Chapter 34 - Missing You Pt. 1

The car stopped a couple meters from her and Safaree ran to her asking if she was OK. The driver yelled at them both to get out the way but they paid no attention to him.
Jhené: Why'd you walk out?
He didn't respond.
Jhené: Safaree look you need to talk to her. She misses you and you can't tell me you don't miss her too. I miss you, I  miss the man who sat and listened to all my problems who comforted me when I needed to be comforted
SB: Do you really or do you just want me back around to see what else you can steal?
He said in a low tone
Jhené: Is that how you feel? Like I stole Nicki from you?
SB: Look you are her are fine without me. You're married, you have a baby on the way. You don't need me.
She shook her head
Jhené: Do you always listen to what the media says?
SB: It may not always be facts but sometimes they are right.
Jhené: and sometimes they are very wrong. If you want to know all you have to ask her, talk to her.
SB: I have to go
He said before walking off.
Jhené: Safaree!
She called but he just kept walking.

-Inside the Store-
Tarah: Why did he leave?
She asked as she stood at the counter with her mom
Kela: He just had to go out for a lil bit hun
Tarah: But I want him to help me choose flavors
She whined.
SB: So what flavor are we getting?
He asked stooping down beside her. She turned and hugged him.
Tarah: Yay! You're back!
She giggled and poked his nose.
Tarah: Now since you made me wait i get three scoops. one strawberry cheesecake, one coconut and one cookie and cream and Oreo topping
She said with a huge smile
SB: You sure you can eat all that?
Tarah: uh huh!

As they sat at their table eating he looked at her and as if she felt his eyes on her she looked up at him but only for a few seconds before looking back at her ice cream and then responding to Tarah's question about getting a puppy.
Kela: Tarah I really don't think you're ready
She said and watched as her daughter began pouting
Tarah: But uncle Faree thinks I am
Kela: But I still have the final say
SB: What if...
Kela: Don't even..
She responded cutting him off. He shook his head and they sat finishing their ice cream both only responding to Tarah whenever she asked a question. The drive home was also only filled with Tarah's voice as she played in the back seat with her dolls. When they got home Tarah ran to the huge gift boxes that were sitting out in the yard.
SB: for How long do I get the silent treatment?
He asked but she still didn't respond to him. Instead she walked over to where her daughter was and asked her which gift she wanted first.  The first gift she opened was a huge box  that had inside a mini rack with bunch of new clothes and shoes. She gave him a huge hug and said thank you about 20 times. Her second gift was a new doll house she had been asking her mom for all year and she still had seven more huge boxes to go through. Her mom had gone inside for a bit and she was opening the last box. Her jaw dropped and she started crying
Tarah: But mommy said no
She replied as she look over the contents
SB: She said she'd think about it some more. Don't worry. I'll sort this out. You need to go check your room
Just then he heard her yelling his name
SB: or maybe you should wait here
Tarah: You in trouble?
SB: Maybe
He said as he head toward the door. When he got inside and towards the stair case he saw her at the top of the stairs standing with the white Maltese puppy in her hand
Kela: What is this? I said I would think about it I never agreed to her getting this puppy? You just go against what i said Safaree! You...!
She stopped and rolled her eyes at him.
SB: What? I'm not her father?
Kela: That's not what I was about to say
SB: Yes it was.
Kela: Saf..
SB: I don't wanna hear it honestly. You been upset with me ever since what happened at Lulu's and I really didn't think it was that bad until now. She's been showing you all year how responsible she is just to get that dog. She deserves it even if you don't think so and I'm not her father I know that but I've been in her life for the past five years and if any other man had been in my position and seen how hard she has worked they would have made the same decision.
He turned to walk out
Kela: Safaree...
SB: I'll come by tomorrow to pick him up. I'm sure I can find him a home.
He said and walked toward the door.
Kela: Safaree wait!!
He stopped.
Kela: I wasn't going to say that. It never even crossed my mind. It's just you spoil her so much how do I keep up with that when you leave?
SB: Where am I going Kela?! Why would you ever think that I would leave?
Kela: Because regardless of what you say and do Safaree I know you're still not over her! I got that confirmation when you walked out on us today after you saw Jhené. You Walked out!! You couldn't even handle being in the same building with her! God knows how I'll explain the day she asks about her father but that's one man too many already and I don't want to even think about having to explain why you did.
SB: Kela I'm NOT going anywhere!!
She looked away trying her best to hold back the tears
Kela: Go Talk to her
SB: Kela..
Kela: You need to.... And don't come back until you do.

-SATURDAY-

When Nicki woke up she heard the shower running, the clock on the wall said 9:17. She threw the covers back and head toward the bathroom. After dropping her robe she slid the shower doors open and stepped in, then put her arms around Jhené and closed her eyes.
Jhené: Good morning beautiful
Nicki: Good Morning baby
Jhené: feeling better?
Nicki: Much. but still not 100%. What time's my appointment?
Jhené: 12 *turns around and gives her a kiss* Did you sleep well.
Nicki: Always. As long as I'm beside you *smiles*
Jhené: *smiles* I love you *kisses her*
Nicki: What's for breakfast?
Jhené: You can't eat until after your appointment I figured we could find a nice restaurant or we could come back here and I cook. It's up to you
Nicki: I'm already starving so we could eat out
Jhené: OK.  *kisses her forehead*
Nicki turned around and Jhené hugged her from behind, her hands meeting over her stomach
Jhené: What If there actually was a baby in there *Kisses her neck*
They both giggled.
Nicki: You want us to?
She asked turning around.
Jhené: only if you want to
Nicki smiled and kissed her.
Nicki: Let's finish talking about that later.
Jhené: *Smiles* OK

After seeing the doctor and doing her tests, they head out for lunch and then back home. She had to wait until Monday to get her test results. They were taking a bubble bath together when Safaree crossed her mind and she remembered she still hadn't told her about seeing him. She ran her hand through her hair
Jhené: Nika
Nicki: Hmm
Jhené: I have something to tell you
Nicki: What is it?
She asked, her back against her chest. Jhené kissed the top of her head
Jhené: I saw Safaree yesterday
She didn't respond
Jhené: When I went to Lulu's to get you the ice cream he was with a little girl and her mom.
Still no response.
Jhené: Nika??
Nicki completely ignored what she said, turned around and kissed her deeply.
Nicki: make love to me *kisses her* bedroom *kisses her* now
She gave her another long passionate kiss before getting out the tub getting a towel and walking towards the bedroom. Jhené followed her minutes after.

-SUNDAY-

1:18 pm and it was the sound of her phone ringing and vibrating on the night table that woke her. Eyes still closed she put the phone to her ear and in a sleepy voice answered
"Hello"
SB: Hey. Did I wake you?
She opened her eyes and looked at the phone before replacing it at her ear and again saying hello
SB: Nicki
Nicki: Safaree
SB: I'm sorry did I wake you? I could call back.
Nicki: No it's fine...

To be continue*********

Chapter 33 - Different

She looked at the screenshot of the newspaper headline her best friend had sent her one more time, it read "Rapper Nicki Minaj spotted in Greece with wife Jhené Okole daughter of Hollywood's Top lawyer and billionaire Easton Okole" she zoomed in and tried reading the story "It's been six years since Minaj and Okole started their relationship which most took as just a fling as the rapper always sang about getting intimate with other women. Most thought that by now the two would have split however, they have proved us wrong. An insider told us the two tied the knot two summers ago and recently that the two took to Greece for a getaway trip as Minaj has been stressed with her current pregnancy." She burst out laughing "are they for real" *continues reading* "Even though the female rapper has yet to confirm the pregnancy insiders tell us that she has put on a few pounds and is constantly wearing large coats, even in her studio sessions."

Nic: *laughs out again* I cannot even finish reading this

Just as she rested her phone on the night table another message came in. It was Candi

C: What time do you arrive in Florida on Friday?

N: 9. you?

C: Not until 1. We'll just meet up at the house.

N: Ok no problem.

C: You feeling better?

N: Yes much. We actually went out today and I ate with no trouble. Need some home cooking though. Can't wait to get back.

C: Only two days left #Kisses.  Can't wait to see you guys. Taking My ass to bed now. Love ya.

N: Two long days lol. Ok hun. I'ma take a bath. We'll talk later. We love ya more #Kisses

-MIAMI, FLORIDA- 

Thursday 9:30am

"So, what do you want to do for your birthday?" He asked her as he lifted her out of the swing

"Buy a puppy! And Cake! And Ice creeeaam!" she replied 

"A puppy?" he asked. "Well I'll have to find out about that one from mommy first but cake and ice cream sound great. What about a party?"

"No I don't want one. I just want a puppy" she replied as he strapped her into her booster seat. 

He closed the door walked around to the driver's side, got in and started the car. Before driving off he dialed her number.

"Hey you two" a female voice rang

"mommyyyyy" she squealed from the back

"we just left the park, heading home for a bath and to start dinner until you get there" he said.

"awesome I'll get there in the next hour and a half. My last patient just left" she replied

"OK" he said and looked back to see an exhausted Tarah half asleep.

After pulling into the garage and getting out the car he went around and unbuttoned the belt of her booster seat

Tarah: we're home?

she asked in a sleepy voice

SB: yes we are sweetie, come on let's go in and have you take a bath before mommy gets home

Tarah: can I take a long bath?

SB: not very long 

He said as they got inside her room. He put her down to stand and put her hair in a messy bun before filling the stub for her and putting all her favourite bath toys in. He helped her get undressed then lifted her into the tub.

SB: Not too long he said again before heading out. 

"Uncle Fareeeeeeee" he heard her call as he took a bottle of water from the fridge. He had just stuck the macaroni and cheese in the oven and was getting a drink.

Tarah: unnnnccclllleeeeee Faaaaarrreeeeeeeeeeeeeee

She called even louder. He hurried up the stairs to check on her.

Tarah: you didn't check on me... You always check on me. What if something happened

she said pout and folding her arms 

SB: I'm sorry baby girl. I didn't mean to not come and check on you. 

He replied as he lifted her out of the tub with her towel wrapped around her

Tarah: you forgot me

SB: Noooo. I could never forget my princess? 

He replied planting a kiss on her forehead

SB: Frozen pyjamas?

Tarah: uuhhhhh yes pleaaasssseeee.

He helped her get dressed then they both head to the living room. He turned on her favourite cartoon and went in to check on the food.

"I'm home" he heard a voice chime from the living room and surprisingly he didn't hear Tarah's usual squeals that she did whenever her mom got in in. A couple minutes later Kela walked into the kitchen.

Kela: Hey hun

She walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek

SB: she out?

Kela: yeah. Thank you so much for today *smiles*

SB: Anytime.

He took the mac and cheese out the oven, the chicken already done and on top the stove.

SB: you ready to eat

Kela gave him a half smile

Kela: I will be in a bit, first..

she said as she took his hand and lead him out to the back patio

Kela: tell me what's wrong 

SB: what do you mean?

Kela: Safaree Lloyd don't play with me... Was Tarah any trouble? did she say something? ask you something?

he ran his hand over his face

SB: No she's never any trouble you know this

Kela: so talk to me. What going on in there?

She asked as she stepped a little closer and held the left side of his face. He pulled away and she sighed.

Kela: ok fine. Whenever you're ready to talk. I'm going to take Tarah up to her room.

She said before walking back inside. She took her daughter up and brought her up to her room, turned the lights out and left the door half open as she always did. She walked to her bedroom and then into her bathroom closing the door behind her. She sighed, slid out of her work clothes and stepped into the shower. He was in the hallway just outside her bedroom when he heard the shower start running. He turned around and made his way back down the stairs. He was watching a football game when she came back down the stairs, her hair wet from her shower and dressed in her robe, She made her way to the kitchen without saying a word to him and came back with a plate. She sat at the other end of the couch and began eating. 

SB: Do you want me to change it?

Kela: *looks at him* Do I ever ask you to change it?

SB: No, But...

Kela: Ok.

She said cutting him off before he could finish. 

5mins left in the game and she was having the last of her orange juice when a message came in on her phone. It was from her friend Shauntee. It was an image of a newspaper's lead story. Below the message said "I never really took Ms Minaj's relationship with this chick serious either but it appears the two are married, and to top it off expecting a child"

Then it hit her, and she looked across at him, his eyes focused on the TV but she new he wasn't really seeing the game

Kela: you saw the paper?

He didn't respond. Didn't even blink. 

Kela: you know you say that you've accepted it and that you're over her but but every time you see these stories in these magazines or in the paper you get in your feelings. You are the same one who says never believe what you see in the media. Yet look at you now?

with that she got up, took her plate and glass up and went to the kitchen. When she came back he had the TV off his elbows on his knees and his head down

Kela: I'm going to bed. You know what to do on your way out. Good Night.

-MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to Nicki's Miami Home-

Friday 11:45am

She was in her car but couldn't leave as quickly as she wanted to. The barbz had found she'd be there and caused chaos at the airport. It felt like there were equal amounts of reporters trying to get pics of her. She pulled her hair up into a messy bun and undid her coat. 

Jhené: You ok?

She asked concerned because she was hastily trying to get out of her jacket

Jhené: turn a bit so I can help you

Nicki turned but didn't respond to whether or not she was ok

Jhené: Baby

Nicki: I'm fine babe

She replied in a soft tone with a half plastered fake smile on her face

Nicki: I just want to get home

The car finally felt like it was moving, barbz were still outside screaming for Nicki camera flashes going off but she paid no attention to any of it. She sighed, leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She really didn't look well. A couple minutes later she fell asleep. As soon as she did Jhené rang a friend of hers who was a doctor in Miami asking her to meet them at their Miami home. When they got to the house Jhené had one of the body guards bring her inside she was running a fever.

Her friend Victoria was there a few minutes after they got in to take as look at Nicki. 

Victoria: Looks like she picked up a bug in Europe. Can't diagnose without tests to be sure but I can give her something for the fever

Jhené: Is tomorrow ok for the test?

She asked as they walked down the stairway.

Victoria: Tomorrow is fine

She said as she wrote on a small piece of paper and handed it to Jhené.

Victoria: This is for the fever, I'll call in a favour for you at the hospital's pharmacy just call and let me know who you're going have pick it up. It was really great seeing you Jhen. See you tomorrow.

Jhené: I will. It was great seeing you too Vicky. See you in the morning.

She watched as Victoria walked to her car then closed the door to head up to Nicki. She met her at the top of the stairs

Jhené: Hey what are you doing out of bed?

Nicki: need to eat and I was wondering where you were

Jhené: I walked Victoria to the door. She wants you to come in and do some tests tomorrow. Thinks you picked up a bug in Europe. Come on let's get you back to the room and I'll go down and get you something to eat

She helped her back into the bedroom and into bed before rushing down to get her fruits and juice. 

Jhené: I'll run you a cold bath while you eat

 ... 

After her bath she helped her back into bed. Candi had called to say she landed and would be there in a bit so she waited for her to arrive before heading out to get Nicki's meds. After her pickup at the phrmacy she headed to Lulu's on Biscayne Boulevard to pick up some ice cream for them. She was ordering when she heard a familiar voice behind her call to a little girl that ran right up to the counter beside her 

"this one! I want this one and this one" she said in a very happy tone then looked up at Jhené

"hiiiiiii" she said smiling big "it's my birthday. I'm six"

Jhené: you are?

She asked with a smile 

"uh huh! *giggles* and uncle Faree said I can have whatever flavor I want"

Jhené looked towards the direction the little girl pointed to see Safaree standing just looking at her

Server: Here you go ma'am

Jhené: Th-Thank you she stuttered

When she turned around the little girl was in the arms of a woman who looked to be her mother and Safaree was outside walking towards his car. She hurried out after him telling Tarah Happy Birthday on her way out and called to him as he walked off.

Jhené: Safaree! 

He didn't respond

Jhené: Sa..

Here voice was interrupted by the sound off a desperate attempt to hold the brakes on a vehicle and he spun around.....

Because you deserve it. Will try to give you more tomorrow. *KISSES*