Nicki sat nervously at the white clothed table with silverware, glasses, flowers and plates on it in a decorative way. She sat down as the host had told her to do when she arrived there. She was the only one in the building and wanted to leave, but she had promised she'd meet him here. She looked down at the simple black curve fitting dress with a gold belt over the waist and her gold heels and became self conscious. What if this doesn't work out for us? I mean divorce papers don't have shit to do with feelings and love, if it's there. I shouldn't have agreed to this. I thought I would love having him around, but it's different now. He is a divorced man and I'm just his baby mother. She sighed as two minutes of sitting there turned into five minutes. Ugh, I'm ready to fucking go. She stood up to leave when he came in the room with a tux on. He smiled upon seeing her and pulled her into a tight hug. She let out the breath she was holding and stepped back taking in his appearance. His tux was all black, white dress shirt and a fake gold flower pinned to the jacket.
"You look nice."
"I tried, LJ pick this out, but you look gorgeous."
"I know, Zuri told me when I tried it on."
"Can I hold you?"
"No.. Lets talk first."
He pulled her chair out and watched as she sat down. He grabbed at a few pins that were stuck in her hair to keep it up and let her hair fall to the middle of her back. She feathered it with her fingers then watched him sit down across from her. Damn, she looks beautiful like this. He stared at her as she looked over the menu and folded her lips every so often. Her dimples coming and going. What if tonight is my last chance to make shit right? I need Onika in my life. Hope this night goes right and I can get Nic to move to Cali with me. He looked down at the menu then back up to her looking at him.
"Faree, where's the waiter or waitress, I'm hungry dammit."
"Calm down, why you so hungry?"
"I haven't eaten all day and I'm nervous."
"Sure, you not..."
"If I was, it ain't yours..."
"You still trying with Lamar?"
"Safaree, don't..."
"Yes or No, Onika?"
"No, why in the fuck would I do that? I moved half your shit in my house and you ask...."
"I don't want to fight tonight, alright?"
She huffed sitting back in her chair, crossing her legs and putting her arms across her chest. He asked a dumb ass question, but don't want to argue? Don't ask stupid ass questions. He smirked sliding his chair next to her's and placed his hand in her lap and rubbed her thigh. Now he want to fucking play. She pushed his hand off her lap and scooted away from him.
"Come here girl."
He pulled her onto his lap and pulled her against his chest. She sat with her back against his chest as the waitress came in. It would be a bitch. She sat up and popped her back. He groaned before he could stop himself. Nicki looked at him and shook her head. Horny ass.
"I want a Long Island Ice Tea and he'll have a Pepsi."
"You sure..."
"Yes, he is."
Nicki side eyed the girl as she tried to make eye contact with him. I'll kick this hoe's ass tonight. He play too much, did this shit on purpose. She snapped her fingers in his face as she turned to look at him. He nodded and went back to rubbing over her hips and ass.
"Alright, sir, I'll be back with your drinks."
Nicki waited until she disappeared and got up and got back in her seat. He looked over her and grabbed her legs. Damn, I can't keep my hands off her. He leaned forward and kissed her thigh then licked the inner part.
"Stop, I know this isn't why you invited me here cause if you just want a fuck... You could of just called Karen."
"Man, what the fuck? You just so damn... God."
"I'm what? Huh! Just a fuck? A nut? Cause I mean that's the only time you want me around."
"You know that's not damn true! I been wanting to be with you since high school. You the one was around fucking random niggas at school and shit."
"What the hell are you talking about Safaree?"
"Jeremy, Rod and Vince? Ring a bell or you got amnesia?"
"You're still mad about high school shit, so you treat me like a fuck because of it?"
"That's not.."
"Yeah it is, but okay."
The room was suffocated with an angry silence. He stood up and put his chair back across from her and sat down. He leaned on the table with his leg shaking and face frowned up. She always bitching about what's going on, but she act like she don't want it as bad as I do. Shit, I got more love for her than anything and I want this shit to work out. She steady be trying to down play my love for her.
"Here you guys go, what are you guys eating?"
"Can I get the chicken wing platter and a shrimp bowl?"
"Sauce? Side?"
"Hot and Lemon pepper mixed and fries."
"Okay, and you sir?"
"Lobster pizza and a bowl of your special gumbo. Hold that bread, give me a side of Mac&Cheese and green beans."
"Okay. I'll be back."
"I didn't fuck all of them."
"What?"
"Jeremy, Rod and Vince."
"You didn't?"
"I didn't."
"Then why..?"
"I don't know what you heard, but since you've been angry about this let me tell you."
"Alright."
"Jeremy and I never fucked first of all, Rod and I never fucked, but..."
"My home boy, Nic, for real?"
"I was dating him, what I was suppose to save myself for you? You were dating Karen not giving a damn about me, but every time you heard some shit then here you was."
"You didn't show..."
"So that night at my house when you introduced Karen or better yet that night at ol' boy's house when I poured my heart out..."
"You were drunk!"
"Yeah, use that excuse to feel like you didn't know!"
"I didn't!"
"Wow, okay."
She got up and went in her purse and pulled out a fifty. She threw it on the table and stormed out. He ignored my fucking feelings for over ten years and now want to sit here and act brand new. He ran behind her and grabbed her before she left the building.
"You can't keep running away, Nicki."
"You're one to fucking talk, Safaree!"
She snatched away from him and continued out the door. He grabbed her again and held tight to her. She stared into his dark brown eyes as he stared into her face.
"Look, I didn't invite you here to argue about the past. As of tonight, I'm over it. All I know is that, Nic, if I let you leave then I'll be waiting another five years to call you mine and I can't do that. For our kids, shit, for us can we work this out? I just need to know if you're ready for us? If you need time or what? I promise I'm not leaving this time, I'm done with the games, ready to settle down with you and be a father."
He looked at her face now wet with tears. She looked down as he let her go. It started to drizzle as they stood in the middle of the parking lot. She pulled out her phone and walked to her car. He followed behind her as his heart sank.
"So that's it? You not..."
"I'm going home, are you coming?"
"That's all you.."
"Are you coming or not? Or you backing out now?"
She stated getting in her car and starting it. He raced around to his car and followed behind her to a condo. She let the garage up and pulled in and watched him pull up next to her. She got out and waited for him by the door.
"When did you get this?"
"I been had it."
"You pay for this?"
"You can say that.. Here."
She handed him a set of keys and walked into the house. She pulled off the dress and stood in front of him with just a thong on.
"Do you love me?"
"Yeah..."
He gulped looking at her perky breast. She grabbed his chin and stared into his eyes. He stared back as she grabbed his jacket and pulled it off him. She pulled it on and smiled as it swallowed her body.
"I'm ready for you to come home, but I want to make sure you're going to stay for more than four months then leave. You promised me, but it's not only me that needs that reassurance of your presence. If it isn't for us that you stay at least be here for the kids."
He pulled her close and kissed her neck as he rubbed her ass. She giggled as their tummies growled at the same time.
"I'll cook."
"Or just order take out."
"No, my baby needs a meal because I know that bitch, Karen, couldn't get down like me in the kitchen."
"Or the bedroom.."
He mumbled. Nicki smirked hearing what he said. She walked to the bedroom and put on a T shirt. SB walked around the house looking around. She walked into the kitchen and began cooking.
******
"Mommy, where are your clothes?"
"What?"
"Mommy, you're naked!"
"Zuri, move."
"Get up! Daddy made breakfast."
Nicki sat up realizing that the kids were home. She groaned feeling the pain between her legs. He didn't have to fuck so hard just cause I asked him to. She pulled Zuri onto the bed and grabbed her T shirt and pulled it on. Zuri straddled her lap and smiled looking like Safaree. Now I get to see him twice. Nicki pecked her lips and pushed her back.
"Mommy, you have a red and purple mark on your neck."
"Gah, tell Daddy to come here."
"Did he pinch your neck? That's what happen to Sidney when Billy pinched her arm."
"No baby just go get him."
"Alrighty then. I'll just ask him."
Nicki laughed as she left the room. She got out of bed and pulled on some boy shorts. She stretched and squat to decrease the pain. He walked in the room and held up her phone. She looked confused as his face screwed up.
"What?"
"Lamar called."
"Okay.."
"After he texted this morning saying he miss you too."
"I haven't..."
"After I moved in? Really Nic?"
"Wait, you didn't even look to see what we talked about you're jumping to.."
"I read it and funny how he thinks you guys are getting back together."
"I never said that. He is my friend and I do miss him."
"Friend?"
"Stop yelling at me and calm down. His daughter died and we just talked about how she was and that's when I told him I missed him and her. Did you see that or are you just reading what he said?"
His face soften then he handed her the phone. She grabbed his hand and pulled him into a hug.
"Good Morning, Big Daddy."
"Good Morning, Sexy."
"Why didn't you tell me the kids got here?"
"Surprise. I wasn't expecting Zay'more to come back here and wake you."
"Well she did and I'm sore."
"I told you, but you the one... Oh Daddy faster faster, don't slow down harder."
She laughed at him mocking her and making faces that she supposedly makes. I dislike him, so much. He grinned then pecked her lips. He smiled and pulled her to the kitchen. LJ walked up to her and hugged her.
"Hey Mommy's Man."
"Wassup Ma?"
"Ew, so you acting brand new?"
"No. I'm just cooler than you."
"Nigga, bye."
He grinned as she sat on the chair next to him with her feet up on the table. SB came by and pushed them on floor and sat a plate in front of her. They made eye contact before he called Zuri to eat. She sped into the room and sat down. LJ said the blessing then they ate in an awkward silence until SB spoke up.
"LJ, Zuri... I know yawl were looking forward to the London trip, but Karen got really sick."
"Good, I didn't feel like going anyways."
"Lame, be quiet."
"Jerk!"
"Nerd."
"Asshole."
Nicki jumped as she watched and listened to the sound of SB's hand smacking Zuri in the mouth. Zuri looked at her as she held her mouth and cried. LJ sat in shock and just looked down at his food.
"Amora' after I finish saying what I have to say go take a nap and get yourself together. You won't disrespect your mother and you damn sure not going to disrespect me."
"How is..."
"Zay'more, baby."
"He hit me. Mommy?"
Nicki wanted to comfort her, but she knew if they were to learn and to respect him, she had to keep her emotions in check. She looked at Zuri and grabbed her hand, pulling her hand away to see her lip. SB stared at her and sat back watching her. It's not swollen or anything. She kissed her lip and whispered in her.
"It's okay baby."
"No it's not, Mommy."
Zuri got up and stormed out the room. Nicki looked at SB then down at her food feeling bad. She's going to hate me.
"LJ, go get ready for the day."
"Alright, Big Guy."
He got up and left the table. He went into Nic's bedroom then went back to his room walking pass them as they sat in silence. Nicki ate as she looked up to see him staring at her. She smirked with a mouth full of food then continued to chew.
"Why you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Comfort her after I disciplined her."
"That's my baby..."
"She's my baby too, but the cursing has to stop. You wanted me to fix it..."
"I know, but you didn't have to hit her in the mouth, don't be a mean Daddy.."
Nicki pouted. He shook his head and smirked. She always want it fixed, but don't like the way I do it. He stood up and grabbed the kids plates. Nicki groaned then stood up and walked in the kitchen behind him.
"Okay, I'll let you do it your way, but don't hurt my babies."
"Why would I hurt my own kids? Don't play me."
"Didn't say you would just warning you."
He laughed as she stood on her toes and reached for a cup. She leaned to one side then to the other side trying to get the cup. He pushed her arms down and grabbed the cup.
"You should of just asked and seeing that you don't have a stool in here, who helps you any other time?"
He quizzed handing her the cup, but keeping a hold to it. She looked away then backed up trying to get the cup out of his hand. He looked at her hard waiting for an answer.
"This is.... Lamar and I's...."
"So he's paying for this?"
"Just until the lease is up."
He pushed the cup in her hand and grabbed at a few things that were his as he made his way to the bedroom. She out her fucking mind? Got me in their fucking love shack and fucking me here. He mumbled to himself as he grabbed his pants. Nicki walked into the room and grabbed his arm only for him to snatch away from her. She yelled out at him.
"Faree! Listen.. Baby."
"What the fuck is there to hear?"
"I pay for this place too! And we barely came here together! Stop, packing please."
"Naw, but you guys were here, you fucked me in this bed after..."
She walked out the room now not giving a damn if he left or stayed. She grabbed a towel and bath towel out of the closet. He grabbed a bag from out the closet and put his shirt and pants in it. Let me get the fuck out this place.
******
SB stood outside the door of Nicki's home and pleaded for her to open the door. She stood behind the door and unlocked it after letting him stand outside for a good thirty minutes. He rushed in, dropping to his knees and kissing her stomach.
"Move Safaree.. I'm still mad at you."
"Where are the kids?"
"At the new house with Nancy."
"Oh, Nicki I'm sorry..."
"I hear you every time you come back. You left again when.."
"It's only a couple hours."
"Next time it will be a couple days. I'm not promising our kids you'll be here when every time you get mad you're ready to leave."
"I needed some space...."
"Maybe this isn't the time for US.. To be serious. Just make sure you're around for the kids."
"Nic, don't baby.."
"Safaree, please you aren't ready."
"I am.."
"..but you aren't and you showed that today."
"When my girl tells me that we..."
"First all, I wouldn't even disrespect you in that way and this is a brand new bed because I was taking you there anyways, second of all you didn't even listen to me before you ran yo ass out the door.. I'm done arguing with you about you running away if you want to leave, bye."
He stood against the wall in her bedroom as she moved about packing Zuri's clothes and shoes neatly with hers. He pushed off the wall and walked behind her. He trailed his hand up her arm and they intertwined fingers as she leaned into him. He put his chin on her head and sighed.
"I won't leave for an extended time. I just need some space to think."
"If you listen to me before blowing up then you wouldn't need space to think."
"True, but I know if we aren't together you'll just bring a new nigga in and I'm not letting that happen."
"Um huh, well act right.. I'm not putting up with your run away act anymore."
"And I don't want you talking to Lamar anymore."
She stepped away and turned to face him. He stared back at her as he read her face. He let go of her hands and shook his head before she answered him.
"I'm not sure I can do that right now."
"Wow."
"He needs a friend... Karen needed you.."
"Nic, she's my ex wife! You was just dating this nigga!"
"So because I didn't have a ring, our relationship wasn't as serious as yours? Alright."
She shook her head reading into what he said literally. Stupid Ass, so I guess what we're doing now isn't serious to him until he puts a ring on my finger. She angrily packed the last of Zuri's toys into a tote. She stepped around him and grabbed her keys and headed out the door.
"You just gone stand there or what?"
"You know..."
"I have to be to work in an hour lets go."
******
Lauren passed Nicki a drink as they sat in the VIP of the club watching people walk pass. Nicki was on her third drink, so Lauren decided not to drink.
"Nic, girl what's up?"
"Shit, everything, except my relationship."
"What's going on?"
"His jealousy. He had the nerve to ask me why I don't answer my work phone, he checked my phone history online and blocked client numbers."
"Wait, Safaree?"
"Yes! Stressing me out! That's why I had you take all my male clients. I don't know what his problem..."
She looked down to see him calling. Ugh, please no petty shit. She showed Lauren the phone before answering to loud noise in the background.
"Open the door. Who you with?"
"What?"
They heard a bang at the door and Nic sighed loudly now realizing he was at the club. He can't be serious. Lauren opened the door as SB bum rushed pass her and looked around. He slid in the booth next to Nicki and became upset with the outfit she had on.
"Yo what I tell you about these dresses?"
"I'm out with a friend."
"So now you trying to impress a bitch?"
"What?!"
"Lets go.. You're going home."
He grabbed her arm and pulled her out the booth. Nicki stumbled as she grabbed her drink and drunk it down. SB turned to her and knocked it out her hand. She giggled as he carried her out the club.
"Safaree put me down."
"Shut up, Nic."
"No! Put me down!"
He pressed her body up against a car and stared in her face. She diverted her eyes as she squirmed to get out of his grip. He squeezed tighter as she put up less and less of a fight.
"Please Faree you're hurting me."
"And Karen, you don't think what you're doing is hurting me?"
Nicki's eyes filled with tears as he called her the wrong name. He let her go then pulled on his fitted cap and groaned loudly. Nicki stood up straight and fixed herself. She looked at him and got in her car. Treating me like I'm that hoe. She looked at his hand prints on her arms and sat in the parking lot crying. I'm so in love with him, but I can't do this right now. She waited for Lauren outside the club then got dropped off at home.
When she got home there was a bouquet of flowers and a card.
"Nicki I miss you and I need you."
Her heart dropped reading his name. She walked into the house and sighed at the kids laying on the sofa sleeping. She kissed their foreheads and made her way up the stairs slowly.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Chapter 5
“I have to be at Zuri’s school in the next 5 min.”
“No, Safaree is being stupid as fuck because Karen wants to take the kids to London.”
“I didn’t say he couldn’t I just told him I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea since Zuri isn’t acting right in school.”
“Mom, you know I’m not…”
“Wow, okay.”
Nicki hung up with Safaree’s mother and grabbed her purse. She had to go to a parent meeting with Zuri’s teacher because she pushed a girl off a swing and bit a boys finger. Nicki pulled out the drive way and raced down a few blocks to the school. LJ stood outside the school with his friend Iris.
“LJ I’ll be back.”
“Where you going?”
“Zuri’s class.”
“What she do this time?”
He asked walking with her to the classroom. She shook her head and walked onto the hall way and saw Zuri crying. She sped up as Zuri ran down the hall to her. She hugged her and combed her fingers through her hair. Zuri sniffled then looked up at Nic.
“What’s wrong babe?”
“I whooped her ass.”
Nicki looked up to see Safaree. He pulled his belt back on and snapped his fingers at LJ. LJ turned on his heels and took the keys from his mom. Safaree shrugged and pulled Zuri away from her.
“Zay’more.”
“Um huh.”
“Words?”
“Yes.”
“You know I love you, right?”
“No.”
“What?”
“You don’t love me. You whooped me, Big Meany!”
Zuri pulled away from him and ran out the building. Nicki looked at the sad look on his face and grabbed it.
“She’ll be fine, Faree don’t stress it.”
~~~~~~
Zuri walked down to the park and laid across the bench under the tree. I hate him, mommy never hit me like that! She continued to cry until she felt a hand on her back. She looked up to see LJ standing over her. He held out his arms and she jumped up in them.
“Zuri, we need to talk.”
“About….?”
“Family.”
“Yeah!”
“Even though Dad whooped you, he still loves you. I thought the same way when I got my first whooping. All you have to do is not get in trouble for what you got a whooping for.”
“So don’t curse the teacher again?”
“If that’s what you got a whooping for, DUH!”
She laughed sliding around on his back. She loved her big brother and wouldn’t let anyone mess with him cause she knew he’d always have her back. He raced down the street with her on his back then flipped her off when they got near the house. She did two back flips and pushed open the door to Safaree and Nicki sitting on the sofa.
~~~~~~
Safaree smiled ear to ear holding her in his lap. She smirked as the kids came around to see what had them so happy and close. Nicki held a piece of paper in her hand and smiled then smirked a little.
“What’s going on?”
“Yeah!”
Zuri shouted becoming more excited. Both her parents were excited and smiling ear to ear.
“OMG it’s a paper like from the doctor….”
“Another BROTHER!"
Nicki laughed hard while holding the papers. She stood up pulling the kids to the bedroom. She opened her closet and moved to the side, so they could see.
“Yo? Is this real?”
“I’m so happy!”
“For how long doe?”
“Yeah I don’t want to get too excited.”
“OH.”
She gave LJ the papers and sat on the bed. LJ laughed then told Zuri what it basically said. She ran into the living room, but SB wasn’t there. She slowly walked back to Nic’s room with her head low.
“I thought he was staying?”
“Baby he is, why you say that?”
“He isn’t in the living room…”
“What? I’m suppose to stay in the living room?”
Zuri spun around and jumped into his arms. She smiled just like Nic which made him smirk. Zuri laid her head on his shoulder and stared at Nic. LJ laid his head in Nic’s lap and looked up at her smile matching Zuri’s.
“Daddy you’re stay with us, so no more Karen?”
“Just for a few more weeks. She wants to take you guys to London.”
“Why does she want to do that though?”
“Surprise.”
“Are you going with them?”
Nicki asked as her smile disappeared. LJ sat up looking at his Dad as he laid Zuri down next to Nic. Nicki looked at him waiting for an answer.
“I’m going and so are you.”
“What? No, I have to run the boutique.”
“You can take off and have….”
“She already did it for a month for me.”
“And she can do it another week.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Nic she planned this before the divorce it’s the least that can be done.”
“For what?”
Nicki asked becoming frustrated. LJ picked up Zuri and walked out the room, so they could talk. SB walked to the edge of the bed and pulled Nic towards him. She sat up on her knees with her arms pressed against his body and staring into his face.
“I gave her the divorce papers when I left, she didn’t want to work it out, she needed someone to be there for her. She cheated on me with several people and got AIDs…”
“And you fucked her? Then…”
“Shh.. Let me fucking talk!”
“Me and Karen haven’t fucked in over 6, plus years. That night we made LJ, I haven’t been able to get up with her. That box you got wasn’t my condom. She just sent that to make you mad.”
“The pictures though?”
“Those were old. Did you not see my ugly cut?”
She laughed seeing his face screw up. He handed her a piece of paper and watched as she silently read it. What?
“She knew about LJ?”
“Yeah and the night I went to see you.”
“You came to see me?”
“Like the day after we met up, but I didn’t see you at your boutique.”
“You was looking for the kid?”
“She gave me this note after she asked me to forgive her and to at least come to London with her before she dies.”
“Wow, but why am I going?”
“Guess it’s her way of apologizing.”
“Hmmm.”
“So you’re going.”
“Safaree….”
SB picked her up and threw her across the bed then climb over her. She pushed him over and straddled him. He gripped her ass and looked up at her face screwing up.
“I’ll go… If we have our own hotel. I don’t think I can stand to look at her.”
“Okay.”
“And we don’t ride the same plane.”
“Okay.”
“And we’re going to get tested, still.”
“What?”
Nicki crawled off his body and walked out the room to get the kids up for dinner.
“No, Safaree is being stupid as fuck because Karen wants to take the kids to London.”
“I didn’t say he couldn’t I just told him I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea since Zuri isn’t acting right in school.”
“Mom, you know I’m not…”
“Wow, okay.”
Nicki hung up with Safaree’s mother and grabbed her purse. She had to go to a parent meeting with Zuri’s teacher because she pushed a girl off a swing and bit a boys finger. Nicki pulled out the drive way and raced down a few blocks to the school. LJ stood outside the school with his friend Iris.
“LJ I’ll be back.”
“Where you going?”
“Zuri’s class.”
“What she do this time?”
He asked walking with her to the classroom. She shook her head and walked onto the hall way and saw Zuri crying. She sped up as Zuri ran down the hall to her. She hugged her and combed her fingers through her hair. Zuri sniffled then looked up at Nic.
“What’s wrong babe?”
“I whooped her ass.”
Nicki looked up to see Safaree. He pulled his belt back on and snapped his fingers at LJ. LJ turned on his heels and took the keys from his mom. Safaree shrugged and pulled Zuri away from her.
“Zay’more.”
“Um huh.”
“Words?”
“Yes.”
“You know I love you, right?”
“No.”
“What?”
“You don’t love me. You whooped me, Big Meany!”
Zuri pulled away from him and ran out the building. Nicki looked at the sad look on his face and grabbed it.
“She’ll be fine, Faree don’t stress it.”
~~~~~~
Zuri walked down to the park and laid across the bench under the tree. I hate him, mommy never hit me like that! She continued to cry until she felt a hand on her back. She looked up to see LJ standing over her. He held out his arms and she jumped up in them.
“Zuri, we need to talk.”
“About….?”
“Family.”
“Yeah!”
“Even though Dad whooped you, he still loves you. I thought the same way when I got my first whooping. All you have to do is not get in trouble for what you got a whooping for.”
“So don’t curse the teacher again?”
“If that’s what you got a whooping for, DUH!”
She laughed sliding around on his back. She loved her big brother and wouldn’t let anyone mess with him cause she knew he’d always have her back. He raced down the street with her on his back then flipped her off when they got near the house. She did two back flips and pushed open the door to Safaree and Nicki sitting on the sofa.
~~~~~~
Safaree smiled ear to ear holding her in his lap. She smirked as the kids came around to see what had them so happy and close. Nicki held a piece of paper in her hand and smiled then smirked a little.
“What’s going on?”
“Yeah!”
Zuri shouted becoming more excited. Both her parents were excited and smiling ear to ear.
“OMG it’s a paper like from the doctor….”
“Another BROTHER!"
Nicki laughed hard while holding the papers. She stood up pulling the kids to the bedroom. She opened her closet and moved to the side, so they could see.
“Yo? Is this real?”
“I’m so happy!”
“For how long doe?”
“Yeah I don’t want to get too excited.”
“OH.”
She gave LJ the papers and sat on the bed. LJ laughed then told Zuri what it basically said. She ran into the living room, but SB wasn’t there. She slowly walked back to Nic’s room with her head low.
“I thought he was staying?”
“Baby he is, why you say that?”
“He isn’t in the living room…”
“What? I’m suppose to stay in the living room?”
Zuri spun around and jumped into his arms. She smiled just like Nic which made him smirk. Zuri laid her head on his shoulder and stared at Nic. LJ laid his head in Nic’s lap and looked up at her smile matching Zuri’s.
“Daddy you’re stay with us, so no more Karen?”
“Just for a few more weeks. She wants to take you guys to London.”
“Why does she want to do that though?”
“Surprise.”
“Are you going with them?”
Nicki asked as her smile disappeared. LJ sat up looking at his Dad as he laid Zuri down next to Nic. Nicki looked at him waiting for an answer.
“I’m going and so are you.”
“What? No, I have to run the boutique.”
“You can take off and have….”
“She already did it for a month for me.”
“And she can do it another week.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Nic she planned this before the divorce it’s the least that can be done.”
“For what?”
Nicki asked becoming frustrated. LJ picked up Zuri and walked out the room, so they could talk. SB walked to the edge of the bed and pulled Nic towards him. She sat up on her knees with her arms pressed against his body and staring into his face.
“I gave her the divorce papers when I left, she didn’t want to work it out, she needed someone to be there for her. She cheated on me with several people and got AIDs…”
“And you fucked her? Then…”
“Shh.. Let me fucking talk!”
“Me and Karen haven’t fucked in over 6, plus years. That night we made LJ, I haven’t been able to get up with her. That box you got wasn’t my condom. She just sent that to make you mad.”
“The pictures though?”
“Those were old. Did you not see my ugly cut?”
She laughed seeing his face screw up. He handed her a piece of paper and watched as she silently read it. What?
“She knew about LJ?”
“Yeah and the night I went to see you.”
“You came to see me?”
“Like the day after we met up, but I didn’t see you at your boutique.”
“You was looking for the kid?”
“She gave me this note after she asked me to forgive her and to at least come to London with her before she dies.”
“Wow, but why am I going?”
“Guess it’s her way of apologizing.”
“Hmmm.”
“So you’re going.”
“Safaree….”
SB picked her up and threw her across the bed then climb over her. She pushed him over and straddled him. He gripped her ass and looked up at her face screwing up.
“I’ll go… If we have our own hotel. I don’t think I can stand to look at her.”
“Okay.”
“And we don’t ride the same plane.”
“Okay.”
“And we’re going to get tested, still.”
“What?”
Nicki crawled off his body and walked out the room to get the kids up for dinner.
Chapter 4
Nicki answered her phone still half asleep and feeling sick. Zuri was pressed up against Nic’s side feeling hotter than ever. She pressed answer and groaned at his voice bumming through.
“Faree stop yelling I can hear you and she’s laying here sleeping.”
“I’m coming over.”
“For what? It’s…. 10 am.”
“LJ didn’t tell you? Oh.”
“Oh yeah, I’m tired just knock and he’ll answer.”
“Alright.”
Nicki pulled Zuri away from her side and went to the bathroom. She looked herself over then walked into her room and froze. Zuri giggled and coughed as Safaree tickled her. Nicki shrugged them off since they weren’t paying attention to her. She stepped in her closet and stripped off her night tee. I’m so tired damn. She huffed and reached up for her store shirt. She jumped feeling a pair of hands on her breast.
“Onika.”
“Faree… Don’t start this shit.”
“I miss you… Your perfect body.”
“Well keep missing it cause I see Karen’s still around.”
She snapped kicking him off her. She turned around and hugged him tight. He became rock hard feeling her naked body against his excited him. She pulled back facing him.
“You miss this?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
“A lot?”
“Howww muchh?”
“I want to come home.”
Nicki smirked and pulled up on his body and grabbed her work shirt then slid down his body. She put on her shirt, changed her thongs and pulled on her jeans. Safaree pulled her back into the back of the closet.
“Me and…”
“When she’s completely gone, we’ll….”
Safaree kissed her as she tried to speak. He pushed her up against the wall she resisted his kiss. They both looked towards the door as Lamar stood in the doorway looking pissed. Nicki looked down then back up as Lamar punched Safaree in the face. Nicki fell onto the floor then hurried to her feet.
“Please STOP, Lamar!”
“Fuck that!”
“Lamar PLEASE!”
“Nigga you fucking with the wrong one! I’m not scared of you.”
Lamar kicked Safaree in the stomach. Nicki jumped on Faree feeling her body go numb then she blacked. Lamar’s foot met Nic’s chest with a hard thud. Lamar picked Nicki up and ran out the closet into the living room.
“Yo, Zur call 911!”
“Why… Mommy!”
“Zuri call the fucking cops!”
“What’s wrong with my mommy?”
“What the hell?
“LJ, some….”
Zuri passed out looking at Nicki’s lifeless body across the sofa as Lamar gave her mouth to mouth. LJ grabbed Zuri pulling her to the kitchen and putting the dish towel on her head and shook her. She opened her eyes then hugged him tight. He dialed the cops.
“Yo what the hells going on?”
“Son, help me.”
“Dad, what the hell happen to you?”
“That son of bitch snuck me and your mom!”
“Lamar what the fuck you do?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean…”
Nicki began coughing. She grabbed her chest and laid back screaming out in pain. LJ held his Dad up while Zuri sat over her mother’s head. The house went quiet as Nic cried out. The knock interrupted everyone’s train of thought. Zuri opened the door to two cops and paramedics, who hurried in and took Nic and SB. Lamar grabbed his coat and followed behind them. LJ and Zuri got in the cop car and followed them to the hospital. The day had just began.
Nicki woke up in a bed that wasn’t her. She looked down and sighed heavily seeing LJ at the foot of the bed. She tried sitting up and screeched loudly. LJ raced over and pushed her back down on the bed. He looked her in the face as she closed her eyes until the pain stopped. Zuri walked in next to the nurse, who pushed Safaree into the room. She sat on his lap as they watched TV and waited to see if Nic would wake back up.
“She looks so pretty, but I bet she doesn’t feel it.”
“What happen Dad?”
“Lamar raged when he seen me and ya moms talking and just attacked me, pussy nigga, excuse my french then ya mom just threw herself on top of me and took a blow to the chest. Fuck, this is all my fault!”
“It’s okay Daddy.”
“Where he go?”
“He left.”
“Wow.”
They all sat quiet. Only noise was the TV and the chaos outside of the room. Nicki opened her eyes and looked around at their faces being glued to the TV. She closed her eyes feeling the pain come and go in her chest. She breathed in slow then out. Safaree looked over at her then rolled up next to her side. She opened one eye and smirked putting her hand on the side of his face.
“I’m sorry for this Nic.”
“It’s okay Faree…”
She spoke in a low dry tone. She smiled feeling Zuri’s body across her feet. LJ crawled up beside her and snuggled. She sighed and closed her eyes back.
~~~~~
Nicki spent the night at the hospital to make sure she didn’t have any broken bones. The doctor prescribed her pain medicine then sent her, but Safaree had three broken ribs and his left arm was broken. Nic sat on the side of his bed until Karen came in the room giving her a disgusted look. Nicki smirked and kissed SB near the mouth then whispered in his ear.
“I’ll see you later. Get better.”
“Bye Nic.”
“Why didn’t you tell me she was here?”
“I wasn’t going to call you cause you overreact to shit, but it was her idea for me to inform you.”
“Why does she have to tell you to tell your WIFE that you’re hurt?”
“Karen just shut up and hug me.”
He looked at her pouting. She smiled and carefully hugged him. She pecked his lips then straddled his legs. He watched as she swayed left to right. She’s such a white girl. Non dancing ass.
———
Lamar began packing his stuff as he yelled and cussed Nicki out about Safaree. She set on the bed and ignored everything coming out of his mouth. I don’t give a fuck about his attitude, he’ll be back. She smirked watching him throw his clothes in a duffle bag with his underwear. She looked down at the black and purple mark on her chest and sighed looking him over.
“I mean you don’t want me around so you fuck him and shit!”
“Lamar shut the hell up!”
“Nicki don’t fucking talk to me like you didn’t just cheat on me with…”
“Nothing fucking happen! You’re bitching for no fucking reason.”
“Bitching? Fuck you and your screwed ass heart!”
Nicki was pissed and stood up facing Lamar.
“Really? I’m with you! I’ve been with you for 5 years and I look out for my kids father and I’m screwed up? How about how you left me in hospital for two days, how you’re the reason for this ugly mark on my chest, but MY heart is screwed up! Fuck you Lamar and get the fuck out!”
Nicki stormed passed him snatching his bag and throwing it over the side of the balcony. He rushed after her, but was too late. He huffed and grabbed his other bags and walked out. LJ ran in the house with Zuri and D’ara behind him. He laughed as he spoke into his phone.
“Yo Ma?”
“What Man?
“Lamar leaving?”
“Yes for good. Take this duffle to him for me.”
“Mommy, D’ara and I are going to the park.”
“No.”
“Huh?”
“No.”
Zuri walked into Nic’s room to see if she was serious. She stared her in the face and pulled at her hair becoming annoyed. Nicki leaned up against the night stand looking her from head to toe. D’ara appeared in the room and bounced across Nic’s bed. She wrapped her arms around Nic and smiled.
“Hey D Bear!”
“Hey God Mommy!”
“We really can’t go outside?”
“Yes, but not to the park.”
“Why not?”
“Because I said no.”
“Why?”
“Zuri…”
“Whatever.”
Zuri grabbed D’ara’s arm and dragged her outside.
———
Nas pulled up outside the house and smiled watching Nic go to the mailbox. She wore her night tee and her rainboots. He got hard knowing that she only had on a thong under it. She pulled her mail out looking through it. Everything she did in those few seconds excited him. He missed her, needed her and didn’t understand why she didn’t want him the way he wanted her.
He watched as a red lexus truck pulled up as she opened the door. He watched as Safaree got out the car with a cast on his arm. He clinched his teeth together and groaned remembering that the reason he couldn’t be with his woman was because of him.
“I will kill you and get my baby back.”
“Faree stop yelling I can hear you and she’s laying here sleeping.”
“I’m coming over.”
“For what? It’s…. 10 am.”
“LJ didn’t tell you? Oh.”
“Oh yeah, I’m tired just knock and he’ll answer.”
“Alright.”
Nicki pulled Zuri away from her side and went to the bathroom. She looked herself over then walked into her room and froze. Zuri giggled and coughed as Safaree tickled her. Nicki shrugged them off since they weren’t paying attention to her. She stepped in her closet and stripped off her night tee. I’m so tired damn. She huffed and reached up for her store shirt. She jumped feeling a pair of hands on her breast.
“Onika.”
“Faree… Don’t start this shit.”
“I miss you… Your perfect body.”
“Well keep missing it cause I see Karen’s still around.”
She snapped kicking him off her. She turned around and hugged him tight. He became rock hard feeling her naked body against his excited him. She pulled back facing him.
“You miss this?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
“A lot?”
“Howww muchh?”
“I want to come home.”
Nicki smirked and pulled up on his body and grabbed her work shirt then slid down his body. She put on her shirt, changed her thongs and pulled on her jeans. Safaree pulled her back into the back of the closet.
“Me and…”
“When she’s completely gone, we’ll….”
Safaree kissed her as she tried to speak. He pushed her up against the wall she resisted his kiss. They both looked towards the door as Lamar stood in the doorway looking pissed. Nicki looked down then back up as Lamar punched Safaree in the face. Nicki fell onto the floor then hurried to her feet.
“Please STOP, Lamar!”
“Fuck that!”
“Lamar PLEASE!”
“Nigga you fucking with the wrong one! I’m not scared of you.”
Lamar kicked Safaree in the stomach. Nicki jumped on Faree feeling her body go numb then she blacked. Lamar’s foot met Nic’s chest with a hard thud. Lamar picked Nicki up and ran out the closet into the living room.
“Yo, Zur call 911!”
“Why… Mommy!”
“Zuri call the fucking cops!”
“What’s wrong with my mommy?”
“What the hell?
“LJ, some….”
Zuri passed out looking at Nicki’s lifeless body across the sofa as Lamar gave her mouth to mouth. LJ grabbed Zuri pulling her to the kitchen and putting the dish towel on her head and shook her. She opened her eyes then hugged him tight. He dialed the cops.
“Yo what the hells going on?”
“Son, help me.”
“Dad, what the hell happen to you?”
“That son of bitch snuck me and your mom!”
“Lamar what the fuck you do?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean…”
Nicki began coughing. She grabbed her chest and laid back screaming out in pain. LJ held his Dad up while Zuri sat over her mother’s head. The house went quiet as Nic cried out. The knock interrupted everyone’s train of thought. Zuri opened the door to two cops and paramedics, who hurried in and took Nic and SB. Lamar grabbed his coat and followed behind them. LJ and Zuri got in the cop car and followed them to the hospital. The day had just began.
Nicki woke up in a bed that wasn’t her. She looked down and sighed heavily seeing LJ at the foot of the bed. She tried sitting up and screeched loudly. LJ raced over and pushed her back down on the bed. He looked her in the face as she closed her eyes until the pain stopped. Zuri walked in next to the nurse, who pushed Safaree into the room. She sat on his lap as they watched TV and waited to see if Nic would wake back up.
“She looks so pretty, but I bet she doesn’t feel it.”
“What happen Dad?”
“Lamar raged when he seen me and ya moms talking and just attacked me, pussy nigga, excuse my french then ya mom just threw herself on top of me and took a blow to the chest. Fuck, this is all my fault!”
“It’s okay Daddy.”
“Where he go?”
“He left.”
“Wow.”
They all sat quiet. Only noise was the TV and the chaos outside of the room. Nicki opened her eyes and looked around at their faces being glued to the TV. She closed her eyes feeling the pain come and go in her chest. She breathed in slow then out. Safaree looked over at her then rolled up next to her side. She opened one eye and smirked putting her hand on the side of his face.
“I’m sorry for this Nic.”
“It’s okay Faree…”
She spoke in a low dry tone. She smiled feeling Zuri’s body across her feet. LJ crawled up beside her and snuggled. She sighed and closed her eyes back.
~~~~~
Nicki spent the night at the hospital to make sure she didn’t have any broken bones. The doctor prescribed her pain medicine then sent her, but Safaree had three broken ribs and his left arm was broken. Nic sat on the side of his bed until Karen came in the room giving her a disgusted look. Nicki smirked and kissed SB near the mouth then whispered in his ear.
“I’ll see you later. Get better.”
“Bye Nic.”
“Why didn’t you tell me she was here?”
“I wasn’t going to call you cause you overreact to shit, but it was her idea for me to inform you.”
“Why does she have to tell you to tell your WIFE that you’re hurt?”
“Karen just shut up and hug me.”
He looked at her pouting. She smiled and carefully hugged him. She pecked his lips then straddled his legs. He watched as she swayed left to right. She’s such a white girl. Non dancing ass.
———
Lamar began packing his stuff as he yelled and cussed Nicki out about Safaree. She set on the bed and ignored everything coming out of his mouth. I don’t give a fuck about his attitude, he’ll be back. She smirked watching him throw his clothes in a duffle bag with his underwear. She looked down at the black and purple mark on her chest and sighed looking him over.
“I mean you don’t want me around so you fuck him and shit!”
“Lamar shut the hell up!”
“Nicki don’t fucking talk to me like you didn’t just cheat on me with…”
“Nothing fucking happen! You’re bitching for no fucking reason.”
“Bitching? Fuck you and your screwed ass heart!”
Nicki was pissed and stood up facing Lamar.
“Really? I’m with you! I’ve been with you for 5 years and I look out for my kids father and I’m screwed up? How about how you left me in hospital for two days, how you’re the reason for this ugly mark on my chest, but MY heart is screwed up! Fuck you Lamar and get the fuck out!”
Nicki stormed passed him snatching his bag and throwing it over the side of the balcony. He rushed after her, but was too late. He huffed and grabbed his other bags and walked out. LJ ran in the house with Zuri and D’ara behind him. He laughed as he spoke into his phone.
“Yo Ma?”
“What Man?
“Lamar leaving?”
“Yes for good. Take this duffle to him for me.”
“Mommy, D’ara and I are going to the park.”
“No.”
“Huh?”
“No.”
Zuri walked into Nic’s room to see if she was serious. She stared her in the face and pulled at her hair becoming annoyed. Nicki leaned up against the night stand looking her from head to toe. D’ara appeared in the room and bounced across Nic’s bed. She wrapped her arms around Nic and smiled.
“Hey D Bear!”
“Hey God Mommy!”
“We really can’t go outside?”
“Yes, but not to the park.”
“Why not?”
“Because I said no.”
“Why?”
“Zuri…”
“Whatever.”
Zuri grabbed D’ara’s arm and dragged her outside.
———
Nas pulled up outside the house and smiled watching Nic go to the mailbox. She wore her night tee and her rainboots. He got hard knowing that she only had on a thong under it. She pulled her mail out looking through it. Everything she did in those few seconds excited him. He missed her, needed her and didn’t understand why she didn’t want him the way he wanted her.
He watched as a red lexus truck pulled up as she opened the door. He watched as Safaree got out the car with a cast on his arm. He clinched his teeth together and groaned remembering that the reason he couldn’t be with his woman was because of him.
“I will kill you and get my baby back.”
Chapter 3
[First Day of School)
Zuri woke up at 5am on the dot and smiled looking at her knew school clothes and supplies. For six years she had been home schooled, but now she was ready to experience what LJ got to. She rolled out of bed and took her shower. She tried her best not to get her hair wet, but failed miserable. Mommy’s going to kill me.
She stepped out her tub and brushed her teeth. She skipped over to her bed and put on her pink baby doll top, white shorts and her pink flip flops. It was now 6am around the time LJ got up to get ready. Zuri grabbed her “I’m a Barb” book bag & skipped off to LJ’s room.
She pushed open the door and smiled at LJ still laying on his bed. He smirked like Safaree which made her smile bigger. She sat on his desk chair and spun around until he stopped her.
“Ready?”
“Yes, I’m nerwous.”
“Ner-vous, Zur Zur.”
“So.”
“Get out & go get Mom.”
She looked him over then raced out of his room down the hall. She pushed open her door to no Nic. Nicki put her hand over Lamar’s mouth as they watched Zuri look around the room. Nic put her face in Lamar’s neck as she felt the condom pop. Zuri turned out the room. Nicki got up and crawled across the bed and pulled on her night tee.
“Fuck never again.”
“Well baby had you not woke me up with your horny ass, we wouldn’t have almost been caught.”
“Shut Up, now I have to take another shower.”
“I hope you not pregnant.”
“OH, you don’t want kids with me?”
“I’d love kids with you just not now.”
“Why not?”
“Don’t start….”
“No answer my question.”
———
Nicki pulled up in the visitors parking lot of the school. She got out fixing Zuri’s hair. LJ leaned up against the car and watched them. He sucked his teeth and walked off with his best friend, Iris. Zuri looked up at Nicki as if to question her about the girl.
“His best friend. Calm Down Zuri.”
“She’s pretty she kind a looks like you.”
“I’ve been told.”
Zuri raced down the lot right into Safaree’s arms. He spun her around and kissed her cheek. Nicki huffed and rolled her eyes. He put her down and all three walked up the side walk to the school. Zuri’s smile grew wide as they entered the school.
“Nice to have you here again Ms. Maraj and….”
“I’m Zuri’s father, call me Safaree.”
“Well nice to meet you, Mr…”
“Just Safaree.”
“Safaree.”
“I’m Zuri!”
“I know I’ve seen your gorgeous head shots.”
“Can I go to school now?”
“We’re getting there cuteness.”
Ms. Layla showed them around the school as the older kids switched classes. Zuri was excited when she got to see LJ perform his Romeo & Juliet skit. Safaree kept trying to get Nic’s attention, but she kept ignoring him. They sat through LJ entire performance and Zuri stood on the chair and whistled loud.
“YAY LJ!”
“Zuri, no!”
“Sorry Mommy.”
“Come you guys and let me show you where Zuri will be for her first three years and if you want you guys can advance her to here in our drama academy or across the way in our academic academy then her last three years she can mix between the two.”
“I want to be an actress mommy like you were.”
“Awww.”
“Your mom was a great actress. She knew how to put on a front all the time.”
Nicki rolled her eyes and followed after Layla. They came to a glass door where other kids around Zuri’s age were just sitting in their chairs. Zuri pushed open the door and was meet by a loud.
“Hi Zuri!”
“Mommy, they know my name! Hey everyone!”
“Hey Zuri, I’m your teacher, Miss Kelly.”
“Hey Miss Kelly, you’re pretty like my mommy.”
Zuri pointed to Nicki who’s face turned red as all eyes turned to her. She exchanged hellos and greetings with Miss Kelly as Zuri mingled with the other students. Safaree stood behind Nicki showing how happy he was to see her. She stepped up as Miss Kelly continued talking with them about what she had planned.
“Mommy, don’t leave please?”
“Zuri, I have to baby.”
“But I don’t want you to.”
“Zuri baby don’t do this.”
“Daddy don’t leave either, stay!!”
Zuri screamed letting tears fall from her eyes. Safaree pulled Nic back and pulled Zuri to the side. He looked his little light skin mini in the face and cracked a smile.
“Go in that class and show the teacher how cute and smart you are then Daddy will come back and pick you up, take you to get ice cream and bring you home. Deal?”
“Great. Promise?”
She extended her pinky and smiled when he pinkied back. He stood up and they watched as a little white girl hooked arms with Zuri. Nicki smiled on the inside, but mugged him as he smirked at her.
Zuri woke up at 5am on the dot and smiled looking at her knew school clothes and supplies. For six years she had been home schooled, but now she was ready to experience what LJ got to. She rolled out of bed and took her shower. She tried her best not to get her hair wet, but failed miserable. Mommy’s going to kill me.
She stepped out her tub and brushed her teeth. She skipped over to her bed and put on her pink baby doll top, white shorts and her pink flip flops. It was now 6am around the time LJ got up to get ready. Zuri grabbed her “I’m a Barb” book bag & skipped off to LJ’s room.
She pushed open the door and smiled at LJ still laying on his bed. He smirked like Safaree which made her smile bigger. She sat on his desk chair and spun around until he stopped her.
“Ready?”
“Yes, I’m nerwous.”
“Ner-vous, Zur Zur.”
“So.”
“Get out & go get Mom.”
She looked him over then raced out of his room down the hall. She pushed open her door to no Nic. Nicki put her hand over Lamar’s mouth as they watched Zuri look around the room. Nic put her face in Lamar’s neck as she felt the condom pop. Zuri turned out the room. Nicki got up and crawled across the bed and pulled on her night tee.
“Fuck never again.”
“Well baby had you not woke me up with your horny ass, we wouldn’t have almost been caught.”
“Shut Up, now I have to take another shower.”
“I hope you not pregnant.”
“OH, you don’t want kids with me?”
“I’d love kids with you just not now.”
“Why not?”
“Don’t start….”
“No answer my question.”
———
Nicki pulled up in the visitors parking lot of the school. She got out fixing Zuri’s hair. LJ leaned up against the car and watched them. He sucked his teeth and walked off with his best friend, Iris. Zuri looked up at Nicki as if to question her about the girl.
“His best friend. Calm Down Zuri.”
“She’s pretty she kind a looks like you.”
“I’ve been told.”
Zuri raced down the lot right into Safaree’s arms. He spun her around and kissed her cheek. Nicki huffed and rolled her eyes. He put her down and all three walked up the side walk to the school. Zuri’s smile grew wide as they entered the school.
“Nice to have you here again Ms. Maraj and….”
“I’m Zuri’s father, call me Safaree.”
“Well nice to meet you, Mr…”
“Just Safaree.”
“Safaree.”
“I’m Zuri!”
“I know I’ve seen your gorgeous head shots.”
“Can I go to school now?”
“We’re getting there cuteness.”
Ms. Layla showed them around the school as the older kids switched classes. Zuri was excited when she got to see LJ perform his Romeo & Juliet skit. Safaree kept trying to get Nic’s attention, but she kept ignoring him. They sat through LJ entire performance and Zuri stood on the chair and whistled loud.
“YAY LJ!”
“Zuri, no!”
“Sorry Mommy.”
“Come you guys and let me show you where Zuri will be for her first three years and if you want you guys can advance her to here in our drama academy or across the way in our academic academy then her last three years she can mix between the two.”
“I want to be an actress mommy like you were.”
“Awww.”
“Your mom was a great actress. She knew how to put on a front all the time.”
Nicki rolled her eyes and followed after Layla. They came to a glass door where other kids around Zuri’s age were just sitting in their chairs. Zuri pushed open the door and was meet by a loud.
“Hi Zuri!”
“Mommy, they know my name! Hey everyone!”
“Hey Zuri, I’m your teacher, Miss Kelly.”
“Hey Miss Kelly, you’re pretty like my mommy.”
Zuri pointed to Nicki who’s face turned red as all eyes turned to her. She exchanged hellos and greetings with Miss Kelly as Zuri mingled with the other students. Safaree stood behind Nicki showing how happy he was to see her. She stepped up as Miss Kelly continued talking with them about what she had planned.
“Mommy, don’t leave please?”
“Zuri, I have to baby.”
“But I don’t want you to.”
“Zuri baby don’t do this.”
“Daddy don’t leave either, stay!!”
Zuri screamed letting tears fall from her eyes. Safaree pulled Nic back and pulled Zuri to the side. He looked his little light skin mini in the face and cracked a smile.
“Go in that class and show the teacher how cute and smart you are then Daddy will come back and pick you up, take you to get ice cream and bring you home. Deal?”
“Great. Promise?”
She extended her pinky and smiled when he pinkied back. He stood up and they watched as a little white girl hooked arms with Zuri. Nicki smiled on the inside, but mugged him as he smirked at her.
Chapter 2
Lamar picked Zuri up and carried her in the house as LJ walked in behind him. LJ threw his bag on the floor and stormed off to his room. Nicki came out of her office into the living room. She looked at Lamar then at Zuri who had tear stained cheeks. Lamar spoke answering Nic before she asked.
“Safaree canceled on them, said he had a meeting to go to today and he’ll see about tomorrow.”
“Wow, again? LJ is probably up in there throw shit again. I don’t know what I’m a do about his anger.”
“Whoop his ass.”
“You know I don’t like doing that. I leave that to their father.”
“Nic, he isn’t around to do what he’s suppose to do. Step up or you gone lose them.”
“I guess and are you going with me to enroll Zuri into school?”
“I can’t and you’ll find out why later.”
“What no! Tell me now!”
“I said I wouldn’t say nothing so I’m not, you’ll find out July 30.”
“Lamar!”
“Love you sweets.”
Zuri laid on the couch staring at her reflection in the TV screen. She sighed as Nic rubbed her back and whispered in her ear. Every other weekend Safaree canceled on them to handle what he called business, but this weekend was special because Zuri was going to public school for the first time in her life. She looked at Nic then back at her reflection.
“I bet he’s not even going to do what I asked.”
“What’s that?”
“Come to Open House.”
“He will that’s very important Zay’more. He’ll show up.”
“Yeah right.”
Zuri spat getting up off the sofa and going to her room. Nicki sat on the sofa and trailed off into her thoughts. I hope he shows up at least for her and not cause I will be there. Stupid ass.
———
“Mom, Zuri is messing with my project.”
“He has my doll and experimenting with her head!”
“So… Go play with another doll! You weren’t worried about her until I got her.”
“She’s still mine!”
“LJ give her, her doll and stop messing with his project Zay’more.”
“Lame.”
“Jerk.”
“Fart.”
“Ass!”
“Zay’more!”
“Always cursing like you’re grown. Stupid.”
“I hate you. You act just like Daddy!”
“So at least I don’t act like you!”
Zuri snatched her doll then pushed over LJ’s project. She ran full speed into Nic’s room and hid behind her. LJ came into a full stop in front of Nic. He went to get Zuri, but Nicki blocked him as she held out the phone for him.
“Dad.”
“Yo?”
“Zuri is a pest!”
“And you’re a disease, so?”
“Calm down, what’s going on?”
LJ went about telling him what happen when Zuri jumped on his back to tell her side of the story. LJ slammed Zuri on her back and raced out the room. Zuri began to cry and scream until Nicki walked back in the room.
“Zuri are you okay baby?”
‘NO!”
“What’s wrong?”
“This!”
She held up her arm to show Nic her twisted wrist. Nicki picked Zuri up and laid her cross the bed then ran to get some ice. She snatched the phone from LJ and pointed at him. She hung up then called the ambulance. LJ ran upstairs to see why Zuri was still crying.
“Oh shit!”
“This is all your dumb fault!”
“I’m sorry Zur Zur.”
“Whatever.”
“I am. I didn’t mean to hurt your wrist.”
“It’s fine leave me alone.”
~~~~~~
Safaree rushed into the emergency room with Karen behind him. She looked made up and done up like she was going out or something because her and SB were going on a date, but it got side tracked once he found out Zuri was at the hospital. He looked for her room and when he found it, he burst through the door and ran to her side. She didn’t look at him or say anything. She was mad. She only got this much attention from him when she hurt herself or LJ did something bad. He pat her leg and asked her a series of questions. She one worded him every time.
“Zuri…. Oh.”
SB looked back to see Nicki walk in looking beautiful as ever. She didn’t have on any make up just lip glass, a tank top and some sweat shorts. He could see the lining of her phat box which made him semi hard. It quickly went away when he seen Lamar walk in behind her with Chick-Fil-A. Karen smacked his head because he hadn’t realized he was staring hard. She huffed and mumbled under her breath.
“I’m hungry FarBear. Can we go now?”
“What? Karen pump ya breaks. I came to see my child and that’s what I’m a do. Chill….”
“Okay..”
“Mommy, I don’t want her in here.”
“Well, Zuri I don’t have….”
“I want her out!”
“Alright honey.”
“Bear Bear why are you treating Karen like that?”
“Ask Karen how she treats us when you’re not around!”
“Zuri baby calm down.”
“Mommy I hate her.”
She looked at Karen’s shocked faced and sat up in the bed then like a gust of angry wind she spoke up and directly towards her.
“Get. Out. My. Room.”
“Lil Girl you don’t tell….”
“Get the fuck out!”
“Yo!”
“Oh hell no! You need to control your kids Safaree.”
LJ walked in as Karen sped out. He looked at everyone and everyone looked at him. Safaree got up to get Karen, but stopped in his tracks as Zuri spoke up.
“She always comes before us, doesn’t she?”
“Bear Bear….”
“Bye Safaree.”
Nicki walked out the room past Safaree. She cried walking outside to get some air. Zuri’s anger was becoming really clear to her and the last thing she needed was another angry child because SB didn’t know what or where to go. I have to do something and quickly.
“Safaree canceled on them, said he had a meeting to go to today and he’ll see about tomorrow.”
“Wow, again? LJ is probably up in there throw shit again. I don’t know what I’m a do about his anger.”
“Whoop his ass.”
“You know I don’t like doing that. I leave that to their father.”
“Nic, he isn’t around to do what he’s suppose to do. Step up or you gone lose them.”
“I guess and are you going with me to enroll Zuri into school?”
“I can’t and you’ll find out why later.”
“What no! Tell me now!”
“I said I wouldn’t say nothing so I’m not, you’ll find out July 30.”
“Lamar!”
“Love you sweets.”
Zuri laid on the couch staring at her reflection in the TV screen. She sighed as Nic rubbed her back and whispered in her ear. Every other weekend Safaree canceled on them to handle what he called business, but this weekend was special because Zuri was going to public school for the first time in her life. She looked at Nic then back at her reflection.
“I bet he’s not even going to do what I asked.”
“What’s that?”
“Come to Open House.”
“He will that’s very important Zay’more. He’ll show up.”
“Yeah right.”
Zuri spat getting up off the sofa and going to her room. Nicki sat on the sofa and trailed off into her thoughts. I hope he shows up at least for her and not cause I will be there. Stupid ass.
———
“Mom, Zuri is messing with my project.”
“He has my doll and experimenting with her head!”
“So… Go play with another doll! You weren’t worried about her until I got her.”
“She’s still mine!”
“LJ give her, her doll and stop messing with his project Zay’more.”
“Lame.”
“Jerk.”
“Fart.”
“Ass!”
“Zay’more!”
“Always cursing like you’re grown. Stupid.”
“I hate you. You act just like Daddy!”
“So at least I don’t act like you!”
Zuri snatched her doll then pushed over LJ’s project. She ran full speed into Nic’s room and hid behind her. LJ came into a full stop in front of Nic. He went to get Zuri, but Nicki blocked him as she held out the phone for him.
“Dad.”
“Yo?”
“Zuri is a pest!”
“And you’re a disease, so?”
“Calm down, what’s going on?”
LJ went about telling him what happen when Zuri jumped on his back to tell her side of the story. LJ slammed Zuri on her back and raced out the room. Zuri began to cry and scream until Nicki walked back in the room.
“Zuri are you okay baby?”
‘NO!”
“What’s wrong?”
“This!”
She held up her arm to show Nic her twisted wrist. Nicki picked Zuri up and laid her cross the bed then ran to get some ice. She snatched the phone from LJ and pointed at him. She hung up then called the ambulance. LJ ran upstairs to see why Zuri was still crying.
“Oh shit!”
“This is all your dumb fault!”
“I’m sorry Zur Zur.”
“Whatever.”
“I am. I didn’t mean to hurt your wrist.”
“It’s fine leave me alone.”
~~~~~~
Safaree rushed into the emergency room with Karen behind him. She looked made up and done up like she was going out or something because her and SB were going on a date, but it got side tracked once he found out Zuri was at the hospital. He looked for her room and when he found it, he burst through the door and ran to her side. She didn’t look at him or say anything. She was mad. She only got this much attention from him when she hurt herself or LJ did something bad. He pat her leg and asked her a series of questions. She one worded him every time.
“Zuri…. Oh.”
SB looked back to see Nicki walk in looking beautiful as ever. She didn’t have on any make up just lip glass, a tank top and some sweat shorts. He could see the lining of her phat box which made him semi hard. It quickly went away when he seen Lamar walk in behind her with Chick-Fil-A. Karen smacked his head because he hadn’t realized he was staring hard. She huffed and mumbled under her breath.
“I’m hungry FarBear. Can we go now?”
“What? Karen pump ya breaks. I came to see my child and that’s what I’m a do. Chill….”
“Okay..”
“Mommy, I don’t want her in here.”
“Well, Zuri I don’t have….”
“I want her out!”
“Alright honey.”
“Bear Bear why are you treating Karen like that?”
“Ask Karen how she treats us when you’re not around!”
“Zuri baby calm down.”
“Mommy I hate her.”
She looked at Karen’s shocked faced and sat up in the bed then like a gust of angry wind she spoke up and directly towards her.
“Get. Out. My. Room.”
“Lil Girl you don’t tell….”
“Get the fuck out!”
“Yo!”
“Oh hell no! You need to control your kids Safaree.”
LJ walked in as Karen sped out. He looked at everyone and everyone looked at him. Safaree got up to get Karen, but stopped in his tracks as Zuri spoke up.
“She always comes before us, doesn’t she?”
“Bear Bear….”
“Bye Safaree.”
Nicki walked out the room past Safaree. She cried walking outside to get some air. Zuri’s anger was becoming really clear to her and the last thing she needed was another angry child because SB didn’t know what or where to go. I have to do something and quickly.
Chapter 1
Nicki pushed past Lamar and reached for Zuri. Zuri laid on her mat lifeless. LJ raced around and hit the front of his bike tripping over a stone. Lamar held Nicki up as she cried.
“And scene.”
“Mommy, I’m a star did you see me not breathe.”
Nicki laughed at her and pulled her into a hug as she practiced her lines for the rewrite of Romeo and Juliet. LJ and his Drama teacher had a dispute about the concept of R&J. He thought it was stupid that the kids died because they were too pussy to tell their parents how they felt.
“LJ how did you like that?”
“Well I kind a broke my camera and don’t got it. Start over.”
“LJ! Daddy just bought you that stupid camera!”
“Lame stop talking to me!”
“Man, stop it being mean.”
“Tell her to mind her damn business.”
“Yo.”
“My bad.”
“Lamar what are we eating? Today’s your day to cook.”
Zuri stated pulling herself up with the back of the chair. Lamar looked over at her then back at Nic who was kissing on LJ as if he was a baby. LJ squirmed and kicked his foot out then attacked her back.
“Mom stop with your affection I’m almost grown.”
“Nigga you’re 12 go sit down!”
“Mommy and LJ can we get some attention?”
Nicki pushed LJ over the sofa and crawled over to Zuri. She smothered her with kisses and Eskimo kisses. Zuri giggled and wrapped herself around Nic. Lamar cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.
“Yes, honey.”
“I can’t cook tonight I have a meeting at the shop. Remember Nic?”
“I know, I never said you were cooking now did I?”
“No need for your smart remark. Sorry Zuri.”
“No chocolate chip pancakes for dinner, Fuck!”
“Zuri Amore Samuels!”
“Sorry mommy.”
“This is why I don’t like sending you guys over there.”
Nic mumbled looking at Lamar. The last few weeks Lamar had taken them to Safaree’s because Nancy had gotten sick with the flu. Lamar shook his head and picked Nic up giving her a deep kiss.
“It’ll be okay, don’t stress it.”
“I asked him to do one thing and he acts like he can’t do it. Don’t cuss around the kids.”
“Daddy didn’t teach us. Karen did whenever she gets mad at us…”
“Shut Up Zuri!”
“No Zuri what?”
Nicki asked pushing away from Lamar. Zuri looked at LJ, who huffed then shook his head. He released a loud huff. Zuri looked at Nicki and started crying.
“Zuri don’t start that.”
“You won’t let us go back over Daddy’s if I say anything.”
“Zuri…”
“No.”
“LJ, one of you better tell me something.”
“I plead the 5th. That’s my right.”
“And it’s my right to…”
“Nic don’t force em’ to talk. If they aren’t physically harmed let them deal with it with their dad.”
Nicki walked out of the room into the kitchen and began cooking and fixing a lunch for Lamar & the kids. She was pissed and wanted to call him, but she hadn’t talked to him over five years.
“And scene.”
“Mommy, I’m a star did you see me not breathe.”
Nicki laughed at her and pulled her into a hug as she practiced her lines for the rewrite of Romeo and Juliet. LJ and his Drama teacher had a dispute about the concept of R&J. He thought it was stupid that the kids died because they were too pussy to tell their parents how they felt.
“LJ how did you like that?”
“Well I kind a broke my camera and don’t got it. Start over.”
“LJ! Daddy just bought you that stupid camera!”
“Lame stop talking to me!”
“Man, stop it being mean.”
“Tell her to mind her damn business.”
“Yo.”
“My bad.”
“Lamar what are we eating? Today’s your day to cook.”
Zuri stated pulling herself up with the back of the chair. Lamar looked over at her then back at Nic who was kissing on LJ as if he was a baby. LJ squirmed and kicked his foot out then attacked her back.
“Mom stop with your affection I’m almost grown.”
“Nigga you’re 12 go sit down!”
“Mommy and LJ can we get some attention?”
Nicki pushed LJ over the sofa and crawled over to Zuri. She smothered her with kisses and Eskimo kisses. Zuri giggled and wrapped herself around Nic. Lamar cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.
“Yes, honey.”
“I can’t cook tonight I have a meeting at the shop. Remember Nic?”
“I know, I never said you were cooking now did I?”
“No need for your smart remark. Sorry Zuri.”
“No chocolate chip pancakes for dinner, Fuck!”
“Zuri Amore Samuels!”
“Sorry mommy.”
“This is why I don’t like sending you guys over there.”
Nic mumbled looking at Lamar. The last few weeks Lamar had taken them to Safaree’s because Nancy had gotten sick with the flu. Lamar shook his head and picked Nic up giving her a deep kiss.
“It’ll be okay, don’t stress it.”
“I asked him to do one thing and he acts like he can’t do it. Don’t cuss around the kids.”
“Daddy didn’t teach us. Karen did whenever she gets mad at us…”
“Shut Up Zuri!”
“No Zuri what?”
Nicki asked pushing away from Lamar. Zuri looked at LJ, who huffed then shook his head. He released a loud huff. Zuri looked at Nicki and started crying.
“Zuri don’t start that.”
“You won’t let us go back over Daddy’s if I say anything.”
“Zuri…”
“No.”
“LJ, one of you better tell me something.”
“I plead the 5th. That’s my right.”
“And it’s my right to…”
“Nic don’t force em’ to talk. If they aren’t physically harmed let them deal with it with their dad.”
Nicki walked out of the room into the kitchen and began cooking and fixing a lunch for Lamar & the kids. She was pissed and wanted to call him, but she hadn’t talked to him over five years.
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