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~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~
~~~(Date: May 18th, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Watching Undisputed, Holden, Oregon)~~~
~~~(Time: 8:50 AM)~~~
Getting the cake was actually Hannah's idea, and while Ulysses doesn't usually go for celebrations for him. He's taken today as an exception. The 4 slices of red velvet cake are proof that today is a rare day when Ulysses is okay celebrating something for him.
Hannah and Ulysses are still on the couch eating cake, and I'm watching the TV from the recliner. It's Undisputed, and they're showing Ulysses's highlights during the State and National Championships.
"Look at that, Skip!!! C'mon! How is anyone in the NBA going to stop that!?"
Shannon has always been on Ulysses's side since my son gained the media's attention. And right now, Skip and Shannon are debating with a guest by the name of Chris Broussard. Currently, it's Shannon and Broussard versus Skip.
"I can see it. The kid can play. Against high schoolers."
I don't like it when the media puts so much attention on Ulysses. It's not who he is, and I don't see him ever giving the media the time of day.
But it is pretty fun watching his high school highlights... Seeing him play with his teammates again... Even if it's through a screen of the past, it's still nice...
"Can we change the channel, please? I want to watch something else."
Ulysses makes his limit regarding the media known, and Hannah immediately changes the channel to something that isn't talking about The NBA Draft Lottery or Ulysses.
"Mom, you're not planning anything more this evening for the actual Lottery Draft, right?"
I've gotten used to my nephew calling me mom, and it's one of the best things in the world. I do want my own child one day, but I have to go out and find a man for that first.
As to his question, I was planning on something a little extra. I've invited the parents and families of the deceased teammates to our house around 4:00 PM. An hour before the Draft Lottery starts. A lot of them care for Ulysses.
And they want to be here when he finds out about his future.
Hannah and I have agreed to keep all the surprises a secret. It's been a whole lot easier getting my little plans by Ulysses now that Hannah is always here to distract him.
"No, I don't have anything else planned. It's just a relaxing day today."
I make sure not to say that I promise. I never break my promises, and if I promise I don't have plans. Then I'd be breaking it. Ulysses looks like he's about to ask something, but Hannah reaches up and kisses his cheek.
Stopping any questions that might come. I needed that assistance, and Hannah has been a big help with all of this.
~~~(POV: Hannah Fiona)~~~
~~~(Date: May 18th, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Watching TV, Holden, Oregon)~~~
~~~(Time: 12:17 PM)~~~
It's a bit past noon, and I can tell that Ulysses is getting more excited as the hour's pass. Not nervous or scared. Ulysses never feels nervous or scared when it comes to basketball. But he does get excited.
When the day first started, he had a neutral expression. But as time has passed, that neutral expression has turned into a more happy one.
"You know when you find out where you're going to play. I have to call the nearest university to see if they'll take me for a Gymnastics scholarship."
I've gotten offers from almost every state in America for a Gymnastics scholarship. And I'm praying to God above that I still have a standing offer where Ulysses ends up playing. I'm one of the best high school Gymnasts in the country.
So it shouldn't be something I stress about.
But some news about me got out.
And the news that got out is not coloring me in a good light.
I've gained a reputation of being a jealous girlfriend to Ulysses. And there have been reports of me taking MMA classes. All because of that bitch Payton.
She's no longer a problem. But all the things that happened after that day are still with me. Along with a few new things. Like my jealous girlfriend reputation.
"I'm sure that wherever I end up, the nearest state university will take you, no questions asked. But if they didn't, I'd just pay for you to go with my NBA money. With what I'll be making on my rookie contract, a college tuition is nothing."
I always forget that Ulysses will start making serious money... It worries me sometimes... There are dangerous thots and sluts out there...