, it’s not too hard, you’ll do fine, but you need to sort out your reading.”

“I can read.” I lied trying my best to escape him “I just can’t see alright?”

“Does that mean you’re getting glasses soon?” He excitedly smiled.

“What’s that mean to you?” I pushed out. As we reached the hallways a few kids called out to him. It seemed like everyone and their mother wanted to talk to him…not that I’m surprised…Carter’s just…he’s kind, friendly, strong, devious…cu…Riley! Cut the crap already!

“Nothing…just…you should get those thick black framed ones.” He replied as his already pink shaded face turned a shade redder

“Why the fuck would I do that?”

He nervously laughed as we approached my new class “It would just fit the shape of your face well, if you want that date with Nicole…well it would seal the deal.” I saw him fight something off as he finished the sentence.

“I never said I want that, you’re the one forcing her on me.” I clarified with a quick eye roll.

He shrugged his shoulder and laughed “You’d be a cute couple.”

“Go away” I sighed quickly turning the corner into the classroom.

As I entered the room I saw an older women standing at the front of the room scanning everyone who came in “You must be Riley Walker.” She greeted with a smile “I’m Dr. Mae Burrows, the school psychologist. I’m going to sit with you for the rest of the day.”

“I go by Cy.” I clicked walking right past her.

“Oh yes! I was told about that! Sorry, it’s been a long day.” She excused quickly taking the seat next to me “Just pretend like I’m not here!”

“What’s this about?” I poked in a sigh.

She smiled and sat up straight “Nothing bad, your foster parents just want to see where you’re at, you’re very lucky to have them.”

I grunted and rolled my eyes “So this is about if I have dyslexia?”

“I never said that.” She quickly tried to recover.

“I’m not one of these clueless rich kids.” I muttered “I can tell if I’m being played.

She did her best to get herself together “Just please go about your day normally.”

I rolled my eyes once more and did as instructed. Her presence only seemed to draw more attention than before. As if being the freak with one eye, scars and a tattoo wasn’t enough! Now I’m a fuckin sped with an aid! Every now and then when I would zone out or begin to get a bit restless she would snap me out of it and bring me back down to earth.

“Hopefully I didn’t bother you too much.” She smiled as we reached my locker.

“Am I dyslexic?” I forced out packing my bag.

She nervously laughed and forced a smile “I have to look at my notes and all. I’ll talk to your foster parents later tonight.” I rolled my eyes and sighed “If you want I can run a test or two.”

“I got basketball tryouts.” I grunted picking up my stuff.

“So then you’re athletic?” She poked with a confused look.

I clicked my teeth and picked up my bag “Wouldn’t still be around if I wasn’t.” She quickly flipped open her notebook and added something “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Just good to know.” She smiled side stepping the question “I’ll see you tomorrow young man. “

I rolled my eyes and quickly headed to the locker rooms, worried I would be late. As I walked out in gym clothes and Aaron’s Jordan’s I caught Carter laughing.

“Ready to get beat into shape?” He called out

I rolled my eyes and walked up to him “I ain’t worried.”

He started to speak but I zoned him out as I began to look around. Finally my eyes locked with 2 of the larger kids near the stage.

“Ey yo!” one of the kids called out “Come over here for a second.”

“Remember what Coach Murray said!” Carter yelpd trying to follow after me.

“I told you it was him!” One of the guys exclaimed swatting at the air.

“Well shit, you’re the whisper of the saints.” I smiled and nodded at the old nickname “Damn I never imagined I’d see you around here.”

“I go here now.” I laughed “You from New City?”

“Nah South Lawndale, we’re both from there.” He nodded “I’m Cam and this is Curtis.”

“Oh word.” I grined “You believe this place?”

“Shits whack” Curtis laughed “I never thought I’d meet so many entitled people in my life.”

“They’re all like that.” I groaned “its fuckn nuts.” Carter cleared his throat reminded me he was still there “Oh this is Carter, he’s actually on the team.”

“You guys are the new power forward and center?” Carter greeted “I’m Carter Williams the 2 guard.”

“That’s us.” Cam nodded but immediately turned back to me “Shouldn’t you be in juvy?”

“Probably” I laughed “I cut a deal and wound up getting fostered here.”

“Oh so you bougie* now?” Curtis teased with a friendly laugh.

“Fuck no, just trying to waste as much time as I can before I go back.” I explained with a sigh.

Cam took a closer look at me “You escaped and you’re gonna go back?”

“Do I got much of a choice?” I shrugged

He moved his mouth from side to side “If you go back you’re gonna catch a beating for not going back sooner.”

“Yeah and if I don’t go back at all?” I let out with raised eyebrows.

“Shit” Calvin breathed “That’s why I didn’t get caught up in that gang shit.”

“It is what it is” I shrugged “It’s good to catch some kids who speak the same language though.”

“Word.” Cam laughed “So you gonna make the team?”

I looked to Carter and raised my eyebrows “He’ll make it” Carter supported “He’s one of the best ball handlers I’ve ever seen.”

“Alright boys break it up!” Coach Murray boomed “If you want a homecoming you can all go to high school in the Southside!”

He shot me a nasty look and I couldn’t help but smirk “One of the most important things in a team is bonding.”

“You better start running before I start chasing you!” He shouted whipping his lanyard at me.

Tryouts were some of the most fun I’ve had in a while…I thought running from building to building was fun, but this…this is fucking awesome! Just getting to ball and cut loose, after the day I’ve had…it was just what I needed. We started off with running and simple drills but finally moved onto a full on scrimmage. Coach Murray split up the teams between the try outs and the actual players in an attempt to see if the try outs could keep up. Once more I found myself matched up against Carter, and while I hated to see him struggle…I wasn’t holding back.

Finally when my team had a secure enough lead I lobbed the ball up to Cam who did his best to dunk but had to settle for an odd layup. “Walker!” Coach Murray shouted “Suicides now!”

I let out a long grunt before running to the sidelines, and sprinting up and down the courts. When I finished Coach Murray grabbed me by the shirt and pulled me close “This is my 3^rd time telling you to cut off that fancy crap! I get it you’re a good ball handler and a good passer, but you’re not Allen Iverson!”

“How am I supposed to get around them if I can’t make dribble moves?” I excused not understanding what he wanted.

“I’m not talking about your feet work and dribbling! I’m talking about the unnecessarily deep 3 shots and the alley oops to your new buddy!” He shouted staying in my face “You want to make this team then you better start playing with some respect! I’ve got 3 open spots, and I need a good point guard, don’t make me miss out on one because you want to be a hood rat.”

“So I have the spot?” I excitedly smiled.

He shook his head upset that I wasn’t getting the message “There’s still 1 more days of try outs after today! You can easily fall out of good graces with me.”

“So you like me then.” I teased pulling away and walking back onto the court.

“Undecided.” He growled trying to scare me

“Hey boys ya need to quit! I’m coaches’ favorite!” I shouted getting right back into the game.

I don’t care what he says, I can see it in his eyes…he likes how much fun I’m having…he likes that its spreading to the guys. Every dribble move and deep shot was met with hoots and laughter from my teammates on both sides. We’re having fun out here…I’m having fun out here.

As practice finally wound up Coach Murray made his way to the center of the court and stared us all down “So here’s the story, I already have 9 guys on my roster, I need 3 more players and maybe even 1 on the reserves in case of injuries but I have 10 of you boys trying out. That means your odds aren’t good.” He took a deep breath and looked us over “To try and make the process easier we’ll be making first cuts right now, Jones, Walsh and Fink thank you for your interest but your road ends here. “ The 3 boys disappointedly stood up and walked to the locker rooms “Now the remaining 7. The road only gets more tougher from here. Tomorrow is our 2^nd and last day of try outs, you better play with something to prove.” He nodded to his assistant coach happy with the day “Now go hit the showers.”

On my way to get my bag I made sure to stop by Coach Murray “Catch ya tomorrow.”

“Walker come here for a second.” He sighed trying to get a good read on me. I nodded and cautiously walked over “Son I was this close to cutting you today.” He exhaled holding out two fingers with a small amount of room.

“But I played great.” I defended not understanding “I kept everything light hearted, we all looked good…we were all having fun…that’s what helps you play better.”

“I didn’t say it was an easy choice, in fact you played so god damn well…you did so much right that I went back and forth multiple times” he lectured with a serious face “But I don’t know where you’re priorities are at.”

“What?” I let out still confused.

He shook his head and looked me over “Those other boys may not be as good as you, but at least it’s their priority…”

“This is a priority!” I quickly interrupted “Like I said having fun…”

“I’m well aware of how important a light hearted locker room is.” He finished “Good locker room guys can be more important than on court skills sometimes, but I can’t have you getting close to everyone just to go back to the hood.”

“I-I’m…look that’s not fair, this is basketball tryouts…”

“I know” he interrupted “but the way you play…you’re a floor general, every play, everything relies on you being involved, it all goes through you…what happens if you leave this team because its not important to you. You’ll throw off everything!”

“I…what if I say I’ll be around until the end of the season.” I nodded trying to make him comfortable.

He looked over to the assistant coach who was listening in then right back to me “Can you control that?”

“Yeah” I quickly replied “My foster family…they’re great…they want me here, so far it’s all been up to me…as long as I don’t give them a good reason…if I don’t fuck up they’ll keep me.”

“So you’re going to walk the straight and narrow?” he poked trying to dig answers out of me.

I swayed my head back and forth and nervously laughed “If that’s what it takes…So do I have the spot?”

“You’ve got another day of try outs, bring it and we’ll see.” He muttered waiving me away.

Carter giggled as he saw me return to the locker room “So did you just get cut?”

“I have no idea what just happened.” I groaned pulling my bag out of my locker and throwing it over my shoulder “He kinda grilled me then told me to bring it tomorrow.”

“Trust me that was a good thing.” Carter supported giving my backpack a shove “He tries to scare tactic everyone he likes into behaving.”

“We’ll see” I muttered following Carter to the exit.

“You’ll make the team.” He smiled “Anyway, tomorrow tell whoever’s picking you up to stay home, I have my license, I can give you a ride.”

“But I thought you were Aaron’s age.” I poked shooting him a confused look.

“I am.” He laughed “But Dad called in a few favors, besides I’m only a few months away from my real one!”

“So you a bad boy?” I nodded, liking what I was hearing.

He bucked shoulders with me and headed to his car “Let’s just say you’re not the only one that’s misunderstood around here.”

I fought off a nervous smile as the James families’ Bentley pulled up to me. I quickly pulled off the backpack and jumped into the passenger seat.

“How were tryouts?” Mr. James quickly poked

“Alright” I answered trying to relax “I thought Mrs. James was coming to get me.”

“I think you might need a break from her.” He confessed throwing the car into gear “She can be a bit…”

“Extra” I finished with a chuckle.

“Extra” he nodded in agreement “She doesn’t mean to be…she just wants you to succeed.”

“I know” I agreed “I…Its…I like her.” I quickly let out “Just don’t tell her that right now.”

“It’ll be our little secret.” He proudly smiled “So then you think you’ll be hanging around a while?”

“I think so.” I decided “It can’t hurt.”

“No it cannot.” He assured “While I have you in a good mood…well Dr. Burrows called…” My heart began to beat faster as he spoke “I don’t mean to alarm you, but she feels that you might be dyslexic, now that’s okay!” he quickly comforted “She’ll spend tomorrow with you to double check, and if you are then you’ll have an aid with you on a day to day basis.” I clicked my teeth and let my head fall against the window, doing my best to hide the sadness on my face “No one is going to think any less of you okay? And If they do…if they do then fuck them!”

“Fuck them.” I echoed as a light smile filled my face. He’s trying to understand me…he’s trying to bond with me…that’s more than any man in my life. I felt a deep breathe escape my lungs as I watched the street lights pass by…is this what I’ve been waiting for my whole life? Is this what I want?

bougie*- Slang for someone who’s trying to act fancy or upperclass, comes form bourgeois.