Chapter 5 - "Bull" Shit

A/N Warning: This chapter has slight mentions of domestic violence and abuse.

Sadé's POV:

— The Day Before Lollapalooza

I awoke at 11AM today. I took a few minutes to just lay in bed before getting up to go get ready for my day, which included going to the salon. See, I was supposed to go get my hair done yesterday, but I ended up changing my appointment to today because I found out my best friend, Alabama, was flying out for the festival. So we decided to go get our hair done together. She arrived a few days ago and decided to stay at a hotel not too far from my apartment. Anyways, Alabama, who I refer to as "Bama", is the daughter of Travis Barker, the drummer of the band "Blink-182". We met when I was 16 and she was 17 at a photoshoot for a clothing brand called "Pretty Little Thing" - It was my first ever photoshoot and I was so nervous. She was super sweet and we had been besties ever since, I love her like a sister!

I got done showering and exfoliating my body then went ahead to do my makeup. I got dressed in a white crop top, a pair of cute blue jeans, and completed the look with some silver heels and a cute little handbag. I made me a cup of iced coffee to go, and grabbed my car keys to leave. I also grabbed my canon camera because I was going to vlog today for my YouTube channel. I left for the salon, picking up Bama from her hotel on the way.

— A Little Later At The Salon

"So, are you gonna go to the basketball game tonight?" Bama asked me as she was sat right beside me as we were getting our hair styled.

"I don't think so actually." I reply, feeling uneasy.

"Why not? It'll be fun!"

"Girl, now you know damn well why not." I roll my eyes and chuckle.

"I'll be there with you. You won't have anything to worry about."

"I don't know... I don't even know whose going to be playing tonight anyways." I try to change the subject, but she catches my drift. Of course, I should've known. She knows me too well.

"It's the Chicago Bulls versus the Detroit Pistons. I know you're just trying to get out of it because you don't wanna see you-know-who." Bama says, side eyeing me now.

"And why would I? He caused me so much pain. And despite all that, he betrayed me in the worst way possible."

"Sadé, you can't keep letting that man control you anymore. You love basketball. And now you don't even go anymore or watch any games period for that matter."

"But -"

"No buts! Who cares if Zach is on the team. You ain't going there just for him. You're going to enjoy the game and have a good time. And you're going with me tonight, whether you like it or not. That's that." She interrupts me.

I just roll my eyes and let out a dramatic sigh. I guess that's that, just like she said. I have to go to this stupid basketball game, and I have absolutely no choice. See, it's not even about going forreal because I actually love the sport. I used to attend games all the time, and would be able to have floor seat tickets to any game I wanted, but when me and my ex broke up, I quit going. For the simple fact that he's on the fucking team! I hated seeing his face! So I ended up trying to avoid him at all cost, which meant no longer attending games. But Bama is right, I shouldn't let him ruin it for me. So I'm going. I just pray that he doesn't notice me.*Her ex is Zach LaVine, number 8, on the Chicago Bulls*

We continue to gossip to each other about tea, what's been going on in our lives, and what we should wear to the festival tomorrow. Not too shortly after our conversations, our hair is finally done. Bama ended up touching up her blonde hair and getting it curled. She talked me into getting some some highlights, and I actually think it's pretty cute. I think it's time for a change from my usual black hair.

After the salon we go outside to take some pictures for the gram to post to our followers. Then we end up eating a late lunch at a trendy brunch spot, which I all include in my vlog so far. We also went shopping for something to wear tonight and tomorrow because according to Bama I better "Eat him up, and make him regret what he ever did to me." She always has my back, and I just know she genuinely wants me to have a good time.

It was about 5PM when we got back to my place to get ready. Bama and I touched up our makeup and got dressed for the basketball game. It started at 6:30, but we had time to waste since I only lived about 15 minutes away from The United Center, which is where they host all the games. That's one of the perks of living in the literal heart of the city, I'm close to everything that's great.

I styled my newly highlighted straight hair into a cute half up-half down do. I got dressed in an Off-White tee, fitted yet loose blue jeans, white heeled boots, and a Louis Vuitton handbag. I finished the look off by wrapping a silver Cuban link chain around my neck. I looked so good, and I felt even better! Maybe tonight was a good idea after all.

I walked into the kitchen to find Bama pouring herself a drink of Pink Whitney.

"Hey, you ready? We still have a few minutes left before we need to go." I asked, catching her off guard for a second there.

"Oh yea, let me just finish up my drink real quick." She replied, sipping her cup. "Girllll, you look hella fine!" She exclaims once she finally looked up at me.

"Thank you, love; So do you!" I compliment her back.

"Sooo...You gonna be alright tonight, right? I mean, I really don't want you to do anything that'll trigger you."

"Oh no, I'll be okay. I promise. I can't let people affect my life anymore."

"Right, and a part of healing and finding inner peace is having fun. Plus, you deserve a break these next few days anyways. You've been crazy tied up with work and filming videos."

"Yea, I know. I've been busy distracting myself. Maybe I'll go on a vacation or something soon. Who knows." I say as we head to the door, making our way towards the arena.

— At The United Center

I parked my car and Bama & I made our way towards the entrance of the building. As we were walking closer we could hear commotion. The more we walked the more we realized that it was actually paparazzi.

"What the fuck..." We both mutter in unison, looking at each other.

It's not that I hate paparazzi. Not at all actually. Of course, I have not always had the best encounters with them, especially recently with all the drama that went down a few months ago that I was involved in, but for the most part, they were pretty nice to me as much as I was to them. That, however, isn't why I'm shocked. I'm shocked because even though Chicago is a big, popular city, we never get papps. It's just not our thing apparently. Not unless there's super big celebrities around.

And I just instantly get this weird feeling in my stomach. Like I just know it's about to be some bullshit. Maybe this was a bad idea after all. Maybe I should've rethought this entire thing...

Then within seconds of approaching the building to get inside, there's flashes, and people calling my name. Damn. I really thought I could be invisible as if this isn't my city or as if I haven't been this big social media influencer for the past 4 to 5 years. Chile, so anyways, I think to myself.

"Sadé Myers!"

"Sadé!"

"How are you doing after the break up?"

"Can you tell us what it was like to be cheated on and publicly humiliated?"

"What do you think of Jayda Cheaves?"

"Are you and Zack LaVine back together?"

"Did you come here just to cheer on your ex from the sidelines?"

"Sadé! Over Here!"

We finally make it in the area, where we're quickly being escorted by some security. I don't know where they came from or why. I guess it's still something I'm not entirely used to even though I've been escorted many places before. I let out this sigh that I didn't even know I was holding in as I walk down the long corridor. I steady my breathing and my anxiety starts to leave my body.

"Well that was crazy, huh?" Bama says, walking next to me with two big guys walking behind us.

"Yea it was. You okay?"

"Oh I'm fine. Those assholes have been trying to catch me damn near everyday back in LA ever since my dad married Kourtney." She rolls her eyes.

I laugh, "Don't I know it. Didn't they catch you eating a powdered donut and try to spin it like you were snorting coke?" I say now cracking up.

"Oh geez, don't remind me! That was so embarrassing." She replies now covering her face in slight embarrassment.

I however, think it's hilarious and keep laughing at her dismay. She playfully nudges me in the arm.

"Okay, okay. I'm done. I'm sorry for making fun of your addiction." I then laugh again, and I even hear on of the security men stifle a chuckle.

She shoots him a dirty look, and he puts his hand up in surrender. Then gives me one as well.

"Okay, forreal. I'm done. Sorry, girl." I say finally giving her a break.

Just then we make a turn into the stadium where the main even is happening. Immediately, The camera pans to us as we enter through the doors making our way to our floor seats. I smile and wave, Bama blowing a kiss to the crowd, as we're displayed on the big screen. I've never been one to shy away from showing love to the people, especially to my city. They were the ones who gave me my platform after all. The camera then cuts back to the players.

Before I go to take my seat, to the right of me - since that was the designated side for The Bulls, I look to the left - the designated side for The Detroit Pistons. And damn. When I say I should've known, I should've known.

I see Marshall already looking in my direction. We make eye contact and he gives me a slight nod so that it isn't noticeable to other people. I wave in return, and he just smirks.

You'd think this was just a normal interaction between two people. But after me breaking down in from of him. I began to feel... awkward? Uncomfortable? Hell, I really don't even know why honestly. He was just trying to comfort me, but I felt so embarrassed. So, I ignored him because it was just too humiliating. He tried calling me the next day, but I just let my phone ring. He even texted a few times during the last few days to see if I was alright and to just try to make simple conversation. But I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So when I found out he was also at the game, my stomach sank. I began to feel this wave of guilt because I felt bad. It wasn't even that big of a deal, but I'm just such an emotional person that I can't help it sometimes.

Nonetheless, I pushed the feeling to the side like I do with all my other emotions. I just wanted to sit back, relax, and enjoy myself with my best friend.

Marshall's POV:

I'm not gonna lie, when I saw Sadé's face pop up on that big screen, with who I'm assuming is her friend, I was a little taken aback. I mean she hadn't really contacted me back or anything after we hung out that one day. Not really to sure why either. I wasn't trippin' over it though. I understand that she might've needed some space. Plus, she's a really shy girl, she doesn't seem like the type to really show her emotions to people.

I turned my head to watch her as she walked to her seat. Damn, I can't front. She looks good. Real good. I don't even know what's up with me, thinkin' 'bout a girl that is less than half my age in this way. But I gotta give credit where credit is due, always.

She scans the crowd, and her eyes meet mine. I give her a nod and she waves back, her eyes lingering on me for a while. I smirk and look away, putting my attention back on the main event.

A little while later, I get the bright idea to text Sadé. I keep taking glances at her and just can't stop thinking about how attractive she looks right now. My teams fucking loosing anyways, but I try to keep my head up. Goddamn they suck, man! So what's one little text. Ain't like imma miss them making a shot anyways.

Sadé

You look great tonight :)

Thank you! Not too bad yourself

How you been, girl?

Ok.

Been busy, You?

Same

Look, I'm sorry for triggering you. I ain't know

Swear

Can we just not talk about that please

Aren't you supposed to be watching the game anyways?

Team's loosing, got bored

Love, your team always loses. It's nothing new

lol

lol

Still gotta rep the D, girl

Hmm

I'm sure they'll bounce back

Don't get too ahead of yourself

Wanna make a bet on it?

Sure

$1K?

Oh, so you're a big baller now?

Nah, I got something better

?

I win, you show me around your city

You win, I show you around my city

When?

A few weeks from now

idk...

Come on, it'll be great

Okay...Deal

Deal

Well this should be fun. Won't lie, either way it goes this'll be a win-win for me.

Sadé's POV:

It was now halftime. Marshall and I made a bet on the game. So far, I was winning, of course. 65 to 56. It wasn't weird at all, surprisingly, when we spoke again. We just agreed not to mention it again. Bama & I were really into the game, cheering, yelling, and being full of laughs. I missed times like these over the past few months.

There was just one issue. Zach definitely noticed me. I know this because he wouldn't stop looking at me, and he for sure wasn't quite secret about it. So much so that one of his homeboys from the team ended up smacking him in the back of his head and telling him to get his head in the game. Despite how much I hate him, he was actually doing pretty good. He ended up scoring the team 30 points, 5 rebounds, and four assists.

And now he was walking right over to me. Gosh, I really don't need this right now.

"Aye, Sadé. I didn't expect you to be here." He said as he scratched the back of his head, standing over me.

"Yea, and I didn't expect you to have the audacity." Bama snapped at him in my defense.

"I don't mean any harm -"

"You sure? Because you sure did when you did what you did to her, asshole."

"Look can I just talk to you, Sadé? Real quick in private?" He asked, looking as pitiful as ever.

I took a long sigh and rolled my eyes. "I'll be back Bama." I say to her as I get out my seat, making my way to the locker rooms quickly. She gives him a death glare as he walks by.

"What do you want, Zack? Why am I here?" I ask facing him once he enters the empty room behind me.

"I just wanted to talk -"

"Well get to talking instead of just talking about taking. I don't have time for your games anymore." I snap.

"I'm sorry, okay... I fucked up. Big time." He says looking down at me into my eyes.

"That's it? That's what you dragged me in here for? Just to say sorry?"

"I mean, yea. Sorta. No. I don't know... I just feel terrible for cheating on you. I shouldn't have done it. I miss you. I still lov -"

"Zack, I don't have time for this. You cheated on me," I begin, raising my voice, "Not only that, but you abused me physically and emotionally! You didn't miss me when you stuck your dick inside of another woman! You didn't miss me when you talked shit about me behind my back to other people! Or how about when you would hit me, slam me against the walls, then love bomb me? Huh? Did you love me then?!" I say in an eerily calm voice.

"It was a mistake! I swear."

"Mistakes are accidents that happen once then you learn from it. Mistakes that keep being repeated are no longer mistakes, Zack. They're choices."

"I'm sorry, baby, I promise to you it won't happen again. Just please give me another chance." He begs me, leaning his sweaty body down to me in an attempt to kiss me.

I just push him away.

"No. I'm not your "baby", and I'm not letting you continue to keep making me false promises anymore." I begin to walk away, but before I do, I spin around and say, "Go do that to Jayda or any of them other bitches you fucked. You ain't shit."

I get back to my seat and Bama just looks at me. I look back at her, and without saying a word, she already knows exactly what bullshit he just tried to pull on me. She just laughs & rolls her eyes and so do I. She understands everything without me having to explain anything; This is why we're besties.

The game finishes some time later, and the Bulls won against the Pistons - 126 points to 108. This also means I won the bet. This should be interesting.

The arena begins to clear out and so do we. I drive Bama back to her hotel then head home. As soon as I got into my comfy PJs and into my bed, I drift away into peaceful sleep.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Trying to get faster at writing but I'm a busy woman 😂. Anyways let me know yalls thoughts and suggestions on what might happen in the next chapter 👀 - 🤎