“What is it?” I asked. Martell seemed hesitant. “It can wait.” He waved his hand. “Are you sure?” “Yeah. Let’s get the rest of your stuff.” “K.” I skipped up the steps. “You’re not going to miss this place?” “No.” I walked into my room. “No good memories?” “Bleh.” “We’ll make nothing, but great memories in Chicago.” “Can we leave tonight?” I plopped down on the bed.
“See, I asked you to leave with me yesterday, but noooooo. The tickets are for tomorrow.” He reminded. “The tickets are for tomorrow.” I mimicked. Martell threw a bundle of socks at me. “Abuse.” I joked. “I’d never hurt you.” He leaned across the bed to kiss my unharmed arm. “Better?” He asked. I pointed to my cheek. He kissed my cheek. Next, I pointed to my lips. He graced mine with his.
Martell and I went out for lunch to pass the time; while we waited for my parents to get off work. “You think they’ll let me come inside the house?” We walked to the front door. “Just come in.” “I wasn’t invited.” “I’m inviting you.” I turned the knob. “I’ll stay out here.” He lowered himself off the step. I hated this. I really did. The person that means the most to me is being treated like a stray dog by my mom and dad.
“Come on.” I took his wrist and guided him into the house. “Mom, dad.” I called. “What is it, Nicole?” I heard the water running in the kitchen. “Mom.” I walked into the room with my boyfriend. I could see the hard exhale as my mom’s nostrils expanded. I know I just gave you vivid imagery, but it’s clear that she wanted us to see the disapproval.
“I need to talk to you and dad.” I pulled out a seat for Martell. He didn’t take it. “Sit down.” I whispered. “Go ahead.” My mother allowed. He finally seated, pulling out my chair for me. “Thank you.” I sat down waiting for my mom. “ADAM!” My mom called my father’s name. “What?” He called back. My mother didn’t reply. She waited for him to come and find Martell in the house.
When he came into the kitchen, my mom used her displeased hand to point to us. “They want to talk.” “About what?” “Some things that have been on my mind.” I launched the conversation. With a harsh exhale of his own, my father sat across from us. My mom soon followed.
I felt that each pair held up defensive walls. Martell and mines weren’t as obvious as my parents. They were leaned back with their arms crossed. So mature. “We’re leaving tomorrow. Martell thought it would be kind of me to thank you for looking out for me. You’re my parents.” I respected.
“I know we don’t have the kind of relationship that I wish we did, but I still love you. You’re my family and I do respect you. I know you want me to do specific things with my life, but Martell made me realize that that’s not going to make me happy. That’s not what I want. With him, I feel like I have a voice. He listens to my thoughts and dreams.” I took his hand.
“I love him and if you gave him a chance you would love him too. Not once has he ever said anything hurtful about you. It was me. He told me you’re my parents and I need to respect you enough to thank you for being just that. You say things about him that aren’t true. You don’t respect him, but for some reason he respects you. He's a great man. I love him with all my heart. It hurts me that there’s this distance between us, because of my relationship with him.” I looked over to my boyfriend. He pulled his lips into his mouth and looked at me.
“We’ve been together for years and today was the first time I’ve ever heard either of you call him by his first name.” It pained me to say it. “Why?” I asked. “What did he do that was so wrong?” I added. Martell sat straight before saying, “I’m not taking your daughter from you. That’s not my intent, but I love her and I’m happy to be starting a life with her in Chicago.” He took a glimpse of me before continuing.
“I asked her plenty of times if she was sure about this and she made it clear that this is what she wants. I’m all about making her happy. I owe my life to your daughter. I wouldn’t be here without her.” “Don’t.” I tried to stop him. “They should know.” He said. I sat back and stared at my parents. They confusedly looked to me.
“The night we met, I was planning on taking my life, but she came over and talked me out of it.” “You did what Nicole?!” My dad exclaimed. “I told her she was foolish for doing so. I had the gun in my hand.” He gulped, reminiscing. I rubbed his back. “I felt stuck, like I wasn’t going to get out of here and make something of myself, but she said she’d help.” He cleared his throat. This was the first time he had an actual conversation with my mom and dad. What a conversation to have...
“She did and she’s the reason behind all of my success. Everything of mines is hers. I’m going to take care of her. I’m not going to let her hold any grudges against you, because I don’t. I don’t want your daughter to hate you for hating me.” “We don’t hate you Martell.” “Then what is it?” He asked irritated.
“We don’t want you to hurt her. Do you see how invented she is in you? We don’t want you to let her down! You’re about to be a NBA player. Do you realize all that comes with that?” “If you knew me, you would know that there’s nothing to worry about on that regard. I’m a good person.” He patted his chest.
“Your assumptions have painted this picture of me that isn’t accurate. Me and Nicole have been together for years. Has she ever come to you saying I treated her wrong? Has she ever talked ill of me? Has she ever blamed me for any sadness in her heart? Never.” He took a breath. My parents couldn’t speak. What can they say to that? Nothing. Do they realize how sincere and passionate this man is about me? How could you dislike someone like this? He’s honorable.
When’s the next time I’ll run into a person like him? Do you think I’m going to let this man get away from me? He’s the brightest star in my sky. “Even though we’re moving miles away, you can still give me a chance. If not, I’ll be just fine. I’ve gone this long without it, but God knows I’d appreciate it.” Martell rested his interlaced fingers on the table.
“Clean slate.” He looked them each in the eye. “You want our approval this much-” “You’re the love-of-my life’s parents. Of course I do.” He answered. My father nodded. “I’m still wrapping my mind around all of this.” “I agree. It’s a lot to take in.” Martell accepted. “I have a set time for when I’ll really open my arms to you.” “When’s that?” I interrupted. My dad tapped his head.
“He’s not going to tell us.” I told Martell. “That’s fine, because I’m here to stay.” He said. “Do you have anything to say mom?” I was prepared to leave. “Good luck.” She wished. “To the both of you and I’m with your father on this one. I have a set date for when I’ll open my arms to you Martell, but my arms will always be extended for my daughter.” “Okay.” He nodded.
“Are you ready?” “Yes.” I stood up. Martell rose and extended his arm to my dad. He took Martell’s hand and shook it. It made me happy. “Thank you for not kicking out. You have a beautiful home.” “I’m sure you’ve seen it plenty of times.” My dad said with a tiny sense of humor. “I’m sorry for that.” “I’ll see you soon.” I opened my arms to my dad. “We’re going to miss you.” “I’ll be back.” “Not soon enough.” My mom jumped in. “It was nice finally speaking with you.” Martell politely accredited. “Same here.”
“Are you ready?” Martell fixed his shirt. “Yes.” I took his hand. “See you soon.” I waved. “Love you.” My parents voiced. My heart skipped a beat. I went back and gave them another hug. “I love you too.” “Take care of her.” “Always.” Martell guided me out of the house.
Once we arrived to the car, I asked, “How did I do?” “How do you think you did?” “Alright.” “Better than that.” He started his car. “I didn’t expect the I love you at the end.” “It’s crazy how you have no faith in them. That has to change. Their love is unconditional.” “They need to remind me more often.” “They should. Something tells me that they respect you more for standing up for yourself.” ”That would be nice.” I tilted my head while watching him drive.
As the months passed and the season opener arrived, I’ve never seen Martell so nervous. He’s been working hard all summer. As for me, I’m attending the Art Institute of Chicago for Journalism. My dream is in the making as Martell’s dream begins in just moments. I sat front row, ready to support my man. “He’s more than ready.” His mother leaned over and told me.
“He’s focused. I told him to have fun and relax.” “It’s his first game. He’s going to be tense.” “He looks so cute.” I watched as the team shot around. “I bet you he’ll be a starter next year.” “I know this.” She flipped her hair. The teams went to their respective sides as the starting lineups we about to be announced. I watched a man and woman weaving through the second row. “Are you serious?” I stood up.
“What are you doing here?” “Do you think we were going to miss the biggest day of you and Martell’s lives?” My dad came over and gave me a hug. “You didn’t think we would show?” My mom hugged me. “We weren’t sure.” “In order to support you, we have to support him.” They took their seats. “He’s going to be ecstatic that you’re here.” I sat down. “We talked to him this morning.” My mom said with a smile. Things are turning around.
“He was more concerned about your reaction.” “Thank you.” “We promised to give him a chance.” “You did.” A hopeful grin crossed my lips. “He has to score at least 20 tonight.” My dad sat back. “He’s a rookie. He may not get many minutes tonight.” “He was the 5th pick in the draft. He’ll get his minutes.” “The only way you’re going to give him a chance is if he scores 20 tonight?” “Yup.” My dad confirmed. “Are you serious, like for real?” “Yes.” My mom settled. I looked at Martell’s mother. She looked taken off.
“Does he know he has to score that many? This is ridiculous.” I scolded. “He knows. We talked about it this morning.” My dad declared. I looked over to Martell himself. No wonder he looked so focus. “20.” I looked at my parents once more. “Then, he’ll have our blessing.” My mom fixed her Bulls hat. My dad unzipped his jacket. It revealed the same jersey I was wearing, number 15.
...Rookie Martell Clark scored 21 points that night.