Saturday, October 29, 2011

Chap. 20: Recovery

Hey guyz!!! Dn't wanna say 2 much here. Huge S/O 2 @TeamMinajPeru!!!! She helped a whoooooooooolllllllleeeee LOT!!!!! Lol, when I had questions she had answers ^_^ Thank you Temp!! And S/O 2 @MissMinaj341!!!! She helped me get thru writers block earlier!! I thank u all for reading!!! So happy I made it to chapter 20!! Major milestone!! Love you all, plz enjoy...

Chapter: 20

Nicki snuck up behind him at the dining room table where he sat. He was eating a plate of barbeque chicken wings. She placed her hands over his eyes with a smile on her face.

"Guess who..." She whispered in his ear.

"Mmm, let me see..... you sound like somebody I love.... smell good like her too...... your hands are soft jus like hers....... who could you be?"

Nicki kissed him on the cheek. "You gotta guess baby..."

"I don't know.... maybe you could help me out?"

"No. I'll pass."

"Haha, ard Onika. You can stop now. Lemme see you."

Nicki giggled and removed her hands. "How'd you guess?"

He turned his head to face her. "Cuz you play too much."

Nicki leaned in and began kissing him on the lips; tongue and all.

"Damn girl, you musta missed me today, huh?"

"Haha, maybe." She walked around the oval, maple dining room table.

"Mhm... so why you late? I thought I told you to be here before 5 o' clock? What time is it?"

Nicki looked at the watch on her wrist. "It's only 5:12 babe. I had to get the second bus. The first was too crowded." Nic hung her jacket over the back of one of the chairs and pulled it out to sit. She took her book bag off her shoulder and let it drop to the floor. The dining room was poorly lit with only two of the four upturned mini wall lamps working.

"You coulda squeezed ya skinny ass on. I gave you a certain time to be here and you show up late." He wiped his hands with a napkin and put both elbows on the table, folding his hands and glaring at her.

"Chill out Jarvis, damn. You act like you my father or some shit. I might as well move back in wit my family for awl'lat. Rehearsals jus ran a liddle late, thas it. So chill the fuck out."

"You and I both know you ain't goin no damn where. And you betta watch ya mouth how the fuck you talkin tuh me." He stood up. "I'ma go take my shower, wash my plate. It's more dishes in'na sink. Me and da boys leff it for you. Have fun." Jarvis started walking towards the narrow staircase.

Nicki looked at him like he just lost his mind. "Um, hold the fuck up, you will watch how you tawk to me. I'm not livin here to be ya fuckin maid. Wash ya own got damn dishes."

"Don't back talk me Onika." He said calmly while walking up the steps.

"You know what... I've had it with you Jarvis." She stood up. "You always think you runnin shit. I might only be seventeen, but you don't control me. I try so fuckin hard not tuh pop off on ya ass, but half the time you deserve it. No more holdin back. No more "good girlfriend." That role ain't me. I refuse to put up witchu and ya bullshit." Nicki grabbed her coat off the back of the chair. "I'll be back later. I need some air. And you bet not touch none of my shit. Or I will have Jelani come down here and handle ya ass."

Jarvis turned around, making his way back down the steps. "Fuck Jelani. I'll beat both y'all asses. You betta do what I told you 'fore I whip ya ass right now. Get in'ere and clean my kitchen."

"Excuse me?! I ain't cleanin shit! And you wouldn't dare touch me! I guarantee you that! You ain't that stupid!" Nicki pushed her chair in and put her jacket back on.

"Where the fuck you think you goin?"

"None of ya fuckin business!"

"Watch ya mouth." Jarvis walked over to her.

"You will stop tellin me what to do! I'm not ya child. You twenty-four, go make some of ya own!" Nicki walked towards the front door. Jarvis grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back in front of him. "Oh, so you touchin me now?! Get the fuck off!" Nicki jerked her arm away. He grabbed it again.

"Getcho ass in there and clean my kitchen. I am not one to raise my voice. I should only hafta tell you what to do once and I expect to get it done. Now after you finish with that, I want you to meet me upstairs... and lose the clothes."

"Fuck you think you are tawkin tuh me like dat?! And you expect me tuh give you some?! Fuck outta here wit dat shit B! Fuck you and them got damn dishes!!" She pulled away. Jarvis raised his hand to her for the first time and smacked her.

Nicki held her cheek in shock. "Aah!" She hissed. "What the fuck, Jarvis???" She cried in disbelief.

"Don't ever talk to me like that again. Now go in there. And do. What I told you. To do." He pointed his finger in her face.

Nicki couldn't believe he had just hit her. She looked him in the eyes, but all she saw was emptiness. His eyes were cold and unforgiving. "Why..." She squeaked. Nicki jogged to the front door and Jarvis watched her go, he knew she had to come back; she left her book bag. Nicki ran down his front steps and walked across the street to the bus stop with tears in her eyes. She sat down on the cold bench, shivering and wondering why the man she loved would ever raise his hand to hurt her. Nicki held her face in her hands. Minutes later, she heard a voice calling. It sounded far away.

"Onika?"

Nicki listened for it again.

"Onika?"

She started to feel warm all over. She blinked her eyes a few times and saw a blurred face staring down at her.

"Onika? Wake up please."

She felt a hand on her head as a thumb rubbed across her forehead.
"Come on Nika, get up."

Nicki rubbed her eyes and sat up on her elbows. She looked around and noticed she was lying on a railed bed in a white room. She heard faint beeping and saw an IV in her forearm. Safaree stood by her side.

"Hey? You back?" He pushed down the railing and sat down next to her, waiting for her to respond.

"Where are the kids?"

"With V."

"Oh... am I.... am I ok?"

"Yea. You blacked out, but you're safe now. You're in the hospital. Megan called after she... after she found you."

Nicki reached up to feel her neck. She had a few welts and scratches on her from clawing at Jarvis's hand.

"He.... choked me Faree...." Nicki began to tear up.

Safaree saw this and pulled her close. "Come here." He held her, letting her cry into his chest as he rubbed her back.

After Jarvis left, Megan had came back downstairs. She saw Nicki lying still on the floor so she rushed over. She didn't see her chest rising and falling, Nic had stopped breathing. Megan tried to wake her up, but Nic was out. She searched Nic's pockets for her blackberry and called her uncle. Megan told him what she saw and he told SB. The guys cut their trip short and immediately drove back to LA. Safaree had told her to call 911 so she did. When the paramedics arrived, they transported Nicki to the nearest hospital. The cops showed up ten minutes after they left and asked the children what happened. Tyrone couldn't tell them much because all he saw was a man trying to force himself inside the house. Dee Dee was crying too hard for them to make out her side of the story. The police took the children down to the precinct for further questioning. Vincent went with them, he'd take them home from there.

*knock knock knock*

The room door squeaked open. "Can I come in?" A little old white lady wearing thick, round lenses with short and curled brunette hair asked, peeping in the room. She wore turquoise scrubs with a white lab coat over top. In her hand was a pen and clipboard. Safaree looked to his left at the opening door.

"Come in."

Nicki lifted her head up off of SB's chest. His white tee was stained with her tears. The woman walked over to them, and extended her hand with a smile.

"Good Morning sir. I'm Dr. Descartes. I'm the head physician on this floor. I oversee all incoming patients. And I'm pleased to say that Ms. Maraj has no serious injuries so she'll be able to leave in no time."

It was now 3:32am. When Nicki arrived to the hospital it was going on 9pm. Safaree didn't get there til 12am. By that time Nic was already in a room to herself. She wasn't breathing on her own so a respirator supplied her oxygen for her. It wasn't until later that night, around 2am, that Nic was able to breathe without it. Safaree filled out all the necessary paperwork for her and waited for her to wake up. She'd been gone for at least six hours when he decided to wake her up on his own.

"Thank you doc."

"Just doing my job." She smiled. "I'll be back with your release papers miss. Won't take me long so you'll be out of here in a jiff. I just need to remove your IV."

Nic looked down at it and held her arm out. The doctor carefully removed it and desposed of it properly. "Alright, be right back." She smiled then turned to leave, closing the door behind her. Nicki looked at Safaree and folded her arms into her chest.

"I don't wanna go home Faree, he knows where I live."

"Nic, you'll be fine. I promise. The cops are out there lookin for'm right now."

"But he said he'd be back. And how do you know there gonna find him?"

Safaree didn't say anything. He was lost for words, unsure of the system himself.

"Exactly... you don't know if they will. I can't go back to that house. Not by myself."

"Look.... maybe we could get the cops to watch the house? Will that make you feel safe?"

"No Safaree. I don't need to feel like a prisoner in my own home." Nicki started tearing up again. "Will you stay with me?"

"I mean... if that helps? I guess I could."

"Thank you." Nicki hugged him around the neck.

"You're welcome." They pulled away.

"Where's my phone?" She sniffled.

"Oh yea." Safaree pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Drake called you."

Nicki looked from her phone to him. "Did you answer?"

"Nah, he called way before I got here. You should call'm back. Let'm know what's up."

"No, no, no no no." Nicki shook her head. "I... I can't do that Safaree. I won't.... I can't.... No."

"What?" SB screwed his face up. "You hafta tell'm Nic. What's he gonna think when he sees you?" Nicki had a big scratch on her cheek and a mildly swollen top lip from when the door hit her in the face. The bridge of her nose was slightly bruised, turning a dark, purple color. Safaree didn't ask her how the scars got there although he wanted to know. "How's he gonna feel when he finds out you kept this from him?"

"Safaree please don't make me do this right now." Nicki handed him back her phone and laid back down with her back facing him.

"Don't shut him out Onika. I think he should know."

"But Safaree.... I.... I....." She tried not to cry. "I can't...... what's he gonna think of me? I let..... I let another man touch me."

"What?" This was news to Safaree. He hadn't gotten the complete story. As far as he knew, Jarvis barged in and choked her. That alone pissed him off when he found out. He'd calmed down since then, but now with new details surfacing, Safaree started to heat up again.

"What'chu mean he touched you?"

"I don't wanna talk about it Faree... there's no need to. This is all my fault anyway. I shouldn't've answered the door. I shoulda never volunteered to babysit. I jus fuck up everything."

"Stop it Onika. None of this is your fault. I don't want you blamin yaself for shit. That nigga had no right to put his hands on you. No right. No matter what you did, his crazy ass woulda found a way in."

"I know you're tryna help, but you're wrong Safaree. It is all my fault."

"Stop sayin that."

Just then, Dr. Descartes walked back in with Nic's release papers.
"Ok, whose signing?"

"I got it." Safaree took the clipboard.

"You can just sign down there by that X Mr. Maraj."

Safaree looked at her sideways. "No. It's Samuels. Mr. Samuels."

"Oh!" She giggled. "I'm sorry sir. I just assumed—"

"You good." He handed her back the clipboard.

"You're free to go. You can just leave the hospital gown on the bed, one of the nurses will get it." Descartes smiled and left the room.

"Where are my clothes?" Nicki sat up wiping her face.

Safaree got up and went across the room. Her clothes were in a purple transparent bag. He got it and handed it to her.

"You need my help or anything?"

"Please?"

Nicki turned her back to him. SB untied the three knots vertically aligned down her back.

"You good?"

"Yea. Thank you Faree."

"No problem. I'll jus be outside the door."

Nicki nodded her head and he stepped out. She stood up and took off the gown. She folded it and laid it on the bed. Nicki put her clothes back on from the previous day. She noticed a couple drops of dried blood on the front of her shirt. She took it off and turned it inside out to make it less noticeable, but you could still see it. Nicki unfolded the hospital gown and put it back on to cover it up. She noticed she didn't have any shoes, not even her slippers. Her feet were snuggled in grey hospital socks. Nicki walked to the door and opened it. She didn't see SB. She searched for him with her eyes. Nicki saw him getting off the elevator with a pair of Nike's. He jogged over to her out of breath.

"Where did you go?"

"I forgot I left these in the car." He held up her shoes. "I went and picked'm up from ya house earlier when I noticed you didn't have anything on ya feet."

"Oh..." She took them. "Thanks. And tell me before you leave next time, ok?"

"Yea, sorry."

Nicki put her shoes on and closed the door behind her. The floor they were on was completely quiet and still. All they heard were moniters going and all kinds of beeping. The only lights on were mounted over the door frames of all the patients' rooms. The nurses station was dark and vacant. There was only one nurse pushing a food cart. No one else. Nic and SB walked to the elevator and rode it down. Safaree drove them to her house and parked his car in her driveway. He unbuckled his seat belt and went to exit. Nicki sat there staring at the front of her house.

"You comin?"

"My bedroom light's on...." She answered, never taking her eyes off of her home.

Safaree looked at the house then back at Nicki.

"I know Nic. I turned it on when I got ya sneakers."

Nicki looked at him then unbuckled her seat belt.

"Where was he when you got here?"

"Gone. You're fine Onika, come on." Safaree got out and walked over to her side of the car. He helped her out then they went inside. Safaree turned on the alarm system and walked Nic up to her room, she insisted he do that. Nicki took the gown off and SB saw the blood on her shirt. He had the urge to ask her about it, but he didn't want to upset her or himself so he let it go for the moment.

"I'm goin to go take a shower."

"Ard. I'ma go 'head back downstairs. I'm gettin kinda tired."

"You goin to bed already?"

"It's 5am Nic. I think I need to." He half smiled. "I'll be on the couch."

"Oh. Ok.... your phone's on right?"

"Yes. It is. Now go shower, you're safe."

Nicki sighed and turned her head away from him. Safaree looked at her once more before he shut the door. He walked downstairs and into the living room, kicking his shoes off near the sofa. He plopped down onto it and lie back, placing a couch pillow over his face. Safaree heard the shower running then his cell phone started to blast My Watch. He took it out of his baggy, jean pocket and answered.

"Yea Nic?"

"Um, no? This is Vincent nigga."

SB looked at the caller ID on his iPhone. "Oh, my bad son. What's good?"

"Me and the kids jus gettin to the house. How is she?"

"Not good B." He removed the pillow from his face. "That muhfucka messed her up pretty bad. Got her all paranoid and shit. I swear to you, and I don't swear, but I'ma beat the shit outta dat nigga if I see'm again. His ass is so dead."

"Damn. Jus know I gotcha back. Not that you need me, I've seen what'chu can do. He use'ta be real cool... now nigga wanna be all psycho and shit."

"I'ont know 'bout all dat. I ain't never liked his crazy ass. Like, what kinda man are you to put ya hands on a woman?"

"A fuckin punk. Ain't no need for none of dat bullshit. They needa hurry up and find his ass. Send'm right back to Rikers. Let him know what it feels like to get beat on."

"They ain't got'm yet?!" Safaree sat up.

"Naw. Not yet. They don't have everything they need."

"Fuck you mean???"

"They still need Nika's side of the story."

"They won't get it."

"Huh?"

"She ain't talkin. She hasn't even told me anything so I doubt she open up to dem donut eatin ass pigs."

"I think she will. Specially if it's to help find him. It may calm her nerves to get it all out. She don't needa bottle dat shit up. Ain't healthy."

"I know what'chu mean man."

"Yea... well I was jus callin to check on her. I'm about to lay down."

"Ard B." Safaree yawned.

"Don'tchu go to sleep nigga. Listen out for the door. The cops should be there soon."

"Fuck outta here. Them dumbasses shoulda came up the hospital to ask all dem damn questions. I'm tired so I'm takin my ass to sleep. They prolly won't be here til later anyway."

"Whatever man. Keep her safe."

"I got it. BC-1 out."

Safaree hung up the phone and laid back down, putting the pillow back over his face and his phone in one of his size fourteens.

Nicki stepped out of the shower. She wrapped herself in her bath towel and walked over to the mirror. She took her hand and wiped until she could see herself clearly. Nicki stood there examining her face. She lifted her hand to feel the top of her upper lip. The swelling minimized, but only a little. She turned her head to see the mark Jarvis's ring left on her cheek. It was a little above her left dimple and about the size of a pinky finger. Nicki closed her eyes and turned away from the mirror biting her lip. She went into her room and dried off, lotioned up, then found something to put on. Nicki walked out of her room with her blackberry in her hand. She wore a big tee shirt and a pair of ankle socks. Her hair was plaited into two big braids; one resting on the tops of each shoulder. She went downstairs and walked over to the couch. Leaning over the back of it, Nicki removed the pillow from SB's face.

"Are you sleeping Faree?"

His eyes were closed. Nicki plucked his nose and he frowned while fanning her hand away. Safaree turned toward the coffee table. Nicki sighed and threw the pillow back down on him. She went in the kitchen and brewed her a cup of Chamomile tea. Nicki sat at her kitchen table playing with the tea bag. She held her head up with her fist as her elbow rested on the table. Lifting the bag in and out of the tea, Nic noticed her phone lighting up. Drake's name blinked across the screen. Nicki hesitated to answer it. Would he ask why she didn't pick up when he called earlier? Would he ask how the rest of her day went? Would Drake hear the secret in her voice and ask what's wrong? Nicki didn't bother finding out. She silenced her phone and turned it over. She placed the wet tea bag in the saucer and began sipping. Nic knew he'd call again. Would she answer it then? Would she tell him about Jarvis? Nicki pushed all these thoughts to the back of her mind. She didn't want to think about them. She sat the mug down and stirred in another teaspoon of sugar. Nicki watched as the tea whirlpooled inside her pink and black Diva mug. She listened as her spoon tinkered against the sides. While the liquid stirred, so did her mind.

*knock knock knock*

Nicki stood there with her arms folded into her chest, trying to stay warm. She was waiting for the door to open and when it did, it immediately closed again. Nicki rolled her eyes and knocked once more. This time someone different answered.

"Hey... sorry about that. I guess Safaree's still mad at you... why you here this late?" Vincent looked at his watch. It was 7pm and dark out.

"V... I... I need somewhere to stay tonight..."

"What???"

Nicki looked up at him. Her eyes were begging him to let her stay. "Vincent please? Jus tonight? You know Lauren's still out of town and Candi's not answering her phone. I have no other options and I'm not goin back home, I can't."

"You and Jarvis have another argument?" He asked like he knew she'd say yes.

Nicki pressed her lips together and squeezed her eyes shut. Tears were forming and she didn't want Vincent to see. She sniffled and a weep escaped her lips.

"Sorry.... I ain't mean t—"

"He hit me...."

Vincent screwed his face up. "He what?!"

Nicki quickly covered her face. Vincent snatched her hands down. "What did you jus say Onika?!"

"Jarvis... he hit me. We were arguing and he told me to clean the kitchen I told'm no I cursed him out and he smacked me across the face!" Nicki's words were running together. It all came out fast in one breath as she cried.

"Hell no." Vincent shook his head with flared nostrils. He put his arm around Nic's shoulder and pulled her into the house. "Sit on the couch, I'll be back...."

Nicki looked at him as he ascended the staircase on her left. "Where are you going??"

Vincent quickly came back downstairs with his Timbalands on. "He live near Brooklyn right?" He asked, putting on his lengthy black tee.

"Don't do anything Vince!!! Please?!?! I don't want him to know I told you!!"

"Fuck you mean?! He hit you Onika! I'm not lettin'at shit go!"

"But you have to!! I... I still love'm. I jus... he jus gets me so mad sometimes. It's normal, couples argue... I don't want you to hurt him. Please, don't go over there Vincent."

"What??????" He squinted at her in disbelief, craning his neck forward to make sure he heard her correctly.

"It only happened once. I don't think he'll do it again... I prolly jus made him angry. I should've kept my mouth shut. It's my fault ok?"

"No." Vincent shook his head while putting his coat on. "It's not your fault. That nigga needa learn to keep his hands to himself."

"Don't go!!" She cried.

Vincent saw the plea in her eyes. He huffed and ran his hand over his face. "Can I jus go talk to'm?"

"No."

Vincent gave in. "Fine Onika. I won't go. But if I see his ass on the street, I'ma start some shit jus so I can beat his ass."

"Vince?!"

"I won't hurt'm too bad." He took off his coat and threw it on the couch. "Wait til I tell S." He started walking toward his basement door.

"NO! You can't!! I don't give a damn how mad you are, you will NOT tell Faree!!"

"Yea ard..." He pulled the door open.

Nicki's eyes grew big. Safaree was standing there zipping up his coat. He had a scowl on his face and he looked beyond heated. He pulled on his navy blue skully and gloves.

"Let's go...." SB brushed passed Nicki causing her to step back a little. He didn't look at her, not once. Vincent focused on Nicki then Safaree. He shut his basement door and ran over to get his coat.

Nicki slowly turned around facing the front door. "Faree.... please, you don't—"

"LET'S GO VINCENT!" Safaree opened the door and stepped out onto the porch.

"I'm comin nigga! Damn." He made his way to the door then looked back at Nicki. "Lock the door." He stepped out.

Nicki walked over to the entrance. She watched the two walk down Vincent's driveway.

"Brooklyn right?"

Vincent nodded his head....

Nicki watched as her tea swirled about in her cup. She went to taste it, but it was cold. She sat the teaspoon on the saucer and stood up with her cup. Walking over to the microwave, Nicki's phone received a text message. She placed the beverage in the mic, turning it on, and went to check the blackberry.

[Hey babe, ur prolly still sleep so jus call me bak when u wake up. I have good news :) Love you] 

Nicki just stared at the screen. To reply or not to reply? That's the question. Her answer? Nicki sighed and placed the phone back on the table. The microwave dinged so she went to go get her tea. Sitting down at the table, Nicki waited for it to cool off. When it did, she sipped slowly. She sat in the kitchen for a good three hours, sipping and reheating and daydreaming. Nicki picked up her phone and discovered yet another missed call from Drake. She got up to put her empty mug in the sink and heard footsteps heading toward the kitchen. Nicki looked back and saw a sleepy SB with his phone in hand. He was rubbing his eyes and yawning. He walked over to Nic and stood beside her.

"So you gon tell me why you not answerin ya phone?"

Nicki looked away from him and began to run dish water. "I can't talk to him right now Safaree..."

"Why? He's worried about you. He called me askin if anything was up cuz you haven't been answerin his calls. He thought he might'a made you mad or sum'n. I told'm you'd call back."

Nicki turned the water off. "Why would you do that Safaree?! Thas NOT ya place! Jus please stay the hell outta my business! If I wanted your help I would've asked for it!"

"You can't keep avoidin him Onika! He hasn't done shit to you! You will call him back! You can't jus repress this shit. I know it hurts, but you will not bottle it up. It's not good to jus keep everything inside. I don't care if you don't wanna tell me all that happened, I know enough to understand how you're feelin. But you hafta tell somebody and that somebody is Drake. He's ya boyfriend. He deserves to know. And if you don't let it out, it's jus gonna eat at'chu. So tell'm, don't jus leave him out in the dark like you did me..."

Nicki teared up. "I can't Faree... it's too much. It's so embarrassing... how could I let that happen to me? I'm strong right? How could he jus overpower me so easily? I fought back with all I had and he jus.... he jus grabbed me up... It was so easy for him to do.... It was like nothing I was doing to stop him worked..... I felt so weak Safaree....."

Nicki put her hands up to her face and cried. SB wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. He rubbed her back allowing her to shed her tears.

"I tried so hard to get him off me and I'm the one who ended up with the scars. It's not fair.... he slapped me like it was nothin. Like I didn't even matter. Like I wasn't a woman." She cried.

Safaree listened intently. He didn't know he hit her. SB squeezed his arms tighter around Nicki. "I'm sorry that happened Nic."

"He fuckin violated me Faree! He... he.... he put.... he put his hand up my shirt and he jus.... oh God..." Nicki was still crying. Safaree felt her wrap her arms around him, her face still pressed to his chest. "He acted like I was still his.... do you know how scary that is??? What if he comes back? What'll happen then? He knows I live here now. I can't stay... I need to leave Safaree."

"They'll get'm soon Nicki. But where are you gonna go?"

She looked up at him with puffy eyes. "You keep sayin that, but you don't know. And I'm goin to my apartment downtown... I'm not stayin here."

Nicki let him go causing him to do the same. She started to walk away, but SB grabbed her by the wrist. "But you barely have any furniture there. There's like one couch and a tv. I'm not lettin you live like that."

Nicki looked at her wrist and effortlessly pulled away. "I'll get more stuff... I have no choice." She shrugged and walked upstairs to her room to pack some clothes. Safaree had forgotten to tell her she couldn't leave yet because the police were on their way to get her side of the story, three hours late, but still on their way. He ran up after her and saw her folding clothes into a suitcase. She glanced at him and continued what she was doing.

"What?"

"You can't go yet."

"And why not?" Nicki stopped and looked at him, holding onto the top of her suitcase.

"Because the p—" SB was cut off by a knock at the door.

Nicki's eyes widened. "That's him Safaree..." Her heart started to race as her stomach twisted in knots.

"No it's not, I bet it's the cops. Thas what I was tryna tell you." Safaree turned to leave her room.

Nicki dropped the lid of her suitcase and went after him. "NO! Don't open the door! Please Safaree, please don't open the door! Please?!!" She grabbed his arm, pulling him away from the staircase.

"I know you're still on edge, but I'm here. If it's him, don't expect him to make it out of this house alive. If it's not, it's the cops." He started toward the staircase again.

"NO! Faree stop it!! I'm begging you!! Please don't answer that door!!" Nicki had the saddest look in her eyes.

Safaree saw them pleading with him, but he ignored them. He removed himself from the tight grip Nicki had around his arm and headed downstairs.

"No... please..." She tried once more to get him to stop. He kept going. "Why are you doing this to me Faree?" She whined.

When he reached the very bottom, he heard them knock again, harder this time. Nicki was at the top of the staircase freaking out. Safaree went to the door.

"Who is it?"

"Uuh, we're looking to speak with a miss Onika Maraj? I'm Officer Talley. I'm with my partner Officer... Officer Joe."

SB yelled up to Nicki, "See Nic? It's jus the cops! Come downstairs please!" He opened the door and standing before him were two men. One a little taller than himself and the other small, but taller than Nicki. Safaree let them in.

"Good morning officers. Y'all can have a seat in the living room, she'll be down in a minute." Safaree shut the door back and locked it. He turned the alarm system back on and went upstairs to get Nicki.

"Come on. They waitin for you." SB held out his hand. She took it and he began leading her down the steps.

"Faree wait. I need to put some pants on." Nicki let his hand go and he watched her run back up the steps to her room. She came back to him wearing a long pair of loose fitting pajama pants. She took his hand again and they made their way to the living room. The tall officer, Talley, was sitting down on the couch. The smaller one, Officer Joe, was standing in front of the television. They looked Nic's way when she and SB made their entrance. Officer Talley stood up with his hand out, he removed his hat.

"Morning ma'am. I'm Officer Talley."

Nicki shook his hand. "Hi officer." She glanced over at the frail rookie. He walked over to her with a smile. He seemed really nervous and just plain awkward. "H-hi ma'am. I'm Officer Joe." He held out his hand and Nicki shook it, trying to return the smile as genuinely as possible. She was nervous as well.

"Nice to meet you..." Nicki looked over her shoulder at Safaree who was standing behind her. "Now what?" She whispered. He motioned her to have a seat.

"I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." He turned to go, but Nicki quickly grabbed his fingers.

"No, stay with me." She turned her head around and pulled him over to the lazy boy with her. She sat down and he sat on the arm of the recliner. The two policemen sat across from them on the ivory colored sofa. Talley pulled folded documents out of his pocket. He signaled Joe to hand him a pen. The rookie did so.

"So tell me... what happened?"

"Where should I start?"

"Well first off, how do you know the suspect? Was he a stranger? Old enemy?"

Nicki looked down at her hands balled up in her lap. "He's an ex...."

"How long ago was this?" Talley scribbled something on one of the papers and slid them over to Officer Joe.

"About... nine years? I met'm when I was seventeen."

"How old was he?"

"Twenty-four..... I know there's a lot wrong with that, but.... I was young. I thought I was in love. Age didn't matter at the time."

"Oh, I see.... so you know this guy really well?"

"Unfortunately I do."

Officer Joe was writing down everything. Nicki looked over at him then back to Officer Talley.

"Okay. I think we have enough background info on this guy. So tell me what happened last night."

Nicki explained everything to them in detail. Tears were far from invisible. They streamed down her face, but that's all. She wasn't hysterical. She wasn't sobbing. Her tears were just there. Safaree sat by her trying to stay calm. He was really pissed. When the cops finished, they let Nicki know they'd do all they could to catch him. They promised they'd work faster after finding out he was a New York native. They were afraid he'd flee back home, but they didn't tell Nicki that. She felt a little relieved, but only a little. Nicki still wanted to stay at her apartment in downtown LA. She went to her room after the officers left and continued packing. She cleared out her bathroom's linen closet and mirror. Nicki changed her shirt into something smaller that hugged her torso, she kept on the loose pj pants. Safaree helped her load everything into her Bentley. They went back inside and emptied the fridge and cabinets. SB loaded the food into his car, he'd follow behind her car as they drove.

When they reached the apartment, the two brought everything in and began putting the food away.

"Can you put this up there for me Faree? I can't reach it." She asked, standing on her tippy toes trying to put her cereal on top of the fridge. Safaree stopped sweeping the floor and helped her. He ended up putting all four boxes on top of the fridge. Nicki put the rest of the food away while Safaree cleaned around her. When she finished, Nicki started to hang up her clothes in her bedroom closet. She then went to go clean the bathroom while Safaree rewashed the few dishes she packed. When he finished, he cleaned the windows then she vacuumed the floors. After the apartment was spotless, the both plopped on the only piece of furniture there... the couch.

"Safaree?" She yawned. "I need to go to IKEA. This apartment is bare."

"You really do..."

"You have your laptop right?"

"Yea. It's in the car."

"You should go get it. I'll shop online. I'm too tired to go anywhere." Nicki yawned again.

"A'ight. I'll be back."

"Thank you Faree. Lock the door on ya way out."

"I'm only goin to the car."

"Lock it Safaree."

He stepped out. Nicki heard the key twisting. She got up to go see if it was locked and it was. She laid back down on the couch, on her tummy, and turned on the tv. All she got was static as she flipped through the channels.

"Shit..... I need cable...." She turned the television off and sat the remote on the carpeted floor. Nicki closed her eyes and made herself comfortable. She was about to fall asleep when her phone rang. Nicki groaned and went to go get it out of the kitchen. Safaree came back in with his MacBook. He sat on the couch and turned it on. Nicki picked her phone up off the counter and looked at the name. Her throat tightened. Safaree went in the kitchen to let her know the internet was up. He saw her staring at her phone.

"Answer it."

Nicki looked back at him.

"You gotta do it sometime. I'll leave if that helps you?"

The phone went silent. "It stopped ringing..."

"No." Safaree sat the laptop on the counter and walked over to her. He took the phone and dialed Drake's number.

"NO!" Nicki snatched it back, hanging it up. "You can't force me to tell him. I'll.... I'll call when I'm ready."

"No you won't. You jus puttin it off."

Nicki knew he was right. She didn't want to call Drake back anytime soon. But she knew she had too. Nicki was beginning to understand it was unfair to keep this from him. She looked at Safaree with a sigh. Nicki held up her blackberry and hesitantly dialed Drake's number. She held the phone up to her ear as she bit her lip. She was extremely nervous.

"I'll be in the living room." Safaree grabbed his MacBook. Nicki nodded her head and he stepped out. The phone rang for what seemed like hours, but it was only a few seconds. The anticipation of hearing his voice in her ear made her heart beat speed up. She could feel the vessel thudding through her body.

"Hello?"

Nicki took a deep breath. "H-hey Drake.... It's..... it's me....."

"I know..... did I do something wrong? You haven't been returning my calls...... I uuh.... I tex'd you earlier. You prolly didn't get it though."

"No... I got it.... and you did nothing wrong."

"Oh. Well what's up? You don't sound like you. Are you upset?"

Nicki breathed out slowly. "No baby..." She started to tear up. "I jus.... I jus.... I need to see you please. I can't tell you over the phone."

"Onika? Baby, are you crying? Talk to me."

"Aubrey?" She wheezed and the tears poured down her face. "I have to see you. I don't want you to find out this way. I'm sorry I didn't pick up earlier. I... I wasn't trying to avoid you, I really wasn't."

"Don't apologize to me for not pickin up. It's okay, really. And I'm on my way. At LAX now. That's why I called. I wanted you to know I had two days off. That's my good news. I should be there in thirty minutes. Calm down baby."

"You're.... you're here?"

"Left around midnight. I wanted to surprise you."

"Aubrey? Please know that I love you.... I.... I always will. I'm at my apartment downtown. I'll tell you why when you get here."

"I love you too baby. I don't know why you're so upset, but please try to calm down? I don't like it when my baby cries and I'm not there to comfort her. Ill be there as soon as I can. Jus tex me directions. I'll hurry."

"Ok. Drive safe Drake."

"Ard love, see you in a bit. Love you."

"Love you too."

Nicki hung up and wiped her tears. She texted him directions and sat her phone one the counter, leaving the kitchen and walking into the living room with SB.

"How'd it go?" He asked looking up from his laptop.

"He's on his way."

"So you told'm?"

Nicki looked down then back up avoiding eye contact. Safaree knew what that meant. He disappointedly looked away from her, back down at his mac, and cleared his throat. 

"Don't do that Safaree. I'm gonna tell'm when he gets here. I told'm so..."

Safaree looked back up. "I'm glad you did. Maybe now you can breathe a little easier. I'ont like to see you all upset like this Nika. You know that."

"Yea.... I know...." Nicki walked over to the couch. "Scoot over."

SB did so. Nicki put her feet up on the sofa and looked over at his laptop. "What's that?"

"IKEA." He turned the computer out so she could see.

"Oh yea... did you see anything I might like?"

"Not yet." SB scrolled down the page.

"Wait, what about that one?" Nicki was pointing to a jet black, king bed. The headboard was made of bars and it sat up high, about a foot or two off the floor. Nicki would have to jump just to crawl into it. It was draped with a purple bed set and had black matching dressers and nightstands. Nicki would choose  another color for the bed set though. Maybe a magenta or rose. At the foot of the bed was the footboard. It was made of bars as well and was much shorter than the headboard, but rose a slight five inches above the mattress. Nicki wanted that bed. She placed her order for it then searched for sheets, drapes, and a comforter to go with. She decided on magenta. When she had her bedroom together, Nicki searched for living room furniture. The couch she had already was a gift from a company other than IKEA. It was leather and black. Nicki just needed two more that resembled it. A medium sized one and one for a single person to sit. After she found them, Nicki shopped for a kitchen table and chairs. She ordered those then looked for magenta drapes and curtains, a modern glass coffee table and a few paintings and nic-nacs for decoration. Nicki then searched for a bathroom set, black and magenta were her colors of choice. SB called them lame, but she thought they were simply sophisticated. Nicki had everything shipped express so they'd arrive fast. Her bedroom furniture were the only items ready so she'd get them the same day. Everything else would be arriving the next day. When she finished her online shopping, Safaree closed his MacBook and turned on the tv. He looked at Nicki when all he got was static. She shrugged and he turned it off, opening his computer again. SB ordered Verizon FiOS for her and even searched for a flatscreen, desktop. He picked out the desk it'd sit on and the swivel chair to go with it. When all was done, Safaree decided to go up on the rooftop, the door to that was in the kitchen. There was a pool up there and what looked like a wet bar. It was empty, but he'd soon fix that. SB went to the edge of the roof and looked out over LA. It was now 11am and the city was just waking up. He could feel the 87° sun beaming down on him so he went back inside to the cool AC before he melted to death. Nicki was standing near one of the windows in the living room with her arms folded. She was watching all the citizens scramble about. They looked really small all the way up from the penthouse.

"You good Nic?"

Safaree asked walking toward her. She looked back and nodded her head. Nicki laid her hand upon the clear glass and stared down at the lives happening beneath her. A smile began to form on her face.

"You know Faree," She spoke without looking at him. "I don't know, but I feel safer here.... Like no one can get me." She glanced over to the right where he was now standing, looking at LA with her. She then looked back out of the window. "It's like I'm all the way up here... in the clouds.... and nobody has a clue where to find me. It's so peaceful... so calming...."

Safaree was in the moment with her. "Ha, I guess you right. It does feel different bein up here." He looked over at her and saw the smile on her face. "You see a lot of beautiful things." He smiled to himself and looked back out of the window. "I'll be back ok? I feel like drivin... you'll be good by yaself right?"

"Yea.... I will."

"Okay."

Nicki stood there with both hands resting on the glass. SB grabbed his keys and walked to the door.

"Lock it Safaree." She said without looking.

"Got it. See you later Nic."

"Alright."

With that, he left. A few seconds later, Nicki heard the key twisting in the lock. She looked over at her couch and noticed he left his laptop. She went to go get it to hand it to him. Nicki heard the door open and began walking toward it.

"I figured you'd be ba—"

Nicki gasped and her eyes grew wide when she saw who was at the the door. She dropped the MacBook on the floor.

"Baby?!" She ran over to him and threw her arms around his neck, not giving him the opportunity to shut the door yet. Drake hugged her tight, slightly lifting her off the floor. Nicki wrapped her legs around his waist until he let go.

"Oh my God I missed you so much." Nicki grabbed his face and pulled him in for a kiss. She pecked his lips multiple times with tiny French kisses. When Drake was able to breathe, he smiled and shut the door.

"I missed you too baby."

"How'd you get a key?"

"Safaree. I caught'm just as he was about to leave." Drake's smile faded when he saw Nicki's scars.

"What happened to ya face?" He asked with furrowed brows.

Nicki reached up to touch her cheek. "Oh...."

Drake examined her and noticed the welts and scratches on her neck followed by the bruise on her nose. "Onika? What the hell happened???"

"That's what I need to tell you...." She pressed her lips together and took his hand. Nicki led him into the living room and they both sat on the couch.

"What's up baby?" Drake asked, scooting closer to her. Nicki sighed and tried to get her words in order. While she did that, he lifted his hand and placed it under her chin, raising it up. His eyes wandered from welt to welt; scratch to scratch. Drake softly ran his fingers over her wounds. "Who did this to you?" He looked up at her, tears were pooling in her eyes.

"Drake..... a few hours after I got off the phone with you yesterday.... I got a knock at the door...."

Drake took his fingers away from her neck. Nicki lowered her chin and a few tears fell. He grabbed both of her hands in his and listened.

"I went to answer it....... I should've asked who it was before I opened it.... but I didn't......" Nicki sniffled and looked down at the backs of her hands, which Drake was caressing with his thumbs. He never took his eyes off of her.

"Who was it?"

"My ex..... Jarvis..... I never told you about him because it hurt too much.... I didn't wanna relive all the pain he caused me....." Nicki took a deep breath. "He use'ta hit me....."

Drake's eyes widened. He couldn't fathom any man laying his hands on a woman. And on Nicki? No, he didn't want to believe it. He looked for comforting words to say, but nothing came to mind.

"He was so controlling..... he never wanted me to hang out with my friends...... I was seventeen at the time..... he always shouted orders at me and expected me to get them done like I was his kid......"

"How old was he?"

"Twenty-four..... I loved him though..... that's why I didn't leave...... he gave me a place to stay...... food to eat...... he made sure I had everything I needed....... but that's still no excuse..... I shouldn't have let'm put his hands on me..... I was so stupid......"

"Nicki? I'm.... I'm sorry baby. I'm sorry you had to go through that. It pisses me off to know anything like that ever happened to you. And you were young and naive, not stupid."

"It's fine Aubrey... really. I'm past that chapter in my life.... I was until he showed up at my house... everything came back to me all at once..... I tried closing the door, but he barged in..... the door hit me in the face...... that's how I got this...." Nicki touched the bridge of her nose. "My nose started bleeding...... I ran for the steps trying to get away from him, but he snatched me by my hair....." Nicki sniffled and touched one of her plaits. "I screamed telling him to get off, but he wouldn't...... he wiped the blood from my nose with his shirt...... I asked'm how he found me and he told me...... I scratched him and he slapped me........ that's how I got this......" Nicki touched the scar on her face. "I fell and when I got back up I swung at him a few times with an umbrella...... he broke it then tackled me into the wall...... it hurt so bad Aubrey...... his shoulder felt like it'd go right through me....... I hit'm in the back to get'm off, but then he grabbed me by the neck......" Nicki touched her neck. "I tried hard to peel his hand off........ I even tried to pull my body away, but he had me....... pinned to the wall......... his grip got tighter and I could barely breath.......... he....... he..... he started kissing me on my cheek and I pulled away as best I could....... I didn't want him anywhere near me........"

Drake had the meanest look on his face. His adrenaline pumped through his veins and he was ready to whoop ass. He had heard enough to want to murder this dude three times over. But there was more, Nicki spoke up again.

"He put his hand up my shirt...... and he...... he..... he fondled me....." Nicki broke down. She covered her face and started sobbing. "I'm sorry Aubrey! Oh my God, I'm sorry! I tried to stop him, I did!"

Drake pulled her into his chest. "It's not your fault Onika. Stop apologizin for somethin you didn't do. You didn't ask for this."

"But it is my fault! I tried to stop'm! I wanted to, but I couldn't and I really wanted to! I tried so haaard!!! I failed Aubrey!"

"Nicki stop! I'm not gonna listen to blame yourself okay?!" He held her out in front of him. "You didn't ask for any of this shit!! You hear me?! It happened to you! Not the other way around! You're not at fault here baby. Please stop blaming yourself." He hugged her again and she continued to cry into his chest.

"Did you at least call the police?"

Nicki lifted up and started wiping her face. "Megan did. One of the kids I was babysitting.... He choked me out and she found me. I remember waking up in the hospital..... after that I went home. The cops came to talk to me about the situation and when they left, me and Faree came here. I couldn't stay there because...... because I didn't feel safe...... and Jarvis said he'd be back so I had to leave....."

"I'm not gonna let him run you out of your own house."

"What's done is done. And besides, I feel better here.... much better here.... I'm safe here Aubrey."

Drake looked at her as she wiped her face. "I can't argue wit that.... I jus want you to be ok Onika. As long as you're safe and well, I can be too." He hugged her. "Don't worry babe, I'm sure the cops will get'm."

"I hope so."

They held each other for a minutes in silence until Drake pulled away. He looked at her face again. "Come on." He took her by the hand and found his way to the bathroom. "Where are your washcloths?" Nicki pointed to the linen closet behind him. He opened it and took one out. Nicki stood beside him as he wet it in the sink. She watched trying to figure out what he was doing and why. Drake wrung out the cloth and spread it out over his palm.

"What are you doing?"

"Close your eyes."

Nicki did. Drake began to wipe her face for her. He cleared away any remnants of tears and carefully brushed over her scars. "You have cocoa butter right?"

"I should." Nicki checked behind the mirror and searched for it. When she found it, she handed it to him. Drake pulled the top off of the stick of Palmer's and rolled it up like chapstick. He rubbed a little off the top and gently massaged it onto Nicki's cheek. She winced from the pressure causing him to lighten up. He then tended to the scratches on her neck and the bruise on her nose.

"I'll do this for you every four hours or so. I heard you're s'posed to use it three to four times a day for bruises and stuff." Drake closed the cap and put the cocoa butter back behind the mirror.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Nicki took his hand and showed him around her empty apartment. She let him know about all the furniture she bought and where it would go. Nic then led him to the roof and showed him Los Angeles through her eyes. They spent a large amount of time up there sightseeing. Drake got too hot so they went back inside. He playfully collapsed on the couch, taking up the whole thing. Nicki walked over and patted his leg so he'd move over. He looked at her and spread out more.

"So you're not gonna share with me?"

"Nah."

"Fine..." Nicki sat on the floor next to him and the couch. She was facing the tv when she felt something move over her head. Drake's legs were now at her sides.

"Umm......?" Nicki tilted her head back and looked up at him. "What are you about to do?"

Drake's face hovered over hers and he kissed her upside down. "Nothing." He lifted up and began to unplait her hair.

Nicki sat there in silence as he ran his fingers through her hair. Her butt started to hurt so he asked if she wanted to sit on the couch. She got up and laid down on her stomach, resting her head in his lap. Drake could tell she was about to fall asleep so he stroked her hair until she did.

When Nicki woke up four hours later, she was on the couch alone. She smelled something cooking in the kitchen so she got up to go check it out. Drake was standing at the stove talking to SB, who was putting stuff in the fridge. They looked her way when she walked in.

"Hey sleepy head." Drake smiled, putting the lid on the pot of chicken and shrimp alfredo. He turned off the oven and took the garlic bread sticks out of the warmer.

"Hey baby. You made dinner?"

"Yup." He took off the oven mits and sat them on the counter.

Nicki smiled and looked over at SB. "Hey Faree. When did you get back?"

"Wuddup Nic. I got here like an hour ago. I'm not stayin long. Considerin I helped ya boyfrien out, I'ma grab a plate before I leave." He closed the fridge and Drake side eyed him.

"If you call burning a pot of water helping, then sure, you helped."

"Aye man, I forgot I was s'posed to be boiling water. Common mistake for a coon to make."

Nicki laughed at them. "You guys are a trip. Thank you both."

"No problem Nic." Safaree said while making his plate to go. He wrapped it up and grabbed his A&W Rootbeer off the counter. "I'm out."

"Bye Faree. Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome."

He closed and locked the door behind him. Nicki turned to Drake. "Did he really burn water?"

"Yea," Drake chuckled. "He was tryna get his laptop to turn on. I ain't tell'm you was the one who dropped it."

"Oh. Right...... well where were you Mr.Chef?"

"In your room."

"Why?"

"Go see."

Nicki suspiciously turned around and hurried to her bedroom. Her face lit up when she saw what was in it. Her bed was put together and made up. The drapes were up and the dressers and nightstands were where she told him she wanted them. Nicki ran back into the kitchen.

"I LOVE YOU! Oh my God thank you so much Aubrey!" She hugged him tight.

"You're welcome baby. IKEA delivered it while you were asleep. I thought them bein here would wake you, but you were knocked out."

"Have I ever told you I love you?"

"Yes."

"Well I love you."

Drake smiled. "Come on silly, let's eat before this food gets cold."

Nicki let him go and he made their plates. They went into the living room and sat on the couch. Drake turned on the television. Static was the only thing on. He turned it back off. "You uuh, call the cable people yet?"

"Faree did it. They'll be here tomorrow."

"Alright."

The two said grace and ate their dinner. When they finished, Drake washed the dishes. Nicki put the food away and they both headed into her brand new bedroom.

I apologize if Drake's responses seemed robotic or just plain predictable. I've never experienced situations like this personally so idk how that conversation should've went. PLEASE COMMENT BARBZ & BOYZ!! LOVE YOU LOTS!!! MUUUUAAAHHH!!!! ★ Oh! Thnx for last chapters comments, most I've ever gotten ^_^ Tank u!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Chapt. 19: Intruders

I really hope you guys like this. Please excuse all errors. I hope this chapter makes sense to you.... um..... not much else to say :/ I hope it's long enough and plz dn't 4get to comment. This chapter reeaaallllyyy needs your feedback. I'm sorry if it's not that good. It could've been better, but I'm tired. Forgive me and enjoy *stares off into space*

Chapter: 19 (I think)

3 wks later: Wednesday

After Nicki left her photo shoot, she headed over to Safaree's. Being home wasn't the same without Drake there with her. Nic had gotten used to him in her everyday life and now that he was away, her house felt too empty. When she arrived at SB's everybody was in the kitchen playing poker. Nic sat and watched a few rounds until she got tired of spectating.

"Can I play?"

The Vaks started chuckling and shaking their heads. "No." Safaree said.

"And why not?" Nic folded her arms.

"Because this is a man's game."

"Bullshit. I'm playin nex round. Let's go." She pointed to the table signaling Safaree to play his card. The BC's (Vaks... same things) all laughed at how Nicki just shut him up. Safaree played his card and they laughed harder.

"Shut up. It was my go anyway."

Nicki laughed then got up to go to the fridge. She came back to the table with a bowl of juicy pineapple slices. SB took one and Nicki popped his shoulder then slid the bowl away from him. She watched them play some more and joined in the next few rounds. By the looks of things, Vincent was the best player. He had most of all the chips on the table.

"Damn V, I see you over there snatchin'm up left and right. You like a professional or some shit. I wouldn't mind takin you to Vegas... pauz!"

The guys all chuckled at Nic's comment.

"It's funny you say that cuz we ridin out there tonight. Plan on gamblin this whole weekend." Rex stated.

"Oh. Well y'all don't have anything to worry about then. Looks like Vince is gonna win everything."

"Actually. I'm not goin."

"Aww, why not?"

"My sister and her kids are out here for the summer. She's goin out tonight so I'm stuck wit'm."

"Oh. Well I don't want you to hafta miss an experience like this... I'll babysit."

All eyes focused in on Nic like heat seeking missles.

"Naw, I can't let'chu do dat."

"You can. I love kids. I'm great with them. It's no trouble, really."

SB was waving his hands and giving Vincent two thumbs up. Nic caught his eyes wandering behind her so she turned around. "Is there something you wanna say Faree?"

He pretended to yawn with a big stretch. "Naw, I'm good B."

"Mhmm...." Nicki turned back around. "So are you gonna take Faree's advice or not?"

"Haha, sure. Why not."

"Yay! Thank you V!" She gave him a big hug.

"Um... you're welcome? Why you wanna babysit so bad anyway?"

"Cuz... I jus..." She trailed off because her phone started to ring. Her eyes lit up like LED's as a smile tapered across her face. It was Drake. "Uh, hold on guys..." Nicki went in the living room to answer. "Hello?" No response. "Babe???" Still no answer. All Nicki heard was loud talking, laughing and music playing in the background. "Drake?!" She got fed up and ended the call when he didn't respond the last time. "He must've called by accident.... lucky me." She said to herself. Nicki went back in the kitchen and sat next to Safaree. Her eyes searched the table while her mind tried connecting the dots.

"Um.... Faree? Where are my pineapples?"

"Oh. I ate'm." He admitted, licking his lips.

"Why would you do that you big, greedy doof?!"

He shrugged and Nicki rolled her eyes.

After some time, Nic decided to head out. Vincent would bring the kids over later. It was 3pm when she got home. She took a shower and threw on a pair of yellow sweats and white tank. Nicki neatly brushed her hair up into a high ponytail. Around her neck hang the necklace Drake had bought her from Tiffany's back when they were in New York. Nicki decided she'd wear it everyday since he wasn't there to show that a part of him was still near. While she cleaned up around the house, she decided to set out some snacks for the kids. There were juices in the fridge and colorful bowls of chips, cookies and pretzels decorating her kitchen countertops. Nic also set out a few board games and Disney movies. She wasn't sure how old these kids were, but she knew no one could turn down Finding Nemo. As she made sure everything was in place, she heard a knock at the door. It was none other than Vincent. As she opened the door, she witnessed four children standing before him. Nic's eyes grew wide.

"Hey guys..... wow, there's four of you." She nervously smiled and looked at Vincent.

"You wanted to babysit." He pushed the children forward. "They're all yours." Nicki opened the door letting them all stand in her vestibule. Vincent brought in a high chair so Nic guided him to the kitchen and he set it up. As soon as he finished, he left. Nicki closed the door and showed them to her living room.

"Soooo, tell me your names." She said sitting on the couch with a smile.

A girl about the same height as Nic spoke up. "I'm Megan, I'm fourteen." She pointed to the little boy standing to her right. "Thas Tyrone, he's seven." He waved. "And thas Deandria. We jus call her Dee Dee. She's four." The little girl hugged her stuffed aminal to her chest.

"And what about the cutie in your arms?" Nicki asked in her baby voice.

"Oh, this right here is Donté. He jus turned two last week."

"Awww, he's so adorable!" Nic stood and motioned to hold him with her arms out. He pulled away causing her to frown.

"Yea, he gets shy around strangers."

"I see...."

"Hey? You didn't tell us your name." Dee Dee said.

Nicki looked down at her and smiled. "I didn't huh?" She playfully placed her hands on her hips.

"Cut the crap Dee. You know thas Nicki Minaj. Uncle V told us in the car." Megan admitted, rolling her eyes.

"Well she doesn't look like her." Deandria turned to Nicki. "Where's your Tutu? And your makeup? And your wig?"

"Haha, I don't wear that all day sweetie. That's Nicki onstage. When I'm home, this is what I look like. Jus being Onika."

"Oh.... what's Onika?"

"Hahaha, that's my name sweetheart."

"Oh.... it's pretty." She smiled.

"Awww, thank you. You're so cute."

"Thank you." Dee Dee blushed and started giggling.

"You guys want snacks? There's some in the kitchen."

Tyrone and Dee Dee's eyes sparkled. They raced past Nicki and found their way into the kitchen leaving her, Megan, and Donté standing in the living room.

"You don't want anything honey? There's plenty." 

Megan sat Donté and his diaper bag down on the couch. "Look, I'm not here to get all buddy buddy with you. I'm only here cuz uncle V wouldn't let me stay home alone. I don't need you. As a matter of fact, I don't even like you. You have no fashion sense and your music sucks. Jus like you. That is how you got here right? I bet Wayne tastes jus like a lollipop huh?" Megan smirked and brushed past Nic, walking into the kitchen with her younger siblings. Nicki stood there trying to figure out if all that just really happened. Donté crawled off of the couch and waddled over to her. She looked down at him.

"Well.... we're not gonna let one bad apple spoil the bunch."

Donté held his arms up while opening and closing his fists. "Eee, eee!!" He pointed to his mouth.

"Aw, eat eat? Looks like it's time to feed you huh?" Nicki picked him up and he immediately went for her boob. Her eyes grew large with the drop of her jaw as she pulled him away. "Ooh, no no no no no! Thas not goin down Donté."

His bottom lip began to shake as Nicki shook her head no. "Nooo, please don't. These aren't for you sweetheart."

He started sniffling. Nicki reached for his diaper bag to see if he had anything edible in there. "You know Donté, I don't understand why your mom still breast feeds you. You're two now. I believe it's time to wean." Nicki was clearly talking to herself as she searched his bag. All she found were toys, pampers and two changes of clothes. "Ugh.... leave it up to a Vak to pack a diaper bag." Nicki shook her head then zipped it up. She then headed into the kitchen with the rest of the kids carrying Donté and his bag. Megan was playing on her iPod and Dee Dee and Tyrone were fighting over a bowl of cookies.

"Get off greedy! These are mine!"

"No! You can share!"

Nicki walked over to them. "Hey, you guys shouldn't be fighting."

"He started it!"

"No I didn't snitch!"

"Tyrone? Don't talk your sister that way." Nicki took the bowl. "If you guys can't share then neither can I." She sat it back on the counter.

"But we're hungry." Tyrone confessed.

"Your uncle didn't feed you before he dropped you off?"

The children shook there heads no.

"I guess I'll be cooking then you guys."

Nicki put away all the snacks and set aside the board games. She put Finding Nemo on for them and started on dinner. Everything started off fine and dandy, but ended up going horribly. Tyrone and Dee Dee wouldn't stop bickering. Megan kept back talking Nicki. Donté wouldn't stop crying and Nicki was on the verge of kicking them all out. What she thought would be all fun and games didn't go as well as expected. After she fed them. Nicki showed them the guest room, put them to bed and decided to call Candi. She needed someone to vent to.

*ring ring ring*

"Hello?"

"Candi help meee!!!" She pleaded.

"What's wrong Nika?"

"I have a lot of shit to tell you... a lot of shit..."

"Go on, I got time."

"Well first off...."

Nicki went on to tell Candice everything that happened after she left NY. Including that night with her and Drizzy in the rain. She told her about the hiking trip. The arguments. His ex. And the sex. Candi was a little upset that Nicki took forever and an eternity to tell her all this, but she got over it. Nicki then went on to tell Candice how she ended up babysitting which eventually led to her telling Candi how she wanted kids with Drake.

"What?! Ok Nika. Hear me out now. I think you've completely lost it. You're a second past whipped and a quarter past sprung! Why in God's name would you wanna have kids only four months after dating this guy?!"

"He's not jus some guy Can. And we're not dating. He's mine and I'm his. I don't see myself with anyone else. I think..... I know he's the one for me so what's wrong with me wanting a family?"

"Look Onika, from what you've told me, Drake still has some hurdles he needs to jump. Give him some time and jus back off. Let'm breathe a little. You and I both know you don't wanna push him away."

"Of course I don't wanna push him away. If anything I wanna pull him closer. I know we've only been together for a few months, but with him it doesn't feel like it. Like... it feels like we've known each other for years and years. Like maybe we knew each other in a previous life? Haha, I don't know Candi. I jus have an instant connection with him."

"Awww, isn't that sweet? Well, it looks like you know what you want so my job here is done."

"NO! It's not. I still need you Candice. What am I gonna tell Drake?"

"What do you mean?"

"About the kids..."

"The one's you're babysitting?"

"No Candice. The one's I want. Pay attention please."

"You still want them???"

"I don't know.... I think me and him should jus talk about it."

"Oh sooky sooky, look who grew a pair of big ones."

"Hahaha! Shut up Candice! Is there anything else you needa say?"

"Oh yea. Whatever you do, don't ask him anything about children or you guys's futures, most men hate that. It's like they jus freeze up and get all awkward nd tongue tied nd shit, haha."

"What the actual fuck Candice??? That's the entire reason we had this conversation. Were you listening to me at all?! Besides it's Drake we're talkin about, he's not like most men. Like I've said before, he's different."

"Oop! Haha, You say that now!" 

"Come on Can, what could possibly happen?"

"Nothing good can come from you askin him that Onika. Jus think about it... think about it... think about it..."

        - * - Nicki's Thoughts - * -

"Do you see us having a family together Drake? Not now, but years down the road?"

"Nicki stop."

"Stop what?"

"This baby talk. You did it last time I called you to. I didn't say anything then but I'm tellin you now, jus stop."

"You didn't answer my question."

"I'm not goin to."

"Why not? I wanna know what you think. Where do you see us?"

"Nic I can't answer that. I don't know. Who knows if we'll even be together that long."

"Wait a second....... are you— are you calling our relationship temporary?"

"I didn't say that."

"But you were hinting at it."

Drake got silent.

"Oh my God? What the fuck do you think this is??? I didn't invest myself in you for us to have a fuckin expiration date! You chased me for three years Drake!! Three muthafuckin years!! And now you got me, what the fuck are you doin?! You shouldn'ta ran the race if you knew you couldn't hold the damn trophy! When I said I love you, I meant that! I meant that to last, but I'm not so sure you did... These last few conversations we've had, you've hung up without saying it back to me. And it hurts. I have feelings too. Tell me why Drake. What's goin on with you?"

"Nic... I don't know anymore... I'm not so sure what's happenin myself... I— I thought maybe we started off on the same road, but somewhere our paths diverged. You went one way and I went the other...."

"What are you sayin?"

"I'm sayin that maybe..... we may be lookin for different things. You want kids, I'm not ready—"

"But I can wait, I've told you that."

"Yea... you've said it, but words and actions are two different things... You may not see it, but certain things you do lead me to believe patience isn't a part of you..."

"Ok? I'm tryin though. I am. And I've told you that I brought it up a little too early, but thas how I felt that nite. And since then I've thought about it. And yes, it was crazy for me to say that so soon but I'm not apologizin for it Aubrey. You should be happy that somebody wants a family with you because they love you for who you are and not for what you do. It's hard to find somebody to love when you're in the industry that we're in. But I'm here for you. I've told you time and time again how I feel about you and you led me to believe that you felt the same way but now I get this? Bullshit! Make up your damn mind and stop stringin me along! My heart is not some fuckin play toy!"

Nicki was in tears. Her make up was running all over her face. She was a mixture of heartbroken and angry.

"Nicki, I'm sorry. I think we should jus—"

"What the fuck is up with you and these sorries?! They DON'T fix shit! Sorry isn't gonna make this all go away!! Sorry isn't gonna fix our problems!! Sorry isn't gonna make me feel any better!!!"

Nicki was turning red in the face. She took a minute to catch her breath then spoke again in a softer tone. "Aubrey? Sorry isn't gonna love me..."

"Look.... we'll talk about this later. I gotta go."

"Drake?!" She whined in surprise.

"Bye. Don't call me. I'll call you." 

The dial tone teased Nicki's ear. She slowly pulled the phone away trying to convince herself that that didn't just happen. She glanced at the blackberry's blue screen and tears immediately overcame her. "He doesn't even care..." She whispered. "He doesn't even fuckin care..." Nicki grabbed a pillow and curled up with it on the couch. She let it soak up her sobs as she lie there...

                          - * -

"Whoa...."

"What?"

"You know what Can.... maybe you're right... I should probably lay off the baby shit for awhile."

"Oh, why the sudden change?"

"It's hard to explain Candi. I jus don't— *glass breaking*"

"What the hell was that?!"

Nicki took the phone away from her ear and looked over her shoulder. Donté was standing near Nicki's dinning room table with his hands in the air and glass at his feet.

"Candice, I'll call you back. These damn kids are getting on my LAST!!!" 

"Oh, you don't say? Haha, and you were so ready to have them."

"Ugh, shut up and get off my phone."

"Hahaha, I love you too."

They hung up and Nicki speed walked over to the two year old.

"Donté? Sweetie?" She knelt down to his level. "What are you doing out of bed? Let's get you back, ok?" Nicki was being as nice as possible, but he started crying.

"I told you he'd cry! We should've got them cookies ourselves!"

Nicki heard giggles coming from her kitchen so she looked up. Dee Dee and Tyrone were peeping from around the corner. "Why are you guys out of bed?!" She stood up, snatching Donté's hand. She pulled him into the kitchen and sat him on the counter. "You stay here. Megan, watch him!" Megan was seated at the kitchen table. She looked up at Nic from her iPod and gave her a sarcastic thumbs up. Tyrone and Dee Dee were standing near the fridge. Nicki walked over to them and they started running. "I am NOT chasing you two!!!" Nicki ended up running three laps around her kitchen table until they took off upstairs. "Hey?!?! Get y'all asses down here!! Now!!!" Seven year old Tyrone stopped at the top of the stairs and looked at Nicki wide eyed.

"Ooowaa!!! You cursed!!! Ima tell my uncle!!!"

"Tell ya got damn uncle!!! What he gon do?!" Nicki stormed to the staircase. "Dumb ass Vak." She mumbled. Nic was heated. These kids were driving her crazy. As she stomped upstairs, she heard a thump followed by a thunderous cry coming from the kitchen. Nicki immediately turned around and headed back to the kitchen. She saw Megan picking a red faced Donté off the floor. "Oh my God..." Nicki covered her face remembering she left him sitting on the counter. "I thought I told you to watch him Megan!" Nicki sped over to her and took him from her arms.

"Don't blame me! I'm not the idiot who left him on the counter!"

"I don't know who you think you talkin to but you betta watch ya mouth liddle girl!"

"I'm talkin to you!!"

Nicki stared holes through Megan's face. It took everything in her to keep Queens calm. "Ooo!! You must be forgettin where I'm from. You lucky you only fourteen."

"You wouldn't do shit anyway!!!"

Nicki closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She couldn't forget this was a child she was talking to. She raised her hand and turned around going back into the living room. Nicki sat on the couch with Donté screaming in her ear. "Sssshhhh, it's ok baby, calm down." She rubbed his back while rocking him back and forth. "Sssshhh...." Nicki patted his back, but he kept wailing. "Ooh, lemme see you. She held him in front of her and turned his body side to side. She noticed he had a huge knot on his forehead. "Oh sweetie? I'm so sorry. All this is my fault." Nicki brought him back to her body and he laid his head on her shoulder, rubbing his eyes and calming down. "I'm sorry sweetie." Nicki started to feel bad about Donté's injury so she decided to go get him something to make him feel better. She stood up to walk back in the kitchen, passing the broken cookie jar on the dinning room floor. Nicki carefully stepped over it and continued walking. She looked in the cabinets for more snacks and passed over a box of Zebra Cakes. She took two out and sat them on the counter.

"Donté, you want a snack? Nicki's got a liddle somethin for ya." He didn't lift up. "Donté?" She sang. Nicki could hear him snoring. She smiled and put the pastries back in the box. Nicki then put a few ice cubes in a Ziploc and carried them with her upstairs. She lie Donté on her bed and iced his wound. As they lie there, Nicki realized that this was way more than she could handle. She was nowhere near ready for parenthood. Nic yawned and noticed the Ziploc was now full of water. Donté's swelling went down so the knot wasn't that noticeable. Nicki bordered the bed with pillows so he wouldn't fall off and went downstairs. She cleaned up the broken glass on the floor and straightened up the kitchen. She was beat. Before officially calling it a night, Nicki checked to make sure Dee Dee and her brother made it back to the guest room. She peeked in the room and saw Megan tucking them in. Nicki then made her way back to her room and got ready for bed.

The Next Day...

Nicki was milling about in her kitchen looking for something sweet to eat while the kids were at play down by the beach. Anything cream filled would've been exactly what she wanted, but instead she came across a bag of chocolate covered pretzels so she settled for those. Nicki poured them into a glass bowl and flip flopped her way into the living room. She wore her pink PINK sweats and fuzzy house slippers. She had just gotten out of the shower so her hair was still wet. Nicki just let it hang down to her shoulders. She lie on the ivory colored sofa with the remote in hand, flipping through channels. Judge Judy was the program of choice. Nicki ate the entire bowl of goodies while watching the marathon. She ran out and went to go get another bag. Nicki looked out of the kitchen window to check on the children. They looked like tiny ants on the shore, but she could still tell who was who. She watched them for at least ten minutes then went to go lie back on the couch. An hour passed as she stuffed her face with junk food, she then began to hear a faint tune. Nicki slowly muted the television and listened for it again, holding a pretzel in one hand while her eyes roamed around the living room's decor. Beyoncé's Love On Top echoed through the halls. She tossed the remote on the coffee table, jumped up off the couch and ran upstairs as fast as she could. Nicki lept in the air and pounced on her bed, reaching for her cell on her nightstand.

"Drake!!!" She grinned.

"Hey sweetie. What's good?"

"Aaaahhhh!!! Baby?! Oh my God! I'm so glad you could call!! How are you???"

"Haha, I'm ok baby. You ard? You sound excited."

"I am! I haven't heard your voice in like, a week? Thas a lifetime babe. I really miss you. And I think you butt dialed me yesterday cuz I got a call from you."

"I miss you to Nic. And yea, I musta called by accident. I was in the studio wit Ninth and Boi1da, jus listenin to some shit. I tried callin you hella times since I been out here, but I'm never alone. Hahaha, it's like people always need me for somethin. I haven't slept in days and right now I'm jus hidin out in my room. I desperately needed to talk to my baby."

"Awww, It's ok baby, I'm not upset. I mean we're talking now. That's what's important. But I'ma need you to get some rest. I don't like you not getting any sleep Aubrey."

"Yes ma'am."

Nicki sucked her teeth. "Don't call me that. I'm not old." She was laying on her stomach, spread out across her bed with the small bowl of chocolate covered pretzels in front of her and her cell up to her ear.

"Haha, well sorry. I'll watch my mouth nex time. What'chu been doin?"

"Well... nothing really. I had a few more photo shoots these past couple weeks. Um.... I'm babysitting, I did some—"

"Wait, what?"

"I did some interviews for some magazines? I can't really remember which ones tho. Haha, thas sad isn't it?"

"Very. But um, what'chu say before that?"

"Oh. I'm babysitting..."

"For who?"

"Vincent. He, Safaree and the rest of'm went to Vegas. I told'm I'd babysit his nieces and nephews for him."

"How many are there?"

"Two boys, two girls. One's two, one's seven. The little girl Dee Dee is four and the oldest girl is fourteen."

"And you can handle all that?"

"Haha, I thought maybe I could, but it's harder than I thought. They drove me insane yesterday. The little one kept crying and I almost broke down. I couldn't take it. The oldest one has a mouth on her. She's so lucky she's just a child."

"Damn. Sounds like you got ya hands full."

"I do baby. And it made me think. Like I had an epiphany or something."

"Go on."

Nicki sighed. "I'm not ready..."

"What was that? I'm sorry, my, my hearing's off."

"I said I'm not ready. This whole kid thing is overwhelming. I didn't think it'd be this hard."

"Well Nic. You're babysitting four kids in four different age groups all at once. You have the terrible two's, the four year old who won't stop asking questions. There's the seven year old boy who I bet is full of energy. And then you have the teenager... not even gettin started on that one." 

"I know, but then it made me think about something else. I'm nowhere near where I wanna be in my career. I have a lot of stuff I wanna do before I settle down. I still have life to live and I don't wanna rush anything."

"I'm happy you came to your senses. Maybe in a few years down the road, after we have millions of dollars and five or six numba one albums, we can settle down, get married and have kids."

"You... you still see yourself with me in a few years??"

"Of course I do. I didn't chase you three years for nothin. This thing we got goin is far from temporary."

Nicki smiled to herself and began to tear up. "Wow..."

"You ok baby?"

"Yea..." She blinked away her tears. "I'm fine baby. Just happy to hear you say that."

"I only speak the truth. *smile* I hear you over there smashin on somethin, what'chu eatin?"

"Chocolate covered pretzels. I'm like addicted to these things now."

"Oh really?"

"Yes really. This is like my third bag today and it's only like 1:30 somethin." They both laughed. "I should really slow down though. You know I love my chocolate, but I can't eat too much of it. Although I really want— Hold on babe, someone else is calling. One sec." Nicki clicked over. "Hello?"

"Hi, is this Nicki Minaj?"

"Um, yea? Who's this?"

"This is Jen, Britney's assitant. I—"

"Wait... Britney who? Spears?"

"Yes. Mrs. Spears. I'm calling to—"

"Yea.. Ok..." Nicki hung up and clicked back over. "Hello?"

"Hey babe, who was it?"

"Some asshole playin on my phone. They've been callin me like every other day this past week."

"Haha, what do they want?"

"Me apparently. They keep askin if I'm Nicki, I say yes, then they tell me they're Britney Spears' assistant."
"What?! Call'm back! What is wrong with you?!"

"Calm down guy. I doubt it's legit. It's always a different person. It was some chick named Jen this time."

"And??? Britney prolly has millions of assistants. She's a busy woman." 
"I appreciate your concern baby, but no. If it's really important, they'd know to call Martin first and not me. He relates all the messages."

"You're crazy."

"Hahaha, maybe. We'll see what happens."

Drake was shaking his head. He was alone in his hotel room. Just standing near the window, staring out over Toronto.
"Don't call me cryin when you find out it was really her and she found somebody else to do whatever it is she wanted you to do."

"Haha, trust me Drake, I won't... So what time is your show tonight?"

"Sound check's at four. Show starts at seven."

"Babe? It's almost 2 o' clock, shouldn't you be getting ready?" 

"No, it doesn't take me long to get myself together. I'll prolly start around three sum'n." He shrugged.

"Oh yea... I forgot you're a boy. All you guys do is scrub your balls and you're off. It takes me waaay longer. I have extra, fun parts."

"Hahaha, fun parts that I can squeeze."

"Oh word?"

"Hell yea.... and play with. Mmm..... I can see it now. You steppin out the shower... hair wet... you ain't dried off yet so ya body still drippin... You reach for ya towel, but it's not there.... You see me standin near the sink... lookin in the mirror... ya towel's around my neck.... You ask me for it, but I say no. I make you come get it... I can see you sashayin over to me... holdin ya hand out askin for it.... I turn around and hold it in the air.... I make you jump for it while my eyes wander.... and there they are... breasts as perky as they can be.... bouncin along with you.... Damn...."

"Ooo.... are you bein naughty Drake?"

"I don't know. You tell me. Is my voice turnin you on right now?" 

"Possibly."

"Don't try to hide it Nic. You and I both know ya thongs are wet. Aren't they? You can tell Drizzy."

"Drake stop..." She pleaded. "You know I'm weak for you. Your voice is so fuckin sexy. Can you please stop?" 

"Stop what? Talkin? Ha... I don't think so. Answer my question, are you wet?"

"Yea.... are you happy now?"  Nicki sat the bowl of pretzels on her nightstand and lie on her back. She snaked her hand up her shirt and pointlessly rubbed her skin.

"Mmm.... I'd be happier if we were in each other's presence. Then I'd be able to uuh... Haha, you know... I'd definitely tear you up. You jus wait til I see you. I got sum'n fuh dat ass."

"Aubrey?"

"Yea?"

"You're such an asshole. I don't appreciate how you're makin me suffer like this. The more you talk, the wetter I get."

"Hahahaha!! Is that so?"

"Yea.... and I don't find it funny. I can't do anything about it."

"Actually you can.... but will you?"

"What are you sayin babe?"

"You know.... self pleasure?"

"Wait.... you think I should masturbate Drake?"

"It'll hold you over til I get there." 

"When are you coming?" 

"The question is, when are YOU cumin? You gon do it?"

"Aubrey.... I.... I don't know. It's not the same. I want you."

"It was only a suggestion baby."

Nicki bit her lip. "Will you stay on the phone with me?"

"Oh, so you are gon do it?"

"Mhmm.... stay on the phone."

"Wait, where are the kids?"

"Don't worry about them. They're outside."

"Ard then. Of course I'll stay on the phone baby."

"Thank you.... Talk to me?"  Nicki slid her hand into her pink sweats, then inside her underwear. "Tell me what'chu wanna do to me Aubrey..."

Drake pulled up a chair and sat down near the window in his hotel suite. "Mmm... I wanna do alotta shit to you Nicki. Unspeakable things... Shit that'd make you blush when asked about..."

"Yea?" Nicki closed her eyes, slipping her fingers over her moist clit. She started massaging it.

"Yea.... I'd start kissin ya lips, while my hands caressed ya hips... my tongue explorin the inside of ya mouth before I'd head down south..."

"Down south?" She breathed.

"Mhmm..... I'd roll my tongue so hard against ya clit, you won't have a choice, but to hold my head there.... you'll love it. I swear you will."

"Mmmm, tell me more Drake..." Moving her fingers down further, Nicki began penetrating herself. She let out a faint moan as she curled her toes and raised both knees in the air. 

"I can taste you now Nicki... you're so fuckin sweet. I'd eat you til you begged me stop. And even then I wouldn't... I'd let ya juices flow all over my lips... my chin.... my nose.... I'd feast on you til I felt ya legs startin to shake..."

Nicki moved her two fingers faster. A wave of heat passed over her body. She furrowed her brow and flared her nostrils. "Hhhmmmmm!!! Oh God! What else daddy??"

"After you came.... I'd flip you over and enter you from behind...."

"Yes?!" Nicki started breathing heavily. With an arched back, she pushed deeper inside herself and rolled her hips against her fingers.

"While rockin inside you, I'd pull on ya hair a lil bit... I know you'll like that...."

"Ooohh.... I'd love that baby! Will you pull it hard?"

"If thas what you want... It's all about you baby.... where's ya hand right now?"

"Uuuhh!! Ssss, in my panties!" She moaned.

"Ya fingers?"

"Inside me...."

"Does it feel good?"

"Yeeessss!!!!"

Drake smiled to himself and adjusted in his seat. "You almost there baby?"

"Uuuuhhhh!!!! God!!!!" Nicki began rubbing her clit again.

"Baby?"

Her mouth dropped open and she rubbed faster. "Oooohhh!!!!!"

"Nic?"

She tensed up, letting her blackberry slide out of her hand and fall to the floor. "Uuh!! Uuhh!! Uuhh!! Ssss, uuuhhh!!!" She clutched the bedspread with her free hand and rode out the strong wave. Nicki was satisfied, but she wanted more. She continued to please herself while she anticipated her next climax. Seconds later, an intense pressure surged through Nicki's body. She rolled onto her side, burying the side of her face into the pillow beneath her head, and rolled her hips against her hand as she continued massaging herself.
"Draaaaaake?!?!?!! Oh fuuck!! Uuhh!!! Ssss, aaahhh!!!!" 
Drake was still on the phone, intently listening to everything escaping Nicki's lips.

"Oh my God....." She whispered, opening her eyes and catching her breath.  Her body began relaxing and cooling off as she removed her hand from her sweat pants. She stared off into space for a second, but sat up as soon as she remembered Drake was still on the phone. Nicki looked down, beside her bed to find the blackberry. Her hand roamed about the carpet until she hit something solid.

"Hello?" Nicki hang over the edge of the bed with one hand on the floor holding her up.

"Oh. My. God.... I am so upset I wasn't there to witness that first hand."

"Hahahaha!! Shut up Drake!" Nic scooted to the middle of her bed and lie back.

"Naw, you don't get it. Like... I am really jealous right now."

Nicki sucked her teeth and grinned. "Don't be babe. I promise you're better. I'd still rather have you."

"I wish I could be there right now Nic. I really do. I miss you so much baby."

"Awww, Drake stop."

"Why? I'm serious. I jus wanna hold you.... wrap my arms right around you..... tell you how much I love you...."

"Drake please. You're gonna make me cry. Stop being all mushy. I miss you too baby and there's nothin I want more than to be in your arms right now.... feelin your body heat..... listenin to your heart beat...... watchin the muscles in your arms flex with each move you make...... mmm..... I can feel you now..... Our hands intertwining as I straddle you..... my skin is so soft and silky..... so smooth..... you enter me and I can feel you goin deep...... ooo, you're givin me everything....... I'm so wet you slide right in....... your dick is sooo—"

"OK, OK! My bad bay. I'll stop."

"Hahaha. Thank you daddy."

"But you hafta stop too. Got a nigga over here gettin hard nd shit."

"Haha, fine. I'll stop, I'll stop. I can't have a perfectly thick boner go to waste."

"Onika?"

"Fine. Hahaha, I'm done! No more naughty Nika."

"Thank you."

The phone went silent. They just listened to each other breath. After awhile, Nicki giggled causing Drake to smile.

"What's funny?"

"Nothin.... I jus really miss you. It's like you're some kinda drug to me. I wouldn't mind OD'ing..... I jus can't get enough of you.... and when we're apart, I have a bad case of withdrawal."

"Hahaha, well if I'm your drug then you must be my oxygen... I can't breathe without you..."

"Hahahahaa!!! Wow, are we corny or what?!"

"Hahaha, so??? Let us be corny. I don't care. Haha, reminds me of that one song. How it go?" He began to hum it trying to figure it out. "Mm mm mm mm mmm mm, mm mm mm mm mmm mm, show you the way... sum'n sum'n to be. Baby, sum'n sum'n mmm mm. Um... how that damn song go?"

"Haha, what the hell are you singin Aubrey??? Is it Mario?"

"No? It's Trey! Ain't it?"

"DEAD!! Oh my God! It IS Mario!! But you're singin the wrong one."

"How you know since you so smart?"

"Cuz the one you thinkin 'bout is like how do I breathe or some shit. *sings* Da da da duuun... da da da duuuun. Like that."

"Oooohhh!!!! You right! Like um, *sings* it feels so different bein here,"

"Cuz I'm so use'ta bein nex to you,"

"Life mm mmm is not the same. There's no one I can talk to? Or sum'n like that."

"No, keep goin babe."

"Um, *sings* don't know why I let it go too far, starting over, it's so hard,"

"Seems like everywhere I try to go, I keep thinkin of you,"

"I jus had a wake-up call, wishin that I never let'chu fall, baby you're not to blame at all. When I'm the one who pushed you away. Baby if you knew—"

"No, skip to the chorus."

"Uuhhh...... Oh! *sings* How do I breathe?"

"Without you here by my side,"

Both: "How will I see? When YOUR LOVE brought me to the light. Where do I go? When your heart's where I lay my head. When you're not with me, how do I breathe? How do I breathe???"

"Hahahahahahahhahhaaaa!!!! What the actual fuck Aubrey?! Hahahahahahahaa!!! Oh my God!!"

"Hahahahhahaaahha!!!! We are some clowns!!"

"Hahahahha!!! I love you baby."

"Haha, I love you more."

"No, I love you more."

"Pssh! Get outta here Nic. You know I love you more."

"That's impossible because I swear I love you way more."

"That's what you think."

"Hahaha, shouldn't you be getting ready now? I believe you have a show tonight. Get off my phone."

"Ouch. Why I gotta go so soon?"

"Drake? We've been on the phone for almost two hours."

"So? I thought you liked talkin to me?"

"You know I do. I love talkin to you, but I don't want you to be late babe. Go get dressed."

Drake sucked his teeth. "You're no fun."

"I'm a bag of fun. Get it right."

"Haha, get off my phone. You makin me late."

"Drake?"

"Hahaha, I love you baby. Call you when I can. Bye."

"I love you too loser, muuuaah!!!"

Nicki hung up the phone with a happy sigh. "I swear that man will be the death of me." She grinned ear to ear and went into the bathroom to wash her hands.

           _Thirty Minutes Later_

"Aye Nicki?! We back!! Donté said he hungry! And I am too!" Tyrone closed the front door.

"Yea, me too!!"

"Shut up. Y'all know she can't cook." Megan rolled her eyes and folded her arms.

"How would you know? You ain't eat nuffin since you been here."

Nicki caught the last bit of their conversation as she came down the steps. "Is that true Megan? Have you not eaten?"

Megan rolled her eyes. "I'm not hungry."

Nicki looked her over while picking up Donté. "You don't have to eat my cooking, but you will eat. Come on, I'll call take out for you. What do you want?"

"Can't you hear?! I said I'm not hungry!!!" Megan yanked the front door open and stormed outside, slamming it behind her. Nicki walked over and opened the door.

"Where are you goin?!" Megan kept walking. "MEGAN?!" Nicki felt a small hand tugging on her shirt. She looked down and saw four year old Dee Dee pulling her thumb out of her mouth. "What is it sweetie?"

"Don't feel bad. She does the same ting at uncle Bincent's house."

"Yea, it's like she don't never eat." Tyrone chimed in.

"Doesn't ever eat."

"Doesn't ever eat.... sorry."

Nicki looked back outside, but didn't see Megan. She closed the door and headed into the kitchen. "Come on you two, what do you want to eat?"

"That stuff you made last night!! It was good!" Tyrone said, jumping up and down.

"You liked that?" Nicki smiled.

"YES!" Dee Dee yelled, throwing her arms up in victory.

This made Nicki laugh. "Ok, and what about you cutie?" She asked a clueless Donté. He smiled showing his only dimple. "Haha, I guess it doesn't matter to you, huh?" She asked in her baby voice. Nicki put him down and walked over to the kitchen sink. Tyrone and Dee Dee raced each other to the kitchen table while Donté wobbled behind Nicki. He placed his tiny palm on the back of her leg while looking up. Nicki dried her hands then looked down. "Can I help you sir?"

"Uuh!" Donté raised his tiny arms with pleading eyes. Nicki looked at him with a pouty face.

"Sorry baby, Nicki's gotta cook, okay?" She turned back around. Donté lowered his arms and his lip started to quiver. He closed his eyes and began to cry. This got Nic's attention.

"No, no, no. Donté please." Nicki picked him up and he stopped. "Ugh... what am I gonna do with you liddle boy?" She walked over to his high chair and placed him in it. She took three toy cars from his diaper bag on the counter and sat them on his tray. "Have fun sweetie. I really hafta start dinner." Nicki turned to face Dee Dee and Tyrone. "You guys wanna help me?" They eagerly shook their heads, making Nic smile. "Ok, go wash your hands." They ran upstairs. "With soap!" She yelled after them. An excited "Ok!" Echoed from upstairs in unison. Nicki shook her head and walked over to the pantry. Donté started to cry again. Nicki placed her hand over her forehead. "Oh my God..." she kept walking. His cries got louder. "Donté, I can't do anything right now. Nicki's busy sweetheart." She never turned around. She opened the pantry doors and took out everything she needed. Tyrone and Dee Dee came running back downstairs ready to help. Donté realized Nicki was ignoring him and shut up. He played with his toy cars as Nic helped the kids fix their dinner. An hour later, the salmon and broccoli were done. Nicki didn't mix any cheese in with the vegetable so she left it on the counter just in case they decided they wanted some. She fixed Donté a plate and put it in the fridge to cool off. Dee Dee and Tyrone were already at the table with their food. Nicki sat down with them, watching them eat. She was secretly proud of herself for successfully cooking them a dinner they liked. She smiled a little. "Did you guys say grace?"

The children looked at each other then Nic. "What's that?" Tyrone asked, taking a bite of broccoli and swinging his feet.

"What?" Nicki's jaw dropped. "You don't know what grace is? Haven't you two been to church? I'm sure you've learned it before."

Tyrone shook his head with a smile. "Nope. They didn't teach us."

"Can you teach us pwease?"

"Sure. First, you put your hands like this.... then you bow your head. Now close your eyes and repeat after me..."

They went through it a few times. Tyrone got it his fourth try, but Dee Dee still needed practice. She repeated the words as she ate, putting emphasis on amen each time she spoke it. Nicki was now seated in front of Donté feeding him his food. She heard the front door open, it was Megan. She walked into Nicki's kitchen and saw everyone seated at the table.

"Your plate's in the microwave." Nic told her. Megan huffed and walked out of the kitchen. Nicki shook her head and continued feeding Donté. After they ate, it was close to 8 o' clock. Nicki cleaned the kitchen and asked the children if they wanted to play something fun. They were game. Nicki set up Trouble on the kitchen table and taught them how to play. Tyrone kept complaining that Dee Dee was cheating which was clearly false. You can't cheat in the game of Trouble. After awhile, they got bored and switched to Life. A few minutes into the game, Nicki heard someone knocking at her front door.

"I'll be right back guys. No cheating." Nicki made her way to the door. "Hold on! I'm comin! One second!!"

When she opened it, she was greeted by a man in baggy jeans, a plain white tee, timbalands and a blue hoodie. He had greenish-hazel eyes, a goat- tee and these full pink lips, but they were hidden under his hood. He wore grey rosary around his neck. His hands were in his pockets as a toothpick poked from the corner of his mouth. He was built, with big, muscular arms and he stood about 6 feet, 5 inches high. Nicki squinted at him as she looked him over.
"Can I... help you sir?"

"Yea.... You sure can." He looked over her body and licked his lips removing the toothpick and tossing it. He then pulled off his hood. Nicki's eyes stretched open when she saw his face and heard the sound of his deep, mellow voice. She went to slam the door shut, but he stopped it with his heavy hand.

"Come on Nicki, don't treat me like this. I jus wanna see you."

"Get off the fuckin door!!!"
The man was pushing it open as Nicki used her weight to push it close.

"Open the door Onika! I'm not gonna hurt you baby, I promise!!"  The guy was pushing so hard, Nicki's feet began to slide on the other side of the door. She turned her head only to find three frightened children and a crying infant standing at the top of the stairs.

"Get upstairs!!!" The children stood there with big eyes. "NOW!! Go to my room and lock the door!!!!" Nicki was still trying to push the door closed. The kids rushed upstairs and Nicki quickly heard her bedroom door slam.

"Get off the door Onika. We don't hafta do this. Jus lemme see you." 

"Get the fuck away from my house Jarvis!!! I'll call the cops!!!"

He rammed the door with his shoulder and Nicki lost her footing on the throw rug beneath her. The door flew open with the corner of it hitting her in the face. Her eyes instantly watered on impact. Nicki shrieked in pain as her hands immediately found her face. Jarvis stood in the doorway breathing heavily as he watched her keel over. 
"All of this coulda been avoided if you jus opened the fuckin door when I asked you to. Now look what you did. You made your nose bleed and everything."

The crimson fluid oozed through Nicki's fingers as she pulled her shaky hands away from her face. Jarvis pulled off his hoodie and white tee revealing a wife beater underneath.

"Come here."

Nicki darted for the stairs, but he snatched her hair, pulling her directly in front of him. Pain etched itself across her face. She reached up and tried prying his fingers away, but he wouldn't let go.

"Where you goin so fast? I jus got here. I know Carol taught you betta then that. This isn't how you entertain guests."

"Fuck you." Nicki spat. She began scratching at his hand, but his grip only got tighter.

"Stop it. Lemme help you." Jarvis yanked her head back some more so that her nose was now pointing high in the hair. Nicki kept trying to pull his hands away.

"GET OFF ME!!!!!!"

"Ssshhh..... Calm down. Jus stop movin ya head... I'm not here to hurt you." Jarvis raised his hand and began wiping the blood away from her nose with his white tee.

"There.... Was that so hard?"

"How the fuck did you find me?"

"Your brother is easily bought."

Nicki's heart sank. "Jelani?!"

"Nah... You know I'ont fuck wit dat nigga. The little one. He ain't wanna tell me at first. Until I waved $500 dollars in his face. Snatched it up like candy." Jarvis smiled a crooked smile.

Nicki dug her nails into his tatted skin. "Stay the fuck away from my family!!" She scratched his arm and he quickly let go.

"Bitch!!!" He smacked her across the face with the back of his hand. Nicki fell to the floor with a scream. She lifted her head and looked up at him with a scowl and pursed lips. She stood up with balled fists then started to swing at him. Jarvis put up his arms, blocking each punch she threw. Nicki then aimed for his face, but he grabbed her wrists. She kicked him in his balls causing him to let go and hold his aching crotch.

'Don't you ever put'cha got damn hands on me!!!" Nicki reached for the nearest object she could find. She pulled an umbrella out of the holder and attacked him with it. "I'm not scared of you anymore Jarvis!!!!" He snatched the umbrella from her and snapped it over his knee. Nicki then searched for another weapon. Jarvis threw it to the side and tackled her, pinning her to the wall. She began banging him in the back.

"Get the fuck off me!!!!"

He backed away then aimed his hand at her neck. Jarvis got in her face as she reached her hands up to pull his hand away. They were nose to nose.

"Don't you ever tell me what the fuck to do! You hear me?!"
The side of Nicki's face was bright red and her nose was still bleeding. You could see a scratch where his ring left a mark on her cheek. "I'm sorry Onika, but you bring out the worst in me baby." His voice was softer now. He took his free hand and placed it on the side of her face, running his thumb over the scratch. "I didn't mean to do that."

"I'm not you're fucking baby anymore Jarvis." Nicki jerked her head away, still holding onto his hand. "Our relationship ended when that officer placed those cuffs around your wrists nine years ago. And I stopped lovin you long before that. You don't mean shit to me. Get the fuck outta my house."

Jarvis squeezed her neck harder, making her cough. "I..... can't breath...." Nicki was tugging at the veiny hand pressed to her neck.

"You should be nicer to me Nika. I can easily hurt you, but I won't. I still love you." Jarvis chuckled. "And you say you're not scared of me, but I know thas a damn lie. Act tough all you want, but I know how to break you down. I swear you done forgot who the hell you talkin to. I might'a been in Rikers for years, but I'm out now so we can pick up where we left off." He took his hand away from her face and placed it on her waist.

"Don't you fuckin touch me! I have somebody now Jarvis. And he's a better man than you could ever be." Nicki started to cry. "He doesn't hit me. He doesn't beat me. He's good to me. He listens to me. Unlike you, he actually gives a damn about how I feel. He loves me and he'd never hurt me. He puts me first and I love him. I don't give two shits about ya crazy ass!"

He slid his thumb under the hem of her shirt and allowed the cotton garment to fall over his hand.
"Fuck that nigga. I don't give a fuck what he do and don't do. He can treat you how ever the hell he wants. I've told you time and time again you're worthless. You may be all rich and famous now, but you have no meaning. Your fifteen minutes of fame will soon be over. And where will you be then? Where will that nigga be? Gone. He'll leave ya ass in a split second. But I won't. I'll be right here. Touching you... Kissing you... Lovin you... And he can touch you how he wants now, but I know you miss my touch... don't you?" He whispered in her ear.

"NO!"

Jarvis started feeling over her stomach. "Noo!! Ok! Ok! I'm sorry!! Jarvis please?! Don't do this! I'm sorry! Jus please stop!" Nicki reached down to remove his hand, but he pressed harder against her neck, quickly sending her hands back up. 

"Oh now you wanna be nice? You was jus big and bad all but a few minutes ago. Hittin niggas wit umbrellas and shit. You gon scratch me now? Kick me? All you are is a lil bitch. Thas all you ever been." He squeezed her neck tighter. Nicki started gasping for air as his other hand traveled up her shirt.

"Jar.... can.... br- breath... I can't.... br...."

Jarvis's hand was now near her breast. He reached around the back to unhook her bra.

".....arvis..... I............ brea......" She continued to gasp for air as his callosed palm traveled back around her rib cage. Nicki was trying her best to wiggle free. She even broke a few nails clawing at his strong fingers. Her entire face was red and puffing up. She was trying her best to keep her eyes open. Jarvis now held one of her breasts in his hand. He gave it a squeeze and ran his thumb back and forth over her nipple.

"Mmm.... just as soft as I remember..."

Nicki's tears made themselves 100% visible. They poured down her face when she squeezed her eyes shut. Jarvis kissed her swollen cheek. He could taste her tears. "Don't cry. This won't hurt a bit." She jerked her face away. He kissed her again. "You're still mine Nicki. I'll never let you outta my site again." Jarvis sounded so sincere, it was scary. He ran his hand back down her stomach and over her navel. He started nibbling on her ear while she struggled to get away. Jarvis's hand explored Nicki's smooth skin. It inched itself over the pink ribbon holding up her sweat pants.

"......op.... St..... op..... Sto...... p....." 

"Nicki?"

Jarvis turned his head to see four year old Dee Dee standing at the top of the steps with an empty sippy cup in her hand. He stopped moving his hand.

"You got kids now?"

Megan came running behind Dee Dee and scooped her up. "I'm sorry Nicki. I tried keeping her in the room, but she wouldn't.... listen? Wait.... What's this?" Megan looked from Jarvis to Nicki.

"G-go..... back upstairs...... go back....... upstairs......"

"Yea, you betta listen to ya mom little girl."

"She is NOT my mother!"

Megan ran back to Nicki's bedroom.
Nicki was quickly losing consciousness. She slowly stopped wiggling and gasping for air. Her vision blurred with each blink. As Jarvis watched her fade, he raised his free hand, placing his thumb on her chin. I'll be back..... He kissed her lips then let her neck go when she completely stopped moving. Nicki quietly slid to the floor as he let himself out.

{I addes pics... I hope u can tell whose who... it won't let me add captions...}