Dominique

I woke up to the smell of bacon and the sound of throwback music playing. I go to the bathroom to do my morning routine and get dressed in basketball clothes. Even though it was Saturday and I should probably finish setting up my room,all I wanted to do was take some shots.

I walk downstairs to see my dad cooking and my mom putting the finishing touches of our new living room together.

"Princess you're gonna go outside already?Its so early." My dad looks over at the time that read 8:30

"Yea,I don't want it to get too hot." California heat was nothing to mess around with.

"Since you're going outside,will you do me a favor and throw this mess away."My mom points to broken down boxes and bubble wrap.

"Yea where are the trash cans?"

"In the backyard,you'll see it when you step outside."I gather the rubbish taking it to the backyard. I dump the trash in the recycling bin and grab my ball that was placed under the court.

I started with form shooting really close to the basket. Once I felt warmed up I worked on my moves and shooting off the dribble.

My focus was a little off because my new neighbors were outside being loud as ever. By the sounds of it they were playing a really intense game of basketball.

"Get that weak shit outta here!" Is all I hear before a basketball is swatted over the white wall. Series of 'Ohs' erupt out of the boys until the realization of the missing ball hits them.

"Now the ball is in their yard."

I don't know if I should just throw is over, or go inside and act like I wasn't even out here. I mean I've been out here for like an hour and a half, I think it's time to go inside.

"I'll go get it." One of them says as I put my ball to were it previously was. I head inside but a slight grunting noise causes me to turn around.

That Lamelo boy was on top of the wall that separated our homes. I watched him as he jumped down and looked for his ball.

He couldn't see me or was trying too hard to be sneaky to notice my presence. "You know you're trespassing right?" I know this boy didn't just hop into my yard for a ball.

His head snaps into my direction and he stands frozen in his place."Well you see what had happened was-"

"Someone got blocked and this landed here."I hold pass him the ball with extra force than needed. He catches it with ease and a chuckle."Yeah that's exactly what happened actually."

"Cool,you can go now" My tone was rude and very unwelcoming. He walks away without a word but stops."How long have you played basketball?Are you any good?"

Who comes onto someone's property uninvited and starts asking them questions?

I roll my eyes in obvious annoyance,"Since I was five and I would like to say so."

"You should come and work out with us." I scrunch up my face,"Um no thanks,I'll never work out with you."

"Why not?" Somehow we both walked towards each other, now standing too close for my comfort.

"I don't work out with creepy trespassing strangers."I was being serious but he laughs,"Now why do I gotta be all that?" He smiled showing his metal filled mouth.

"Because you are so please go."I step away so he would know that the conversation was over. Right as I was about to slip inside he calls out."Hey Dominique!"

He sat on top of the wall watching me,once again.This boy is very irritating,"What Lamelo?"

"Just come work out with us. It'll be fun."He persisted one last time."Never."

He shakes his head,"Never say never baby girl."With that he hopped down to his house and my disliking for him grew.

Baby girl?

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7:00 pm

I sat at my small desk tired of bored,but satisfied with the fact that I finished my room. I spin around in the chair looking at my new space. Moving here was bitter sweet. I didn't mind relocating here in Chino,but I had everything established back home.

Another thing was that I didn't have any friends here,so that means that I'll most likely be spending my time conditioning or working on my game. Like right now,since I'm bored I should just go running.

At least I'll see the neighborhood and see more of my surroundings. I change my basketball shorts for running shorts and put on my shoes.

"Mom, Dad I'm gonna go for a run."I call out,making my way out of the house. "Wait give the ball's their container back." My mom places the dish into my hands.

"Um do I really have to?" I'm sure there's nothing wrong with the other four members of the ball family,but Lamelo was a different story.

"Yes don't be silly now go." She shoos me off,"And be back before it gets too dark." I nod and walk next door.

I ring the bell and soon after Mr. Ball answers. "Hey miss Dominique what brings you here?" I'm surprised he remembered my name.

"I just came to bring back this container."I give it back to him. "Tina is making dinner would you like to join us?"

"Oh no I don't want to intrude,plus I was just on my way for a quick run."

"That's great the boys were heading out on their run too! How about you go with them?" How is this man so excited about everything?

As much as I didn't want to,I couldn't just say no to the man. "I guess I can tag along."

"Come in they should be down any minute." I step inside the big home."BOYS HURRY UP!" Mr. Ball yelled out,not in an angry manner,but just loud.

The three brothers make their appearance almost immediately. Lonzo and Liangelo were walking down as normal people would, but lamelo on the other hand was rapping and dancing around.

"Boys Dominique is gonna run with you guys so be sure not to leave her." Lamelo gives me a smirk. I shake my head looking away from him.

Annoying little boy

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

"How...do...you...guys...do...that?" I struggled to get the words out as I collapsed on their lawn.

"That was nothing." Lonzo shrugged off,"Its worse when the sun is out." I look at my Apple Watch and we ran two and a half miles. How is that nothing? I can't even imagine running under the hot sun.

"I can't that's not for me."I groan finally regaining my breath."Stop being a sissy lala and get up." Liangelo pulls me up from the ground.

"Ok I do admit that was a good run. I needed that."

"You should come to train more. Melo is gonna need someone to work out with." Lonzo laughs while patting Lamelo on his back.

"I'll have to pass on that one."

"I don't work out with creepy trespassing strangers headass." He mocks me reverting to what happened earlier today.

"Yup and I mean it. I'd never work out with,you're too annoying. " The three of them laugh. My tolerance for Lamelo was low and anyone paying attention could see it.

"Never say never...baby girl"

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