A/N: Two chapters to make up for the long ass wait.
Big thank you to Born To Be A Writer121 for being my beta and going back over these.
Anything underlined is said in sign language.
Chapter 4
"So, if you aren't drafted and no one signs you from the Free Agency list will you try for the WNBA?" Jalen asked.
"No one from the WNBA has contacted me about playing in the WNBA, so I don't know. I'm not saying no I'm just saying that no one from the WNBA has contacted me. I think they assume that I would be against it and that's why they haven't tried contacting me or maybe they're just confident in me being drafted into the NBA." Blake replied.
"I think a ton of people are confident that you are getting drafted today." Jalen commented getting a shrug from Blake.
"You have a few people who don't want you to be drafted. Some of this are vulgar but I'm going to read them as it.
Matthew Dellavedova was quoted saying:
"Blake July is a joke and will hurt the NBA versus helping it."
J.J. Barea who has twitted:
"If Blake July is drafted I'm done with the NBA. That spot should go to a man not a woman. #wehavetheWNBAforareason"
Chairman Peter M. Holt owner of the Spurs stated:
"I won't keep my team from playing any team Ms. July is on, but we won't even consider her here in San Antonio. We also won't fine any players that refuse to play against her. Maybe if she became a man fully then she might have a shot, but other then that you won't be seeing her in our colors."
George Karl the coach of the Sacramento Kings was quoted saying:
"Blake July is a fucking joke. I mean come on. No one will take the game serious if she is on the court. Hell no she won't be playing for my team. I don't give a fuck insensitive that is. The NBA is for men. She may have the body part, but she claims to be a woman."
Jarrell Martin who is also entered into the draft was quoted saying:
"I won't lie and say that Blake July doesn't have game. The girl can play, but I don't think she will make it on the next level. She's a chick and guys won't play hard against her and that's not fair. I personally think they only won games because dudes were to afraid to come after her. She would be great in the WNBA, but not the NBA.
" What do you say to people who feel that way?" Jalen finished. Blake took a deep breathe.
"Man you know how haters are." Blake stated getting a chuckle and a nod from Jalen.
"Yeah I do the Fab Five was hated." Jalen commented.
"No one was hated more then the Bad Boys, but they still played the game. Even when the crowds would boo at them and throw things at them they played the game and were great at. So, I'mma have to quote Kat Williams on this one. I'm change it to make it a little more ESPN appropriate though." Blake cleared her throat.
"Live your damn life and get your hustle on and understand that people are going to hate you regardless. Get it the fuck out of your head of that fantasy world were people don't hate on you. You gotta be grateful, you need haters. What the fuck are you complaining about. What the fuck do you think a haters job is? It's to hate, so let them do they goddamn job. Ladies if you got fourteen women hating on you... You need to figure how to get to sixteen by the end of the summer. Fellas you got twenty haters... You need forty of them suckers. If there are any haters around who don't have anybody to hate on, then feel free to hate on me. Sit back there and still me my game ain't sick when you know it is." She paraphrased quoted. Jalen and the entire camera crew force before doubling over in laughter some falling down from laughing so hard.
"Oh shit! That sounded just like him damn. No lie if basketball don't work out man comedy is where you need to go next." Jalen managed to get out. Blake waited until everyone calmed down before continuing on.
"But, seriously I can't let the way others feel get to me. I have an amazing family that loves me for who I am. I have fans who support. I have little kids who have come up to me and told me that they were born the same way I was and because of me they can be themselves. They aren't afraid to be themselves. This isn't really even about me. Everything that I do is for my family and for others. I want young people to be able to look at my story and go, "She is different yet she didn't let people tell her she couldn't. She stood up to the naysayers and showed them with actions instead of words." I hope that my story inspires others to set a goal and reach it and never let someone tell them they can't or they shouldn't. And as far as dudes not playing me hard did you not see that championship game between us and Kentucky I had to get six stitches, because Karl-Anthony dunked on me and I hit my face. He apologized but they still played me hard."Jalen nodded.
"Alright I think it's safe to say that you have more supporters then haters though. Let me read you some quotes.
LeBron James himself stated:
"Man what, I can't wait to play either with or against Blake July. The first time I met her, was when she was still in high school. She came out to a game and I got to shake her hand. I had watched the highlight reel that was showed on ESPN then I had to find and watch YouTube videos of her. If y'all haven't seen the video of her going one on one with this tall ass dude then you need to look it up. They were going to ten and she gave him a five point lead and he didn't score a point. The girl can ball and I think she has the skills to play in the NBA. She's doesn't back down even though she's short as hell compared to the rest of us. She goes out there and plays with heart. I honestly think she can be one of the greatest players to graze the NBA courts if people would just give her a chance."
Carmelo Anthony twitted:
"Knicks need the princess. James Dolan don't let Knicks Nation down. #PrincessBBfutureKnick!"
Stephen Curry stated:
"Blake July man I ain't gonna lie I don't want her to come into the NBA only, because I don't want her to out shine me. I'm good. but she's just, man it's like watching art in motion that's the only way to describe how she plays. It's an art form. If you're a high school coach get tapes of her playing and tell your kids this is what playing basketball is suppose to look like. Not to mention she's like what barely six feet tall and dunking with the best of them."
The Nike Brand tweeted:
"Nike + Blake July + All-Star = NBA #girljustgetdrafted!"
Justise Winslow another draftee stated:
"Man you can't ever underestimate Blake July and that's what we did when we played them. That girl can get up and down the court like a little ninja not to mention she makes passes that look damn near impossible, but she hits the open man every time. Oh and don't let her get hot, because I swear once that happens it doesn't matter where on the court she is it's bank!"
"How does that make you feel?" Jalen asked.
"Well it makes me feel great to be honest. I work so hard to be on the level of playing that I am and to have that be recognized is all any basketball players really wants. To have in my eyes NBA legends say those kinds of things about me is just... It's an honor. I grew up watching Carmelo, Kobe, Allen Iverson, you, then LeBron James when he came in and a few others play and it's where my drive came from. I wanted to be able to match y'alls intensity on the court." Blake responded. Jalen smiled.
"Man this is why I like interviewing you. You always make me blush and feel good about myself. If I didn't know you had such a beautiful wife I'd swear you were getting fresh with me." Jalen stated. The producer motioned for Santana to join them. Santana came into view of the camera and Blake pulled her down into her lap.
"She better not be getting fresh with anyone, but me." Santana stated with a look at Blake.
"Aww mi amore you know I only have eyes for you." Blake responded. Santana rolled her eyes before turning to face Jalen.
"Man no one can deny that you two are crazy in love with one another. Santana first I gotta say I'm a huge fan. My wife makes me watch your show all the time and you are on of my favorites," Jalen stated. Santana smirked,
"Of course I'm everyone's favorite. I'm hot and people love that." She replied.
"She's so humble isn't she. I mean no ego what so ever. God I just love it," Blake joked as she kissed Santana on the cheek getting an eye roll in response. Jalen laughed.
"How do you feel about Blake going into the draft and are you worried?" Jalen asked.
"I'm so proud of her. I mean how could I not be she works so hard. People always mention her basketball playing skills, but no one mentions the fact that she maintained a 3.997 G.P.A while getting her degree in business. She graduated second in her class on top of playing basketball, starting a business, and raising a family. Blake puts 100 percent into everything that she does no matter what the that task may be. Am I worried yes and no. I worry because she likes to think she's seven feet tall, but she not and she likes to think that she's made of steel but, she not. Blake isn't going to back down and as we saw during her college career she got hurt, so yeah I worry. But at the same time I'm not, because I know that she is tougher and stronger then people think. I've literally seen her take down guys that are three times her size like they were nothing. My baby can handle herself." Santana replied with a smile as she looked down at Blake.
"I know people have attacked your relationship and stated that you're only with her because of the money or for publicity reasons. How do you handle that?" Jalen asked.
"I laugh, because they obviously don't know anything about us. Blake and I have been together since our senior year in high school. No, we aren't the perfect couple by a long shot. We are both super stubborn, hot-headed, and both hate being wrong. We butt heads all the time, but the love I have for her and she has me is beyond what words could even come close to describing. I knew the moment I laid eyes on her that she was going to be someone very special in my life. I didn't know it would be to this extent, but I knew that I wanted to know everything about her and that I wanted and needed to have her in my life. " Santana stated firmly. Blake could only stare up at her with pure love and happiness written all over her face.
"If anyone doesn't see the love that is written on both of y'alls faces right now they are delusional. Damn I feel like I need to call my wife and tell her I love her." Jalen stated getting a chuckle from the couple.
"I love you so fucking much," Blake whispered into Santana's ear.
"I know you showed me this morning." Santana whispered back with a wink and a laugh at the look of lust now on Blake's face.
"I don't even want to know what you just whispered in her ear, but by the look on her face it's something good." Jalen commented. Blake groaned before burying her face in Santana's shoulder who was fighting the urge to laugh.
"So, what are your hopes for the draft?" Jalen asked.
"Which one of us?" Blake asked.
"Both." Jalen responded. Blake and Santana shared a look silently communicating with one another.
"We are hoping that she gets drafted period to be honest we'd really prefer it if Blake were drafted to a team here in New York. We don't want to have to uproot our family." Santana answered. Blake was about to add to that when they heard a scream and a shouted Mami. Both women were up and running out of the house into the backyard. Kobey was being held by Maribel and crying her little eyes out.
"What happened?" Blake asked as she pulled her daughter into her arms.
"She managed to get away from us and climbed up the jungle gym and fell. Nothing's broken or really hurting her, but she's shaken up." Maribel replied. They didn't notice the camera that had followed behind them. The camera guy made sure to keep from getting Kobey's face which was easy seeing as the little girl's face was buried in her mother's neck. They wanted to show that Blake was in fact a normal person who loved and cared for her family. They wanted to show all sides of Blake not just the basketball side.
"Kaykay you know you weren't suppose to climb on the jungle gym yet." Blake stated.
"I know majka, but I wanted to climb it and I'm sorry." Kobey replied.
"I'm sorry you got hurt, but we're going to have to put in time out for five minutes and then your abuela can get you out. You're going to apologize to her and the other grownups for sneaking off and scaring everyone like that. You could have been seriously hurt mija." Santana retorted. Kobey turned her puppy dog eyes and pout onto her mami and then her majka it usually got her out of trouble but the look on their faces told her it wouldn't work this time.
"Si mami. Lo siento. I didn't mean to scare you and I won't climb the jungle gym again without permission," Kobey replied looking down. Both women nodded before kissing their daughter and handing her over to Maribel to be placed in the designated time out chair.
Santana, Blake, Shelby, Cassie, Brittany, Dave, and Blaine made their way back inside where the camera crew and Jalen were all waiting again.
"Sorry." Blake started to say.
"Don't apologize you're a mom first. I get it. I would've been upset if you hadn't ran out of here that quickly." Jalen stated quickly stopping the apology before it left Blake's lips and getting a smile from the family.
"Alright where were we?" Blake asked.
"You guys were telling us how you want to stay in New York." Jalen provided.
"Right like she said. New York is our home. I grew up here, moved away for about a year but came back, I want my kids to grow up here, and my entire family minus a few people are here in New York, so I'm hoping a New York team drafts me." Blake stated.
"So, Knicks or Nets?" Jalen asked. Blake laughed.
"Man I'mma just say I'll be happy wherever I end up." She stated. Jalen laughed.
"Good answer." He replied.
"You mention your family a lot when you do interviews. We had a poll on ESPN and your family is the second most supportive family in sports next to Stephen Curry's family. I don't think there has been a game where you didn't have a family member or 10 show up with shirts and signs and everything." Jalen stated after a few moments.
"Yeah my family is my number one support system. They are my rocks and without them I don't know where I would be. I know it wouldn't be here talking to you that's for sure. They have always believed in me and supported me. Sometimes they can go a little overboard with the support, but I love them anyway," Blake joked. More chairs were brought in and the others were asked to take a seat around Blake and Santana. The group was chatting while everything was being set up. It was at that moment that Rachel walked into the room.
"Buzz you made it!" Blake shouted. Rachel smiled before hugging and kissing her wife first.
"Hi baby i missed." Rachel whispered against Brittany's lips before stealing another kiss.
"I've missed you too." Brittany replied. Rachel bent down and kissed Brittany's belly.
"Stop we're about to be interviewed and I don't have time to redo my makeup." Brittany stated with a sniffle. Rachel chuckled and moved to hug Blake.
"You know I wouldn't miss this Turtle." she stated as she hugged her sister tighter before releasing her. Rachel kissed and hugged everyone in greeting before taking a seat and pulling Brittany down into her lap.
"Where is everyone else?" Rachel asked quickly.
"Outside." everyone answered before laughing.
"Jinx," Blake shouted getting eye rolls from everyone in return. Rachel knew this was an important day for Blake and she wasn't going to miss this. She really wanted to see her kids, but she needed to do this interview with the gang first because she was positive her kids wouldn't let her go once she walked out that door. Besides she needed to talk to Brittany about something in private before heading out and this would provided the perfect opportunity.
"Damn this is one beautiful family. I mean seriously this is one good looking family." Jalen commented getting laughs from everyone.
"Introduce us to your family." He stated.
"Well you know my wife Santana July+Lopez, the brunette to my left is my sister, Rachel Berry-Pierce sitting in her lap is her wife ,Brittany Berry-Pierce, and next to them is my big brother ,Dave Anderson, and his husband ,Blaine Anderson. On my right are two of my moms Cassandra July and Shelby Corcoran. My other mom, Maribel Lopez, is outside with the rest of my family. My dads ,Hiram and Leroy Berry, couldn't be here today. Their flight out of Germany was cancelled due to the weather over there but I know they'll be calling on Skype in a few to watch the draft with us." Blake introduced everyone. Each person waving as she said their name.
"Rachel I have to say that my little girl is a huge fan of yours. We've seen Funny Girl like three times no lie and you are spectacular. That's right I go to Broadway shows." Jalen commented getting chuckles from the others.
"Thank you." Rachel beamed. She wasn't going to say more then that, because this was about Blake. Blake has seat through several interviews about Rachel and Santana before and this was her time to shine.
"So I heard you guys call each other nicknames when you came in what were they?" Jalen asked.
"Buzz for Rachel and Turtle for me." Blake answered.
"Why does she call you Turtle?" Jalen asked. Blake's face flushed and she buried her face in Santana's shoulder while the others laughed.
"I call her that, because when we were little she was determined that she was going to figure out a way to become a turtle and be the first real Ninja Turtle." Rachel stated once she calmed down.
"It's true she use to were a turtle shell backpack everywhere she went." Cassie added. Everyone including the camera crew and Jalen burst into laughter.
"I was a kid geez." Blake grumbled getting a pat on the head from Santana.
"So, what was Blake like growing up. Did she always show signs of loving basketball and her skills?" Jalen asked.
"Actually, no she didn't pick up a basketball until she was 6 or 7. Her uncle, Ron that was his name, he was the one to take her down to the park and start teaching her the game. She feel in love with it. There were days me or one of her dads would have to go down to the park and drag her away from the courts." Cassie replied.
"She use to be really into the Ninja Turtles like I said and martial arts." Rachel added.
"So, basketball wasn't always her dream?" Jalen asked.
"No her dream use to be becoming a chef." Cassie replied.
"Wait she cooks too. Man I see why you wifed her up real quick. Is her food any good though?" Jalen commented getting a laugh from the family.
"We made plenty of food for today, so if you want to grab a bite when this is all over then you can see for yourselves," Blake commented getting nods from the others.
"You know I ain't gonna pass up a free meal." Jalen commented getting a laugh from the everyone.
"I know I asked Santana this earlier, but are you guys worried about Blake playing in the NBA and what are your hopes for today?" Jalen asked. The group shared a look.
"Like Santana said earlier Blake is tough and a lot stronger then people give her credit for. We know that she could get injured, but she could get injured walking down the street. We honestly worry more that she'll over work herself trying to prove herself more then anything. She tends to forget that she's not a machine but a human." Brittany answer with nods from everyone else and a laugh from Blake.
"Damn, I'm not a cyborg there goes that dream." she stated getting a slap on the arm from Cassie and Santana.
"Ow you just heard I'm not a cyborg you can't go around beating me up all the time." Blake exclaimed.
"Oh shut up you." Cassie replied with a laugh.
"We honestly all hope that she just gets drafted as well. Like Santana said earlier Blake works so hard and gives it her all no matter what the task. There have literally been days where one of us has had to drive to NYU's gym at two or three o'clock in the morning and drag her home. She's worked so hard and has proven herself time and time again. I can't speak for this others, but if she isn't drafted I'm going to be pissed. I know I'm a little biased when I say this, but she deserves to be drafted more then anyone else listed in the draft." Dave replied.
"Co-sign." the others replied.
"Co-sign what's that?" Jalen asked.
"It means we agree. We'll have to get you a dictionary translator for Blake lingo," Blaine answered getting laughs from everyone. The producer of the segment stepped forward.
"Alright guys I think we have enough for now. I want to do some one on one's with the family just me and them and then we'll be out of your hair, Blake we'll also contact you when we finish the segment so you and your family can view it before the public sees it." he stated. The family all nodded before standing up and shaking hands with the producer, Jalen, and the rest of the camera crew.
"If we can get the two mothers to stay and we'll come get everyone else when it's their turn." the producer stated. Cassie and Shelby nodded before taking a seat.
"Baby, can you come with me next door real quick?" Rachel asked.
"You two we have a house full of people. No hanky panky," Blake stated before bursting into laughter along with Santana, Dave, and Blaine. Brittany and Rachel rolled their eyes.
Both women made their way over to their house. Rachel pulled Brittany into a deeper and longer kiss then she had in front of the camera crew.
"If you keep kissing me like that hanky panky will be happening. Everyone outside be damned." Brittany panted out once Rachel let her come up for air. Rachel chuckled before stealing another kiss.
"Sorry I just missed you so fucking much. That wasn't the longest trip I've ever taken, but it was still to long in my opinion." Rachel stated.
"Co-sign, now what did you want me over here for because I know it wasn't that." Brittany stated. Rachel nodded before heading over to her suitcase. She took a deep breathe before pulling out a piece of paper and walking back over to Brittany and handing it too her.
Brittany unfolded the paper and gasped at what she saw. On the paper was a picture captured at the right moment of her and Santana kissing and then her and Blake kissing before she left them at the office. It didn't mean anything it was a way of greeting and saying goodbye to family for them but it looked like it was more then that. They all do it and don't even really think about it. It's just something they started doing as a family. At the bottom of the page was a passage.
"Rachel do you see this. She couldn't wait for you to leave so that she could be in the arms of your supposeded sisters. Look how they betray you the second your back is turned. I know her and Santana had a thing in high school. It doesn't seem to over like you thought now does it. I would never betray you. I love you and you know this. We should be together. We are a perfect match. You have said so yourself in your letters that we have so much in common. I know I could be better for you. One day I will show you and you will see for yourself that we are perfect. Rachel Berry you deserve the best and that's mean me. I love you. XOXO Secret Admirer/Biggest Fan
When Rachel stared out on Broadway she gained tons of fans and would receive letters from them. She would write them back thanking them for their support and the letter. Some fans would respond while others wouldn't but there was this one fan whose letters continued to come and Rachel continued to answer them. At the time she didn't think anything of it and honestly was just excited to be communicating with her fans. After about a year or so the letters started turning to ones of the fan confessing their undying love for Rachel and how they should be together. At first she thought it was Finn and called Detective Benson to look into it. Yeah the family were still in contact with her. It turns out that Finn wasn't the one writing her. He had tried to write a few letters but they weren't sent thanks to the jail house workers who sort through the mail. She was on a list of people who certain inmates weren't suppose to write to. Those letter were taken out of the pile, stamped with a returned to sender notice, and given back to the inmates. If it continued then the inmate was punished for breaking a rule.
Once Rachel got her role as the lead of Funny Girl the letters seemed to amplify. They started talking about her family and how they didn't deserve her. It wasn't until this year that this person had started sending Rachel pictures of her family with messages. They were never threatening toward the kids but extremely hostile toward Brittany and the others. Brittany was the only person to know about the letters before the pictures started. Rachel felt bad about keeping this from the others but at the time she didn't think it was a big deal and she didn't want to worry them. She figured it was just an overzealous fan but now she wasn't so sure.
"Baby you know it." Brittany began to say but was cut off by Rachel's lips on her.
"I know baby. That's how we usually greet each other. Hell it's how we greet our parents like our kids do with us... I... This isn't the first photo letter they've sent." Rachel confessed.
"What?" Brittany asked.
"They started about five months ago after Shelby and Cassie adopted Drew. The message said something about them trying to replace me or something like that I can't really remember but the photo letters continued." Rachel replied.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Brittany asked.
"Well I was caught up with the Tony nomination, then you became pregnant, Santana's show taking off, Blake going into the draft, Mercedes' tour. We all had so much going on that I didn't want to add unneeded stress," Rachel replied but she knew those weren't the right words to say if the look on Brittany's face was anything to go on.
"Rachel baby I love you, but you are a fucking idiot. I'm your wife which means we don't keep secrets from each other. I already feel bad that we are keeping things from the others which I definitely don't agree with but we don't keep things from each other. How would you feel if I kept something like this from you?" Brittany exclaimed tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Baby don't cry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't want to worry you. I'm going to talk to Detective Benson and send her the letters. I still don't want to tell the others but I promise to tell you if anything else comes up." Rachel stated. Brittany nodded and pulled Rachel into a kiss.
"I don't want anything to happen to you. I need you Rae so please talk to Detective Benson and talk to Max. He's head of the security team and needs to know so that he can protect you just make sure he doesn't tell Puck, but if this person can get into the building and the parking garage we need to figure something out," Brittany stated as she held on to Rachel.
"I promise my love. Nothing is going to happen to me and if it does I'm not going to leave you. Now let's go see my babies, because I miss them." Rachel replied.
"I thought I was your baby," Brittany countered.
"You are, but in a very different way now come on moer I gots some kids to see." Rachel retorted before stealing a kiss and pulling Brittany out their backdoor to the backyard. Rachel was attacked by three little wet bodies the second she stepped out into the backyard. She was beyond happy to be home.
It wasn't long before most of the camera crew for ESPN and Jalen Rose were gone. Everyone had eaten and were settling down in front of the t.v. to watch the draft. The Berry Men, Mercedes, and Sam had called on Skype just like everyone knew they would. Marley called to wish Blake good luck but couldn't get on Skype because she was headed to some big law firm dinner with Lucy. Lucy was a lawyer and according to Marley a damn good one. No one wanted to voice it but they were all nervous and scared. There was a chance that Blake wouldn't be drafted nor be picked up from Free Agency. Blake could pretend like it wouldn't bother her, but they knew that it would. They knew that Blake would be devastated if she wasn't drafted. She had worked so hard to get to this point in her life and it would crush her if people couldn't see past her condition to give her a chance to prove what so many have being saying. That she is one of the greatest players the game of basketball has ever seen.
It wasn't long before Jeremy Silver the commissioner of the NBA walked onto the stage. He gave a little speech before the clocked started and the team who had the first pick began their deliberation. Each team was given a certain amount of time to decide on their pick.
"Guys he's coming back on stage." Mike called out. Everyone quieted down and watched the screen.
"With the first pick of the NBA Draft the Minnesota Timberwolves select the center from Kentucky Karl-Anthony Towns," Jeremy announced. Everyone in the house deflated a little, but Blake clapped.
"That was a great pick." she stated. Everyone knew she was trying to keep herself and the others calm by showing her support for the other players. Well that and Blake just always had good sportsmanship. She may get a little cocky and competitive, but she always maintained a calm demeanor and gave other players their props when they deserved it.
The clock started for the next team and it wasn't even ten minutes before Jeremy was back out on stage.
"With a trade to acquire the second pick of the NBA Draft the New York Knicks select the power forward from Latvia Kristaps Porzingis," Jeremy announced. The gang could hears boos coming from the fans who managed to get tickets to be inside the draft.
"What they're crazy that's a great pick. They need another big man," Blake commented getting a nod from Dave.
"Not going to lie I wonder who they traded for that pick because I wasn't expecting that." he responded. The wait for the next pick seemed to take forever as they all sat on the edge of their seats. Jeremy made his way back on the stage.
"With the 3rd pick of the NBA Draft the Philadelphia 76ers select the center from Duke Jahlil Okafor." he announced.
"Who gets the next pick?" Sugar asked.
"The Knicks." everyone answered before nervously chuckling. Not even five minutes after walking off the stage Jeremy was walking back out on stage.
"With the fourth pick of the NBA Draft the New York Knicks select the point guard from NYU Blake July-Lopez. Mrs. July-Lopez is home with her family at the moment, but on behave of the entire National Basketball Association I would like to personally say congratulations and welcome to the NBA." he announced. The entire family froze and all started at the t.v. You could hear the cheers from the crowd. Several people at the event stood up and clapped and cheered. Of course their were a few who looked upset but the majority of people were happy.
"I did it." Blake whispered.
That seemed to snap everyone out of their shock as they started cheering and jumping around. Santana pulled Blake into several kisses repeating "You did it" in between each kiss.
As soon as Santana released Blake, Rachel and Cassie pulled her into a hug. Blake just seemed to be in shock still as she was passed between to the others. Tears were streaming down almost everyone's faces. The cheers and celebration was interrupted by the doorbell ringing. Dave was the first one to make a move toward the door and let whoever it was in. Walking into the living room behind Dave was Phil Jackson from the Knicks Front Office, Derek Fisher the coach of the Knicks, and two Knicks City Dancers who were carrying what looked like shirts and hats followed by a couple of cameras.
"Baby Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher are in my house. Baby am I dreaming seriously. It's Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher and they're in my house. Oh my god. Oh my god. I'm dreaming. Yeah this is just some cruel Ow fuck what was that for." Blake exclaimed as she was punched in the arm by Rachel.
"See not dreaming," was all she said in response. Phil Jackson laughed.
"We're just here to give you your jersey and welcome you to the team. I knew we weren't really in contact with you as often as some teams were but we didn't want a lot of people knowing we were all that interested otherwise information would have been leaked and the surprise would have been ruined." He stated.
"You are exactly what we need for this team to get back to what it once was way way way back in the day." Derek added getting laughs from those understood what he meant. Yeah it's been a rough several years for the Knicks franchise. The dancers handed out the hats and t-shirts to the rest of the family while Blake was handed a Knicks' jersey that read July-Lopez #22. Blake couldn't have stopped the tears if she wanted to.
"The cameras are for our fans who want to hear from you," Phil stated. Blake smiled nodded and slipped her jersey on. She felt like a superhero putting on their outfit for the first time. She felt she had just won the lottery. This easily made the list of the greatest moments of her behind: Meeting Santana, getting married, the birth of her children, meeting Rachel, and the rest of her family. All of her years of hard work. All the years where she was doubted or ridiculed. She wanted to do a pimp walk like the little kid from Fresh of the Boat she was just that giddy with excitement. She knew exactly how she was going to celebrate tonight but that would have to wait. Right now she was suppose to be giving a speech.
"Sorry, I'm just so speechless. I guess I can now say that I was hoping to be drafted by you guys. To train under the legendary Phil Jackson and one of the most underrated point guards ever was only a dream and now that dream has come true... I... Words can not even begin to describe how I feel right now. I've worked so hard and so long for this. I have taken so much ridicule from some and praise from others. Thank you so much to the both of you and the rest of the Knicks organization for giving me this opportunity. Thank you James Dolan. I know this was a huge risk and you took that chance and I pray I don't let any of you down. To my family thank you so much for putting up with me over the years. Thank you for always being in my corner and always being there for me. Thank you for being my rocks and pushing me to continue on." Blake paused for a moment.
"No one knows this, but after my junior year I almost walked away from the game. The heat I was getting wasn't just affecting me, but my family as well. They were receiving threats and their lives are the most important thing in the world to me. But they all yelled at me and told me that I would be an idiot to walk away from the game I love, because a few close minded individuals couldn't get over themselves. So, not only do I but my fans as well owe them. Show them some love," Blake stated pausing to wipe away the tears that were falling. She had no idea how she was able to continue talking through her tears but she was.
"Next I want to thank all my fans, other NBA players, and basically anyone who has stood by me and has constantly stood up for me. God I have some of the best fans in the world seriously. There have been games where I was tired and didn't think I could go on and you guys started chanting and cheering louder and I swear I felt like Popeye when he ate spinach. You pushed me when I didn't think I had anything left. Continue to be your awesome amazing selves. To the Knicks Nation and other players in the NBA get ready because the Princess is coming for her crown. Once again thank you all and I hope I don't let anyone down." Blake finished getting cheers from everyone in the house. Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher shook her hand along with the dancers before they took their leave. Everyone stood around before breaking out into cheers and happy dances all over again. #PrincessBisaKnicks #KnicksNation and #oneproud(insertowntitle) were trending all over the internet.
-Lopez: My wife is in the NBA and playing for the Knicks #oneproudwife #KnicksNation #suckonithaters a photo of Santana kissing a smiling Blake on the cheek both in Knicks gears was attached to the tweet.
RachelBerryPierce: My sister did it. I think I'm more excited about this then my own Tony nomination and win. #KnicksNation #oneproudsister
Brittany posted a video on Instagram of everyone in their gear and celebrating. At the end she turned the video on herself. "Yeah we're a Knicks family now. Get loud New York!" Brittany exclaimed
Carmelo Anthony tweeted: Oh man this year is going to be insane. I think we may just bring a championship home to The Garden with two great draft picks. #PrincessBisaKnicks #oneproudKnicksPlayer #KnicksNation
LeBron James tweeted: Damn I wanted Blake July in Cleveland but I guess I can settle for playing against her. Don't think I'mma go easy on you shortstack #PrincessB #oneproudNBAplayer
Jalen Rose tweeted: I told ya'll. What I say? Blake July you go girl! Remember who put you on the map though hahahaha #PrincessBallday #oneproudfanandfriend
It wasn't long before Blake's phone started ringing off the hook with reporters wanting interviews and talk show host wanting her on their show. She had to ask them to talk to her agent and reschedule because she wouldn't be available until Monday. She needed to go into the label tomorrow to get Harmony set up in her new job which would be taking over Blake's job. Not to mention the twins birthday was on Saturday and she couldn't miss that. She wouldn't miss that for anything in the world. Her family came first always. Soon the phone calls stopped and the children were all asleep. The adults were all sitting out back in the outdoor kitchen area.
"Man I can't even describe how I feel right now." Blake stated with a huge smile on her face.
"Man we can't describe how we feel right now." Puck countered getting laughs from the others.
"We're so proud of you." Santana stated as she planted a kiss on Blake's lips before leaning toward her ear and whispering.
"I'll show you just how proud when we get rid of them." Blake nodded vigorously getting a chuckle from Santana.
"Man I don't even know what we would have done if you hadn't been drafted or called." Dave commented.
"Oh Tina and I would have told ya'll that's she's 3 months pregnant." Mike replied nonchalantly. Everyone sat stunned.
"Dammit Michael Chang we had a plan and that was not it." Tina exclaimed. Mike slapped a hand over his mouth. He hadn't meant to let that slip out.
"How long have you guys known?" Blake asked.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Brittany asked.
"Is everything alright with the pregnancy is that why you didn't tell us?" Rachel asked. Mike and Tina laughed.
"We didn't find out until yesterday and we didn't tell you guys because we knew that the draft was coming up. We had a plan that if Blake wasn't drafted we'd announce it to take everyone's mind off the draft. If she was then we were going to wait until after the twin's birthday party to announce it. We weren't keeping it from you guys because something was wrong we just didn't want to take away from Blake's big day." Tina replied and Blake scoffed.
"Getting drafted is big news, but knowing that I'm getting another little niece or nephew to spoil and teach bad things to is still just as awesome." She retorted getting a laugh from the others.
"God do you guys remember how Blake and Santana told everyone they were pregnant." Artie exclaimed causing everyone to burst into laughter.
(Flashback to two weeks after Blake and Santana found out she was pregnant)
Everyone had made their way back to Lima because the glee club was getting ready to compete at Regionals and it was a holiday for the gang in New York. It was the day before Regionals and everyone was gathered at the Berry household all sitting around and talking.
"Hey Mami Lo can you put that dish in the oven," Blake asked. Maribel didn't think anything of it nodded, grabbed the dish, and walked over to the over. As she pulled the oven door open she noticed two hamburger buns sitting in the oven.
"Who put these buns in the oven?" Maribel asked.
"I put those buns in the oven." Blake stated with a huge smile. Santana rolled her eyes but tried to keep a straight face.
"You need to put buns in my daughter's oven and not this one." Maribel retorted.
"I did," Blake stated as the smile on her face grew as well as the smile on Santana's face. The others caught on pretty quickly but it took Maribel several moments to realize what Blake had actually said.
"Wait, hold up what?" Maribel asked.
"I said I did," Blake replied as she wrapped her arms around Santana letting her hands come to rest on Santana's stomach which was only slightly showing. Maribel screamed in excitement.
"Oh my god, I just peed my pants I'm so excited." Maribel exclaimed everyone burst out in laughter.
"No really I peed my pants and I can't stop crying. Oh my god another grand-baby. Thank you. I would hug you both, but I need to change my pants first." Maribel stated before quickly going to do just that. Everyone doubled over in laughter.
"Wait there are two buns in the oven. Oh my god you're having twins." Brittany exclaimed as she pulled Santana into a hug while Rachel pulled Blake into a hug.
"Damn Blake putting in work," Puck commented fist bumping Blake.
"That's what I said," she retorted before getting slapped upside the head by Santana.
"Congratulations both of you. I'm so happy and no I didn't pee my pants," Cassie stated as she pulled both of them into a hug. Hugs were passed around. "
I can't believe you're having twins how far along are you?" Shelby asked.
"What ay dios mio my prayers have been answered. Twins. Oh mijas come hug me. I changed my pee pants. I'm so happy for both of you. I was excited when Rachel and Brittany gave me Haley, but now two more grand-babies to spoil. Oh my god. I need to move to New York. You two need to find a bigger place so we can all fit." Maribel rambled off.
"See I told you. Mami Lo you can't move in with you." Blake stated.
"What of course I can. I'm their grandmother." Maribel huffed out.
"Si mami you are their abeula, but that doesn't mean you can move in with us. You'll be able to visit anytime you want and you know this." Santana stated. Maribel grumbled before placing a hand on Santana's stomach and squealing again.
"Does Beth know?" Mercedes asked. The little girl in question fell asleep earlier and was upstairs in Rachel's old room with Haley and Jade sleeping.
"Yeah she found one of the sonograms I had laying around and asked. She's kept it a secret this long. It why she's always touching San's tummy." Blake stated.
"Oh my god let me see, let me see!" Maribel, Shelby, and Leroy chanted. Blake handed out the sonograms to everyone.
"You guys can keep those. We made copies." Santana stated.
"Hey I want a World's Best Grandpa shirt." Hiram stated getting laughs from the others.
"Seriously congratulations you two. We know you're already parents but bringing a child into this world is magical." Sam stated as hugged both of the women. Everyone was super excited and begun trying to figure out what the twins would look like and who they would take after.
(End Flashback)
The gang spent most of the night talking, laughing, and just celebrating with one another. They knew that once the weekend had passed things would get hectic for awhile. Blake had already been asked to do endorsements for Nike, Under Armor, and Old Spice. Not to mention all the different talk show hosts and morning news shows that wanted her to come and sit down for an interview. It went from Good Morning America to The Real. The family just wanted to enjoy their time with one another before facing the real world in the morning and the upcoming weeks. Santana made sure to show Blake just how proud she was of her that night several times throughout the night. It was definitely one of those nights they were extremely thankful they had their room soundproofed. It seemed as though nothing could go wrong for them.
A/N: Alright so there you have it guys. Blake was drafted to the Knicks. My brother is a huge Knicks fan and I needed to keep her in New York. Sorry to all of you who wanted her to go somewhere else. Leave reviews or don't. Either way is good for me as long as you continue to enjoy the story.
Next time: Learning about BPJLA Records, a few new faces, and the twin's birthday party
