Onika Maraj.
I could feel my heart racing as I sunk into the couch, palms clammy against the fabric. The bosom space offered no solace today.
It felt different. Heavier somehow. My mind ran wild but my words felt stuck, deeply trapped in a knot in my throat. I glanced around, trying find some sort of comfort within these four walls.
"Nice furniture."
"Yes, I've went for a modest approach to soothe all the newcomers. Courtesy to my husband, this spot was in need for something ... quite."
I nervously laughed. "Yeah ... Yeah."
The awkward silence between us felt like an abyss and I struggled terribly to gather the courage to speak, unravel the mess in my head.
"So, what would you like to focus on today?"
"Eager, aren't you?"
"I prefer perseverance." Bates said gleefully, looking over written pages in her journal. "Helping everyone that is need, guiding them through deranged tunnels with high hopes they'll finally see the lighting at the end. There should never be any delay or difficulties in finding serenity, care to agree?"
The room returned an heavy weigh of the unspoken as I scratched my throat. I could feel the amount of pressure rising, silence extending.
Dr. Bates maintained a calm presence, allowing the quietness to settle in for a moment. The air seemed charged, waiting for one to break the stillness.
Subsequent she leaned forward and looked directly into my eyes with an unexpected shift in expression, softly prompting "How about we start something light, how's the adjustment to motherhood?"
"It can be uh ... nourishing for the most part."
"And in between the cracks?"
"Exhausting!"
We laughed.
"That's common especially juggling with children so I can only imagine. How is their mother or secondary guardian with them? Any help?"
"God! ... Beyoncé ... She's absolutely amazing with them. Every single one of them. Yeah, she loves them and very easygoing yet so protective. Tell you the truth, they think she's the coolest parent ever."
Bates chuckled. "Well, I hate to be the one to break it to you but the parent with the candy and green is the super fly one. Can't do no wrong."
"Oh I'm learning that now!" I laughed.
"Hmph. I'm sure relocating to a new city come with detachments. Did you manage to grab another day job hun? Or career, perhaps? Hm?"
"Right. I— We bought a boutique."
"Really?!" She exclaimed. "That's great! Astounding even, Congratulations new business owner."
"Thank you." I weakly smiled.
"Is there any troubling? Starting a business can real difficult and managing other things at the same time can put a strain on one's battered soul."
"It can but I have a good team behind me so we're off to a fantastic start."
"That's good. That's good." Bates grinned, bobbing her head. "So one would presume that the new city did more good than harm. Hm?"
The enclosed space made everything feel strangely, almost contrived once more. Everything in my head was a jumbled mess. I still carried an awful amount of weight from what happened.
I cast a quick look all over, hesitant to voice the low turmoil within. "I ... I-I haven't worked enough to uh say this ..." I started, barely heard. "There was man who hurt me emotionally and ... Sorry."
My words faded swallowed, by the fear of enduring those haunting incidents. The walls seemed easing yet daunting– walls that might contain my suffering or strengthen it.
"It's okay, take your time." She said softly.
I deeply sighed. "My childhood wasn't just lollipops and ice cream. Sometimes it rained. I-It rained a lot real bad with nowhere to run or take cover."
"So where did you go when ... it rained?"
"Underneath my bed!" I bursted into sobs, squeezing in words out of the unfathomable pain that continue to plague me. "But he was always there."
"Who hurt you?"
"Geri ... Gerald."
Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop a huge testament to the pain etched within. The flashbacks rose up, overwhelming my senses.
"He was a family ... friend .. He used to be sweet to me until he wasn't. It started when I was ten .. naive and so stupid. He put his hand.. i-in my panties and rubbed his groin on my ass until he– this frequently happened a lot till I was twelve. He um ..went away a-and for a long time I blamed myself. Harping with guilt, disgusted with myself. I-I couldn't tell anyone what we done. So ... so I tried so hard pretending it didn't happen but it did! and when he reunited with us again, it got worse. gruesome more violent when I tried to fight. My pleads aroused him a-and it was not until I was hospitalized from a torn cervix t-that he finally went away! But the damage was done, so broken. He left pain and hurt that's been toying with me ever ... since ... I-I."
"Is this what keeping you up at night?"
"Yes." I sobbed.
The mere act of revealing those unvarnished aching moments made me feel exposed. Yet each teardrop that fell seem to shed just a tiny bit of pain that was hidden deep within.
My eyes fixated on my trembling fingers intertwined in my lap. More tears spilled as the heavy weight of my story hung in the air.
When I slowly looked up, I was met with a light grin, an aura of kindness and empathy in the midst of all my upheaval despondency.
"Identifying and discussing these poor experiences is an important beginning in stripping ownership of your story and salvation. Your resilience to triumph over past experiences reflects you, not the incident that happened to you." Bates uttered.
"Still won't get the nightmares to stop."
"Yet." She objected. "Dreams, partially those rooted in childhood experiences, can be complex. It's sort of like a bridge between the past and present. You are better off biting that bullet. Or else, your mind will be left picking at unresolved issues."
I nodded. "Okay. S-So what's next to come?"
"Healing. Restoration. Together, we'll work through this at a pace that feel right for you, creating a safe space where YOUR voice and feelings are honored and validated." Bates replied.
Her words, like a lifeline, reached out to me offering solace and encouragement. They woven hope into the dark tapestry of my past life.
It was like a fleeting moment but in that exchange, I found a glimmer of reassurance. That rehabilitation was possible, even amidst the tears and pain.
-•
Meanwhile
"Where you want us to put this?"
"Uh the storage unit on the left." I answered.
The boutique stood there, full of potential but in dire need of a few final adjustments for it grand opening nearing in a few months.
My friends and I flooded the venue with intention of adding more life to it, bearing appliance and shared enthusiasm. Well ... eh somewhat.
"Yo! What she order, bricks?" Cameron complained, carrying huge boxes inside.
"Man I feel I-I'm about to pass out." Trex added.
"Drink some water. You'll be aight." I responded.
We assembled shelves, hung up dainty posters and adjusted the lighting to highlight each and every bit of this space. The smell of fresh paint blended with the assurance of a fresh start.
Onika had mapped out her elegant design and bits of ideas but never got around to execute the entire plan. So to help out, I took lead as a courtesy token of unconditional love for her.
I'll do anything for baby.
The small storefront changed with each minute that went by, highlighting our devotion to maintaining an ideal clothing retreat.
Together, we worked swiftly despite slight pain and deprivation. I helped fold clothing, rearrange the furniture, and brought in more crates filled with supplies.
"Remind me... w-why we doing this again?" Shawn managed between pants, bending forward to catch his breath. "Whew ... man ... shit."
His chest rose and fell rapidly as he tried to recover his composure. Trex joined in after carrying another set of crates to the basement.
"Because flower girl is pussy whipped."
"If I knew I'll be dealing with whiny boys I would've been better off offering a couple bucks to the high school dropouts down the street."
"Damn ease up Scar." Trex chortled.
"Yo, where to put this?" Charles asked, holding two stacked clothing boxes in his arms.
"Basement. Far right." Lauren instructed.
"Well goddam! We got generals in this bih."
"Only one putting in work." I laughed, smushing the back of her head and flopped onto a couch. "When you going to pop off those press ons and give us a hand? Put it to good use."
"In these Gianvito heels? I don't think so."
"That's right baby! You tell them girl." Trex cheered.
He moved behind the couch and bent down to give her a kiss. Lauren immediately rejected, pushing his head away from her face.
"Un un! Back up off me." She retorted.
"Damn, so it's like that?" He guffawed.
"Now you know, Robyn ain't going for that."
"Excuse you?"
I smirked. "Yeah ease up off Wolverine's pussy."
"Uh hello! Robyn does not own me!" She retorted.
"Yeah that's flattering."
"It's true! aannddd ... last time I check I'm not even the one getting married. So uh hush."
"That's because I'm woman enough to claim what's mine." I proudly boasted while sliding over a couple boxes to the men. "Basement."
Loud laughter jammed the place until a chime of an incoming text came through. My eyes were roughly drawn away as I peered at my phone.
Runner: Here.
Runner: In need for signature.
I warily paced outside the shop and spotted the old man with a bag. A bright smile carried each step as I approached an associate.
"Miguel, Miguel." I chirped.
"Shot-caller!" He cracked a laugh and extended his hand. "Long time no see."
I chuckled. "Eh just a hot min."
We broke out in more laughter, and as the roar went down, we flung ourselves into an rashly hug. Shortly, I retracted a couple footsteps.
His eyes wandered, merely on the custom all yellow matte AMG. "Say when you're going to lemme take one of these toys off your hands?"
"Hmph." I sighed deeply. "I don't know Mick, I think your hands pretty full with all those kids you had out of wedlock, going on nine right?"
"Ten." Miguel said matter-of-factly.
"Terrible."
"Hm. I see you catching up bug."
"Nah. I think three has a nice ring to it." I quipped.
"Mm. I said that once ... Yeah, now we got enough to create our own soccer team."
"Yea well Nic and I don't have to worry about that."
"Hm oh? How so?" He queried.
Quickly summoned to a inadvertently encumbrance in mind, coerced my gaze to distant as the harmless chat went on. Hm. You can't have it all.
"What huh? You got snipped?"
I scrunched my face up. "What? Hell no!"
"Then why so against reproduction?" He laughed.
"We ... I– look, I just think three is the lucky number fam. Plus, we haven't had any slip ups yet so it's safe to say the universe agrees with us."
"Yeah okay."
"Man gone. What's in the bag chump?"
He shook his head while handing over the wrapped box. I held it to my ear, waiting to hear a click but it didn't make no noise or unusual sound.
Miguel chuckled. "Still don't trust a soul?"
"Not a chance in hell." I said nonchalantly.
"You don't got to worry about me. I respect you."
"Were you able to swipe the software and reserve maintenance for Tuesday?" I inquired.
"Yes ma'am I even got ahold of the routes and their scheduling routine. Not all of the guards are on board but it shouldn't make a difference."
"Still need a man on the inside."
"Working on it."
"Nah, I'll handle that one but appreciate the heads up, wish I could scope out for myself but this junky motherfucker nut keep breathing down my neck."
"Want me to handle it?"
"Nah, at least not now. A dead cop won't do us any favor especially when trying get work in the prisons and their base." I responded.
"Right on. Yo, I've been keeping tabs on Mason and come to find out, this fool been staking out at some old crack joint uptown ... I happened to see Chris there with him one time when rolling on by."
I shrugged. "Oh, he must've made a new connect."
"Or sharing pipes." Miguel retorted. "It's nun but drug dens and junkies up there man."
Those words touched home a bit, and I felt an eerie stillness as news foamed at his mouth. Yet, I stayed sane despite the astonishment.
"I can step to him if you want—"
"Nah let 'em be man. Catch you another time?"
"Sure thing. Holla at me."
Miguel dapped me up then hurried to his old dodge across the street. I let out a harsh breath and began to head inside until someone yelped out.
"Excuse me!" He waved.
As I neared him skeptically, the smell of fresh baked pizza made my stomach grumble. He flashed a soft huge smile, extending three large pizzas.
"For you."
I chuckled lowly. "Me? I ain't order no pizza."
"Oh no! Pago del jefe."
"And who might be boss man?"
The busboy gestured his finger to the lady standing outside the barber shop. She waved and continued her conversation with her worker.
I shook my head and pulled out my wallet, intending to show gratitude, ignoring his pleas. Instead, I gave him a couple hundred dollars.
"Sin cargo. Sin cargo!" He exclaimed.
"Nah I gotta give you something dude." I reassured.
Poor man tried to placed the cash back in my hand but I stepped aside and held up my hands. A grateful smile crept upon his face as he slowly walked away.
On a snap of a finger, one of the workers came and grabbed the pizza to take inside. Ms barber neared me with a solid gait and a big smile.
"Thanks but I could've covered the tab."
"Nah, we help each other around here plus I figured a lil break won't hurt." Kehlani replied.
"Yeah, well a slothful man don't get the job done."
"Overworking one could have same the affect too."
"Hmph. Yeah right." I laughed mirthlessly.
"I um, been meaning to give Nic– this David Hockney painting from his recent art collection. Is she inside the shop? I haven't seen her all day."
"David Hockney? That portrait must've cost a grip."
"Y-Yeah but I got it on sale." Kehlani responded.
I stiffly nodded. "Right."
An upsurge of skepticism washed over me as those words left her lips, and I couldn't help but to narrow my eyes slightly. In spite of her effort at delusion, my gaze stayed locked on hers.
"Is she here by chance?" She reiterated.
"Nah, nah she out for the day." I retorted.
"Really? How come? Is everything alright?"
"Yeah. She just had some things to take care of."
"I see. I-I should've known, we usually go get a bite to eat around this time. Nic really is a workaholic so it's surprising n-not to see her that is."
"Yeah but some things far more important."
Kehlani laughed. "Now that I can agree with."
We glanced at each other reluctantly as an dreaded hush surrounded us. Sensing the tension, she moved to lighten the mood, giving my arm a lighthearted prod. I just stayed put, not bantering.
"Come on ease up." She giggled. "I'm cool peoples so you got nothing to worry about."
"Huh. I ain't worried." I said dryly.
Before Kehlani could get some words in, somebody whistled, grasping my attention. Cameron waved me over, pointing at the boutique.
"Thanks for the pizza. Have a good day."
"It's no problem and you do the same."
I kept an subtle expression while walking backwards until enough distance was drawn. Then reverted my focus on Cameron and the clothing store.
"Made a new friend?" He inquired.
"Nah but she bought pizza."
"Oh?"
"Yeah and a five hundred dollar art painting."
Cam smirked.
"Time has changed... La quemaría viva por la mujer que amo. Mi amor no es un juego." I said.
"Time hasn't changed at all." He muttered.
I grinned. "Just a bit."
He shook and scratched his head while traveling to the store. I followed behind him, not without peering over at the señora one last time.
Tread carefully.
Always keep a sharp eye out.
-•
I stumbled into our home, scanning across the room to pinpoint her or Ma. Balancing the chicken box on hand, I called out to my wife.
The fainted brightness from the kitchen area had been the lone source of light as I stepped further into the living room. Soft strains of music met me, drifting in from outdoors.
"Yo babe! Where you at?" I shouted.
I tossed the takeout plate on the sofa and followed the tune to our patio driven by skepticism. There, she patiently waited, gazing up at the night sky.
When I stepped more on the outside, I got a greater view at our outdoor space. It had been transformed into a cozy movie night haven.
In the center area, surrounded by soft cushions and sheets stood a tent ornamented with sparkling lights amongst other extravagant things.
She turned around with a smile while spreading out her hands in pure joy. I fixed my gaze on the toasty environs, feeling a bit distorted.
"What's all of this?" I spluttered.
"You like?" Onika beamed, nearing my side and slip her hand in my pocket. She stood on her tippy toes and gave me a big kiss on the lips.
"You've been watching bob the builder again?"
She rolled her eyes. "Noo! I figured we put this little space to good use. It's been... awhile since we had date night so let's start again tonight."
"Hmph. Well, as wonderful as that sounds babe, we still got other things to ... Our kids probably still up a-and you just had a terrible episode a few weeks—"
"No.No." She objected. "I stayed through the whole therapy session a-and Ma T agreed to keep her eye out for the kids tonight so come, come."
She quickly gripped my hand and dragged me over to the front of the tent. There, we slouched onto the pillows, gazing ahead.
The smell of cinnamon filled the air, and our favorite film, Love Jones, was projected onto the night skies by an overhead screen.
"How did your therapy session go?"
"Oh y'know. Same ole, same ole." She quipped.
"Hm. Oh yeah, like what?" I queried.
"Babe."
"Tanya."
"We talked about ... past life. It got deep and there was a lot to unpack but I'm fine. So, how was your first unofficial shift at the shop?"
I glanced at her with a knowingly smile and nudged her shoulder a bit. Onika gently placed her head on my shoulder, snuggling in.
"Unofficial huh. Do I get compensated?"
"Mmhm." She simpered and kissed my cheek, softly rubbing my hands. "Thank you baby."
"Glad I could assist." I responded while running my fingers down my legs. "Nah, on the real though, how was your day?"
She took in a deep breath. "Uh okay. Yeah okay."
"Just okay?" I chuckled.
"Y-Yeah. I um revisited the past and at first, I was bit overwhelmed but... diving below the surface lighten the load I'm carrying. This path I'm traveling down is not easy but manageable."
"It is. You're regaining control of your life and that's such a huge step. I-I mean you're making progress already by showing up and being honest."
"You think I'll ever get over it?" Onika faltered.
"Nah, forget it? No." I responded, tightening my firm hold around her body, and kissing her forehead few times. "Those memories are unforgettable but you'll learn how to live with them. You got learn how to be gentle with yourself baby."
"I-I'm trying."
"And that's a good thing. You took a huge step today and I'm so proud of you. To go to a session on your own, that's a sign of strength."
"I don't know, I-I guess you're right."
"I know I am and I'm going to be here, right by your side, every step of the way. Don't sweat the healing process and give yourself grace baby."
"Okay... Okay."
Onika nodded her head slightly then looked over at me, flashing a small grin. She pushed out a short cackle and patted my knee repetitively.
"Hmph.. so how was your day? Did the girls put up a fight this time?"
"Boy!" I heavily sighed.
"That stressful huh?" She tittered.
"Eh, it was aight. Lauren mostly slouched around, too busy stalking Bigfoot. Gab just... Gab. Nothing to it really just a big ole waste of life."
"Hey! That's my friend now."
"She tried to glue a picture frame to the wall."
We laughed in unison.
"Her future is not bright." I added.
"Hush."
"Hmph. I seen your friend today."
"What friend?"
"Your lunch mate."
"What, lunch mate? Who?" She inquired.
I smirked. "Sanford and son."
"Sanford—" Onika paused, slowly grasping onto the hidden joke and slapped my arm. "Quit! Her shop is put together nicer than a junkyard. Even the interior outshines almost the whole street so don't be so quick to judge a book by it cover."
"You've been inside the place?" I questioned.
"Well, yeah, maybe once or twice." She replied.
I chuckled lowly. "Hmph. Once or twice huh?"
"Don't be like that."
Her comment floated in the air like a chafed breeze whirling around while we sat on the lawn. I slightly stiffened up and looked into distance.
"It was strictly harmless babe."
"Good. Bet not be any different." I grumbled.
"Huh? W-Why would it be any different?"
"I-I don't know babe." I mumbled, folding my hands in front of me and sighing heavily. "Look shorty was speaking on you as if she was a friend—"
"Yes a friend." She emphasized. "We haven't spoke in awhile so maybe Lani was concerned and there's nothing wrong with that."
"Or she wants to fuck you." I blurted.
"Babe! Come on, seriously are you going to act this way whenever I get a new friend."
"Nah, but I used to run games and can peep a play from a mile away. Trust, I'm a good judge of character and know when sum ain't right."
"Character? Chile ... Says the person who think uh Thanos is the true protagonist."
"He is!" I objected. "All the big fella tryna do is save the world from cruel humanity."
"More like wipe its entire existence."
"And how is that a bad thing?"
A lighthearted friction encircled us as we sneered at each other. But then almost concomitantly, we bursted into giggles, erasing any and every lingering distress or frustration. I pulled her closer, taking solace in her warmth while gazing upon the evening sky.
"On the real though, not everyone that smile in your face is your friend. Many are so good at pretending and do it well. That's a sermon.. I'm still figuring out at this day and age. I just want you to be careful Onika and I-I don't want us rift apart again."
"Hey, stop it." Onika said softly while grabbing both of my hands. "We're good. We're fine. Baby you are all I've ever want. No one else. Alright? Just you."
As she leaned in for a kiss I couldn't help but to feel an itch of doubt. My lips became firm after the very first kiss, unresponsive to hers.
Onika persisted, her tender kisses tracing along my jawline then closer to my ear. I fought a moan when I felt her sucking on my sensitive spot.
"B-Babe." I whimpered.
I nudged her slightly, anxieties coursing throughout my entire body. I shook my head, too afraid to look her in the eyes, a little bemused.
"Wow." Onika bitterly chuckled, scooting away from me. "Hmph. Wow... I-I thought ... That's interesting, first time you didn't want– Wow!"
I cleared my throat. "Maybe we should just—"
"What? Y-You just don't want me no more?"
I screwed up my face and quickly dragged her over to me with my outstretched hand. Her weary tearful eyes put a dent in my heart. I smiled softly and kissed the top of her head.
"I'll always want you. I-I want to do you, believe me but not at your sad pitty expense. Youse been shouldering a heavy load a-and just eased a bit pain. Maybe we should hold off any distractions that—"
"Giselle, I'm fine okay? I understand you're trying to look out or whatever but come on babe. Yes, there's a lot of work to do a-and we will work through it but you need to relax. Quit treating me like a terminal ill patient alright? I don't like it."
"I'm not." I faltered.
"Then make love to me."
"Babe—"
"I want to feel you. Please?" Onika begged.
I rolled my eyes, nodding.
Onika leaned upward kissing me tenderly on the lips, sparking passion between us. Our tongues instantly intertwined as she climbed onto my lap.
My hands roamed against her thigh, uncovering that she wore nothing underneath. She broke away from the kiss and pulled her nightgown off.
Her lips soon found mine, continuing with a sloppy and hot smooch. She moved her hips against mine, grasping each side of my face.
I used one hand to pull down my pants just enough to release my rigid dick. Peppering kisses down my neck while her hand caressed it gently.
"Ah.. fuck." I groaned.
I shuddered beneath her warm touch, sprinkling hot precum over her fingers. Her lips circled around my ear then connected with mine once more.
Her body slightly shuddered as Onika raised up and expertly slid down on my shaft. She gasped weakly, feeling the depth of every inch.
We moaned in unison, so sultrying over one another feelings. No matter the time or place, she always fulfilled my craving. I fitted inside her perfectly.
Onika slowly rolled her hips against my pelvis while grasping the back of my head. She worked up and down, spewing out vigorous moans.
My hands rested underneath her thighs and I thrusted up in her deeply. She threw her head back in a bliss, biting her lips while I placed small kisses upon her flesh, sucking and gently biting her nipples.
I grabbed hold of her hips and rocked her back and forth. Her warm juices coated my dick as she rode me with so much... passion.
Somewhere along the line her legs swayed over my shoulder while I fastened up the pace. I stroked her hard, deeper and deeper, coercing screams and an awaiting orgasm to be dragged out.
Cradling her voluptuous body in my arms, and then steadily thrusting, blew her mind. Onika bounced on top of me, staring into my eyes with her mouth gape opened. "Ooh! Mm. F-Fuck baby. Y-Yes!"
When our lips connected again, she exploded right away. We kissed each other crazily, sucking tongues as I laid her back onto the blanket.
I slowly pulled out to remove the rest of my clothing then spreaded her legs. I gave her some wet, sultry kisses on her pussy.
My lips trailed up to her pushing my tongue into her mouth as I mounted on top. She wrapped her arms around my neck, I entered her opening.
Every single inch of mine swam in her wetness and brought great pleasure. Super wet. Snug. Instantly, I released inside her and kept thrusting.
I winded my hips, delivering short and deep strokes that made her every bit of vocal. Onika ran her hand down my spine, bucking her hips.
Heavily breathing and moaning out in high pleasure, nearing another orgasm. I entwined our fingers and placed them above her head.
We kissed each other passionately as I plunged in her repeatedly. "Mmm. God! I... b-baby." She bursted bigly which I nutted soon after.
I pumped away until every drop of cum was buried deep inside her walls. Onika panted, caressing my face as her legs trembled.
Eventually our love-making workout came to a end and I pulled out, laying on my side. She moved real close, resting a hand on my ribcage.
We laid in each other arms, harping on about what just happened. It grew quiet but our hearts beating on one accord could still be heard.
-•-
We decided to camp outdoors, sharing our warmth with one another underneath the covers. The larger tent kept us toasted with a built in heater.
My arm rested behind my head as I stared up at the sky through a small opening. Numerous of burdens constantly chipped my brain.
"You're awoke again." Onika muttered.
I chuckled. "I'm fine. You the one need resting."
"Mmm." She groaned, opening her eyes and looking up at me. "You can't always wrap me in cotton wool babe. Get some sleep."
"I'll will guard with everything I am until my very last breath. You're the light of my life and truly, the safety of your heart goes above everything."
"Trust, my baggage will wear you out."
I shook my head and cupped her face in my hands, her eyes locked with mine. "It won't." I said, calmly pecking her lips.
Onika tried to put her head down but I tightened my grip, holding a firm gaze. "I promise you it won't bae, alright? I. Love. You. Every single part of you."
She nodded sheepishly. "Okay. I love you too."
"Good. It's time you live through that because I-I'm not leaving you alone. So stop talking crazy.. alright I don't like it all babe."
"Okay." Onika murmured.
"I mean it Onika." I said sternly.
"Sir, Yes sir." She gave me a brief salute then carried on laughing. I subtly mushed her head while rolling my eyes extra hard.
"Haha! See—"
"I know. I know baby."
Onika sighed deeply after the giggles scurried away and nestled down on my chest. Her eyes closed for a second, listening to our heartbeat.
"I know you love me and that's something I couldn't or would never take for granted. I-It's hard to move forward when the past is present. Sometimes I find myself, stuck... retracing footsteps in the sand but I-I'm trying. To press onward. It's so hard but... for you... I promise I'll try."
"And for yourself." I added.
"Yeah, that too." She whispered softly.
"Now let me show you how much I... love you."
I hurriedly shifted to the other end and caressed her lightly, feeling her warmth beneath me. My big heart weighted with love as I stared in her eyes.
"There's not a day that goes by without you making my heart skip a beat. I-I just can't never get enough of you, my love." I professed.
"I like to think that's a good thing." Onika chuckled then gently rubbed my face. I flashed a loving smile and leaned in, our lips connecting in a tender kiss that cemented the bond we shared in stillness of the night.
Our love knew no bounds.
One step down. One million to go.
-•-
It's great to focus on the steps in front of you instead of the whole staircase. For it might not be loudest but can contribute to lifelong reward at the end☝🏾Onika is... content for now but how long will this state of mind last? 😬 Some wounds acquire stitches instead of just bandaids 🙅🏾♀️🚫 Moving along, it appears the two raging titans have officially "introduced" one another. Do y'all sense any ulterior motive(s) from either side? 🤔 If so, elaborate please. Do y'all feel Kehlani and Onika will ever explore other "parts" of their friendships? 🤔 Or is platonism the only thing floating in the air? Last but not least, would YOU be okay with your spouse working alongside someone that possibly has crush on them? Why or why not? Not everyone that is around you is for you. Some people are there to teach you lessons☝🏾. #StayTuned.
Thoughts?
Predictions?
Vote and Comment plz
Excuse any errors~Bre❤️