Chapter 9

Nicki walked up to the desk with LJ holding Zuri on his hip. She signed her name on the visitors sheet with her kids name also. The woman at the front desk peeked over the chart then pointed to the area that read "visiting who". Nicki sighed antsy to see him as she wrote his name. The lady grabbed the board then smacked her lips. Hell wrong with this bitch? Problem? She typed in the computer then smirked.

"He doesn't have a visit scheduled until two weeks."

"What? Why?"

"That's the plan for him."

"I need to see him right now."

"You can't."

"Mommy, come on we'll just..."

"No, Zuri... Go sit down."

Nicki pulled her phone out and dial Dr. Wilson. Two weeks, I can't do it. These folks have me all fucked up. I'm not with this, he could of did this at home. She pressed the buttons to be transferred to him then waited for him to answer.

"Hi, Dr. Wilson, this is Nicki.."

"Yes. I know and that's what I'm calling about. I need to see him today."

"Um huh, well had you not told him not to tell me then I wouldn't..."

"Okay."

She smirked at the lady behind the desk then pointed to the computer. She hung up and snapped at the behind her at the kids as the woman smacked her teeth.

"Go behind the double doors and down hallway A and his room is the second one on the right."

"Thanks.."

"Um huh."

She mumbled as they walked towards the double doors. Nicki pushed open the doors and waited until she saw him come into the family visitors room.

~~~~~~

SB jumped up when someone tapped on his room door. He sat on the edge of the bed and looked towards the door.

"Wassup?"

"Yo Coon B, you got visitors."

"What? I thought..."

"Coon, take it."

"Who is it?"

"I don't know, but Rob says its a fine ass lady in the family room."

"What? Must be my sister."

He got up excited about his early visitor. Maybe she brought some of mom's food. He walked through the hallway and looked over at Natalie.

"Wassup Nat."

"Hiiiii, Sexy Faree."

"I told you bout that."

"Hmph... Chocolate ass."

She thought she whispered, but he heard her. He laughed to himself at her thirst and then pulled the door open and smiled big as he saw Zuri standing on a chair shouting from the top of her lungs.

"Hey my name is Zuri, YEAH, I love.... DADDY!"

"Daddy?"

"Missed you guys yo."

"Dad! Come home man."

"Can't lil dude, kind of busy here."

"Okay."

"Don't look so sad son, where's ya mom?"

"Went to get something to eat."

"That's why you on that chair like that."

"The wild things come out when Mama not around."

Zuri said in a country voice. He laughed with LJ as she walked around like a gunman in western time. She stopped and smiled at them as she bowed.

"Is this where you'll be for two weeks?"

"Yep, so now you don't have to worry about where I'm at."

"You okay in here?"

"Yeah Amore why?"

"Its so quiet & that man looks scary."

She stated pointing through the glass window. Earl stood there, but he wasn't looking at them and SB knew this. He got up and went to go talk to him and then the man left as he came back in.

"He's a nice dude just some issues guys."

"Like what?"

"Can't tell you that."

"Can't tell them what?"

He looked up to see Nicki with four plates in a bag in one hand and a cup holder with four drinks in the other. She sat it on the table as she waited to hear what he had to say.

"Nothing, why would I say it in front of them if I said I can't tell em' Nic?"

"Point taken. Well they're about to go in the lobby with Nancy when she gets here."

"Oh, you hired her back?"

"She was never fired."

"What?"

"Come sit at this table you two and eat."

They walked over and sat at the table as she popped the lids of the plate and handed them their food. Zuri smiled at her plate and started singing like she always did when she was excited about something.

"Thank the LAWDT for this gewdt foodt I'm bout to put in my tummy yummy unmmy!"

"Shut up, Zur Zur."

"My brother is a pain,,. Don don don.... OHHH Yess he's a pain!!"

"Zuri?"

"Yes motherrrrrr? I'm bout to say the prayerrrrr!"

She smiled up at her mother then over at her father who was cracking up at her coonish ways. She stood up and grabbed for his hand. He walked over and grabbed her hand and because he was standing next to Nic he grabbed hers as she prayed. He looked at her and she stared back. He rubbed her hand then pulled her close as he leaned forward and kissed her. She pulled back and stared down at the floor biting her lip.

"Amen, Good God lets eat!!"

"Come on Zuri & LJ"

They all looked back to see Nancy. They smiled at each other then she walked over giving SB a hand shake. She was frightened of him. She stepped back and followed the kids out the room.

"Sit down, I bought you some food."

"I'm good, we get..."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I told my mom..."

"I said you, not your mom."

"I didn't want you coming up here, but I see that didn't stop you."

"I missed you. I love you. Why won't you let me help you instead of doing it by yourself?"

"I've done enough to hurt my family, I don't need you guys in this matter besides being on the sideline for support. Nic, let me do this for me."

"What about US?"

"When I get myself together then I can work on us."

"Whatever... Sounds selfish to me."

He sat back against the chair and put his head on the wall with his eyes closed. She stuck some chicken in her mouth and stared over at him. He acting like he can't do this from home. He just want to be up here away from home. Who does he think he is talking to?

"How long is the visit?"

"Bitch at the front told me 2 hours after you got in here."

"Oh, okay."

"Why? You ready for us to leave?"

"What? No, I'm just trying..."

"To get rid of us."

"That's not what I'm doing! If you just let me talk... Fuck it."

He stood up and slammed the chair into the table. Nicki jumped up and grabbed his arm. He snatched away from her, but she grabbed him again.

"I'm sorry, talk to me baby."

"So you can interrupt?"

"No, I'm listening."

He looked her over and stared into her face. She pulled him back to his chair as she kicked it out. He sat down and watched her grab her plate and sit in his lap. He knew what she was doing.

"I'm not gone get up baby."

"And I'm a make sure."

"I need to see your face, I've missed it."

She turned around and straddled his lap. He shook his head. Well I asked to see her face and I see it. He watched her eat as if she was eating for a family of five plus. She smiled with food in her cheeks. He sat with a stone face. No motion. No emotion. No blinking. Nothing just staring.

Her face was glowing as her cheeks moved up and down as her mouth curved, lips poking in and out. Her eyes were big and bright as she talked to him about how much she missed him, about the kids and when he was coming home. He leaned forward as he grabbed her chin and kissed it. He slowly moved along her jawline to her neck. She placed her hand without the chicken on to his shoulder and ate with the other as she moaned both at the sensation he was causing with his lips and the goodness of the chicken. God I'm too hungry and the way he's sucking on my neck... I hope he's ready to eat.

"Faree, where's your room?"

"Why?"

"I need the dick."

"It's only been..."

"Too long lets go."

She stood up and looked at him. He looked up her as if she was crazy. She put her finger up and left out the room. I'm not having sex with her in this place, she tripping. Damn, trying to take a man goods. He started to follow after her when LJ and Zuri came rushing into the room.

"Bye Dad!"

"Bye Daddy, kiss?"

"Huh, where..."

"Going with Nancy to the ice cream shop."

"Kiss?"

He picked her up and kissed her then dapped up LJ and ruffled his hair. They ran out the room as Nic stood by the door eying him. She smirked and walked up on him. He backed up until he hit the back door. She smiled seductively as she reached into his sweats.

"We not doing this here."

"Where's your room, Faree?"

"You can wait two weeks."

"Welp, I'm taking you right here."

She pushed her hands back in his pants and grabbed his penis before he pulled her hands out. No draws? Oh. She stroked him causing him to lean his head back. She pushed his pants down and smiled at him being rock hard.

"Why don't you have on draws? Who you free bawling for?"

"Washing my clothes."

"Um huh."

"Since you not letting up, come on."

He pulled his pants up and grabbed her stuff off the table then lead her through the double doors. Nat wasn't there so he hit the button and let them in. She walked down the hall and found his name then pushed the door open. Small, but roomy. Cute. She looked behind her to see him talking to some guy. She pulled off her shirt and bottoms then cleared her throat. He looked back and his eyes went buck then he faced his friend and said something then shut and locked the door.

"Yo, what's up with that? Don't do that shit no more."

"You have an hour and ten minutes. Lets go."

******

"Nicki!"

"What?"

"You didn't need it that bad."

"Yes I did. He gave it up."

"I can't stand your ass."

"What I do?"

"You stay raping that fool and he just go with the flow."

"My dick."

Lauren frowned then howled out at the serious look on her face as her friends asked what went day a few days ago. She spilled the beans after they forced her by pinning her to the floor and beating her with their fist.

"Nic, are you pregnant?"

"Huh?"

"You heard me!"

She smirked a little as she looked down at the cheese pizza she was engulfing like it was going somewhere. They're eyes got big as they figured the answer was yes. She started crying as they hugged her tight.

"Why are you crying?"

"I didn't tell him."

"What? Why not?"

"It's his baby right?"

"Of course, but the doctor said he might not make it."

"He? Wait, Nic how far along are you?"

"Six months."

"Bitch, what the hell?"

"Shhhhh.."

She pulled up her shirt and showed them her visible stomach. It was out enough to know that she was pregnant, but small enough to think she was just bolted. They all rubbed it as she looked down and rubbed over it. She had been to the doctor and knew it the second month of conceiving. She bit at her bottom lip as they all sat back, Lauren, Candi, Tyesha and Iesha, looking over her.

"What's going on?"

"He isn't growing or eating much even though I'm eating a whole two houses."

"What the doctor say?"

"Stress..."

"Safaree?"

"Stress."

"Because of Safaree Nic don't keep acting like it isn't him."

"Us."

"Nic you're only stressing because of him don't blame yourself."

"But he wouldn't be this way had I not been so pushy with him coming home."

"Nicki, are you fucking serious? You know what let me get out of here because I won't sit here and listen to you blame yourself because he's too caught up on another bitches cuchie who fucked him over and taking it out on the people he say he loves. You didn't do shit, but love the dumb ass fool, taking his back and forth and confusion. Ha! I never would of thought I'd see a weak Onika and over a man."

Candi shouted stuffing her arm in her jacket and grabbed her keys. Nicki sat staring a hole in her back. No-one understood and she was done trying to explain to her friends. She pushed up off the seat and left them in the living room.

"I'm going to take a nap before my babies come home."

~~~~~~

Nicki rolled over to feel hair all over her face. She sat up and peered down at Zuri who was sprawled out over the sheets. She looked towards the end of the bed at LJ and Iris on the floor. She crawled to the end of the bed to see then drawing on a large paper pad. She laid on her stomach and watched them as Iris pointed to places he messed up or she liked. He smirked when she touched his curls then laid down her head near his leg. It was like they were speaking through actions and she thought it was the cutest thing.

"Awww."

They both jumped and looked back at her. She sat up and slid of the side of the bed into her slippers. She looked them over then headed out her room door. LJ and Iris were right on her trail. She walked down the stairs to smell food and hear talking.

"Hey little miss sleepy head."

"You guys are still here, Awww!"

"Yep, decided we'll make sure you stay stress free and our nephew gets better."

"Why you didn't tell us mom?"

"Cause I don't know if he'll live or not."

She stated feeling sad all over again. TT sensed her mood changed and hurried over to her rescue.

"Look, today we're all going to relax and watch movies.. Eat snacks and stuff."

"Yay! Come on Iris."

******

Nas pulled up and stepped up to Nicki as she held her arms out to him. He hugged her tight taking in her smell. She smiled stepping back and taking in his presence. He walked with her into the coffee shop. He looked over her combed hair that was in a ponytail. She smiled at him as he reached for her hand.

"Thanks for meeting me here Tanya."

"That's what friends are for right?"

"Yeah, right."

"So wassup?"

He paused then looked her in the eyes. They flashed gray as they pierced his soul. She became uneasy at the stare down he was giving her. She shifted in her seat, but kept her eyes on him and slowly pulled her hand out of his hands. He licked his lips then slummed into his chair.

"I need some closure, Onika."

"We've been over for five plus years Nasir, so..."

"And I haven't gotten over you since then."

"Well what do you want me to do?"

"Be mine."

He stated aggressively. She squinted her eyes at him to see if he was serious. She breathe in slow then out. She bit at the side of her lip then stared him in the face. His balls are getting too big. She stood up and shook her head.

"Bye Nas."

"Where are you going?"

"Back to my shop. I'm not dealing with your shit right now."

"Answer me now!"

"Nas let go of my hand, so I can leave."

"Onika, answer me dammit."

"NO NAS! I DONT WANT TO BE WITH YOU!"

"Why?"

He whined. Nicki rolled her eyes in disgust. He better not start acting like a little bitch nigga. As soon as the thought sunk in, he got on his knees and began begging for her to take him back. She stepped around him and rushed out the door.

He stood outside the car door pulling it. Nicki sat in the seat trying to calm herself down for the baby's sake, but nothing was working. She stepped out the car and walked up to him and jabbed Nas in the face.

"Get the fuck off my car and leave me the hell alone."

"Nic, I love you."

"Then let me go and be happy."

"Ma'am are you okay?"

"Yes, I just need to get him off my car so I can go home."

"Sir can..."

"No, she hit me, look!"

He looked over the ring print in the side of Nas' face. He looked back at Nic and shook his head.

"Do you want to press charges sir?"

"What? Really! This fool has been holding me hostage out here and you're asking does..."

"Naw, she can go."

The police officer stepped back and let her get in her car. She got in and as she pulled off she shoot them both a bird then sped off. I wish that fucker would pull me over. She looked in her rear view mirror. Assholes.

"If I ever run into that bastard again when I'm not pregnant I'm going to fuck him up."

Chapter 8

Nicki rolled over to look at SB snoring away. She looked down over her body and groaned at how tired she look and felt. She had stayed up and listened most of the night as he argued with Karen in his sleep. She still has a hold on him that I can't compete with. She got up and looked over herself in the mirror and noticed her pale face and thinning hair. I'm stressing out too much, I'm looking so basic and bald. She sighed then walked to the bathroom and began her morning ritual.

She paced to the bedroom after getting out in her bathrobe. She grabbed her clothes and placed them in the clothes basket then walked into the warm bedroom. She looked over at the empty bed then around for Safaree. She shrugged then went to her dresser and pulled out a pink and white bra/thong set that would go under her black and pink business suit. She began putting on her underwear when SB came storming in the room and grabbed a belt. She watched his body language then they glimpsed into each others' eyes as he walked out. Nicki hopped to her feet after putting on her bra and followed behind him.

"Zuri didn't I tell you to get up!"

"Ya ya ya yeah."

"So you heard me and you STILL laid there."

"B b b b but....."

He swung the belt and hit her across the legs. Nicki stepped in and grabbed his arm before he hit her again. He yanked away and turned facing her. Zuri balled behind them as they stared each other down. He is so fucking stupid. It's four in the morning where the hell is she going? She crossed her arms across her chest.

"WHAT THE FUCK?"

"Stop yelling it's FOUR in the morning! Zuri go back to sleep."

"No Zuri stay up so I can finish whooping your ass."

Zuri stood in place near the bed. She looked confused as who to listen to. Nicki eyed her and she got in the bed slowly. Nicki looked at him and grabbed his shirt. She pulled him out of Zuri's room. She turned out the lights and closed the door.

"Safaree, I can't deal with you... I don't know what.... Actually I do ... And you're about to be living where ever the fuck she lives at if you ever hit my baby again like that at fucking we hours of the day! You got that?"

"Yo I don't know who the fuck you think you talking too, but you better fix up and I mean now. Before I use this belt on you."

"Lloyd don't fucking flatter yourself, I will fuck you up. I'm tired of your constant bullshit, bitching and baggage. You want that bitch Karen so bad then go get her and get the fuck out of my bed and home!"

She screamed becoming upset at everything that happened in the last four months. He stood there looking at her face. She walked off and started to get dressed. He walked in looking her over and not caring about what she said. She better calm that shit down.

"You making breakfast?"

"No, I'm going out for break.."

He grabbed her arm and turned her around and snarled in her face.

"Who the fuck you meeting?"

"No-one, I always go out for breakfast it's Tuesday."

She said looking into his angry eyes. This isn't the same Safaree, I miss my baby. She let tears fall from her face as she looked at the man before her. He was hurting, angry and out of character. His hard look softened once he saw her crying. He let her go and sat on the chair near the bed and put his head in his hands and cried.

"I'm sorry Nicki."

She didn't respond just grabbed her purse and placed it on the bed. She pulled on her clothes then stepped into her heels. It's going to take more than sorry, he needs some help and hopefully Dr. Wilson can help him, us. She grabbed her purse and brushes passed him into Zuri's room.

"Wake up baby, get your clothes, book bag and lets go."

"We leave..."

"No, I'm going to get LJ and you need to be by the door, ready to go."

"Okay."

Nicki stood by the door and watched as Zuri swung her legs over the bed and grabbed her toothbrush and walked past her. She followed her behind her making her way into LJ's room. She crept around all his things on the floor. Why is his room so junkie? I've told him...

"SHIT!"

She blurted out hitting her knee on a small desk in his room. She bent forward grabbing her knee as LJ sat up and clicked on his light. He stepped out of his bed and aided her. She pushed his hand back as she stood up and looked around his room.

"When you get home, you better clean this shit up."

"Sorry, mom."

"Yeah, Yeah... Get your clothes for today and book bag and lets go."

She stated limping out of his room. She limped down the stairs and into the kitchen. She grabbed two cereal bars, orange juice and her cup of tea then stretched out her leg as she walked towards the door.

"Bye, I'm out the door."

She stood against the sofa as they both ran down the stairs. She smirked as she held out their breakfast and followed them out the door.

~~~~~~

"What you doing here so early?"

"I have the kids and I'm going to meet this therapist before I kill him."

"Who, LJ?"

"Senior."

"What happen?"

"What's not happening?"

Candi leaned against her desk and looked over the papers she was shuffling around. Nicki picked up a few more papers before looking up at Melissa.

"Go get the kids out the car."

"You left my babies in the car?"

"They're sleeping and they have to go to school at nine after their doctors appointment."

"So take them to the doctor, feed them and drop them off at school?"

"Yes, please and make sure Zuri doesn't leave your sight when you guys get there cause..."

"I know just get your husband right, so he can do this shit."

"Love you!!"

She shouted rushing out the back door. She kissed her kids as she made her way back to her car. She looked in the mirror then out at the road as she hurried down the road. She pulled out the paper and called out what she saw on it to her GPS.

~~~~~~

Nicki sat in the lounge waiting to be called back. Oh my gosh, a whole thirty minutes and I haven't been called. She looked around the empty lounge and sighed. What's the point of making an appointment and he's still late? She sat up on the edge of the chair and leaned on the arm of it staring at the door.

"Miss Maraj?"

"Yes."

"Dr. Wilson will have you."

"Okay."

Pauz. Nicki thought laughing to herself as she followed behind the young girl. She walked down the hall after the woman as she turned down a hallway then opened a door and stood to the side letting her in. A tall, slim and pale male stood as she walked in. They exchanged hand shake and sat down.

"How can I help you Miss Maraj?"

"Dr. Wilson, my boyfriend needs help."

"What's going on?"

"He's controlling, fighting and arguing in his sleep and not himself."

"Hmm, and what is that you want me to do?"

"Help him the best way you can, so I can have him back."

He looked her over then sat up against the desk. This fool better be able to help me. Three hours away from home and it's already ten am. She sighed once he stood up and handed her a piece of paper and a book.

"This is a discount for in home camera so that you can film his activity in the house. I want you to set up all the cameras in each room including bathrooms, but face them only towards the sink away from the showers and this book is my work and what I will be doing from the observation of the videos. I want you to do this for two weeks then come back and see me."

"Thank you so much."

She squealed a little. He nodded his head then walked back around his desk. God, one step to getting him back to normal. She thought turning to make her way out the door.

"Oh, Miss Maraj when you come back in two weeks being the footage."

"I will."

********

[Thursday]

Sonja, SB's mother, paced back and forth as Nicki sat quiet not feeling a thing like she was numb. They both had no words as Sonja read over the letter Nicki had given to her. What the hell am I going to do? He can't be serious. She didn't know whether to be sympathetic or pissed off. I'm right here every fucking day dealing with his shit and he ups and leaves. She sat on his mother's sofa staring at the letter. It was long, but the words felt distant. "Nicki I'm sorry, I need space." Space from what? I'm the one who she be asking for space!

"Onika baby?"

"Mom."

"Talk baby, talk to me."

"What is there to say?"

"You're thinking, so you have something to say."

Nicki shook her head and sighed loudly as the tears fell from her eyes. Sonja came to her and tried comforting her, but she pushed her away. She birthed this dumb ass fool.

"Your son is so fucking selfish it don't make any sense. I'm so tired of going the extra mile of letting this fool in and he walks out again. Three days. Should've known his ass was gone again."

Nicki shook her head and balled up the note. She stood up and grabbed her purse from the table. I can't even be here right now, let me go pick up my kids.

"Mom, I'll call you later, I love you and tell him I love him too when he calls you."

"Okay baby."

~~~~~~

SB sat in his room and thought about what he was going to write for the days activity. What makes me angry? As the thought sank into his head, Karen came up. SB sat up and put her name on his activity board under the question then listed the reasons why and on the other side was Nicki's name and the things he had done to her because of his sadness, anger and jealous behavior.

SB had gotten a call from Dr. Wilson Tuesday after lunch and had started questioning him because it was Nic's phone that he had called to update her, but he answered. When he found out who Dr. Wilson was he relaxed and told him that he needed to be seen sooner than two weeks. Dr. Wilson had contacted him back two hours after their first conversation and had him set up for in home therapy at his office.

That Tuesday before his family came home he packed lightly, but enough so not to alarm them. He took the three hour drive to the place and got signed in and placed in his temporary home for two weeks. If he got better without the medicine then he could go home, but if he needed to be put on it then he could have visitors.

"Yo, Beezy you up?"

"Yeah, what's up Craig?"

"You can make your two phone calls."

"Two?"

"I pulled some strings and got you a deal with Doc."

"What's the catch?"

"You have to speak first at the next meeting."

"I can do that."

He answered get up from his spot and making his way to the phone booth. He sat on the chair and first dialed his mother. As the phone rang he thought about calling Nic, but didn't want to face the anger he knew she had towards him. He looked at the clock and noticed that the kids were at after school. I'll call them.

"Hello?"

"Ma?"

"Safaree? Where are you?"

"Getting help."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm alright... I miss you guys."

"We miss you, Nicki was here a couple if hours ago... She got your letter."

"She mad?"

"Mad isn't the word son."

"She just don't understand man, I need this space for myself and her. Tell her that I'm seeing Dr. Wilson and I'm getting help. I'll be home in two weeks or she can come visit in two weeks...."

"Calm down, I will let her know, be safe and get better for your kids and wife. She said she loves you."

"Karen?"

"No Nicki."

"Don't call her my wife, that's my life."

She smiled on the other end of the phone as SB became upset a little at the mention of "wife". It finally clicked that Karen was his problem and she was fucking up his life while she was actually fighting to save hers. He explained to his mom about the program and his small progresses of explaining his feelings more freely and open. She was excited to hear that in only a few days he was making better of himself and before she hung up, she prayed for him and they disconnected.

He took a deep breath and called LJ's phone. It felt like it was ringing forever as he waited to hear his young voice. He jerked a little at the sound of Zuri's high pitched voice yelling hello in a sing song voice.

"Heeeyyyylllooooo, LJ's sister speaking, speak yo mind."

LJ cackled in the background as she spoke. SB sat quiet as they share a laugh then Zuri began to talk again. This time annoyed.

"Hello? Are you going to talk or are you just going to listen to me talk?"

"Amore, is that how you talk to grown people?"

"DADDY!"

"What Dad? Let me talk to him!"

"No, I answered for him."

"So it's my phone."

"Take it from me and I'll tell Mommy you got one."

SB chuckled as LJ mumbled. Zuri began rumbling off and talking about what was going on at the After School then got quiet not hearing him respond.

"Daddy you there?"

"Yeah, Amore."

"Why you leave us? Mommy was crying."

"I'm taking care of some business and I'll be back in two weeks."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Here LJ, talk to daddy cry baby."

"Punk, give me my stuff before I punch you out."

"Do it!"

"Shut up, What's up Big Guy?"

"Cool, Lil Dude... You holding it down at the crib?"

"Trying, but women are so emotional and punkish, like Zuri."

"No I'm not... I'm tougher than you."

"Anyways, when you coming back, Big Guy?"

"Two weeks if everything goes good..."

"Wait, what does that mean? You and Mommy mad at each other?"

"No... I don't think so... It's a lot to explain son, but I'm coming back home."

"You better... You promised you'd stay forever. Can we come see you?"

"In two weeks."

"Is everything in two weeks? What if I need a man talk before....."

"Mommy's outside."

"Do you want to talk to Mom?"

"I'll talk to her later, ya'll be good and stay off your mom's nerves."

"Got it! I won't... Can't say the same for Zay."

"You keep her in check."

They said their goodbyes then SB made his way out of the booth and to his third meeting with Dr. Wilson and the other six people that were in his group. He held his activity board in his hand and prepared to talk to the group about his problem for the first time since he had gotten there.

******

"MOMMY, GUESS WHAT?"

"Yes, Zay'more."

"We talk to Daddy today."

"Your mouth is always running.."

"We weren't suppose to tell her. Oh."

"Dummy."

"LJ don't start that secret shit with me again. Zay'more you can tell me anything and everything. Don't be like your brother cause that could get you popped."

Nicki said looking over at him. He smirked showing his deep dimples then looked out the window, then back to see if she was still looking at him and she was. She huffed then looked in the rear view mirror at Zuri. Zuri smiled then began to tell her about the conversation she had with SB.

"Daddy said he will be back in two weeks."

"He told me if everything goes alright."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Mommy are you mad?"

"No, why?"

"You're cursing..."

"No, Mommy's just tired...."

Of you father's bullshit and stupidity. Two weeks and where the fuck is he that he can go for two weeks? I don't know a damn please for yourself that you can just go for two weeks. He could of told me where he's going instead of just up and leaving. Acting like I'm the damn person who's trying to harm him. I'm the one who needs a fucking break from him not this way around. She thought pulling out of the lot.

"He said he's handling some business..."

"Yep, business."

'Did he ask about me?"

"No, but I asked if he wanted to talk to you and he said no."

"Wow, okay."

"Don't be sad Mommy maybe next time he'll talk to you and not us."

"Shut up, Zuri.."

"I'm just trying to help you fat meanie."

"Fat mouth."

"Fat head."

"LJ and Zay not right now."

They both silenced at once looking and watching her movement as she went into her purse for her phone. She pulled it out and called his mother as tears fell down her face. She slowed down as she came closer to the house and her vision became cloudy with tears. So he didn't ask about me at all? Like I'm not hurting and like this doesn't fucking affect me also. I can't believe this bastard. All this shit and I can't even get a simple, I'm sorry from him personally?

"Onika.. Hey..."

"Mom, your son called the kids."

"That's good and he called me too."

"What?"

"Yes, he told me to let you know that he's at Dr. Wilson in home mental caring insitiute and that he should be out in two weeks if he's doing good without needing medicine and that you'll get a call when you can come visit him."

"Wait, Dr. Wilson? How did he find out?"

"I'm not sure, but I'm glad he's getting some help, oh and he said he loves you."

"Me too and here I am cussing him out and he's doing the right thing."

Sonja laughed as Nicki went on a rant about him being secretive about it. The kids looked at her as if she was bipolar as she beamed up with happiness. Zuri and LJ exchanged looks as she stepped out the car and followed them in the house.

"Yes, Mom."

"Let me call you back Onika."

"Okay, Talk to you later."

They hung up then Nicki turned to the kids and smiled. They awkwardly smiled back as she hugged them super tight. I don't think I can wait two weeks to see him.It's been three days and I'm going nuts.

"Kids, pack up your stuff we're going to see Daddy."

Chapter 7

Nicki was in the boutique forcing smiles and trying to put on for her customers. It worked for them, but not for Lauren and Candi. She looked to see that it was his lunch break, so she unlocked the back then made her way back to the front.

"Nicki talk to us?"

"Can we have lunch at two and I'll explain everything."

"Alright."

Candi walked around helping male clients with the new male section of Barbz called Kenz. SB walked in glistening like a diamond ball. He made eye contact with Nicki, who was talking to a male client.

"I think this would be a lovely piece for your wife."

"Would you wear it?"

"Of course, everything in here I hand picked."

"Would you try it...."

"No she won't and I suggest you keep it cute, nigga."

SB spoke as he walked up behind her. She gave the client the piece and smiled small as she followed behind SB. He looked angry, so she didn't speak until he said something.

"Where's my food?"

"In the microwave."

"Can you heat it up for me?"

"Sure."

She walked off to the employee kitchen and warmed up his food. Melissa came up to her and frowned.

"Nicki, you need to let him go."

"It isn't that simple."

~~~~~~

"What?"

"SAY THAT AGAIN ONIKA!"

"Shh, please."

"That's worse than fucking hitting you, he might as well beat yo ass."

"I think it has something to do with Karen, but all he does is sit around yelling and controlling my every move."

"He really said you can't go out without him."

"Yes, told me that you guys aren't allowed in the house, fired Nancy and even told me that the kids aren't allowed to have friends over."

"This fool is out of his brain cells. Nicki don't make me have to beat Safaree's ass."

"What do you want, Nic?"

"A break! I know that if I tell him that, then it will just start his rage."

"You really need to leave him before he hurts you or the kids. He really needs to get himself together."

"Karen has his mind gone..."

"And speaking of her, every day he slips up and calls me her and when we have sex it only gets worse."

"Woah, no he isn't."

Nicki nodded her head as the tears flowed from her eyes. Her and SB hadn't been happy since he moved in, only faking it around the kids. He wasn't the same and everything she did was wrong. She sighed putting her head on the table. It wasn't even a minute before Candi tapped her.

"Nika, there is Nas."

Nicki's head shot up and she smiled big. God, I can't believe he came. She stood up and hugged him as she took in his scent. He held her tight and squeezed her.

"I'm glad you showed up. You remember my girls, Candi and Lauren."

"Hey Ladies."

"Hi, Nas."

They said at the same time. Nicki was all smiles as he sat next to her giving her little flirty winks and grins. They all sat and caught up on old times until he had to leave.

"I'll see you guys later."

"Bye."

Nicki looked at them and became blush red.

"What's up?"

"Nothing, he sent me flowers two days ago."

"You seeing him?"

"Hell no, I'm waiting for my man at home to act right!"

"You can't make him..."

"I can't give him up either. He needs help."

"Nic, he's going to kill you mentally before he gets help at least get the kids out of harms way."

"Please, Nic."

"He wouldn't hurt them, so they're fine."

"You don't know!"

Lauren shouted as Nicki stormed out of the place. Even though he's making my life hell. I'm not going to top him from seeing his kids. This isn't just about us. She let a few tears run her make as she pulled out the lot and made her way home. I'm not giving up on him, this is only part of a storm. She told herself, but feeling a totally different way as she made her way home.