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.