Beyoncé
My energy was too high after finally getting some good good from my man. We went two more rounds in the backseat till I tapped out, and his sweet self escorted me back to the house before we kissed goodnight. Yet now I had to snap back into reality and gear up for my most professional day at work. Starting today, Monday, the hospital was celebrating National Doctor's Day each day until the weekend, and as a head surgeon I was appointed to give a few lectures throughout the week to all students, residences, and fellow surgeons working their way up the clinical ladder.
After I slid on my pair of nude suede Jimmy Choo's, I smoothed out my skirt then eyed my curvy figure in the mirror; thanks to Jay's powerful back-shots, my rump looked a lot more plump than normal. Next, I threw my white coat over my shoulders and grabbed my grey Hermès Birkin bag before walking down the steps. Right away I spotted Aaliyah at the kitchen counter eating a bowl of cereal. She had no school today due to some odd teacher in service, so I allowed her to stay home and relax that sprained ankle of hers.
"Good morning.." She said softly once she noticed my presence. I was caught off guard that she decided to speak, but then realized that I was the authoritative figure in this duo who had every right to be acknowledged first.
"Still in any pain?" I asked while getting last minute stuff ready for my departure.
"Somewhat, but I'll be okay."
"Well then," I said with a brief sigh, "Call if you need me." We didn't bother to say goodbye or share a hug which hurt my heart even though I was still upset from the things she said at dinner; maybe tonight when I got home we could talk things through.
I got on the elevator and took it down to the garage and when the doors opened, I smiled at the person waiting for me. I sped up toward him and wrapped my arms around his neck as he held me by my waist.
"I missed you.." I said to Jay before kissing his soft lips. He let out a small chuckle then replied that he'd miss me as well even though we were with each other less than 12 hours ago. "Did you sleep well?" I added once I got inside the car.
"Shit, like a baby. Good pussy will do that to you." He said bluntly.
"Yeah, yeah.. I'm just happy things are starting to turn around for us. Aren't you?"
"Of course I am. We just have one last hurdle to jump through, baby." He clasped his hand around mine and I examined his bruised knuckles.
"What happened to your hand?" I mentioned right away. He took his eyes off the road for a second to see what I was pointing out then shook his head in a nonchalant manner.
"Nothing serious."
"As in no one is harming you or you're just getting the job done?"
"B, I rather not involve you in my mess."
"But your mess is my mess. That's kind of how relationships work, baby." I clarified.
"I'm safe, I'm doing what I got to do and that's that. Don't be so worried about me, aight?" He ended the topic while smooshing my cheeks in his right hand. I still wanted to protest and find out the truth, but I had to trust him if I wanted us to stay in a good place.
"What do you want for breakfast? Something from Starbucks?" He asked as we came to a red light.
"That's fine." I said right away before putting my attention back on texting Blake that I was on my way. When we made it to the drive thru line, I placed my normal order and Jay paid for everything. A few minutes later he pulled up to the hospital entrance. I had a brief flashback for when I did this secret handoff with him before my truth came to the light, so I silently thanked the Lord that living my life in secrecy was no more.
"You'll call me right before your shift ends right?"
"Yes. Shouldn't be no more then 8 hours since I'm only presenting and teaching."
"Cool." .. "I love you." He added as I grabbed my purse off the floor. I puckered my lips and leaned in for a kiss.
"I love you, baby! I'll see you later."
For him one kiss just wasn't enough, so he pulled me back in for another and I melted in his arms. "Babe-.. Jay!" I playfully protested. "I gotta go." I added as my time was running out. We finally separated and I got out the car with ease then made my way through the double doors. Automatically, a group of older volunteers from the hospital showered me with love. They handed me a small bouquet of sunflowers and a specialized Doctor's Week pin to place on my coat before snapping a quick photo of my earnings.
"Dr. Knowles!" I heard Blake say from behind me. I turned on my heels and smiled at my best friend.
"Dr. Lively!" I matched her enthusiasm. We held our arms open for one another and performed the greatest hug of all time.
"It's so good to see you, I still think you're upset with me about what happened at the party." Blake revealed.
"Girl please, it was just a simple mistake. Jay took it the wrong way." I spoke as we walked down the long hallway.
"As long as he knows we mean no harm. If you're both up for it, maybe we can do a double date?"
"At Cipriani's!?" I said with a gasp. Blake's eyes grew wide and we squealed in excitement. "Then it's a date!" I added before we made it to the spacious auditorium. Guests paused at our entrance and looked at us in an admiral manner while we took our seats.
"Thank you everyone for being in attendance today for our kickoff seminar for Doctor's Week!" The event speaker announced at the podium. "We have a very packed agenda that include seminars, Q&A sessions, and all the gifts in the world since you all do so much for the healthcare community."
Everyone paused for a round of applause until she signaled to speak again. "Now without further ado I would like to welcome the one you've all been waiting for, Dr. Beyoncé Knowles! Dr. Knowles is the most renown orthopedic surgeon not only here at NY Presbyterian but also in the state of New York and beyond. She has been named New York's Best Doctor a multitude of times and has received an abundance of rewards to recognize her ongoing effort to heal our growing population. I remember meeting her at the tender age of twenty-one, fresh out of college and beginning her med school rotation. Right away, she proved to be a star in her own light. To all who are blessed to be in her presence report feeling highly motivated and ready to follow in her footsteps without any doubt, which has led her to also being our greatest educator here in the facility. I'll stop my speech for now and bring her forward; Dr. Knowles, everyone!"
All guest rose to their feet and erupted in applause as I stood up as well. Blake gave me a quick hug before I walked away and up the steps to the stage. The presenter handed me a large bouquet of flowers followed by a hug, then adjusted my mic as I stood behind the podium. "Wow!" Was all I could say at the overwhelming support; it felt amazing to be reach this level of recognization in my 10 years of practice.
"Thank you so much for all the love and recognition in regards to my practice. To the many of you here that are beginning their medical career, please do not give up. I know the fear and sometimes very anxiety driven issues you face as I have once before, but I do not want these temporary emotions to steer you off your pathway to success. I also will not stand here in front of you all today and fib about how mentally and physically taxing this career is, but I will emphasize how important is it to put yourself first! You are not able to care for others if you cannot care for yourself, and since the lives of others are in our hands we all need to make sure we are doing our part as provides to support ourselves and one another."
My motivational speech went on about the importance of self-care as medical doctor and in the span of one hour, I made my final comments and ended the powerful seminar. Next, I took a few photos with awaiting guests then moved on to my next teaching setting until it was time to leave at 4pm. Like clockwork, Jay pulled his Dodge around the bend. Once I got inside, we shared a kissed and he drove off.
"How was the day?" He asked before caressing my thigh.
"Very motivational! But now I'm tired and really don't feel like cooking dinner." I confessed.
"Well, what did you have in mind?"
"I was planning to make some soul food; ribs, baked macaroni and cheese, greens and cornbread." I said verbatim.
Jay's eyes grew wide, "Damn can I come over for dinner?!"
"I wish," I said with a laugh. "But it's Liyah's favorite meal and I'm kind of in the process of getting back on her good side." I added. "Can we actually stop at the store before you drop me off?"
Jay made a quick turn with no hesitation and we pulled up to the local grocery store in no time. I grabbed a cart and with Jay behind me, we entered into the facility.
"So what else does she like?" He asked softly.
"Aaliyah?" I said for clarification. "Well basketball is her first true love, and outside of that she loves golden Oreos and Mexican food. Also reading long novels; teen romance is her current genre of choice."
"Wow," He exclaimed. "Where can I even compete?"
We shared a laugh and he held me from behind, "Everything will be fine, baby. Let her get over this hump, which she may try and use against you; but I think she'll grow with you. Believe it or not, you two are already somewhat alike.
"In what ways?"
"Hm, both very blunt yet thoughtful individuals." I spoke up.
"She's already winning in my book!" He said with a cheeky smile. I couldn't help but smile myself and kiss his beautiful face. Seeing the brewing excitement he had to meet Aaliyah was amazing to see; often makes me wonder how he'll be if we have our own.
Once I was finished grabbing some last minute items, Jay helped place the bags in the trunk then drove me home right away.
"How about I wrap you up a plate and you can stop by the grab it?" I suggested before getting out.
"That works for me. Call me when you can.." Our lips met for a quick kiss then I closed his door behind me and grabbed my bags before dashing to the elevator. When I made it inside, Aaliyah was no where to be found. I placed the grocery bags on the kitchen counter then made my way up toward her room. Knocking softly on the door, she gave me the okay to come in. Instead of resting on her bed she found herself comfortable in her small, reading nook by the spacious window which showcased the city sky.
"Dinner will be ready in a few, okay?" I announced.
"Thanks for letting me know.." She replied with a smile. I stepped back and closed her door before walking to my own and changing into some lounge clothes to cook. With my oversized crew neck sweatshirt by Kale and black undies, I headed back downstairs to prepare our food. Halfway through, Aaliyah came trotting down the stairs.
"Hey you.." I said once we locked eyes, "Everything okay?"
"Yea, just wanted to come down and help." She replied. I motioned for her to cut up the blocks of cheese while I continued to season the greens.
"I also wanted to apologize." I stopped my work and glanced her way, waiting for her to explain herself.
"I had no right disrespecting you at dinner. No matter how angry I get, you're my mom and I should never step out of line with you in any situation." She continued.
"Well thank you, that was very thoughtful to say. Baby I'm all for you expressing yourself and being vulnerable with your emotions, but I still need you to respect boundaries. And maybe I've failed on my part establishing said boundaries but we're here now and can change somethings to avoid any future disputes."
"I agree, like what?"
"For starters I'm going to be more private about my relationship and our issues. While I want you to enjoy Jay, I need for you to build that bond on your own with no outside influence from myself."
"Deal."
"And about his occupation -"
"I totally understand. What he does didn't effect Rue in anyway. She chose to buy from him and make the following decisions on her own; .. Jay had no hand in that. And I'm sorry for saying those ignorant things about him."
"We'll keep that between us. But do you feel up to meeting him this Saturday or not quite?" I asked.
"I do," she said with a sigh. "Like grandma said, seeing how happy he makes you is enough ammunition I need to see him."
"Thank you, baby. I understand this is all new to you with everything going on and separating from your father but, .. I feel good about this one."
"But he never knew about me right away, right?"
"No, but only because telling someone I've just met about my child who'd I like to keep secret wasn't in the cards. Yet when things gradually started to become serious in our relationship, I knew I had to tell him about you right away." I defended.
She nodded her head in agreement, "Fair enough."
Cooking went much faster with her by my side and soon enough we were making our plates and taking a seat at the dining room table.
"Talked to Rue lately?" I said to spark conversation.
"So/so. For the first week or two they're limiting her amount of outgoing calls, but soon enough she'll be able to talk all the time and I can go visit."
"You think an atmosphere of that kind would be uncomfortable for you?"
"I hope not. But if it means going to see her, I don't mind it."
"Have either of you asked the other to be in some kind of relationship?" I inquired. Shyly, she looked down at her food and tossed her greens with her fork.
"Not officially but we've kissed two times already.."
"And I'm assuming you get that fluttery feeling in your belly, huh?"
She nodded her head with smile, "I'm glad you know what I'm feeling."
"Of course I do, Aaliyah. Any new relationship gives off that funny feeling." Silence followed before I decided to ask my next question; "Have you been having any other feelings toward her?"
"You mean sexually?" She clarified.
"Yes. Sexual feelings.."
She shrugged her shoulder, "Not necessarily? I'm aware that eventually if a relationship takes place then sexual moments will take place but-"
"You're aware of what these sexual moments entail?"
"Yes, ma. I don't live under a rock."
I threw my hands up, "Well excuse me!" A laugh followed from the both of us. "Just be careful and don't rush anything. You're too young to be thinking about or doing sex anyway .. or at all for that matter."
"No issues here. I'm definitely not ready for all that."
We continued on with our conversation to keep each other company until it was time to clean up and get some rest.
"So Jay, what's he like outside of his occupation?" She asked me as we walked up the steps.
"Very sweet," I said with a smile. "Caring, also. He's tends to be a goofball from time to time but I think you two will get along just fine."
"Does he have any kids?"
"No."
"Oo so you'll give the first one!" She exclaimed and I shook my head at everyone being obsessed with the possibility of a baby.
"Well I'm looking forward to Saturday, especially because I get to see my boys in action." She shouted out. After getting my nightly hug and kiss, I sent her on her way and got comfy in my own bed.
***
Saturday - Aaliyah
The day has finally come to meet & know all about my mother's love, Jay. While I was happy that this outing involved basketball, I knew I had to be more focused on bonding with him than keeping my eye on the ball. All morning before it was time to leave I was a nervous wreck. What if I meet him and he's a total jerk? Better yet, what if my mom is so in love with him that she forgets I even exist? That's my worst fear, to be honest. I know that the idea is very far fetched but I had to present all possible options and determine if he was going to impact my life in a positive or negative light.
As for my mom, she was super happy from the moment she opened her eyes. She cooked a big breakfast with all of my favorite dishes and even helped me with my outfit of choice for the evening. After she got dressed as well, we headed out the door and got settled into a black Chevy suburban with its own personal driver.
"So, are you excited? Nervous?" My mom asked once we pulled out onto the busy street.
"A little bit of both. Is he meeting us there?"
"Yes. He's actually waiting for us now by the entrance."
"Oh great.." I slurred, causing my mom to look my way; I could see the displeasure in her eyes even through her shades.
"Why say it like that?" She asked.
"Nothing personal, ma. Just thought I'd be able to build up some anticipation to meet him, not right away." I clarified.
"Baby there is nothing to worry about. Both of you are such nervous wrecks right now.." She confessed and I couldn't help but laugh.
In about another twenty minutes we arrived at the arena. The driver took a detoured route and led us down the driveway so that we were underneath were all the players and press entered. Immediately, I got nervous at the level of VIP access we were obtaining, yet my mom kept her cool as if she'd known all about this.
"Ready to go?" She asked once the came to a stop.
"Y-yeah," I stumbled over my words. "Why are we down here?"
My mom simply gave a sly smirk and got out of the car before me. When I came to the other side, I saw her wrapped in a hug with his strong arms around her. While I couldn't see his face I could tell they engaging in a sweet kiss before slowly pulling apart. Our eyes met right away and we could sense each other's anxiety before saying a word. His dress game already earned points in my book as he rocked a fitted grey shirt and black suit jacket along with a pair of simple black jeans and black Yeezy's to complete the look.
"You must be Aaliyah, it's so good to finally meet you!" He said in a cheerful tone. My mom quickly stepped aside and I gave him a small smile.
"Nice to finally meet you as well, Jay.." I replied. We came to an awkward point until my mom cleared her throat.
"Well just blow my introduction out the window." She voiced in a playful tone, causing Jay and I to both laugh at her antics.
"If it's okay with you Aaliyah, there's some people I'd like you to meet." Jay suggested. I quickly glanced at my mom who looked just as confused as I, but I followed his lead anyway. My mom lagged behind as Jay and I walked side by side down the long hallway.
"How did you even get access down here?" I asked out of curiosity.
"One of my partners is very cordial with a few higher ups here. I told him about your love for basketball and he gifted me with a pair of court side seats and some other perks." He reveled, causing my eyes to widened at his power.
We then walked through another set of doors and entered into the lobby of the Bull's designated locker room. I tried my best to contain my excitement as many of my favorite players surrounded me, and once they noticed our presences I automatically froze.
"Go, 'Liyah!" My mom whispered as she gave me a small push forward to be near Jay's side.
"And this is my girlfriend's daughter, Aaliyah." I overheard him say to the head coach as their conversation came to an conclusion. I introduced myself to the coach and he allowed me to greet the teammates as well. This entire moment felt like one big dream and as if I was floating on cloud nine. I wasn't able to say much since I was such a nervous wreck and when it was time for the game to begin, my mom snapped a group picture of me and the players before going to our seats. Purposely, my mom sat at beginning of the row making Jay and I sit next to one another.
"Are you comfortable? Anything you'd like to drink or snack on?" He asked me above all the extra noise.
"I'm fine, thanks for asking. And maybe some popcorn and a ginger ale wouldn't hurt.."
Jay smiled and held out his fist for a pound, "Concession stand popcorn is my favorite, too." We shared a small laugh and continued to spark conversation about our predictions for the game until the server bought over our items. Happily, my mom grabbed her signature drink of tequila with pineapple juice while Jay and I grabbed our popcorns and drinks as well. After a few bites, I was ready to talk some more with Jay but found him engrossed with my mom's beauty .. shoot, who wouldn't be? His large hand cuddled her ankle and they exchanged a few words before coming together for another kiss. I managed to catch a glimpse of her face afterward and could see the love clear as day. For as long as I can remember, she never looked at my father this way. And now with their separation finalized, she had an even better reason to smile.
"So Aaliyah, any future plans to go pro?" Jay asked at the first break.
"I'm thinking about it since it will be a dream of mine to play for the WNBA." I said with a smile.
"And you'll get there, I know it. From the pictures and videos your mom shows me, you're pretty damn amazing!" He exclaimed.
"Oh goodness, she's show me off a lot huh?"
"Absolutely. Once we discussed that she had a lovely daughter, she's been running her mouth nonstop-"
"Hey! Watch it, Jay.." My mom interrupted to scold him. He gave her a crazy look and I couldn't help but chime in and laugh.
"Mom give the man a break, we're bonding here!" Wow, did I just say that?
Jay glanced my way and playfully threw his arm around me, "Yea, what my new buddy said." He repeated. My mom shook her head at our messy comments then went back to her drink, paying us no mind. The game ended with the Bulls winning as expected and all three of us stood to our feet to leave the arena.
"Yo Jay!" A player called out from behind. "For Aaliyah." He added. Jay gave him a dab then turned to hand me an autographed basketball from the team. My mouth dropped from the shock and my mom gasped as well.
"Wha-, Jay thank you so much!" I exclaimed. He gave me another fist pound then told me not to worry since he had been dying to give me the gift in the first place.
"Still having a good time?" My mom mumbled as we waited for the car.
"Yes! This is definitely going better than I expected." I spoke with honesty. It felt great to relate with Jay on another level than just my mom's significant other and if this was a glimpse of our future, I wouldn't mind it at all. Ironically, Jay's car choice for the evening was his sleek, black Dodge. My mom and I got inside right away and listened to some soft tunes before pulling up to the restaurant for dinner. Our trio was sat right away and I was beyond excited to see the abundance of Mexican cuisine on the menu pages.
"How did he know to come here?" I whispered to my mom with the menu covering my face.
She showcased a giddy smile then gently rubbed my back; "Because he asked me all about you.."
Before I had a chance to respond, the server approached our table to offer warm chips and salsa and iced water with lemon. He then introduced himself and began to write down our appetizer and drink orders before walking away.
"I'm curious to know, were there any questions you had for me?" Jay asked in shy tone of voice.
I simply shrugged my shoulders, "While I didn't come prepared with a book of questions, I guess I can ask do you see yourself providing my mom with the happy future she deserves?"
Jay seem taken aback by my question but calmed himself to speak; "Absolutely. I know all the - excuse my language - but bullshit she's faced with your father; no disrespect to him."
"None taken, I'm honestly glad he's out her life." I rebutted.
"Cool, we're on the same page." He replied with a smile; "To add on to your question, I do envision a great future not just with your mom but with you as well! I really hope we can work to building a bond on our own." He added, causing me to smile as well.
"I'd love that. Thank you, Jay."
My mom sat quiet and pretended to wipe away her tears at our exchange. "So beautiful to see.." She commented, then quietly excused herself to the restroom.
"One more thing actually .." I spoke up once she was gone, then took a sip of my lemonade before talking. "You may not know this but I've encountered you before with Rue."
Immediately, his eyes lit up. "You must have been the girl I've seen with her during that exchange?"
"Correct. I didn't know then that you and my mom were together and I'll be honest, I wasn't at all fond of what you did for a living-"
"Because you felt that I had a hand in Rue's addiction?" He interrupted.
Our eyes met for an intense glare and I swallowed the anxious lump in my throat; "Yes."
Slowly, he nodded his head. "I understand your frustration and trust me, I think about my hand in her downfall all the time. And while it seemed ethically wrong in the beginning, I hope you can understand that I in no way influenced Rue do to anything that would place her in harm's way."
"And I'm sorry for painting this picture of you that you did. At the end of the day, you're just doing your job; what Rue decided to partake in was solely her responsibility."
"Thank you for that. Coming into this evening I swore you would hate my guts!" He confessed and we shared a laugh.
"I had my doubts, but .. you seem like a pretty solid guy, especially for my mom. I can't even tell you how happy you make her and how good it feels to know you're the one placing that smile on her face."
"I'll never hurt her, Aaliyah. We've had our moments in the past but every couple is bound to be tested. It's how you choose to overcome these problems that define the love you both have for each other." He preached.
Once our bases were cleared about any animosity we held toward each other, our conversation became more free flowing and fun until my mom came back from the bathroom. Apart of me thinks she went on purpose, but I can't help but thank her for this chance to be vulnerable with her new love. I feel blessed to say that today didn't turn out too bad after all ...
***
I hope I covered all of my bases. 😉
Did the first meeting go as you imagined? If it did not, does this upset you?
Do you think it will take Aaliyah some time to be fully comfortable with Jay? Should she have let him know just how much Rue means to her?
I've also left a slice of vital information 😊.
Vote + Comment!
- Rae 💙