Page 81 of Chosen By a Baller 3: Playin’ For Keeps

I turned my attention back to Jamal.

“You done?”

Jamal swallowed.

“I ain't trying to disrespect nobody. I'm just saying… I ain't wake up planning for none of that shit.”

“But you still did it.”

He dropped his head.

“I know.”

I studied him for a second. The fear all over his face wasn't because of what he'd done. It was because he was finally realizing actions had a way of catching up to your ass.

“You know…” I said, taking another step. “Kyrie could've died.”

Jamal's eyes squeezed shut for a second.

“I know.”

“No.”

I shook my head.

“You don't.”

My voice stayed calm.

“If you knew… you would've thought about his mama. His family.”

I paused.

“His wife.”

Another pause.

“The baby she carrying.”

His head snapped up.

“Baby?”

“Yeah.”

The word barely escaped his mouth.

“She pregnant?”

I nodded once.

“Now imagine growing up knowing your daddy ain't here because one nigga couldn't control his temper.”

Jamal dragged both hands over his face.

“Man…”

His voice cracked.