Fate Unchanged (Quinah & Norminah)

Chapter Thirty-Nine

~

DINAH

As much as she wanted Normani to come inside the bar with her, Dinah knew that the ebony couldn't risk it. While it was true that none of Dinah's coworkers saw Normani, they couldn't risk another incident like Jackie's. After having to kill him once they found out that he was working for Daemon without, at least, having the courtesy of being turned, they were determined not to run into the same issue. So, with much reluctance, Dinah gave Normani a kiss before getting out of the car and entering Tango. She was met with her coworkers making themselves busy as they continued to box and sort Jackie's belongings from his office. One of the women looked up and gave a sympathetic smile to Dinah, the brunette returning it before approaching the counter at the bar.

"Hey," the young girl greeted. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm doing the best I can, I guess," Dinah answered. "How long have you guys been here?"

"Since eight. It usually doesn't take this long to move everything out of an office. But I feel like rushing the process would seem like we're numb to the loss of his life...as if it didn't even matter..."

Dinah felt her eyes getting glossy before taking a deep breath.

"We're gonna get through this," she said. "I have some news that I want to tell you guys. I just need to find Demi and China."

"They're upstairs in Jackie's office. I'm sure they'll be happy to see you."

Dinah smiled a little before taking her time going up the stairs. The phantom flutters she was feeling in her stomach began to go into overdrive the more she moved. She whimpered a little before putting her hand to her stomach, rubbing it softly as she stopped midway up the stairwell.

"Easy, little one," she uttered. "I know mommy's moving a little too much...just a few more steps, okay?"

She suddenly felt Normani's hands on her abdomen before releasing a sigh.

"That feel better?" Normani asked, her and Dinah's connection now open.

"So much better," Dinah smiled. "Looks like the baby isn't into exercising."

Dinah heard Normani chuckle.

"Don't worry," Normani said. "I'll be on tummy rub duty tonight."

"That sounds heavenly," Dinah said.

Before she knew it, the brunette was at the top of the steps. She cautiously entered the doorway of Jackie's office before eyeing the exact spot where he took his last breath. Her breath quickened before she shut her eyes and breathed deeply. After she composed her emotions, she softly knocked on the door to get the two ladies' attention. They both looked up and smiled at the brunette.

"Hey," Demi said. "We weren't expecting to see you today. We wanted you to rest up at home."

"How are you?" China asked.

"I've been better," Dinah said., "but I'm hanging in there. Lexi told me you guys have been here since eight. Is most of his stuff boxed up?"